Captains
6 August 2018 1111 comments
DavidMunday815 DavidMunday815
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With less than a week to go until the 2018/19 Premier League season starts it’s time to start considering our Gameweek 1 Fantasy captains.

We’ve launched our first skipper poll of the season (below) for you to register who you think the best candidate is.

Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) is expected to be an early favourite given his pre-season form and a potentially favourable home fixture against new-look West Ham. However, Sadio Mané (£9.5m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) could receive some backing as the cheaper alternatives to the Egyptian.

Arsenal’s opening match against Manchester City should pull in plenty of interest for this conversation with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m) in good form in pre-season and Sergio Aguero (£11.0m) netting a brace in Sunday’s Community Shield final.

Alexis Sánchez (£10.5m) and Juan Mata (£6.5m) are likely to be the most popular captain choices for Friday night’s opening match between Manchester United and Leicester City.

We have also included Harry Kane (£12.5m) although there is some doubt over whether he will feature against Newcastle United.

Two defenders who may pick up some traction are the duo that registered double-figure hauls on the final day of 2017/18 in Andrew Robertson (£6.0m) and Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m).

The Dutchman’s colleagues Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) and Luka Milivojevic (£6.5m) may also be considered with Crystal Palace a fashionable team for investment at the start of the season.

Make sure you vote in the poll below and tell us why you made your choice in the comments.

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1,111 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. The Head-Ake
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    1) Zaha, Arnie, King. Pick any two.
    2) Bailly, PVA, Coleman. Pick one.

    1. Lukakwho
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Arnie King Bailly

    2. The_Adam
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Zaha, Arnie
      Bailly (if fit)

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Arnie, King
      Bailly

    4. RiskyBusiness
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Arnie and king
      Bailly

    5. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      ArnieKing

      Bailly if confirmed fit

    6. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Why not PVA?

      1. RiskyBusiness
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Don't see his attacking returns justifying an extra million from Tomkins

        1. The Head-Ake
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 28 days ago

          Fair enough

  2. Lukakwho
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    When will team news be out on the scout?

    1. Nanoelektronicar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      I'd say not before Thursday.

      It would be good to have both pre-season and team news tabs at the same time, but I'm not sure if it is possible.

  3. CostaCoffee
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    What’s with the King love now? Did I miss something? Haven’t been on here in 2/3 days, anyone want to help me catch up?

    1. Lukakwho
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Good pre season form and brilliant fixtures.

      1. CostaCoffee
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Thanks!

    2. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Mark has him

    3. COLLIN QUANER
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      I have King. Nice opening fixtures. Low ownership. Keeping some funds ITB so I can easily upgrade to Arnie/Zaha etc if it doesn't go to plan.

  4. Essem
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Is Kenedy nailed? He has missed a few games in pre-season because of child birth. Looks like best 5.0 option if he is going to start. I was decided on Costa but with Adama now giving him competition for his spot I'm not so sure.

    1. Pukki Party
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Bad fixtures and not allowed to play against Chelseas gw3 putting people off, great choice when playing.

      1. Essem
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        I don't think Spurs B Squad(H) GW1 is that bad. And after that it's Cardiff(A).

        1. Pukki Party
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 28 days ago

          Agree, as long as you have an option for gw3. Hughes my favourite 5.0 start of the season.

  5. RiskyBusiness
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Best 6 million midfielder?
    Currently on Meyer

    1. Pukki Party
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Pereyra

    2. SirT83
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Meyer is a good choice imo.

  6. Rotation City
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Was trawling through the 4.5m def options and came across Zabaleta. Man, remember when he was awesome?

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      That's your first sign of getting old when start looking at nostalgia picks 😀

  7. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    please pick 2

    1 B Davies
    2 Mendy
    3 VVD

    thank you

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      23

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      2 and 3

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Depends on rest of team but in isolation for first few GW id go 2,3.

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      thank you guys 🙂

    5. Ron_Swanson
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      2 and 3 because 1 looks like playing CB for a few weeks

    6. Bragazeti
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      2 & 3

  8. Lukakwho
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Are their any stats to agree with Arnie being “fixture proof?”

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      The bloke is a bast*ard, he holds no regard for fixtures.

    2. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Interested in this too - I don't think I've ever seen a player from a crap side being described as "fixture proof" as much as Arnie is.

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      I haven’t been too bothered by his fixtures. Whenever West Ham scored last year he was always involved FPL wise.

