Captain Sensible

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 9?

30 October 2026 105 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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With the Gameweek 9 deadline of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) fast approaching, it’s time to have a good think about who to captain.

In Gameweek 8, Erling Haaland (£15.8m) once again rewarded the millions of FPL managers who captained him, with a goal and a share of the bonus points away at Aston Villa.

Those who looked elsewhere were left disappointed, with Joao Pedro (£7.8m) and Bruno Fernandes (£11.7m) missing out altogether, while Cole Palmer (£9.8m) was sent off to return -1 point.

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This week, the decision looks a bit more straightforward with Manchester City hosting Brighton. While this match-up doesn’t massively stand out, there is little else to get excited about.

Arsenal and Liverpool face off at Anfield and Chelsea versus Manchester United is a clash between two out-of-form teams. Tottenham Hotspur, Hull City and Aston Villa have more appealing fixtures on paper – but do we trust any of their assets with the armband?

So, the question is: is it worth looking beyond Haaland and Man City’s home fixture for the captaincy in FPL Gameweek 9? That’s what we’re considering in this week’s ‘Captain Sensible’ article.

First, 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 Saturday’s 11am GMT deadline.

Captaincy Poll

In a week of significant upcoming elections, Haaland is sitting pretty at the top of the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll, boasting nearly 50% of support from site users. The Norwegian has scored in seven consecutive Gameweeks, with two double-digit hauls in that time, and is the top-scoring player in Fantasy.

Palmer sits in second place, well back on just 15% of the vote, ahead of Chelsea’s lunchtime meeting with Man United at Stamford Bridge. The Englishman served his suspension in the EFL Cup on Wednesday and is available to start against the club he supported growing up.

Elsewhere, three other players have managed to garner more than 5% support: Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers (£8.0m), the in-form Marcus Tavernier (£6.4m) and the most-bought player of the Gameweek, Nicolas Jackson (£6.8m). The latter two delivered double-digit hauls last time out.

Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks

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105 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    5 hours, 12 mins ago

    GTG?

    Verbruggen
    Konsa, Calafiori, Egan
    Palmer, Roger, MGW, Cherki
    Jackson (VC), Haaland (C), Evanilson

    Subs: Steele, Thomas* De Cuyper, Slater

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    1. Heavy Cream
      5 hours, 12 mins ago

      Yes

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    2. Tibbs
      5 hours, 7 mins ago

      GTG

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    3. Gudjohnsen
      4 hours, 54 mins ago

      Thanks

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    4. ebb2sparky
      4 hours, 42 mins ago

      Egan is the safe pick. I think he will get 4 points. I'd be tempted to punt on de cuyper to get an attacking return (or 2) at city though.

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  2. Heavy Cream
    5 hours, 12 mins ago

    Not perfect but good enough?

    Kinsky
    Davis Hall DeCuyper
    Gros MGW Rogers King Tav
    Haaland Evanilson

    Leno Kostoulas Calafiori Affengruber

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    1. CherryBoys
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 19 mins ago

      For me, Silva a far better option than Hall, if you have a spare transfer.

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  3. Tibbs
    5 hours, 8 mins ago

    What's the preference here (2FT)

    1. Pedro > Isak ( to fund it also requires Cherki>someone i.e. Manzambi)
    2. Pedro> Jackson
    3. Pedro + Ode > Jackson + anyone up to 8.7m (Tavernier, Manzambi, Barcola, Mbuemo etc)

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    1. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 4 mins ago

      1. , Cherki is just too much headache

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  4. mr_jones
    5 hours, 6 mins ago

    Raya
    Tarkowski / Davis / Hall
    Palmer / Gross / Manzambi / Tavernier
    Jackson / Haaland / Thomas-Asante

    Dubravka / Konsa / Odegaard / De Cuyper

    a) Davis to A. Silva
    b) Odegaard to Kudus
    c) Roll

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    1. Tibbs
      5 hours, 4 mins ago

      If you don't need to play Ode (Gross is perfectly capable against Pool) then save the FT and reassess next GW

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      1. Rodney
        4 hours, 4 mins ago

        Gross is playing City

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        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          3 hours, 38 mins ago

          Point still stands I'd imagine, deffo feels to me like Brighton can score at City

