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Captain Sensible – Gameweek 38

For the last time this season, we roll out our pre-Gameweek members’ article focusing on the captaincy dilemma for Sunday’s final round of fixtures.

To get us underway, we check in with the main contenders in this week’s Captain Poll, then delve into the Opta numbers and current Rate My Team rankings before offering up a differential or two to help solve the vital armband conundrum.

The Captain Poll

Alexis Sanchez leads the way in our final Captain Poll of 2016/17 as Arsenal welcome Everton to the Emirates.

The Chilean has delivered double-figure hauls in each of his last three appearances to earn 30% of the votes cast as the Gunners look for the win that will keep their slim hopes of a top-four finish alive.

Up against a Toffees’ defence with a single clean sheet in five on the road, Olivier Giroud collects 1% backing thanks to three goals and an assist in his last trio of appearances.

Faith in Harry Kane’s armband potential is rapidly on the rise in light of his four goals and assist at Leicester City on Thursday night.

Now two goals clear of Romelu Lukaku in the race for the Golden Boot, the striker is backed by 24% as Spurs make their way to relegated Hull City – Kane has seven goals and three assists in his last six appearances.

A home encounter with relegated Middlesbrough helps Philippe Coutinho claim third place.

Backed by over 17% voters, the Brazilian warmed up for this one with a season-high 19-point haul away to West Ham on Sunday and has six goals and two assists in his last eight appearances.

Up against defence that’s conceded at least three times in each of their last three road trips under Steve Agnew, the Reds will be confident of clinching the win that would secure their Champions League spot for next season.

This could also see Daniel Sturridge (2%) emerge as a final day differential at Anfield after he returned to Jurgen Klopp’s teamsheet with a goal against the Hammers.

Somewhat surprisingly, Gabriel Jesus has persuaded a mere 6% to take the armband plunge for Manchester City’s trip to Watford.

Despite being shifted onto the right flank to accommodate the fit-again Sergio Aguero at home to West Brom, an 11-point haul against the Baggies on Tuesday was the Brazilian’s third double-digit in just seven starts.

With the Hornets options in defence limited, Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne could prove canny differentials.

While Aguero has been the most consistent of the pair, with a goal or assist in nine of his last 11 outings, he’s mustered just one 10+ points haul since Gameweek 13.

De Bruyne, meanwhile, has been far more explosive, producing 12, 17 and 13-point tallies in his previous six league outings.

Faith in Chelsea’s big hitters, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, has diminished in light of Antonio Conte’s teamsheet to face Watford last Monday.

While there’s no question that the champions could run riot at home to Sunderland – Hazard has more home goals (11) than any midfielder and Costa has 22 points in his last two at the Bridge – only 2% and 3% respectively have opted for the pair with the FA Cup final looming.

Indeed, in spite of that plum fixture, they are the most sold midfielder and forward respectively ahead of Sunday’s deadline.

As evidenced by Spurs 6-1 battering on Thursday evening, a trip to Leicester City’s patched-up defence could be good news for Josh King.

Favoured by less than 1% of voters, the Bournemouth attacker has racked up 12 goals and two assists in his last 14 league appearances to sit seventh in the FPL midfield standings.

Meanwhile, the Foxes’ Jamie Vardy (1%) has seven goals and five assists in 12 Gameweeks under Craig Shakespeare.

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1,558 Comments Post a Comment
  1. andymck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Sanchez Hazard Alli Sane King
    Kane Jesus (Anichebe)

    Hazard > Coutinho the move to make?

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      or Lallanna/Wijnaldum

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      That is the question of the week.
      I say with 6 days rest he is fine to start.
      It's whether he actually does anything is the question?

      1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        This... Conte has Haz playing not to get hurt.... Haz to Cout is a good move

  2. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Cech or Caballero in nets?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Cech

    2. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      caballero if you have monreal

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        can you actually see my team lol

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      I have both and Monreal so I am thinking Willy. If it was a bottom 10 team and not Everton I might have gone Cech.

