Captain Sensible
30 December 2025 355 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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Erling Haaland (£15.1m) blanked for the fourth time in seven Gameweeks as the Norwegian’s feast-or-famine form continued against Nottingham Forest. In the other three matches in that run, he has returned at least 13 points.

On Thursday, Manchester City travel to Sunderland, a team that Haaland failed to score against just four Gameweeks ago.

In Captain Sensible, we consider whether there is a case to look beyond the top-scoring player in Fantasy. Players from Liverpool and Manchester United provide the competition: they enjoy favourable home fixtures against Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.

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 19 ahead of Tuesday’s 18:00 GMT deadline.


Captaincy Poll

Best captain 19

Haaland sits at the top of the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll standings, albeit it is closer than usual. Over a third of site users still believe the Norwegian is the best option for Gameweek 19.

Hugo Ekitike (£9.1m) and Matheus Cunha (£8.1m) are vying for second place in the poll, boasting 18% and 16% of the vote, respectively. Both players have been in impressive form, notching nine attacking returns between them over the last four Gameweeks.

Elsewhere, Cole Palmer (£10.4m) and Bruno Guimaraes (£7.0m) are the only other players to garner more than 5% support. Chelsea host Bournemouth, while Newcastle travel to relegation-threatened Burnley.

Again, Bruno being the top option in the sidebar poll has probably led to him receiving more votes than expected!


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

355 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Anyone ditching Semenyo for a Hit?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Not for a hit but definitely for free to Cunha

    2. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 19 days ago

      I'm not Ditching, think he'll strike again.

    3. Mr. O'Connell
      10 months, 19 days ago

      I'm holding, but I've got a decent first sub and I can't be bothered to think of any transfers. Cunha flavour of the week, but I'll take him on. Did the same with Foden and that worked out....

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Semenyo > Cunha done from me.

  2. Alli
    10 months, 19 days ago

    FH - GTG?

    Sanchez
    Dorgu - Dalot - VVD
    Foden - Cherki - Wirtz - Cunha
    Haaland - Ekitike - Woltemade

    Dúbravka - Chalobah - Hall - Miley

    1. Fifa las vegas
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Similar to mine except I’ve Palmer, for now, over Foden with no VVD and Hall in 1st 11.

      1. Fifa las vegas
        10 months, 19 days ago

        And also O’Reilly over Dalot

    2. g40steve
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Don’t see CS for Pool?

  3. SpaceCadet
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Any of these moves worth a hit this gw?

    A. Diouf > dorgu
    B. Thiago > Bowen
    C. Anderson > Szoboszlai
    D. Diouf > thiaw

    Sanchez
    Konate keane o’reily
    Saka Cunha Foden BrunoG Anderson
    Haaland Thiago

    Dubravka dcl vdv diouf

    1. Croaker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Not for a hit

    2. FATGFC
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Nah

  4. NABIL - FPL otai
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Play
    A. Roefs (MCI)
    B. Dub (NEW)

    1. Fifa las vegas
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Dub

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 19 days ago

      B

  5. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 19 days ago

    thinking of non playing hartman to heaven for free and play him vs wolves and then heaven can be my 5th def and 3rd bench eternally and also gain 0.2 coins,is this a good scheme ?

    1. Fifa las vegas
      10 months, 19 days ago

      No harm in it if have a handy transfer that it doesn’t matter if burnt

    2. FantasyTony
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Solid if you’ve no other fires to put out

    3. FATGFC
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Heaven is probably non-playing eventually as well mind

      1. Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 months, 19 days ago

        cheers lads,done

    4. Atimis
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Yes

  6. Totti
    10 months, 19 days ago

    who to play?

    A) Tavernier
    B) Milley

    1) Calafiori ( owning Raya )
    2) Andersen

    1. Fifa las vegas
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Miley Cala. Presumably Cala will either start or not play though?

      1. Totti
        10 months, 19 days ago

        double up against villa?

