Captain Sensible
31 January 2026 190 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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After five blanks in six Gameweeks and a shock benching against Wolves for Erling Haaland (£15.0m), 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-looking fixture against a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side.

In-form Manchester United and Chelsea attackers such as Bruno Fernandes (£9.5m) and Enzo Fernandez (£6.7m) are strong options ahead of Saturday’s 1.30pm 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, check in with the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings and settle on a top three for the armband.


Captaincy Poll

Best captain 24

There’s a new name at the top of the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll standings: Bruno Fernandes. Just shy of a third of our site users believe the Portugal international is the best option for Gameweek 24, following three consecutive assists.

Haaland sits in the unfamiliar position of second place, currently boasting just over 18.5% of the vote. Following his benching in Gameweek 23, the Norwegian has dropped in price, despite scoring in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Joao Pedro (£7.2m), Gabriel Magalhaes (£6.9m) and Bukayo Saka (£10.0m) are the only other players to garner more than 5% of support. Chelsea’s Pedro scored twice in midweek, while Gabriel is the highest-scoring defender in Fantasy, notching 39 points in five starts since returning from injury. Both he and Saka were rested on Wednesday.


Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks


price change predictions

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

190 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Which one to go without on WC?

    a) Mbuemo
    b) Rice
    c) Rogers

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      C

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      C

  2. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    I've already lost money on Saka and his potential replacements are going up tonight.

    Saka to?

    A. Mbuemo (own Bruno F)
    B. Rice
    C. Save FT

    1. ΒAZEΛOS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      im in the same position! feels like Mbeumo is an overkill. if we also got Bruno F

      1. Pep's Money Laundry
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        I think I agree, C might be the best option and just swallow the price changes

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Save... Saka was just rested.

    3. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Save

    4. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Ssve

    5. Bavarian
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      A

  3. Bobbyg1
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Start
    A - Mukiele
    B - Guehi

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      A

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      A

    3. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      A

    4. Bobbyg1
      • 14 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Pretty conclusive. Thanks guys

    5. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
      • 1 Year
      1 month, 4 days ago

      B

  4. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Is this gtg or need a wildcard?
    Don
    Guehi chalobah gab
    Saka rice garner enzo wirtz
    Haaland bowen

    Subs dub foster hall gudmunsson

    1. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Gtg

    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Saka to BrunoF or boomo

      1. Letsgo!
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Nope. Make no sense to sell saka now to me. I am gonna captain him this week

  5. jonnybhoy
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    What to do? Bit of an injury crisis. 1FT 2.2ITB. For C can't get Chabolah as I have triple Chelsea.

    Sanchez
    Gabriel Timber* Alderete
    Bruno F Saka Wilson Enzo Bruno G*
    Haaland Ekitike

    Dubravka Dorgu* Gudmundsson** Guiu

    A) Bruno G to Mbeumo/Semenyo/Rogers
    B) Dorgu to Munoz
    C) Bruno G and Dorgu to Mbuemo and Aina -4pts
    D) Wildcard

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      A

      1. jonnybhoy
        • 13 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        What one you prefer?

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      I like B. Very punty. Or cheeky move to Hill and bench BrunoG

  6. Manani
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    3FT, save?

    Dub
    Timber Gab Chalobah Mukiele
    Rice Rogers Wilson Wirtz
    Haaland Ekiteke
    (Pope Anderson DCL ORielly)

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Yep strong looking team

  7. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Anything worth a hit here or g2g? 0.1m itb

    Sanchez
    Gabriel konate Mukiele
    Saka brunoF semenyo rice Anderson
    Haaland Thiago

    Dubravka dcl vdv diouf

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Nah, looks decent although Saka must be annoying

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Keeping the faith with him, will come good soon

        1. Royal5
          • 14 Years
          1 month, 4 days ago

          Sold for Mbuemo and also made afford Gabriel. Saka has been awful and not even close to be worth his price tag imo

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 12 Years
            1 month, 4 days ago

            True, but could be a nice differential if they get a dgw. Tempted to keep for now.

