Captain Sensible
26 December 2025 282 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
Share:

Erling Haaland (£15.1m) notched his eighth double-digit haul of the season against West Ham United in Gameweek 17, delighting the 900,000+ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who played their Triple Captain chip on him.

This weekend, Manchester City travel to Nottingham Forest, no doubt making the captaincy decision straightforward for some.

However, in Captain Sensible, we consider whether there is a case to look beyond the Norwegian. Arsenal and Liverpool, for instance, enjoy favourable home fixtures against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.

First, we will assess the on-site captaincy poll. We will then analyse player and team statisticsRate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings to determine the best captain for Gameweek 18 ahead of Friday’s 6.30pm GMT deadline.


Captaincy Poll

Haaland sits at the top of the standings, with 46.5% of site users believing the Norwegian is the best option for Gameweek 18.

Hugo Ekitike (£9.0m) is the one player pushing him hard in the poll, with over a third of respondents backing the in-form Frenchman.

Matheus Cunha (£8.0m) is a distant third and, even then, this lofty standing might be due to his name appearing first in the poll and him thus garnering a handful of accidental votes!


Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks

price change predictions

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

282 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Morning guys. Do I bench Thiaw away to Man U or Potts home to Fulham ??

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Potts

    2. Snoop Udogie Dogg
      • 6 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Thiaw

    3. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Probably Thiaw

  2. Feed tha Sheep
    • 14 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Going to sell Saka & Minteh - should I sell Semenyo too this week?

    A. Saka & Minteh > Rice & Gordon (Get Cunha next week)
    B. Saka & Minteh & Semenyo > Rice Gordon & Cunha

    1. BR510
      8 months, 1 day ago

      B looks great

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

      A enough

    3. Not again Shirley
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Very sideways move imo. Saka may be a bit overpriced but can haul and decent stats. Minteh admittedly has done nothing last few weeks but will come good I think. Don’t rate Gordon.

      1. Feed tha Sheep
        • 14 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Obviously Saka can haul (and will continue to) but in order for other upgrade I need to downgrade him. Minteh has only scored over 3pts once in 7 weeks. How long do you leave him? I agree after Arsenal his fixs are good for two weeks but feel Gordon fixs are turning as are Cunha’s

        1. Not again Shirley
          • 9 Years
          8 months, 1 day ago

          Fair enough. Maybe wait a week for Gordon if you can.

          1. Feed tha Sheep
            • 14 Years
            8 months, 1 day ago

            Ok thanks

  3. BR510
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Bottomed. Bowen vs Rogers long term pick?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Rogers

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

      Rogers from GW 20 after Che and Ars

  4. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 12 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Captain etikite locked in, gl all 🙂

    1. BR510
      8 months, 1 day ago

      GL. Are you chasing/what helped you decide?

      1. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        I'd also like to know this!

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 12 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        I just think he will do better than haaland 🙂

  5. Dutchy FPL
    • 3 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    How about Mason Mount as a placeholder until Bruno, Mbeumo and Diallo get back? Cheap decent fixtures and should be on most set pieces

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      - can he stay fit?
      - can he start 4 games in 12 days?

      1. Dutchy FPL
        • 3 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Fair points Tony. Who can be a better alternative arround that price point? Anderson, Gravenberch or Minteh maybe? I still like the Mount punt tough

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Casemiro

  6. Jimjam
    • 15 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Foden, Cunha, Rice, ???

    A. Wirtz
    B. Rogers
    C. Gordon

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

      B

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      B

    3. Feed tha Sheep
      • 14 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      C

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      B

    5. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      B

  7. Voronins Pony Tail
    • 3 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    I’m on Free Hit….

    Pickford
    VVD O’Reily Saliba
    Wilson Saka Wirtz Foden
    Ekitike Haaland Thiago

    Dubs Miley Gudmusson Arch

    Thoughts??

    Will Wilson start or should I swap Wirtz for Rice and swap Wilson to Rogers??

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

      Wirtz 0 goals and 2 assists in 17 matches, even with WOL attacking returns seems unlikely

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        FH perfect for Wirtz. Punt on him coming good but not stuck with him if he blanks

        1. Baines on Toast...
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 months, 1 day ago

          Means needlessly losing ground to Semenyo owners

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

          Still a very big punt, would be reluctant to spend a FH spot on him. But when I say this, he’ll haul

    2. yakirh
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Change Wilson to Tarkowski (4-4-2) and G2G

      1. yakirh
        • 10 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Meant 4-3-3

  8. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Bruno to return in 3 weeks which is GW22

    https://x.com/i/status/2004482973060526082

    1. mookie
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      22 - City(h)
      23 - Arsenal(a)