        1. Fifa las vegas
          10 months, 19 days ago

          I read that as NFO Anderson. Fulham defender Andersen then maybe him I guess

          1. Totti
            10 months, 19 days ago

            So miley and andersen 🙂
            ok thanks mate

            1. Fifa las vegas
              10 months, 19 days ago

              Don’t blame me though when Tavernier and Cala score

              1. Totti
                10 months, 19 days ago

                LoL
                Definitely will

  7. uzbeque
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Sanchez / Roefs
    Senesi / Lacroix / Keane / O'Reilly / Hincapie
    Minteh / Semenyo / Foden / Rogers / Saka
    Calvert Lewin / Thiago / Haaland

    Have two transfers free.

    Want to bring two of these --- Frimpong (or Dorgu), Cunha, Woltermende, Ekitike, Neto

    Pls help)

    Planning to bring Cherki next gw.

    1. uzbeque
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Where is mr Knight)

    2. FATGFC
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Frimpong - managed minutes and uncertain he's nailed longer term
      Woltemade - perennial 70 mins
      Neto - nah

      Don't bother with those three, prioritise Cunha and Ekitike

      Thiago / Semenyo the obvious ones to ditch but depends if you have case itb

      1. uzbeque
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Thank you

      2. uzbeque
        10 months, 19 days ago

        I dont have enough cash so wanted to sell someone to have both Cunha and Ekitike

  8. tuturututu
    10 months, 19 days ago

    What do we think about Cunha as captain? 25 shots in last 4 games, it's gotta start sipping in, at home vs his old club in terrible form, on pens. Very tempting for me

    1. FantasyTony
      10 months, 19 days ago

      If you were ever going to captain Cunha, it’s today

    2. x.jim.x
      10 months, 19 days ago

      What evidence is there that he is “on pens”?

      1. tuturututu
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Who other would be a suitable option? If you're Amorim is there really somebody out there who would be a better option for pens?

        1. x.jim.x
          10 months, 19 days ago

          Sesko

          1. Royal5
            10 months, 19 days ago

            Not sure Amorim trust a guy to take pens in Timberlands

            1. x.jim.x
              10 months, 19 days ago

              He’s got a 100% conversion rate, he can take it in stilettoes for all I care

              1. Royal5
                10 months, 19 days ago

                Different story in Germany though. Confidence key

                1. x.jim.x
                  10 months, 19 days ago

                  Are the nets bigger in Germany?

                  1. Royal5
                    10 months, 19 days ago

                    Yes

                    1. x.jim.x
                      10 months, 19 days ago

                      And Grimsby of course

  9. FantasyTony
    10 months, 19 days ago

    RMFH:

    John (Dubravka)
    Dalot Hall Dorgu (Van Hecke, Gudmundson)
    Cherki Wirtz Foden Saka Cunha
    Haaland/Ekitike (DCL)

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      10 months, 19 days ago

      I like it. I'd be tempted to take one Arsenal defender/keeper

      1. g40steve
        10 months, 19 days ago

        John,
        Gabriel, Dorgu, Hall, if budget allows

    2. g40steve
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Must be good on two differences 😉

    3. Wayne Enterprises
      10 months, 19 days ago

      I’d be wary of double Utd defence personally

  10. Wayne Enterprises
    10 months, 19 days ago

    GTG?

    Dubravka
    Gabriel Fofana Dalot
    Cherki Foden Cunha Rogers Rice
    Haaland Ekitike

    Petrovic C.Wilson Van Hecke Calafiori

    Haven’t decided on a captain yet!

    1. Croaker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Gtg

    2. Blens
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Do we think Gabriel gets a run out from the off, after being away?

      1. Blens
        10 months, 19 days ago

        I've got Hincapie and wonder whether I should swap for Gabriel

      2. Wayne Enterprises
        10 months, 19 days ago

        I’m hoping so!

