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Captain Sensible August 4

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 1?

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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are mainly looking to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur for the Gameweek 1 captaincy, and for the first time this season, the Captain Sensible article is here to highlight which assets have the best chance of hauling.

First, we will assess the fallout of the captain poll, before then analysing the best options, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Friday’s 18:30 BST deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) is the clear winner of the captain poll, with just over 60% of total votes from users in the inaugural vote of the season. 

No other player has garnered more than 12% of votes at this stage, with Harry Kane (£11.5m) currently in second place.

Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m) occupies third place with just under 10% of votes, followed by Son Heung-min (£12.0m) and Erling Haaland (£11.5m), with 4.74% and 4.53% respectively. 

THE CANDIDATES

MOHAMED SALAH

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

Mohamed Salah underlined his captaincy credentials by scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists last season cementing his status as the highest point scorer (265) in Fantasy Premier League.

The Egyptian started in an empathetic fashion, and temporarily ended the captaincy conversation, by registering six double-digit hauls in his first nine matches. 

Early-season verve was replaced by late-season lethargy as the performances of Salah slumped below his gold standard levels. 

Following Double Gameweek 26, Salah blanked in six of his 11 Premier League matches, registering a solitary double-digit haul. 

Despite the peaks and troughs, Mohamed Salah produced division-leading underlying numbers, ranking first for non-penalty expected goal involvement (26.40) last season.  

Salah produced his vintage best against defensive-juggernaut Manchester City in the Community Shield, providing an assist before expertly dispatching from the spot. 

A visit to newly-promoted Fulham provides the perfect opportunity for Salah to continue an opening day goal-scoring record which dates back to 2017. 

Fulham boasted the third-best defensive record in the Championship last season, registering a respectable 17 clean sheets, and allowed the least open-play expected goals conceded (xGC).

But in terms of playstyle, the Cottagers ranked best in the division for build-up attacks and produced the second-most goals scored from high turnovers. 

Should Fulham stay true to their football philosophy and try to outplay Liverpool then expect goals, and a Mohamed Salah haul.

HARRY KANE

Auto Draft 32

Haaland Foden

Hibbo Author of Captain Sensible. I write Fantasy Premier League articles, focusing on stats and strategy. Four top 10k finishes. 22/23 Rank - 6123.  Follow them on Twitter

1,189 Comments Post a Comment
  1. billnats
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Last decision
    A) Sanchez, Neco* & Mount in a 442
    B) Ramsdale, James & Neto** in a 532

    *Neco plonked on bench
    ** Neto & Bailey rotating

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    1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

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    2. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

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    3. Nutella
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

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  2. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Martinelli or Rashford? (have Saka)

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    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      martinelli

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    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Martinelli it is even a debate when the other player is Gashford

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      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Isn't *

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    3. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Martinelli

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    4. Nutella
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Rashford

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      1. tokara
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Trashford

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        1. Nutella
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Rashord OOP and 6.5 could do well imo

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          1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            yeah I can see that. keeping .5 itb just in case...

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    5. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      cheers all

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    6. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Do you have Jesus too?
      I think you only need Saka or Jesus but not both. Jesus + Martinelli should be good though?

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      1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        i do...triple arsenal is my concern. i mean, what?!?

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        1. Spoox777
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          If you have Martinelli + Saka + Jesus... I would change Saka > 8.0m MID. I wouldn't be wanting triple ARS attack. Especially when they get beat 2-0 Friday night 😉

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    7. Liam2022
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Rashford supposed to be playing ST Gw1

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  3. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    My drafts pretty much come down to this decision, would appreciate some thoughts -

    532 - a) Ramsdale, Perisic, James, Neto
    442 - b) Ward, James, Mount, Neco (4m rotating gk's)
    442 - c) Mendy, Gabriel, Mount, Neco

    Neco will sit on the bench/neto will rotate for the last spot

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    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Like A the most here

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  4. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    If you have
    Ward (Sanchez)
    Walker James TAA XXX
    A- Gabriel
    B- Doherty
    C- Cash
    D- Tripper

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    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      a

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    2. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A solid B more upside

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    3. Nutella
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      D

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  5. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    If Neto, Bailey, Rashford, Martinelli do flop and you have more than one, you always get thingy, you know thingy thingy and thingy, super flexible, great price points

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    1. WibblesTeam
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I've got 3 of them fgs

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    2. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      everyone will have load of cash when Jesus doesn't rise and he's switched out to a 6.5

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    3. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Neto + Martinelli should do well. I wouldn't want Rashford from GW1. Not keen on Bailey. Most likely to flop out of these four players.