  3. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    1FT... which do you prefer?
     
    A. DDG > Mignolet
    B. Koscielny > Matip
    C. Gabbiadini > Llorente
     
    DDG
    Kompany Stephens Monreal Koscielny
    Alli Countinho Sanchez Sane
    Kane Jesus
    (Jakupovic, Zaha, Gabbiadini, Chambers)

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      I don't like any of them mate, save your transfer

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Save for next season? Haha! I'm 16points off top 100 so want to try something! Every point counts now

        1. Ten Season Wonder
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 28 days ago

          how much in the bank?

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 28 days ago

            Just .1 sadly mate

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      A and C and go for it...

    3. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      A - but I'd play Zaha against United reserves

    4. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      A imo.

  4. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    I've talked myself into taking a hit to get Coutinho.

    I could do it for free for Alli or Hazard, or ignore him leaving me with 2 of those 3.
    However, all 3 have a good chance of hauling so I feel like I'm relying on luck a little bit too much. A single goal from the person I leave out will be enough.

    If I instead get Coutinho in for a hit so that I own all 3, I will have 4 less points, but I can be much safer and more relaxed, knowing that if 1,2 or all 3 of them score highly, I will get a share of the points.

    Just feels less of a gamble and more an inclusion of all options.

  5. Phil Dagger ⭐
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    P-a--r-----t-------yy Time

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      News update PD... 189 last week and blew by the #1 in ML... again thanks for all the great advice!

      1. Phil Dagger ⭐
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Smokin !!!!!! Brilliant Jallegre

        Well played

        1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 28 days ago

          Thanks mate... how's your OR... top 1K right? Congrats on a great season... looking forward to next year!!!!

  6. George Sillett
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    I'm sticking with my front 7 , obvious risks but if they all start it will be fun .

    Sanchez , KDB , Hazard , Alli , King
    Jesus , Costa

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Looks fine to me

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Looks Sexyy

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Sanchez captain?

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Yep

    4. iron2010
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      No Kane must have hurt Thursday

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        I enjoy a bit of pain.

  7. ralfb
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Will giroud be benched, according to guardian team sheet Welbeck plays ?

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Guardian? Doubt it... Gru is the man

  8. KUN+10
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Hi folks. Leading my ML with a 9 point difference. Very close. Please see the team im planning to field this weekend in comparison to my rivals. Let me know your thoughts.

    My team:
    Pickford
    Kosc Alonso Davies
    Sanchez (c) KDB King Coutinho
    Kane Giroud Jesus
    Bench: jaku, sane, yoshida, wasi

    His team:
    Caballero/Cech
    Azpi Yoshida Stephens Vertoghen Monreal
    Sanchez Hazard King Sand Deroon
    Jesus Costa Barnes

    Have a feeling he may do Costa to Kane, not sure.

  9. Viper
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    The thing about Hazard is, from my point of view I'd be selling him even if Conte came out and said he's gonna play 90 mins.

    It's almost as if he doesn't try when the opposition isn't great. Fabregas/Pedro is 3.6m cheaper and are every bit as likely to get bring in the points. For example, Fabregas has 3 double figure hauls since gwk 26 at home, Hazard has 1.

    Fabregas is also playing for a place in the cup final time, Hazard isn't.

    The worry of minutes just compounds the issue but for me, other Chelsea assets are of much more value this week. Especially when it allows a Gabbiadini upgrade.

    Hazard & Gabbiadini -> Fabregas & Sturridge here. No hit.

    1. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Two great transfers. Kudos to you my friend!