  11. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Play Wilson or Rogers?

    1. iFash@FPL
      10 months, 19 days ago

      I’m currently playing Wilson, but I’ve been flip flopping.

  12. MGD
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Anything new on Timber?

    Madness to do:
    Semenyo + Timber -> Dorgu + Cunha? (2ft)

    Have Raya

    1. Tonyawesome69
      10 months, 19 days ago

      I would hold Timber if your squad can handle a no-show. I think he will be available

    2. FATGFC
      10 months, 19 days ago

      I did this but with Dalot over Dorgu - either is fine.

      Arsenal fixtures aren't amazing and Gabriel is better, can come back in soon anyway, and is cheaper. So shorter term, this is fine.

    3. OptimusBlack
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Hall is better for long term

  13. Tonyawesome69
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Two dilemmas to mull over before the deadline

    - Haaland v Cunha for captaincy
    - Start Minteh or Tark

    (0FT 0.1ITB)
    Raya
    Gabriel VVD O'Reilly
    Foden Saka Cunha Szobo Minteh
    Haaland Thiago
    (Dubravka Tark Alderete Guiu)

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Haaland and Tark , what moves did u make Tony ?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Cheers.

        2FT - Andersen and Semenyo to Gabriel and Szoboszlai

    2. FATGFC
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Haaland, Minteh for me.

    3. Captain Mal
      10 months, 19 days ago

      As said yesterday, I'm in the Haaland camp, but it's close.
      I'd play Minteh. Maybe slightly biased, as I'm also benching Tarkowski, but I guess it depends on what you make of Hurzeler's comments. I think Minteh starts (he is in the predicted lineups, too). West Ham is too good of a fixture to pass up in my opinion. Playing a defender against Dyche is usually a recipe for success, but CS odds not great for Tarkowski either, probable 4 pointer. They were quite fortunate not to concede against Burnley, they are in a tricky spot at the moment.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Cheers CM.

        Pretty much sums up my current thoughts on Minteh v Tark.

        Some good insight from an account that posts frequently on Brighton

        https://x.com/i/status/2005996977214181380

    4. SpaceCadet
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Haaland Tark

  14. Letsgo!
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Do we think tavernier will start?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Not in Scouts predicted lineup..

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/team-news/

  15. uzbeque
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Two free transfers
    1.
    Foden -- Cunha
    Thiago -- Ekitike
    Semenyo - Miley (-4)

    Or

    2.
    Semenyo --- Cunha
    O'Reilly --- Dorgu

    1. ZeBestee
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Just Semenyo to Cunha and save..start Foden and Thiago

      1. uzbeque
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Thank you

  16. Maddamotha
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Pull the trigger on Hincapie > Hall?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Calafiori may not be available, gives Hincapie a chance at LB over MLS

      1. Maddamotha
        10 months, 19 days ago

        May not…

  17. LOS BLANCOS
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Not going heavy with city away to Sunderland, only city player is Haaland(c)

    Who would you have
    1) Cherki
    2) JP

    1. ZeBestee
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Cherki is class

  18. ZeBestee
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Best replacement?

    Rodon 》 Dorgu and start Dorgu over Calafiori

    OR

    Semenyo 》Gordon

    Or both?

    1. LOS BLANCOS
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Both but Dorgu not nailed for long term

      1. ZeBestee
        10 months, 19 days ago

        He is the fifth def so I can bench him

    2. SharkyT
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Dorgu maybe only a short term move but could be decent. Transfer waiting to happen though potentially.
      Could hold Semenyo but if no fires and you have the rest why not

      1. ZeBestee
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Cheers. I have Minteh on bench who can come for Semenyo instead but Gordon is more of a 'fun' pick.

        Would you rather start Minteh over Semenyo and keep him, but he is still a transfer in waiting.

