Captain Sensible

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 8?

17 October 2025 496 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
Share:

After Erling Haaland (£14.5m) scored for the fifth consecutive Premier League match in a row against Brentford and bagged yet another Norway hat-trick over the international break, the Gameweek 8 captaincy decision will once again be straightforward for the majority.

But in Captain Sensible, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t ask if there was a case to look beyond the Norwegian this week.

First, we will assess the on-site captaincy poll. We will then analyse player and team statistics, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Saturday’s 11am BST deadline.

Captaincy Poll

Best captain Gameweek 8

As expected, Haaland’s stunning early-season form sees him top the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll yet again. Among site users, the Norwegian is the runaway leader in the poll, currently sitting on over 62% of the popular vote. 

For the second week running, Antoine Semenyo (£7.9m) occupies a distant second place, with a little over 7% of the vote. The Ghanaian international outscored Haaland in Gameweek 17, scoring twice and assisting against Fulham.

Chelsea duo Joao Pedro (£7.7m) and Enzo Fernandez (£6.7m) complete the top four ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Nottingham Forest at lunchtime on Saturday. Nick Woltemade (£7.2m) is the only other player to pick up more than 5% backing.

Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks

FFScout Tom <p>Deputy General Manager. Forever chasing the top 10K. Chelsea fan.&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

496 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. _Greg
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Tom and Az going live on YouTube in twenty mins if you want to ask them any questions:

    https://www.youtube.com/live/z8A1mSil2FY?si=rKamcP5ufxCNL4V1

    Open Controls
  2. GE
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    1) Bruno -> Sarr
    2) Bruno -> Enzo
    3) Roll

    (2FT, 0.2 itb, BB active)
    Pope (Dubravka)
    Gabriel/Chalobah/VdV (Senesi, Rodon)
    Bruno/Foden/Semenyo/Reijnders (Xhaka)
    Haaland/Pedro/Gyokeres

    Open Controls
    1. Moon Dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      10 months, 12 days ago

      3.

      Keep rollin'. A lot can change in a week.

      Open Controls
    2. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Bruno is gonna score this week anyway why would you take him out?

      Open Controls
    3. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      1

      Open Controls
    4. Ausman
      • 3 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      1

      Open Controls
    5. DavvaMC
      • 5 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Think Enzo not likely to start

      Open Controls
  3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    How do we think all the Chelsea's injuries/ non availability will affect Joao Pedro?

    Open Controls
    1. Malkmus
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      It's hard to say, certainly no palmer is a big miss but Chelsea do have good fixtures over next 5. He has to deliver over next 2 for me though or he's out. Quite a few good forwards decently priced.

      Open Controls
    2. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Nah he's a bit of a loose cannon. He's just there to distract others whilst the other players demonstrate passing near their opponents box.

      Open Controls
    3. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Can't get excited about a guy that doesn't take shots

      Open Controls
  4. Fpl_Juggernaut
    • 6 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Why no mention of Garnacho or Estevao, good fixtures they are surely gonna play with palmer injury and estevao has good underlying data too

    Open Controls
    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Nacho has Gittens to worry about. Now Estêvão...

      Open Controls
      1. Fpl_Juggernaut
        • 6 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Garnacho is clearly first choice...Gittens will sub on late on the left hand side

        Open Controls
        1. _Greg
          • 16 Years
          10 months, 12 days ago

          If you say so. I happen to agree with you but it's not as clear cut based on the available evidence.

          Open Controls
          1. Fpl_Juggernaut
            • 6 Years
            10 months, 12 days ago

            I understand the worry about garnacho but Estevao is definitely an exciting high upside punt who can play rw as well as palmer role if enzo or neto are out

            Open Controls
  5. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Ramsey, Gyokeres to

    A. Paqueta, J.Pedro
    B. Enzo, Woltemade
    C. Hold

    Would use BB if I do A and B

    Open Controls
    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      B and BB

      Open Controls
    2. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      B

      Open Controls
  6. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    ‘Reece is fully fit’!

    Open Controls
    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Kyle Reece died at the end of the film mate!

