Captain Sensible

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 20?

2 January 2026 287 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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In the weekly article that could really be retitled ‘Do you dare bet against Erling Haaland (£15.1m)?”, we consider the best captain for FPL Gameweek 20.

Players from Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester United provide the competition this time, with matches against Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, respectively.

First, we will assess the on-site captaincy poll. We will then analyse player and team statistics and Rate My Team (RMT) to determine the best captain for Gameweek 20 ahead of Saturday’s 11am GMT deadline.

Captaincy Poll

Haaland sits at the top of the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll standings. Over 40% of site users still believe the Norwegian is the best option for Gameweek 20.

Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) sits in second place – again, probably helped by being the first option in the poll and receiving accidental clicks – and currently boasts just over 18% of the vote. Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest in the early kick-off on Saturday. The England international scored twice in his last home match and is the most transferred-in attacking player ahead of the deadline.

Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka (£10.3m), Ollie Watkins (£8.6m) and Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) are the only other players to garner more than 5% support. All three players picked up attacking returns in Gameweek 19.

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

287 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    looking to bring in Gabriel (as so many are); need to raise funds (for doing Calafiori-->Gabriel; need to raise at least 0.4, and it would be with a -4 for 2 transfers)

    not sure what other move to make though; there are several possibilities in different areas
    current squad:
    Sanchez, Dub
    Cala, Keane, Andersen, O'Reilly, Alderete
    Saka, Semenyo, Wilson, Foden, Bruno G.
    Haaland, Ekitike, Thiago

    could move to lower price players any of the following potentially: Sanchez, O'Reilly, Andersen, Semenyo, Ekitike

    what do you think makes most sense? thanks!

    and FIRST!

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      I’d save and do it next week.

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      1. Soyland
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Same problem. I also wonder if the -4 is worth it, but those price-rises stings.... O'Reilly to Van de Ven? Spurs next four are quite nice!

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        1. The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          6 months, 17 days ago

          Even though tis a follow-up question, which I’m usually unprepared for, I will say this - go for it! The best chance to climb the ranks are two differential defenders, one mid, and one forward. Mine are Kayode, Mukiele, Bruno G and DCL. This awesome foursome has hdlped to propel me from 552k to 55.2k over the last four GWs!

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        2. Pomp and Circumstance
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 months, 17 days ago

          also thinking about cup opponents, in addition to the price changes as well

          would you consider going super cheap and doing O'Reilly-->A. Heaven? would then have 0.9 to use (rather than 0.3)

          a few players on radar to consider bringing in would be Rogers, Palmer (would require a lot of budget), Bowen (in place of Thiago or Ekitike)
          will probably swap out Semenyo soon I suppose, and Semenyo-->Rogers would be like for like at similar prices

          tough one; what do you think, and what are considering for your team?

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  2. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Play 2, currently playing Virgil and Stach:
    A. Virgil (ful)
    B. Dorgu (lee)
    C. Wilson (LIV)
    D. Stach (MUN)

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Correct

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    2. snow pea in repose
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Pool's set-piece issues may work in Wilson's favor

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  3. yanky
    • 16 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    bench one of wirtz or minteh?
    rest of attack is foden cherki saka haaland bowen

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Minteh

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  4. Sun God Nika
    • 5 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Got 4ft
    Aiming to keep rice and Fernandes on bench until fit

    And bring in
    Mukiele , cherki, Calvert Lewis, Gabriel for esteve Rodon foden and Thiago

    Yay or nay ?

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Yay for sure

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    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Nice one

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  5. BR510
    6 months, 17 days ago

    I need help:
    1. Tark, Gab, Rice
    2. Gab, Timber, Rogers

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      1

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      1. BR510
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Cheers! Leaning this way.

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    2. Sun God Nika
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      1

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    3. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
      • 1 Year
      6 months, 17 days ago

      2

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  6. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    “ Although they have lost their last three matches, Nottingham Forest’s underlying defensive data should offer caution to FPL managers expecting big returns from Aston Villa’s offensive duo, Rogers and Watkins. No team has conceded fewer big chances than the Tricky Trees (eight), who have outperformed even Arsenal when it comes to xGC over the last six.”

    Ah cr@p

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Watkins is an expensive troll and Fogers can be very hit and miss. Prefer Bruno G and DCL with the leftover lolly straight go the money pit!

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    2. Count Olaf
      • 1 Year
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Not to mention they are the early kick-off. Don't forget Ghandi.

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  7. Stimps
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    WC this lot?

    Dubravka
    Gabriel Timber VDV
    Saka Foden Cunha Wilson
    Haaland Ekiteke Thiago

    Peteovic KDH Chalobah Gudmundson

    A) WC
    B) Save
    C) Thiago -> DCL to free up funds

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    1. BR510
      6 months, 17 days ago

      No way don't WC. C

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    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      B

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    3. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      C

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  8. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Perfect front three for an early wildcard?

