Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 34+?

Fantasy Premier League managers are looking at Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs assets for the Gameweek 34+ captaincy.

But who is the best candidate for the armband? That’s what the Captain Sensible article is here for.

We have compared each asset for various aspects of form over the last four matches of the Premier League restart against the defences they are set to face midweek.

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

Captain Poll

After several Gameweeks of tight calls, Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m) has cut through the noise to become the overwhelming captaincy favourite for the next round of action.

The Belgian’s latest rest looks to have locked in a start for the Newcastle game on Wednesday evening and encouraged the interest in his Fantasy credentials.

Since the Premier League restarted, De Bruyne has produced attacking returns during every game in which he has featured from the beginning, totalling three goals, two assists, two double-digit hauls and an average score of 12 points per game. Impressive stuff.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have kept just one clean sheet since Gameweek 30+, conceding twice in their recent draw with West Ham, so De Bruyne will fancy his chances of making a breakthrough, or assisting one of his colleagues. As a result, 44.1% of our voters have singled him out as the best captain for Gameweek 34+.

Bruno Fernandes (£8.9m) takes up the silver medal position this time around, earning 19.8% support ahead of a trip to Aston Villa, just under half the backing of De Bruyne.

The disparity between the two players could be a result of more voters cottoning onto the recent defensive improvements made by Dean Smith’s men. While they have just one clean sheet since the Premier League restart, Villa do look a lot harder to break down than before. Pre-lockdown, they conceded an average of two goals per game across the first 28 matches of the campaign. Since then they have managed to decrease that to just 1.2 per game.

That said, Fernandes comes into Gameweek 34+ in excellent form. After slight blip when starting alongside Paul Pogba (£8.3m) for the first time against Sheffield United, the Portuguese international has responded with two scintillating performances.

In Gameweeks 32+ and 33+ he scored three goals and assisted a further two, racking up 15 points in each match, despite gifting a penalty to Marcus Rashford (£9.1m). Even outside of spot-kicks, Fernandes retains considerable threat on his long-range, but accurate, shots on goal, as well as direct free-kicks and corners.

Harry Kane (£11.0m) sits a distant third in the captain poll this week, backed by just 6.2% ahead of Spurs meeting with Bournemouth.

The Cherries have certainly been in an obliging mood of late, conceding more goals than any other side since the Premier League restarted (12).

However, it must be remembered that Steve Cook (£5.0m), Simon Francis (£4.4m), Chris Mepham (£4.3m) or Jack Simpson (£3.9m) were all absent for the most recent outing, the 5-2 defeat at Manchester United, so Kane backers may want to consider that some of them could return to action.

The centre-forward has put in some mixed performances since Gameweek 30+, scoring twice in that time, but struggling to offer much in the way of justification for the armband in Monday’s win over Everton, which you can read about in more detail HERE.

Willian (£7.2m) has scored a penalty in each of the last three Chelsea matches, helping him climb to the fourth-most-popular captain for Gameweek 34+.

Chelsea travel to a Crystal Palace side that has lapsed defensively since their four clean sheets from four between Gameweeks 27 and 30+. Over their last three matches, the Eagles have shipped a total of eight goals, while Frank Lampard’s men have found the net at least twice in every outing since the Premier League restart.

Willian has played a bit part in that, hence the 3.9% backing for the captaincy, while Christian Pulisic (£7.2m), the man who has won several of the Brazilian’s penalties, has accrued the support of 3.3% of voters.

The two Chelsea options sit either side of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) in the popularity charts, 3.4% selecting him as the best captain for Gameweek 34+.

On Tuesday evening, Arsenal host a Leicester side with just one clean sheet in their last five away matches. Aubameyang, meanwhile, has five goals in his last four at the Emirates Stadium.

A rather laboured display for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Aston Villa has sent Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) down the captaincy pecking order for Gameweek 34+. Ahead of a trip to Brighton, who have conceded in every home game since Gameweek 20+, the Egyptian has the support of just 2.4%.

