Captain Sensible
11 January 2021 3604 comments
Jan Sienkiewicz Jan Sienkiewicz
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Fantasy Premier League managers face a difficult choice for the Blank Gameweek 18 captaincy.

Even before Monday’s fixture rearrangements for Spurs, Fulham and Aston Villa, differentiating between Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) and Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) was proving challenging for many.

Now that Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.8m) have been handed a favourable home fixture against underprepared opposition the debate has been thrown wide open.

More than ever, Fantasy managers need some help with the armband, which is where the Captain Sensible article comes in.

As always, we will look into the best options’ underlying statistics, comparing them against the defensive data of their upcoming opponents using the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area.

CAPTAIN POLL

Poll results before Spurs’ Aston Villa fixture was replaced with hosting Fulham

Captain poll results after Monday’s fixture rearrangements

KEY MATCHES

Manchester City v Brighton and Hove Albion

  1. 420king
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    If neither Villa and Leeds have a DGW in 19, I'd only have 6 DGW players and even that's on a -4.
    Would you play FH?

    1. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah

      1. 420king
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks.

    2. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Villa will have done 10 days isolation on thurs i wouldn't worry.

      1. 420king
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Would still only have 8 DGW players (on a -4). The other three would be Dier, Bamford and Kane. No West Ham defense either. Still worth to save it?

        1. _Greg
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Hmmm. so no chip 18, free hit 19? seems reasonable .

          1. 420king
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah, tried to go without a chip thru 18-19 but the postponements ruined it for me. Was aiming for 11 in 18 and 10DGW in 19. Now I'm at 8 each.

        2. Aeu96197
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'd save if you have 8 doubles and 3 singles. Could depend on who they are, but the potential of the FH is more than that, for me

          1. 420king
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Well they're all decent picks but still feels like I'm missing a lot of good options:

            Martinez
            AWB Stones Dier
            Bruno KDB Salah Grealish
            Antonio Kane Bamford

            1. Aeu96197
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Sure you are. But there's so much uncertainty as well. Leeds/Saints is going to screw up a lot of people, which means the average will probably come down - and suddenly everyone who WC in 16 doesnt have 15 to BB with (for example).

              If you WC now (not you personally), you may be able to make hay - but it's then going to be a long second half.

              There's so much going on just now, it's changing literally day by day and is just silly. Your team above isn't bad for 19, all things considered, so I would just roll with it and save personally

  2. Boomerang V
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you get if money is not an issue:

    A) Sterling
    B) Aguero
    C) Gundogan
    D) Foden
    E) Mahrez

    ?

    Already have Kdb

    1. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. as33
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Sterling injured?

        1. _Greg
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Missed cup game with unspecified problem. Probably ok but risky.

      2. Pep Roulette
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Is he fit?

        1. _Greg
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          i would err on the side of caution

  3. jia you
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Did DCL to Cavani which unfortunately pushed me to -8...
    Leave it be or WC?
    (no FH or BB)

    Cancelo Walker Holding
    KdB Bruno Son
    Lacazette Cavani Brewster
    0.4

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Walker and Brewster may not start. Would be tempted to wc ngl mate

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        yeah, in two minds, cheers mate

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      For -8 already, I'd be hitting the WC button.

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        50/50 mate, cheers

    3. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Dunno really... Cavani not a guaranteed starter so not sure he's worth a -8 at all

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        but he'll def come on at least so probably just about worth the punt for a -4 rather than having 0 points in his place

    4. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      WC

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        cheers

        1. _Greg
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          use andy's let's talk fpl guide.

    5. Ragabolly
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Leave it. Otherwise you will be out of your chips soo early in the season

      1. Simon69
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        The pitfalls of playing all of your chips in the first half of the season

      2. jia you
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        have TC lol, I've made a conscious decision the past several seasons to BB in GW1 as I don't enjoy using the chip in the later DGWs as it spreads out the funds too much concentrating on a playing XI I feel...this season is different (with Covid) though where you need a good bench so should have saved it in hindsight!

        1. jia you
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          *on a playing 15

  4. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    3rd Man City player

    Stones or Foden/Gundogan/Mahrez (assuming Sterling too expensive)

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I fancy gundo

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Isn't KdB likely to be back in midfield though?

    2. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Gundogan

    3. liiusions
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Foden/Mahrez are both better picks than Gundogan. Unfortunately, Gundogan is probably the only one you can say will start for sure out of the 3...

      I’d probably punt on Mahrez and hope for the best

      1. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Mahrez has played 169 minutes in the last two cup games.Don't think he will start.Foden has played in both cup games.

    4. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Gundog most likely to start but I prefer Mahrez for a haul.

    5. Boomerang V
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Same dilemma. I was settled on Sterling but he is too expensive for a risky pick 🙁

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        yeah, I'd be losing Rashford and Lacazette to squeeze Sterling in.

