Captain Sensible
31 March 2025 385 comments
Hibbo Hibbo
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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers welcome the returning heavyweight captain Mohamed Salah (£13.7m) in an open armband conversation ahead of Gameweek 30.

In a classic case of risk versus return, Liverpool’s highly owned talisman faces tough competition. Manchester City and Chelsea boast strong home fixtures against Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

As usual, Captain Sensible highlights which assets have the best chance of delivering a big haul.

First, we will assess the fallout of the captain poll before analysing the player and team statisticsRate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ratings ahead of Tuesday’s 18:15 BST deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Salah is at the summit of our captain poll after a brief hiatus caused by Liverpool’s involvement in the EFL Cup final.

He is a safe pair of hands in a topsy-turvy week for the armband, with superlatives barely scratching the surface of the Egyptian’s output this season.

With 44 attacking returns – 20 more than the nearest challenger – Salah has obliterated the Fantasy record total before the season’s copybook ink has dried. The right-winger has so far secured just over 40% of the vote ahead of Everton’s visit to Anfield but that figure is rising.

That’s because Erling Haaland (£14.8m) limped out of Man City’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory at Bournemouth. The Norwegian came off around the 60th minute after a heavy impact and jarring of his foot in the turf. He left the stadium sporting a protective boot and crutches.

His potential absence is a bitter blow for managers who moved early on the centre-forward ahead of facing Leicester.

Before this, Haaland was a close second in the poll but that approximate three-tenths is trending downward.

Omar Marmoush (£7.3m) is now in third place with a growing 7.9%, with Alexander Isak (£9.3m) and Bruno Fernandes (£8.6m) further back.

THE PLAYER STATISTICS – LAST SIX MATCHES

FPL team previews – Liverpool: Best players, predicted XI + more

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

385 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. mr_jones
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    WC-Team

    Sels/Raya
    Munoz/Aina/Timber/Cucurella/Trippier
    Kluivert/Salah/Bowen/Mitoma/Asensio
    Isak/Marmoush/Mateta

    g2go or chage anything?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      No Saka?

      1. mr_jones
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        first want to see if he starts, and how he's back after the injury.

  2. In Carrick we trust
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Start 1

    A. Saka

    B. Rogers

    C. Munoz

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      C

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

      A

    3. Zenith UK
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      A

  3. jimmy.floyd
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Not b

  4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Does this look ok?

    Raya
    Gvardiol Kerkez Munoz
    Salah Kluivert Eze Sarr
    Isak Marmoush Evanilson

    Areola Saka Trippier Konsa

    1.8 ITB for Howe AM in 31 and 32, Arteta AM in 33.

    1. _Ninja_
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Yeah looks good i like the Eze Sarr double up.

  5. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Howe or Glasner AM in 31? i'll remove 1 Palace or Newcastle player after i decide.

    Raya
    Gvardiol Munoz Kerkez
    Salah Saka Sarr Saka
    Isak Mateta Marmoush

    Pope Murphy Gabriel Milenkovic

    1. _Ninja_
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Saka is Kluivert lol

    2. Zenith UK
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Feels like a lot in goal. Is this a WC team?

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

        This

      2. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        Yes mate i could just go Areola and save the cash

        1. Zenith UK
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 2 months ago

          Double GK for one BB doesn't seem worth it. I'm doing Areola. Money might be needed if you want to upgrade a midfielder later on to another power house or even get Trent back (depending on his return to fitness)

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

            This

          2. _Ninja_
            • 15 Years
            1 year, 2 months ago

            Yeah think youre right just moved him to Areola and saved the cash. cheers

    3. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      If you want to play safe, Howe. If you are chasing, Glasner.

  6. In Carrick we trust
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Who gets more mins this gw

    A. Saka

    B. Palmer

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      b

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

      A

  7. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    I could have this defence on wc but that means benching gabriel...

    munoz kerkez gvardiol (ganriel burn)

    drop gvradiol or munoz?

    cheers

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

      Drop Gvardiol

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

    Who do you think will play this week?

    A) Haaland
    B) Wood
    C) both
    D) None of the two

    1. lilmessipran
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      D

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

        No News about Haaland, but Wood to be assessed, think he very well could start

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 2 months ago

          Wood is in a lot of pain with a twisted hip and Haaland is hobbling on crutches...

          Think this is stretching it tbf.

          I'm planning to transfer both out.

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

            Cheers!

            1. AC/DC AFC
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              1 year, 2 months ago

              Maybe it's bruising for Wood

              Either way, I'd be surprised if he started mid week

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      D

  9. lilmessipran
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Captaining the Egyptian prince over the Egyptian king, madness?