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Sesko, Barry and Beto seems most popular.

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    2. BR510
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Haaland DCL obi. Play 451, 442 variant

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  9. TochanMama
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Start one please!

    A) Raul vs LIV (H)
    B) Anderson vs AVL (A)

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    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      A on pen at home

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    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      A

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    3. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      A

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  10. TafOnTour1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    A or B here?! Currently on A, but seriously tempted by B.

    A) O'reilly, Wirtz, Calvert-Lewin

    B) Matheus Nunes, Xhaka, Watkins.

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    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      B

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    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      B with DCL

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  11. Stimps
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Cunha -> Rogers worth a hit?

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    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      No

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    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Eewwww

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    3. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Probably

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  12. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    DCL to Bowen?

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      No

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    2. BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      No way

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    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Big no

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  13. Dorse88
    • 15 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    G2G had 3 FT left and took a -4 to get to this team.

    Verbruggen
    Timber Gabriel Gvardiol
    Saka Rogers Foden Garner Miley
    Ekiteke Haaland

    Dubravka Thiaw Andersen Barnes

    Play Miley or Thiaw?

    Thanks.

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      All good. Not sure what a Miley is.

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    2. Moneymar
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Thiaw

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    3. GC123
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Play Thiaw

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  14. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Flipping hell, am I the only team left without Gabriel?

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    1. Moneymar
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Nope, Timber here

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      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        I have zero Arsenal defence

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    2. fedolefan
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Nope. I have Timber and not in a rush to get him. Need to free up Cunha money to get him and I’ll look in GW22 after Liverpool.

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  15. Moneymar
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Would you take a punt on KDH to Paqueta? Or are there better options at 6.1 or below?

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Yes

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    2. Count Olaf
      • 1 Year
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Stach and save the extra?

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  16. Count Olaf
    • 1 Year
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Is Rogers such a no-brainer Semenyo replacement? What about Bruno G? They have similar stats (both on 0.16 xG per 90 and 0.11 xA per 90) that they are massively overperforming.
    They always play 90 minutes. Bruno G has been benched a couple of times.
    Rogers isn't on set pieces with the exception of a couple of direct free kicks. Bruno G takes some corners.
    Bruno G is slightly better for Defcons (got it twice, Rogers never).
    Newcastle have the better fixtures. Villa better form right now.
    Bruno G is 0.4m cheaper, soon to be 0.5m.

    Someone suggested downgrading Semenyo and playing with an extra defender. I wonder if that's the way. For example, Timber, Guehi, Chalobah, Tarkowski all have scored similar points to Rogers/Bruno G. and are also much cheaper. It's a weird season, having to go against what we knew in terms of team structure, defenders vs attackers etc.

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Is this a re-post from yesterday Count?

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      1. Count Olaf
        • 1 Year
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Yes Sir. Conflicting opinions so far...

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        1. Soyland
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          6 months, 17 days ago

          Leaning more and more to go a heavy four at the back. I dont't think the prices are properly adjusted for the impact of DCs. E.g. Tarkowski have hit the DC-limit 11 times. 12 times equals 8 assist. A defender keeping a lot of cs, having 8 assists halfway last season would have been in all teams...

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          1. Count Olaf
            • 1 Year
            6 months, 17 days ago

            Yes, defence is excellent value. Allows you to afford some of the heavy hitters. Could be handy if Palmer becomes a good pick again.

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        2. The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          6 months, 17 days ago

          No rush to lose Semenyo yet, likely to play v Arsenal and even execrable Spurs!

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          1. Count Olaf
            • 1 Year
            6 months, 17 days ago

            Execrable! What a word. FPL advice is good, language lessons even better.

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  17. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Is rice a transfer out or hold?

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    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Hold

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      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Thanks

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    2. Count Olaf
      • 1 Year
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Hold in my opinion, a post earlier said he traveled with the squad. Worst case scenario he plays against Liverpool.

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    3. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Definite hold, he travelled with the squad and Farteta is a known fibber.

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      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Thank you guys

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  18. BR510
    6 months, 17 days ago

    3rd forward:

    1. DCL
    2. Obi + 1.2 million cash

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    1. BR510
      6 months, 17 days ago

      1.7 million sorry

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    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      1

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  19. BrockLanders
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    What's better?? Both free

    1/ VVD, O'Reilly, Minteh to Gabriel, Tarkowski, Anderson (Forest)

    2/ VVD, O'Reilly, Minteh to Gabriel, VDV, Rogers

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      1

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    2. Count Olaf
      • 1 Year
      6 months, 17 days ago

      1 for me. Maybe Stach over Anderson?

