Captain Sensible
1 October 2020 1487 comments
Jan Sienkiewicz Jan Sienkiewicz
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Jan Sienkiewicz was the king of the Fantasy Premier League captaincy in 2019/20, scoring a whopping 657 points from the armband, the second-highest in the whole world. He’s here to help once again, this time assessing the Gameweek 4 options.


For a second consecutive Gameweek, there is no standout favourite for the captaincy – which presents an opportunity for Fantasy Premier League managers to make real strides ahead of the international break.

The pool of armband candidates seems to be growing after an unpredictable start to the season, epitomised by Gameweek 3 which featured several unexpected outcomes.

They included Manchester City’s heavy loss to Leicester City, Chelsea’s struggles at The Hawthorns and Wolves’ capitulation at West Ham United. Such results have created enough caution among Fantasy managers to eradicate the possibility of a runaway favourite captain for Gameweek 4.

It is time to take advantage of that development and use it to get some big green arrows. In this latest Captain Sensible article, we will look into some of the top contenders, examine the defences they are about to face and try to identify which players might be worth avoiding. 

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

CAPTAIN POLL

The Fantasy Football Scout Captain Poll for Gameweek 4 sheds some light on the early trends, as Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.1m) are sitting quite comfortably in the top two spots with 22.6% and 19.0% of votes, respectively.

However, those household names account only for 41.6% of the so-called electorate. The majority of our users have decided to choose their captains from a large group of other options. 

Perhaps surprisingly, Raúl Jiménez (£8.6m) is currently the third most-popular choice with 10.2%. Despite an underwhelming performance at the London Stadium last week, which featured an own goal, many Fantasy managers are hoping the Mexican can make amends against a struggling Fulham side. 

In-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.4m) sits in fourth position, as the midweek hat-trick hero nods just ahead of Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) and Danny Ings (£8.4m). Each of this English strike-force trio gaining over 5.0% of the votes.

The top eight most-popular is closed by Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) and Chelsea’s Timo Werner (£9.4m), with both of those players receiving over 4.0% of votes. 

Further down the list, despite delivering in two of the opening three Gameweeks, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.9m) and Sadio Mané (£12.0m) have been considered for the captaincy by only 3% and 2.8% respectively. 

With these figures in mind, let’s have a look at some of this week’s most important encounters…

KEY MATCHES

Leeds United v Manchester City

1,487 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. NABIL - FPL otai
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Think I should be giving armband advice nowadays.

    Salah, Auba, Kane worked so far

    1. S.Kuqi
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Okayish

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Key is no blank yet 😛

        1. S.Kuqi
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I'm really poor at picking captains. Kdb for me this gw

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Could work very well

    2. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm on regression.

      Salah Auba KDB

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Haha. So get Sterling this week 😉

        1. Amey
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I am on him atm

      2. Andy_Social
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I've been rubbish so far, but I don't think I want to take advice from the article writer who's been even worse! Mind you, I'm still trying to follow Lateriser's strategy despite him being well below me too!

        1. Amey
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Early days. (Hopefully 😆 )

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Same here. Salah to Auba (c)

    3. Rolls-Royce
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ings or KdB?

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ings

        1. Rolls-Royce
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Only if I had the balls to captain Phil Foden.

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I captained him during his purple patch last season. To no avail.

  2. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Head says Kdb

    Gut says jimi

    Split the difference and go for wood

    1. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Split the difference & Go for Wood ....
      Hmmm

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Jimmy is good

  3. The Overthinker
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Digne owner, with lack of cs , are you determined to keep him? Can't just rely on attacking returns....

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      That's what they said about Liv fullbacks

      1. Amey
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Liverpool FB are different gravy altogether

    2. Rolls-Royce
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Keeping. Should be amongst the highest point scorers among defenders this year.

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Loving him so far, not even crossed my mind to sell.

  4. Rolls-Royce
    6 years, 1 month ago

    That quote from Mou on Son, playing mind games already 😆

    1. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm trying to guess whether Son is fit.
      On WC atm. If he's fit I'm going to sacrifice Ings to get him IN definitely 😀

      1. Andy_Social
        6 years, 1 month ago

        If on a WC, if you want him, risk benching him for one GW.

        1. Amey
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I definitely want him.
          The Spurs fixture congestion making me think otherwise though.

          Will he keep playing in PL ? They have so many fixtures

          1. Flair
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Yes, he will

            1. Amey
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Thanks

          2. Andy_Social
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Is the congestion ongoing? I got the impression there's a pause in EL before the group stages.