    1. Conners
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      I'm leaving captaincy on Salah.

      Marmoush is still a relative differential so it seems safer with Salah's EO still likely to be huge.

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

        This

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Yes

    3. boombaba
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Yes

  10. Meta12345
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 2 months ago

    I have just wildcarded and it feels so good bringing in Eze, Muñoz, raya, gvardiol, Gabriel, mateta, marmoush and saka.

    Previous team:
    Henderson
    Colwill Aina milenkovic
    Kluivert Salah bowen semenyo mbeumo
    Wood haaland

    Flekken wissa robinson faes

    Actual team:
    Raya
    Gabriel gvardiol muñoz
    Salah Saka Kluivert eze
    Mateta marmoush isak

    Areola rogers Livramento konsa

    Any changes??

    1. Hanz0
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      What is your take on Saka? Would love to have him but worried about his minutes

  11. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    evanilson should start, right?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      I don't see why not. First choice CF and subbed early in the FAC

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        cheers.

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

      Yes

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        cheers

  12. F4L
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    is Jackson expected back for this gw?

    1. Conners
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Yeah, him as well as Jackson and Madueke.

      That's what has swayed me to keep him over getting Saka on WC.

  13. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    If you could only have one for this week

    A. Gvardiol

    B. Munoz

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

      B

  14. Meta12345
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 2 months ago

    I think i was ok bringing in saka on wilcard. Arteta was very optimistic about him saying he is fit and ready to go. I think it is worth the risk ahead of palmer who is out of form. Risk it for the biscuit.

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

      And Palmer is yellow flagged, as Wood and Haaland, who everyone seems to think are out

    2. Conners
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      I'm keeping Palmer.

      It's almost a dead cert Saka won't get a full game in his first game back after such a long lay-off.

      After Fulham, the following two league fixtures fall either side of the Madrid games which will take priority, so you'd expect reduced minutes in those as well.

      1. Hanz0
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        Yeh also leaning to Palmer over Saka due to minute concerns, Tot (H) this week and Ips (H) in GW 32.

  15. PGR
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    On WC. Would you prefer:

    A) Eze and Watkins
    Or
    B) Kluivert and Mateta

    1. Zenith UK
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B, Watkins’ price too high for his inconsistency

  16. Jullepuu
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Who to bench with this wildcard? Currently on Kerkez, Murphy and Livramento but would really want to play Kerkez

    Raya Areola
    Gvardiol Gabriel Munoz Kerkez Livramento
    Salah Saka Sarr Kluivert Murphy
    Marmoush Isak Mateta

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

      Kerkez and Livra

      1. Jullepuu
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Jaws
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Play Kerkez, bench Gabriel. Arsenal’s recent history vs. FUL is poor.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        Could be the right call but I can sense a Gabriel bullet header coming

  17. Zenith UK
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Well... draft one of a thousand I guess? Kidding, this is what I've landed on but...

    Sels, Areola
    Gvardiol, Kerkez, Munoz, Livra, Williams
    Salah, Saka, Bowen, Kluivert, Sarr
    Isak, Mateta, Marmoush

    1.2M ITB

    Thoughts/feedback please. Feels annoying not having any Arsenal defence either. Not sure if I want to lose Wood with how much I have invested in him, also saves me the benching headache this week (likely to be Bowen, as a West Ham fan, I'll still smile if we win and he scores but he's benched)

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      v nice

      1. Zenith UK
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        To save the benching headache, I could grab Gordon (he'll be benched) over Bowen then I don't waste a transfer bringing him back (fresh) for LEI?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 2 months ago

          is gordon fit?

          1. Zenith UK
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 2 months ago

            Yeah, just suspended

  18. Kinder Mbueno
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Worth bringing Gordon in on WC and benching this week?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      too risky imo

    2. Zenith UK
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      See above. Just contemplating the exact same thing given I'm confident on the rest of my players starting

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Need more info on the injury he picked up against Albania

    4. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Yeah

      1. Kinder Mbueno
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        Oh yeah I forgot about that

  19. boombaba
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Eze or Sarr ?

  20. In Carrick we trust
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Is lacroix nailed??

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Started all league games in the league... Is he nailed?!

      1. boombaba
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        Is that a no ?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 2 months ago

          Sure...

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Does it matter? Are Palace fixtures even that good after this week to warrant a defender other than Munoz? Not convinced personally.

      I have similar thoughts about a Newcastle defender. Newcastle have better fixtures, but not a great defence in general. I will probably cave and get a Newcastle defender in, but I don't like it, there's no standout pick.

