Captain Sensible
21 August 2026 762 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

762 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Football is home
    • 4 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    A)Szoboslai
    B)Odegaard

    1. Esraj
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Szobozs by a mile.

      1. Podorsky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Szobozs or Gakpo, this week only?

      2. Football is home
        • 4 Years
        1 month, 17 days 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
          1 month, 17 days 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. Football is home
            • 4 Years
            1 month, 17 days ago

            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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

    No wonder BBW1 is very popular.

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Does she have a name?

      1. Davros
        • 17 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Mama-Whizz

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          😆

      2. Esraj
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        No, no names. Just BBWs.

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          😆

  3. cruzex
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Mathys Tel will be nailed?

    6.0 is a good shot.

    1. 2008 Antony
      • 1 Year
      1 month, 17 days ago

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

      1. cruzex
        • 14 Years
        1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

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

    3. PogChamp
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

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

    4. The Tonberry
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

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

      2. Pompel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

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

  4. The Philosopher
    • 6 Years
    1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

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

      1. ididnt
        • 15 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        No Bruno is surely a big risk though

  5. Amartey Partey
    • 7 Years
    1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

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

      1. el polako
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Spooking him in the tunnel should do the trick.

      2. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

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

    2. el polako
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days 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
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days 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
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I think he will be on penalties

  6. JoeShmoe99
    1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

      Bruno

      1. JoeShmoe99
        1 month, 17 days ago

        yeh me too i think

  7. cruzex
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Amad diallo is a good bet?

    Nobody has in the team.

    Amad or Tel?

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 7 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

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

    2. x.jim.x
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

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

  8. Eastman
    • 9 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

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

    1. x.jim.x
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

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

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 7 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I doubt it. Saliba is miles better than him.

  10. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

      Was it the Queen passing away?

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        1 month, 17 days 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
            1 month, 17 days 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
          1 month, 17 days ago

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

  11. Warby84
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

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

    1. x.jim.x
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

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

      1. Warby84
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        The Goalkeeper

        1. x.jim.x
          • 12 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

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

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

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

      1. Warby84
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        I’m tempted to wait..

        1. XX SMICER XX
          • 8 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

      C. Trafford + 4m

      1. XX SMICER XX
        • 8 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Even on bench boost?

        1. LangerznMash
          • 10 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          oh, no then.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      A

  13. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

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

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I think so. I was on him until this morning

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

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

    3. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Thanks both…

    4. Timbomars
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 17 days 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
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Thanks Timbomars…

    5. Nutmeg Ninja
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      His rest is better for GW1. He and Hinshelwood are straight into the starting 11

  14. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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
      1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

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

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

      NOR

      1. The Hunt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Ta

      2. Last orders
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Agree 100%

        1. The Hunt
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          I like that bold confirmation!

  18. Sharkytect
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Thoughts on savinho?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Talented. Wait and watch

  19. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 17 days 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
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Looks good

  20. ididnt
    • 15 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Schade or Ndiyae
    Hume or de Cuyper

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Schade and Hume

      1. Davros
        • 17 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        That’s what I’m on after last night

  21. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days ago

      Sangare

    2. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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
          • 12 Years
          1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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
              • 12 Years
              1 month, 17 days ago

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

              1. FPL Blow-In
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                1 month, 17 days ago

                Arsenal players are not bench players mind

  23. Ronnies
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Last decision to be made.
    Play BB1.

    A) Tzolis/ Gomez

    B) Ndiaye/ Gross

    Cheers.

    1. SenjorBob
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      B

  24. Admiral Benson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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
          1 month, 17 days ago

          Thank you so much!

  25. IvanGeorgiev
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    1 month, 17 days ago

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

    1. el polako
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Great if he starts.
      Nobody knows if he will.

    2. SenjorBob
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I think Gyok starts

  26. SenjorBob
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 17 days 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
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Shaw is a great placeholder for konsa

      1. SenjorBob
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

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

  27. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
    • 15 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

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

  28. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Just close the game/deadline already…

  29. Koflok
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

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

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        1 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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 month, 17 days 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