    6. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Stones - Foden/Mahrez is more bingo than fantasy footy

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        ha, good point.

  5. _Greg
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else punting B.Silva or is it just me?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Did he play the full game vs Birmingham?

      1. _Greg
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        he did, but started last 3 in the league & I full expect KDB false 9 again with Jesus on the bench.

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Hopefully you have a good first sub then

    3. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Good punt imo. Overlooked as the crowd aren't swaying that way but I think he could do damage.

    4. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Could be a great move.

    5. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Be honest with yourself. If he didn't score 2 in the cup would you give him a second thought? Only you know the answer.

      1. _Greg
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        His underlying stats aren't too bad but yeah, I believe in form too.

    6. Tomsk
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Silva was suspended for league cup semi so I think after De Bruyne and Gundogan he's the most nailed of City front players after playing 90 mins in last 3 prem league games.

      1. _Greg
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        thanks tomsk.

  6. jimmy.floyd
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    So Leeds and Saints game definitely off?

    1. pitstop1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Not yet

    2. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I suspect it will having read that. I have 3 leeds players after my FH dammit!

  7. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Would need to find 0.3 to upgrade Shaw to Dier. Who to downgrade?
    Or hold?

    Leno
    Stones Cancelo Shaw
    Bruno Rash KDB Son ESR
    Kane Laca

    1. Aeu96197
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Mate, slim pickings. I presume you've nothing on the bench?

      Leno to Sanchez?

      Or don't bother, I think.

      Rash(/Son) to Zaha is the only other way for me, but not sure you want to do that

    2. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw will start.

  8. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else who thinks that Sheffield United will win?

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Quietly confident

      1. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        cheers.I have Basham in my team.I really liked his last games.

    2. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      V possible but hard to pick a player with any confidence - particularly as their defence are still quite expensive.

    3. Tsparkes10
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Bogle could be a great shout but not sure he starts

    4. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, 1-0.

  9. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    To complete FH

    A Dias Saka (Reed) or
    B AWB Gundogan (Smith-Rowe)

    Lloris
    Cancelo Tierney ****
    KDB Bruno Son ****
    Kane Lacazette Wilson

    Sanchez Clark Mitchell ****

    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      b

  10. Fudgy
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Why the hell am I going Wilson over saka I feel like my season will be over here

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Won’t be much difference. I’m thinking the same but 2 Arsenal attackers scares me. But also think Wilson will blank against us

      1. Fudgy
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Wilson is blanking against you deffo. You guys aren't even bad, you made DCL blank too. We should go Saka over Wilson

    2. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Imagine asking something like this when you're in charge of your teams transfers lol. Just change it FFS

      1. Fudgy
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I'm petrified of the Wilson ownership though and the money in the bank it leaves me. It's a psychological phenomenon caused by the extra funds I can't use.

        1. Simon69
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Sheffield are god awful but have rarely been steamrolled - Pick the players you want.

          1. Fudgy
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks

  11. 8ball
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How long before the price rises?

    1. Ragabolly
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      75 minutes

  12. Toked
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Aaaand settled on what feels like a budget defence FH compared to around here

    Darlow
    Stones - Dier - Mari
    KDB - Son - Bruno - Rashford - Gundo
    Kane - Laca

    Kilman - Fodder - Fodder

    Was torn on Gundo vs Saka but not having Cancelo made me go for him as a third City player.

    Mari feels cheeky instead of Holding but I'm happy.

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Great one

  13. Pacer.
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    36 positive in latest round of testing.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55624533

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      FH Fail

      1. Pacer.
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Two per club, basically, staff and players. You'd be unfortunate. That said, they're likely to be clustered

    2. Fudgy
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Season over

    3. Pacer.
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Didn't realise this was several hours old. Got caught out by the update time

    4. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      man utd players are all fine.

  14. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Loris or DDG?

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Lloris

    2. MGMT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Lloris

  15. FPLHaggis
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts appreciated folks, can I save my FH?

    Cancelo Dias Lowton
    KDB(c) Bruno Son
    Wood
    (-4)

  16. liiusions
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez*
    Cancelo Dias Holding Reguilon
    KdB Bruno Son Saka
    Kane Brewster
    (4.0 Lewis Grealish* Bamford)
    0FT 1.9ITB All chips in tact.

    Anything worth a hit this week? May TC next week, still undecided.

  17. Atwood
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this? Very template I imagine.

    Leno
    Stones - Cancelo - Dier
    Bruno - Rashford - KDB - Son - Saka
    Kane - Wilson

    Bench - Mitchell

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Double Man City defence vs Brighton feels overly safe for me.

      1. Atwood
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Just can't be sure of any attacking minutes, except for KDB

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          true, but feel it's worth the risk

          1. Atwood
            • 15 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            You on FH? Mind if I take a look, for inspiration.

