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12 May 2018 4315 comments
Paul Paul
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For the last time in 2017/18, we roll out our pre-Gameweek members’ article looking at the main armband contenders for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.

Kicking off with an assessment of our Captain Poll, we then check in with the player and team data and the Rate My Team rankings before considering a differential or two ahead of tomorrow’s 2 pm deadline.

The Captain Poll

Three players dominate our final Captain Poll of the 2017/18 season.

Golden Boot rivals Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane claim the top two spots, with the Liverpool winger well clear of the pack on 39% backing for a home encounter against Brighton.

Despite blanking in each of his last two appearances, Salah’s relentless record at Anfield looks set to trouble a defence with just two clean sheets in their last 16 matches.

The Egyptian has scored in seven of the last eight in front of his own supporters, tallying 12 goals and three assists in that rune.

Furthermore, he has delivered a lofty nine double-figure hauls at home – more than any player.

Roberto Firmino served up his season-high 13 points in a 5-1 win over the Seagulls back in Gameweek 15 and looks the best alternative for the Reds, with Sadio Mane a doubt.

After scoring in three of his last four, Kane earns over 23% of the votes as Spurs finish their temporary stint at Wembley with a visit from Leicester’s porous defence.

The Foxes have just two clean sheets in 13 attempts and have struggled to keep out the Spurs striker in previous matches – Kane has fired five goals in their last two meetings.

Meanwhile, midfield trio Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min have all found the net four times in their last seven league starts.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang grabs third spot (11%) as Arsenal visit Huddersfield in Arsene Wenger’s last match in charge.

The top scoring player in Double Gameweek 37 with a haul of 23 points, Aubameyang is the most bought forward ahead of Sunday’s 2pm deadline.

The Gunners’ striker has bagged a goal or an assist in eight of his last nine outings.

His hosts have struggled to keep out top six sides in front of their own fans, conceding 13 goals in five meetings so far.

That could also profit Alexandre Lacazette, who is expected to return to the teamsheet after being rested at Leicester in midweek. The Frenchman has five goals and an assist in his last five appearances.

With the majority of votes going the way of our top three candidates, there’s plenty of scope for differentials heading into the last round of fixtures.

Having rung the changes in midweek, Pep Guardiola is expected to name a strong Manchester City line-up for a trip to Southampton.

Both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling have much to make up for after a disastrous Double Gameweek 37.

The Brazilian blanked against both Huddersfield and Brighton at the Etihad but has scored in each of his last three road trips.

Rested against the Seagulls in midweek, Sterling mustered just two points over City’s pair of fixtures. With three goals and seven assists in his last seven, though, he could profit against a defence with two clean sheets in 17 at St Mary’s.

Leroy Sane is ending the season in strong form – a midweek trio of assists earned him an eighth double-figure haul of the season. The German has scored in four of his last six away matches.

The top target in midfield for transfers in, Wilfried Zaha has served up 14 points in each of his last two home matches ahead of a visit from relegated West Brom.

And Marko Arnautovic could be the man to deliver for West Ham as David Moyes looks to get one over former club Everton.

The Austrian has three goals and a pair of assists in seven and will face a defence with a single clean sheet over their last eight away from Goodison Park.

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

  1. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Who is more likely to be rested?

    A) DDG
    B) Smalling
    C) Both will 100% get rested

    1. Rider on the Storm
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C

    3. Fingerspitzengefühl
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      DDG seems sure to be rotated, Smalling slim chances of playing as well..

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

      Trick question?

    5. barracuda
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C mate. This has been answered many times already.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Well, don’t Think Jose was as clear regarding Smalling as regarding DDG

    6. Kno
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Hasnt jose literally said that both are being rested. Ddg is at least 100%

    7. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      It's not 100% unless you believe Jose. But a rest for both looks on the cards.

    8. pakornk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C

    9. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      You’re just hoping to hear what you want to hear.

      “It is normal that Michael Carrick is captain at Old Trafford for the last game of his career. David De Gea will be rested, so it gives a chance for Sergio Romero to play. I can make changes.

      Marcus and Anthony played against Brighton. Today it was for Alexis and [Jesse] Lingard to play and Sunday is again for Martial and Rashford. I also play Blind, Bailly and Mata.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers! If taking out one for A hit, DDG or Smalling?

        1. Spike ⚽️
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          The one that gives you more funds

  2. @FPLMason
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Current team:
    McCarthy - Ryan
    Valencia - Lowton - Tarkowsi - Naughton Morgan
    Sterling - Mahrez - Alli - Cork - Kenedy
    Kane- Jesus - Vardy
    1 FT- 0 itb
    A)Vardy and Mahrez--> Salah and Ayew (-4)
    B)Valencia and Mahrez --> Salah and Robertson (-4)
    C) Else

  3. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    GTG??

