Captains

Captain Poll – Gameweek 8

With just five days until we resume domestic action, we are launching our Captain Poll to find out your views on the top-ranked captaincy candidates for Gameweek 8.

Harry Kane (12.7) looks set to dominate our latest poll after scoring an astonishing 15 goals for club and country since the start of September.

Although he is yet to score in the league at Wembley, a visit from an obliging Bournemouth defence to Spurs’ temporary home could rectify that – the Cherries have shipped 11 and are among the five worst-ranked sides in terms of both shots and penalty area shots conceded.

Kane’s stoppage-time goal against Slovenia at Wembley last week, plus a brace at the national stadium against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, illustrates that he is more than capable of breaking his dry spell in “home” matches.

The striker has gathered 281,000+ new FPL managers during the international break, though those still yet to recruit Kane may instead turn to one of his supporting midfield cast, most notably Christian Eriksen (9.7) and the 27.4%-owned Dele Alli (9.5).

Eriksen sits in 25.7% of sides and is FPL’s top points scoring midfielder on the back of a pair of goals and three assists. The Dane also scored in both of his international appearances over the break.

Kane’s England team-mate Alli may also appeal. He has two goals and as many assists in the league, plus with his Champions League suspension still in place, he again looks assured of gaining the full 90-minutes against Bournemouth.

Manchester City assets look to be Kane’s main rivals at the summit as they face a Stoke City side that is second only to Crystal Palace in terms of conceding big chances, or gilt-edged opportunities.

However, a Champions League encounter with Napoli next week, coupled with City boss Pep Guardiola’s penchant for team tinkering, could calm our interest.

Gabriel Jesus (10.5), as City’s only fit centre-forward in the absence of the injured Sergio Aguero, should be guaranteed his start against the Potters. But his minutes may be curtailed given the midweek European tie, plus a long-haul flight to follow Brazil’s clash with Chile in Wednesday’s early hours.

Jesus, who has scored five times and registered an assist in 2017/18, has attracted more than 215,000 new FPL managers over the break.

Aguero’s lay-off, after fracturing a rib in a car accident, also enhances 6.1% owned Raheem Sterling’s (7.9) stock, as does the winger’s role as an unused substitute in England’s dead rubber World Cup qualifier against Lithuania last night. Despite making just four starts, Sterling has recorded five goals and 19 goal attempts – tallies that only the recuperating Aguero can better in City’s ranks.

David Silva (8.5) is another of Guardiola’s charges to consider. Like Sterling, he should be well rested come the weekend: Silva is suspended for Spain’s World Cup qualifier in Israel tonight.

The playmaker, who has claimed 119,000 new owners since the Gameweek 7 deadline, is the second highest FPL midfield points scorer on the back of six assists, more than any other player. He has also accumulated bonus points on four occasions.

Manchester United’s visit to Liverpool could reduce interest in Romelu Lukaku (11.8) given the former Everton striker’s poor track record of just one league goal at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s much-maligned defence have also performed far better in front of their own supporters. While they have shipped 11 goals on the road, Liverpool have conceded just once in home matches this term.

Lukaku has scored seven in as many league outing, but is nursing an ankle injury. He could well sit out Belgium’s qualifier with Cyprus tomorrow night before returning to Manchester for assessment prior to Saturday’s early kick-off.

With just two goals conceded and six clean sheets in seven, the resilient United defence will also reduce interest in Liverpool’s attack.

Both Philippe Coutinho (9.0) and Roberto Firmino (8.5) will endure long-haul flights prior to the 12.30 kick-off and are said to be returning by Thursday at the earliest.

Firmino’s stock is already in free fall following a run of four successive blanks. He has been sold by over 124,000 managers ahead of United’s visit, second only to the injured pairing of Aguero and Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata.

This should leave Sadio Mane (9.4) and Mohamed Salah (9.2) as the most popular Reds options; both have now completed their international exertions. Salah will feel particularly confident ahead of this weekend after his two strikes for Egypt yesterday secured their place at the 2018 World Cup Finals.

Lukaku’s countryman Eden Hazard (10.5) is among the intriguing differential armband options this week as Chelsea prepare to face a beleaguered Crystal Palace.

The Belgian boasts a meagre 3.5% ownership as he continues to build up his fitness following a long injury lay-off over the summer. However, he could prosper in our latest poll given the fragility of his opponent and the prospect that he could be deployed as Chelsea’s central attacker in the likely absence of Morata.

