Captain Sensible

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 17?

19 December 2025 254 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
Share:

Erling Haaland (£15.0m) notched his seventh double-digit haul of the season against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 16, delighting the 5.6 million+ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers that handed him the armband.

This weekend, Manchester City host West Ham, no doubt making the captaincy decision straightforward for many. However, in Captain Sensible, we wouldn’t be doing our due diligence if we didn’t at least wonder whether there is a case to look beyond the Norwegian.

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 to determine the best captain for Gameweek 17 ahead of Saturday’s 11am GMT deadline.

Captaincy Poll

Some technical issues delayed the launch of the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll this week!

But unsurprisingly, since its late arrival, Haaland has soared to the top of the standings. Over 69% of site users believe the Norwegian, who was fully rested in midweek, is the best option for Gameweek 17.

The only other players to boast over over 10% of the vote (indeed, over 3%) are the in-form Phil Foden (£8.8m) and Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m), who faces Burnley at home this Saturday.

Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks

price change predictions

FFScout Tom <p>Partnerships &amp; Community Manager. Previously Multimedia Manager and Deputy Social Media Manager.</p>

254 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. fgdu
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    play harry wilson or chalobah?

    Open Controls
    1. jacksonbarber125
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Wilson, Newcastle strong at home

      Open Controls
    2. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Wilson

      Open Controls
    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Wilson

      Open Controls
  2. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Just seen Frank’s presser. He looks like he’s aged 10 years in the last week 😯

    Open Controls
    1. Dank Squid
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      They've been too Frank

      Open Controls
    2. The Philosopher
      • 5 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Managing spurs can do that to you.

      Open Controls
  3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Play 1 of Andersen, Anderson, Woltemade and Enzo

    Open Controls
    1. Dangles
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Fulham Andersen or Woltemade imo. I lean to Woltemade at home for more upside

      Open Controls
  4. Dank Squid
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Ekitike will punish me. Red arrow. It's fine, still enough GWs to claw back and claim that coveted spot. December is just a rough ride, as always

    Open Controls
    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      He's not that highly owned

      Open Controls
      1. Dank Squid
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Thank you, Gandalf. Reverse psychology, and your wisdom, will break the pattern. My xmas gift to you is a big green arrow

        Open Controls
        1. Gandalf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Any time. My xmas gift to you is an Ekitike blank tomorrow, so you can sleep well tonight.

          My xmas gift to myself is a red card for Guehi as finding him verh annoying recently..

          Open Controls
          1. Dank Squid
            • 7 Years
            3 months, 27 days ago

            Thx. Wish I had Guehi, nice attacking returns (Lacroix is in my team - beyond annoying), red cards are bad

            Open Controls
    2. mrtapio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      I'm actually expecting my first red since GW10, but I think that is OK. No Ekitike and many chips being played. Only had 4 reds so far.

      Open Controls
      1. Dank Squid
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        First red since GW 10, only 4 so far? You're doing good. I've had 6 reds, the usual, looking forward to 2nd half of the season

        Open Controls
        1. mrtapio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Not sure how I ended up there, but I sit at OR2.5k.
          Usually 2nd half is where I do best, maybe this year it's opposite.

          Open Controls
          1. Dank Squid
            • 7 Years
            3 months, 27 days ago

            Maybe not. "Usually" is the past. Keep going, doing the right things

            Open Controls
  5. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Start DCL or Tavenier?

    Open Controls
    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Tavernier

      Open Controls
    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Tav

      Open Controls
    3. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Thanks guys! Happy Holidays!

      Open Controls
  6. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Raya Dubravka
    VVD O'Reilly Andersen Hincapie Mukiele
    Saka Bruno Foden Enzo Anderson
    Haaland Thiago Guiu
    4ft 0.6 itb
    A) Rolling to 5ft, team is fine
    B) Enzo to Wilson and Thiago to Ekiteke (excact cash)

    Open Controls
    1. Dangles
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Can't trade Thiago out before Wolves unless he's confirmed injured

      Open Controls
      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        I did can’t buy if lost cash?

        Open Controls
  7. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Jeff Shi has resigned. The worst chairman in the history of the Premier League is finally gone!

    Open Controls
    1. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Peter Ridsdale says hi.

      Open Controls
  8. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Working for me. Make sure the drop down menus at the top are set to all games and this season.

    Open Controls
  9. Casual Player
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Igor Thiago “knocks” are ruining my BB plans.

    I think what I’ve learned from this is should’ve used it earlier.