  21. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Trippier worth a gamble on WC? or stick with Kerkez?

    1. boombaba
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Kerk

    2. Conners
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Trippier has Leicester in 31, a double in 32 and Ipswich in 34.

      Bou's fixtures turn soon.

  22. To Mee To You
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Have 1 FT, if I play the WC will the 1FT carry forward to next GW, meaning we have 2 FT for GW31 or do we lose it as in previous seasons? Thanks

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      2FTs

    2. _Ninja_
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      you lose it so you'll still have 1

        1. _Ninja_
          • 15 Years
          1 year, 2 months ago

          I'm sure only banked transfers roll over, if he had 1 before hitting WC, he'll have 1 after. As this weeks FT isnt banked

          1. Zenith UK
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 2 months ago

            I believe this also;

            "So, Fantasy managers could now save four free transfers, Wildcard, then get those four banked transfers back to use in the following Gameweek."

            I see it as any chip used "uses" a FT then you get a new one the next week. That's how I remember it.

            E.G; Have 1FT this week, use my WC, next week I still only have 1FT
            E.G; Have 3 FTs this week, use my WC, next week I have 3FTs (so I "don't gain" one this week because I use a chip)

            Make sense? That's how I've portrayed it at least

            1. _Ninja_
              • 15 Years
              1 year, 2 months ago

              Yes pretty sure it this.

              1. Zenith UK
                • 9 Years
                1 year, 2 months ago

                Not for WC at least

                1. Zenith UK
                  • 9 Years
                  1 year, 2 months ago

                  FWIW, LiveFPL transfer planner has me remaining at 1FT after using WC also

                  1. Tonyawesome69
                    • 7 Years
                    1 year, 2 months ago

                    I tried other FPL planners and seem to align with the note in FPL i.e. you don't gain a transfer the following GW after WC/FH has been played.

                    "Please note that when playing either a Wildcard or your Free Hit chip, any saved free transfers are maintained for the following Gameweek. If you had 2 saved free transfers, you will still have 2 saved free transfers the Gameweek after playing the chip."

          2. have you seen cyan
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 2 months ago

            It is only banked transfers, I remember form playing WC previously. You don't get a FT on the week you play that chip.

  23. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    are most playing am 31-33??

  24. SomeoneKnows
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Best strategy for those who still have the WC, BB, FH & AM chips?

    A) WC30, AM31-33, FH34, BB36
    B) WC31, BB32, FH34, AM36-38

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      A - target B2B doubles in 32-33 with AM that has highest ceiling with table bonus

      1. SomeoneKnows
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        I thought you can't BB when the AM is activated

        1. SomeoneKnows
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 2 months ago

          Woops misread your comment

        2. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 2 months ago

          Correct

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      i m leaning towards a but not sure who to am...

  25. mattk lfc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Current team
    Sels
    Gvardiol Gabriel Munoz
    Salah Mbuemo Semenyo Kluivert
    Haaland Mateta Wood

    GK Bowen Kerkez Colwill

    Think it would be worth doing Haaland + Wood > Isak + Marmoush for -4 instead of WC this week
    Could get more info on Saka / Palmer / Haaland / fixtures

  26. MetallicaJack93
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Tinkering done, how does this look? Bench okay?

    Areola
    Gvardiol Munoz Kerkez
    Salah (C) Palmer Kluivert Sarr
    Isak Marmoush (V) Mateta
    Raya Murphy Gabriel Trippier

  27. Exeterslowly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Who would you pick out of Gordon or J Ramsey in the long term as we know Gordon is still out for GW30

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Ramsey isn't nailed

      1. Exeterslowly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        I thought he was. I’m sure he is nailed on the right wing? I just don’t think he is as explosive as Gordon but I’m not sure how fit Gordon will be?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 2 months ago

          You mean Murphy...

          1. Exeterslowly
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 2 months ago

            Haha sorry yes.

  28. Fred the Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Mateta or Gvardiol for this week?

    1. Exeterslowly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Mateta for me although I’ll be starting both

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Pen taker

    3. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      Mateta. Gvardiol isn't the best option after this week IMO. He will double though.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 2 months ago

        Actually his fixtures are good tbh, I just prefer Munoz, Gab, and Saliba in 33.

    4. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 2 months ago

      M

  29. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    Anyone know if wood trained today

  30. RogueBlood
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 2 months ago

    2ft 0.9itb will probs WC 31, what you doing with this lot

    Raya
    Gabriel, Gvardiol, Ait Nouri
    Semenyo, Palmer, Salah, Kluivert, Mbuemo
    Isak, Wissa

    Fab, Zabarnyi, Mykolenko, Wood