The differential power of Raheem Sterling (£11.7m) is also rather high, considering that 1.9% have selected him as the best Gameweek 34+ captain, and the same goes for Phil Foden (£5.4m), who has the same amount of support. The latter has produced attacking returns in every home match since the Premier League restart, averaging 11.3 points per game.

Anthony Martial (£8.3m), Son Heung-min (£9.8m), Rashford, Mason Greenwood (£4.6m) and Gabriel Jesus (£9.6m) are the only options with more than 1% backing in the poll.

Player statistics – Last four matches

1,533 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Seen alot of Pulisic or Foden,

    chelsea play liverpool 37 and wolves 38 so wouldnt expect much from Chelsea, were as Man City only have great fixtures, Foden will likely play some part in most games

    1. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lot of people still got their wc to play , that could be the reasoning behind it

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      An argument could be made that Liverpool have eased up and will give kids a run out, and Wolves are tired. Personally I have both Pully and Foden and will play them both.

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        but also remember chelsea play Liverpool after semi final and liverpool will have a full week rest and are due to pick.up the trophy that evening.....

    3. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think foden will do well till the end of the season. I'm even considering mahrez to foden today

    4. E25
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If say foden is more of a 5th mid with pulisic a 3rd or 4th so there's a hit of a difference there and likely rotation.

    5. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have both. Might lose Pulisic for final two games for someone like Antonio.

  2. Boz
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    With Holgate and Lascelles flagged and Robinson at risk, who is the best 4.5 defender to bring in?

    1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lamptey at 4.0 is an interesting option, but for a more solid pick maybe Taylor?

  3. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Auba+Lascelles to Vardy+Azpi for -4?

  4. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sorry no replies

    Guys have taa kiko doh in starting but lascelles and Simpson are the other two..one ft and 0itb should I do

    A) lascelles to Taylor for free?
    B) Mane to sterling free
    C) save

    Martinez
    Taa kiko doh
    Kdb Martial bruno pulisic mane
    Jim rash

    3.9 Connolly lasc simpson

    Suggestions needed guys..

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      In your position probably save.

  5. yakirh
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench one:
    A. Aurier
    B. DCL
    C. Jimenez

    1. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  6. reo19uk
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On a free hit which 3 strikers would people choose this week?

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Greenwood ans no more....load up on midfield

    2. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would go for Kane on FH

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kane -Greenwood and 5 mids

      1. reo19uk
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Would you choose Greenwood over Rashford if money no object on the free hit?

    4. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Greenwood, Firmino, Vardy

    5. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Considering villa have been better defensively

      Martial > foden a risk??

      1. Boz
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Wouldn't want to lose martial

      2. yakirh
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Martial captain material next GW, that's a firm no from me

      3. JabariParkersEyelid
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Don't lose Martial.

    6. tyron
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      trying to understand why is everyone minusing salah/mane out. i understand straight swap but for a minus are we so sure they bench?

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        yeah I don't get it

      2. yakirh
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I sold Salah to Sterling for free, wouldn't do it for a hit
        I think people just want to change things up a bit, since the season is almost over and they need differentials to rank up

      3. E25
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        That seems bold seeing as they have Brighton.

      4. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        defo keeping, its the armband i m not sure about...would be so nice to have a salah haul (c) and a kdb blank, but it probably wont happen. decision decision...

      5. JabariParkersEyelid
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Just want to do something different, and I also have a feeling Mane will be benched mid week.

      6. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Most do it with FT. Other have used their FT and is tempted, nothing to loose mentalitet.

        1. Firminooooo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          *mentality.

    7. CrouchDown
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Any ideas here guys? Thinking of Mane, DCL > Martial, Kane (-4)

      Pope

      TAA Saiss Kabasele

      Mane KDB Son Bruno

      DCL Greenwood Jimmy

      Subs: Button, Saka Holgate Lascelles

      1. E25
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        See jy previous post, I suggested the same move. I'm honestly leaning towards saving FT now. Getting Kane in (maybe just for one week) for a hit just doesn't seem right

    8. mikeycee93
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      whats your thoughts - Enda Stevens > Digne for a 4pt hit?

