Captain Sensible
16 May 2025 284 comments
Hibbo Hibbo
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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are bracing themselves for the penultimate weekend of Premier League action, with Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) seemingly the favourite captain ahead of Gameweek 37.

As usual, Captain Sensible highlights which assets have the best chance of delivering a big haul. Perhaps someone from Brentford, Chelsea or Liverpool can challenge the Aston Villa sharpshooter.

First, we will assess the fallout of the captain poll before analysing the player and team statistics*, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ratings ahead of Friday’s 18:00 BST deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Watkins sunk Bournemouth last week, boosting the top-five hopes of Unai Emery’s men. Surprisingly, the England international registered just a single shot on target but his 0.36 expected goals (xG) effort setlled the tie.

This performance piqued our electorate’s interest in time for Tottenham Hotspur visiting the West Midlands. After all, Ange Postecoglou’s side is short on energy and domestic motivation.

Therefore, Watkins secures a 36.32% poll majority, heading into this battle of motivation versus lethargy.

As for Bryan Mbeumo (£8.3m), his in-swinging corner provided a decisive assist in Brentford’s 1-0 win at Ipswich Town. It’s enough to have Thomas Frank dreaming of European qualification.

Four shots and one big chance created put the Cameroon international high in both metrics, and the Bees also had a couple of legitimate penalty claims turned down.

Mbeumo is backed by approximately one-eighth of voters ahead of Fulham’s short trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.

Mohamed Salah (£13.7m) sits third with 8.62%, closely followed by Cole Palmer (£10.5m) and Morgan Rogers (£5.7m).

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

284 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. The Mighty Whites
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Play a GK:
    Raya / Areola

    Play a DF:
    Kiwior / Burn / N. Williams

    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      I am starting Raya.
      Williams

    2. BremerHB
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Raya and Williams

  2. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Not sure if captaining players that play first game might turn out to be a disaster??

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      thats not how it works

    2. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Psychologically yes, realistically no.

  3. The Mighty Hippo
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Who would you rather have this week?

    A) Beto, at home to Southampton in Everton's last ever game at Goodison

    B) Vafdy, at home to Ipswich in his last ever game at the King Power Stadium

    C) Isak

    1. Letsgo!
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      A

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      B but is a problem for next GW as he won’t play

    3. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Just for this week. Vardy.
      Everyone will be trying to get him a goal.

      With Everton, it’ll be a team effort, they won’t be bothered who gets the goals.

      I’d only punt on Vardy if your bench is strong for 38 though or you have transfers in hand.

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        Everyone will be trying to get him a goal........
        Hopefully, that includes Ipswich.

  4. Eastman
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Chances of Marmoush starting?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Should do but I’m not risking him last two GWs as I have KDB as well

    2. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      that's exactly what i want to know!! need to sub out him or isak, get the feeling marmoush will play but not start?

    3. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      cant predict with Cup game around

      1. Eastman
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        Thanks. Yeah think I’ll move him on for Vardy.

    4. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      i think with doubt over his minutes he's too risky. isak will start and play and is due a haul

  5. Riverside Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Any news on who leads the line for Chelsea.....is it Neto?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Probably yes

    2. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      What’s it going to take for Boro to stop falling away at the end of a season and make the playoffs?

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        We've had very poor starts the last three seasons....automatic promotion positions out of reach by September.
        Start with getting rid of Carrick and stop selling our best players. Think our Chairman Gibson is starting to lose the plot.

    3. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Probably

  6. The 12th Man
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Morning,

    Raya
    Gvardiol,Konsa,Munoz
    Salah,KDB,Mbuemo,Asensio
    Watkins,Cunha,Wissa

    Areola,Sarr,Livramento,Kiwior 1FT 4.6m itb.

    Gtg or use FT?
    Can afford Asensio > Palmer or Saka

    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Save. GTG!

  7. NotsoSpursy
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Morning! Which one please for free?
    I have Watkins

    A) KDB -> Saka
    B) Marmoush -> Vardy
    C) Sarr -> Bowen

    1. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      b as a fun punt, a if you're serious!

    2. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      All good options.
      I’ve thought about A too.
      Like B too but Vardy not playing in 38.

    3. Boz
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      I like C

  8. Ray Kinsella
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    watkins and neto, or watkins and rogers?!

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      WR

    2. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Villa boys

    3. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      THANKS!

  9. The Philosopher
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Best Mateta replacement for the last two? First to 5 votes wins.

    A: Watkins
    B: Vardy
    C: Cunha
    D: Beto

    *chasing big time and just wanna have some fun.

    1. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      watkins

    2. NotsoSpursy
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Watkins

    3. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Watkins

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      B

    5. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Watkins

  10. Teddy10
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Chasing 30 points in my mini league and have 1 week left of AM, what’s the best combo to catch up:

    1) Stick with Pep
    2) Pep to Potter
    3) Pep to Herzuler

    A) Mbeumo (c), Evanilson
    B) Mbeumo, Watkins (c) (-4)
    C) Salah (c), Evanilson

  11. The 12th Man
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Only 178 points behind the overall leader.

    What are my chances?