    4. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Last season he scored against: Palace, Sunderland, Boro and Hull.
      Assists against: Sunderland, Burnley, Everton, Hull and Arsenal

      So I'm going to say No

      1. Zilla
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Ummm what

        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 28 days ago

          I mean, in answer to the question 'Are there any stats to say Arnie is fixture proof', I'm going to say No, there aren't. Kind of the opposite, to be fair.

      2. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        wrong season...

        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 28 days ago

          Oops! You're absolutely right. Senior moment there ...

          The real figures for last season are:

          Goals against: Chelsea, Stoke, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Watford, Southampton, Arsenal, Everton
          Assists: West Brom, Huddersfield, Chelsea, Leicester, Everton

          Slightly less damning but still a long way from unlocking the 'Fixture Proof' achievement.

          1. Annie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 28 days ago

            you're right imo, failed to score against top 4.

          2. The Big Fella
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 28 days ago

            He wasn't upfront for all games last season though.

            1. roscola
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 28 days ago

              Fair enough but that can't be enough cause to call him 'fixture proof'

              1. The Big Fella
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 28 days ago

                I agree (and I think most reasonable people would - we are hardly talking about Messi here) but I also think looking at which games he scored in when he played in at least 2 different positions last year is also not the correct way to determine he is not fixture proof. Either way, common sense should prevail here regardless of methodology. He isn't fixture proof.

            2. Rogue Todd
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 28 days ago

              😆

          3. Rogue Todd
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 28 days ago

            Myth busted - great work 🙂

      3. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Sunderland were in the championship...

    5. Andy'81
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Managed 2 goals in 11 appearances against the top six sides last season puts me off him from the start as the Hammers are away to Pool and Arsenal in the first 3 games (They play all of the top six sides in the first nine games), I'm happy to just monitor him.

    6. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Not especially, failed to score against the top 4 last season.

  9. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Scoutcast this week lads?

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Tomorrow evening

    2. SirT83
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Can't wait. I'm banging my head against the wall trying to decide for myself who to pick. Need some tips!

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Rotating with Pedro?

      1. CostaCoffee
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Should be first choice when he’s back at full fitness

    2. CostaCoffee
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Looks like he’s staying alright but I wouldn’t trust the mirror for transfer news

  10. Lemongrab
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    If Zaha goes to Cheslea (rumour mill is rumbling this morning) does that make him a better or worse FPL asset?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Worse imo

    2. klavan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      better if they sell willian or hazard

      1. CostaCoffee
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        They’re both staying

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Would love to see him playing upfront if he signed.

      1. Lemongrab
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        That's the dream I guess that he replaces Morata up front. Still if he nails down a place on the wing 7million could be something of a bargain

  11. rnrd
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Really cant decide between robertson and vvd.
    Both have their pros.
    Who do you go for and why?

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Robbo for his attacking points.

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        VvD has more goal threat

    2. Sam feasts
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Going with VVD as its more exciting when Liverpool get a corner.

  12. klavan
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    A)Jota in 3-5-2
    B)King in 3-4-3

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      A

    2. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Get both

    3. Robson-Canoe
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      I have both but I'd pick King if I had to choose

  13. BilalM
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Hi all, still not sold on investing top heavy for now. So have gone with this to get me through the first few GW's. How's it looking

    Patricio / Foster
    Coleman Robertson Mee Cedric Peltier
    Salah (c) Sanchez Sane Neves Richarlison
    Zaha Tosun J. King

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Please post RMTs on the RMT article please 🙂
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/08/04/rmt-collection-zoumasbloomers

  14. Tjomsss
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Aguero Aubameyang Schürrle

    Aguero Firmino Zaha

    Which one do you like most?

    1. BilalM
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Aguero Firmino Zaha.

      Who do you have in midfield then??

      1. Tjomsss
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Midfield is Salah, Miki, Jota, Richarlison, 5.0

    2. Pukki Party
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      A

  15. eririi
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    De Gea - (Ryan)
    Mendy - PVA - Baines - (Malone - Simpson)
    Mane - Mkhitaryan - D Silva - Alexis - Richarlison
    Arnautovic - Aguero - (Kamara)
    What do you guys think? Any obvious mistakes?

    1. Demel
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Yes. Baines is unlikely to start. Mikhi is in the same boat.

      1. eririi
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Ah, thank you!

    2. golfboy
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      why not take a 4m Keeper? Save 0.5 as you'll play DDG every week

      1. eririi
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Good idea!