      Open Controls
    2. Ball Ake
      • 2 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Reece's in pieces

      Open Controls
  7. The Son-dance Kid
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Saka and Palmer could be the biggest traps this year. Both seem to be very injury prone at this stage in their careers. Palmer already struck down twice this season, Saka once. Both had injury issues last year too.
    Saka a calculated avoid due to this

    Open Controls
    1. Malkmus
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Disagree. He looks in great form so keep until any injuries imo. I think with this year's pricing is very generous, so it's quite easy to fit saka in.

      Open Controls
    2. Sun God Nika
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      yep , hopefully they get back to 100% one day

      but just like last season i shant be going for saka - either eze or rice for me when i do bring in a mid

      and hoping they strike gold for me like trossard did for me

      Open Controls
    3. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      I reckon Palmer can't resist playing out with his mates so his groin never heals lol.

      Open Controls
    4. EDEN THE MAN
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Not sure about the broad sweeping-ness of this take

      Open Controls
      1. The Son-dance Kid
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Better than RMTs or A vs Bs

        Open Controls
    5. MJF
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Any player can get injured anytime. I don't think Saka has historically proven to be injury prone.

      Open Controls
  8. Moon Dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    10 months, 12 days ago

    No mention of Tosin by Maresca... So I guess I just assume he's fit?!

    Which 3 would you play from:

    A. Lacroix (BOU)
    B. Senesi (cry)
    C. Andersen (bur)
    D. Tosin (nfo)

    Open Controls
    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Tosin is fit, so is Fofana.

      Open Controls
      1. Moon Dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 1 Year
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Ah okay thank you. Nice boost before a good run of fixtures...

        Open Controls
        1. _Greg
          • 16 Years
          10 months, 12 days ago

          I'd have both if I could! Might be getting Tosin next week. Or Sesko...

          Open Controls
    2. The Mentaculus
      • 5 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Andersen plays Arsenal, not Burnley. I'd start the other 3

      Open Controls
      1. Moon Dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 1 Year
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Oops that was meant to be Rodon

        Yeah Andersen is on my bench for sure. Must have been thinking about him as I wrote that 😆

        Open Controls
  9. Malkmus
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Is it necessary to have any liverpool players? I'm struggling to fit any in. Salah is way overpriced, it's tough to fit Isak in and not convinced on gakpo, ekitike etc

    Open Controls
    1. MJF
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Is your FPL team called Slanted & Enchanted?

      Open Controls
      1. Malkmus
        • 15 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Ha, no unfortunately not

        Open Controls
      2. _Greg
        • 16 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        That makes me think of fancy va-jayjays

        Open Controls
    2. Sun God Nika
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      its not necesary to have or to not have any players

      as long as your players chosen are returning for you is all that matters

      Open Controls
      1. Malkmus
        • 15 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Indeed. Just seems odd not to have any players from a team in second place.

        Open Controls
        1. Snoopydog
          • 1 Year
          10 months, 12 days ago

          Not got any for this GW (or for last) but keeping flexibility in the team (FTs and funding) to jump back in as/when they "click"... Thinking likely to be Isak (unless Salah returns to form)

          Open Controls
          1. Malkmus
            • 15 Years
            10 months, 12 days ago

            Thanks. Yeah you would think a 130m striker would come good at some point. He will be a big differential if he does. I think Salah is not worth it, no trent = no party

            Open Controls
            1. Snoopydog
              • 1 Year
              10 months, 12 days ago

              Think lack of Trent has had a big impact. Does feel weird not having Salah for MUN and will probably bite me on the bum, but hey ho.

              Open Controls
              1. Malkmus
                • 15 Years
                10 months, 12 days ago

                Yeah, no trent has been massive, Salah really misses those quick 30-40 yard passes to find him in space. Can see Mo scoring on sunday, prob a pen, but no way is he worth the 14.5m

                Open Controls
    3. The Hunt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      No Liverpool needed. This could be a disappointing season for them.

      Open Controls
  10. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Best move here? BB Active.

    A) Save FT
    B) Alderete -> Mukiele
    C) Alderete & Gyokeres -> Calafiori & Wolte

    Pope, Dubravka
    Timber, Senesi, Richards, Rodon, Alderete
    Saka, Semenyo, Sarr, Gordon, Xhaka
    Haaland, Gyokeres, Mateta

    Bank 0.1m, 3FTs, BB & FH left

    Open Controls
    1. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      A

      I think Alderete will play

      Open Controls
    2. Moon Dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      10 months, 12 days ago

      A.

