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25 August 2017 1718 comments
Paul Paul
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It’s time to focus on the captaincy conundrum for the weekend’s ten fixtures.

As always, we check the Opta data for the main contenders and assess the team statistics and Rate My Team’s (RMT) reckoning before offering up some differential captains in light of the data analysis.

The Captain Poll

Spurs, Manchester City and Manchester United dominate our Gameweek 3 Captain Poll, with each supplying three of the top nine players.

A home clash with Burnley elevates Harry Kane to the summit for the first time this season.

Sold by over 120,000 FPL managers this week, the Spurs frontman earns 36% of the votes cast despite failing to score in the first two fixtures.

Sean Dyche’s side kept just four clean sheets on their travels last season and conceded an attempt on goal every 4.8 minutes away from home – only relegated Sunderland boasted a worse record.

Despite supplying the assists for all three of his side’s goals this season, Christian Eriksen has convinced just 4% to consider his armband potential.

Meanwhile, a mere 2% are backing Dele Alli for the Wembley clash. Only Eden Hazard (12 to nine) scored more times in front of their own fans among FPL midfielders in 2016/17.

With 28% of the votes, Romelu Lukaku is regarded as Kane’s only real rival as Man United welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford.

Now up to a massive 57% ownership in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), the Belgian bagged a brace on his home debut and followed that up with a strike away to Swansea City last Saturday.

Jose Mourinho’s side have scored four times in both fixtures so far and face a Foxes defence that have shipped at least two goals in five of their seven away matches under Craig Shakespeare.

This also brings Paul Pogba (3%) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (2%) into consideration, with both outscoring Lukaku over United’s opening pair of matches.

Ranked joint-top of the FPL standings on the back of a goal and two assists, Pogba has been acquired by a massive 398,000+ managers since last weekend.

Meanwhile, the Armenian has racked up four assists and served up double figures in both appearances.

Man City roll up to Bournemouth on the back of a fine away record – they scored more goals on their travels (43) than any side last season.

Yet their slow start to the current campaign means that Sergio Aguero (3%), Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne (both 2%) are largely ignored.

Off the mark at Brighton in Gameweek 1, Aguero netted twice on five separate occasions away from home last term and scored more goals on the road (15) than any other forward.

Hauled off at the break on Monday as City regrouped following Kyle Walker’s dismissal, Jesus netted in all but one of his four away appearances last season.

Meanwhile, De Bruyne’s total of seven efforts on goal is ranked top for Pep Guardiola’s men – though all but one has been fired from range.

Elsewhere, a handful of in-form differentials could emerge as very canny picks.

West Ham’s Javier Hernandez bagged a brace away to Southampton and now pays visit to Newcastle United’s patched-up rearguard.

Chelsea’s two-goal Marcos Alonso entertains an Everton side that he scored against in a 5-0 win at the Bridge last year.

And Liverpool’s Sadio Mane scored in both clashes with visitors Arsenal in 2016/17 and has found the net in each of the opening two Gameweeks.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    A) Alonso Bailly De Bruyne

    B) Bertrand Trippier Sanchez

    1. Big Sum
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B but without trippier

    2. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B, But only when Sanchez is starting, not now.

    3. GlasgowFF
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B. Would rather have a virus than KDB (or Kane)

    4. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

  2. pablo discobar
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Miki or pogba
    Davies or Trippier

    Budget not an issue but which two? Also who is best Burnley 4.5? Ward, Lowton or meeting?

    Thanks

    1. bombayblues
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Mkhi
      Davies

  3. bombayblues
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Yoshida or Jones?

    1. GlasgowFF
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Jones.

    2. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Fiat or Rolls Royce?

      Wood or Gold?

      come on bro, Jones obviously.

      1. chilli con kone
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Wow didn't think I'd ever hear Jones described as a 'Rolls-Royce'

    3. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Jones. all the way

      1. bombayblues
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Only reason for indecisiveness was Yoshi's goal threat

  4. GlasgowFF
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    What round should I bet on McGregor getting KO'd. Know nothing about boxing but have a free 20 quid bet.

