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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. Lallana_
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Can't defend Kane if he fails to score against Burnley at home. Playing well but I'm expecting a lot for that price. You can transform your team with that cash...

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You can't transform a team with just £1-2m

      1. thepeen555
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        well you can if you use little pea instead - thats a lot of wedge

  2. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Jese, Richarilson or Phillips for next few?

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

      Phillips

    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Richarlison

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

    Play:
    A) TCarroll (cry)
    or
    B) Fraser (MCI)

    ??

    thx

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

      A

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

      A

  4. Red Dagger ✪
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Rumor has it KDB not playing this week? Anyone know if this has any truth to it or just rubbish?

    1. MTPockets
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Shut up

      • The Overthinker
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Not another rumour !!

      • OldBenKenobi
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        "Rumor" only

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

        Link or it ain't real

      • I Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Did you make up the rumour?

        1. thepeen555
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          i think so

      • guillermo
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Heard that too. Hope it's bullshit

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

        Source ?

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

        Pep's comments were worrying as a KDB owner, but I still expect him to play.

      • seanysheep
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        This was posted earlier aswell... rumour I'd say

      • Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        What does Pep have to say on this?

      • Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        The Guardian are reporting it.

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

          Link?

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

            Look down

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

              That's just a predicted line up though, not a report.

        2. MTPockets
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Actually, looks like last week they only got Sane/B.Silva wrong.

        3. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Guardian are normally wrong

          https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIGaLGgXgAAFIVO.jpg

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

        Ramsey worth a punt on WC? Good stats, looked good in the last game.. Will he start consistently though?

        1. The Road to Turfdom
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          I think he's a great option. Hesitant to say 'nailed-on' but definitely first choice in CM and looks great coming late into the box with lots of shooting on sight.

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

          If it is vice versa, punt thinking that you have wc in place, surely. Not so sure the other way around, but still i think he's the best 7.0 option with that goal threat.

        3. BananaNose Maldonado
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          I like him on a WC. Outside of away to Chelsea, the fixtures are generally good, he's been very attacking, and he's an easy transfer up (to Antonio), across (to Lanzini), or down (to Richarlison, Phillips, or Jese) if you need to.

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

            Yup.. This is what im thinking.. The flexibility and safety net of lanzini is making me make up my mind. Cheers

            1. BananaNose Maldonado
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              No problem. I'm convinced as well and am bringing him for Iwobi (don't ask) this evening after considering all the other options I listed above.

      • Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Any KDB owners worried he could be dropped or played alongside Fernandinho?

        1. I Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          nope

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

          After rumor post above - yes. Would be typical for my season start so far

      • Nanoelektronicar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Bottomed

        A) Ritchie to Antonio -4
        B) Daniels to Cedric -4
        C) Hold

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

          C

        2. Speédy
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          C

      • thepeen555
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        GW3 team - thoughts?

        Forster
        Kola. Alonso, Heg
        Eriksen, Mkji, Tadic, Richarlson
        Kaku, Aguero. Pea (C)

        Elliot, Lowe. Carroll, Hune

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Nice.

          Differential captain too!

          1. thepeen555
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            thanks, yeah gotta go against the grain

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              How come Have to go against the grain this early on?

              1. thepeen555
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 4 months ago

                It's a game, I'm out to win my league and give it a punty go. 🙂

      • Athletic Nasherbo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Worth transferring out Monreal for a hit? Going to fall in price too...

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

          Yes iml

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

          For whom?

          1. Athletic Nasherbo
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Was going to be Trippier but now not an option so I'm a bit stuck on that part...any thoughts?

      • semiconductor
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        is it worth to take a -4 hit to get Richarlison before his rise instead of Ritchie before his fall??

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

          No,Ritchie home to west ham who have conceded 7 in 2 games.

          1. semiconductor
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            i know just afraid if he blanks to lose the week, value and transfer. However, it feels wrong for a hit though

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

          feel same way about JWP > Richarlison
          I just dont know.
          The WAT fixtures are putting me off a little

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

            Just done that transfer now, East to claw back 4 points over the next 35 weeks.

            1. semiconductor
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              u took a hot or for free?

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

          Ritchie will score better.

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

            belter*

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

            u just mean this week or overall?

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

              Short term.

      • alfast1c
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Daniels gotta go, 0.5itb, so:

        Trippier
        Cedric *double soton
        Otamendi *double citeh
        Dawson
        Some1 else

        HELP LADS!?

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

          Dawson if you already have Jones

          1. alfast1c
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            def is stones bertrand monreal rangel and degea

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

          Dawson

          1. alfast1c
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Why dawson?! I thjink stoke will score. Iam going with otamendi. nice chance to double on their def.

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

              Brom at home,
              Been defending well
              And don't think stoke will score.

        3. Champione
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Trippier

        4. Speédy
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Jones

      • FFSbet.com
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        We gonna kill it with Sanchez/Hazard/Coutinho next GW on WC right?

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

          Emmm?

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

          ...yes...