  19. SharkyT
    10 months, 19 days ago

    WC19 Conundrums:

    Defence:
    A) Keep Virgil
    B) City Def
    C) New Def

    Midfield:
    1) Cherki
    2) Suboz
    3) Rogers

    Currently 4k OR 0.8m ITB:
    Sanchez Dub
    VVD Gab Dorgu Keane Gudmon
    Rice Foden Gordon Cherki Cunha
    Haaland Ekitike

    1. thewhitepele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 19 days ago

      C) due to fixtures
      Tough one between Cherki and Rogers, maybe Rogers as you have Foden already.

  20. The 12th Man
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Bench 1.
    Timber
    H.Wilson
    Semenyo

    Or move Semenyo > Szob znd bench one of Timber or Wilson.

  21. Alister
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Start Rogers (ars) or Bruno G (bur)? Cheers

    1. ZeBestee
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Bruno G

  22. Flynny
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Defensive crisis....what to do with 1ft and 0.3m

    Thinking richards or cala to keane. But is it too late to bring keane in? Thanks

    Raya
    Oreilly andersen calafiori* richards* rodon*
    Saka foden cunha semenyo Anderson
    Haaland ekiteke guiu

    1. ZeBestee
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Yes, and its not late to bring in Keane.

      1. Flynny
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Thanks

  23. Football Legs
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Semenyo will play against Chelsea gw 19, and again on gw 20.

    Is that right?

    1. THE Wild Rover
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Potentially, but not certain he will play in either

  24. GoonerSteve
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Thoughts on this free hit team?

    Raya
    Chalobah, Lewis-Potter, Dorgu
    Saka, Foden, Wirtz, Cherki, Cunha
    Haaland, Ekitike.

    (Dubravka. Guehi, Keane, Gulu)

    1. Jstap94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Yeah looks strong, be careful about KLP though as Nelson could take some mins off

      1. GoonerSteve
        10 months, 19 days ago

        I might get Gabriel instead but feels risky.

  25. Eddie Nketamine
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Start/Bench 1 each?

    Timber and Rogers

    1. ZeBestee
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Tough. Timber just

  26. Kane Train
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Which option is best?

    A) Semenyo > Gordon
    B) Semenyo > Cunha & Senesi > Heaven for a -4

  27. Jstap94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 19 days ago

    If you had to bring in a defender for just this week who would it be? Under 5.5m

    1. GoonerSteve
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Dorgu, for me.

    2. ZeBestee
      10 months, 19 days ago

      Get Tark for the longer term but I still like Keane, cheap and frees up a lot although you will have to sell in like 4 gws.

      1. ZeBestee
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Sorry for only this gw, Dorgu/Hall

  28. LS11
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Final FH draft. Any changes?

    John
    Gabriel James Hall
    Cherki Palmer Wirtz Gordon Cunha
    Haaland Ekitike

    Dubs Dorgu Heaven Kroupi

    1. GoonerSteve
      10 months, 19 days ago

      I've got the same front 7 but these guys in defence:

      Royal
      Lewis-Potter, Chalobah, Dorgu.

      (Dubravka. Guehi, Keane, Gulu)

      1. LS11
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Decent, I like the front 7

  29. Richm
    10 months, 19 days ago

    A Timber to Dorgu for free
    B Hold and make 2 transfers to get Gabriel next week.
    Benchboost active. Thanks

    1. wowo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 19 days ago

      If you switch Dorgu to Gabriel in next week then not worh the transfer.

      1. Richm
        10 months, 19 days ago

        Timber to Dorgu this week would mean Anderson to gab next week.
        Or next week Raya to verbruggen and Anderson to gab or upgrade Wilson.

  30. wowo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 19 days ago

    Please rank, just for this week FH
    1 dorgu/ dalot (WOL)
    2 Murillo (EVE)
    3 Hall (bun)
    4 keane lewis potter (Tot)
    5 frimpong (LEE)
    6 Gabriel (Ast)

    1. Richm
      10 months, 19 days ago

      1 3 5 2 4 6