Captain Sensible

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 31+?

Fantasy Premier League managers are faced with a perplexing captaincy decision for Gameweek 31+.

With Manchester City playing Chelsea, and Liverpool preparing for the mean defence of Crystal Palace, there is no standout candidate.

But this is the sort of Gameweek that Fantasy Football Scout readers relish. The lack of a comfortably popular captain provides Fantasy managers with an excellent opportunity to capitalise on how widely spread the armbands will be in Gameweek 31+.

To identify the best options to do this, we have looked at every key option’s recent form as well as the weaknesses (or not) of their upcoming opponents.

As this article uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

Captain Poll

The dilemma of the Gameweek 31+ captaincy is reflected perfectly in the results of our latest poll.

As you can see from the image above, no option has streaked ahead of the rest of the pack, indicating the massive opportunity Fantasy managers have to make real ground on their opponents.

Bruno Fernandes (£8.7m) is the man who tops the pile but not by much. 19.7% of the voters handed their support to the Manchester United midfielder, who continued his pre-lockdown form in the Gameweek 30+ draw with Spurs, scoring a second-half penalty.

Since joining the Red Devils, Fernandes has been involved in six of his team’s nine goals, averaging 7.8 points per game.

Throw penalties into the mix, plus a Sheffield United defence short of key personnel, and things look good for Fernandes. Dean Henderson (£5.3m) is ineligible to face his parent club, John Egan (£4.6m) is suspended following his Double Gameweek 30+ red card and Jack O’Connell (£4.6m) still a fitness doubt.

Despite the potential low-hanging fruit from this game, the interest in captaining Marcus Rashford (£8.9m) is comparatively low, just 4.9% backing the Manchester United forward for the armband in Gameweek 31+.

Despite missing out on Double Gameweek 30+ entirely, Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) sits second in the captain poll for the upcoming round of action.

15.3% have handed their backing to the Egyptian as Crystal Palace head to Anfield. His home form was certainly in fine fettle when lockdown struck the Premier League. Salah found the net in five of his last six Anfield outings, scoring six times, assisting once and averaging 8.7 points per game in that run.

However, Liverpool’s attacking assets will have to compete with a stubborn Crystal Palace defence midweek. The Eagles have now kept four clean sheets in a row. There may be some hope for Salah owners behind that statistic though. Those clean sheets kept by Roy Hodgson’s men between Gameweeks 27 and 30+ were recorded against Newcastle (home), Brighton (away), Watford (home) and Bournemouth (away) – hardly the same level of quality on offer at Liverpool. 

Raúl Jiménez (£8.2m) is fortunate enough to be the next forward to face Bournemouth, who looked exceptionally poor in their Double Gameweek 30+ defeat to Crystal Palace.

Their defence has been in poor shape both before and after lockdown, conceding at least twice in five of their last six and with just one clean sheet on the road since Gameweek 11.

By contrast, Jiménez has been the right kind of consistent. The Mexican’s goal at West Ham was his third in the last four Gameweeks, and sixth in the last eight.

Meanwhile, the Wolves forward has become increasingly reliable against the lesser sides in 2019/20. 12 of his 20 attacking returns this season have come against those outside the traditional ‘big six’.

Son Heung-min (£9.7m) heads up the differential options with 8.7% backing in the captaincy poll. 

The South Korean was in an excellent scoring groove before his Gameweek 26 injury, netting four times in the three matches before then.

Of course, he was occupying the centre-forward role vacated by the now-fit Harry Kane (£10.8m) at the time, but facing West Ham in Gameweek 31+ is certainly a favourable fixture. David Moyes men have kept just one clean sheet since Gameweek 21, conceding at least twice in six of their last eight. Furthermore, even though the Hammers are well-known for upping their game against their local rivals, they have conceded 1.8 goals per match against London opposition this season, more than their overall average for the entire season (1.7 goals conceded per game).

8.2% of our voters must have been pleased with what they saw of Jamie Vardy (£9.7m) against Watford, as they have picked him out as the best captain candidate for Gameweek 31+. The midweek round of action pits him against the Brighton defence, that has kept just one clean sheet on the road since Gameweek 7. But the question remains over whether Vardy can recapture his earlier season form. His two goals against Aston Villa in Gameweek 29, remain his only strikes since Gameweek 19.

Sadio Mané (£12.5m) remains a part of the discussion with his 6.2% backing and relatively decent form since return from injury pre-lockdown. While he could not carve out anything for his Double Gameweek 30+ owners, the Senegalese international still averages 6.2 points per game since returning to action in Gameweek 26. But, like Salah, he still has to contest with Hodgson’s well-organised Palace defence midweek.