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      0.178%

      1. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        So there’s a chance.

        1. Holmes
          • 12 Years
          10 months, 23 days ago

          Yes, if you can somehow hack into his system, take multiple hits, then you have a chance

  12. Legohair
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Martinez
    Gvardiol-Ruben-Munoz
    Salah(c)-Sarr-Mbeumo-Rogers
    Isak-Wissa-Mateta

    Raya, Saliba, AWB, Rashford

    1 FT 3.1 itb

    A. Roll
    B. Mateta& Rashford to Watkins&8.3 mid(who?) to -4?

    1. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Bowen with Ipswich last game?

      1. Legohair
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        Hmm...

        1. twoplustwo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 months, 23 days ago

          Forest just shipped two to Lei and all

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Defintely B with Bowen - as TWOPLUSTWO said.
      Have some fun!

  13. twoplustwo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Done this to myself…

    Bench Wood, Mo or Haaland?

    1. BremerHB
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Probably Wood but I wouldn’t feel great about it.

      1. twoplustwo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        Indeed. Thanks mate.

        1. BremerHB
          • 9 Years
          10 months, 23 days ago

          Though there’s an argument for benching Haaland… It’d be a very brave move!

  14. BremerHB
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    My only way to Watkins is:

    Isak, Konsa -> Watkins, 4.0 (-4) and benching Wissa, Vardy or Rogers.

    Is it worth it? I’m leaning towards no.

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      I agree. Close your eyes and pray. The benching options preclude it for me - they're all good this week.

      1. BremerHB
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        I suppose KDB could also be a benching candidate.

        I think it’s just going to be one of the “hide-behind-the-sofa-and-pray” evenings!

  15. Steiner
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Mini league on a knife edge.
    1 FT available

    Any ideas here?

    Raya
    Kiwior
    Konaté
    Gvardiol
    Mbeumo
    Schade
    Palmer
    M. Salah
    Isak
    Wood
    Marmoush

    José Sá
    Livramento
    Murillo
    Dibling

    1. Iain Dowies Love Child
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      You need Villa - Isak-Watkins

      1. Steiner
        • 14 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        Thanks man

  16. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Palmer, really?

    Let me down so many times. Not sure I can trust with the armband.

    Anyone going there?

    1. BremerHB
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Not a chance.

    2. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Absolutely not, can’t believe the clamour

  17. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Pick one for this week.

    1. KDB
    2. Palmer

    Thanks

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      1

    2. BremerHB
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Palmer, even though he’s been awful for a while, he will certainly start. With KDB after the FA Cup there’s a chance he may not I guess.

    3. Iain Dowies Love Child
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Neither are great choices - KDB minutes after the Cup Final and Palmer's form. Nostalgia and heart say KDB, head says Palmer. Palmer would be an easy switch to Saka GW38

  18. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Pick one for this week

    1. Wood
    2. Vardy
    3. Beto

    Thanks

    1. BremerHB
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Beto probably.

  19. George James
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Morning guys,

    Best move for this lot?

    1FT 0.1 ITB

    Raya
    Munoz • Milenkovic • Gvardiol
    Salah • KDB • Mbeumo • Rogers • Sarr
    Isak • Marmoush

    Verbruggen / Mateta / Kiwior / Livra

    1. BremerHB
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Perhaps Marmoush/Mateta to Wissa/Vardy/Beto/Wood.

      Tempting also just to roll.

  20. Jullepuu
    • 6 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Worth it to get Watkins now if it means no Saka for gw38 unless I take a hit?

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Can you do something constructive with the other half of any GW38 hit - such as bring in Wan Bissaka for an expensive defender with a tough game??

      1. Jullepuu
        • 6 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        The hit would have to be something like Isak to Evanilson

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 months, 23 days ago

          Not too shabby!

          1. Jullepuu
            • 6 Years
            10 months, 23 days ago

            Yeah its not too bad. Ideally would like to keep Isak for gw38 but cant see a realistic way

            1. Old Man
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              10 months, 23 days ago

              Yes, I know what you mean - similar for me, but we're not captaining him in either week so nay damage should be minimal. Also, Wilson is likely to get time in GW38 - his last game for Newcastle.

              1. Jullepuu
                • 6 Years
                10 months, 23 days ago

                Thanks for the insight on Wilson. Could atleast be an early sub for Isak

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Depends on your situation in ML’s etc but I don’t see why not personally. Both could easily haul and so long as you captain you should re coup the 4 points over the 2 weeks IMO

      1. Jullepuu
        • 6 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        Cheers, I am leading in my ML's. Leaning towards doing Mateta to Watkins this week and then seeing how that goes

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 months, 23 days ago

          I would as most of your chasers are likely to get and Captain him if they think you haven’t got him I think. I know I would

          1. Jullepuu
            • 6 Years
            10 months, 23 days ago

            True. Im just not sure if they will get Watkins this week

            1. PompeyUpNorth!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              10 months, 23 days ago

              Fair enough but good luck anyhow

              1. Jullepuu
                • 6 Years
                10 months, 23 days ago

                Thanks! Good luck to you as well

  21. Iain Dowies Love Child
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Benching dilemma:
    A) Isak
    B) Eze
    Rest of front 6:
    Salah - Bowen - Mbeumo - Rogers
    Watkins (C) - Wissa

    1. BremerHB
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      I’m benching Isak with this front line…

      Salah - KDB - Mbeumo - Bowen - Rogers

      Vardy - Wissa

      That being said, I think with uncertainty after the FA Cup with Ezes minutes you’re better playing Isak.

