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. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 11 days ago

    Foden to Bruno for free?

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

      If going to be priced out- yes - otherwise wait a week.

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

      Not this week

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

      Wait a week

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 11 days ago

      Yes why not

    5. Pep Roulette
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 11 days ago

      Next week

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

    G2G? 1ft 2.3itb

    Kelleher
    Timber Guehi Gab
    Saka Foden Cunha Anderson Garner
    (H)aaland Thiago

    Dubs Kroupi Andersen O'Reilly

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

      Might aswell do the Cunha to Bruno move now before price rise

      1. Mr Turnip 1
          2 months, 11 days ago

          Agree

        • Pep Roulette
          • 8 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          This

      2. FPL Sanky
        • 2 Years
        2 months, 11 days ago

        I would play Kroupi ahead of Cunha....LIV are so bad defensively and Cunha might not even start

    2. FPL Sanky
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 11 days ago

      Play one
      A) Alderete (WHU A)
      B) O'Reilly (WOL H)

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

        B

        1. FPL Sanky
          • 2 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          Thank you...it's tough to decide.... O'Reilly might not even start and SUN can easily keep a CS against WHU (they did it in GW1)

      2. Mr Turnip 1
          2 months, 11 days ago

          A

          1. Mr Turnip 1
              2 months, 11 days ago

              I think the minutes risk us too much for NOR

        • Moneymar
          • 3 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          I’ve got 4 City players in Haaland, Foden, Guehi and Donnarumma. Keep or sell Foden to Wirtz/Rogers/Enzo?

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

            Keep this week

            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

            Keep and assess next week

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

              Cheers. I will still get my extra transfer next gameweek, right?

              1. Mr Turnip 1
                  2 months, 11 days ago

                  Yes you should do

            2. Mr Turnip 1
                2 months, 11 days ago

                I’d do Foden to Enzo personally

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

                  Been thinking about this actually

                  1. Mr Turnip 1
                      2 months, 11 days ago

                      Better minutes, data, and fixtures. Maybe not that last one this week, but Wolves have tightened up, Palace look a shambles. I think the minutes risk outweighs any difference in fixture difficulty there is

                2. Pep Roulette
                  • 8 Years
                  2 months, 11 days ago

                  Imagine City winning 4-0 and you had all those players. Hold for this week and have a little fun.

              • Mr Turnip 1
                  2 months, 11 days ago

                  I wanted to bench boost this

                  Sanchez

                  Gab Timber Tark

                  Saka Foden Enzo Wilson

                  Haaland Ekitike DCL

                  Dubs Alderete Anderson Andersen

                  Because I doubt I’ll have 15 doublers later this season (doubt DGW 33 will be big enough). It seems like a good week for my budget guys and I want to move off three up front soon, which night mean a non-playing forward. Foden just giving me a little bit of doubt now though.

                  I have exact money for Foden to Fruno, and wanted to do it next week. Do I

                  A) get Fruno now and BB
                  B) keep Foden, don’t BB, and use two transfers to get Fruno next week
                  C) keep Foden, do BB, and use 2FT for Bruno next week

                  And why?

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

                      Just drop bb. You have 15 weeks left for that

                      1. Mr Turnip 1
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          And keep Foden?

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

                              Reconsider without bb in mind. Foden BrunoF good move regardless. But you can also save FT. And have your bench cover Foden.

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

                        Decided I will make the Cunha to Enzo move

                        Cherki to Semenyo for -4?

                        Have a feeling Cherki is warming the bench, small chance Foden is benched instead?

                        1. Pep Roulette
                          • 8 Years
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          I'd hold Enzo for another week and get Semenyo for free and captain him this week

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

                            Don’t have the MITB to do Cherki to Semenyo annoyingly

                            1. Pep Roulette
                              • 8 Years
                              2 months, 11 days ago

                              Cunha to Semenyo?

                              1. JohnnyB10
                                • 1 Year
                                2 months, 11 days ago

                                Imo yes, even though Cunha could still do decent, just with everyone back in contention, he could be used as a super sub in the upcoming weeks.