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  5. Efe Ambrose
    5 hours, 4 mins ago

    Which 3 in defense do I start? (for the sake of ease let's say Cala is fit)

    Gvardiol, Hall, Konsa, Davis, Calafiori

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    1. Tibbs
      5 hours, 2 mins ago

      I think Arsenal concede so spread the risk, Gvardiol, Cala and Hall (50/50 between Hall/Davis, purely MNF and at home to say that choice)

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    2. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 3 mins ago

      Cala, Hall, Davis
      Konsa first on bench if Calafiori doesn't play

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  6. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    5 hours, 1 min ago

    Would you FH this team this week? Still got to use FH and BB before 1st Jan.

    Or just offload Pedro and take my chances?

    Verbruggen
    Califiori Konsa De Cuyper
    Palmer Rogers Gross Mbeumo
    JPedro Haaland Isak

    Dubra Davis Thomas Slater

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    1. Efe Ambrose
      4 hours, 55 mins ago

      FH not worth it to just change one player - offload Pedro and keep FH. Save FH for a week where the top teams are playing each other

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      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        4 hours, 44 mins ago

        Is that not a week like this though?

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        1. Connor's Calling
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          4 hours, 37 mins ago

          Slightly what i was thinking, esp with Brighton @ Man City. Plus currently have no BOU or AVL players for their nice fix....what d'ya reckon denial?

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          1. ebb2sparky
            4 hours, 12 mins ago

            Is Leeds a nice fixture for Bournemouth? 0-0 wouldnt surprise me

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        2. Efe Ambrose
          4 hours, 22 mins ago

          I put my reply below to another comment, teams near each other in the league doesn't have to mean a bad fixture to have their players in fantasy football

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      2. x.jim.x
        4 hours, 40 mins ago

        Probably worth having a look at this weekend's fixtures mate

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        1. Efe Ambrose
          4 hours, 23 mins ago

          Thanks for the snarky reply 'mate':
          - I wouldn't count united in freefall as a top team, especially to ditch Chelsea assets
          - City are at home and rested some of their key players mid week so can still get decent hauls
          - Same with Brighton, De Cyp and Grob can still haul vs City
          - Arsenal vs Liverpool yes but I would say that is the only one to fear from a fantasy football perspective

          They may be near each other in the league but I think only one fixture is 'bad' from a fantasy football perspective

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          1. x.jim.x
            4 hours, 6 mins ago

            Pleasure

            Chelsea v United (Mbeumo, Pedro, Rogers, Palmer)
            - Tends to be a low-scoring fixture
            - United struggling to create
            - Pedro injured and Palmer out of form

            City v Brighton (Verbruggen, De Cuyper, Groẞ, Haaland)
            - City very likely to score meaning he's relying on attacking returns and save points
            - Groẞ apparently neutered when Hinshelwood players
            - Haaland a non-factor

            Arsenal v Liverpool (Calafiori, Konsa, Isak)
            -

            - Very likely that De Cuyper and Verbruggen concede, so he's relying on attacking returns and save points
            -

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            1. x.jim.x
              4 hours, 5 mins ago

              Dunno what happened here but you get my point. It's not just about league position - there's a lot more context behind it.

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    2. Full Ham Fc
      4 hours, 47 mins ago

      Almost same as mine , I am playing Davis against hill but thinking of evanilson for a hit . Have FH and wildcard to go

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  7. Tibbs
    5 hours ago

    Play Odegaard or DCL?

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    1. Efe Ambrose
      4 hours, 59 mins ago

      DCL all day long

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    2. Stranger Mings
      4 hours, 27 mins ago

      Dcl

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    3. Cloudvalley
      3 hours, 19 mins ago

      Disagree, play Odegaard

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  8. Full Ham Fc
    4 hours, 49 mins ago

    No trades GTG ?? Bench order ok?
    Could take a hit for JP to evanilson ? And play instead of who ?
    Cheers

    Roefs

    Calafiori konsa hall Davis
    Palmer Mbueno grob schade
    Haaland DCL

    Verbruggen cherki de cuyper JP

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  9. cigan
    4 hours, 49 mins ago

    Hi everyone, would you do make changes here with 3 FT?

