Captain Sensible
23 January 2026 479 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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It’s four blanks in five Gameweeks for Erling Haaland (£15.1m) – so is it time to back against him with the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) captaincy?

That’s what we’re considering in ‘Captain Sensible’, despite Manchester City’s favourable home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Brentford, Liverpool, Arsenal or perhaps even alternative Man City players are other options ahead of Saturday’s 11am GMT deadline.

In this piece, we will assess the on-site captaincy poll, analyse myriad player and team statistics, consult the Rate My Team (RMT) points projections and settle on a top three for the armband.


Captaincy Poll

Unsurprisingly, Haaland is the runaway leader at the top of the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll standings. Over 60% of our site users believe the Norwegian is the best option for Gameweek 23, despite him scoring just one goal in five Gameweeks.

Another Man City player, Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m), sits in second place, currently boasting just over 12% of the vote. The January signing, who already has two goals for his new club, was ineligible to feature in the Champions League in midweek.

Elsewhere, Igor Thiago (£7.2m) is the only other player to garner more than 5% support ahead of Brentford’s clash with Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian sits second in the Golden Boot race and bagged a brace in his last home match.


Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks


price change predictions

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

479 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 11 days ago

    (C) Palmer suddenly, will see if it lasts til deadline

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 11 days ago

      Might join you there

    2. I have no Wirtz
        2 months, 11 days ago

        Love it

    3. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 11 days ago

      Do you think that Fernandes' price will get a rise?

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        yeah, usually very likely on the predicator they go up

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          *predictor

        2. Old Wulfrunian
          • 9 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          cheers

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        yup, highly likely tonight

      3. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        I’ve set aside 0.1 extra for the move as I expect he’ll go up one either tonight or tomorrow

    4. Hutchiniho
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 11 days ago

      Nunes to Guehi or Mukiele for a -4 (-2 if MN doesn’t play)?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        hold

    5. Kodap
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 11 days ago

      How's it looking fellas? I have 5.6m in the bank to bring in Bruno after the Arsenal game.

      Sanchez
      Chalobah - Gabriel - Timber - Tarkowski
      Enzo - Rogers - Wilson - Wirtz - Rice
      Haaland

      Dub - Alderete - Kroupi - Mane

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        Like it, looks like wc team beside no Bruno yet

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          I’d bet it is a WC team

      2. I have no Wirtz
          2 months, 11 days ago

          5.6 ITB? I am impressed

      3. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        Have a feeling Foden might be benched. Best move here? 2FTs..... 2.6m ITB.

        A. Foden/Thiaw -> Enzo/Chalobah
        B. Foden/Cherki -> BrunoF/Semenyo
        C. Something else/Save

        Dubravka
        Timber Guehi Thiaw
        Saka Rogers Wilson Foden Cherki
        Haaland Ekitike

        Petrovic DCL Alderete Dalot

        1. JT11fc
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          A unless you will get priced out of B

      4. Nightf0x
        • 10 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        Alison (dub)
        Richards mukiele gabriel (clyne keane)
        Bruno rice enzo gordon (king)
        Tiago haland watkins

        which ?

        A) clyne alison -4 to timber sanchez
        B) king alison -4 to rogers sanchez
        C) gordon clyne -4 to rogers timber
        D) king to rogers (have watkins)
        E) clyne to timber (can wait & get cala later & save some funds.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          They only post their own questions and never help anyone else...

        2. Kingy109
          • 4 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          Get Timber or Saliba now depending on whether you prefer attacking returns every so often or Bonus points
          Cala minutes feel a bit dodgy now we know White at RB just means Timber can play LB.
          Rogers can wait too and don't take hits for a keeper.

      5. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        Raya,
        Gabriel, Thiaw, Alderete,
        Rice, Wilson, Foden, Rogers,
        Haaland, Watkins, Thiago,

        Dubravka, Cunha, OReilly, Keane,
        2FTs, 1.1m itb

        Initial plan was to roll this week and reassess next GW, but with OReilly, Foden, Cunha and maybe even Haaland at risk of a benching/rest, (and Keane also out) I may need to look at moving this week.