      Current 2.8k rank

      Patricio

      TAA Doc Stevens (Lascelles, Ngakia)

      KDB, Mane, Pulisic, Bruno (Sait Maxim)

      Auba, Greenwood, Rash

      1. mikeycee93
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        0.8mill in banks. I've got Button as back up keeper

      2. Boz
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Not for a hit

    9. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez (NEW) or Salah (bha) this GW?

      1. Max City
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        probably mahrez

      2. Schwarzer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Mahrez

    10. la boneza
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pope
      TAA(vc) Doherty Aurier
      Salah KDB(c) Son Bruno Martial
      Rashford Giroud

      Martinez Nketiah Taylor Lascelles

      ...Any help is appreciated.. anything I should look to change here?

      1. mikeycee93
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        as mentioned above i really fancy digne for remaining fixtures.

        1. la boneza
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yea i agree but would be Doherty making way and I think I prefer Doc + 1 FT at this point. Good shout tho thnx

    11. Max City
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you already had KDB and Bruno Fernandes in your midfield and Rashford in attack (and no other MCI player), who would you get as an exchange of Salah (to free some money)?

      A) Pulisic
      B) Mahrez
      C) Martial
      D) Sterling

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        C

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B - is what I am about to do

      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I would just keep Salah

        1. Max City
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          you have any Chelsea player?

          would you worry if you didn't have any CHE coverage?

          1. E25
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Can puli keep getting pens/FKs converted? 😉

      4. merin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        C

      5. Schwarzer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B

      6. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A reliable, normally steady returns
        B great most of the time he plays
        C explosive at home but flatters to score away often
        D explosive potential and back in form

    12. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      (C) out of:

      A) KDB (NEW)
      B) Martial (avl)
      C) Bruno (avl)
      D) Kane (bou)
      ..?

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B

        1. Tempestic
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          u crazy

      2. Schwarzer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        D

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

        A

      4. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A or C

      5. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B or C. I'm doing C.

    13. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I shouldn't be on here need to go back to work lol Any Holgate news? stopping me play my BB.

      1. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Fantasy Football Scout
        @FFScout

      2. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ancelotti on Mason Holgate: "I think he had a knock, honestly I don’t know what's going on, what happened. We are going to check tomorrow, I think it's better. I hope that he will recover soon."

    14. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Who score more this week
      1) jiminez + 4
      2) foden
      3) kan

      1. Schwarzer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        1

      2. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        3 for me.

    15. JonnyOnionRings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      GTG?

      Pope
      TAA-Aurier-Egan
      Sterling-KDB-Son-Martial-Bruno
      Rashford-Nkeita

    16. Oakley
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What is special about GW 36 and 38 that makes people want to FH there? Any reason l shouldn't FH this GW?

      1. Max City
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        GW 35, 36, and 38 are the options for FH in my opinion.. so it's your call

      2. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I don't understand why people are waiting. The last 5 GW's will be played in 20 days. Plus big teams have FA cup. Play it now if you think it will suit you best as there will be a lot of rotation coming up.

    17. Darthshearer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Worth getting Foden in for a -4?

      I have Cantwell (who I would transfer out for him), ASM, Bruno, KDB & Martial

      1. BENOIT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        for cantwell, sure

      2. JabariParkersEyelid
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I think this is worth it as asm is a doubt and cantwell is done. Cantwell to Foden looks good even for a hit.

    18. Better Call Raul
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sorry bottomed, also just noticed Lascelles flagged. Lundstram out for a hit to replace potential 0 pointer ?

      0.2itb
      Ederson
      TAA-Doherty-Lascelles
      KdB(c)-Fernandes-Martial-Pulisic
      Auba-Rashford-Jimenez

      Button-D.Luiz,Lundstram*-3.9

    19. Schwarzer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      With Mee out, would you play Martinez (LEI) over Pope (whm)?

      Cheers

      1. yakirh
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No

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

        I think I might do this. Pope v west ham and a banged up back line (no cork either)

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

          Arsenal 3 straight CS

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

            No chillwell or Maddison for Leicester who have not looked good since restart.

            1. kamdaraji
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              are they def out?

