Captain Sensible

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 23?

Liverpool and Manchester City’s Gameweek 23 meeting at Anfield should allow Fantasy Premier League managers the chance to spread their wings and think creatively with the captaincy this weekend.

Fresh from their 9-0 win over Southampton, Manchester United options are in the conversation ahead of a meeting with Everton, while Spurs host a relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion outfit. 

But considering the Red Devils were helped by the Saints’ unfortunate injuries and poorly-timed red cards, and Spurs have struggled without Harry Kane (£11.0m), is now the time for a differential captain?

West Ham’s in-form attack travel to face a Fulham side whose recent defensive improvements appear to have lapsed while Aston Villa host Arsenal, who have some defensive personnel missing for Gameweek 22.

As ever, the Captain Sensible article is here to sort through the best options, comparing their recent underlying statistics against those of their upcoming opponents.

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

CAPTAIN POLL

The early results on our website indicate that our users have identified three main captaincy candidates for Gameweek 22, each of them gaining more than 15% of votes so far.

Unsurprisingly, Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m) sits in first place with just over 32.0% as Manchester United’s prepare to host Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton.

Despite Spurs’ toils in front of goal, 21.4% of our voters trust Son Heung-min (£9.7m) enough to capitalise on West Bromwich Albion’s woeful defence. They have given up at least two goals in each of their last seven Premier League matches.

This week’s top-three is closed out by Michail Antonio (£6.7m), who, despite not finding the net in his last three league appearances, is still chipping in with assists (three since Gameweek 20) and remains a constant goal threat.

Jack Grealish (£7.8m) and Patrick Bamford (£6.6m) are the best of the rest this time around as Aston Villa host an Arsenal side without Bernd Leno (£5.0m), Marcelo Bielsa and his Leeds squad will be out for revenge on Crystal Palace, who beat them 4-1 earlier in the campaign.

KEY MATCHES

Manchester United v Everton

Fernandes punishes Saints' ailing defence as Man United face more appealing fixtures
745 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dion D's Solo Shower
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How does this look then?

    Martinez
    Shaw - Dias - Rudiger
    Soucek - Son - Bruno - Barnes - Sterling
    Antonio - Bamford

    Bench: DCL - Digne - Stones

    Plan to get a Burnley DEF in next week, but G2G for this GW?

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg but whos ur capt?

  2. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick two to play, please:
    A. DCL
    B. Watkins

    1. Martínez
    2. McCarthy

    1. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B1

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Appreciate it, sir!

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This

  3. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Really struggling...Who to start?

    A. Justin (wol) or Dallas (CRY) or Coufal (ful)
    B. DCL (Man Utd) or Adams (New)

  4. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who do we reckon is the best defender to own for the next 2 games- 6 mill or less?
    No Burnley or City as have them covered.

    Cresswell, Maguire, Alonso a few options I can think of.
    Favouring Cresswell atm.

  5. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Should I sell James this week?

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

      I would - too much uncertainty with rotation risk with CHO

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pick one:

        Lingard

        CHO

        Ignore money for the moment , just whos the better option and why ...

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

          Lingard could be a trap. He got lucky with those two goals due to poor mistakes from Martinez. He should've saved them. CHO seems like a favourite with Tuchel at the moment. Really good a RWB and was surprised he played in the 10 last night but he wasn't that great. I would pick CHO if he continues in the RWB. I prefer Soucek over Lingard if you want to bring in a WHU mid.

  6. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    what do you make of klopps comments? is Mane going to start v city ?

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

      He has to. After that Brighton defeat and losing ground to City, Liverpool need Mane to attack and be aggresive in this game

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        ye but is he ready ? hate these bloody cryptic responses from managers ... is he fit or not ffsake

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

          I think he is ready. He was probably ready for the Brighton game but I think Klopp was a bit naïve and maybe thought he could win against Brighton without Mane

    2. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe will play For abit. But still i think u should start salah

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I dont see Liverpool doing much without him

        1. MattysFantasyFooty
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          They hadn’t done much with him when he was fit

        2. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Lol then why do u need to know if mane is starting then? Since u also gonna start ur both manc defenders. U will regret it afterall

          1. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            because I think he helps them a lot going forward obviously

            1. Letsgo!
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              So? Lol u will still start ur both manc defenders isnt it?