    1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      7, 8 or 9

      1. GlasgowFF
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Everyone in the media is saying he is so far out of his depth though. Would that not make 3,4,5 more likely.

        1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          they need to give them something to watch. Floyd could knock him out in round 2.... They will prolong it

    2. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He won't get KO'd. But he will get toyed with for 12 rounds.

      You should also bet on mcgregor not landing a single punch.

    3. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Back MAY Weather to win full stop.

      1. GlasgowFF
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Odds are so short it isn't worth the time.

    4. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      4

    5. Fantasy Football Friend!
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      If you don't know anything about boxing, how about you save the bet?

      I predict the 4th round though.

    6. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Round 8

    7. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Round 7. He'll be gassed by then.

  5. FPL Mentor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one:

    A. Hegazi
    B. Jones
    C. Cedric

    Also have Foster (WBA) in goal.

    1. seanysheep
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Play all 3

      1. FPL Mentor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Over Alonso, Tadic or Phillips? No can do 🙁

    3. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Cedric, for me

    4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      C

  6. OldBenKenobi
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Last call for anyone who wants on the Alonso train! Ticket prices set to rise tonight 😉

    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso + sub 7.0 mid vs 4.5 rotation + Mane has been killing me

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Choo choo!

    2. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Let him rise, I Dont want that Train right now.

  7. We Will Klopp you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this potential wildcard, very hesitant to take another set of hits this gw after an already poor start

    Original team: (on a -8)

    Foster (Elliott)
    Trippier Bertrand Lowe (Suttner Long)
    Salah Mkhi Eriksen Richalison (Carroll)
    Lukaku (K)ane Mounie

    WC lot:
    Foster
    Alonso Hegazi Bavies
    Mane Phillips Mkhitaryan Richarlison
    (K)ane Lukaku Hernandez

    Elliott Jones Mbemba Carroll

    Jese on watchlist

    1. FPL Mentor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      U know u shouldnt do it. But you really really want to. Just do it and enjoy the game 🙂

    2. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      basically eriksen& salah vs Mane & philips.

    3. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I think your initial team is fine. Keep the WC for when you properly need it

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers Pooodle, I'll tie my knees up for now despite the temptation

  8. Pompel
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Blimey, Monreal looks like he may be dropping tonight. Worth it to transfer to Trippier or Jones for a hit? I reckon Spurs or ManU stand a good chance of a cleanie, Arsenal vs Pool surely not.

  9. Random Name
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    McGregor will be punching thin air for 48 minutes.

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      lol 😀

    2. Pompel
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      All about the footwork, aint' it

    3. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You gonna watch?

      1. Random Name
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        If i'm awake at the time then probably yeah

    4. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I Doubt that

    5. Fantasy Football Friend!
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      48 minutes? They having 16 rounds then?

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Might be punching between rounds too.

      2. Random Name
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        he'll be punching his hands in the air between every round pretending he won the last round

  10. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Team complete
    Foster Myhill
    Alonso Jones Cedric Mee Loewe
    Eriksen Pogba Richarlison Jese Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Chicarito
    0.5 in the bank

    Gonna experiment with a 4-3-3/3-4-3 mix for a bit.. Firmino will come in for luks/Kane when their fixtures clear up allowing me to upgrade one of my 6.0 mids..

    1. GS456
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team.

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers mate.. Alonso + Richarlison to 4.0 and Mane is mighty tempting I must say

  11. GS456
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    De Gea
    Suttner, Lowe, Stephens
    Jese, Willian, KDB, Mkhi
    Kane (C), Firmino, Lukaku

    Subs: Elliott, Hegazi, Carrol, Long

    G2G?

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yep. Defence is a bit weak but rest of the team is strong.

      1. GS456
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        yeah got to be worried about clean sheets this week.

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hegazi over Suttner.. Else gtg.. Nice team

    3. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Downgrade one of your attack. all together isnt value

  12. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Wondering if Daniels and Ritchie will hold their price or if they will drop tonight!