            1. Amey
              6 years, 1 month ago

              After IB they will have group stage games.
              It's pretty tight schedule.

              But I'd expect Sonny boy to start almost all PL games.

              If these are dirty tactics of Mou feck him. FPL is important they don't understand 😀

      2. Rolls-Royce
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Son defo plays after IB so I would get him in WC and have a good first sub.

        1. Amey
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks.
          I'm leaning towards that.

          Especially after listening to the wire yesterday I'm not so keen in Ingsy atm

          1. Rolls-Royce
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Go with your gut. Don't let others' opinions affect your every decision.

            1. Amey
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah ... Thanks.
              Will wait for news and decide. Will have to pick one of 6m striker if I'm to get Son.

              Mitro Che are okay ish options.
              Will try N see if we get any information till last moment and take the plunge 🙂

    2. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Apparently the power of friendship will beat a torn hamstring

  5. pakornk
    6 years, 1 month ago

    GW5 fixtures all play on the same day and time?

    1. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      TV schedule not fixed yet

    2. Andy_Social
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No, TV schedules not arranged yet.

  6. gellinmagellan
    6 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy
    Robertson James Saiss Justin
    Salah KDB (c) Rashford
    Werner DCL Adams

    Martin Soucek Mitchell Anguissa

    1 FT 0.8 ITB. Save?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Yep

  7. Flair
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Auba (C) is the second best option this week for me, but few in these lands have him

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Let's do this!

      1. Flair
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Going Sterling instead, because he's #1 🙂

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Good for you, and Good luck.

          Auba on pen swings it for me

          1. Flair
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Good luck mate

  8. Messien
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What's everyone's thoughts on the most nailed on ~4.0 D and ~4.5 Mid for bench fodder?

    1. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Anguissa is one i like atm
      Alzate is good too. Bissouma is Box to Box so no idea whether he'll be good or not.

      Re 4.0 Defender, I don't think anyone is nailed for long.

      1. Messien
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Unfortunately, have 3 Brighton but I'll look at Anguissa

    2. redsallstars
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not many 4.0 defenders, I’d say Mitchell or Ferguson when for. Anguissa McCarthy Bissouma Alzate 4.5 mids

    3. Easy Cheesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Isn’t stephens a playing 4.4 now?

      1. Andy_Social
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Difficult to say before injured first choices return. But Bissouma might be more nailed at Brighton since he left. Mendy at Leicester's sneaked under the radar.

        1. Messien
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Think Mendy will keep his spot?

          1. Andy_Social
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Dunno but they've looked very solid with him. Don't think Rogers can ignore that.

        2. Amey
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Alzate is a good one.

  9. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If you always had to play both each week

    A. KDB and a 5.5 Defender
    B. Werner and James Rodriquez

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Let’s say
      A is KDB and Castagne

      1. Bobby Crush
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Deffo A.

    2. Rolls-Royce
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A by a mile

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        When you show people
        a 451 with Salah Sterling and KDB you don’t get the reaction that A is better by a mile 🙂
        but with just 3 changes to my team
        A or B is what it really means

    3. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A but I'd hope Semedo comes good

      Got all 4 tho

    4. Easy Cheesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A w semedo. Or go saiss/ james/ lamptey and save some money too.

    5. Kavorka
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A. without doubt

  10. Rolls-Royce
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Lads, I feel like I am set here (bar last-minute captaincy changes).

    Martinez
    Robbo Dinge James
    Salah KdB Foden Podence
    Ings(c) Jimmy DCL

    Steer Lamptey Anguissa Mitchell

    1.0 inb; 0FT

    Let's Roll!

    1. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Have you played your WC already ?

      1. Rolls-Royce
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yup. Done and dusted GW3. 46 points, so not too bad.

        1. Amey
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Okay.
          Like the team.
          Picke looked WC template so asked 😀

          GL mate

          1. Rolls-Royce
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers. WCers should stop copying my team then 😉

            1. Amey
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Ha Ha
              Mine would be very different if Sonny looks like playing. I can tell you that 😉

          2. Albrightondknight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah Semedo could be another good option for sure.

            1. Albrightondknight
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Fail

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nice team. GL

      1. Rolls-Royce
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers mate.

  11. temo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Should I do
    A Son and Werner to Sterling and Maupay (-4)
    B Son to Barnes
    C Save. Bench Son and play Michell away against Chelsea. And hope that Podence plays.

