Captain Sensible

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 36+?

Fantasy Premier League managers have been invited to take risks with left-field captaincy choices in Gameweek 36+.

That’s according to the latest figures from our recent poll, which features no clear standout candidate.

In Gameweeks like this, the risks attached to going with your gut rather than the crowd are much lower than usual. So now is the time to be as pragmatic as possible with your decision.

To help you make this tough choice, the Captain Sensible article is back once again, here to analyse the form of the individual options on offer and compare them against the defences they are about to face.

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

Captain Poll

Christian Pulisic (£7.3m) is the current leader of the Gameweek 36+ captain poll, although it has been a close-run thing since we published the options on our site.

It was not until late on Monday evening and into the early hours of Tuesday morning that the Chelsea man climbed to the top of the pile and even now, he has the support of just 18.8%.

The American and his Chelsea colleagues have the most favourable fixture of the Gameweek as they host Norwich on Tuesday evening.

Pulisic may have blanked last time out but, since Project Restart began, he has produced an attacking return in all but one match while Norwich have conceded 15 goals in that time, more than any other side.

However, that is not enough to hand Pulisic any kind of large majority, Raheem Sterling (£11.8m) sitting just a few percentage points below him in the poll.

The Manchester City man currently sits on 16.6% support, although he led the standings until late last night.

It has been an explosive few rounds of action for Sterling who recorded double-figure hauls in three outings since Gameweek 32+. Crucially, he has been in devastating form at the Etihad Stadium, averaging 12 points per appearance there since the Premier League returned.

Norwich are the only side to concede more goals than Bournemouth (13) in that time, which is probably why Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m) also finds himself in the captaincy conversation, backed by 13.9% of the voters.

These managers will be hoping for an upturn in the Belgian’s fortunes after a recent distancing from Manchester City’s attacking exploits. De Bruyne has managed just one assist in connection with the former champions’ last nine league goals.

Willian (£7.4m) will also play a part in the Gameweek 36+ debate with his 10.9% support from the captain poll. Obviously, he also gets to face that obliging Norwich defence on Tuesday night and has outscored Pulisic since the restart by 48 points to 39.

Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) rather let down his horde of backers in Gameweek 35+ with just an assist against Southampton but the Manchester United man has a decent record on the road ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace.

The Portuguese international has produced attacking returns in every away match since the Premier League restart, averaging 12.7 points across the three he has played in that time so far.

Even though only Norwich have conceded more goals than Palace since Gameweek 30+ too, only 9% are looking to captain Fernandes in Gameweek 36+.

Gabriel Jesus (£9.8m) and Phil Foden (£5.5m) are the differential captain options for those backing Manchester City, boasting 5.9% and 2.9% of the vote respectively. 

The Brazilian has four attacking returns in the last two matches, while Foden has delivered in all but one home appearance made since Project Restart began.

With Norwich scoring just once in that time, Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.1m) has been considered by 2.7% while Olivier Giroud (£6.7m) netting four goals in his last five outings is enough to earn the support of 2.5% in the captain poll.

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m), David Silva (£7.3m), Danny Ings (£7.5m), Anthony Martial (£8.4m) and Michail Antonio (£7.0m) are the only other options chosen by more than 1%.

Player statistics – Last four matches

1,724 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On the poll above I think there is value and differential from being in the 1% this game week!

  2. Weasel51
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH this week or save it for 38 and do Mahrez >> Martial/Pulisic?

    This is what I’d be going for this week

    Martinez
    TAA Doherty Saiss
    KDB Sterling Mahrez Bruno
    Greenwood Vardy DCL

    >>>>>

    Kepa
    Azpili Maguire Tarkowski
    KDB Sterling Antonio Pulisic Martial
    Jesus Ings

    Thanks

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

      I'd free hit this week but not into the Man City star players.

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

      FH, look quite strong

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

    FH team. OR 4k! GTG???

    Fab
    Alonso / TAA / Bertrand
    Stirling / D Silva / Pulisi(C) / Fernandes / Son
    Vardy / Jesus

    Greenwood / Cresswell / Lampty

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

      Risk of rotation high

      1. eamonhegg
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        who?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good, why D. Silva over Foden?

    3. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Will have McCarthy over Bertrand and acquire better defender

  4. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH Team A or current Team B?

    A. DDG, Alonso, Sterling, Dilva, Puli
    B. Martinez, Holgate, Salah, KDB, Foden

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        But very close....

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks. Worth saving the FH then?

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A for me

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

      A) 13 points more is my guess.

  5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Rashford not even in the conversation - could be a good Omen 😉

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ditched him GW35 (on FH) for Greenwood, backfired.
      Ditched him GW36 as part of a three swing transfer for Greenwood, better not backfire!

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

        Picking each week is risky as no player hauls or scores every week.

        Holding often best, but transfers are half the fun!!

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Had Greenwood start of season (mostly as fodder, but I was screaming for OGS to play him), switch to Rashford, came off of Rashford, back onto Rashford after lockdown, now off of him again, lol!

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

      He's decent and getting in position but missing good chances too.