      • Champione
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        A) Atsu > Richarlison -4
        B) Ritchie > Antonio -4
        C) None

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

          A

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

          Tough having both NEW mids. But those fixtures are decent and WHM leaking goals. Id prob hold 1 more week

        3. Champione
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          cheers guys

      • Greenbackbøøg…
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        The Kane circlejerk is too strong imo. Lukaku could easily match him for goals this season and Kanes ownership will never rise to Lukakus level where its scary not to own or captain him. I think Luk is regarded as a casuals pick on here when he very well could have a better season than Kane

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

          It'll be interesting to see how the dead teams do in a few weeks time.

          I'd bet 90% have Lukaku(c) in them 🙂

          1. thepeen555
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            dead teams? people who pick and leave them?

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

              Wee

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

              Yeah...50% of players will stop playing after month or so.

              Their initial teams stay the same...continue to gather points.

              Last season, the Costa(c) teams did quite well up until Christmas.

              1. Greenbackbøøg…
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 4 months ago

                Unless Kaku gets injured a similar thing will happen

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

            Not many dead teams at the moment.

      • Atimis
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I'm on WC and last decision is Pogba vs Miki, going Miki more stable and sensible?
        Also, you think that Jones will rise tonigh?

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

          Mkhi is the smart choice

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

          Mikhitaryan was immense in Europa League last season. I expect him to be rested for a lot of European games. Pogba is rotation proof.

        3. Atimis
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Ehh toss a coin

        4. Speédy
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Mkhi

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

          I'd say pog more sensible and stable

      • ZeBestee
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        My team
        Foster Elliot
        Danilo Hegazi Yosh Long
        Salah Eriksen Mkhi Phillips Carroll
        Kaku Kane El Chicha

        G2

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

          G2g?

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

          Nice! Who is your captain?

      • Cruz88
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Which is the best option:

        A) Kane, Carroll, Cedric
        B) Sanchez, Bavies, (non playing 4.5 forward)

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

          A

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

          Difficult. A coz of Sanchez uncertainity

        3. Ha.
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          A

      • Kaneyonero
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        KDB out Myki in

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

          Said no one ever

        2. Boo Ya Ka Sha
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          common sense move.

      • Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Two quick ones...thank you please

        A Heaton or Elliot in the net?
        B Daniels to Hegazi for -4 (currently playing Bert, Lowe, Jones)

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

          Heaton in goal for save points and I would take a hit as Daniels could drop in price.

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

          Dont take a hit with that back 3 unless you are playing 4

          1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Probably not so cheers...

        3. BananaNose Maldonado
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Elliot.

          No.

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

        Any reason to believe rumours that KDB benched sufficiently substantive to transfer him to Eriksen (if Ake first on bench!)

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          No

        2. Oldman Unathletic
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          I believe these rumours have emerged due to poor journalism, rather than there being any actual research or evidence to substantiate KDB not starting tomorrow.

      • dark91
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Start Jones/Cedric/Zanka in a 4-3-3 or Mooy in a 3-4-3?

        Other defenders are Britos and Trippier

      • The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Double up with Pogba and Mkhi and leave Lukaku out for Kane?

        To have front line of Kane,Firmino,Chicharito

      • The Overthinker
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Who should be my 11th player in my team?
        A) gross
        B) Tarroll
        Ç) suttner

      • F4L
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Any other Kane-less people starting to feel fooking nervous 😐

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

          Sorry, I didn't help with my post making the hot topics 🙂

          1. thepeen555
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            well its always good to have both sides of the argument

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

              Indeed.

        2. thepeen555
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          nope, it will happen at some point - dont live in fear, this week might be him, next week it will be someone else

        3. diesel001
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Nope. He has hurt his owners in the last two GWs whereas I have climbed up high. It is pretty unlikely you will have green arrows and a good GW every week. If he scores so be it. I trust my squad overall.

          1. Belli2007
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            No. Kane will of course score goals but I think Kaku will get more this season and have not gone for both....that may of course change in the future

        4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Hat trick in coming.

      • Legohair
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Play Kolasinac or Carrol?

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

          Kola

        2. Alexis Nonsense
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Carrol is prob 2 pts

          Kola might get attacking returns, might get clean sheet

        3. Speédy
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Kolasinac,will play LWB probably.

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

          Kola

        5. Kammy
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Kola.

      • Alexis Nonsense
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        What do you think about Lanzini?

        With a poacher up front to play with, he might be a good shout at 7.0?

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

          Shhh 😉

        2. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Best Ham option

        3. MTPockets
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Good pick

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

            Will he ever stop being "the next Payet"...and just be the next Payet now

        4. EmreCan Hustle
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          No Trippier update?!!

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Scout tweet has no mention.

          2. Speédy
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Not mentioned in injured list,so expected to be fit.

          3. Netley Lucas
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Poch didn't mention him in injuries so he's fine

          4. EmreCan Hustle
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks all. No news is good news 🙂

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

          Bringing Kane in Sept 1st.

        6. FPL Maldini
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Thoughts on a Sanchez (c) GW4?

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Chica is the man for GW4 I think.

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

          I see the Team news scetion has Kola playing CB and Bellerin playing LWB

          Somewhat disappointing if true