Captain Sensible

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 23?

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>Deputy General Manager. Forever chasing the top 10K. Chelsea fan.&nbsp;</p>

479 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

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

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    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Might join you there

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    2. I have no Wirtz
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Love it

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  2. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

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

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    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      yeah, usually very likely on the predicator they go up

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      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        *predictor

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      2. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        cheers

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    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      yup, highly likely tonight

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    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

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

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  3. Hutchiniho
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

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

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    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      hold

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  4. Kodap
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 17 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

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    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Like it, looks like wc team beside no Bruno yet

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      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        I’d bet it is a WC team

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    2. I have no Wirtz
      5 months, 17 days ago

      5.6 ITB? I am impressed

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  5. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    5 months, 17 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

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    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      A unless you will get priced out of B

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  6. Nightf0x
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 17 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.

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    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

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

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    2. Kingy109
      • 4 Years
      5 months, 17 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.

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  7. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 months, 17 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??

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    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      I'd still roll

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    2. Kingy109
      • 4 Years
      5 months, 17 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

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      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 months, 17 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.

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  8. Moneymar
    • 4 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

    Play two and bench one:

    A) Bruno G
    B) Frimpong
    C) Cunha

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    1. Hutchiniho
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Bench A
      BG won’t start before PSG surely

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

        Cheers

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      2. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        This

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  9. Norco
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

    Got exact funds for:

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

    Would you pull the trigger with exact funds?

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    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      YES

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    2. I have no Wirtz
      5 months, 17 days ago

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

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    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Approved

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    4. Raoul Nogues
      5 months, 17 days ago

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

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  10. Hutchiniho
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

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

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  11. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

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

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

      A

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  12. CYN
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 17 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!

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    1. The Lucky Dane
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Definitely D.

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

        Will do it before the rise

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    2. Prinzhorn
      • 5 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      D

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    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      D

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  13. Tim2012
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

    Start Frimpong or Rogers?

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    1. Jarnathan
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

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

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  14. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

    People capping Haaland despite him being 50/50 rested?

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    1. I have no Wirtz
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Get serious about VC then!

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      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        Yep. Usually gets a full rest if benched.

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    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Have moved captaincy to Palmer with Rice as vice

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    3. Hutchiniho
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Where’s that coming from?

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      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

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

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  15. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 12 Years
    5 months, 17 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

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    1. tbos83
      • 5 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Not sure about Foden but otherwise gtg

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  16. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    5 months, 17 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!

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Sell him for Semenyo. You’re welcome

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

        Already have him!

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  17. Saka Punch
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

    Captain:

    A) Haaland
    B) Semenyo
    C) Palmer

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    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      B

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    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      A

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    3. Raoul Nogues
      5 months, 17 days ago

      A (C)
      B (VC)

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  18. The Lucky Dane
    • 2 Years
    5 months, 17 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

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    1. _Ninja_
      • 15 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Dont go Petrovic on WC! trust me

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    2. Prinzhorn
      • 5 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Don’t take Petrovic

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    3. I have no Wirtz
      5 months, 17 days ago

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

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    4. I have no Wirtz
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Take Roefs

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      1. The Lucky Dane
        • 2 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

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

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    5. The Lucky Dane
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 17 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.

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      1. Raoul Nogues
        5 months, 17 days ago

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

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        1. Raoul Nogues
          5 months, 17 days ago

          (avoid)

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        2. The Lucky Dane
          • 2 Years
          5 months, 17 days ago

          I might do that - thanks!

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  19. TSN
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

    Bench one

    A. Cash
    B. Hall
    C. Cherki

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

      A

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    2. The Lucky Dane
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      A

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    3. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      A

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  20. The Mighty Whites
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 17 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

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    1. The Lucky Dane
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      B

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    2. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      A

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      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        Fodens form is beyond shocking

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  21. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 months, 17 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

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

    Haaland and Foden to Salah and Thiago worth a hit 😉

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    1. Prinzhorn
      • 5 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      At this point could be masterclass

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    2. Voronins Pony Tail
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Do it!

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  23. Voronins Pony Tail
    • 2 Years
    5 months, 17 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

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    1. Prinzhorn
      • 5 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      No

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    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Nope

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  24. Prinzhorn
    • 5 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

    Foden

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

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    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      C

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  25. TSN
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

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

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    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Not sure, Liverpool fixtures look difficult after Bournemouth

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    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Nope

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  26. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 17 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

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    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      gtg v nice

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      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        Cheers!

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  27. Teahupo'o
    • 14 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

    G2G?

    Dubravka
    Gabriel Timber Dorgu
    Foden Semenyo Fernandes Gakpo Gordon
    Haaland Ekitike

    (Verbruggen, Chalobah Tuanzebe Guiu)
    0FT 0ITB

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    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      I prefer Chalobah over Dorgu

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      1. Teahupo'o
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

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

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        1. XX SMICER XX
          • 8 Years
          5 months, 17 days ago

          Both keepers concede, Dub should make more saves

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          1. Teahupo'o
            • 14 Years
            5 months, 17 days ago

            Same feeling. Cheers.

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  28. XX SMICER XX
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

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

    Thanks

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    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      b

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    2. TSN
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      B

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    3. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      Thanks both, do you think Cherki starts?

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    4. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      B

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  29. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 17 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

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    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      I like the Semenyo captaincy punt

      Enzo over Ndiaye if you go B

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      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        cheers

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    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 17 days ago

      B Enzo

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      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        thanks

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    3. Kingy109
      • 4 Years
      5 months, 17 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?

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      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        5 months, 17 days ago

        I have pope already and not sure about dle newcastle def

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  30. Bambi
    • 14 Years
    5 months, 17 days ago

    3 yellow flags. Bench 2 from:

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

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    1. Kingy109
      • 4 Years
      5 months, 17 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

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