        A) Cunha, OReilly, Foden to Bruno F, Chalobah, Enzo for -4
        B) Cunha, OReilly, Keane to Bruno F, Chalobah, Rodon/Esteve (keep Foden) for -4??

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          I'd still roll

        2. Kingy109
          • 4 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          Cunha to Enzo and roll the other FT - bench Rogers or Watkins Vs Thiaw. Then if you get a leak about Foden you can just bench him this week

          If you are sure you want him, I might consider Chalobah for Keane too if you can still afford Bruno for Foden next week. You could then bench Thiaw and play both Villa attackers if you fancy them, bench Wilson maybe

          Bringing in Bruno for a hit for Arsenal away feels less than ideal

          1. Wolfman180
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 months, 11 days ago

            Dya know what. Ive been so blinkered (probably cos he's due to rise in price tonight) that if im making moves tonight that Bruno must come in, like he was the first player in each time I tinkered, I didnt look at leaving that move to next week but still do the other moves, so thank you!

            I could roll to 3fts next week but theres every chance 4-5 players dont start this week so I dont think I can take the chance.

      6. Moneymar
        • 3 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        Play two and bench one:

        A) Bruno G
        B) Frimpong
        C) Cunha

        1. Hutchiniho
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          Bench A
          BG won’t start before PSG surely

          1. Moneymar
            • 3 Years
            2 months, 11 days ago

            Cheers

          2. The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            2 months, 11 days ago

            This

      7. Norco
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        Got exact funds for:

        Bruno G + Foden > Bruno F + Enzo (for free)

        Would you pull the trigger with exact funds?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          YES

        2. I have no Wirtz
            2 months, 11 days ago

            Foden is a liability, Gruno is an uncertainty. What are you waiting for?

          • The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            2 months, 11 days ago

            Approved

          • Raoul Nogues
              2 months, 11 days ago

              I did it for a hit (and had no budget problem)

          • Hutchiniho
            • 7 Years
            2 months, 11 days ago

            Nunes to Munoz, Guehi or Mukiele?
            -4 (-2 if MN doesn’t play)

          • BlzE_94
            • 11 Years
            2 months, 11 days ago

            Play one:
            A) Watkins
            B) Gakpo
            C) Frimpong

            1. CYN
              • 7 Years
              2 months, 11 days ago

              A

          • CYN
            • 7 Years
            2 months, 11 days ago

            Raya
            Gabriel Virgil Tark Mukiele Alderete
            Saka Foden Bruno G
            Haaland Ekitike

            Dubravka Stach Tavernier Guiu

            1FT, 2.2 ITB

            A. Roll
            B. Tavernier -> Enzo
            C. Tavernier -> Ndiaye
            D. Bruno G -> Bruno F
            E. Combo for -4

            Thank you in advance!

            1. The Lucky Dane
              • 2 Years
              2 months, 11 days ago

              Definitely D.

              1. CYN
                • 7 Years
                2 months, 11 days ago

                Will do it before the rise

            2. Prinzhorn
              • 5 Years
              2 months, 11 days ago

              D

            3. The FPL Units
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              2 months, 11 days ago

              D

          • Tim2012
            • 13 Years
            2 months, 11 days ago

            Start Frimpong or Rogers?

            1. Jarnathan
              • 9 Years
              2 months, 11 days ago

              I didn't bring in Frimpong because of the uncertainty with Salah coming back... Start Rogers

          • Royal5
            • 14 Years
            2 months, 11 days ago

            People capping Haaland despite him being 50/50 rested?

            1. I have no Wirtz
                2 months, 11 days ago

                Get serious about VC then!

                1. Royal5
                  • 14 Years
                  2 months, 11 days ago

                  Yep. Usually gets a full rest if benched.

              • Miguel Sanchez
                • 9 Years
                2 months, 11 days ago

                Have moved captaincy to Palmer with Rice as vice

              • Hutchiniho
                • 7 Years
                2 months, 11 days ago

                Where’s that coming from?

                1. Royal5
                  • 14 Years
                  2 months, 11 days ago

                  Over half of the tipster accounts I follow on twitter got him rested. Tbf it makes sense.

            2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
              • 12 Years
              2 months, 11 days ago

              GTG?