    No hits this week I think, want to secure top 10k.

    Ryan
    Tark/Lowton/Vert/VVD
    Salah(c)/Sterling/Son/Arnie
    Kane/Vardy

    DDG/Gross/Morgan/Barnes

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No hit needed

    2. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Wonderful position to be in. Gtg.

    3. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks 😉

  4. Bubbles1985
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Lots of talk that Ings starts on here ? Is this instead of Firmino??

    1. barracuda
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Mane most probably.

    2. Fingerspitzengefühl
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Instead of Mane

    3. Bubbles1985
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Ah yes of course.

      Worth -4 to bring him in for Barnes then I hope!

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thinking the same.

  5. amullea
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    1pt behind in a cash league, I have:

    DDG;
    Alonso, Vertonghen, Smalling;
    Salah(C), Alli, Sterling, Arnie, Gross;
    Jesus, Rashford.

    Ryan | Tark, Morgan, Barnes

    Rival:

    McCarthy;
    Otamendi, Smalling, Morgan;
    Salah(C), Eriksen, Sterling, Zaha;
    Kane, Vardy, Murray.

    Pereira | Tark, Ibe, Chilwell

    I know that DDG is to be rested but left him in anyway just in case.

    Who do you guys think will win the league?

    1. Bubbles1985
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Rival

    2. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Rival

    3. aborg
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I think you should be able to edge him out....My only concern is if Kane goes wild for him !
      So practically my eyes will be mostly on the Liverpool and Spurs game this afternoon. Good luck !

      I am two points ahead of my rival for cash league but he has TC left to play with no Salah (and he'll probably captain Kane) ...I've got Salah captain. So it is going to be more tough for me, especially if Kane hauls...I will only rest if Salah bags 2 goals !

  6. DanLFC1
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Which to prioritise..
    1. Dummett (CHE) to a 5.0 or less defender e.g. Cresswell
    2. Play dummett and bring in Zaha and bench J.Ayew

    1. caldracula
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      1

  7. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I'd love the Man U team leaked today, really need to know if Pogba and Valencia will play

    1. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      This re Valencia

  8. Lignja
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    What are you guys doing, starti g Ryan or let him come as auto sub for Ddg?

    1. Numb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Makes no difference

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Auto for me.
      You never know Romero could injure his hand knocking one out today.

      1. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Sound advice.

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Your welcome

    3. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      What's the point when all games are at the same time. Besides that, what's the point?

      1. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        More about DDG potentially playing than bench wonking.

  9. Slitherene
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Vvd, Monreal or Bavies??

    Who would you draft in, if you could.

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Monreal

    2. pakornk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      VVD

    3. Lukakke
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      VVD

  10. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Really tough call..coming around to the idea of a 8 point hit

    Ddg -- ryan
    Alonso Lowton Maguire Smalling —- cedric
    son Pogba sterling Arnie — king
    kane jesus -- barnes

    A) Smalling + Maguire + Pogba >> Masauku + Long + Salah (-8)

    B) Smalling + Pogba + Barnes >> TAA + Zaha + Rashford (-8)

    C) Smalling + Sterling >> Masauku + Salah (-4) and start either Maguire/king

    1. Lukakke
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B, but just Smalling + Pogba >> TAA + Zaha
      Rashford not worth a hit

  11. pakornk
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Is it possible that Pochettino will rest Lloris and play Worm or Gazzaniga?

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Nah.

  12. vinniebolton
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Lingard expected to start?

    1. Numb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Nope

    2. pakornk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Dont think so

    3. acidicleo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No

  13. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Gudmundsson or Iwobi?

    1. pakornk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Gud

  14. Cojiro
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Get rid of Pogba or Silva?

    1. pakornk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Pog

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'm selling both to get Salah

    3. Cojiro
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks

  15. pakornk
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Show of hands people captaining Kane?

    1. Galza
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Going to have too.
      6 pt lead in mini league and it’s pretty obvious to me that my only other rival will captain him.
      I really want to go Sterling, but I can’t risk it...

  16. barracuda
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I will finally get my life back.

    1. Optic1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I realised the other day that if I spent the same average hours learning to play a musical instrument I would probably be quite decent by now and people would actually be impressed. So I've decided to give the piano a go. Lol

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Or learn a new language 😆

      2. MTPockets
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Had same thoughts a few years ago. Been playing guitar since.

          1. Optic1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Lol nice.

        • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Trombone?