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Don't get me wrong, I know it could backfire big time 🙂

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Your moves definitely make sense because you can do them for free, and keep a Chelsea asset. However, for many people the other Chelsea assets are out of reach without a hit, if they also want Coutinho or Sturridge, so it then becomes a case of Hazard Vs Coutinho, not Hazard Vs another Chelsea player

    3. grapesland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Dont think Fabs is more assured to start than anybody else in that team tho

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        I personally don't think he'll start the cup final so I think he'll play. Of course, you are right though, on the face of it he may not be

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Nice but hope studge starts

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        I think he will. He was good vs. West Ham and it gives them something different

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 28 days ago

          Hmmm
          Coukd be tempted myself yo do this

  10. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Lost in last page

    Your opinion on the following please

    What do you think are the chances of Herrera getting a 1 point cameo from the subs bench tomorrow or will he not be in the squad at all

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      I can't see why this would be useful information - surely nobody owns Herrera... Even so, you can't predict what Mourinho is going to do this weekend

    2. royals forever
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      I do that's why I'm asking

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        United fan?

    3. royals forever
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      No very drunken transfer

  11. infamousprob
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    I am 45 points behind my ML rival.

    My front7:

    Alexis-king-zaha-kdb-coutinho
    Vardy-kane

    Rival has alexis and kane.

    What should be my plan for C? Maybe vardy or coutinho? Can't decide....

    1. Tinzelbat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Dont think it makes much difference not gaining 45 points in a week

  12. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Conte says on Sunday there are two targets - to try to win 30 league games and to help Courtois to win the Golden Glove. #CFC

    There nearly slipped up against watford by playing their 2nd team. I can see Conte starting his strongest xi .. Agree ?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      I think they can beat Sunderland without Hazard, if that's what you're asking

    2. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Not strongest team but those that got rested against Watford will play.

      Not Haz.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        5 days rest not enough for haz ?

    3. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Agree
      It will be a strong side

    4. Quinny___
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      I think he could play a strong team but sub his important players early.

      Courtois
      Terry Cahill Zouma
      Azpil Fabregas Matic Alonso
      Pedro Costa Hazard

    5. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      They can beat Sunderland without Hazard.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        sure but as a attacking player you wpuldnt want to miss out on this game

        if he starts could easily bag a brace

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 28 days ago

          Agree. There is no reason why 6 days is not enough rest for Haz.

    6. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      yes

    7. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Cahill (c)

    8. ONE PUNCH MAN
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Courtois has won the golden glove

    9. The ginger cafu
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Think you're prob right. That would mean no Terry then?

  13. Rajveer
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Caballero

    Alonso Davies

    Alexis Alli King Fabregas Sane

    Kane(c) Jesus Vokes

    AOA active...

    1.3 itb and 0 ft...

    Would u bring in Coutinho for Sane or Alli for a -4??

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Yes, but for Alli.

  14. Sonic Huth
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Willy
    Yoshida-Vertonghen-Monreal
    Pedro-Sanchez-King-Alli-Kdb
    Jesus-Kane(c)

    Pick Holding-Stephens-Gabbi

    Pick one

    A. Pedro + Alli - Coutinho + Fab
    B. Alli + Gabbi - Cout + Vokes
    C. Alli - Coutinho and play Pedro

    Any advice appreciated.

    1. Ur Mata
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      A for me mate

    2. BilalM
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      C

  15. Bleach †
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Hazard will start; reduced minutes
    Alli will start

    🙂

  16. kumast
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Chasing 32 points.

    Me:
    Pick, Caballero
    Yosh, Stephens*, Alonso, Monreal, Davies
    Haz*, Alexis, King*, Sane*, Albrighton
    Jesus, Kane, Costa*

    Him:
    Pick, Caballero
    Cedric, Yosh, Monreal, Alonso, Davies
    Alexis, Moses, Alli, pedro, Albrighton
    Gabb, Kane, Jesus

    Suggestions? Stick and rely on Haz and Costa playing?

    1. kumast
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      He has taken a -8.

    2. Ur Mata
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Stuck on same dilemma, think he'll rest Hazard no matter what. Big question for me is does he rest Costa and make him extra fired up for the final-I think Conte will

      1. kumast
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        But that would mean Costa not having any game time for 12 days leading up to the final Is that likely?

