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. VaVaVoom
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Do we think Miki will start?

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

      Hard to tell.

      Emery looks to be playing 4-3-3.

      In preseason, sometimes it's been Laca up top with Auba to the left. Then Ozil or Mkhi will take the RW spot.

      Other times, Auba has been up top with Mkhi and Ozil either side.

      Laca and Mkhi both would be fantastic value if they can nail a spot but neither are nailed atm. Good chance to wait out a few weeks with tough early fixtures anyway

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

      I think with Ramsey injured, he will start for now. I would say he is too good to leave on the bench but the truthful answer is, nobody knows. Could wait for the press conference.

  2. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guys, please RMT for the start of the season.

    Fabianski
    Mendy Bellerin Cedric
    Salah(c) Richarlison Silva Jota
    Aguero Arnautovic Firmino

    Subs: Speroni Lovren Stephens Wan-Bissaka

    1. HLaw/91
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I think there's a separate thread for these?

      Anyway the 5.5 bracket for defenders is a bit shaky; I'd downgrade Lovren to a 4.5 and upgrade Bellerin to Robertson.

      1. CelticBhoy1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

  3. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    This team isn't template going a lot more risky this year despite winning my ML last season open to all suggestions, opinion & advice on here:

    Fabri
    Boly Mee Kabasele
    Dilva Neves Sanchez Salah (©)
    Aguero Firmino King

    Subs:Ryan,Tomkins, Hudson-Odoi & Peltier

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Ah forgot about the RMT article will RP there cheers

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

          Save you the time as RMTs aren't getting responses here anymore 🙂

  4. Fassy
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Courtois told Sarri he wants to leave Chelsea according to Mirror Football. Hopefully they sign Schmeichel, a 5.0 GK from Chelsea, the dream...

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      they need to get it sorted quick, not much time to get in a replacement

    2. hspin
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      needs to happen fast, or else he wont start gw1 I think

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

    VVD or Robertson.

    Robertson more likey for assists, VVD more likely for goals and more nailed?

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

      Yep something like that

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

      both are nailed. VVD could get more BPS. Robbo assists.

    3. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Robbo for me a joy to watch at Anfield but got a lot of assists in my squad last season with him too.

    4. Petrichor II
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Vvd get goals? One in six years?

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

    A. Mane & Zaha
    B. Firmino & B Silva

    How may starts do people here think B silva will get?

  7. thom830g
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Coleman worth it? Alternatives at 5.5?

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

      Luiz, PVA, Smalling, Bailly

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        No good ones basically

      2. thom830g
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        But will PVA and Luiz get more points than Coleman in your opinion? Is Smalling a secure starter and Bailly is flagged.

  8. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Pick one

    A PVA Odoi Peltier (442)
    Odoi as 5th mid

    B WBissaka Peltier Jota (352)
    Jota 5th mid

    1. Yes Don
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      b

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

    A) Bilva, Richarlison, Peltier
    B) Mkhitaryan, Gross, Peltier
    C) Mkhitaryan, Richarlison, Zanka

    I am already on C. Neither Peltier nor Zanka will be playing defenders but I do ideally want a playing bench because I think rotation, with City and Liverpool especially, will be rife this year.

    Huddersfield have good fixtures apart from the first two, and based on Chelsea's performance yesterday I am not sure how bad a fixture that will be to be honest.

    Gross gets good from GW4 and really good from GW8 but he may go up in price if he scores against Watford in the opener.

    1. HLaw/91
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Probably A

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

        Cheers! What about A with Bilva, Mkhitaryan, Peltier and Ward (Ward instead of Neves)?

  10. Cal
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on a “nearly there” draft

    3-5-2

    DDG;
    Coleman, Mendy, Robertson;
    Eriksen, Sigurdsson, Salah, Schurrle, Townsend;
    Arnautovic, Aguero

    1. Podge
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Very nice

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Repack schurlle with king and then yeah for a 343 is nice except Coleman i’d Make a 4.5 like Boly or kabasele

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

        Coleman is a risk but I’m going to stick with him to begin with his attacking offering and decent fixtures. Easy to swap him out at that price if I need.
        Good shout with King though!