      3. OldBenKenobi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        So true

      4. el polako
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Turns out that my son went to school this year and I have a daughter...

        1. barracuda
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Haha man, that is good.

    2. Bilbao Baggins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Its definitely a tricky one if you are not leading your league..

      Options for most people are:

      1) Captain Salah the player who you think will score most points and hope somehow the other players you have make up the ground.

      2) Captain some one like Kane and hope that Salah doesn't perform. But this begs the question if you should even have Salah if you do this method.

    3. Dannyb
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Kolasinac for Smalling worth a punt today? Dont think Smalling is gonna play.

      1. Bubbles1985
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I'm going VVD I think. No other Liverpool def

    4. JJ Jones
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Take a -8 to get Kane in and DDG, Smalling and Son out?

      Cheers

      1. Our Tiny Windows
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah

    5. Teror
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus > Aubamayang (-4) ??

      1. JPSpurs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Nope

      2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        No

    6. Cocky Spaniel Alves
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      To claw back a deficit of 20 + points.

      Murray and Alli > Rashford and Zaha (-4)

      Rival has Alli and hence me wanting to get rid. Other option would be to ditch Mahrez instead.

      1. acidicleo
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Good moves.
        Keep Mahrez if rival doesn't have

    7. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      need to fund gross to Zaha:

      A vardy to rashford
      B vardy to ings

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Vardy has a great record against the top 6. Find another way

      2. pakornk
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        B, Liverpool more motivated.

    8. Tshelby
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus should start, right?

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Hope so

    9. OldBenKenobi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      6 points behind my work ML leader (he’s on -8 with 3 transfers made)

      Im a bit reluctant to take a hit now.
      What would you advise?

      DDG
      Alonso, Cresswell, Bauer
      Salah(c), Son, Alli, Willian
      Kane(v), Vardy, J.Ayew

      Lossl, Tadic, Dummett, Stephens

      0.1ITB 0FTs

      1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I don’t think Huddersfield will concede, Arsenal and Wenger will go out limply as is only appropriate so Lossl coming in for DDG is fine. But you might want to look at a Will.I.Am replacement.

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah I’m happy playing Lossl that’s not my worry.

          Mainly thinking if Willian > Arnie will repay the hit but I’m not sure...

          Plus playing Bauer isn’t ideal but I don’t think there’s normally many CS last game of the season anyway

          1. Lukakke
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Willian to Arnie is the only transfer I'd even consider, although I'd be tempted just to play Tadic instead. Tough call as I can definitely see Arnie scoring.

            If your rival has made 3 transfers he may well have brought Arnie in, so I guess it's a question of whether you think your squad is better or not (if it is, you should make the transfer)

            1. OldBenKenobi
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Yeah that’s how I’m looking at it. I’ll think about it a little more before I decide. Thanks

    10. Scotty B
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Foster
      TAA Vert Alonso
      Shaqiri Ramsey Eriksen Sterling
      Kane Jesus J Ayew

      Elliot Lowton Lingard Kompany

      1FT, 0.0M ITB

      Please could you advise which of the below you would do?

      A Jesus > Firmino
      B Elliot > Adrian
      C Alonso & Eriksen > Bailly & Salah
      D Eriksen & Sterling > Salah & Martial
      E Elliot & Jesus > Romero & Firmino

    11. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes to Ings-4?

      Nothing to play for now.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Why not, then?

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah think I might

      2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Think it’s an ok punt if nothing to play for

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks Dusan

    12. acidicleo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Who to bring In?
      A) Auba
      B) Firmino
      C) Giroud

      Need a potential double digit points.
      TIA

      1. caldracula
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        C

    13. Messsiaah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      good to go?

      Karius
      Monreal Davies Lowton
      Salah(c) Sterling Sane Eriksen Milli
      Jesus Vardy

      vardy>firmino worth an extra hit?

    14. Fudge
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      to get Salah, thinking of doing this (4pt hit)
      A) Willian -> Mili/RLC
      B) DDG -> Adrian

      this is my team

      DDG Ryan
      Vertonghen Morgan Lowton (Cedric Schelotto)
      Willian Mahrez Sterling Arnie Lingard
      Jesus Kane (Barnes)

      trying to break top 1k, any thoughts greatly appreciated

      thoughts? trying to break top 1k!

    15. adey70
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Willian and Son to Salah and Loftus-Cheek / Milivojevic for -4? Or sell one of Aubameyang and Jesus to raise the funds for Salah!? Got to take a hit if I want him in my team...

      1. JPSpurs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Think I’ve (99%) decided not to take a hit to bring Salah in...