              Roefs
              Gab Guehi Chalobah
              Rice Foden Wilson Rogers
              Thiago Haaland(c) Ekiteke

              Bench: Dubravka Casemiro Cash Van Hecke
              0 FT, 3.5m ITB

              1. tbos83
                • 5 Years
                2 months, 11 days ago

                Not sure about Foden but otherwise gtg

            3. The Knights Template
              • 12 Years
              2 months, 11 days ago

              Might sell Bruno G, they’ll protect his ankle this week. Have to know when to hop off assets. Like Ndiyae, but don’t like Everton. Might roll. It’s all uncertain as always!

              1. The Bandit
                • 15 Years
                2 months, 11 days ago

                Sell him for Semenyo. You’re welcome

                1. The Knights Template
                  • 12 Years
                  2 months, 11 days ago

                  Already have him!

            4. Saka Punch
              • 7 Years
              2 months, 11 days ago

              Captain:

              A) Haaland
              B) Semenyo
              C) Palmer

              1. Miguel Sanchez
                • 9 Years
                2 months, 11 days ago

                B

              2. The FPL Units
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                2 months, 11 days ago

                A

              3. Raoul Nogues
                  2 months, 11 days ago

                  A (C)
                  B (VC)

              4. The Lucky Dane
                • 2 Years
                2 months, 11 days ago

                My wildcard is active.
                Good to go with 0.0 left in the bank? Looks like a strong starting 11 IMO.

                Petrovic
                Timber - Gabriel - Chalobah
                B. Fernandes - Mbeumo - Semenyo - Wirtz
                Haaland - Ekitike - Thiago

                Dubravka - Dorgu - Reinildo - H. Wilson

                1. _Ninja_
                  • 15 Years
                  2 months, 11 days ago

                  Dont go Petrovic on WC! trust me

                2. Prinzhorn
                  • 5 Years
                  2 months, 11 days ago

                  Don’t take Petrovic

                3. I have no Wirtz
                    2 months, 11 days ago

                    You are gtg! We need more lucky Danes in Europe. FTW

                  • I have no Wirtz
                      2 months, 11 days ago

                      Take Roefs

                      1. The Lucky Dane
                        • 2 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        The issue is that I need to find 0.5 somewhere to get him in.

                    • The Lucky Dane
                      • 2 Years
                      2 months, 11 days ago

                      I think all the 4.5 keeper options are horrible, but at least Bournemouth has the second lowest xGC at home after Arsenal.

                      Not sure where to find the funds for an upgrade to Sanchez.

                      1. Raoul Nogues
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          If you take Sanchez, maybe sell Chalobah to avoir double Chelsea defence

                          1. Raoul Nogues
                              2 months, 11 days ago

                              (avoid)

                            • The Lucky Dane
                              • 2 Years
                              2 months, 11 days ago

                              I might do that - thanks!

                      2. TSN
                        • 9 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        Bench one

                        A. Cash
                        B. Hall
                        C. Cherki

                        1. CYN
                          • 7 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          A

                        2. The Lucky Dane
                          • 2 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          A

                        3. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          A

                      3. The Mighty Whites
                        • 11 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        2FT, 2.3 ITB - thoughts?

                        Raya - Dubravka
                        Tarkowski - Andersen - Van Hecke - Keane - Gudmundsson
                        Saka - Foden - Rogers - Rice - Enzo
                        Haaland - Ekitike - Guiu

                        A: Foden to Bruno
                        B: Keane & Saka to Gabriel & Bruno
                        C: Raya & Keane to Sanchez & Gabriel
                        D: Other

                        1. The Lucky Dane
                          • 2 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          B

                        2. Royal5
                          • 14 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          A

                          1. Royal5
                            • 14 Years
                            2 months, 11 days ago

                            Fodens form is beyond shocking

                      4. Garfield1001
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        Would you WC this team in GW24?

                        Roefs Dubravka
                        Gabriel Dorgu O’Reilly Andersen Richards
                        Foden Saka Rice Wilson Rogers
                        Haaland Ekitike Guiu

                        Thanks

                      5. FPL Blow-In
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        Haaland and Foden to Salah and Thiago worth a hit 😉

                        1. Prinzhorn
                          • 5 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          At this point could be masterclass

                        2. Voronins Pony Tail
                          • 2 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          Do it!

