693
Captain Sensible August 19

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 3?

693 Comments
Share

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have plenty of choice for the Gameweek 3 captaincy, and as per usual, the Captain Sensible article is here to highlight which assets have the best chance of hauling.

First, we will assess the fallout of the Gameweek 3 captain poll, before then analysing the best options, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Saturday’s 11:00 BST deadline.

READ MORE: FPL Gameweek 3 team news: Live updates from Klopp, Pep, Tuchel and more

THE CAPTAIN POLL

In the closest captain poll of the season so far, Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) is the current leader, with 32.5% of total votes from our users at the time of writing.

Just behind in second is Gabriel Jesus (£8.1m), who is backed by a mite under 30%, ahead of his away tie against Bournemouth.

Erling Haaland (£11.7m) occupies third place with just over 12%, followed by Tottenham Hotspur duo Harry Kane (£11.4m) and Son Heung-min (£12.0m), with a little further back.

THE CANDIDATES

MOHAMED SALAH

Mohamed Salah endured a frustrating night against Crystal Palace and produced a below-par performance short of the expected gold standard. Liverpool’s Premier League challenge has stuttered with two consecutive draws and a lack of fluency in attack as the Reds adjust their playstyle to accommodate Darwin Nunez (£9.0m).

The Uruguayan, dismissed for violent conduct, will serve a three-match Premier League ban which ironically could strengthen Salah’s captaincy credentials for Gameweek 3. Across the opening two rounds, Nunez ranks best among all outfield players in the division for goal attempts (nine) and big chances total (five) despite playing just 96 minutes. 

The underlying data suggests that Salah has turned provider, ranking second among all outfield players for chances created (nine) after two Gameweeks. Roberto Firmino (£8.0m) should help rather than hinder Salah’s output if he recovers from a knock to deputise for Nunez. 

SalahNunez
Mins18096
Goals11
Assists11
FPL points147
Mins per FPL point12.914.3
Non-pen xG0.721.25
xA0.490.19

Liverpool travel to face Manchester United in Gameweek 3 who have endured a chaotic start to the season with consecutive defeats to Brighton and Brentford, respectively. The Red Devils rank joint-worst for goals conceded (six), clean sheets (zero), and lead the division for defensive errors (three) over the first two matches. 

Erik ten Hag’s intention to play out from the back has suffered early setbacks and Liverpool’s high press will provide an unwelcome acid test. Furthermore, Salah boasts a strong recent record against Manchester United notching five goals in last season’s Premier League matches. 

Above: Goal attempts conceded by Manchester United over the last two matches. 

GABRIEL JESUS

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

693 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Surely Everton score this weekend.

    I can’t imagine a team not scoring at all in the first 3.

    Forest haven’t looked exactly good at the back either.

    Open Controls
    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Terrible first post.

      As if I have the first post on the last two pages. The odds

      Open Controls
      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Isn't predicting the next flip of a coin the 'Gambler's Fallacy'? They just haven't got the quality up front.

        Open Controls
        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I’d argue the whole game is like this, somewhat.

          You are right tho, to a degree.

          I just can’t see a world in which they haven’t scored this week.

          But the Gordon news won’t be good.

          Open Controls
          1. maglia rosa
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Gordon News Nasherbo ❓ Chelsea ❓

            Open Controls
    2. Maddamotha
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I agree.

      Open Controls
    3. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Yeah i've also jumped on the 'Neco over Andreas' train this week but it does feel like Everton are going to let us down. Perfect game for Lamps to get them up for.

      Open Controls
    4. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      think palace did it a few years back and didn't score in 8 games

      Open Controls
      1. Mona Lisa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Was that the year Hodgson came in and saved them?

        Open Controls
        1. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Yeah must be the year that de Boer was in charge with the worst record in PL history?

          Open Controls
          1. Mona Lisa
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Yeah thought so

            Open Controls
      2. shorey143
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I have 2 FTs but only used 1 this week. Do I still get 2 next week?

        Open Controls
        1. Mona Lisa
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Yes

          Open Controls
      3. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I thought they did score but didn’t win?

        Open Controls
        1. Jock Grealish
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          7 games*

          Open Controls
  2. CarelessGenius©
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    a. Salah, Schar, Ward, Iversen, Saliba
    or
    b. Diaz, TAA, Pope, Raya, Zinchenko
    ?

    Open Controls
    1. Sun God Nika
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Top

      Open Controls
  3. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Top one.

    Open Controls
    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Reply fails ffs, I’m all flustered

      Open Controls
  4. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Start who?

    A) Andreas - BRE(H)
    B) Neto - TOT(A)

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Emu
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Neto

      Open Controls
    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I'm starting Andreas but I think I'm in the minority.

      I just really don't rate Forest defense. They were really bad against Newcastle and then were extremely lucky vs West Ham and needed Henderson heroics. Everton will score imo especially playing at home and I fancy Pereira to whip in a cross for a Mitro headed goal.

      Open Controls
      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Oh wait it's Neto not Neco 😛

        I'd still start Andreas.

        Open Controls
      2. FPL Emu
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Neco's xGI/90 was so sick ,though, for a 4.0 defender

        Open Controls
  5. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    In just over a season Jadon Sancho has worked under more managers (4, OGS, Carrick, Ralf and Erik) than he's scored PL goals (3)

    Open Controls
    1. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      shitcho

      Open Controls
    2. FPL Emu
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Define work

      Open Controls
  6. FPL Emu
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on team setup here?