    Kinsky
    Muharemovic Munoz Konsa
    Rogers Mbeumo Mgw Tavernier
    Haaland Jackson Dcl
    (Verbruggen Kayode Gomez Calafiori)

    A) MGW, Munoz & Mbeumo - keep or sell?
    B) Start Kayode over Munoz?

    Considering Manzambi, Doku, Jacquet, Schade, Garner/Kdh (Isak too but happy with my fwd line)

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  10. The Mighty Whites
    4 hours, 47 mins ago

    Start Gross or Rudoni?

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    1. Norco
      4 hours, 42 mins ago

      Rudoni

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    2. PartyTime
      4 hours, 7 mins ago

      Rudoni

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  11. Atimis
    4 hours, 46 mins ago

    Would you hit FH with this team?

    Raya
    Calafiori*/Gvardiol/MDC
    Mbeumo/Rogers/Tavernier/Gross
    Haaland/Jackson/DCL

    Dubravka/King/Davis/Thomas

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    1. The Tinkerman
      4 hours, 38 mins ago

      Nah save

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    2. ebb2sparky
      4 hours, 35 mins ago

      A FH would help your defence but your midfield and attack look decent enough. I think id save

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    3. Atimis
      4 hours, 6 mins ago

      Thanks mates!

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  12. hazza44
    4 hours, 43 mins ago

    Hi all,
    Recommended transfers for this week? 1FT, £1.7

    Raya
    Calafiori Hall Egan
    Palmer Tav Manzambi MGW Gross
    Haaland DCL
    (Dub Konsa De Cuyper JPedro)

    A) Roll
    B) JPedro to Jackson (bench Gross)
    C) MGW to Rogers
    D) Hall to Silva
    E) Any two of the above for -4

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    1. The Tinkerman
      4 hours, 39 mins ago

      B

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    2. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 2 mins ago

      B

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  13. Norco
    4 hours, 42 mins ago

    WC GTG?

    Trafford / Kinsky
    Gabriel Silva Muharemović De Cupyer Van Hecke
    Palmer Rogers Tavernier Groß Rudoni
    Haaland N.Jackson DCL.

    0.3 ITB.

    Looking to BB GW12

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    1. The Tinkerman
      4 hours, 40 mins ago

      Yep g2g

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      1. The Tinkerman
        4 hours, 39 mins ago

        Though actually, I’d go Vuskovic over De Cuyper now

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        1. Norco
          4 hours, 38 mins ago

          Yeah I've been 50/50 on Vusk/De Cuyper. I like the Vusk shout.

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    2. PartyTime
      4 hours, 8 mins ago

      G2G. 4-4-2. Bench Van Hecke, DCL, Groß imo

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    3. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 1 min ago

      very strong - not sure about DCL thoiugh - Evanilson or Barry maybe better for coming weeks

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  14. The Tinkerman
    4 hours, 40 mins ago

    Bit torn on this…
    A) Cala > Van Hecke (Gvardiol > Gabriel next week)
    B) Cala > Gabriel now to catch rise and play vs Liverpool
    C) hold FT and play Calafiori

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    1. Norco
      4 hours, 39 mins ago

      I like A as you get Van Hecke this week; then also offload Gvardiol for Gabs next and hope no price affecting your move or other injuries.

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      1. The Tinkerman
        4 hours, 38 mins ago

        Yh same; it’s just one extra transfer used, but I think Gvardiol has to go anyway

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        1. Norco
          4 hours, 37 mins ago

          I got rid of him last week, sure he might start, but then he also might miss two games. Hate the gamble when you can get someone else nailed.

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          1. The Tinkerman
            4 hours, 36 mins ago

            Gvardiol starts this week imo, after rest, hence why C is tempting if I knew Calafiori would start. Would give me more flexibility next week and I can still get Gabriel then.

            I suspect Cala gets rotated for Hull

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    2. Atimis
      4 hours, 5 mins ago

      A sounds more logical unless we hear Cala plays

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    3. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 1 min ago

      A looks good, B can wait

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  15. Laurel and Vardy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    4 hours, 37 mins ago

    MGW to Tavernier for free. Yes or No?

    Thanks.

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    1. Norco
      4 hours, 36 mins ago

      ken oath!

