Captain Sensible
9 May 2025 351 comments
Hibbo Hibbo
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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers brace themselves for another testing decision when it comes to assigning a captain, with a trio of targetable fixtures catching the eye ahead of Gameweek 36.

All eyes focus mainly on Brentford and Man City assets, facing Ipswich Town and Southampton, respectively. A certain Norwegian sharpshooter is potentially back on the menu.

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 best options, Rate My Team (RMT), and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Saturday’s 13:30 BST deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Bryan Mbeumo (£8.2m) disappointed scores of managers who entrusted him with the armband in Brentford’s 4-3 win over Man United.

However, the Cameroon international did return an assist for headline-hogging Kevin Schade (£5.2m) to nod home his second of the contest.

While Thomas Frank’s Bees registered 2.8 expected goals (xG), Mbeumo cut a peripheral figure, failing to muster a single shot on target with just one chance created.

This performance has done little to dissuade our electorate ahead of Brentford’s visit to Ipswich Town, with Mbeumo securing the most votes – over 36%.

Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne (£9.5m) continues his bittersweet farewell tour of the Premier League in style.

Man City’s outgoing Belgian is certainly on form, with his decisive goal in Man City’s slim 1-0 win over Wolves garnering his second double-digit return in his last four matches.

Against Wolves, however, De Bruyne’s underlying numbers flattered to deceive. No chances created and a single shot registered just 0.47 non-penalty involvement. 

De Bruyne is backed by just under one-quarter of our voters ahead of Man City’s trip to Southampton.

Omar Marmoush (£7.6m), Yoane Wissa (£6.7m) and Chris Wood (£7.1m) are a long way further back than the leading two in the poll.

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

351 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Any defensive moves worth making this week with a FT?

    Gvaediol, Williams, Sessegnon
    (Ait Nouri, Trippier)

    ???

    1. JoeSoap
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      No, wouldn't waste on defence with 3 weeks left

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Agree

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          Gvardiol, Sees and Williams likely be my 3 on FH too. Unless you want to play 4 at the back, a transfer is not necessary here

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Absolutely not. Curious to see the rest of your team, it must be awesome

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 16 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Sels (Pickford)

        Salah, Mbeumo, Bowen, KDB, (Rogers)
        Cunha, Isak, Marmoush

        1. Boss Hogg
          • 16 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          But I need some differential as I’m chasing a 35 point lead!

          1. Boss Hogg
            • 16 Years
            11 months, 9 days ago

            …so trying to find a good FT option.
            But maybe I just roll it?

          2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 9 Years
            11 months, 9 days ago

            Isak -> Wissa

            1. Boss Hogg
              • 16 Years
              11 months, 9 days ago

              Could be a good move.
              Thanks

    3. RockLedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Thats a very good team. I was about to suggest you play RAN, but then I cant see who you’d change. Deffo roll transfers.

  2. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Chasing, best replacement for Mateta (have Isak Marmoush):

    1. Wissa (have Mbeumo)
    2. Wood
    3. Cunha

    1. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      1, then 2, then 3.

    2. Quinninho
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      3. Pens and on form

      I love the idea of wissa but also have Mbeumo

    3. Dosh
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Haaland?

    4. toerag
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      3

    5. JoeSoap
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      1 or 3, probably 1

    6. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      3

    7. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      1 will be the most popular move. As you're chasing I would go 2 or 3.

  3. toerag
    • 15 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    evening all
    I have TC left

    what would you say best option for TC over these last 3 weeks?

    KDB this week? Mbeumo this week? another??

    Cheers!

    1. JoeSoap
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      This week might be the best albeit last GW tends to have goals

      1. toerag
        • 15 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        hmmm you are right...

  4. dimitros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Will Anderson of NFO start?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Anderson that's started every league game since GW15?

      1. dimitros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Yeah, that's him! :p
        Do you think he is worth it for bench boost this week?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          He certainly has the fixture, not particularly great underlying data. If you already have him then maybe yes, I wouldn't use a FT to buy him to BB

  5. GoonerSteve
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Best option for AM?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      One of the three playing against Leicester/Ipswich/Southampton

    2. toerag
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      pep

    3. Dosh
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Going for Frank and may change to a table bonus manager in the last week.

    4. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Pep or Frank.

  6. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Drama !!

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      So much drama!! Gonna be the longest 3 game weeks of the season

  7. JoeSoap
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    A. Mateta>Wissa
    B. Sarr>KDB
    C. A&B (-4)
    D. Murphy/Mateta>KDB/Wissa (-4)

    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      D

  8. DARE TO BISCAN
    • 7 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Salah, Mbeumo, KDB, Bowen, Sarr
    Isak, Marmoush
    (Mateta, Konsa, Kiwior)

    a) Mateta > Wissa - bench Sarr
    b) Isak > Wissa - allows Bowen > Palmer in 37

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      B

  9. tim
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Mateta and Watkins to Wood and Wissa?