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

                No but per Brendan Rodgers both are “big doubts”

    20. G Banger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Reeling from 2 red arrows and not sure if anything it worth a -4 with 1FT and 0.1 ITB... help please 🙂

      Pope
      TAA Doherty AWB
      Salah Bruno Mahrez KDB (C)
      Rashford Jimmy DCL

      Button Robinson Holgate Guendouzi

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'd be so tempted by Salah -> Sterling (c)

        1. BENOIT
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Agreed, like Raheem this week

      2. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        nah 3 city midfield to much for me personally. leaves you with a huge rotation risk after that. i'd wait til you get 2 free transfers and then downgrade rash to greenwood to swap dcl for ings next week

    21. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If I do Saka -> Foden for free, I'm stuck with Ritchie starting. Should I

      A. Ritchie -> Digne. Forget about Foden

      B. Saka -> Foden. Start Ritchie. Bench DCL

      C. Ritchie & Saka -> Digne & Foden (-4). Bench DCL

      1. Max City
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I feel B is more beneficial

    22. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If leading ML by a slim 10 points now. Would you save FT?
      Or take a gamble like Salah to Sterling or Salah and DCL to Foden and Kane -4?

      Pope
      TAA Maguire Doherty Aurier
      KDB Mahrez Martial Bruno Salah
      Jimi
      Martinez DCL Nketiah Fernandez

      1. Max City
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm not convinced with Kane.. looks a bit slower to my liking..

    23. Samwise
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      will mendy and holgate start?

      1. BENOIT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Mendy will

    24. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Play Maguire (avl) or Boly (shu) ?

      1. Men in green tights
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Tough one , I have got both and playing them with Digne at the back as well.
        Both teams had a bit of dip in defence last game just hope that's all it was.
        If I had to chose one it would be Maguire

    25. merin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Cap KDB or Bruno and why?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If only there was an article on that.....

        1. merin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Already read it. Just want to hear if people have other reasons to choose either than mentioned in the article

      2. Viper
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        KDB.

        I just think he has the easier fixture

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Villa have been more resolute of late

      3. Better luck next year
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Somehow I feel that Bruno is a safer pick, whereas the ceiling is higher for KDB. Essentially a coin toss.

        1. Better luck next year
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          United more to play for, but City perhaps the easier fixture.

      4. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Bruno. Form, Fixture, in a team that can convert the chances he's created and tends to play the full 90.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Well I'm top of my ML with my rivals closing in after making a disastrous minority captain choice (Mahrez) last GW, so I'm playing it conservative and choosing the most popular pick, Kev.

    26. The SK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Best combo for this GW?
      A)
      KDB Mahrez Bruno Martial Foden
      Jimenez Kane (-8)

      B)
      KDB Sterling Mahrez Bruno Martial
      Jimenez Greenwood (-8)

      C)
      Sterling Mahrez Foden Bruno Martial
      Kane DCL (-8)

      D)
      KDB Mahrez Bruno Martial Pulisic
      Kane DCL (-4)

      1. merin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A

      2. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        for just this week a followed by b

    27. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Seen a lot of Jimenez on people’s bench posts.

      Absolute madness, these people have been smoking that wacky back again.

      1. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        yea I won't be going there. have just moved Doherty to the bench which I would never usually do to get kiko and some Watford defence in my 11. Only because I have Patricio as well.

        1. No Kane No Gain
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Considering a double Watford defence tbh. Already have kiko so might get Masina for lascalles for free! Other than city I can’t see a better chance for a clean sheet.

    28. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      1 FT 1.9m ITB

      DDG Martinez
      VVD Doherty Aurier Holgate* Lascelles*
      Mane Son Traore Bruno Foden
      Rashford Jimenez Connolly

      A) Son --> KDB (c)
      B) Traore -- Willian / Pulisic
      C) Holgate - Azpil
      D) Something else?

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A then B next week.

        1. The Left Duke #3
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I'm fearing a Son haul against an awful Bou

          1. No Kane No Gain
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            What about a KDB captain haul against an injured, nothing to play for, Newcastle.