    2. vova
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I like it. Similar to mine but I've gone Laca over Rashford and DDG over Leno (with Smith-Rowe on the bench).

      1. Atwood
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Laca is a really interesting one, I may well switch to your team.

      2. Atwood
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Actually, scrap that. I'm nowhere near being able to afford it!

        1. vova
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          DDG
          Cancelo Dier Stones
          KDB Fernandes Son Saka
          Kane Laca Wilson
          Steer ESR Mitchell Douglas

          try this, my team value isn't the highest and I was able to get this

  18. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who is more important on FH?

    A. DDG (United defensive cover)
    B. Darlow (Newcastle defensive cover)
    C. Leno (Arsenal defensive cover)

    XX
    Cancelo Dier Stones
    KDB Bruno Rashford Son ESR
    Kane Wilson

    1. Atwood
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Leno

    2. Aeu96197
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

      Also - from Bruce's comments not sure Darlow will defo play

    3. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A Arsenal will concede against palace, look at their 11vs11

      https://www.11v11.com/teams/arsenal/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Crystal%20Palace/

  19. Gabbiadini
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    DCL to Martial the best option?

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Prefer Wilson

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        He doesn't have a double?

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Makes sense but is Martial guaranteed a start with Cavani back ?

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure, who else is an option that plays once in gw18 and twice in gw19

      2. Gabbiadini
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cavani over Martial?

    3. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Martial will get at least an hour. I think Martial starts left, Cavani up top and Rashford right.

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Would you pick cavani then to answer this question of mine?

        1. _Greg
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Not long term, too injury prone. Just this week, sure why not.

          1. Gabbiadini
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            It would be for their next 3 fixtures

            1. _Greg
              • 15 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Risky.

              1. Gabbiadini
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Martial safer then?

                1. _Greg
                  • 15 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  oh definitely

  20. smix
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    RMFHT
    DDG
    Cancelo - Sa’iss - Tierney
    KDB (c) - Son - Bruno - Saka
    Kane - Laca - Wilson

    Norris - Yedlin - Mitchell - Anguissa

    1. smix
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A. Laca & Saka or
      B. Rashford & ESR in this team ?

      1. thepuntmaster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        a

  21. RWB_1991
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    When playing your free hit, what happens to the money in the bank when the team reverts back the following week?

    1. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You get the exact same team as you had the previous GW, with any price changes they've gone though

      1. RWB_1991
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Right so if I have 0.3m itb having played my fh, I wouldn’t have that in the bank next week?

        1. ryacoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          No, unless you also happened to have 0.3 itb before you played FH as well

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You get the team back at it's value at the time. Your players rise and fall in the background as normal

  22. Real Pathetico
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    GTG?

    Darlow (Dubravka)
    Cancelo Tierney Dier AWB (Mitchell)
    KDB Fernandes Son Gundogan (Saka)
    Laca Kane (Brewster)

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Like it

  23. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    For next two gws only. Is Tierney worth 1m over Holding? Haven't seen Arsenal playing lately.

    That 1M would allow me to have Awb instead of Lindelöf

    1. RWB_1991
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Tierney deffo worth the extra million

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. AWB is crap anyway...

  24. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    On FH:

    A) Leno + Saka
    B) Lloris + Smith Rowe

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. MGMT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

    4. Aeu96197
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

  25. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Shall I take a 4 point hit to ditch Lewis for AWB?

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I would. AWB double coming up too

      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Ta

  26. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, anyone taking mahrez?

    1. smix
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Doubtful he starts. Played 90 in the cup

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Thought about it but can't see him starting after the cup either

  27. Davidwes
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How about this free hit?
    Lloris
    Cancelo, Stones, Tierney
    Kdb,Bruno,Son,Rashford,Saka
    Kane, Wilson
    Will I be missing lacazette?

    1. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Basically its coming down to 2 from Rash/Laca/Wilson. You could make the same argument about any of them.

  28. Gabbiadini
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is Randolph an option for the DGW?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      ?

  29. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Right, ended up on this FH and stepping away. Won't change unless late Sterling news.

    Pickford
    Tierney - Cancelo - Bogle
    KDB (C) - Fernandes - Son - ESR
    Kane (vc) - Jesus - Richarlison

    Some shockers in there but when can you ever if not on FH.

    Best of luck all!

    1. thewakka
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I like your attitude. Good luck!

      1. thepuntmaster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        You too my friend

    2. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It's a crazy idea, but it might just work.

    3. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I like it.

    4. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Appreciate your bravery! Hope it pays off.

  30. DavidKent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    What are everyone’s thoughts about Carvani? Obviously he’s not played due to ban, but he was playing before that...

    1. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm a United fan and would avoid. I still think Olé's preference is to switch Martial and Rashford around... Cavani second half if things aren't going our way.