Kevin De Bruyne‘s (£10.6m) Double Gameweek 30+ double-figure haul is enough to convince 6.1% of our voters to captain him despite a tricky (on paper anyway) meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. But no FPL midfielder has more attacking returns against ‘big-six’ opposition than De Bruyne, his total of eight coming from four goals and four assists in seven matches.

Harvey Barnes (£6.2m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m), Richarlison (£8.3m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.5m) and Sergio Aguero (£11.8m) are the only other options with more than 1% backing for Gameweek 31+.

Player statistics – Last four matches

2,965 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Am I good to go? Correct to play Saiss over Fernandez?

    DDG
    TAA, Doherty, Saiss
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Sarr
    Jimenez, Rashford, DCL

    Button l Fernandez, Holgate, Guendouzi

    1. Jönny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      That's a real coin toss.. depends if you feel like hedging your bets or going all in on Wolves. Sorry, that's stating the obvious – but essentially I'm not sure I can make an argument either way, it comes down to how you're feeling.

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah gtg, I’ve similar team actually

    3. AVIELD949
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Gtg

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good mate, Wolves defence always disappoints when I've doubled up lol, captain?

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Can’t decide between saiss vs Fernandez to start. I’m still 20+ behind in my main ML

        Keep switching between Salah and Fernandes - probably Salah to spread the risk given I’m triple united

        How you looking? Mahrez did me proud last night! I’m inching towards respectability of rank now.

  2. Jönny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Based on some feedback on an earlier Free Hit draft for this week, would you rather...

    (A) Rashford (non-playing 5th midfielder)
    (B) Fernandes (non-playing 3rd striker)

    And also...

    (A) Pope, TAA
    (B) Dubravka, VVD

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Fernandes

      Pope & TAA

  3. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Salah or Mane on WC?

    1. DMil
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I’m on Salah based on my interpretation of Klopp’s press conference and Mane having played 90 against Everton.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        What did he say?

        1. DMil
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Was in the scout article following the game just how it’s difficult for players to play a game like Everton then again 3 days later and that Salah was in good shape

          1. Pukki Party
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Okay good news, thank you.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      i m going Salah

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Salah

    4. tricky80
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'm taking the risk of no attacking Liverpool coverage. Last season they shut up shop at the end of the season and there was better value in spreading the funds.

  4. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rmwct

    Pope/foster - 3.9
    Sais gomez lund robinson lascels
    Richar son kdb mane bruno
    Rash jimi ings
    0.1

  5. Sune
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Maguire or AWB?

    1. dee_top
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Mag

    2. timmmuh
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I went AWB for attacking returns. Not convinced that with the defense and DDG (not at top of his game) ManU will get many (any??) clean sheets.

  6. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    WC GTG?

    Pope (Button)
    TAA, Saiss, Lacelles (Ward, Cresswell)
    Son (c), Mane, Bruno, Sarr (Cantwell)
    Jimi, Rashford, DCL

    1.7 ITB

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      1.7 ITB... why not get Doherty over Saiss?

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Amazing shout ahhahaha I was just looking to spend that money in midfield - thanks!

    2. Dele
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No Man City?!

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Rotation, rather have Son

  7. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which is better?

    A- Son + Saint Maximin (play 3-5-2)

    B- Alli + DCL (play 3-4-3)

    1. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

  8. dee_top
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Guys, any changes I need in my WC team:
    Pope
    Maguire TAA Doherty
    Bruno Son KDB Martial
    Calvert Jimenez Vardy
    Subs: Martin-Saka-Lasceles-Taylor

    $2m INB

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Holgate over Taylor? No Salah or Mané could really hurt and be hard to get back in

    2. Chief Break-Everything
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Nice team. Seeing as you have extra funds Saka-Foden in case KDB is benched? Rest is ace

  9. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Genuinely can’t pick a Captain. Unsure on Bruno for some nagging reason. Salah seems the safe pick. What you think from this lot?

    McCarthy
    TAA • Doherty • Lascelles
    Salah • Son • KDB • Bruno
    Jimenez • Rashford • DCL
    (3.9, Holgate, Kiko, Guendouzi)

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      It’s Salah or Fernandes - lots of arguments can be made for both

      Salah tops the bookies goal scorer odds FWIW

    2. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Come on Son, it is clear

    3. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Justify and base your captain decision on something and lock it in. Both Salah and Bruno viable options, don't want to lead you in any direction. Team looks good to go. GL Rafa

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers mate

  10. Hunter13
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Son, Pulisic and Nketiah(Bench)
    B)Bergwijn, Rashford and Saka(Bench)

  11. southernpacific
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Mahrez > son or hold?