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  6. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which option to start with?

    A Robbo + Mount
    B Cancelo + Diaz

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    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      b

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  7. Zoostation
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Any thoughts that there is a lack of flexibility without having two 8.0 MF (assuming you have Salah)

    Just seems like it’s going to be hard to move off the 6.0-5.0 players.

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    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      i think one 8m is ideal

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    2. WibblesTeam
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I dont even have one 8.0

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    3. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Think an 8 and a 6 is okay, I’m worried where I go when Bailey flops though

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    4. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Disagree, think there are plenty of options in the 5-6 price range that are bound to start well and 2 should be good enough

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    5. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Posted a reply to a simular comment last page but no. Initially thought this but I've seen most people saying this like they're planning for their 8m mid to flop so they have to move to another. I simply want a team of players that I think will do well and which will give me less problems, it seems like the main draw of 8m mids is moving between them, which is fine if that's the plan but it seems like more than anything people want to be put in a position where they have to move one on to be able to say that they can do it hassle-free.

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  8. boroie
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Gtg?

    Ward
    TAA Robertson Cancelo James Walker
    Salah(C) Rashford Martinelli
    Kane(VC) Jesus

    Iversen; Bailey Andreas Greenwood

    Starting the season with a 5-3-2 makes me feel a bit queezy but defence seems to be where the best value is… thoughts?

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  9. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    TAA Robbo Cancelo Perisic X
    Salah Martinelli Bailey X (Pereira)

    a) James & Neto
    b) Trippier & Rashford
    c) Doherty & Rashford

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    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

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  10. Liam2022
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Almiron as an option?

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    1. EIE
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Surely not. His numbers since he's been there are terrible

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    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Has had a decent pre-season, but not nailed...

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  11. Marshall96
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Hi guys I’m stuck on this one :

    Ederson , rashford and walker or
    Ramsdale, cancelo and 5.5mid

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    1. Diedhiou See That?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Second

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      1. Marshall96
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Any 5.5mids in mind? I was thinking aaronson from Leeds

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        1. Diedhiou See That?
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Neto

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        2. Bring back Rafa
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Bailey and pocket $0.5

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    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

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  12. Nutella
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Think I'm decided so RMT please:

    Ward
    TAA Robbo Cancelo Perisic
    Salah (C) Saka Rashford Bailey
    Jesus Haaland (VC)

    Iverson N.Williams Andreas Greenwood

    0 ITB.

    All opinions welcome.

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    1. Nutella
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Keep Rashford or go elsewhere and what swaps would you make?

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    2. EIE
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      No Spurs attacking cover would be a worry for me, especially with Perisic game time/role unclear at this stage

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    3. EIE
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Otherwise pretty decent

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    4. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I really dislike the double Leicester GK's. If you have 0m ITB you'll need 0.5m to upgrade = 2 transfers.

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      1. EIE
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yeah I'm swerving that too. Any thoughts on my team below?

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  13. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    is a back 4 of Ederson, TAA, Robertson, Cancelo too much reliance on City & Liverpool or just a strong pick?

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    1. Nutella
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Fixtures suggest it's the way to go

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    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Way to go.

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  14. Riverside Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Read that Perisuc is doubtful for the opening match...anybody have an update

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    1. Nutella
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Not 100% starter, if not this week, next week. If you'd want him next week, leave him in

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  15. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Rams ward
    Taa walker neco james x
    Salah rash baiely martineli x
    Jesus kane x

    Complete the team which trio?

    A) robo + andreas toney (or) bsilva green
    B) jony/janson + bsilva toney (or) mahrez/mount mbeumo
    C) matip/chilwel + rodrigo mbeumo & 0.5 (or) aronson/neto toney
    D) matip/chilwel rodrigo toney & bailey to andreas

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  16. Diedhiou See That?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Who to start GW1?

    A Neto
    B Bailey

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    1. tokara
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      both

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    2. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

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    3. FredrikH
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I'm on Bailey. Neto first bench.

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    4. EIE
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B for me

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    5. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Neto.
      Bailey will be a flop. Wait & see.

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  17. Bring back Rafa
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Has Schmeichel been sold?

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    1. Avery
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Yep

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  18. EIE
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    How am I looking, folks? Haaland v Kane is killing me and not sure about Mahrez... too punty? Nothing ITB.