      Far from ideal for FPL.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        His type of games

  9. AD105
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    We expecting H.Wilson to fit this week?

  10. Tekkerslovakiaftw
    • 11 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Who to play?
    A) Senesi
    B) Mukiele

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      B

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

      A

      1. HVT
        • 15 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Why if you don’t mind me asking?

  11. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    If u already did -4
    Would u sell Bruno for another -4

    A- Yaay for Wirtz
    B- Play Gudmundsson SUN (A)

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      B

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

      B

  12. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Silva on team news: "Wilson - it looked more serious than it is right now. It was a big knock on the knee. It's still painful, & we will assess him. Muniz & Sess are out. I'm hopeful about Wilson, games come thick & fast - let's hope we can have him available."

    https://x.com/i/status/2004488514516468163

    1. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Thanks as always Tony. Was just looking on Google for exactly this information. No clearer to me if I play him or sell for Cunha, Wirtz or Rogers

  13. ball c
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Best replacement for Bruno from the below:

    A) Wirtz
    B) Gordon
    C) Cunha

    No other attacking cover from these players teams.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      C

    2. z13
      • 1 Year
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Wirtz = punt on a player whose returns probably look like 8,3,6,2,5
      Gordon = punt on a player whose returns probably look like 2,2,0,16,1
      Cunha - safe option

  14. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Would you start Rodon (sun) or VdV (cry) over Senesi (bre) and Andersen (whu)?

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      No

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      I'd play Andersen

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      No

    4. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Maybe not. Vdv over Andersen possibly

  15. Maddamotha
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Fully expect Ekitike to go wild this gw… and I dont own him. Im fruckd

    1. Not again Shirley
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Just buy him then. Lots will captain him this GW.

      1. Maddamotha
        • 9 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Would have to take a -8, which I wont do. Will just pray Wolves make it difficult for them.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      doubt it, liverpool are missing some big players. As bad as wolves are they did hold arsenal out who scored 2 lucky own goals

  16. Whiz40
    • 4 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Marco Silva, unfortunately, so vague on Harry Wilsons availability
    I’m on BB this GW, would you take the risk and play him, or transfer him??
    It would be a free transfer, but I’m also keen on keeping a few up my sleeve

    1. PartyTime
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Sell

  17. adstomko
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Why does the algorithm for price drops have to be such a big secret?
    That unexpected Bruno price drop could be game-changing.

  18. PogChamp
    • 14 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Thought the captains poll would be close this GW with Ekitike at home to Wolves but Haaland still the clear leader. I’m chasing so I’ve taken a massive punt on Palmer(c) on my FH.

    1. Not again Shirley
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Not convinced you need a massive punt this early in the season. Villa are pretty good so won’t be easy for Palmer.

  19. pjomara
    • 16 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    FH team. G2G?

    Raya
    Saliba, VVD, Keane, OReilly
    Saka, Cunha, Wirtz,
    Ekitike, Haaland (c), Bowen

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Yep looks good

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Yes

  20. Old Bull
    • 13 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Is there a player worth a -4 this week? I’ve got Bruno, Burn, Richard’s and Wilson flagged. Transfers all used.

    1. z13
      • 1 Year
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Maybe Cunha or Ekitike

      1. Not again Shirley
        • 9 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Etikite yes.

  21. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Ragabolly theory on Bruno price drop last night

    https://x.com/i/status/2004375412583842067

    1. mookie
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Thiago was like -140% to fall and didn't. I could take a very wild guess on who didn't sell Thiago this week.

  22. XX SMICER XX
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Thoughts on Gakpo?
    Slot’s comments have me hope. Likes a goal at home and two plum fixtures

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      *given me hope

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Not for me

      “Conor will be 50-50. He’s not training with us today, not tomorrow, so Friday we will see where he exactly is [and] if he can be in the squad for the weekend.

      “Joe won’t be available. Wata won’t be available. Cody is a bit similar to Conor.” – Arne Slot

    3. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Too risky need solid players with amount of games

  23. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Have three flags plus Semenyo (transfer rumours) and Guiu
    GTG or take a hit?

    Dubravka
    Hincapie* O'Reilly Keane
    Saka Foden Semenyo Rice Wilson*
    Haaland Ekitike(C)

    Petrovic Chalobah Richards* Guiu

    4.1ITB

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Think a Wilson hint will appear later.

      1. Whiz40
        • 4 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Can you elaborate?

        1. g40steve
          • 8 Years
          8 months, 1 day ago

          Always leaks or social media comment

  24. PartyTime
    • 5 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Worth going with a differential captain this GW or stick with Haaland? The Liverpool lads, Foden & Cunha are appealing.

