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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. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    27 ahead in ml
    Rank 6k
    Options are
    A) Mhki -- Arnie to block, Kane (c)
    B) DDG, Silva, Lingard -- Salah(c) fodder, fodder -8

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Depends if you care about rank.

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yes I do

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      a

  2. Udo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    What do people think about Deulofeu?

    1. Syd.
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Terrible poster

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        😆

      2. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        😀

      3. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        :Hahaha

    2. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Try with another punt

    3. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Think he is shite and playing against United.

      1. 420king
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        ARS

      2. Syd.
        • 17 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        At least he will be getting a league winners medal unlike United players

    4. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Very inconsistent but can be a world beater on his day

    5. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Plays for a team who havent scored an away goal since gw22?

    6. Udo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks lads! Looking for a differential for Lingard. He was fab vs Chelsea.

  3. Littleman37
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    3 ML rivals all between 31 and 39 points behind.
    Would it be crazy go take -8 hit for : -

    Alonso, Willian, Lingard > Salah, Robertson, McArthur/RLC

    Only other way I can get Salah in involves selling Sane for -4, which I don't massively want to do, partly because 1 of the chasers has got Sane.

    1. Virgil Hilts
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hold yer nerve, no hits

      1. Littleman37
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers, appreciate it.

        Worried about salah captain haul levelling it all up.

        No hits means willian to arnie/Zaha.

  4. Fantasy Gold
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Not ideal preparation for Man City. Problems with their plane so they are not travelling to Southampton until tomorrow morning:

    https://mobile.twitter.com/polballus/status/995359257569742849

    1. Syd.
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Liverpool fans stole the wheels?

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn't happen with Ryanair!

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        They should go on the Titanic instead

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Still the best thing to come out of Southampton, after VVD 😛

    3. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hughes and his dark arts again ....

  5. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is this worth a hit?

    Alonso+Willian >> Salah(C)+Hunemeier?

    DDG
    Lowton • Smalling • Mustafi
    Eriksen • Sterling • Salah • Arnautovic
    Kane • Jesus • Austin
    (Ryan / Kenedy / Morgan / Hunemeier)

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yep. Only thing is Kenedy ineligible so Morgan will be your only playing sub

  6. Feed tha Sheep
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Which one?
    Barnes >
    A. Ayew
    B. Rodriguez
    OR
    Lingard > 6.0 (and play Cook)

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

  7. BON
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    If someone gives you £1 every second it would take you 11 days to become a millionaire, but it would take you 31 years to become a billionaire.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Mind. Blown.

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Nice

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Which definition of billionaire are you using?

  8. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Your pick for a goalfest tomorrow?

    Spurs vs Leicester for me

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Swansea v stoke I reckon

      1. Voodoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Swansea 4 Stoke 0

    2. Captain Vantastic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Arsenal one

    3. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Kane(c)?

      1. pundit of punts
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Dunno. Could be Salah.

    4. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Agree re Spurs vs Leicester.

    5. caldracula
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Burnley Bournemouth
      Newcastle Chelsea

    6. ENZO SZN™
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Huddersfield Arsenal
      Spurs Leicester
      Southampton City

  9. Bis_78
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    4points hit
    Eriksen + Smalling to Salah + Van Aanholt

    4points behind leader already.

    What to do ?????

  10. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    A) Play Wood
    B) Wood-> Ings -4
    C) wood, lingard -> Ings Zaha

    1. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Why Ings? Have I missed some firmino news?

      1. Ziyech on the Bench
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Mane out

  11. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Best midfielder 5.5M or under?

    1. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Cazorla is that small but I think he's injured

  12. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    #prayforbluewaffledeletedcomment

  13. Captain Vantastic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Would you take a hit to bring in Salah. Captaining Kane btw.

    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      If not captaining, no

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Bringing in a player for a hit and not wanting him to score. Damage limitation i suppose.

    3. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nope.

  14. LIARS POKER
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Would you do Lingard to Zaha/Martial for a hit?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. Tough call between the 3

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        2-

    2. Viper
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    3. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      No. Not for a hit. Not when Lingard could easily come on and score

  15. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    A) Ogbonna
    or
    B) Masuaku

    1. Udo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I went for B.

  16. Viper
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    DDG & Gross - > Adrian & Zaha (-4)?

    1. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Good moves imo.

