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. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Can Ireland beat Wales tonight?

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

      defo

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

      Yes

    3. UnitedFan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Inshallah

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

      Soon find out. Looking forward to watching a real match during the IB. Don't get too many as an Englishman.

    5. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Cheers! Hope so in my acca's now 🙂

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

    Help me out here lads. 3 questions:

    1. Best 4.5 midfielder
    2. Best 7.0 midfielder (got Richarlison)
    3. Monreal or Jones

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

      tom caroll
      richarlison
      jones

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

      Stephens
      Iwobi or Fernandinho
      Monreal

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

      Carroll
      Mata
      Monreal

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

      Carrol, iwobi, jones

    5. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      1. No stand out 4.5 option. Allthe same offer nothing.
      2. My guess is Ritchie and maybe Shakira from next week on.
      3. Jones

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

      cheers guys. no one says Fabregas in no 2. interesting

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

    COYBIG

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

    A) Kolasinac out, Otamendi in

    B) Mkhi our, Sterling in

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

      100% B

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

    So many people putting Otamendi, Jesus, Couthinio and Luiz into there teams. Are you not all worried that they all play Saturday but won't land in the UK till Friday from south america ??

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

      this!!!!

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

      Private jets ftw

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

      Was thinking about getting Luiz, but this gives me second thoughts

  6. No Totti No Party
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    On a WC
    A:Lukaku + Doucure
    B:Vardy + Hazzard

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

      B no brainer

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

      B all day

  7. dan_247
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Thought on batshuayi as a striker, going to get games whilst Morata is out. What are your thoughts?

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

      not for me, I'd rather have vardy

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

      Not sure he'll get that much time. Look at the last match when Moratta went off...

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

    I think my last post was lost in translation. What I mean is it will be groundhog day for England, what with an easy qualification and then a poor tournament.

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

      as the norm

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

        True.

        We're to pedestrian. We need to rushmore and maybe make a quick change if needed.

    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      I think it's taken as given that England had an easy qualifier but a lot is unknown between now and June. I suspect we'll do better than most people expect.

  9. cheekumz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    On WC, Goal / Front line fixed. Which mid/def option do you prefer?

    Pope / Elliot
    Kane / Jesus / Vardy

    A/
    Davies / Stones / Jones / Ward
    Coutinho / Silva / Mkhytarian

    B/
    Alonso / Davies / Otamendi / Ward
    Coutinho / Silva / Richarlison

    Still struggling to get my head around the fact that im probably going to be playing 4/3/3 >.

  10. Bouncebackability
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Ronny Rosenthal eat your heart out.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_u3Kjh0gc2M

    They were 2-0 up when he did this. They lost 3-2.

  11. makaveli70
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    any suggestions for my new WC team or its G2G??
    Fabianski
    Alonso-Kola-Davies-Maguire
    Otamendi
    Ramsey-Coutinho
    Fàbregas
    Kane-Jesus

    Elliot Ayew-Stephens-Choupo-Moting

  12. Benster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Mikki+Ritchie+Kola > Hazard+Sterling+Simpson for -8 ?

    Is that crazy?

    So lets say the 3 I have score 3+3+6 = 12
    That means the new lot need to score 7+7+6 =20 just to draw level

    Not likely is it?

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

      Measure it over the number of weeks you'll play them, not one match...

  13. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    wow. That was some rendition of Land of our Fathers.
    Best of luck Wales

    COYBIG!!!!!

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      🙂 Good Luck. Batting against ya's on the betting front but am a neutral really. Enjoy 🙂

  14. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Goosebumps

  15. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Looking forward to having this WC team:

    Fab-elliot
    Walker luiz bavies ward Cameron/Simpson
    Choupo Hazard Sterling TC rlc
    Kane jesus vardy
    0.2 itb

    Walker acting as a cashcow to get Lukaku back around gw12.

    All thoughts appreciated 🙂

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

    Wales won't have 11 fit players for a potential play off if some of them get booked tonight.

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      There is always Jonny Williams, comes on to have a lie down...

  17. Ozzy smith
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Boring I know, but any thoughts on this wc draft guys?

    Courtois (Elliot)
    Bavies Jones Fernandez (Ward Wimmer)
    Coutinho Silva Richarlison Gross (Carroll)
    Kane Jesus Vardy

    1.5itb

    1. Evasivo
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Gtg brother

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

      Good team, but I'd rather have Choupo instead of Gross

  18. RATEBT
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Who for next gameweek?
    A-Eriksen
    B-Hazard

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

    Brady should have been rested tonight, need him fit for Saturday.