    1. Rolls-Royce
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A could work this week.

  12. gellinmagellan
    6 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy
    Robertson James Saiss Justin
    Salah KDB (c) Rashford
    Werner DCL Adams

    Martin Soucek Mitchell Anguissa

    1 FT 0.8 ITB. GTG? Thinking of saving

    1. redsallstars
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Possibly vardy for werner, lei great fixtures coming up

  13. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Martinez
    TAA Semedo James
    Salah KDB Podence Foden
    Jimenez Wood DCL

    4m - Lamptey Mitchell Reed

    0FT 2.5M ITB

    Cheers

  14. windowview
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Why Captain KDB over DCL?

    1. Kavorka
      6 years, 1 month ago

      KdB on penalties

  15. Andy_Social
    6 years, 1 month ago

    AND........ Trump tests positive for coronavirus. Carry on folks, just a normal day.

    1. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      RIP WHO 😆

    2. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Lmao

    3. The 12th Man
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Fake News

      1. Andy_Social
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Nope. This is huge.

        1. The 12th Man
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I know.
          That’s Trumps quote.

    4. Nice to Finally Michu
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Take him out for a hit or wait for pressers today?

      1. The Knights Template
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Trump and Biden out for -4

  16. dee_top
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Starting squad for GW4:
    McCarthy
    Doherty TAA Justin
    Salah (c) Barnes Rodriguez Soucek
    Vardy DCL Ings (vc)
    Subs: Nyland Reed Mirchell Saliba
    3.6m INB, 0 FT

    Best move:
    A) Soucek to Mahrez for -4?
    B) Doherty to (??) for -4?
    C) Soucek to (??) for -4?
    D) Do nothing?

    1. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      D

    2. temo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      D

  17. Easy Cheesy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Friday wildcard... Any views?

    Martinez, nyland
    Taa, robbo, saiss, james, dunne
    Salah, kdb, barnes, podence, stephens
    Jimi, dcl, maupay
    £0m ITB

    Like it but still keep flipping between maupay/ robbo and lamptey/ ings

    Barnes over foden keeps worrying but feels safer option

    1. jb1985
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I am the same on Foden and Mahrez want to bring them in but neither are nailed with Silva and Torres both fit.

  18. Over Midwicket
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Captain:
    A) KDB (lee)
    B) Ings (WBA)
    C) Jimmy (FUL)

    1. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Kevin

    3. Pukki Party
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C

    4. RobinKerr1987
      6 years, 1 month ago

      CAB

    5. The 12th Man
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

  19. RobinKerr1987
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Wildcard active:

    McCarthy (Forster)
    TAA, Justin, Walker-Peters (James, Lamptey)
    Salah, Sterling, Rodriguez, Podence (Stephens)
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    Looking for suggestions on how to improve.

    eg. Keep Soucek instead of Podence?

    1. Amey
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'd downgrade James to a 4.0 and pocket a Million.

      1. RobinKerr1987
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, I'll go James to Ayling (had him and upgraded him to Lamptey)

    2. Easy Cheesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I sold sterling and hames on WC. No KDB a massive call.

      Kane/ bam vs. Jimi/ ings a big call but kane could go crazy so reasonable.

      I’m sticking w podence if I can

      1. RobinKerr1987
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I had KDB and along the way of tinkering I needed the 0.1m so went Sterling. Will revert back to him now I think... more consistent

        1. Flair
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Wrong time

    3. Pukki Party
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Personally i'd prefer to have at least one slot for the 8.0-9.5 player market, but nothing wrong with those players you have there.

      1. RobinKerr1987
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Which line?

        1. Pukki Party
          6 years, 1 month ago

          ?

  20. Pukki Party
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts? Have two players flagged who could feature, 2ft so feel like i need to do something. 0.4itb

    Johnstone
    TAA Robbo Vinagre
    Salah Son* Greenwood Soucek
    Martial Jimenez Richarlison

    Button Justin Bissouma Mitchell

    A) Richi out
    B) Son out
    C) Both out

    1. The 12th Man
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I did Son,Richarlison > Fernandes,DCL

      I’d wait on Richarlison news now. Looks like he might be ok.

      1. Pukki Party
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah problem is i like both as options, and Ancelotti and Mou has been positive about both players. If neither play it was a bad move keeping though with 2ft.

        1. The 12th Man
          6 years, 1 month ago

          If you feel your bench is strong enough to hold them then keep them.

          I nearly always shift injury concerns.