    Open Controls
    1. Dank Squid
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      I had a zero on my bench last season (Estupinan), still beat the average BB score. That's why I still like the chip, it can bring additional points even if a single player fails (TC is different)

      Open Controls
      1. Casual Player
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Yeah good point and I’m leaning toward risking it anyway

        Don’t want to transfer him out

        Don’t want to make more transfers to try and make it work in 18/19

        I’ve had so many double digit bench weeks without using it that the incoming 5 pt BB is well deserved

        Open Controls
        1. Dank Squid
          • 7 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          You deserve more than 5 points

          Open Controls
  10. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Subs right?

    Sanchez
    Timber-Chalobah-Guéhi
    Saka(VC)-Foden-BrunoF-Rogers-Rice
    Haaland(C)-Thiago
    Dubravka-Cash-Guiu-Gudmundson

    Open Controls
    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Yes

      Open Controls
  11. theguy69
    • 6 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Which is the best time to play TC before christmas

    Open Controls
    1. Ray85
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Now

      Open Controls
    2. thewhitepele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Haaland v WHU

      Open Controls
    3. Casual Player
      • 5 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Tough one there’s a whopping 30 games to consider

      Open Controls
    4. Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      I will play it now.

      Open Controls
  12. Radulfo28773
    • 4 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Play one (the other two will be on the bench):

    a) Alderete
    b) Chalobah
    C) Van de Ven

    Open Controls
    1. Casual Player
      • 5 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Chalobah because everytime I’ve benched him he’s found a way to go big anyway.

      Open Controls
    2. Dangles
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      A. Other two have horrible match ups

      Open Controls
  13. Bullett
      3 months, 27 days ago

      This will sound odd to you lot.
      Im not a football fan. I know zero! But im in a FPL group at work for fun. And currently winning somehow.

      Current line up for this week
      Sanchez

      Chalobah. Van hecke. O'Reilly. Guehi

      B Guimaraes. Gravenberch. H Wilson. Foden(v cpt).

      Haaland(cpt) . Ekitike.

      Bench
      Pickford. Timber. Thiago. Eze

      Would you guys change anything around starter wise? ( I used my transfer for ekitike as I kicked him out 3 weeks ago after having him.frimmday one lol)

      Open Controls
      1. Ray85
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Play Timber over Chalobah

        Open Controls
      2. jacksonbarber125
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Start Thiago and Timber, Bench either Van Hecke and Guehi.. for me at least

        Open Controls
        1. jacksonbarber125
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Or bench Chalobah

          Open Controls
      3. mrtapio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        I would start Timber, Thiago and Eze. Maybe Guimaraes, Van heche and Guehi on the bench.

        Open Controls
    • Weasel51
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Who is the best pick?

      A) Richards (CPL)
      B) Senesi
      C) Truffert

      Open Controls
      1. Ray85
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Senesi

        Open Controls
      2. Drizzle
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Long term - Richards

        Open Controls
    • NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Bench 1:

      A. Richards
      B. Chalobah

      Open Controls
      1. Ray85
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        B

        Open Controls
      2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        I'm playing Chalobah with Richards first sub
        Could go either way though tbh

        Open Controls
    • Ray85
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Is Thiago and Szoboslai worth going to Ekitike and Wieffer? Otherwise bench is Thiaw, kroupi

      Open Controls
      1. BrockLanders
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Not sure I'd do those moves

        Open Controls
        1. Ray85
          • 8 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Neither? Wieffer is the only downgrade that gets me Ekitike. Unless I wait next week and have 3 FTs.

          Open Controls
      2. Dangles
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Don't transfer out Thiago before Wolves unless he's confirmed out

        Open Controls
        1. Ray85
          • 8 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Don't think there's going to be any confirmation before the deadline

          Open Controls
    • thewhitepele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Got 5 ft and 0.3 itb.
      Eze —> Semenyo YAY or NAY?

      Would welcome Ekitike for Thiago but would need to find 1.2m from somewhere..

      Verbruggen
      Hincapie Oreilly Andersen
      Saka Bruno Foden Wilson EZE
      Haaland(TC) Thiago

      Dubravka, Guiu, Alderete, Esteve

      Open Controls
      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Ditching Hincapie seems like the only way to get that cash, but it doesn't seem smart.

        Open Controls
    • Forcella Boys
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Chasing in my ML thinking of getting rid of Eze & Thiago. Would you go for a -4

      A. Tavernier & Ekitike
      B. Wilson & Mateta
      C. Schade & Mateta
      D. Any suggestions ?

      Open Controls
      1. Ray85
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Leave Thiago and get rid of Eze for Wilson

        Open Controls
        1. Forcella Boys
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Thank you mate

          Open Controls
          1. Ray85
            • 8 Years
            3 months, 27 days ago

            No prob. Any view on mine? Is Thiago and Szoboslai worth going to Ekitike and Wieffer? Otherwise my bench is Thiaw, Kroupi Jr

            Open Controls
            1. Forcella Boys
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 months, 27 days ago

              I think if you are chasing it’s worth it tbh.