  12. Hunter13
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Also Pope and Salah or Patricio and Mane

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Just gives us your log in details

    2. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      1

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      2

  13. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is this team GTG or should I WC and chase hauls?

    0itb 0ft - WC and BB left
    Pope
    TAA Lascelles Saiss
    Salah Mane KDB Fernandes
    DCL Ings Jimi
    (Ryan Traore Stephens Williams)

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      GTG

  14. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    It’s come down to this.
    I have Bruno and no Liverpool midfielder

    Kun and Grealish TO DCL and Son. -4
    Kun and Martial TO Rash and Son. -4
    Kun and Martial TO Salah and DCL. -4

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. TIME TO VARTY
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A. Wouldn't swap Martial for Rash and Son Martial DCL is a better 3

  15. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Dubravka or DDG?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Dave

  16. LFC19
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Chip strategy for those with FH and TC left? Tempted by Jiminez TC this week!

    1. LFC19
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Anyone?

  17. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which option?

    A) Pope, Mane, Guendouzi
    B) Martinez, Salah, Saka

  18. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    DCL and son

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Oops reply to Tony Martial

  19. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    On a WC:

    Martinez Button
    TAA Doherty Saiss Lascelles Holgate
    Salah KDB Bruno X X
    Rashford Jimi X

    1) Bergwijn, Davis & DCL
    2) Sarr, Foden/Saka & DCL
    3) Son, Davis & Greenwood (means playing one of Lasc/Holgate/Greenwood each week)

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      2

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      3

      1. timmmuh
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        This .... play Lascelles as Newcastle fixtures are plum

    3. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      How certain is Bergwijn?

  20. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    the lad I'm chasing in my cash ML uses here... I just have a feeling 🙂 so not giving my WC away

    is this bench strong enough? happy with first 11 & have 2m itb to play with when needed

    Button, Holgate, Davis, Ngakia

  21. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is it really worth it having a playing second keeper? The chances of the keeper going down just before the start of a gameweek are very low. The extra 0.2/ 0.3 million can come in handy improving your outfield players. Am I right?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I was going to have a cheap 2nd GK in case a late covid19 cancelation but think I'll risk 1 GK for now

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      It's only worth it for BB or you have a proper rotation where both will get a chance to play on regular basis. Otherwise pretty much waste of money.

  22. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best 5th mid option up to 5.5?

    Have KDB, tempted by Foden on current form but is City double up overkill considering fixutres?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Armstrong

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      what formation you playing?

  23. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pick one to complete this sorry team please:
    A) KDB, Barnes, Rashford
    B) Bruno, Martial, Vardy

    Martinez, 3.9
    VVD, Doherty, Lascelles, Holgate, 3.9
    Son, Mane, Saka, __, __
    Jimmy, DCL, __

  24. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Looking for a couple of differentials from my ML rival this week.

    A
    1. Aurier
    2. Holegate
    3. Maguire

    B
    1. Traore
    2. Saint Max

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      1,1

  25. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    This article always makes me laugh. The RMT Tool always contradicts the findings above.

  26. timmmuh
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Need some thoughts here:

    A) Ings/Son/Saiss
    B) Rashford/Traore or Mount/Doherty
    C) Jesus/Traore/Doherty

    On C right now, but not convinced. Already have Salah/DeBruyne/Fernandes/ Saka in Midfield and DCL/Jimi up front.

  27. alexh87
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    GTG?

    DDG
    TAA Doherty Lascelles
    Salah KDB Son Fernandes (c)
    Jimi Rashford DCL

    Subs: Martin Saka Holgate Robinson

  28. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which trio scores more until end of the season? Leaning towards B atm...

    A) Martinez, Doherty, Martial
    B) DDG, Saiss, Rashford

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Ye B but a real shame not to have Doherty

      1. LIARS POKER
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Just can't find any other way to get him in unfortunately

  29. Demba Demba
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Not seeing any mention of Kane? Im locked in with him as C on my wildcard, not chasing but just think he's due surely?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Is it wise to captain a defensive midfielder?

    2. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Kane hasn't been good in real life or FPL for a long time

      1. Demba Demba
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Bit harsh, he hasn't played for 6 months but still scored 11 in first half of season. I'm going with the punt, feel free to laugh at me at 10pm tonight tho

  30. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts?
    A) Salah (-4)
    B) Fernandes (-4)
    C) Sterling