              1. @fpl_phenom
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                dependant on whether Mane is fit or not... him being in the team makes Liverpool more likely to score... if he was out id be happy to play my city defenders..

  7. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    WAITING FOR YES!

    Antonio for the armband ?????

    1. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tempting currently on Bruno but he’s my vice

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bruno

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Antonio or Bruno

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

    I'm undecided here. Is Johnstone to Pope or Holding to Mee a priortity this GW or just roll the FT?

    1FT 6.7itb
    Martinez
    Cancelo Digne Cresswell
    Salah Bruno Gundo Raphinha Soucek
    Bamford Antonio
    (Johnstone DCL Stones Holding)

    1. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd rather get Pope than Mee, with your team, I just can't see you starting Mee ahead of anyone in your defence and I don't think you'll change your formation to 4 at the back because of him. But Pope could easily start instead of Martinez this gw (possibly 3 next gws too) and imo he's a better option than any of Burnley's defenders.

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

        Some interesting thoughts. I think you are right, Pope is the best option from Burnley's defensive options. Would you use a FT this GW to bring him in or wait until GW24 with 2FTs to give yourself some flexibility with any potential issues in your team?

        1. Baron Penguin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I have got Pope and will save for 2FT. One will be to get Mee and double up on Burnley, thenI'll save the other one to get rid of him afterwards and keep Pope to rotate with Martinez until I sell one of them.

        2. aleksaa2
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I don't see any problem with getting him in now, you have a deep enough bench to cover for any potential issues with a single FT.

          You are already prepared for the Leeds dgw and have more than enough City and Everton players for theirs. I think even with rolling a FT, you'll still probably transfer Pope in regardless and without any issues in your squad, you can make this luxury transfer.

          Also because imo he is a better option than Martinez in this gw, I'd do it now.

  9. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So Man City ‘could’ have DGW24, 26 & 27?

    That’s Pep roulette in overdrive right? No one’s playing 6 x games apart from maybe Ederson?

    1. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Precisely. Hence I'm tempted to keep Bruno and Salah instead of Sterling

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I might get Ederson....

    2. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe Dias? Although Laporte back in the picture could ruin things

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

      Ederson and Dias nailed. Possibly Gundo if Pep manages his mins in those games

  10. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Cresswell shaw rudiger
    Bruno salah barnes sterling foden
    Antonio bam

    Subs sanchez dallas dcl stones

    Start sanchez or martinez?

  11. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed

    Guaita
    TAA/Dias/Cancelo/Coufal
    Mane/Bruno/Rash/Saka
    Antonio/DCL/

    Forster/Robbo/Gundo/Brewster

    .2 ITB...Mane>Son (C) feels like the play? Thoughts?

    1. Skymonkey
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Think bout the DGW, Son isn't a viable long-term option but it could work with Kane coming in. I am waiting for Kane and De Bruyne to be fit, so I can use my wildcard for GW 26 with many doubles and bringing them both in.

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have wildcard and plenty of time until the Double. Not even on my mind when it comes to this week.

  12. MattysFantasyFooty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What are peoples thoughts on Son for this Gw? Is he just if you own don’t captain and if you don’t own him don’t transfer in?

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am thinking of bringing him in and captaining. I think Kane will be back. Jose is known for being coy, and they've been struggling without him. Plus he'd love to get one over on Big Sam

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        hes come out and said Kane may be ready for next week against everton or man city ...
        you think hes flat out lying again ?

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I mean, I would not be surprised? He did it with Son and Kane is a historically quick healer.