      1. Iain Dowies Love Child
        • 16 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        That's where I'm currently at - thanks. Just feels wrong with Eze's form!

        1. BremerHB
          • 9 Years
          10 months, 23 days ago

          Yep, I absolutely get it. It’s probably one of those where whatever you do, it’s the wrong choice!

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Really tough but I’d bench Rogers and have first sub in case EZE gets a knock in Final. Nice front 8 though, but that’s the nice issue I guess as no right answer

  22. cigan
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    2 FT to improve this BB squad, what do you think? I'm lost

    A) Trippier & O'Reilly > Enzo & Ruben
    B) Trippier & Salah > Palmer/Saka & Ruben
    C) sth completely different

    Sels Pickford
    Gvardiol AitNouri Collins Digne Trippier
    Salaha Mbeumo Bowen Rogers O'Reilly
    Isak Watkins Wissa

  23. GC123
    • 4 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Morning all

    Martinez
    Gvardiol Munoz Konsa
    Sarr Rogers Salah Mbeumo
    Wissa Isak Marmoush

    Raya Livramento Saliba Murphy

    3FT £1.9m ITB

    1. Konsa + Marmoush > W Bissaka/Collins (which?)

    2. Roll and attack GW38 with 4 FT’s

    3. Something else

    Thanks in advance

  24. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Who would you captain here? Have I benched the right players?

    Martinez
    Gvardiol Munoz AWB
    Salah KDB Mbeumo Elanga
    Haaland Wood Wissa

    Raya Rogers Konsa Livramento

    1. BremerHB
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Mbeumo captain imo. I’d be tempted with Rogers over Elanga but I think it’s pretty even.

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Mbeumo

    3. Iain Dowies Love Child
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Agree with Mbeumo (C)
      Would play Rogers over Elanga and Konsa over Munoz

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Rogers over Elanga and Konsa over AWB for me

  25. Takeawayking
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Suggestions welcome on what 1 FT you’d make…

    Raya
    Munoz, Saliba, Gvardiol,
    Salah, Mbeumo, Bowen, Rogers,
    Isak, Wissa, Marmoush

    Pope, Semenyo, Bradley, Burn

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      How much cash you got?

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        I’d do Marmoush to Watkins if affordable

        1. Takeawayking
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 months, 23 days ago

          Missing £0.1m to do that

      2. Takeawayking
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        £1.5 in bank

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 months, 23 days ago

          In that case I’d save and have 2 next week

  26. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Morning All, Anyone available to offer some advice on this please? Happy to return the favour.
    Raya (Areola)

    Konsa Gvardiol Munoz (AWB Saliba)

    Salah Mbeumo Rogers Eze (Murphy)

    Watkins Wissa Wood

    1 FT 4.4 ITB

    A. Save and have 2 FT’s for final week?
    B. Eze to Palmer for free (Then potentially Palmer to Saka C next week?
    C. Any other bright ideas?
    Cheers!

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      I like/prefer B but A is absolutely fine too. You should do well - good luck.

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        Cheers and yes I’m having a strong finish up from 1.8 to 535000 recently but still worst season ever sadly. I’ll keep fighting though and appreciate your time

  27. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Best cap pick here?

    a. salah
    b. kdb
    c. mbeumo
    d. Watkins

    1. Iain Dowies Love Child
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      D

    2. Robson-Canoe
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      Coin toss between C and D for me

    3. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      D

  28. abaalan
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Chances of haaland starting the bou game after fa cup?

  29. Drizzle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    Who scores more this gameweek

    A) Isak (ars)
    B) Evanilson (mci)

    1. BremerHB
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      A

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        They both get 2 points

  30. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 23 days ago

    A) Watkins to Isak
    B) Mateta to Watkins, KDB to 8.2 (-4)
    C) Isak to Watkins, Mateta to Wood (-4)

    Sels
    Munoz Milenkovic Kiwior
    Salah KDB Eze Mbuemo
    Wissa Isak Mateta

    Raya Murphy RAN Kerkez

    Going to hit BB, to risky to carry over to 38 in all likelihood with the rotation and changes that usually come in that GW

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 23 days ago

      What about Vardy instead of Wood if you're going to BB. He'll be benched anyway in GW38. Could you do B with Eze to Schade, or is Eze locked?

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 months, 23 days ago

        Eze could go next week, but trying to figure out a route to Saka with him going out