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. The Head-Ake
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

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

    1. Lukakwho
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Arnie King Bailly

    2. The_Adam
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Zaha, Arnie
      Bailly (if fit)

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Arnie, King
      Bailly

    4. RiskyBusiness
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Arnie and king
      Bailly

    5. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      ArnieKing

      Bailly if confirmed fit

    6. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Why not PVA?

      1. RiskyBusiness
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

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

        1. The Head-Ake
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Fair enough

  2. Lukakwho
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    When will team news be out on the scout?

    1. Nanoelektronicar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Good pre season form and brilliant fixtures.

      1. CostaCoffee
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks!

    2. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Mark has him

    3. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

      1. Essem
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

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

        1. Pukki Party
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

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

  5. RiskyBusiness
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Best 6 million midfielder?
    Currently on Meyer

    1. Pukki Party
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Pereyra

    2. SirT83
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Meyer is a good choice imo.

  6. Rotation City
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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…
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

  7. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    please pick 2

    1 B Davies
    2 Mendy
    3 VVD

    thank you

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      23

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      2 and 3

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      thank you guys 🙂

    5. Ron_Swanson
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

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

      2 & 3

  8. Lukakwho
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

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

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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
      7 years, 7 months 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
      7 years, 7 months 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
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Ummm what

        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months 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
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        wrong season...

        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months 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
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

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

          2. The Big Fella
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

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

            1. roscola
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

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

              1. The Big Fella
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 7 months 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. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              😆

          3. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Myth busted - great work 🙂

      3. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Sunderland were in the championship...

    5. Andy'81
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

  9. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Scoutcast this week lads?

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Tomorrow evening

    2. SirT83
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Rotating with Pedro?

      1. CostaCoffee
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

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

    2. CostaCoffee
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

  10. Lemongrab
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Worse imo

    2. klavan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      better if they sell willian or hazard

      1. CostaCoffee
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        They’re both staying

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Would love to see him playing upfront if he signed.

      1. Lemongrab
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 7 months 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
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Robbo for his attacking points.

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        VvD has more goal threat

    2. Sam feasts
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

  12. klavan
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

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

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Get both

    3. Robson-Canoe
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

  13. BilalM
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

  14. Tjomsss
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Aguero Aubameyang Schürrle

    Aguero Firmino Zaha

    Which one do you like most?

    1. BilalM
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero Firmino Zaha.

      Who do you have in midfield then??

      1. Tjomsss
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Midfield is Salah, Miki, Jota, Richarlison, 5.0

    2. Pukki Party
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A

  15. eririi
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

      1. eririi
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Ah, thank you!

    2. golfboy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

      1. eririi
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Good idea!

    3. Madfox
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Hello there, with pleasure 🙂

    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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
    7 years, 7 months ago

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

    1. Demel
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Looks that way.

    2. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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
    7 years, 7 months 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
    7 years, 7 months ago

    No love for Zanka as 4.5 rotating def option?

    1. *sigh*
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

      1. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

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

        1. *sigh*
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

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

        2. fiveyears
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

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

  20. DAZZ
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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)
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Will Stones be a regular starter this time?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months 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)
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

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

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      If Pep plays 3 at the back, maybe

  22. andrinho
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

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

  23. LangerznMash
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

  24. anish10
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    King will be this years Gabbiadini

    1. LangerznMash
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Mad statement.
      Tosin will be this year's Gabbiadini

  25. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

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

    1. golfboy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Probably Davies Sanchez Vertong Aurier

      Although not sure about Vertong after the WC?

    2. H-SF
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Aurier Sanchez Vertonghen Davies

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Aurier, Sanchez, Davies, Walker-Peters

  26. Andrew
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

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

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

    2. klavan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Bissaka, Peltier, Bednarek myb?

    3. Bragazeti
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Schelotto may have a decent chance too

    4. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

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

  27. Emiliano Sala
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months 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
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Looking for a private draft league with 2 spots available

  29. Strchld
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Which two 4.5 keepers pair rotation well