Captain Sensible
21 February 2026 253 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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The most Triple Captained defender in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) history disappointed many in Gameweek 26 as Gabriel (£7.1m) could muster just seven points across two fixtures.

The real winners were the 100,000 brave managers who played the chip on Declan Rice (£7.6m).

So, in Gameweek 27, is it time to once again go back to what we know and hand Erling Haaland (£14.9m) the captaincy? Or is this a week to again look elsewhere?

That’s what we’re considering in ‘Captain Sensible’, especially with Chelsea’s tempting-looking fixture at home to Burnley.

In-form Blues attackers such as Cole Palmer (£10.6m) and Joao Pedro (£7.7m) are strong options and provide competition for the fully fit Haaland ahead of Saturday’s 1.30pm GMT deadline – as does the Norwegian’s teammate Antoine Semenyo (£8.0m).

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

The aforementioned Chelsea duo, Palmer and Joao Pedro, are nigh-on inseparable at the top of the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll. In the last two Gameweeks, the pair have returned 50 Fantasy points between them.

After having his flag removed following Pep Guardiola’s Friday press conference, Haaland sits in third place and currently boasts just over 12% of the vote. Manchester City host Newcastle on Saturday evening after the Magpies’ midweek trip to far-flung Azerbaijan in the UEFA Champions League.

Elsewhere, three players have managed to garner more than 5% support; Morgan Rogers (£7.6m), Igor Thiago (£7.0m) and Semenyo. All three players enjoy home fixtures and feature in the top 10 highest-points scorers so far this season.


Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks


price change predictions

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

253 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. harrysponge
    • 12 Years
    21 days, 6 hours ago

    BB or no?

    Bench: Dubrav, Rice, Mukiele, Frimpong (to Hill / M. Nunes? -4)?

    Team:
    Raya
    Gabriel, Chalobah, Guehi
    Rogers, Bruno, Enzo, Sarr
    J. Pedro, Haaland (C), Thiago.

    Thanks in advance!

    1. BR510
        21 days, 6 hours ago

        Never take a hit for a BB. Wait. Consider Mukiele over Gabriel.

        1. harrysponge
          • 12 Years
          21 days, 6 hours ago

          Cheers BR!

      • Amartey Partey
        • 6 Years
        21 days, 6 hours ago

        No

        1. harrysponge
          • 12 Years
          21 days, 6 hours ago

          Cheers Partey! No bench Partey this time!

      • _Greg
        • 16 Years
        21 days, 6 hours ago

        Problem is Frimpong becomes a decent option next week. I think you're benched players are right, although when Enzo and Sarr blank and Rice defcons you'll be cursing (don't swap them though!)

        1. _Greg
          • 16 Years
          21 days, 6 hours ago

          *your

        2. harrysponge
          • 12 Years
          21 days, 6 hours ago

          Cheers Greg!

        3. Amartey Partey
          • 6 Years
          21 days, 6 hours ago

          Yeah. It’s a difficult one to call with Rice. I’ve got a feeling he’s going to score against Spurs for some reason.

    2. BR510
        21 days, 6 hours ago

        1. Salah Rogers Ekitike + 2.5 m
        2. Haaland Wirtz Rogers + 2.5 m
        3. Salah Rayan Haaland

        Best combo here?

        1. Amartey Partey
          • 6 Years
          21 days, 6 hours ago

          I like the risk you’re taking here. What does the rest of your team look like if you go 3?

          1. BR510
              21 days, 6 hours ago

              Kelleher Darlow
              Gabriel Konate Hill Alderete Andersen
              Salah Bruno Semenyo Dango Rayan
              Haaland Thiago Kroupi

              1. Amartey Partey
                • 6 Years
                21 days, 6 hours ago

                I like it. Prefer from next week though as it’s missing one of Palmer and J Pedro for this week.

                1. BR510
                    21 days, 6 hours ago

                    Could go with Palmer and Palmer to Salah next week

                    1. BR510
                        21 days, 6 hours ago

                        But that can be my only FT from now until GW32

              2. _Greg
                • 16 Years
                21 days, 6 hours ago

                I don't think Salah will be worth the money.

                1. _Greg
                  • 16 Years
                  21 days, 6 hours ago

                  2 is best

            • Amartey Partey
              • 6 Years
              21 days, 6 hours ago

              I have no injuries. I want to roll but it’s just not how I play. I can’t help myself. I’m going to transfer Martinez in for Pickford.

              1. Killitzer
                • 16 Years
                21 days, 6 hours ago

                Wish I could say the same. I’d go Martinez.

              2. _Greg
                • 16 Years
                21 days, 6 hours ago

                Enjoy.

              3. BR510
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  Really like that move

              4. Killitzer
                • 16 Years
                21 days, 6 hours ago

                Morning all

                I think I’m set for this week with no changes, though tempted to do Rice to Rogers.