                      6. Voronins Pony Tail
                        • 2 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        Worth a 4 point hit for Cherki to Semenyo?

                        Bench right?

                        Kelleher
                        Guehi Frimpong Gab
                        Cherki Rice Rogers Wilson
                        Watkins Haaland Thiago

                        Dub Mukiele BrunoG Gud

                        1. Prinzhorn
                          • 5 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          No

                        2. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 16 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          Nope

                      7. Prinzhorn
                        • 5 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        Foden

                        A) to Semenyo
                        B) to Schade (no Thiago)
                        C) Roll

                        1. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 16 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          C

                      8. TSN
                        • 9 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        Cherki > Wirtz (-4)?
                        Yes or No?
                        Already have Semenyo and Haaland

                        1. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          Not sure, Liverpool fixtures look difficult after Bournemouth

                        2. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 16 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          Nope

                      9. Fifa las vegas
                        • 13 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        Anything worth a final FT here? Think I’ll bank for now, as probably need a couple to rejig. Have already done Foden & Gordon > Bruno & Ndiaye (went with him over Enzo for something even slightly different!)

                        Sanchez
                        Gabriel, O’Reilly, VdV
                        Saka, Bruno, Rogers, Ndiaye
                        Haaland (C), Ekitike, DCL

                        Probably be looking to downgrade Saka > Rice in coming weeks and keeping an eye on Palmer too, but both him and Rice would mean losing Ekitike I think

                        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                          • 11 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          gtg v nice

                          1. Fifa las vegas
                            • 13 Years
                            2 months, 11 days ago

                            Cheers!

                      10. Teahupo'o
                        • 14 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        G2G?

                        Dubravka
                        Gabriel Timber Dorgu
                        Foden Semenyo Fernandes Gakpo Gordon
                        Haaland Ekitike

                        (Verbruggen, Chalobah Tuanzebe Guiu)
                        0FT 0ITB

                        1. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          I prefer Chalobah over Dorgu

                          1. Teahupo'o
                            • 14 Years
                            2 months, 11 days ago

                            Yeah, I've gone back and forth on that and my keepers.

                            1. XX SMICER XX
                              • 7 Years
                              2 months, 11 days ago

                              Both keepers concede, Dub should make more saves

                              1. Teahupo'o
                                • 14 Years
                                2 months, 11 days ago

                                Same feeling. Cheers.

                      11. XX SMICER XX
                        • 7 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        A. Cherki to Enzo
                        B. Cunha to Enzo
                        C. Cherki Cunha to Enzo Semenyo -4

                        Thanks

                        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                          • 11 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          b

                        2. TSN
                          • 9 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          B

                        3. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          Thanks both, do you think Cherki starts?

                        4. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 16 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          B

                      12. Ajax Hamsterdam
                        • 11 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        pope (dub)
                        gab chalobah alderete(dorgu hall)
                        saka rice foden bruno g (potts)
                        haaland thiago bowen

                        1 ft 1.4 itb

                        a bruno g to semenyo (C)
                        b bruno g to enzo/ndiaye

                        cheers and gl all

                        1. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          I like the Semenyo captaincy punt

                          Enzo over Ndiaye if you go B

                          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                            • 11 Years
                            2 months, 11 days ago

                            cheers

                        2. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 16 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          B Enzo

                          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                            • 11 Years
                            2 months, 11 days ago

                            thanks

                        3. Kingy109
                          • 4 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          Unless you are on WC 24 then Enzo - Semenyo feels like a one week punt and you don't have the transfers to spare

                          Hall.over Alderete surely?

                          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                            • 11 Years
                            2 months, 11 days ago

                            I have pope already and not sure about dle newcastle def

                      13. Bambi
                        • 14 Years
                        2 months, 11 days ago

                        3 yellow flags. Bench 2 from:

                        A) Stach (eve)
                        B) Gudmundsson (eve)
                        C) Bruno G (AVL)
                        D) Dorgu (ars)

                        1. Kingy109
                          • 4 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          Definitely Gud. I think Bruno G won't be risked which is why I sold him for Enzo so I'd play Stach and Dorgu.
                          You might not have a choice if there are really injured of course