    1. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You should be aiming for points not team value.

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I am, that's why I kept them instead of taking hits to get them out. I can wonder seeing as I'm trying to plan how much I'll have itb for my next transfer.

  13. Ronnies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Play 1 of these;

    a) carroll - away to palace
    b) romeu - away to hudds
    c) daniels - home to citeeeh

    Tnks

    1. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Carroll

    3. Red20
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A) Carroll - Away to Palace.

  14. Emiliano Sala
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bertrand or cedric?
    Bertrand worth 0.5 more ?

  15. rakdaddy
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Philips or tadic if wc? Asking for a friend.

  16. Holy1
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Gameweek 3# Captain !!!???
    A Kaku
    B Eriksen
    C Lacazette

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A for me.

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Close, but A over B marginally

    4. Holy1
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks lads, im between A or B also. And i think that i go in the "safe option" A Lukaku :/

  17. Rash
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Repost

    On wild card how does this look

    Lössl elliot
    Jones Alonso hegazi mbemba 4.9
    Ramsey eriksen Mkhitaryan richarlison Tcarroll 
    Kaku Chico firmino (will become Kane after IB as I expect goals galore in Liverpool arsenal game)

    First of all any changes? And who do I fill the defender spot with please?

  18. It’s a Knockaert
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Jesus or chicharito-who will get more points over the next 6 gameweeks

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Chicarito will.

      1. La Roja
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        What he said.

  19. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Who's the safer captain pick? Kane or Lukaku?

    1. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Lukaku

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Depends what you mean by safe.

      Lukaku will be the most captained.

    3. Holy1
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Im without Kane other way i will go for him

  20. bdwhite91
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Richarlison or Mooy as 4th mid?

  21. Random Name
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Just read someone on here actually say "Yoshida's Goal Threat"

    This site never ceases to amaze.

    1. Turbolag
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      15 shots in the box in 2000 minutes last year. Not bad for a defender.

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He gets goals alright. Good option.

    3. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yoshida IS a goal threat you plonker

    4. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Took a free kick against Swansea, nearly scored in another situation too from what I can remember.

    5. Krul Runnings
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Showing yourself up here, I'm afraid.

    6. Postman Ty
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You clearly haven't watched Southampton's first two games have you.

  22. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Aren't Bavies owners worried about Rose pending return?

    1. bdwhite91
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Nah Davies has been awesome and Rose said he was in awe of Man City

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      No

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Rose not a threat yet

    4. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not yet. Nobody knows when or if Rose is actually back

  23. Jinkys Oars
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Start Daniels or Carroll?

    Captain Kane or Lukaku?

    1. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Carroll n Kane

    2. seanysheep
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Carroll

      I'd prob go kane

  24. Henning
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    1. Alonso and Calvert Lewin
    2. 5m def and Chicharito/Gabbiadini

    1. seanysheep
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      2

  25. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Firmino & William -> Chicarito & Pogba/Mkhi?

  26. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Which are the first players going into your wildcard team (if you're doing one) during the international break?

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'll actually be saving my WC

  27. ZeBestee
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Stephens + Ramsey + Willian + Jesus 》》》》Hegazi + Mkhi + Eriksen + Chicha for -8 worth it?

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Rest of my team
      Foster Ell
      Yosh Hegazi Danilo
      Salah Eriksen Mkhi Phillips Carroll
      Kaku Kane El Chicha

  28. Simon69
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Firmino + 4.5 mid (RLC or TC)

    or

    Hernandez + Mooy

  29. Syd.
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    2 Typhoons are due in 5 minutes

  30. A Betting Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Narrowed my WC pondering down to 2 potential teams, these are the unique players:

    A) Foster, Yoshida, Löwe & Salah w/ 0 itb
    B) Lössl, Alonso, Hegazi, Richarlison w/ 0.8itb

    The other players who feature in both teams are Elliot, B Davies, Jones, Mbemba, Eriksen, Mkhi, Mooy, Chalobah, Kane, Lukaku, Chicharito.

    Thoughts?