    Sanchez (whu)

    James, TAA, Cancelo, Perisic, Neco (eve)

    Martinelli, Salah, Saka

    Håland, Jesus

    Bench: Ward (SOU), Andreas (BRE), Foo Fighter (cry), Archer

    Open Controls
    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Looks good who's getting the armband?

      Open Controls
  7. Sun God Nika
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Team on Wildcard.

    Ward Iversen
    Saliba James Taa Neco Cancelo
    Martinelli Dasilva Maddison Salah Andreas
    Jesus Toney Haaland

    Trying to find a worthy transfer(S) to afford a 4.5 gk
    Worth doing so or nah?

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Emu
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Can't see any other transfer than taking some gamble on Salah to Son or KDB

      Open Controls
      1. FPL Emu
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Or Welbeck for Toney

        Open Controls
        1. Sun God Nika
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Tricky - i have gambled the idea of no salah but its hard to

          Open Controls
    2. Thanos
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Won't go LEI GKs on WC

      Open Controls
      1. Sun God Nika
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        yep hence why im trying to upgrade one of them

        Open Controls
  8. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    For the wildcarders

    List of midielders under 5.0 who are viable options for your bench which exclude high owned midfielders. Cheap high owned players always go first.

    Dasilva 4.6 - out for a long period but as good as they get in the '4.5 'bracket. Dirt cheap and great for your bench.

    Thomas Frank credited the midfielder – who is priced at £4.5m – after the game, praising his fitness and sharpness. Despite being out injured for the majority of last season, Bees fans know exactly what Josh is capable of (23 goal contributions during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 Championship seasons combined), which could make him a good value pick for your team.
    https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/fpl-update-for-gameweek-2

    Other midfielders in the 4.5 mid price range which will get enough minutes by the looks of things are

    Reed, Lavia and Pearson. Milner obviously an eye sore but okish for your bench while injuries exist at LFC will get minutes as well and already has an attacking return.

    Open Controls
    1. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      The best 4.5m mid is Pereira by a country mile.

      Open Controls
  9. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Would you take a hit to bring in Maddison for L. Diaz or Mount?

    Open Controls
    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Maddy could be worth it this week. However its another transfer after

      Open Controls
    2. FPL Emu
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      If you captain him and hope for a right thrashing

      Open Controls
    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Wow! No!

      Open Controls
    4. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Not with upcoming fixtures

      Open Controls
    5. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      No.

      Open Controls
  10. Thanos
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Any changes to this WC?

    Raya (Ward)
    Cancelo James Cucu Zinc (Neco)
    KDB Kulu Maddison Martinelli (Pereira)
    Haaland Jesus (Fodder)

    May go Maddison to Diaz next GW depending how Pool plays against United.

    Open Controls
    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      No liverpool players is a major concern. Even if you get Diaz next week I think more is sensible

      Open Controls
    2. Sun God Nika
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      This team looks good -

      reasons for zero liverpool playerS?

      Open Controls
  11. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Is this G2G or do we see any issue's? 0FT & 1 mil available
    Ederson
    TAA Cancelo Trippier N.Williams
    Salah Luiz Siaz Martinelli Rodrigo
    Jesus Haaland
    Ward Andreas Dalot Archer
    Cheers guys

    Open Controls
  12. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Bench 2 from:

    A. Trippier (MC)
    B. Williams (eve)
    C. Andreas (BRE)
    D.aSilva (ful)

    (see what I did with D)

    Open Controls
    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      C and D

      Open Controls
    2. vincentwsho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      A and C

      Open Controls
    3. MG13
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      A and B

      Open Controls
    4. meenabakery
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I'm starting Tripps. They won't keep a clean sheet but he has set piece responsibility and Newcastle will be looking to score from set pieces, I guess.

      Open Controls
  13. jose1234
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Who would be best for this week: Neco, Andreas or Neto?

    Open Controls
    1. MG13
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Definitely Andreas - hope he plays

      Open Controls
    2. ibcvt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Have Neco and Andreas. Picking the former.

      Open Controls
    3. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Andreas

      Open Controls
    4. jose1234
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      thanks! i’m leaning towards andreas now, barring any team news

      Open Controls
  14. big dawg
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Dewsbury hall a cheap option this weekend, or do we rate dasilva chances better?

    Open Controls
  15. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Start two please:

    A) walker ( already have cancelo + halaand)
    B) perisic ( he will start?)
    C) andreas

    Ty

    Open Controls
  16. mz1405
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 9 months ago

    A) Emerson
    B) Spence
    C) Perisic
    D) Davies

    Open Controls
    1. ibcvt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      D. only assured minutes

      Open Controls
  17. ibcvt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Stupid Question, but where is the Captain Picker on the members page? I can't seem to locate it.

    Open Controls
  18. takenforgranted
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    A) Salah and 4.5m striker
    Or
    B) Diaz and Vardy

    Thanks!

    Open Controls
  19. highsguy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Who’s the EO pick captain this week do you think? Salah or Jesus?

    Open Controls
  20. HD7
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    I was thinking Salah is my Captain but now wondering about Jesus...
    will Casemiro play on Monday?

    Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.