      2. MattysFantasyFooty
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Kane won’t be back at the weekend though going by the timeline

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Timelines apply only when the managers are reliable. Jose, Pep--Timelines can always be shorter.

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

      Still a captain option given it's west Brom and surely they'll score 1 or 2 min

      1. MattysFantasyFooty
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’d hope so but they look horrid to watch and can see them struggling against big sams low block

      2. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        West Brom have restricted other far better attacking top 6 teams to 1 goal or zero... why would an absolutely sh1te Spurs side put so many goals past them ?

        1. Gandalf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Their goals conceded stats since their last clean sheet on gw10 suggests otherwise

          1. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            did you watch Spurs last night by any chance?

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Had planned to bring him in for this GW and captain but after watching a Kaneless and hopeless Spurs last couple i'm completely changed my mind!! Bringing in Ings now instead what with Newcastle next, then Wolves then lots of doubles. Capping Antonio this week as of now.

    4. Skymonkey
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Exactly, His fixtures are bad except this game week, but If Kane comes in he will start being an attractive option again. Spend transfers on Chelsea, Burnley defenders GKs, and also DCL maybe. On DGW 25 Leeds players are so vital

  13. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Upcoming teams (xfers in = *):

    23:
    Pope*
    Cancelo Justin Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son (c) Gundogan Raph
    Antonio Bamford

    Martinez DCL Stones Mitchell

    24:
    Pope (c)
    Cancelo Stones Digne* Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son Gundogan
    DCL Antonio

    Martinez Bamford Raphinha Justin

    25:
    Pope
    Cancelo Stones Justin
    Salah Bruno Son Gundogan Raphinha
    Ings* Bamford (c)

    Martinez Antonio Digne Coufal

    2FT for GW26.

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      In fact Digne to Dallas and start GW25 makes more sense.

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

        Yup already have Digne and moving to Dallas in 25

  14. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Everyone’s benches are loaded this GW. I’m on:

    Stones - Foden - Mitchell

    Who you got?

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      TAA/Gundo/Brewster

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martinez DCL Stones Mitchell

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      DCL - Digne - Stones

    4. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      DCL Robertson Mitchell

    5. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pope, DCL, Stones, Mitchell

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

      Button, Kane, Davis, Kilman

    7. mezza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Meslier Hamez Dias Stones

    8. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ha, madness....bench points will be huge this GW

    9. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      DCL, Stones, Alioski

    10. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dcl digne stones

    11. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Coufal, DCL, Stones

    12. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah, Digne, Stones

    13. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah Gundogan Digne

  15. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play which 2 ?

    A) Cancelo & Stones

    B) Cancelo & Digne

    Cheers.

    1. Rog.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B - Have all three and will play Cancelo and Digne and bench Stones

  16. 2OLEgend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    To play this week:

    A) Martinez
    B) Pope

    No other defs. from those teams

    1. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Has to be The Pope.

  17. Bob_the_builder
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is captaining Alonso and vice-captaining Son a sound strategy? Chasing a point difference of around 100 pts. in the mini league. I would assume if Alonso doesn't start, he won't come on either.

  18. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Roll FT? Bench order right?

    Ederson
    Dias Dignee Mee
    Soucek Son Salah Bruno Grealish
    Antonio(c) Watkins

    Johnstone Robertson Stones Brewster

    1. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good and I’d say so

  19. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to captain ?
    A. Bruno
    B. Son
    C. Antonio

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      100 % not B!

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

      B

    4. Bob_the_builder
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son makes the least sense so I would say in FPL terms it makes the most sense so B.

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

    Hi all,

    2FT and 0.0itb - need some help to decide how to use my free transfer - thinking TAA to Shaw/AWB or Barnes to Rafinha.

    Sanchez (Martinez)
    TAA, Cancelo, Lowton (Digne/Stones)
    Salah, Son, Bruno, Barnes (Gundo)
    Antonio (c), Watkins, DCL

    Thanks

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      TAA to Shaw

    2. Skymonkey
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do the TAA one. Hold Barnes and bench him against LIV and you can start him fo the next 5 favourable fixtures. I think instead of a MUN defender go for a Burnley defender with a DGW in 24.