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Very gtg. Nice team

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Thanks

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 13 Years
          1 month, 4 days ago

          Konate is a concern though 🙂

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 12 Years
            1 month, 4 days ago

            Was tempted to take a hit if he wasn’t available again. Seems he’s back though.

  8. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Who are people capping then? Between Haaland and Bruno for me

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Bruno

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Similar conundrum. Haaland atm

    3. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Bruno

    4. RICICLE
      • 3 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Bruno, I’m tired of capping Haaland and his annoying blanks. I don’t think he’d have a field day at Spurs anyway. Although I could be wrong on all accounts haha!

  9. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Confused how to lineup the team this week. Anything you would change?

    Roefs
    Gabriel Chalobah Mukiele
    Bruno Rice Rogers LeFee
    Haaland Ekitike Thiago

    Dub Szobo Timber Collins

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Looks good

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Thanks. Almost every GW my bench players will outscore whoever I start. Last week Rogers and Dub... Part of the game ehh

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 12 Years
          1 month, 4 days ago

          Part of the game, think you’ve benched the right ones this gw.

    2. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Start Timber over Thiago?

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Good call، but hard to bench a PK taker

      2. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
        • 1 Year
        1 month, 4 days ago

        No

  10. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Is this G2G (on WC)?

    Sanchez
    Gabriel Timber Maguire Aina
    BrunoF Mbeumo Semenyo Rogers Rice
    Haaland

    Sa JoaoPedro Cash Mane

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Aina to Hill. Start JP

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Start JP over Aina / Hill?

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 13 Years
          1 month, 4 days ago

          What I said

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Maguire is a shaky pick. I'd punt on Munoz if on WC

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Thanks. Like Munoz but Palace in free fall. I thought about it.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 13 Years
          1 month, 4 days ago

          Yep one for the super maverick for now

  11. RICICLE
    • 3 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Hi chaps! Anything worth a hit here?

    Verbruggen
    Mukiele - Gabriel - Chalobah
    Bruno G - Saka - Bruno F - Rice - Mbuemo
    Haaland - Thiago
    ____________________________________
    Dubravka: Guiu: Gudmundsson: Dorgu

    0FT, 2.7m ITB

    Absolute trash bench, so just concerned if Bruno G doesn’t play and take a hit for him out?

    Thanks guys.

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Unless it's a strong hold for weeks, don't take the hit. BrunoG to Semenyo for example depends on how you look at it.

      Gtg. Deal with Dorgu next GW

      1. RICICLE
        • 3 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Thanks mate appreciate it, I reckon I’ll hold off on the hit then, Bruno G -> Semenyo looks a great move though, possibly that next week, or Enzo.
        Dorgu can possibly be dealt with next GW as well instead. Sorted, cheers bud!

  12. rainy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Price changes 31st January

    Rises:
    Mbeumo 8.4
    João Pedro 7.3
    Evanilson 7.1
    Gabriel 7.0
    Szoboszlai 6.7
    Brobbey 5.6
    Mané 4.6

    Falls:
    Schade 7.1
    Minteh 5.7
    Gravenberch 5.6
    Reijnders 5.1
    Stach 4.8
    Arthur 3.8

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Thanks. Annoying no rises for Rice or Enzo.

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Boom 2-0. Cheers man

    3. Defcons are for Kinnear
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Anyone still own Minteh?

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Schade will punish me no doubt

  13. JT11fc
    • 7 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Torn over who to get first, JPedro or Enzo, feel like both could be rested if Palmer plays 10.....

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      I’ve gone for JP. In form and playing striker. Enzo could play deeper too.

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Ye I feel like league is the priority so makes sense

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      None if in doubt

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Hmm Ham do have some form...

    3. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Think enzo minutes are more secure

  14. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Any burnley fans here lol.
    Do you think foster will start?