                Kelleher
                Gabriel, Chalobah, Guehi
                Rice, Bruno, Enzo, Semenyo
                J. Pedro (c), Haaland , Bowen
                Sels, Zubi, Senisi, Reinildo
                £0.8m itb

                Sels and Renildo both injured doesn’t help but can survive the GW without them.

                1. Amartey Partey
                  • 6 Years
                  21 days, 6 hours ago

                  Team looks good. Rogers is tempting.

                2. Amartey Partey
                  • 6 Years
                  21 days, 6 hours ago

                  I’m also capping JP. Good luck!

                  1. _Greg
                    • 16 Years
                    21 days, 6 hours ago

                    Same!

              5. _Greg
                • 16 Years
                21 days, 6 hours ago

                Raya
                Mukiele Alderete Munoz
                Bruno Wirtz Mbeumo Semenyo
                Haaland JP Thiago

                Dub Gabriel Saliba Devenny

                2ft 1.6m itb

                Plan to roll and then choose Tavernier, Rayan or Dango for Devenny next week and bench JP away at Arsenal. Who do ya reckon I'll end up buying out of those three?

                1. Killitzer
                  • 16 Years
                  21 days, 6 hours ago

                  Most likely Dango unchained

                2. Amartey Partey
                  • 6 Years
                  21 days, 6 hours ago

                  I’m a huge Dango fan. I’ve been waiting for a long time to buy him in FPL. One of my favorite players from the last two seasons.

              6. hazza44
                • 13 Years
                21 days, 5 hours ago

                Captain for this week? (non-Chelsea attacker owner)
                A) Bruno
                B) Semenyo
                C) Haaland
                B) Thiago

                1. One for All
                  • 7 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  B

                2. FourLokoLeipzig
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  C

                3. Ha.
                  • 10 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  C

              7. Gazzpfc
                • 9 Years
                21 days, 5 hours ago

                Need help

                1. Rice, Rogers or Dango?
                2 Captain Pedro or Haaland?
                3. Play Timber or Hill?

                ???

                1. FourLokoLeipzig
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  Rogers, Pedro (although that one’s close), Timber

                2. Ha.
                  • 10 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  Rogers
                  Haaland
                  Hill

              8. KeanosMagic
                • 4 Years
                21 days, 5 hours ago

                Who goes from this lineup to fund Wirtz?
                Had my mind set on keeping Palmer but the previous article is tempting me to sell him rather than Mbeumo.

                Bruno Mbeumo Palmer Dango Semenyo

                1. FourLokoLeipzig
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  Would keep them all for now

              9. One for All
                • 7 Years
                21 days, 5 hours ago

                Have Roefs, Alderete starting against Fulham

                Roefs> Kelleher?

                Thanks

                1. Bad Kompany
                  • 8 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  I'd keep Roefs. They tend to do quite well at home

                  1. One for All
                    • 7 Years
                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                    Not too sure about starting both against Fulham

                2. Ha.
                  • 10 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  Assuming you’re set for BGW31 (and won’t need transfers) then it seems like a good move

                  1. One for All
                    • 7 Years
                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                    Cool thanks

              10. Bad Kompany
                • 8 Years
                21 days, 5 hours ago

                What to do with Cherki and Cunha? Fair chance of a benching for both

                1. One for All
                  • 7 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  Cunha more likely to start.

              11. The Philosopher
                • 5 Years
                21 days, 5 hours ago

                Biggest question of the GW.

                Start

                A: Zubi
                B: Mane

                1. Bad Kompany
                  • 8 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  Probably Zubi

                2. I have no Wirtz
                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                    Sell Zubi and start the player you buy

                  • RamaJama
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                    Z

                3. Bad Kompany
                  • 8 Years
                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                  Who's the most nailed Brentford center back?

                  1. ENGLAND1966
                      21 days, 5 hours ago

                      Kayode

                  2. Ha.
                    • 10 Years
                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                    Start Wislon or Alderete?

                    1. ENGLAND1966
                        21 days, 5 hours ago

                        Wilson

                      • I have no Wirtz
                          21 days, 5 hours ago

                          Alderete

                        • BR510
                            21 days, 5 hours ago

                            Alderete

                        • JohnnyB10
                          • 1 Year
                          21 days, 5 hours ago

                          Raya to Martinez? Own Gabriel.

                          Or roll and wait one week?

                          1. ENGLAND1966
                              21 days, 5 hours ago

                              Roll as Spurs new boss tactics may benefit Arsenal

                              1. JohnnyB10
                                • 1 Year
                                21 days, 5 hours ago

                                Cheers, yeah 3 FT next week. Kelleher also an option.