With more than 119,000 transfers-in ahead of Gameweek 8, Jamie Vardy (8.5) could be another to garner votes ahead of West Brom’s visit next Monday. Vardy has already struck five goals this season – and missed a penalty – despite facing Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in four of his first seven outings.

Elsewhere, Arsenal have yet to score on their travels in the league, but will be fancied to snap that run in their visit to Vicarage Road. Hosts Watford have shipped nine goals on home turf – more than any other side.

Alexandre Lacazette’s (10.4) four successful strikes at the Emirates Stadium makes the 15%-owned Frenchman a key candidate for returns. However, Alexis Sanchez’s (11.9) impressive all-round performance against Brighton last time out may persuade voters to look the way of the Chilean. Sanchez fired a Gameweek-high eight shots and only Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson created more chances.

The poll is now live in the middle column on your homepage on desktop, or via the slide-in menu on mobile and tablet under Recent Comments.

Remember, we are looking for your vote for the player you think will be most effective, regardless of whether you own them or not.

We will be back to check in on progress in the poll later ahead of the Gameweek 8 deadline when we deliver our “Captain Sensible” article, offering an analysis of the results and the statistics behind the leading contenders.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

1,174 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kun Tozser
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Going forward...

    A Chicharito
    B J King
    C Rashford
    D Hemed and play Azpilicueta or Alonso

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      The curse of the 3rd forward position !

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      D

    3. Rash
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      C or D

    4. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      D

      Either play 3 big-hitter forwards or play 2 with cheap bench fodder 3rd striker and upgrade elsewhere.

    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      C.

    6. Silicon Vialli
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      D

  2. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Mee to Holding on wc?

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      No. Holding not nailed?

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Nah Mee is nailed

    3. Fuchs Mane Kante
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Holding Mee sounds like a good double up.

  3. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Foster Elliot
    Bailly, Yoshida, Naughton, Daniels
    Eriksen, Mkhi, Ritchie
    Kane, Lukaku, Jesus.

    (Carroll, D Stephens, 4.0)

    1FT, 0.4 itb.

    My issues need addressing? Thanks

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Davies

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        I think I'm just going to go Davies-less.

      2. We Will Klopp you
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Ok will arrange a therapy session for you for thursday 😉 As for your team, Bailly to Davies, Yoshi to Jones gw12

        1. Collie01
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 24 days ago

          If the therapy session can help me come to terms with Shelvey taking Ritchie's set pieces, I'll gladly book in!

          I'm planning on WC'ing GW11/12 anyway. Considering Mkhi to Sterling or Yoshida to Cedric (if Cedric drops, for nailedness as
          Yoshi isn't a sure starter imo.) But might roll the FT and keep Mkhi for Liverpool and Hudds matches.

          1. We Will Klopp you
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 24 days ago

            Shelvey will get sent off again in no time so won't bother you for too long 😉

            Yeah, I'm doing the same, think I could be losing Mkhi prematurely and he's in for a big year this year, will reevaluate after those 2 fixtures & Yoshi might become a problem so sounds good

            1. We Will Klopp you
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 24 days ago

              No Davies may sting for this gw but poor fixtures for the next 2 after that

            2. Collie01
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 24 days ago

              Thanks for your input, I'll probably stick with Mkhi and maybe switch Yoshida. Also toyed with the idea of getting rid of Daniels (who is about to drop and has 2 difficult fixtures in the next 3) before getting him in again on the WC.

    2. Lazaretti
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Maybe Bailly to Chelsea coverage for next 4 GW

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Yeah, also an option. If Cahill drops to 6.2 he will be very tempting, but increased rotation with Rudiger and Christensen is a bit of a worry.

  4. No Pirlo No Party
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Any thoughts on what to do with the 2 FTs? Struggling...

    Foster
    Kolasinac - Otamendi - Cedric
    Eriksen - Mkhitaryan - Ritchie
    Kane - Lukaku - Firmino

    (Elliot - Mee - Carroll - Long) - £0 ITB - 2FT

    1. I Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Mkhi + Firmino -> Sane/Sterling + Vardy

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Good team. Like the 3-3-3 formation.

    3. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      I'm in a relatively similar spot. My current plan is to sell Firmino and Mkhitaryan. I'm leaning towards Batshuyai and Sterling or Sane as replacements. Short term options, but the fixtures are great and with the injuries on Chelsea/City hopefully there will be opportunity.