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I don’t think Everton will keep more than 1 CS in the first 10 week’s

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

            Maybe Coleman > 5m defender then Schurrle > King/Mitrovic?

        2. Ask Yourself
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I like Townsend

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      what's the bench?

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

        Bednarek, Kamara, Wan-Bissaka

    4. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I quite like that

  11. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Any playing 4.0 defenders?

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

      AWB

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Wan-Bissaka, Peltier. Potentially Bednarek.

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

        Is Peltier a sure thing?

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Looks very promising, but nobody could say a sure thing.

        2. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Believe he played at RWB in their last friendly.

    3. Jack Daniels
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Is Bennett no longer a popular 4.0?

  12. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Turd striker 6m->6.5m is a pain.

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

      Austin, King, Mitrovic all look decent

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        yeah, picking the correct one is an issue though.

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

          Isn't that the point of this game

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke 😉

  13. Bialystrzelec
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed

    What would you have?

    A Shaw & Eriksen
    B Baily & Miki & flexibility after GW1
    C other def and mid up to £13 altogother

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

      A...But that equals 14.5m

  14. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is PVA worth 5.5? Or is it better to have Someone like Jota/6.5/6.0 and instead have Wan Bissaka?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Tomkins + 6.5 mid imo

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

    Best £4.5m for 5th midfielder and why?

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

      Stephens. Plays every week more or less. Doesn't score/assist too often but is going to be a steady 2-3 pts sitting on your bench if occasionally required.

  16. Net Gains
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Huge dilemma please help!

    A. Richarlison as 5th mid and Quaner as sub striker

    Or

    B. 4.5 midfielder sub and King as 3rd striker

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

      Close - probably B

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I think B.

      I have Richy and King in my side but I'd choose King if I had to - pens + better opening two fixtures swings it for me.

    3. Fire Chief Moe
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

      Rich (with Kamara)

  17. GreenWindmill
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Newcastle's 'Form Players' in the Pre-Season tab says it all. This season is going to be painful.

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

      It's a shame. Mike Ashley not spending....

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        So frustrating 🙁

  18. Salahbrate
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Tomkins or PVA? And why?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Different prices, can't compare them directly

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Would usually say PVA all day long but I think Tomkins is by far the best 4.5 option at the start of this season.

      I've got PVA + Holebas for the moment but I'm getting a trigger finger to change to Tomkins + (5.5)

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

      Im going with my gut and keeping PVA in team since he gave attacking return in literally every preseason game he played this summer

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah. And I feel like Schlupp will lose place eventually to Meyer (or Ayew) so not comfortable with that short termism.

        If Zaha stays, I imagine Palace go with something like:

        Mili - McArthur/Kouyate
        Zaha-Meyer-Townsend
        Benteke

  19. Maddi Son
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    a) Ederson & 4.5 defender
    b) Patricio & 5.5 defender

    1. daitheboot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A for me

    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

      4.5 defenders is basically tomkins

  20. ForzaInter
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Currently reconsidering Coleman in my side who, at his best, would make a mockery of his 5.5 price. If healthy, I suspect he racks up no less than 130 points, which would have put him amongst the Top 10 defenders last year. If he were to equal his career year--180 pts. in 2013/14--it would have put him as last year's #1 defender (5 pts. above Azpi) and on more season points than Sane, Hazard, Son, and Alli. Anyone else pipping for Coleman in GW1?

    1. Union_Jacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I’ve had Coleman since the beginning. Those fixtures are hard to turn down.

      Just hope Everton somewhat sort themselves out defensively.

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

      Not until Everton look capable of defending

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Debating it now with Bailly unlikely to start GW1

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

        If United bring Maguire in............

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

      I started with him but Everton have been a shambles in pre-season. I will wait and see.