      1. Udo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        This

  17. Voodoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Will there be any way of watching a live match tomorrow?

    1. FPL_Hazards
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Sky Sports

    2. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      tickettout.com

    3. Viper
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Three different games on sky

    4. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Sky Sports

    5. Syd.
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Man City game is on Sky Mix which you get with the entertainment package

    6. Voodoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers guys, that’s great. Didn’t think Sky could show..

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Why the phuck wouldn't Sky show any of the last games of the season 😀

        1. Voodoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Some rule about the time.

          1. kennethrhcp
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            that's Saturday only. sunday ok

    7. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Going to the stadium.

    8. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      None whatsoever

    9. Ikey Warrior
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Come to South Africa. 5 live games.

  18. FPL_Hazards
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Best GW38 defender up to £5.5m (can’t be from Spurs)

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Cresswell or PVA

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Robertson or TAA

  19. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone selling their City assets?

    Southampton will be parking one big bus

    1. FPL_Hazards
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Why? They need to win 4-0 not draw 0-0 lol

      1. Voodoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        ?

      2. pundit of punts
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        lol

      3. Syd.
        • 17 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Think you are confusing Swansea with Southampton

    2. Goalosaurus
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thinking about Dunk + Jesus --> Long + Auba for a -4.

      1. Goalosaurus
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Bit of a gamble

    3. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I have 3 and very tempted to sell Sane.

      Will be a scruffy game.

      1. Voodoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Why would you sell him?

    4. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I sold KDB after he was dropped last gw, for Livermore

      1. 3MSW
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Southampton have nothing to play for, City want 100pts.

  20. TSILIKAFENEIAKOS
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Get TAA or Clavan? Need to fund Son To Salah.

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      TAA

  21. Spike ⚽️
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Ddg > Adrian Smalling > TAA
    Son > Arnie Kenedy > Salah
    Kompany > ogbona -12 pts or just do Hazard to Salah and only have 9 starters

  22. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think Kompany starts with Otamendi tomorrow or will be on bench?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Ota and Stones I reckon

  23. Salah Fingers
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Smalling to VVD - 4
    Or just put Lowton 1st sub in the likely event smalling doesn't start?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Lowton first sub

      1. Salah Fingers
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  24. Zizou
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Arnie or zaha

    1. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      arnie

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Arnie

  25. hixen
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Think i can catch up?

    My team:

    Fab
    Alonso Christensen Van der Horn
    Salah (c) Ramsey Sterling D.Silva
    Jesus J.Ayew Kane

    Bench: DDG Cedric Morgan Loftus

    Vs

    Ryan
    Tarkowski Azpilicueta Lowton
    Lingard Son Salah (c) Sterling Gundogan
    Firmino Kane

    Bench: Morgan Cedric DDG Barnes

    Don’t know what transfers he is contemplating, but both of us have 0 itb.

    Behind 21p.

    Any master moves, or do I simply pray and hope for the best.

    1. 3MSW
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Pray.

  26. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan — ddg
    Lowton alonso smalling Maguire —- Cedric
    Pogba Sterling arnie Son --- king
    Kane Jesus —- Barnes

    Issue is that Only way i can get salah is either upgrading pogba (by downgrading alonso) or upgrading sterling (by downgrading smalling).

    Sterling is nailed so reluctant to get rid but then my defence in bad condition so I would prefer taking out smalling as opposed to alonso.

    Alternatively go salah less and do pogba/smalling >> martial/vvd (-4))L

  27. For Fuchs Sake
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Likelihood of Pogba playing?

  28. jimbo_smells
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Any of these worth a -4 to get Salah?

    A) Pogba + Rudiger -> Salah + Ogbonna/4.3
    B) Son + Rudiger -> Salah + TAA/4.6
    C) Son + DDG -> Salah + Romero

    My Squad:

    De Gea Ryan
    Rudiger Morgan Dunk Lowton Tarkowski
    Sterling Son Pogba Fernandinho Gudmundsson
    Kane Jesus Vardy

  29. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    son or eriksen (-4) or ramsey (-4) or salah (-8)

  30. Only a Hazard of time
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Not enough cash for Jesus --> Auba, feelings on Jesus --> Lacazette for a free?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Why do you want to get rid of Jesus? If you do Lacazette better option in my view.

      1. Only a Hazard of time
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Rotation #1