    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Keep Watkins

      1. tim
        • 16 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Wood or Wissa? Have MbeumoC

        1. DARE TO BISCAN
          • 7 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          Whichever floats yer boat the most. Both good options. I think Wissa & Brentford are in better goalscoring form. Wissa & Mbeumo tend to assist eachother (don't quote me on that, might just be in my head)

          1. tim
            • 16 Years
            11 months, 9 days ago

            Cheers

            1. Eightball
              • 5 Years
              11 months, 9 days ago

              Wood might be a nice differential as it seems everyone and his mother is bringing in Wissa this week. Depends how much you are chasing.

  10. Snoop Udogie Dogg
    • 5 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    See Trippier is a doubt now, anyone know how likely he is to play?

      1. HellasLEAF
        • 16 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Sounding like will at least play. I am risking it and keeping. Put out other fires.

  11. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    On a FH and need to bench one of my mids. I know this looks ridiculous but who would you bench.

    A) Salah
    B) Schade
    C) Amad

    1. Donny_Rover
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      If I was on a free hit I definitely wouldn’t have Salah.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Most won’t on FH. Funds allow it though but him being 1st sub for one of those two seems silly

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      C

  12. Donny_Rover
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Areola
    Gvardiol Dias Williams
    Mbeumo (c) Salah Bowen Elanga
    Wissa Isak Marmoush

    Alisson Munoz Merino Kiwior

    Starting XI/bench right?

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Just Ali over Areola but the rest is right

  13. Punter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Areola
    Gvardiol - Ruben - Munoz - Konsa
    Salah - Mbuemo(c) - Sarr
    Isak - Marmoush - Mateta

    Raya (liv) - J.Murphy (CHE) - Milenkovic (LEI) - Kluivert (AVL)

    1FT - 4.5ITB

    Last chip remaining is BB, would it be crazy to do it this week?

    Any obvious transfers? Budget not really an issue. Unfortunately can't get to KDB/Haaland in one move.

    1. Wet Bandits
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      BB looks like 8pts

      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Wish I got 8 points on my BB

        1. Haa-lala-land
          • 5 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          Ha! I was thinking the same, I wish I got 8!

      2. Punter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Ha you're probably right, but not sure 37 or 38 will bring much more and at least it's 3 decent players with home fixtures.

        1. Haa-lala-land
          • 5 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          You got to play it 36 I think. 38s a way away to avoid stuff happening, and you don't want to worry about the "ideal" BB. It's a myth!
          Fingers crossed Murphy and Kluivert both start.

          1. Haa-lala-land
            • 5 Years
            11 months, 9 days ago

            Also, next week in 37 your three Palace players all may not play, then you have Murphy who also may not play.
            The three Palace should play in 36. So I'd use that one FT now on Murphy for someone who can play in 36 and 37, and that improves the BB for this week.

    2. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      100% BB this week.

    3. RockLedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Got 6 on my BB but Punter’s is worth way more that that imo…

  14. Yozzer
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    1ft
    A Mateta to Wissa,/Cunha/Evinilson
    B Glasner to Nuno AM
    C both for -4

    1. The Mighty Whites
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      A

  15. Wet Bandits
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Eze, Sarr & Isak > KDB, Wood, Schade? (-4)

  16. The Mighty Whites
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Start a keeper:
    Areola / Raya

    Start a defender:
    Kiwior / Munoz / Burn

    Start a midfielder:
    Rogers / Murphy

    1. SligoRovers1928
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 9 days ago

      No, Munoz, rogers

    2. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Raya, Munoz, Rogers

  17. Roshen
    • 4 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Start 2 (at least one defender):

    a. Munoz
    b. Konsa
    c. Livramento

    d. Murphy
    e. Rogers

    1. The Mighty Whites
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Munoz & Rogers

  18. have you seen cyan
    • 6 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    If Haaland blanks, just lol.

  19. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Yes Sunderland! Go on !!!!

  20. toerag
    • 15 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    ok then ..
    best TC :-
    KDB this week
    Mbuemo this week
    Watkins at home v spurs next week

    Leaning towards KDB...

    what yous thinks??

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Saka 38

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Or Salah/Kluivert 38

        1. Haa-lala-land
          • 5 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          Is there any reason to doubt that Mbuemo won't match or surpass anyone in 36? Brentford seem in great goal scoring form.

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 months, 9 days ago

            No, Mbuemo is a great choice. Just calling out other options I guess

    2. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Mbuemo

  21. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Best manager for next three weeks?

