Captain Sensible
21 August 2026 747 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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With the Gameweek 1 deadline of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) just hours away, it’s time to have a good think about who to captain.

Most FPL managers face a tough decision between the two highest-scoring players in 2025/26, Erling Haaland (£15.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) – but those two aren’t the only candidates for the armband.

On the opening weekend, Manchester United travel to Hull City, while Manchester City host Bournemouth. Defending champions Arsenal enjoy an appealing home fixture against Coventry City, while Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea will fancy their chances away at Fulham.

So, following City’s disappointing performance in last Sunday’s Community Shield, is it time to look away from Haaland and target the newly promoted Tigers, or do we even look outside of Manchester?

That’s what we’re considering in the first ‘Captain Sensible’ article of the season.

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, ahead of Friday’s 6.30pm BST deadline.


Captaincy Poll

In stark contrast to the majority of Gameweeks last season, there is a genuine contest at the top of the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll. Haaland currently sits in first place on around 34% of the vote, while Bruno Fernandes boasts the backing of 27% of site users.

In third place is Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) with just over 10% of the vote share. The Cameroon international has been in fine form during pre-season, scoring three goals and featuring regularly up front in the absence of Benjamin Sesko (£7.0m).

Elsewhere, two other players have managed to garner more than 5% support: Community Shield bandwagon Christos Tzolis (£6.5m) and Gabriel Magalhaes (£8.0m). The former has seen his ownership increase significantly since Sunday.


Player Stats – 2025/26


FFScout Tom <p>Deputy General Manager. Forever chasing the top 10K. Chelsea fan.&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

747 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Football is home
    • 4 Years
    1 hour, 56 mins ago

    A)Szoboslai
    B)Odegaard

    1. Esraj
      • 10 Years
      1 hour, 8 mins ago

      Szobozs by a mile.

      1. Podorsky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        11 mins ago

        Szobozs or Gakpo, this week only?

      2. Football is home
        • 4 Years
        7 mins ago

        What do you think about playing Odegaard vs Coventry and then replace him or Tzolis for Szoboslai? Worth 1 FT?

        1. Jstap94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          5 mins ago

          Tzolis and Odegaard are the same price and play for the same team. One is demonstrably more attacking than the other. The first fixture is against a much worse team. Why would you not just pick Tzolis rather than use a transfer to switch the two after the easy game

          1. Stats definitely favors Tzolis however Odegaard is incredible when fit. Free transfer might not be worth it since something can go wrong and I will be forced to make transfer elsewhere. I have only fodder starters on the bench so I can't afford any injuries.

    2. el polako
      • 9 Years
      1 hour, 7 mins ago

      What you’re doing with saved 0.5m?
      Are you ready to accept that Odegaard may be rotated with Eze?

      1. Football is home
        • 4 Years
        1 hour, 3 mins ago

        I am planning to keep 0.5m in the bank. Also considering playing Odegaard in GW1 then replace Odegaard or Tzolis with Szoboslai.

        1. el polako
          • 9 Years
          1 hour, 1 min ago

          There’s your answer then.
          As long as Ode scores 5 or more points than Szobo you’re on the plus side

  2. Esraj
    • 10 Years
    1 hour, 56 mins ago

    No wonder BBW1 is very popular.

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      1 hour, 16 mins ago

      Does she have a name?

      1. Davros
        • 17 Years
        1 hour, 9 mins ago

        Mama-Whizz

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 9 Years
          1 hour, 8 mins ago

          😆

      2. Esraj
        • 10 Years
        1 hour, 7 mins ago

        No, no names. Just BBWs.

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 9 Years
          1 hour, 6 mins ago

          😆

  3. cruzex
    • 13 Years
    1 hour, 55 mins ago

    Mathys Tel will be nailed?

    6.0 is a good shot.

    1. 2008 Antony
      • 1 Year
      1 hour, 53 mins ago

      Should be for the first couple weeks, he should be starting on the left

      1. cruzex
        • 13 Years
        1 hour, 9 mins ago

        And for the rest of the season, won't
        it be a sure thing?

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 49 mins ago

      Until further signings he should be. Was one of their stand outs in pre season

    3. PogChamp
      • 14 Years
      1 hour, 49 mins ago

      Should be safe for the first few fixtures. He’s my differential.

    4. The Tonberry
      • 2 Years
      1 hour, 49 mins ago

      I think he will start even if Savinho and Marmoush sign. At least until the long term injury players (Maddison, Kulu, Kudus, Xavi) start returning to the first team.