                              2. Ha.
                                • 10 Years
                                21 days, 5 hours ago

                                I think pretty much anything is going to be an improvement for Spurs and so actually see it as a difficult fixture for Arsenal

                                Add in some title nerves and it’s going to be a tough NLD

                                1. JohnnyB10
                                  • 1 Year
                                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                                  I agree and think Martinez is the choice, only brought Raya last week for Donna and regret it so much. But it’s ok to roll and just wait one week on the keeper.

                                2. JohnnyB10
                                  • 1 Year
                                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                                  It will probably a low scoring game, maybe 0-1 or 1-1… But you never know lol

                          2. ENGLAND1966
                              21 days, 5 hours ago

                              Dilemma bench one -Rice or Enzo?

                              1. JohnnyB10
                                • 1 Year
                                21 days, 5 hours ago

                                I’d play both and bench someone else

                                1. ENGLAND1966
                                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                                    I have Thiago, Haaland, Semenyo, Rogers, J Pedro and Bruno F so can’t see anyone to bench

                                    1. JohnnyB10
                                      • 1 Year
                                      21 days, 5 hours ago

                                      It’s really a tough choice, you can’t leave Enzo out, on the other hand Rice could do pretty decent against leaky Spurs.

                              2. I have no Wirtz
                                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                                  Start Rice or Watkins?

                                  1. BR510
                                      21 days, 5 hours ago

                                      Watkins

                                    • LeytonOrient
                                      • 11 Years
                                      21 days, 5 hours ago

                                      Villa can be so flakey, but would still risk Watkins

                                      1. I have no Wirtz
                                          21 days, 5 hours ago

                                          Thanks guys. Will give Watkins also the benefit of being a differential at 9%, and of those probably mostly abandoned teams.

                                      2. JohnnyB10
                                        • 1 Year
                                        21 days, 4 hours ago

                                        Watkins

                                    • BR510
                                        21 days, 5 hours ago

                                        Decisions

                                        1. Salah and Rayan
                                        2. Wirtz and Rogers

                                        1. JohnnyB10
                                          • 1 Year
                                          21 days, 5 hours ago

                                          1 is tempting but probably 2

                                          1. BR510
                                              21 days, 5 hours ago

                                              I love a differential! On WC so not using transfers

                                              1. JohnnyB10
                                                • 1 Year
                                                21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                Go for 1, I like differentials as well! That’s why I’m starting Brobbey, have to risk it a bit 🙂

                                          2. Ha.
                                            • 10 Years
                                            21 days, 5 hours ago

                                            2

                                          3. LeytonOrient
                                            • 11 Years
                                            21 days, 5 hours ago

                                            Forrest could be a party pooper for both Salah & Wirtz. But I think 1 is more exciting, I’m sold.

                                            1. BR510
                                                21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                Other option is Palmer and Rayan, with Palmer to Salah next week

                                          4. JohnnyB10
                                            • 1 Year
                                            21 days, 5 hours ago

                                            Take a punt on Brobbey and bench Wirtz? He wasn’t good vs Brighton. Forest has LFC numbers lately.

                                            1. LeytonOrient
                                              • 11 Years
                                              21 days, 5 hours ago

                                              For a FT or just organising your bench?
                                              I’m being picky and holding transfers ahead of the blank, so would say roll.

                                              1. JohnnyB10
                                                • 1 Year
                                                21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                Just benching dilemma. Will definitely roll this week. It’s really a toss for me. Xhaka is back. I could see Brobbey scoring, not sure about Wirtz.

                                          5. LeytonOrient
                                            • 11 Years
                                            21 days, 5 hours ago

                                            Lack of faith in ARS has me struggling with bench selection. Who starts between the sticks and in 2 x DEF? Gabriel will play.

                                            A) Kelleher (BHA)
                                            B) Raya (TOT)

                                            1. Timber
                                            2. Cash
                                            3. Mukiele

                                            1. BR510
                                                21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                A3

                                                1. BR510
                                                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                    And 1

                                                2. Ha.
                                                  • 10 Years
                                                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                  A2

                                                3. JohnnyB10
                                                  • 1 Year
                                                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                  A2

                                              • FDMS All Starz
                                                • 10 Years
                                                21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                Pick the best option?