  15. FOREST FOREVER 2
    • 1 Year
    1 month, 4 days ago

    4-0. on WC.
    Still debating Enzo v Pedro. Curentlyu on Enzo.

  16. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Not convinced about Enzo with Palmer seemingly back, and can’t afford Rogers/Mbeumo without taking a hit.

    A) Gordon -> Enzo (7.4 max)
    B) Keane -> Senesi (4.8 max)
    C) Keane -> Maguire (4.4 max)
    D) Save FT

    In B/C I’d bench Gordon this week, play 25 (BRE) and sell 26. C funds Gordon -> Rogers.

    Verbruggen
    Gabriel, Timber, Alderete
    Saka, Semenyo, Wilson, Gordon
    Haaland, Ekitike, Thiago

    Dubravka, Richards, Keane, Stach
    Bank 0.1m, 1FT, all chips

  17. marpy016
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Bench 1?

    A) Wilson
    B) Rogers
    C) Ekitike
    D) Thiag

    1. Jafalad
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Ekiteke. On a poor run at present.

    2. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Wilson

  18. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    How many minutes does Palmer get?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Not enough

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Enough to not bench boost if he is the only 1 of 15 I have minute doubts about?

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          1 month, 4 days ago

          Yeah, a BB is never perfect

  19. Jafalad
    • 16 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Which three would you bench and in what order:

    Richards, Mane (BOU), O Reilly (tot), Thiago, Bruno G (liv)

    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      I would start Thiago & Mane

  20. fgdu
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    play raya or dubravka

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Go with the CS odds

  21. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Nice to see Doug Luiz back at Villa. Chances of playing this GW?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Nevermind, I see Team News has predicted a start, lovely.

  22. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Hey fam! GTG? Did BrunoG & DCL to Mbeumo & Mane for free.

    Roefs
    Gabriel Timber Alderete
    Saka Rogers Enzo Mbeumo(C)
    Haaland Ekitike Mane

    Dubravka Tarkowski Garner Konsa

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Bold captain

      1. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Courageous decision.

  23. The Mighty One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Hi Fam.

    A. Raya and Senesi
    B. Sanchez and Timber

    Thanks.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      B

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      B

      1. The Mighty One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Thanks to both of you.

  24. Khalico
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Team and bench gtg?

    Sanchez
    Guehi, Chalobah, Gabriel
    Semenyo, Rice, Palmer, Saka, BrunoF
    Haaland, Thiago

    Dubravka, Kroupi, Alderete, Andersen

    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      GTG. Cap?

      1. Khalico
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        BrunoF

        1. Sgt. Schultz
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 4 days ago

          Let's Go. GL !

  25. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Nice order of matches. Anytime there's PL football this weekend, I have at least one player playing.

  26. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Start dub or don
    Already starting guehi

  27. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Anything standing out here to make a move on?

    1 more transfer gives a big connundrum on who to leave out this GW- so may just keep as is.
    Enzo in for Wirtz may be an option tho Wirtz had some decent returns recently..

    Dubravka.
    Timber, Gabriel, Cash, Alderete.
    Bruno F, Saka, Rogers, Wirtz.
    Thiago, Haaland.
    Kelliher, Miley, O'Reilly, Obi.
    1ft, 0.5m ITB

  28. Under my Cucurella
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 4 days ago

    Start one this week?

    A: Andersen vs MUN (A)
    B: Collins vs AVL (A)

    1. I have no Wirtz
        1 month, 4 days ago

        I would trust in Collins. Villa missing players. I would not trust in Andersen. ManU on the up

    2. Evasivo
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Bench O’Reilly or Thiago?

      1. Sgt. Schultz
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Thiago

    3. Wand
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 4 days ago

      Start Bruno G at Liverpool or Thiago at Villa? Concerned about Bruno G fitness abd minutes. Thanks

      1. Sgt. Schultz
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Thiago

        1. Wand
          • 15 Years
          1 month, 3 days ago

          Thx

      2. Under my Cucurella
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 4 days ago

        Thiago