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      1. BrockLanders
        • 11 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Own Pickford & DCL already from Everton & Leeds

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    3. GC123
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      2

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  20. TochanMama
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Start one please

    A) Gudmundson vs UTD (H)
    B) Anderson vs AVL (A)

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    1. Count Olaf
      • 1 Year
      6 months, 17 days ago

      B

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  21. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
    • 1 Year
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Football friends,
    Arsenal situation doing my head in. Have Timber, Saka, & Rice but now want Gabriel back in my lineup. Don’t want to lose Saka so my only options are to transfer out Rice or Timber. I really want to have the double up at the back so leaning hard towards moving Rice. Any suggestions? Is it mandatory to have Gabriel in this week?

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Not mandatory by any stretch. But won't be an enjoyable watch as a non owner. You'll be needing a massive sofa to hide behind when Arsenal get a corner..

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      1. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
        • 1 Year
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Danke

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      2. fedolefan
        • 12 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Why hide? He has Rice and Saka taking corners that Gab may score from. In his case, his ideal solution is Timber -> Gab and not Rice -> Gab. Of course it’s fitness dependent.

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        1. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
          • 1 Year
          6 months, 17 days ago

          The fitness certainly is a factor, at least short term

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    2. Manani
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      i am thinking the same.
      i don't think Gab is mandatory this week though

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      1. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
        • 1 Year
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Merci

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  22. Manani
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Y/N?

    VVD + Rice + Thiago > Gab + Rogers + DCL

    (will be Timber+Gab+Saka trio)

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Looks good moves in isolation. Rice has travelled for tomorrow though so may not even be out.

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    2. hazza44
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Would probably hold Rice

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      1. Manani
        • 14 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        i would like to hold, but i won't be able to get Gab if I don't sell (unless TImber > Gab)

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    3. Raoul Nogues
      6 months, 17 days ago

      T

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      1. Raoul Nogues
        6 months, 17 days ago

        (Y!)

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    4. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
      • 1 Year
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Y

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  23. ididnt
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Thiago and O’Reily > DCL and Gabriel -4?

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Not for a hit.

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      1. ididnt
        • 14 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Feel like Gabriel is essential though

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        1. BrockLanders
          • 11 Years
          6 months, 17 days ago

          I like the moves if I'm honest. Just not sure I'd spend 4 points when u roll the dice this week and he has Liverpool.

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  24. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Morning all, which options for WC? (Have Gabriel already)
    A) Timber
    B) M Nunes

    1) Bruno G
    2) Gordon

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Personally prefer A and 2

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    2. GC123
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      A1

      Although I got Gordon on GW19 WC and kicking myself already

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    3. Raoul Nogues
      6 months, 17 days ago

      A2

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    4. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      A1

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    5. CYN
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      A1

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  25. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    play Semenyo or Wilson this GW? and should consider Ekitike-->Bowen? (would do Thiago-->Bowen maybe, but probably doesn't work with the prices)

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    1. Raoul Nogues
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Semenyo has to help his team against City competitors for the title

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  26. BR510
    6 months, 17 days ago

    3rd forward:

    1. DCL
    2. Obi + 1.7 million cash

    Cheers all!

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    1. ididnt
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      1

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    2. BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Depends on squad but DCL is a really great own currently. I've had for 4 GWs now

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      1. BR510
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Team would be
        Verb
        Gab Tark Thiaw Dorgu
        Cunha Saka Foden
        Haaland Ekitike DCL
        Dub Rice Rodon KDH

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    3. CYN
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      1

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  27. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Next best DEF, if $ isn’t an issue?
    Gabriel Tark ____

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    1. Count Olaf
      • 1 Year
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Gvardiol

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    2. BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      I'd have Timber.

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    3. CYN
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Timber

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  28. derdourily
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    What would you do for this team to get Gabriel ?
    Have 3FT and 0.1ITB

    Dubravka
    Timber Keane Thiaw
    Saka Semenyo Foden Paqueta
    Ekitike Haaland Thiago

    Petrovic Le Fée Mukiele Andersen

    Thanks.

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  29. jonnybhoy
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Between doing B before price changes tonight or waiting a week and bringing in Sanchez and Gabriel for free. Do I roll or do B?

    Raya
    Keane Timber Dorgu
    Cunha Saka Bruno G Wilson Foden
    Haaland Ekitike

    Dubravka Sensei Gudmundsson Guiu

    A) Raya and Keane to Pickford and Gabriel -4pts
    B) Raya and Senesi to Pickford and Gabriel -4pts
    C) Roll

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    1. hazza44
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      B personally

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    2. CYN
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      C

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  30. Manani
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Rogers or Gordon?

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    1. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Rogers

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    2. hazza44
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Rogers

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