    3. Madfox
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Simpson is a total waste at 4.5m many better alternatives for that price. Malone is also unlikely to start look to AWB or Peltier/bednarek as possible 4.0m options. If you’re going de gea I would downgrade Ryan and play de gea every week. For the start of the season I would replace D Silva with B.Silva after watching yesterday by doing all this it gives you a much better 3rd striker option than kamara and/or can upgrade from a 4.5m defender to a 5-5.5 one like Shaw or Bellerin maybe (after GW2)

  16. FPL Mentor
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Fabianski*
    Mendy Robertson PVA
    Salah Mane Jota Richarlison
    Arnautovic Aguero Zaha

    Stekelenburg | Cairney* | AWB | Bennett

    0.5m in the bank.

    Should i downgrade Cairney 》 Masuaku(4.5m) and upgrade Fabianski 》 Ederson(5.5m)?

    Only thing i dislike about the move is having 5.5m tied up in my GK when that extra 1.5m can be used throughout the remainder of the squad over the season.

    Thoughts

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Hey there 🙂 Would you mind posting this on the RMT article instead?

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/08/04/rmt-collection-zoumasbloomers

      1. FPL Mentor
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Hello there, with pleasure 🙂

    2. SW6
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      I would downgrade Cairney and keep the 1m in the bank. It might be useful for bringing in KdB or Hazard for Mane or upgrading one of the 6.5s to Mkhitaryan/Ramsey.
      Ederson is not worth either a City spot or 5.5

  17. Lukakwho
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Chambers gone to Fulham. Is he now another nailed 4.5M def?

    1. Demel
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Looks that way.

    2. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Do you know how it will affect that defence?

      I could see him going in the middle, with the new signing pushed to LB and Sessegnon going further forward

  18. Madfox
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Hi guys I’m setting up a H2H league would appreciate it if you would join. Thanks! 1228159-305081

  19. Robson-Canoe
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    No love for Zanka as 4.5 rotating def option?

    1. *sigh*
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Did have before the 4.0m defenders turned up and I gave in to futile temptation.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        Which £4m are nailed? Just Wan Bissaka as far as I am aware

        1. *sigh*
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 28 days ago

          Peltier Bednarek also looking good first game of season at least I’d say.

        2. fiveyears
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 28 days ago

          Peltier should start the season for Cardiff but transfers this week may change that

  20. DAZZ
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Currently going with Lucas Moura for GW 1 + 2. Anyone else on this punt? Also fancy Josh King to net 1.

  21. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Will Stones be a regular starter this time?

    1. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      I want him to be in order to be a cheap route into the Man C defence, but I'm not confident enough he is.

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 28 days ago

        He had a great world cup and I think pep will play him a lot this season .

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      If Pep plays 3 at the back, maybe

  22. andrinho
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Is Willian likely to start the 1st game considering he was subbed on yesterday in the 59th minute?

  23. LangerznMash
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Dilemma: Really can't make up my mind on TAA for GW1.
    Clyne looks more likely to start but you never know.
    Be gutted if I didn't gamble on TAA and he got an assist.
    Worst case scenario is he doesn't play and my sub (Tomkins) comes in.

    Conclusion: It isn't much of a risk to opt for TAA and the potential reward is high.

    1. willl
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      If you want him long term then start with him imo.

  24. anish10
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    King will be this years Gabbiadini

    1. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Mad statement.
      Tosin will be this year's Gabbiadini

  25. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    What do you reckon will be Spurs defence for the opening game?

    1. golfboy
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Probably Davies Sanchez Vertong Aurier

      Although not sure about Vertong after the WC?

    2. H-SF
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Aurier Sanchez Vertonghen Davies

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Aurier, Sanchez, Davies, Walker-Peters

  26. Andrew
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    £4m defenders that have the best chance of playing?

    1. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      WB, Peltier, Bedarnek are the holy trinity as it stands

    2. klavan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Bissaka, Peltier, Bednarek myb?

    3. Bragazeti
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      Schelotto may have a decent chance too

    4. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 28 days ago

      I quite like Schelotto who gets forward strongly, worth hoping he'll get RB position.

  27. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Which defence line?
    A) ddg
    Walker robertson mendy awb peltier

    B) ederson
    Mendy robertson rudiger shaw awb

    Playing 343 mostly

  28. Nespinha
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Looking for a private draft league with 2 spots available

  29. Strchld
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 28 days ago

    Which two 4.5 keepers pair rotation well