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Hope you have your WC still intact.

        1. SC not pearls before swine
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 24 days ago

          I do. It seems I am determined to force myself to use it. 😆

  5. FPL_Hazards
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Anyone on WC with Cedric already in team sell him now, push that value down lol

    1. Kalou
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Wc won't count 🙂

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      WC transfers don't count towards price changes lol

      1. Fuchs Mane Kante
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        They do for the following Gws.

    3. FPL_Hazards
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      I mean those who havent pushed the button till last minute

  6. R.C.
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Update on Morata please

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Reports suggest #CFC are 'trying' to get Morata fit for the UCL tie vs Roma while the extent of Kante's injury should be known within 48hrs.

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      2-3 weeks

  7. Lazaretti
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Is Mooy going to drop delta -99.2 delta 346? Need to sell to gain 0.1...

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      I imagine he will drop before the start of the next GW. Possibly not until Thursday or Friday.

      1. Lazaretti
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Thanks, I would assume he is not going to drop tonight

  8. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Kane's hairline is getting thinner for every goal he scores. At what age will he be completely bald? I'm saying 29.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      32.

      Hair transplant like Rooney

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Sacrificed his hair for goals, smh

    2. Fuchs Mane Kante
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Will have more goals and less hair than Lord Shearer.

  9. Fantasy Gold
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    I love these moves, what do you guys think for -4?

    Eriksen, Rashford and Lukaku > Hazard, Vardy and Jesus

  10. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Foster - Elliott
    Davies - Jones* - Naughton - Hegazi - Mbemba
    Eriksen - Mkhitaryan - Mooy - RLC* - Carroll
    Kane - Lukaku - Morata*

    1 x FT, 1.3m ITB

    Morata > Jesus or Vardy (which would allow for upgrading Mooy to decent mid next week)

    Or take a hit or something else?

  11. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Richarlison, Choupo or Shaquiri and why?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      All hit or miss! Any could work, any could fail! Most will say Richarlison

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Richarlison because I own Choupo and he won't do anything.

      Plus, Stoke are cack and Watford have better attacking stats

  12. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    B.Davies or D.Luiz on WC?

    1. Sharkytect
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Luiz

  13. Sharkytect
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    I have eden hazard.

    Surely a home match against crystal palace is when I should captain a "flat track bully" like him? Otherwise when else will I captain him?

    1. Fingerspitzengefühl
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      When he actually plays at home 😛

      1. Sharkytect
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Oh yeah.
        Never mind

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      I know palace are bad but its not like Chelsea can take their stadium

  14. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Kane 68% on Captains Poll.

    That's one less decision I need to make.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Yeah.

      It's a no-brainer this week.

  15. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Which do you rate higher from ?

    A Azpilicueta Salah Jesus or
    B Otamendi Coutinho Lukaku

    1. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      A all day

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Prefer A

    3. Midlands Saint73
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      A for me

    4. Ron_Swanson
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      A for sure

  16. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    @Jafooli, Strachen was saying Scots have poor genes. Didn't know you guys were that badly equipped, sorry to hear that.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      It's all that bloody Haggis they eat

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Yeah are long schlongs get in the way.......

      http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/41553517

    3. Sánchez
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      He worded this poorly and is being mocked for it but he has a point. Not so much about height but about physical strength and fitness and speed etc.

      We had boozegate a few years ago. Our media sided with players who were drinking until 8am between a Saturday and Wednesday qualifier. There's no professionalism.

      I can't think of one Scottish player with genuine pace ever or one with top level shot power. Our players are just regular guys who are decent at football but they are nowhere near as fast or fit or strong as where professional athletes should be.

      But nobody in our game wants to hear that. They always look for some other reason because the culture needing changed is too much work

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Spot on.....

    1. Sánchez
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      (morata not kante)

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Sell.

        If there weren't any amazing options to fill the void then I'd say keep

    2. ooooo
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      On a wc so ill stay with Vardy plus 2.1mil ready to bring him back

    3. Ron_Swanson
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      I'm gonna keep as its only for one game and I won't be able to afford to buy him back if i sell him

  17. ooooo
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Dont think ill be making any big changes now.
    RMWCT

    Fabianski
    Luiz Davies Cedric
    Atsu Silva Salah Richarlison
    Kane Jesus Vardy(Morata placeholder)

    Elliot Ward RLC Hun

    Any obvious changes needed?