      What do you think Martial or Bruno as the best option at Palace?

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Away from home Martial awful.

    3. Mario Balofail
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I did TC Martial and I am thinking about Rashford C. Good point

  6. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    The punt of all punts?

    I am chasing ML1 by 41 points and leading ML2 by 26 points.
    I've already taken a -8 by replacing Rashford, Saka and Hayden with Greenwood, Foden and Antonio. I've activated BB.

    My only "non-starter" is Button. If I ditch him I have 4.7M for a GK. Do I risk another -4 (-12 total for the GW) to punt on one of the following getting more than 4 points;

    Ryan (4.7M) v sou - Brighton have been leaking lately but will they tighten up after their 5-0 trashing? I also have Ings :/
    Krul (4.6M) v che - Chelsea haven't looked convincing lately and Norwich can now play without pressure knowing they're down...
    Ramsdale (4.5M) v mci - LOL
    McCarthy (4.5M) v BHA - shut out City at home, BHA not exactly free-scoring.
    Reina (4.2M) v eve - Everton have one goal in their last three. Villa kept a CS (dodgy VAR decision last game) and are desperate to stay up.

    Thoughts/feedback/opinions? Lets discuss...

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Team would be;

      Patricio, Button*
      TAA, Doherty, AWB, Egan, Cresswell
      Mane, KDB, Bruno, Antonio, Foden
      Jiminez, Ings, Greenwood

      BB Activated

      *GK subject to above conversation

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

        KdB clear rotation risk.

        I reckon Man Utd win around 3.1 but no clean sheet at Palace.

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          KDB chasing record, played 63, 90, 31 in last three - I think he starts again, but that's the beauty of this game!
          Palace may score, but AWB was already in my side. Not taking him out. I'll take 3-1 MUN if Bruno and Greenwood are involved in all three (even AWB). Chaser in ML2 has DDG/AWB so MUN conceding does me favours. Leader of ML1 has AWB so unaffected either way

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

        McCarthy

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

        I’m not sure a hit for gk is worth it. I guess it’s only a -2 But I’d prefer to ‘bank’ the points saved by no hit.

        Then again you are chasing and doesn’t matter if you lose by 1 or 50 points! So go for it!

    2. Puncheon Guly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not worth the minus 4 for a keeper

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Usually I'd agree, but I'm BB with a non-starter in the other case

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

      I would do it. Reina or McCarthy.

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        My kinda guy!
        Leaning towards McCarthy - I think Reina was lucky that CRY goal was ruled out, it was a goal for me. Stupid VAR (salty WHU fan here)

  7. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    Doh C. Taylor AWB
    Salah KDB Bruno Pulisic ???
    ??? Jesus Ings

    Play Mahrez or Greenwood? Captain?

  8. Captain Beefheart
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Planned on Mane to Sterling but concerned about him starting, any thoughts?

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Played the full 90, I’m definitely concerned.

      Where as KDB/Jesus subbed at 63min and D.Silva only had a cameo last match.

      Those are my 3 City coverage but it’s all a gamble with Pep

      1. Captain Beefheart
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ye I already have KDB and Mahrez, not sure any of them will start

    2. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Results between the two for the last 10 premier league games;

      LIV - ARS
      3-1
      5-1
      1-1
      3-3
      4-0
      3-1
      4-3
      3-3
      0-0
      1-4

      Scoreline; 23-17 = 40 goals (average 4 goals per game) and you wanna lose an attacker in this fixture? No thank you!

      1. Captain Beefheart
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Good shout, food for thought

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Watch it be 0-0 and two red cards now I've posted this 😀

          1. Captain Beefheart
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            It's alright I know we're you live

            1. Captain Beefheart
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Am only messing administrators

  9. Dont give a fuchs
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What's the news on Holgate? Will he play? I'm on BB and have already done -4. Worth doing another -4 to bring someone upto 4.7 and who?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mina is back

      1. Dont give a fuchs
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Shall I transfer him out?

  10. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Start Holgate or Doherty?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Doc

  11. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    GTG?

    Pope
    TAA Robo Boly
    Bruno(C) Martial KDB Mahrez Salah
    Greenwood Ings

    (Button. Jimi Lampty Lascelles)

    Alternatively get Jesus (C) in downgrading either Mahrez (Foden) or Robbo (Egan) for (-4)

  12. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Team for GW36

    DDG
    TAA Doherty Azpil
    Mane KDB Foden Bruno Pulisic (tc)
    Jesus Rashford

    (Connolly Kiko Lascelles)

    GW37 transfer plan - Mane > Salah
    GW38 FH

  13. Forgetmeknot
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    My FH team seems to be missing all the big city names, a mistake?

    Pope
    Maguire, TAA, Alonso
    Foden, Dilva, Puli, Martial, Bruno
    Jesus, Giroud

    I wouldn’t want this squad for more than this week in isolation, but think it should score well this week?

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

      Not really, the consensus is that a few of them will be rested.

      Sterling the one I would make space for

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

        Ta yeh that’s the one I’m toying with the most

        Jesus & Bruno -> Rashford & Sterling. What you think?