      He looked their best attacker in pre season and at the moment there's only him, Richarlison and Moore available to play in attack for Spurs. Moore will likely go on loan once Savinho is confirmed, but I think Tel will hold his place in the team. Don't think he will play the full 90 often but he should start in the short term.

      I'm torn between him and Le Fee as my 8th attacker

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 hour, 47 mins ago

        Savinho is a done deal now. 75m jeesh Spurs are really spending

      2. Pompel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 hour, 47 mins ago

        Hmm, I might need to take a closer look at getting him

  4. The Philosopher
    • 6 Years
    1 hour, 54 mins ago

    Rp

    BB1. 0.5 itb. Gtg?

    Verbruggen, Kinsky
    Calafiori, Gabriel, Shaw, Davis, O'Nien
    Ødegaard, Mbeumo, Semenyo, Szoboszlai, Groß
    Brobbey, João Pedro, Haaland

    1. Eastman
      • 9 Years
      1 hour, 14 mins ago

      Nice team! Like the Odegaard pick. Think he’s being overlooked

      1. ididnt
        • 15 Years
        1 hour, 7 mins ago

        No Bruno is surely a big risk though

  5. Amartey Partey
    • 7 Years
    1 hour, 53 mins ago

    Isak is so tempting, but I can't help but think he will get injured in the first game.

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 hour, 5 mins ago

      I do think Newcastle will get some hard tackles in on him early on

      1. el polako
        • 9 Years
        1 hour, 2 mins ago

        Spooking him in the tunnel should do the trick.

      2. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        1 hour, 1 min ago

        Oh, that’s a good point - and the game is at St James Park, will get tasty…

    2. el polako
      • 9 Years
      1 hour, 3 mins ago

      I went full circle on him.
      Bit like Cole Palmer or Foden, it’s more nostalgia pick than anything else until he displays some old form on few occasions.

    3. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      55 mins ago

      Bamba needs to be taking a red in the first half for it, otherwise what was the point in signing him?

    4. Warby84
      • 11 Years
      48 mins ago

      I think he will be on penalties

  6. JoeShmoe99
    1 hour, 53 mins ago

    Verbruggen, Kinsky
    Calafiori, White, Shaw, Robertson, O'Nien
    Bruno, Mbeumo, Tzolis, Ndaiye, Groß
    DCL, João Pedro, Haaland

    BB1

    Bruno / Haaland owners - who you captaining ?

    1. Eastman
      • 9 Years
      1 hour, 15 mins ago

      Bruno

      1. JoeShmoe99
        1 min ago

        yeh me too i think

  7. cruzex
    • 13 Years
    1 hour, 51 mins ago

    Amad diallo is a good bet?

    Nobody has in the team.

    Amad or Tel?

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 7 Years
      55 mins ago

      Amad could be good, but he might not even start.

    2. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      53 mins ago

      Not nailed - Carrick could easily start Rashford or Cunha up top and have Mbeumo play off the right

  8. Eastman
    • 9 Years
    1 hour, 51 mins ago

    Thoughts on Santos MU? Allows me to fit in Semenyo over Mbuemo?

    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      52 mins ago

      Might pick up the odd assist, but not a fantasy player at all. Not even really nailed if we get the Baleba deal done.

  9. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 10 Years
    1 hour, 50 mins ago

    All of us who are picking Konsa: will he be a definite starter every week?

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 7 Years
      1 hour, 12 mins ago

      I doubt it. Saliba is miles better than him.

  10. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    1 hour, 50 mins ago

    Have there ever been DGWs in the first half of the season before? Sure I recall one or two in the past - anyone remember the reasons? Was it Covid seasons?

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      1 hour, 14 mins ago

      Was it the Queen passing away?

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        55 mins ago

        Ah yeah, maybe that - on for a very severe El Niño this year and next. Autumn is predicted to be very stormy

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            45 mins ago

            ‘El Niño could put the UK at greater risk of a wet, stormy autumn with signs of a very unsettled spell already showing up in long-range forecasts.’

            Predicting a DGW on first half of season this year

        1. el polako
          • 9 Years
          47 mins ago

          Because usually is dry, quiet and in mid 10s.

  11. Warby84
    • 11 Years
    1 hour, 49 mins ago

    Would you bench boost with Palmer (IPS) Gomez Davis and ONien?

    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      53 mins ago

      I think you're lying to yourself if you would bench Palmer this week

      1. Warby84
        • 11 Years
        50 mins ago

        The Goalkeeper

        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          47 mins ago

          Oops, don't think he'll play though?

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      51 mins ago

      Will Palmer start? It’s quite weak. O’Nien risky?

      1. Warby84
        • 11 Years
        1 min ago

        I’m tempted to wait..