                                                Current team:
                                                Verbruggen Gabriel Munoz Timber* (Andersen VDB)
                                                Bruno Mbuemo Enzo Sarr* Rice*
                                                Haaland Thiago (Kroupi)
                                                (1FT & 1.1itb)

                                                Option A)
                                                GW27: Rice —> Semenyo (1FT)
                                                +1FT
                                                GW28: Sarr —> Dango (1FT)
                                                +1FT
                                                GW29/30 —> Roll 2FTs
                                                +3FTs
                                                GW31: Timber & Semenyo —> VVD & Rogers (use 2FTs)
                                                + roll 1FT

                                                Or

                                                Option B)
                                                GW27: roll FT
                                                +2FTs
                                                GW28: Rice & Sarr —> Wirtz & Dango
                                                (2FTs)
                                                +1FT
                                                GW29/30: roll FT
                                                +3FTs
                                                GW31: Timber —> VVD (use 1FT)
                                                + roll 2FTs

                                                1. BR510
                                                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                    Maybe shorten your posts next time, not many people will respond to these! B

                                                    1. Ha.
                                                      • 10 Years
                                                      21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                      Normalise reading

                                                  • Ha.
                                                    • 10 Years
                                                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                    B but Rice to Dango this morning

                                                  • LeytonOrient
                                                    • 11 Years
                                                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                    TLDR, roll.

                                                2. Michelle Davin
                                                  • 9 Years
                                                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                  Start:
                                                  A)DCL
                                                  B)Wilson

                                                3. Jebiga
                                                  • 13 Years
                                                  21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                  Who to bench from :

                                                  1. Rice
                                                  2. Enzo
                                                  3. Wirtz

                                                  ?

                                                  1. golden skulltula 69
                                                    • 9 Years
                                                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                    1

                                                  2. RamaJama
                                                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                                    • 13 Years
                                                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                    1

                                                  3. I have no Wirtz
                                                      21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                      Enzo

                                                    • JohnnyB10
                                                      • 1 Year
                                                      21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                      3

                                                  4. golden skulltula 69
                                                    • 9 Years
                                                    21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                    Hi everyone.

                                                    Bench one please:

                                                    A. Tarkowski (MUN)
                                                    B. Andersen (sun)

                                                    Cheers!

                                                    1. LeytonOrient
                                                      • 11 Years
                                                      21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                      Based on Sunderland’s H Fixtures alone, I’d bench Andersen

                                                      1. golden skulltula 69
                                                        • 9 Years
                                                        21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                        Thank you!

                                                    2. JohnnyB10
                                                      • 1 Year
                                                      21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                      I am playing Tark ( you never know with his header lol ), I think Fulham concedes

                                                      1. golden skulltula 69
                                                        • 9 Years
                                                        21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                        Thank you!

                                                        A goal would be fantastic 🙂

                                                        1. JohnnyB10
                                                          • 1 Year
                                                          21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                          Yep, I’ve been waiting for that for a long time, just one header 🙂 Plus it’s a Monday game, always fun!

                                                  5. BR510
                                                      21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                      Final 3 spots on WC

                                                      1. Rayan O'reilly Barnes (Burnley forward)
                                                      2. Rayan Justin (Leeds)) Kroupi
                                                      3. Stach O'Reilly Kroupi

                                                      1. Under my Cucurella
                                                        • 10 Years
                                                        21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                        If Barnes is bench fodder then A probably

                                                        1. BR510
                                                            21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                            Yes he will be 3rd bench

                                                      2. Under my Cucurella
                                                        • 10 Years
                                                        21 days, 5 hours ago

                                                        Opinions on the most likely outcome for Cunha this week?

                                                        A: Starts
                                                        B: Comes off the bench
                                                        C: Doesn't play

                                                        1. Ze_Austin
                                                          • 7 Years
                                                          21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                          A

                                                        2. JohnnyB10
                                                          • 1 Year
                                                          21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                          A

                                                      3. Laurel and Vardy
                                                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                                        • 10 Years
                                                        21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                        Rice -> Schade for free.

                                                        Yes or No?

                                                        Thanks.

                                                        1. SpaceCadet
                                                          • 12 Years
                                                          21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                          No

                                                        2. Ze_Austin
                                                          • 7 Years
                                                          21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                          Schade might not start

                                                      4. ididnt
                                                        • 14 Years
                                                        21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                        Rice & Mbuemo > Palmer, Dango -4?

                                                        1. SpaceCadet
                                                          • 12 Years
                                                          21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                          No

                                                        2. Ze_Austin
                                                          • 7 Years
                                                          21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                          Might lose points even if for free

                                                          1. JohnnyB10
                                                            • 1 Year
                                                            21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                            This

                                                        1. JohnnyB10
                                                          • 1 Year
                                                          21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                          Played Hill for 3 straight weeks, that went very well! Budget Senesi indeed!

                                                      5. ididnt
                                                        • 14 Years
                                                        21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                        Zubi to:

                                                        A. Dango
                                                        B. Rayan
                                                        C. Summerville

                                                        1. BR510
                                                            21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                            AAAAAAAAAA

                                                          • JohnnyB10
                                                            • 1 Year
                                                            21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                            A

                                                        2. joeynse99
                                                          • 10 Years
                                                          21 days, 4 hours ago

                                                          Bench one

                                                          A. Gabriel
                                                          B. Cash

                                                          Starting Hill & Mukiele. Other sub is Andersen