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Less than 100k No

      1M+ Yes

      1. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        What about 100k to 1M?

    2. keefy59
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      I think it depends on rank
      If you are ranked high & want to protect your rank stay with Haaland .
      But if you are chasing Ekitike could be huge as probably fewer owners around your rank .

    3. Not again Shirley
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      I would say yes. Captain card a bit over rated. Even if Haaland does well and you captain someone that doesn’t, it’s only 1 set of scores you miss out on. Imo it’s worth going differential this GW. Forest I am hoping will do ok this GW. Actually quite tempted by Saka/Thiago but will most likely captain Etikite (even though Wolves will park a giant bus at Anfield).

      1. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Not sure I understand this. If a popular captain hauls and you go for a differential that blanks, you will plummet in your mini leagues and OR

        1. Not again Shirley
          • 9 Years
          8 months, 1 day ago

          You won’t plummet as you will own Haaland anyway so will at least get his points.

          1. Utopsis
            • 6 Years
            8 months, 1 day ago

            You get half his points, which in a haul situation is 10+ points less. Say your captain gets 2, that's 8 points less than probably 50% of people, then youre playing catchup the rest of the GW with your other players

            1. Utopsis
              • 6 Years
              8 months, 1 day ago

              8+*

            2. Not again Shirley
              • 9 Years
              8 months, 1 day ago

              Maybe but in GW’s such as this, it’s very unlikely for example that Haaland scores 2 more than Etikite and it’s worth a chance to make a gain on all the dullards captaining the Man City man.

              1. Utopsis
                • 6 Years
                8 months, 1 day ago

                Oh I get this completely, but I'm just highlighting that the risk still remains. I captained Saka for his 11 point haul vs Wolves instead of Haaland for example - but I knew the risks and was prepared to accept the consequences.

      2. PartyTime
        • 5 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Thanks. I think it isn’t overrated. Captaincy plays a huge part of the game tbh. Reason why i suck at this every season.

        1. Not again Shirley
          • 9 Years
          8 months, 1 day ago

          Just captain Haaland every week like everyone else and you’ll be fine.

    4. PartyTime
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Thanks Lads. I’ll ponder over it.

      1. Not again Shirley
        • 9 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        GL whatever you choose

  25. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Morning.

    A/B 1/2

    A Petrovic to Pickford bench Fernandes.

    B Bruno to Palmer bench DCL or Wilson play Dubravka

    Bench 1

    1 Chalobah

    2 Guehi

    Petrovic
    Timber O’Reilly Chalobah
    Foden HWilson Semenyo Rice
    C Haaland Ekitike DCL

    Dubravka Guehi Senesi Fernandes

    3.1

    1. keefy59
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      B But maybe Saka as a placeholder until Palmer gets more minutes & his form & fixtures improve .
      1 Difficult fixture

      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Cheers Keefy I was on Palmer Dubs & Chalobah, need to reverse the rot to get to 10k

  26. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Wilson owners - what are you doing? I was hoping (in vain) to get more clarity so now I am left with the decision of keep him, Wirtz, Cunha or Rogers. Wirtz is a bit of a punt but matches are very good. Cunha may not be able to maximise potential with nobody teeing him up and Rogers has tough two matches coming up.

    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      Keeping this GW. Silva didn't think injury was too serious though that status could change by 3 PM tomorrow.

      https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/harry-wilson-injury-latest-fulham-west-ham-b1263737.html

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        8 months, 1 day ago

        Not the latest info on Wilson

        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/27472918

        1. GreennRed
          • 14 Years
          8 months, 1 day ago

          Cheers. I'll start him. And Senesi to come in if he doesn't play.

    2. Ausman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      I'm starting him. If he doesn't start then I don't see him playing at all. Just make sure your bench is set correctly.

  27. RogueBlood
    • 11 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    3ft 2.2ITB what changes would you make planning on BB this week too

    Dubravka
    Timber, Senesi, Andersen
    Saka, Semenyo, Rice, Wilson
    Haaland, Thiago, Ekitike

    Verbruggen, Guehi, Rodon, Minteh

  28. AD105
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Saka/Thiago > Rice/Ekitike?

    1. estheblessed
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      For free ... Yes

    2. Not again Shirley
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      No

  29. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Any more press conferences today?

  30. estheblessed
    • 11 Years
    8 months, 1 day ago

    Bench one from each:

    1) Foden (a NFO)
    2) Wilson (a WHU)

    a) Cash (a CHE)
    b) Andersen (a WHU)
    C) Alderete (h LEE)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 1 day ago

      - Foden v Wilson isn't a close decision

      -CS odds https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/27470126