  17. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    To all posters,

    Have a great summer and best wishes for the season ahead

    Love JR

    1. kumast
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Thanks, you too.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Don't tell me what to do.

      1. Champ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Love it

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 28 days ago

          I'm jesting of course. Best wishes to you too.

    3. Clifford☯
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Cheers.Same to you.

  18. BilalM
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    25k overall and 43 points ahead in my mini league. Who do I triple captain in the final game?

    a. Kane
    b. Sanchez
    c. Coutinho
    d. Sturridge

    1. kumast
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      a or b.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      a or b

    3. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      A for me. His chances just seem so much more reliable.

  19. iron2010
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    On FPL discovery is it possible to find current ownership in the top 10k ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      add 20% to GW37 high scorers.

      1. iron2010
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Thanks, what do you think the Hazard ownership % will be ?

  20. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Costa and Sane to Cout and Jesus for -4?

    1. Ur Mata
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Just costa to Jesus-although depends where you are in your mini league

  21. Forza Juventus
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Eriksen or King ---> Coutinho?

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Neither. That's points chasing. You're selling good players with good fixtures

    2. BilalM
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Eriksen. King is still on fire

    3. grapesland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Sideways moves imo

  22. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    22 points ahead of ML Rival.
    He has Kdb and no Hazard.

    Hazard to Kdb with my FT and block him?

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      just be done with it

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Yep

    3. grapesland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      I'm doing that

    4. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Yes.

  23. Sonic Huth
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    So out of Alli and Pedro, Who will get more minutes?

    1. Ur Mata
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Ali more certain I reckon, but Son for more points!

  24. Atwood
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    My differentials against my rival. Any chance I can catch the 13 points up? Vokes not yet finalised, open to suggestions.

    Caballero
    Monreal - Holding - Vertonghen
    Sane
    (Vokes) - Kane - Jesus

    Albrighton - Redmond - Stephens

    Heaton
    Baines - Smith
    Alli - King
    Vardy - Lukaku - Benteke

    Matic - Cook - McAuley

  25. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    willy (boruc)
    alonso monreal stephens (kosc mawson)
    king sanchez alli eriksen sterling
    kane jesus (gabbi)

    I have 5 good defenders this week, am 4 ahead in my ML - is it worth a -4 to swap Sterling for KDB and Alonso to Ake, and then play 3 of the 4 other defenders?

  26. D0GS B0110XS FC
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    quick poll pls
    will costa start tomorrow?

    a - yes
    b - no

    thanks

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      A would be my opinion

    2. Bleach †
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      99.9% A

    3. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Batman on form

    4. Totalfootball
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      B

  27. Springbank
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Right people gettin there!
    Narrow it down to those 2 options for free:

    1- Haz to Cout, Pedro to Sane
    Sanchez Cout King Sane Eriksen
    Kane Jesus. 1M left in bank

    2- Anichebe to Sturridge, Haz to Albrighton(bench)
    Sanchez King Eriksen Pedro
    Kane Jesus Sturridge. O.2M left in bank

    2nd option is definitely more left field but leaves me a Chelsea option and for some reasons I find the Coutinho move too obvious (as in chasing points).

    Thoughts?

  28. Top 210 Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Kompany should play right? Otherwise hit out with 6.4? Or trust Mawson on bench?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      He will play if fit.

    2. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      hope so, need someone to get a YC for me each week 🙂 .... close to scoring last time out, so hopefully CS + Goal vs Watford ... 11 points in the bag

  29. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Points predictions for the following

    Mignolet
    Peirera
    Holding
    Son

    Any ideas would be extremely welcomed

  30. Sonic Huth
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    For FT, you would..
    A. Alli - Coutinho
    B. Pedro - Fabregas

    1. Quinny___
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Pedro will start, was rested against watford. So because of that id go A

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      A imo.