        1. XX SMICER XX
          • 8 Years
          just now

          Depends if you want it out of the way. Do think you need alittle more money put into it

  12. XX SMICER XX
    • 8 Years
    1 hour, 49 mins ago

    What is the best 9m goalkeeper combo? Verbruggen &
    A. Kinsky
    B. Leno

    I think Kinsky has better GW1 clean sheet odds but Leno rotates better longer term
    On BBW1

    1. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      1 hour, 48 mins ago

      C. Trafford + 4m

      1. XX SMICER XX
        • 8 Years
        1 hour, 34 mins ago

        Even on bench boost?

        1. LangerznMash
          • 10 Years
          48 mins ago

          oh, no then.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 47 mins ago

      A

  13. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    1 hour, 46 mins ago

    Really want De Cuyper - should be concerned by his Euro-benching last night?

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      1 hour, 46 mins ago

      I think so. I was on him until this morning

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 45 mins ago

      Osman was good but no, I think De Cuyper starts gw1. Not a long term pick though

    3. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      1 hour, 40 mins ago

      Thanks both…

    4. Timbomars
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 10 mins ago

      I had him until this morning too. Reading that Osman at LW was the standout player on the pitch last night tipped me over the edge and I sold him for Rodon. I think anyone saying De Cuyper is nailed is wrong, there’s every chance he may be on the bench again come Sunday.

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        7 mins ago

        Thanks Timbomars…

  14. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    1 hour, 46 mins ago

    BB1 or BB2?

    BB1:
    Verbruggen (AVL), O'Nien (ips), Jacquet (new), Jesus (LEE)

    BB2:
    Rushworth (HUL), Van Ewijk (HUL), Jacquet (NFO), Wissa (tot)

    I'm on 2 atm since I think it's stronger but I'm getting sketched out by the midweek fixtures and possible injuries in the first week that could ruin the plan. Either forward could also become DCL (nfo in 1, BRE in 2).

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 44 mins ago

      I like Wissa but it’s too early. Prefer Jesus or DCL or Brobbey. I’d go BB2 with one of those

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        1 hour, 4 mins ago

        I was thinking that of Wissa as well but I think he's easily the best fwd at that price bracket in terms of ability and ceiling. 18g and 185 points 2 years ago at Brentford is no joke.

        Plus if I BB in 2 I can bench him for GW1 and fade the LIV fixture which is one of the main reasons people won't go for him.

    2. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 hour, 42 mins ago

      I'm on BB2, gambling on Coventry 2x cs against Hull, I think Ipswich and Brighton will concede in GW1, But 8th attacker (midfielder) in BB2 is a bit tricky, currently on Sangaré, could be Gomez, so expecting 2 points

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      26 mins ago

      Wissa has been playing deep as a 10 in preseason. He looks sharp, but needs to be nearer goal in my opinion.

  15. Last orders
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 hour, 45 mins ago

    No talk of Richarlison at £6 million- good alternative to DCL?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 hour, 8 mins ago

      He is a good short term pick. But there's talk he could move back to Everton.

      1. Last orders
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 hour, 4 mins ago

        Thanks, I want to go against the grain as DCL, bar last year has never been an FPL pick- perhaps Brobbey then?

  16. Bubbles1985
    • 9 Years
    1 hour, 45 mins ago

    Current squad v99.973:

    Suzuki
    White Maguire Ajer Davis
    Bruno(vc) Semenyo Wirtz Tzolis
    Haaland(c) DCL

    Verbrug Ballard Hughes McBurnie

    0.5m itb and BB1 active!

    Thoughts?

  17. The Hunt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    1 hour, 44 mins ago

    Gvardiol or O'Reilly?

    Money's not an issue as starting off the season without Haaland.

    Thanks.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 10 Years
      1 hour, 12 mins ago

      NOR

      1. The Hunt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        1 hour, 10 mins ago

        Ta

      2. Last orders
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 hour, 8 mins ago

        Agree 100%

        1. The Hunt
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          1 hour, 7 mins ago

          I like that bold confirmation!

  18. Sharkytect
    • 12 Years
    1 hour, 44 mins ago

    Thoughts on savinho?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 10 Years
      1 hour, 8 mins ago

      Talented. Wait and watch

  19. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 10 Years
    1 hour, 44 mins ago

    Good to go here?