    2. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      AWB over Maguire, KDB subbed early so if you have the funds stick him in for Foden.

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

        Thanks I was on that until I watched awb last night, thought he had a shocker!

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

      That's a good squad. The bigger City names are very likely benched for this easy dead rubber for City.

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

        Thanks yeh that was the thought process - although imagine we will continue seeing the full 5 subs, just need to guess the right way round on the 60/30 swing!

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

      Wise approach i say...

  14. Kroos Kontrol
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mahrez + Vardy -> Pulisic + Jesus? (-4)

  15. Steadzz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    a) Salah, KDB & Jesus
    b) Sterling, KDB & Jesus
    c) Sterling, KDB & Kane

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah Sterling Jesus

  16. King Didier
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH Team
    Mccarthy
    Digne Doherty Azpi (Alonso if early team news)
    Pulisic Bruno Sterling Antonio D.Silva
    Ings Jesus

    3.9 greenwood 4.0 3.9

    Who to captain?
    D.Silva, Pulisic, Sterling

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

      Very similar to my free hit team, except i still have kdb instead of david silva. Currently got the captaincy on Sterling

  17. sovietrockettes
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anybody else captaining Foden? Weirdly feels like the safest City option......

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think just owning for a haul would be ok by me - but I'd be lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind

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

        Who would you captain out of -

        1. Mane
        2. KDB
        3. Sterling
        4. Foden
        5. Fernandes
        6. Rashford
        7. Ings

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I have 2,3,5,6 & planning to also have 4

          And will (probably!) be captaining 6 if that helps 🙂

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

      Yeah I’m leaning towards that way too.. he may even play 90 mins who knows....

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

      Him, D or B Silva

      ... Or Antonio is up for his Friday night game!

  18. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anytime scorer odds this GW:

    David Silva 3/1
    Danny Welbeck 3/1

    1. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Welbeck TC

      • Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        So a decent chance 😆

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

      On a FH, and chasing...

      A) Sterling + Rashford
      B) Jesus + Fernandes

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A

      2. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Worried about Sterling going the full 90, others seem confident though

        Safe option is B

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I don't have Sterling and he ruined GW34 for me in 29minutes...
          He also ruined GW35 by basically wiping out my Antonio punt as ML2 chaser captained him but he did play 90 for that one.

          Point is, he doesn't need 90 minutes as per GW34

      3. Forgetmeknot
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Just realised I posted the same qu:

        I was on B but have changed to A

    3. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A) KDB > Sterling
      B) Greenwood > Ings
      C) Save FT

      Patricio
      Doherty TAA Maguire
      Salah KDB Bruno Pulisic Foden
      Vardy Greenwood

      Martin, Aurier Holgate Nketiah

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

      any suggestion at all that DCL scores agasint Villa?
      Has he looked at all threatening?!

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

        Threatening to derail my season

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pep presser starting

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

        How can I listen?

    6. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Who would you sell first?

      A Vardy
      B Jimenez

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

        B

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

      A) Jiminez and Mahrez out -> Jesus and Antonio in
      B) Jiminez and Aurier out -> Ings and Digne in
      C) Jiminez, Mahrez, Aurier Out -> Jesus, Pulisic and Eric Garcia in (-4)
      D) Jiminez, Mahrez, Aurier Out -> Jesus, Pulisic and Egan in (-4)

    8. CC22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Still got my BB, and considering a -8 as a result to try and fill my bench and play it this GW. Is it worth the hits for:

      KDB*, ASM, Vardy -> Foden, Jesus, Pulisic

      Would give me:

      Pope, McCarthy
      TAA, Boly, Taylor, O’Connell, Cresswell
      Salah, Mahrez, Pulisic, Foden, Bruno
      Jesus, Rashford, Greenwood

      *KDB could be swapped to Mahrez depending most likely to start.

      1. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Mahrez not likely to start but hey it’s Pep

        1. CC22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, I could swap him instead of KDB. But the City forum all are predicting KDB won’t start, whereas Mahrez was in a few team predictions. Also, think Mahrez coming on for 30 minutes seems more likely if not starting.

    9. theroadrunner
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nathan Dubious says RLC, Kovacic and Giroud start today. Let's see if he is credible after the frauds FPL_Subscribe and FPL_Driver turned out to be!

    10. davies
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A) Vardy > Ings

      B) Save ft (a next week)

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

        B

    11. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's a shame JRod play on Saturday already. Considering Vardy for him. Hmm...

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You can still pick him, it's not like he will get benched

    12. as33
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Captain poll:
      a) Pulisic
      b) Willian
      c) Sterling
      d) Jesus

      1. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Everyone going Pulisic but I’m chasing in my ML so Jesus for me

    13. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty settled on this fh team barring any early team news. Anything worth changing here? Please pick my cap. Thanks

      Pope
      Azpi awb digne
      Salah sterling Bruno dsilva Pulisic
      Jesus Giroud

      Xxxx greenwood Taylor xxxx

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

        Upgrade AWB?

        Think Palace score and lose.

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers, not convinced about him either. Who would you get?