              Open Controls
    • FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Hi folks, is this lineup correct?

      Petrovic
      O’Reilly, Chalobah, Senesi
      Saka, Foden, Cunha, Wilson
      Haaland, Ekitike, Mateta

      Vicario, Minteh, Dalot, Mukiele 0ft .5itb

      Unsure about Chalobah/Wilson over Minteh/Dalot

      Thank you

      Open Controls
      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Good as is. Think I'd have Dalot last on bench

        Open Controls
    • IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Evening. Good to go?

      Petrovic
      Chalobah O'Reilly Hincapie
      Saka Bruno Foden Semenyo Wilson
      Haaland Ekitike

      Dubravka Richards Keane Guiu
      0FT 2.1ITB

      Open Controls
      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Yes gtg

        Open Controls
    • Ninjaa
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Which one to bench.... going 433 this gw?
      A. Vvd
      B. Guehi
      C. Senesi
      D. O'Reilly
      E. Hincapie

      Open Controls
      1. BrockLanders
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        B

        Open Controls
      2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Hmmmm, A

        Open Controls
      3. Ray85
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        A

        Open Controls
    • BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Wilson for Xhaka? Have to bench Thiago to play him though..

      Open Controls
    • Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Is this good to go and the correct bench?

      Pope
      Guehi, van Dijk, Rondon
      Foden, B. Fernandes, Saka, Rice, Bruno G.
      Haaland (TC), Thiago

      Dubravka, Calvert-Lewin, Keane, Alderete

      Thank you and good luck to all!

      Open Controls
      1. BrockLanders
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        I'd be sorely tempted to start DCL.

        Open Controls
    • Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Which one would you play?

      A) Hincapie (eve)
      B) Van Dijk (tot)

      Open Controls
      1. BrockLanders
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Close. Probably VVD as per attacking threat

        Open Controls
        1. Jam0sh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Cheers

          Open Controls
    • BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Have we had any update on Thiago?

      Open Controls
      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Also wondering about this. What is the injury?

        Open Controls
        1. BrockLanders
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Not sure it's been confirmed. Think it was suggested as a knock

          Open Controls
          1. Bennerman
            • 7 Years
            3 months, 27 days ago

            There are exact quotes (not that they are exact as such from the manager) on this very site on this very internet – let's not be lazy people.

            Open Controls
    • bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Raya and Guiu vs Verbruggen and DCL - DCL I thought would be a good fall back if Thiago doesn't start. He is on fire.
      Otherwise Collins will come in for Thiago?
      Which is best option?
      Happy Holidays everyone!

      Open Controls
      1. Count Olaf
        • 1 Year
        3 months, 27 days ago

        I think I'd keep Raya, don't trust Brighton's defence. And Collins is a fine 1st sub this week.

        Open Controls
        1. bso
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Thank your Lordship!

          Open Controls
    • Count Olaf
      • 1 Year
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Woltemade to
      A) Ekitike
      B) Bowen (now or next week)
      C) Someone else
      D) Keep

      I have Haaland and Thiago. Can't be Guiu because of BB18.

      Open Controls
      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Might as well be Bowen, otherwise you will be looking at another TRSF. Unless you have transfers to spare, then get Ekitike.

        Open Controls
        1. Count Olaf
          • 1 Year
          3 months, 27 days ago

          I have 4 FT (3 after I do the move). I could keep Ekitike for 2-3 games and then jump on to Bowen if Ekitike's minutes don't look great.

          Open Controls
          1. bso
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 27 days ago

            Go for it!

            Open Controls
    • dansmith1985
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      G2G to roll here?

      1FT 0.1 bank

      Dubravka
      VVD Hincapie OReilly
      Foden Bruno G Saka Rice Wilson
      Thiago Haaland

      Sels Welbeck Van Hecke Gud

      Open Controls
      1. Stevie B
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        I think good to go. Good luck!

        Open Controls
    • Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Which one you would bench from this front line?

      Foden, B. Fernandes, Saka, Rice, Bruno G.
      Haaland, Thiago, Calvert-Lewin

      Thanks!

      Open Controls
      1. Dangles
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        That's brutal. Maybe DCL? But it feels really wrong with his form. Rice maybe?

        Open Controls
    • EWH2020
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Would you BB this sh*te

      Dub, Kroupi, Cash, Thiaw

      Open Controls
      1. Stevie B
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        I would not.

        Open Controls
      2. Dangles
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        I mean fixtures aren't great this week, but this is somehow the best week for those 4 players out of GW17,18,19, so it's a low confidence yes unless you have transfers spare for your bench next week

        Open Controls

    You need to be logged in to post a comment.