                        2. JohnnyB10
                          • 1 Year
                          2 months, 11 days ago

                          I am doing that move! Got exact money itb, Cherki to Semenyo for a hit. With UCL Semenyo is probably the only nailed City mid now, maybe even on pens if Haaland rests sometimes. I cannot think anymore if Cherki will play or not, too much of a risk going forward.

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

                          Pick 3 to start and what bench order,
                          currently start ABC bench DEF

                          A)Palmer*
                          B)Cherki
                          C)Watkins
                          D)BrunoG*
                          E)Thiaw
                          F)Kroupi

                          1. Cruyff's Eleven
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 7 Years
                            2 months, 11 days ago

                            High upside Cherki, but I'd play E or F as better FPL assets.

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

                                Thank you

                            2. Mr Turnip 1
                                2 months, 11 days ago

                                Start ABC bench order FED

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

                                    Thank you

                              • Cruyff's Eleven
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 7 Years
                                2 months, 11 days ago

                                Mbuemo or Enzo?

                                This week, or next week?

                                1. Mr Turnip 1
                                    2 months, 11 days ago

                                    Enzo this week or Mbeumo next week, who you selling?

                                    1. Pep Roulette
                                      • 8 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      This

                                  • I have no Wirtz
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Both good in both weeks. So sit tight

                                    • Cruyff's Eleven
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 7 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      I'm selling Wirtz and Bruno G, have Rice, Rogers and Wilson.

                                      Bruno F and......

                                      Might wait a week. No Saka, money is not an issue.

                                  • IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                                    • 9 Years
                                    2 months, 11 days ago

                                    Bebchboost, yes or no?

                                    Roefs
                                    Gabriel Chalobah Tarkowski Mukiele
                                    Palmer(V) Bruno Rice Enzo
                                    Haaland Thiago(C)

                                    Dubravka Rogers DCL Alderere
                                    0FT 1.9ITB

                                    1. Pep Roulette
                                      • 8 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Why not wait for a DGW

                                    2. Onz
                                      • 8 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Yes . imo. I am doing the same only with Garner in the place of Rogers, all others the same.
                                      Waiting DGW's does not look promising, I would like to move the cash from the bench sooner rather than later.

                                  • Pompel
                                    • 12 Years
                                    2 months, 11 days ago

                                    How do you reckon O’Reilly chances of starting? Seeing he is in predicted lineup, but I guess Ait Nouri could start instead?

                                    1. Cruyff's Eleven
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 7 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      It's NOR or Alleyne. Guehi, Lewis and Ake will start. My 2 cents.

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

                                        Khusanov too at RCB so if Ake plays he's LB and no NOR???

                                        1. Cruyff's Eleven
                                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                          • 7 Years
                                          2 months, 11 days ago

                                          Either way, no O'Reilly

                                  • Jolly Good
                                    • 10 Years
                                    2 months, 11 days ago

                                    Choose 2 of
                                    Enzo
                                    Rice
                                    Ndiaye
                                    Rogers

                                    1. Pep Roulette
                                      • 8 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Enzo & Rice 100%

                                      1. Jolly Good
                                        • 10 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        I was leaning towards Ndiaye and Rice

                                    2. Magic Zico
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 7 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Enzo and Rice

                                    3. JBG
                                      • 7 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Ndiaye and Rice

                                  • Pep Roulette
                                    • 8 Years
                                    2 months, 11 days ago

                                    Hey fam! Save FT & GTG?

                                    Roefs
                                    Gabriel Timber Tarkowski
                                    Saka Rogers Enzo Garner
                                    Haaland Ekitike(C) DCL

                                    Dubravka Guimaraes Alderete Konsa

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

                                      Great team. Roll for sure.
                                      Haaland (c) against Wolves, no?

                                      1. Pep Roulette
                                        • 8 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        Cheers mate. I think Haaland has a very high chance of getting rested this week.