    Sanchez
    TAA Robbo James Walker
    Salah Mahrez Rashford Martinelli
    Kane Jesus

    Steele Neco Andreas Archer

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    1. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Same problem i had so i've gone Haaland + Kulusevski instead of Kane + Mahrez.

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      1. EIE
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        You reckon Kulu is nailed? Richarlison a worry when he's back?

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        1. Spoox777
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Kulusevski not nailed but i reckon he plays more than Mahrez does.

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          1. Rankbajin
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Kulu should start in GW1 (R. is suspended) might lose minutes Gw2 onwards but suspect R is a supersub option rather than a starter.

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      2. EIE
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        My thinking on Mahrez is - yes, Pep roulette, as always - but with Jesus and Sterling gone, surely he gets more regular starts now?

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    2. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Personally i would do Robbo > Cancelo then Walker > Trippier
      or
      Robbo > Cancelo then Walker > 4.5m DEF then Sanchez > Ramsdale.

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  19. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A or B pls for the last 3 spots 16M to spend?

    A) Ramsdale + Perisic + Neto
    B) Sanchez + Trippier + Rashford

    XXX (Ward)
    TAA James Cancelo XXX (Williams)
    Salah Diaz XXX Martinelli (Andreas)
    Kane Jesus (Archer)

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    1. Oya
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

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  20. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Is Walker a good pick?

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    1. EIE
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Could get rotated occasionally for Stones but at the price I think he's pretty decent, especially with Zinchenko going and therefore Cancelo less likely to deviate from LB.

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  21. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Ignoring prices, best two options for gw 1-2?

    Bailey
    Neto
    Rashford

    Thanks

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    1. EIE
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B&R IMO. Really like Neto as a player but not convinced Wolves attack will be up to much.

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    2. Bring back Rafa
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Bailey & Rashford

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    3. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Rashford Bailey

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  22. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    is the general consensus here that White is going to lose his spot?

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    1. EIE
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Really up in the air. Probably depends how Saliba does while Tomi is out. Personally would avoid Gabriel/Saliba/White until we know Mikel's preferred pairing.

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  23. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Doherty now that Perisic may not be nailed?

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    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      He's less nailed

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    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Hard to know, I’d wait and see.

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  24. One Man
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Son or Kane/Haaland ?

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    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Yes

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    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      depends if you want to play safe or risky
      - haaland/kane are highly owned, can chop and change depending on who's scoring pt's
      - going son will make that move hard + hes an extra 0.5m

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      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        No as I chan chop and change with Son & KDB.

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  25. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Rams ward
    Taa walker neco james x
    Salah rash baiely martineli x
    Jesus kane x

    Complete the team which trio?

    A) robo andreas toney
    B) robo bsilva green
    C) jony/janson bsilva toney
    D) jony/janson mahrez/mount mbeumo
    E) matip/chilwel rodrigo mbeumo + 0.5
    F) matip/chilwel aronson/neto toney
    G) matip/chilwel rodrigo toney & bailey to andreas

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  26. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Hows this looking?

    Ward
    Taa, Tripp, Saliba
    Salah, Bailey, Martineli, KDB, Rash
    Jesus, Kane

    Iverson, Coufal, Neco, Plange

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    1. EIE
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Like the KDB pick but defence is just a touch light as a result IMO. Also consider that Saliba is a possible rotation risk when Tomiyasu is fit.

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  27. samaael
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    comes down to this:
    a) Ward (leic gks), Dalot (4.5m D), Bailey, KDB

    b) Ramsdale, Robertson, Neto, Mount

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    1. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      b) from them two or might I suggest

      c) Ederson, Robertson, Bailey, Mount

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      1. samaael
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        thanks heaps mate

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    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B with Bailey

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    3. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

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  28. whitearselane
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    last choice

    a - cancello, diaz and mount

    or

    b - walker, trippier and salah

    Thoughts please

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  29. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Rams ward
    James taa neco walker matip/chilwel
    Salah rash bsilva andreas rodrigo/martineli
    Jesus kane mbeumo

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  30. Hiiler
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    95% locked team I think. Just thinking is it better to go with(have Gordon on bench to cover Neto,Bailey,Dalot if needed) :

    A)Raya,Zincenko, Neto ,Bailey. (not sure about Arsenal CS chances)

    B) Ramsdale Dalot, Neto Bailey.(not sure about Arsenal CS chances)

    C) Martinelli,Dalot,Raya,Bailey(This would mean triple Arsenal attack though,not likely that all will get a lot of points )

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