    Kinsky
    Califiori Shaw Kadioglu
    Bruno Mbeumo Semenyo Wirtz Gross
    Haaland Pedro

    Dubravka Egeli Diop Thomas

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      9 mins ago

      Looks good

  20. ididnt
    • 15 Years
    1 hour, 44 mins ago

    Schade or Ndiyae
    Hume or de Cuyper

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 43 mins ago

      Schade and Hume

      1. Davros
        • 17 Years
        1 hour, 15 mins ago

        That’s what I’m on after last night

  21. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    1 hour, 42 mins ago

    In your opinion what is the best 5.5 MF for this team

    Kinsky Dubravka
    Calafiori Maguire De Cuyper Thomas Ajer
    Fernandes Mbeumo Szoboszial Tzolis xxxxxxxx
    Haaland Pedro DCL

    Any ideas would be appreciated

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 40 mins ago

      Sangare

    2. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 hour, 37 mins ago

      Consesus seems to be one of Gross or Sangaré (the Brentford one). I guess Ampadu could also be cosnidered for defcons

  22. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 hour, 42 mins ago

    BB2, FH3 team.

    Lammens
    Gabriel, VVD, Calafiori
    Bruno, Mbuemo, Rogers, Tzolis
    Isak, Pedro, DCL

    Rushworth, Kluivert, Thomas, Van Ew

    Any changes you would make to this? Think I’m happy now since yesterday evening.

    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      1 hour, 40 mins ago

      I think ignoring Haaland and burning through 2 chips in the first 3 weeks to play triple COVENTRY is actually mental

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 hour, 37 mins ago

        I don’t 🙂

        Gw1 is essentially a WC. If I WC into BB later then I have funds spread too thin across the squad. I prefer this approach for a change.

        No doubles this side of the season, what gw are you targeting BB yourself?

        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          1 hour, 34 mins ago

          I never plan it because it's more trouble than it's worth - rather put the money into my starters

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            1 hour, 21 mins ago

            I think having no plan is a bit mental too.

            My money is in my starters now too bar one mid. Cheap playing gk and two 4m defenders. Good opportunity to use the BB against easy opponents and keep the funds in the XI

            1. x.jim.x
              • 11 Years
              1 hour, 12 mins ago

              They'd be "easy opponents" if your bench was full of Arsenal players

              1. FPL Blow-In
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                55 mins ago

                Arsenal players are not bench players mind

  23. Ronnies
    • 11 Years
    1 hour, 40 mins ago

    Last decision to be made.
    Play BB1.

    A) Tzolis/ Gomez

    B) Ndiaye/ Gross

    Cheers.

    1. SenjorBob
      • 12 Years
      1 hour, 2 mins ago

      B

  24. Admiral Benson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 hour, 39 mins ago

    Anyone know if TM has put out the Last Man Standing league code?

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      1 hour, 38 mins ago

      There will be an article out about LMS, think the code will be in there when it comes out 🙂

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 9 Years
          43 mins ago

          Thank you so much!

  25. IvanGeorgiev
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    1 hour, 39 mins ago

    Hello scouts. What is your opinion on Kai Havertz for the first round?

    1. el polako
      • 9 Years
      51 mins ago

      Great if he starts.
      Nobody knows if he will.

    2. SenjorBob
      • 12 Years
      51 mins ago

      I think Gyok starts

  26. SenjorBob
    • 12 Years
    1 hour, 38 mins ago

    I'm leaning towards A.
    But the contentious seems to be people are against having Shaw.

    A) Shaw & Rogers
    B) Maguire & Sboz

    1. Davros
      • 17 Years
      30 mins ago

      Shaw is a great placeholder for konsa

      1. SenjorBob
        • 12 Years
        5 mins ago

        good point but maybe not if i've already got White and Cala haha!

  27. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
    • 15 Years
    1 hour, 38 mins ago

    Any Brighton fans here? Is gross safe in the starting lineup after 90 mins midweek?

  28. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    1 hour, 38 mins ago

    Just close the game/deadline already…

  29. Koflok
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 hour, 37 mins ago

    When Mitoma is back, is De Cuyper still nailed on left back or is Kadioglu is a safer choice?

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        38 mins ago

        Think I’ll give it a couple GWs to see what happens - really only wanted for GW 1, 3 & 4 anyway, so 3&4 still an option

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 19 mins ago

      Kadioglu is their first choice. Won player of the season and was the players player of the season. Coach loves him. De Cuyoer only playing further forward due to injuries. That’s my understanding

  30. Drakula
    • 12 Years
    1 hour, 36 mins ago

    A: Gvardiol + Ndiaye/Schade + Isak
    B: Gvardiol + Szobo + Thiago
    C: De Cuyper + Szobo + Isak

    Rest of the team:
    Raya Dubravka
    Calafiori Dalot/Maguire Hume Diop
    Mbeumo Semenyo Tzolis Slater
    Haaland JoaoPedro