      1. Robin Cook
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm tempted by Barns to Raph.
        LIV and Villa (A) are two difficult games.
        Raph with with a double in GW 25 or Barns vs Villa (A) looks like a transfer in the waiting.

  21. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1) Robertson to Justin
    2) son to soucek
    3) save

  22. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench two of these. Currently on A and B.

    A. Digne
    B. Stones
    C. Mee
    D. Dallas
    E. Coufal.

    1. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A&D

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

      I've currently got A & B benched - see above post.

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

      A & B

  23. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What are peoples strategies for using the remaining chips?

    I have no idea but I have BB, WC and TC left.

    1. BullDogTevez
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lurking to see the replies to this. I'm in the same boat, can't see a clear path.

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Initial thought was WC gw25 and BB gw26.

      1. estheblessed
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not that many games going down tho? Is it not better to wait?

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

      No strategy yet

      WC depending on team requirement
      FH and TC depending on BGW and DGW fixtures

      1. estheblessed
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        So you are basically waiting for further DGW announcements?

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

          yep

    4. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I've WC, FH & BB left but no idea what so ever. I pray for some fixtures carnage for later parts of the season so I get the advantage of having them.

    5. Skymonkey
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have a WC and BB. DOing the WC when both Kane and De Bruyne are fit. Need to find a way to fit 4-5 bg hitters as I've spent some funds to strengthen other positions. WC might happen for DGW 26 as I think Kane will be fit by then and if De Bruyne isn't, have Salah as a planned transfer out for KDB. BB can be used in 24 with 3 extra games and many players with harder fixtures on the bench. This week is a shout as well because of the City vs Liv and the Mun vs Eve.

    6. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I only have TC and FH left, so take my opinions with a grain of salt. Could you wildcard this week for a bench boost the week after?

  24. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench :
    DCL, Coufal, Gundogan

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Coufal

    2. Robin Cook
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      DCL

    3. Robin Cook
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      DCL last on my bench

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

      I'm currently benching Gundogan, but not sure yet

  25. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Looking to get Pope in, but have to do some downgrade in defense.

    Robbo, Cancelo, Stones, Dallas, Rudiger

    Robbo? For whom?

    1. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Shaw? Justin? Creswell? Quite a few options tbh

    2. Skymonkey
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dunk is a shout. So is Mitchell or Mee

    3. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Burnley defender. Bet big.
      Or AWB / Shaw.

  26. MoSalad
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    ZAHA is out then!

    "Wilf Zaha ok?

    No, I'm afraid it's a hamstring injury. We don't know how long it will keep him out, but certainly this weekend and possibly much longer.

    It would be totally unrealistic to expect him to take part this weekend.

    And we haven't had good news on others. From a good point, we're now scratching around for players who could fill in."

    1. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Best replacement? Have Gundo already, JWP as a punt?

      1. THL33
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Eze (C) time

      2. MoSalad
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Considering bring in Eve J Rod for the DGW a week early.

        1. Skymonkey
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Raphina surely

      3. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Good options not sure to trust CPL when Zaha out. Already having Dallas and Bamford.

  27. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Johnstone > Pope (play Pope and Dallas)
    B) Chilwell > Tarkowski/Mee (play Martinez and Tarkowski/Mee)

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

    Is it mad to start Robbo and DCL over Gundogan and Cancelo?

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

      No, its a 50-50 decision

    2. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think so

  29. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Only 0.4 itb...

    A) Salah, Johnstone to Sterl/Rash, Pope
    B) Coufal to Mee

  30. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Quite a basic question about transfers..

    If I have 2 FTs and use 1 this GW, do I have 1 FT or 2 FT next GW?

    I am sure the rules used to be that you lose your carried over FT and you only have 1 next week, but someone has said differently.

    Thanks in advance