  18. bordalo1
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Hi guys,

    Im on WC but no idea what to do...

    please let me know your thoughts:

    Elliot - Pope

    Bavies - Monreal - Ward - Mariapa - Mbemba

    Sterling - Erikson - Coutinho - Richardlison - 4.3

    Vardy - kane - Jesus

    Keep or change?

    Thanks a lot

    1. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      2/3 non-playing subs means too thin a bench with the busy schedule approaching.

      1. bordalo1
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 23 days ago

        OK sounds fair.

        What about now?

        Elliot - Pope

        Bavies - Monreal - Ward - Mariapa - Mbemba

        Sterling - Erikson - Chupo (or Grob ???) - Richardlison - surman

        Vardy - kane - Jesus

        i´m keeping 1.9 plus in the bank to get morata soon.

        any thoughts?

  19. King Kun Ta
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Elliot (Foster)
    Mee Naughton Cedric Maguire (Jones)
    Silva Salah Eriksen (Atsu Carroll)
    Wood (C)ane Jesus

    Feels like i'm missing some Chelsea in my squad....but how?

    0 FT 1.8 M ITB

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Get Morata for Jesus when he's fit

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        For this GW? Feels like i can't miss CP and futher....

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 24 days ago

          No cover is better than poor cover, just wait for Morata, your 8m+ picks are fine for this gw

  20. Fantasy Gold
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    I find it interesting that a lot of people are talking up Cresswell on here.

    Hammers fans think he has been awful for months now and that his form has dramatically dipped.

    Would not be surprised to see him on the bench soon so just a heads-up for anybody thinking of buying him

  21. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    W/C choices

    A hazard,fellaini,fabianski,moreno

    B fabregas,mata,courtois,jones

    life without hazard looks ok I think im going B anybody agree...

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Fellaini is injured.

      Mata and Moreno are poor picks, imo.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Agree with Collie

  22. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Don’t like to judge anyones wildcards, but seeing so many Rmt wildcard teams without Lukaku is very surprising..
    I know the fixtures turn, but he’s on fire this term.
    United will create more chances than Everton agaist tougher sides..
    Alot paid £11.5 for at the start, could cost close to £12 by the time they want him back...

    1. ooooo
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Would rather have Kane

    2. Monkey Hanger
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      It's a season maker.........................or breaker.

    3. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Yeah, esp with Kun and Morata out, seems mad that so many people are abandoning Lukaku.

      Probably people selling him to afford Kane.

    4. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      For the love of god Roberto, please don't pick Lukaku for a meaningless game tomorrow..........

    5. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      I think most people will be planning to bring him back wk12. With his poor record against the better team and Aguero being out there is little doubt Jesus can outscore him over the next few weeks imo.

  23. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    How can I improve this WC? 3-4-3 / 4-3-3

    Fabianski Elliot
    BDavies Stones Holding Ward Mbemba
    Hazard Cout Richarlison Choupo RLC
    Kane Jesus Vardy

    Could go Choupo to 4.6/4.5 and Mbemba to Cedric?

    Would like Silva or Sterling in there but can’t see how to do it, and have Jesus as cover

  24. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Vardy likely to price rise tonight? Rises seem slow this break

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Low chance but could.

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Nah, looks like fplstats have got the risers quite correct. Don't think he'l rise before actually getting to 100%, which probably won't be until Thursday or Friday given most transfers now are on wild card.

  25. Costa's Counsellor
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    This WC is going to be a shambles for England. We win all our games and still don't do well in the tournament.

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      No real competition and not been really tested in group stages is a big problem for England imo.

    2. Monkey Hanger
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Ultimate flat track bullies.

  26. flippetyflop
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Who are the best teams to have for the fixture shift from gw 12 guys?

  27. WALOR
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Best captain for Euro Qualifiers Daily 11?

  28. Garth Marenghi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Otamendi or Sterling in this week?

    1. Lone Wolf
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      sterling

      1. WALOR
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Raheem, by a mile

  29. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Hegazi looks likely to drop soon (fplstatistics.com)
    Is it silly to swap for Luiz for a hit to prevent the TV loss? A likely Chelsea clean sheet should cancel out the hit, assuming a likely 2 pointer from Hegazi (or from 5th mid)