      Keep Rollin'

      Open Controls
  11. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    A. Wood to Woltemade
    B. Wood to DCL
    C. Wood and Bruno to DCL and Saka -4

    Open Controls
    1. Malkmus
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      What about Bowen?

      Open Controls
    2. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      A

      Bring in Saka next week

      Open Controls
  12. Sun God Nika
    • 6 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Any fellow hive members going to bench boost this GW with their burnley and leeds players

    Open Controls
  13. Lx789
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Pope (Dubs)
    Gabriel Esteve VDV (Lacroix, Virgil)
    Semenyo Mbeumo Reijnders Minteh (Grealish)
    Haaland (c) J Pedro Richarlison

    A. GTG
    B. WC
    C. Richarlison to Wolt

    Open Controls
    1. Tsparkes10
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      A but start VVD

      Open Controls
  14. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Andersen v Tarkowski for first sub to potentially cover Alderete no-show

    - Fulham and Everton have 17% and 12% CS odds respectively
    - Man City and Arsenal are projected to score 2.1 and 1.8 goals respectively (-1 per 2 goals conceded)
    - I think Both players are likely to hit defcon

    Any other factors to consider?

    Which team is more likely to concede a goal from a set piece?

    *data taken from Robt

    Open Controls
    1. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Tark

      Open Controls
    2. Moon Dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Andersen

      Ain't no one stopping that City attack.

      Open Controls
    3. Ausman
      • 3 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      I'd go with Andersen.
      Fulham have conceded 2 goals in three home games and have 1 CS against Leeds. They also haven't lost at home.
      Everton have failed to keep a CS away, conceding 5 goals in three games. They haven't won away.

      While I expect Man City and Arsenal to both win, Fulham could make life hard for their opponent, while I expect Man City to belt Everton.

      Open Controls
    4. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Did you check the ace graph from a week ago which detailed which teams got Defcon against?

      Open Controls
  15. Bobby_Baggio
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Morning all - 1FT and 0.1m ITB. Save FT or get P.M Sarr out?

    Raya
    VDV - Virgil - Richards
    Salah - Semenyo - Sarr - P.M Sarr
    Woltemade - Wood - Haaland

    (Valdimarsson) - Rodon - De Cuyper - KDH

    Open Controls
    1. Tsparkes10
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Save

      Open Controls
      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 15 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        thanks

        Open Controls
    2. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Save for now

      Sarr and Wood > King and Bowen next week

      Open Controls
      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 15 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Cheers

        Open Controls
  16. Tsparkes10
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    A) Is Mbuemo to Saka worth an FT this week?

    B) Bench VDV or Richarlison

    Open Controls
    1. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Yes

      VDV

      Open Controls
    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      A) Yea

      B) VDV - Spurs will concede

      Open Controls
  17. The Final Boss
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    So wildcarders are you going with Enzo especially after Maresca's comments?

    Open Controls
    1. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      No

      Open Controls
    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      He's a pick beyond this GW anyway. Just have a good bench to cover

      Open Controls
  18. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    With Enzo not certain to play, would you still bring him in on WC?

    Open Controls
    1. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      No

      Open Controls
    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      No, I’ve gone for Caicedo instead

      Open Controls
      1. Ha.
        • 11 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        ...who is also a doubt

        Open Controls
  19. Amartey Partey
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    J Pedro to Bowen or hold?

    I’m kind of sick of JP now.

    Open Controls
  20. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Maresca did not rule Enzo for this GW.

    I don't see why folks on WC would not have Enzo in their team, just have a strong bench. Non WC teams can wait until GW9.

    "And then we have Moi [Caicedo], Enzo [Fernandez], Pedro [Neto], they didn't take part in the session yesterday, and we'll see if they can train today, otherwise they're going to be out."

    https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/every-word-enzo-maresca-said-32694882

    Open Controls
    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Rule out Enzo*

      Open Controls
    2. The Mentaculus
      • 5 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Aye, a poor transcription on the initial 'live' article then to just say "out" rather than "otherwise they're going to be out"

      Open Controls
    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      For info - Maresca presser from 2:39 onwards

      https://youtu.be/mwAHNf2HAkE?si=gCbkpRzekIs817wW

      Open Controls
  21. Powers106
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Why no love for Gravenberch? On WC I’ve gone no-Salah but wouldn’t he be a bit of LIV cover, or is he just not nailed or something else?