                                    2. Magic Zico
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 7 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Yes GTG apart from Ekitike [c] not entirely sure

                                      1. Pep Roulette
                                        • 8 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        Cheers fam! I'm not 100% sure on Ekitike as well. Very limited options for captaincy in my team this week.

                                  • Freshy
                                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                    • 15 Years
                                    2 months, 11 days ago

                                    bench proper?

                                    Sanchez
                                    Gabriel-Chalobah-Guéhi
                                    Saka(VC)-BrunoF-Rice-Cherki
                                    Haaland(C)-Watkins-Thaigo

                                    Dubravka-Rogers-Cash-Gudmundson

                                    Maybe bench BrunoF over Rogers?

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

                                      This is a toss up for me between Bruno, Cherki and Rogers. I think I'd be leaning towards Rogers out of those three, but any one of them could blank and any one of them could bag massively

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

                                        No, don’t bench BrunoF

                                      • Freshy
                                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                        • 15 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        Cheers

                                    3. GC123
                                      • 4 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      What are Cherki and Foden owners doing please guys? Looking like only one starts? Was going to do Cherki > Semenyo this week and Foden > Bruno F next week

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

                                        I am holding both and hoping

                                        Will also look for leaks but hard to know who to trust.....

                                        I have seen so many predicted lineups and each is different

                                        Also a chance haaland is benched. If so ill start him but captain ekiteke or saka

                                        1. GC123
                                          • 4 Years
                                          2 months, 11 days ago

                                          Thanks Flynny. Yes I found the same. Looks like Pep Roulette is a thing again so don’t know which to sell for Semenyo who surely starts after not playing in Europe

                                      2. tmstrand
                                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                        • 2 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        Sold Foden 2 GW's ago and happy to have done so. I'd lose him. As of now not worth his price tag

                                        1. GC123
                                          • 4 Years
                                          2 months, 11 days ago

                                          He’ll become Bruno F next week regardless. I might just do it now and reshape my midfield. Foden, Cherki, Gordon > Bruno F, Semenyo, Wilson

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

                                            Not too bad. I don't think I'll be looking towards Citys midfield myself, simply because of rotation risk...

                                            1. GC123
                                              • 4 Years
                                              2 months, 11 days ago

                                              Even Semenyo?

                                    4. Magic Zico
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 7 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Virgil to:
                                      A. Chalobah
                                      B. Guehi
                                      C. Save FT

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

                                        C

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

                                      Pep Guardiola: "Do you think [Jeremy] Doku would have not played in Bodo if he would have been fit?"

                                      https://x.com/i/status/2014830408735560177

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

                                        Doku and Ake were both not fit to face Bodo.

                                        https://x.com/i/status/2014829154336714969

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

                                        Assuming Doku is still not fit, I think its Semenyo plus one of Foden/Cherki for the 2 wing spots

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

                                        Pep's embargoed presser

                                        https://youtu.be/ayeuh4532JE?si=i5BAUtHjXtIvjB0n

                                    6. C0YS
                                      • 10 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Sell Cunha for Mbeumo or Bruno F and why?

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

                                        It's not a close decision...

                                      2. tmstrand
                                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                        • 2 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        Yes, preferably Bruno

                                      3. Pep Roulette
                                        • 8 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        Bruno for sure. Pens, set pieces, back to #10, Def Con potential, bonus magnet. What else do you want?

                                        1. C0YS
                                          • 10 Years
                                          2 months, 9 days ago

                                          As a new Bruno owner - goal involvement

                                    7. tmstrand
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 2 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Bench one please:
                                      A) van Hecke (ful)
                                      B) Caicedo (cry)
                                      C) Rogers (new)
                                      D) Watkins (new)
                                      E) Rice (MUN)

                                      Thanks guys!

                                      1. CoracAld2831
                                        • 5 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        A

                                      2. Pep Roulette
                                        • 8 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        A obviously

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

                                      Foden, Gordon and Haaland to Salah, Schade and Ekitike/Thiago -4 ?