  20. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    How on earth has Mbemba not gone up in price?

    1. Evasivo
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Not enough brought him in

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

        Mind blown.

        1. Evasivo
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 24 days ago

          Or could be too many people sold him

      2. Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        This

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

      Got flagged early September.

  21. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    What to do with my squad this GW, as it stands now:

    Elliot
    Alonso Mee Naughton
    Davis Hazard (VC) Mkhitaryan Salah
    Kane (C) Joselu Morata

    Subs:Foster,Jones,Carroll & Hunemeier

    Should I

    A) Use my WC
    B) Mkhi & Morata > Jesus & Silva for a -4 hit

    OR 332,691 & joint top in ML

    Any input and advice is appreciated

    1. Evasivo
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      B for me

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

      Morata>Jesus for free

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Yeah actually have enough to do that for free anyway I’m feeling this WC fever that’s going around on here.

        1. Evasivo
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 24 days ago

          Your team is fine, would WC

          1. Evasivo
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 24 days ago

            *wouldn't

        2. ☆Khaz
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 24 days ago

          Save it for gw12 if you can.

  22. S6 Owl
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Last WC decision...

    a) Silva and Rashford (already in on Silva for 8.3), or
    b) Sterling and Hardy?

    1. LeicesterA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Sterling & Vardy

      1. S6 Owl
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        Cheers.

        Gone with:

        Pope/Elliott

        Otamendi/Bavies/Fernandez/Simpson/Mbemba

        Cout/Sterling/Hazard/King/RLC

        Kane/Jesus/Vardy

    2. Kavorka
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Sterling Vardy

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

      Kismet Hardy.

  23. BoooomXhakaLaka
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Evening All, I have this team.
    Fabianski | Elliot
    Walker | Azpi | Jones | Davies | Mbemba
    Richarlison | ChoupoM | RLC | X | Carrol
    X | X | X
    I have 44.5 Mil in the bank and want to get coverage from the top teams for the enjoyment factor when they are on TV. Pick 1 mid and 3 forwards please with that budget. Thanks all

    1. S6 Owl
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Midfield looks very light mate... room for a second 8m+ candidate in there

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

        I can get Kane Lukaku Morata KDB?

  24. Team Bobcat
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Help me choose...1ft 1.3itb

    a) Hegazi > Maguire/Mee
    b) Salah > Sterling
    c) Lacazette > Jesus
    d) A combo for (-4)

    Cheers

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Save FT

    2. Evasivo
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      C or save

  25. Fire Chief Moe
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Lots of people going with Sterling, do we think he's nailed on? I just cant see it with champions league in the equation, plus B.Silva will surely be getting more game time....

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

      Doesn't need to be to get points in that team.

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Should be good for starts in upcoming weeks. In fact he has been a starter pretty much this season.

      1. Team Bobcat
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 24 days ago

        This ^

        He missed one game thrpugh suspension. He turned the game in their favour when out of sorts and doen to 10 men against everton. Pep likes him. That is the most important thing. Bit like the way klopp likes lallana. A good attitude

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Not many alternatives that you cant say the same thing about. Every devend mid option has champions league involvement. Alli was touted as being gold a few games back because he was serving a three game cl suspension. Everyone saw how that panned out. This game does not always make sense. Go with your gut

  26. Hog Roast Junkie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Last two questions on WC

    Stones or Otamendi
    Bertrand or Luis

    Thanks

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Otamendi Luiz

    2. Kavorka
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Otamendi Bertrand

    3. Speédy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      otaluiz

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

      Otamendi Luiz

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

    rp
    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?

  28. FPL Kangaroo
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Is Vardy going up in price tonite?

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Has a good chance

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

      He could if FPL Stats is wrong.

    3. BROOKLYN GOONER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      Feel like it's practically all wildcarders right now, so am very doubtful.

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

    Which would you select from A-C. Sterling Choupo-Moting Carroll other midfielders

    A Hazard Gross
    B Eriksen Richarlison or
    C Salah Fabregas or Richarlison

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

      C with Fab

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

      B

    3. BRONALDINHO
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 24 days ago

      C with Rich heavy mids don't do it this year

  30. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 24 days ago

    Any more news on Morata? Getting itchy fingers!

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

      If his only problem is itchy fingers, he'll be fine