    1. Pep
    2. Thomas Frank

    Cheers

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Both great, Pep a bit better, but just whichever one that doesn't block you from tripling up on

    2. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Agree, both good options. I am currently on triple City (Gvardiol, KDB, Marmoush) so waiting to see if we get any city leaks tomorrow. I would prefer Pep but losing Marmoush before Southampton at home worries me.

  22. Superballzzz
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Please can I have your advice?

    I can only pick one to Start.

    A - Elanga v Leicester

    B - Schade v Ipswich

    1. Sun God Nika
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Wtf that is tough as hell

      What’s your whole team

    2. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      A, just

    3. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      I'd go B.

      Elanga got very little in the last 5 games. Notts Forest not on form.

      Schade has scored in the past 2 games. Brentford are on form.

      Both fixtures and players are good, but one team and player is on form and the other isn't.

  23. Sun God Nika
    • 5 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    The temptation to do a 2nd minus 4 to get Murphy out is tempting

    1. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Same here. Murphy > KDB is the one I’m eying up.

      1. Sun God Nika
        • 5 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        That could pay off definitely

        I’m leaning to Schade or Elanga

        Mainly because I’m BB this week

    2. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      No guts, no glory!

  24. SligoRovers1928
    • 1 Year
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Should I start Bruno or Rogers?

    1. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Rogers

    2. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Rogers IMO

      1. SligoRovers1928
        • 1 Year
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Even if let’s say Bruno starts?

        1. SligoRovers1928
          • 1 Year
          11 months, 9 days ago

          Just read Amorims team news, says it’s better to play than to rest, goes on to say he’ll save all players for the final

          1. SalahFingers
            • 8 Years
            11 months, 9 days ago

            Man Utd will not be fielding a very strong side because they are saving it for the cup final. Plus his last games were 4 1 2 3 2. Yeah he got 17 before that, but he's not been getting the points in the past 5 games and with the final, there's less of a reason to push in the league.

            I would play Rogers.

            1. SligoRovers1928
              • 1 Year
              11 months, 9 days ago

              Ok I’ll keep that in mind thanks

  25. Bleh
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Murphy > KDB (-4) worth it? Would probably bench Rogers.

    Raya
    Gvardiol, Munoz, N.Williams
    Salah, Mbeumo, Bowen, Rogers
    Isak, Marmoush, Wissa

    (Areola, Murphy, Livramento, Saliba)

    1. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      I would say no. For free, yes.

      1. Bleh
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Thanks bud. Mateta > Wissa was the FT, felt it was more needed!

        1. SalahFingers
          • 8 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          I think that's a good transfer. Good Luck!

    2. HellasLEAF
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Chasing KDB for a hit I feel always disappoints unless you really feel like gambling.

      1. Bleh
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Cheers. Would you hold or gamble on someone else perhaps?

  26. SalahFingers
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Which 3 Man City players on wildcard?

    A) Ederson
    B) Gvardiol
    C) KDB
    D) Marmoush
    E) Haaland

    would ABC be safest? a lot of doubts over Marmoush and Haaland minutes.

    1. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Wouldn’t fancy double MCI defence beyond this week tbh. For that reason, I’d go BC with a punt on D or E.

      1. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Thanks. I have Gvardiol and KDB at the moment.

        I can afford Marmoush easily, but if I get Haaland, I have to cut a chunk of money elsewhere.

  27. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Start:

    1. Rogers
    2. Sarr

    1. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      1 IMO

    2. SligoRovers1928
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 9 days ago

      I’d go sarr, wouldn’t say he’ll have minutes managed before the cup final

  28. Kante Me If You Can
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Need help guys!

    A) Bowen & Eze
    B) Bowen & Palmer
    C) Bowen & Isak
    D) Eze & Palmer
    E) Eze & Isak
    F) Palmer & Isak

    1. SligoRovers1928
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Is this benching or transfers?

      1. Kante Me If You Can
        • 11 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        for 2 spots left in my team

    2. SligoRovers1928
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Bowen and Isak probably but Palmer is a huge differential

      1. Kante Me If You Can
        • 11 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        cheers mate. currently on Palmer Isak. appreciate your thoughts

        1. SligoRovers1928
          • 1 Year
          11 months, 9 days ago

          No problem mate good luck

  29. marpy016
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Play 1:

    A) Munoz
    B) Livra
    C) Van den Berg

  30. ct mariner
    • 7 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Playing BB - no FT left

    Stick with Murphy or replace for hit? Have Mbuemo, KDB, Salah and Rogers.

    1. Play Murphy - no hit
    2. Bowen
    3.Schade
    4. Other?