                                      Been in freefall from 80k to 600k anyway. I’ve only had a few drinks but have to have fun right?

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

                                        Leaves 2.5 itb for Bruno in next gw for

                                      2. tmstrand
                                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                        • 2 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        I wouldn't sell Haaland..

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

                                          It’s so booooring though

                                    9. KostaK
                                      • 4 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Best defenders other than Gab to bring in from next week?

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

                                        I'll be looking at Chelsea and Villa

                                      2. Freshy
                                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                        • 15 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        Chalobah
                                        See how Guéhi fits tomorrow

                                    10. w00ton
                                      • 3 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Hi All, 1.3itb 2FT - Move Foden now for Bruno or wait for GW24?

                                      Pickford
                                      Gabriel Timber Dorgu Thiaw
                                      Saka Foden Wirtz Wilson
                                      Haaland (C) Thiago

                                      Dubravka VdV Minteh Guiu

                                    11. Flynny
                                      • 11 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      If we get reliable leak that haaland is benched who to captain.

                                      A...haaland
                                      B...saka
                                      C...ekitike

                                      Thanks

                                      1. Pep Roulette
                                        • 8 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        Why is A an option in that scet

                                        1. Pep Roulette
                                          • 8 Years
                                          2 months, 11 days ago

                                          scenario

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

                                          😆

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

                                            Cos he can easily outscore the others in 20 mins!

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

                                              But not 90 mins

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

                                              Seriously, nobody in their right mind would captain a player we know isn’t starting. Give your head a wobble.

                                    12. jeffa79
                                      • 12 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Pick 3 from:

                                      A) Cash
                                      B) Tarkowski
                                      C) Lacroix
                                      D) Andersen
                                      E) Kerkez

                                      I have Alisson as my keeper.

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

                                        B D E

                                    13. OffsidePenalty
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 5 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Foden to:
                                      A) Cherki
                                      B) Semenyo
                                      C) Roll ft. Start Foden.

                                      1. Pep Roulette
                                        • 8 Years
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        B and captain him

                                    14. marcus2704
                                      • 15 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      I am tempted to WC to this team, with 1.2M remaining ITB.

                                      Pickford (Dubravka)
                                      Gabriel | Timber | Chalobah (Dorgu, Mukiele)
                                      Bruno F | Rice | Rogers | Semenyo | Wirtz
                                      Haaland | Thiago (Mane)

                                      Any feedback would be appreciated.

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

                                        Some expensive players with tough games this week. Hard to say without seeing your current team, but can’t it wait a week?

                                        1. marcus2704
                                          • 15 Years
                                          2 months, 11 days ago

                                          It could, I have Nunes who I doubt will start and incoming would be Dorgu. I also have Foden who I could just swap out for Semenyo and reassess next week.

                                    15. hariv
                                      • 2 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Start Leno (BHA) or Pope (AVL)?
                                      Thanks

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

                                        Pope. Both teams score but Villa will take 20+ shots from outside the box so more chance of saves

                                    16. G Banger
                                      • 7 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      NOR to Guehi too sideways? Worried about minutes this week and probably the move makes sense long term, also have exact change to pull the trigger

                                    17. Cruyff's Eleven
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 7 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Will Marmoush start over Haaland?

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

                                        I doubt it.

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

                                      play one please

                                      a dorgu ( i have rice and saka)
                                      b hall ( i have pope)
                                      c alderete ( i have bowen)

                                      cheers and gl!

                                      1. JohnnyB10
                                        • 1 Year
                                        2 months, 11 days ago

                                        I ditched VVD for Dorgu and am playing him 🙂

                                    19. andymck
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 10 Years
                                      2 months, 11 days ago

                                      Roefs (Dubravka)
                                      Gabriel Timber Dorgu Alderete (Richards)
                                      Saka Foden Rogers Wilson (Tavernier)
                                      Haaland Ekitike (Guiu)

                                      Just roll FT or anything worth changing?