    Open Controls
    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      He's the inform auto pick into midfield atm.

      Open Controls
    2. Ausman
      • 3 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      He's not a noted goal scorer and needs to show more consistency before I consider him. Liverpool cover is not essential IMO.

      Open Controls
  22. thewhitepele
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Got 1ft and 3.1 itb.

    Sels (Dubs)
    Gabriel Munoz Gudmund (VDV Diouf)
    Bruno Semenyo Foden Kudus Reijnders
    Haaland Pedro (Guiu)

    A) GTG
    B) Guiu -> Woltemade (bench Reijnders)
    C) Foden -> Saka
    D) WC

    Open Controls
    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      C

      Will Munoz start in Saturday?

      His match finishes at 1am on Wednesday morning.

      So arrived back late Wednesday/ Thursday and rested today??

      Open Controls
      1. thewhitepele
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Cheers, I think he will start, he was rested on Wednesday

        Open Controls
        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 months, 12 days ago

          Yeah, you're probably right

          It's just the travel time

          Open Controls
  23. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Will Senesi start on Saturday?

    Open Controls
  24. aaroncfc
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Would you bench boost this:

    Dubravka (LEE)
    Senesi (cry)
    Dewsbury-Hall (mci)
    Gudmundsson (bur)

    Have 3 FT and 0.3 ITB so could increase bench strength if needed

    Open Controls
    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Switch KDH up? Have you got Sarr?

      Is Senesi predicted to start?

      Open Controls
      1. aaroncfc
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Palace Sarr is too expensive for me to fit in. What is up with Senesi?

        Open Controls
        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 months, 12 days ago

          He's probably fine but just returned in the last two days I think.

          Open Controls
  25. -GK22-
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    WC marks out of 10?

    Pope
    Timber, Gabriel, Munoz
    Saka, Semenyo, Sarr, Reijnders
    Haaland, Bowen, woltemade

    Dub, Longstaff, Senesi, Rodon

    Open Controls
    1. CFC1990
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      It's amazing. I am a bit put off with Enzo with the injury doubt

      Open Controls
  26. CFC1990
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Who is the best 5m midfielder?

    I'm between Xhaka and Dewsbury Hall.

    Open Controls
    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Xhaka ticks more boxes than KDH as an FPL pick

      Open Controls
    2. aaroncfc
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      I currently own KDH, was thinking of swapping him for Xhaka this week and then BB

      Open Controls
    3. Ausman
      • 3 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Josh Cullen from Burnley.

      Open Controls
  27. Gizzachance
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Bruno?
    A keep
    B eze
    C enzo
    D sarr
    E gakpo

    Cheers

    Open Controls
    1. Ausman
      • 3 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      B

      Open Controls
  28. trinzoo
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    On WC
    Bought Pedro for 7.5, can sell today for 7.6 and if he drops, will buy tomorrow for 7.6 - I guess I should pull the trigger, right?

    Open Controls
    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      It doesn't matter assuming he drops

      Open Controls
      1. trinzoo
        • 11 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        I can sell him later for 7.6, not 7.5 😀

        Open Controls
      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        Actually...

        If you sell at 7.6 then buy back at 7.6, you don't gain anything.

        However, if you hold and he drops to 7.6, you have an additional 0.1m buffer for another price drop. Also if he increases in price, you will gain profit quicker at 7.5 purchase price

        Open Controls
        1. No Luck
          • 14 Years
          10 months, 12 days ago

          Logic fail

          Open Controls
    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      You can't

      You need two increases to profit

      You make half

      Open Controls
  29. Wayner9
    • 4 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Who to bring in for Muniz?
    a) Bowen
    b) Woltemade

    Open Controls
    1. Ausman
      • 3 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Wolt

      Open Controls
  30. Tinmen
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 12 days ago

    Given Slots comments on Isak.
    Do we expect him to start this weekend ?

    Open Controls
    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      What were the comments

      Open Controls
      1. Tinmen
        • 13 Years
        10 months, 12 days ago

        That he is now fit and he can be judged fairly from here on

        Open Controls
        1. EDEN THE MAN
          • 10 Years
          10 months, 12 days ago

          Then yes

          Open Controls
    2. Malkmus
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      Yes

      Open Controls
    3. Ausman
      • 3 Years
      10 months, 12 days ago

      No

      Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.