    5. Weeb Kakashi
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He would be my no1 pick in defence with those fixtures...

      But sadly their defence is absolute poop tbh.

    6. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I've gone backwards and forwards on this - the fact that they've looked SO BAD at the back pre-season turned me off - but it boils down to your view of FPL and whether you'd prefer to bank on clean sheets or hope for attacking returns.

      If you picked Coleman, you'd purely be hoping for something at the other end of the pitch. Everton look good for conceding every game regardless of opposition, so you would have to be prepared for 1 pointers.

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

      In my team, especially due to Everton's shoring up at the back with Digne and Mina. Not taking pre season form too seriously.
      Just love an attacking defender...

    8. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I’m just not convinced.

      If the Mr boring Big Sam couldnt even get clean sheets out of them, I can’t see how Silva will.

    9. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He's in my team but made it due to no competition and fixtures

  21. DAZZ
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Zaha 31% ownership, bizzare. For a man that wants to leave

    1. Union_Jacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Does he want to leave?

      It’s all BS to me.

  22. Powers106
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Are any of the Spurs 6.0 defenders nailed to start GW1? Thanks!

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

      Davies, but probably at CB rather than his usual LWB.

  23. Villa Velour
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    RMT:
    Ederson;
    PVA, TAA, Daniels;
    Salah, Alexis, Mane, Neves;
    Kun, Zaha, Arnie

    Bit top heavy, defence is worrying me.

  24. That Fantasy Guy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone playing FPL draft and needs a player?
    Keen to be involved with 1 or 2 leagues

  25. shelvey33
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    guys what do think of Maximilan Mayer? He was a big talent and big money signing according to salary. Will he play a big role in Palace and will he start the first game, or if not when will he be ready?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yes he will play a big role, not sure if he will start GW 1. Only issue is how advanced he will be. Zaha is the best bet if he stays.

  26. Just Been On Loan
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Continuing to tinker and struggling on this one. Unfortunately can't double up with Ederson and Mendy (Mahrez and Aguero taking up two more city spots)

    A) DDG + Mendy + Tomkins
    B) Ederson + Bailly + PVA

    Cheers!

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

      A for me, don't really trust Bailly and Mendy and Tomkins do have attacking threat

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah A - after all my earlier ballast I'm going for DDG as well, until wildcard at least.

      Just can't trust Bailly to last more than five minutes at this rate, and that risk isn't worth going for PVA over Tomk.

      1. Just Been On Loan
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks both, think that's the way I'm leaning. Bailly does seem like a transfer waiting to happen

  27. JimboJ
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone still backing Groß despite fixtures?

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

      No. I am hoping he blanks against Watford and then drops in price so I can bring him in when his fixtures turn good again.

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Not worth it at that price imo

  28. Well you know, Triffic
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else going with two 6.5 mids (along with two premiums?)

    I can't bring myself to drop either Richarlison or Jota. Really think they will be the talisman for their respective teams this year.

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

      There is quite a lot in that 6-7.5m bracket this year. Both have been in and out of my team as has Mkhitaryan and Gross. Now debating Bilva.

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Yep Bilva is the other option. Might just go with the aforementioned two then make a decision on who to drop.

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

      I'm very tempted by a 3-5-2 with Salah-Mane-Bernardo-Jota-Richarlison and Agüero-King-4.5

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Not feeling 4.5 forwards tbh. I'd keep an eye on Danny Ings.

      2. firstade
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Exactly my team with Kamara as 3rd striker

    3. ForzaInter
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm with you...all versions of my teams have seemed to have two players within the 7.5-6.5 range--currently BSilva and Walcott/Richarlison--along with two premiums. BSilva is short-term and Jota is heavy in my longer-term thinking for the reason you mentioned.

  29. glufs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I see a lot of teams With Firmino. Do we know if he is playing in GW1?

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

      Should do - played in friendly at the weekend.

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

      im avoiding him first week due to lack of match fitness and sturridge somewhat in form

  30. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    luiz or coleman?