          1. Pukki Party
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers. Waiting for pressers.

    2. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Rich -> Ings or Son -> Mahrez I suppose but you could keep both and be fine imo

      1. Pukki Party
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Good options, cheers.

    3. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Martial to Ings and Vinagre to Saiss

      1. Pukki Party
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Martial to Ings was my transfer before injuries.

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Can't really do anything before presser. If 100% out all are good moves

  21. Jebiga
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who's replacing O'Connell in Sheffield?

    1. jb1985
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Robinson i believe but with Egan back would wait and see if Ampadu takes that slot he looked good against Leeds.

  22. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Vinagre nailed to start ?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Possibly. Make wolves defence look a poor one

    2. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not necessarily, Marcal still in the mix

    3. Whats the Huth
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Keep an eye on pressers

      If marcal is stil out. Then vinagre is nailed on

  23. RobinKerr1987
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who's the better mid option going forward?

    Everton's Rodriguez (creator) or Leicester's Barnes (having plenty of shots)?

    1. Jafalad
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Rod. Has DCL on the end of things and will get more than the odd goal.

      1. Kitsune
        6 years, 1 month ago

        But what if he has DCL? Worth mixing it up?

    2. John Comeau
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I am struggling with the same issue. I’m leaning towards Rodriguez, but more shots might lead to more points.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Rod

  24. Botman and Robben
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Do I have the right captain? Want to use WC over international break to fix my front 3.

    McCarthy
    TAA Justin KWP
    Salah Sterling(C) Bruno Costa
    Werner Wilson Mitro

    Nyland Lamptey Bissouma Mitchell

    1. Jafalad
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I think Sterling will go well esp as Leeds concede a lot of shots.

    2. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling is the best option this week imo

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I think so

  25. WE GO FOR IT
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one: All would be for a hit

    A. Mitrovic + Greenwood -> Bamford + Mahrez (or Foden to save cash (and also b/c maybe he's more nailed?))
    B. Mitrovic + Greenwood -> DCL + Foden/Trossard
    C. Mitrovic + Bissouma -> Davis + Foden / Vydra + Trossard

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Neither.

      B if gun to my head

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers! I personally was inclined was towards not making any moves as well. Mitrovic and Adams are the 2 players I want out. But Adams has a good fixture and Mitrovic has pens so could be worth holding on to. I want to make a move so that I don't waste a transfer as I plan to play WC during the Intl Break.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          6 years, 1 month ago

          If you're certain about playing WC this international break, then maybe just greenwoood to foden. Could go horribly wrong though

          1. WE GO FOR IT
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers! That did cross my mind as a punt. Leeds just concede too many chances and City will surely look to bounce back.

            1. Over The Mounié
              6 years, 1 month ago

              If Sancho isn't signed then Greenwood could (though no guarantee) turn out to be very underpriced.

              1. WE GO FOR IT
                6 years, 1 month ago

                He certainly is underpriced, even if we sign Sancho (which I highly doubt we will). He's a a big threat coming off the bench as well. Just haven't seen United click so far. That's the only reason I'm considering to get rid of him.

  26. Kitsune
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Possible to come back from a rank of 2.5 million? Pretty much everything I have done has been template so far and that is probably where I have been going wrong. So what now, go off piste with some differentials? What's the worst that could happen, huh?

    Martinez
    VVD Saiss Lamptey
    Salah KDB Bruno Barnes Podence
    Jimenez DCL
    Steer, Taylor, Mitchell, Brewster
    Sitting on a -4

    1. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Easily

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Highly possible

  27. Over The Mounié
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I'm surprised the article doesn't mention Manchester United for possible captains. Tottenham have conceded a lot of chances recently especially away. I think it should be mentioned even if just to explain why the match wouldn't provide good captaincy options.

    1. HollywoodXI
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Agreed. I fancy Fernandes in that game.

      1. Over The Mounié
        6 years, 1 month ago

        And I think Rushford has been impressive enough to be considered seriously.

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mou will bring a bus. Could be a successful one.

      United with their high line.. I'd rather captain my Kane against them.

      1. Over The Mounié
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Good point. Yes Kane is an option too.

    3. Azathoth
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Indeed.Spurs have conceded in every game they played this season.

  28. kobewan
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Latest on Richarlison's injury?

    1. Whats the Huth
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Should be fine for Saturday

  29. Flair
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hope Semedo gets moved to LWB and Nuno kicks out Vinagre, man kills all CS potential

  30. Arteta
    6 years, 1 month ago

    https://www.arsenal.com/news/arteta-latest-william-saliba

    Saliba won't be an FPL option this season. He's about to join Rennes on loan.