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    2. Stranger Mings
      4 hours, 13 mins ago

      Yes if mgw out

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      1. SpaceCadet
        4 hours, 4 mins ago

        Why would he be out?

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        1. Stranger Mings
          3 hours, 59 mins ago

          Oh ignore me i thought he had ab injury. But yes still

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  16. Jässi
    4 hours, 36 mins ago

    How many injured players in your team would make you use the Free Hit? I have only 1 FT left and currently flagged are Joao Pedro, Affengruber, Calafiori and Thomas.

    A) Transfer J.Pedro out and play 3 Brighton players if others flagged don't play
    B) Use Free Hit

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    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 32 mins ago

      same boat and suddenly thinking of using last min FH

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    2. x.jim.x
      4 hours, 32 mins ago

      Let's see your starting XI

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  17. Atwood
    4 hours, 28 mins ago

    4FT's
    Going to do Pedro > Jackson
    Safe to hold the other 3 or something need changing?

    Raya
    Calafiori - Konsa - Muharemovic
    Barnes - Palmer - Rogers - Gross
    DCL - Haaland - J.Pedro

    KDH - De Cuyper - Munoz

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    1. ebb2sparky
      3 hours, 45 mins ago

      Not sure this is the week for triple arsenal defence. Id start de cuyper over one of them. Saving 3ft seems ok to me.

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  18. FantasyFooty01
    4 hours, 27 mins ago

    Kinsky

    Van Hecke , Konsa, Muñoz

    Cherki, Palmer, Rogers, Manzambi, Tavernier

    Haaland, Jackson

    Bench:
    Bentley, DCL, Muharemovic, Calafiori

    1 FT 0.1 ITB
    Should I make any changes?

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    1. Wengers Apprentice
      3 hours, 34 mins ago

      Great team, pretty much what I’ve gone for on my free hit! Just maybe swap Cherki for someone more nailed…

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  19. Jafooli
    4 hours, 12 mins ago

    Cherki owners, what ya doing? Reckon he starts/plays?

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    1. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 4 mins ago

      Not an owner but a City fan. He will start.

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      1. Jafooli
        3 hours, 58 mins ago

        Ah okay, thanks for that, useful…

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      2. Pompel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        3 hours, 48 mins ago

        Hope so , but didn't he play 90 mins midweek while others were rested ?

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      3. Holmes
        3 hours, 43 mins ago

        No City fan on bluemoon is sure on this 😀

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        1. x.jim.x
          3 hours, 36 mins ago

          Would cross-check with r/mcfc but there's only about 10 subscribers

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  20. Haa-lala-land
    4 hours, 11 mins ago

    Having had Jackson and Manzambi for a few weeks, with all the talk now feels the time to switch them out to King and Garcia.
    We all know how this game works.

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    1. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours ago

      I've just got both, so yes

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  21. SpaceCadet
    4 hours, 5 mins ago

    Start one from each.

    A. King
    B. Gros

    1. Konsa
    2. Davis
    3. De cuyper

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    1. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 3 mins ago

      Gros and Konsa

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      1. SpaceCadet
        4 hours, 2 mins ago

        Double up Konsa with Calafiori?

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        1. JabbaWookiee
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          3 hours, 58 mins ago

          Arsenal will keep it tight at Anfield - priority will be to do all they can not to concede. You'll be most annoyed about having him on the bench of all 3 if he gets an 8 pointer

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          1. SpaceCadet
            3 hours, 58 mins ago

            Cheers

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    2. Stranger Mings
      3 hours, 56 mins ago

      B1

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    3. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      3 hours, 49 mins ago

      A3

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  22. Roshen
    4 hours, 3 mins ago

    start 2:

    a. Konsa (liv)
    b. Calafiori (liv)
    c. Davis (hul)
    d. Groß (mci)
    e. Kostoulas (mci)

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    1. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours, 2 mins ago

      b and d

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    2. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      3 hours, 49 mins ago

      b and e

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  23. Radulfo28773
    4 hours, 2 mins ago

    What would you do here:

    1. Calafiori to Gabriel for free?
    2. Play Gross instead of King?
    3. Play O'Shea instead of Guehi?
    4. Play Konsa instead of Guehi?
    5. Nothing, GTG

    Kinsky
    Calafiori Gvardiol Guehi
    King Palmer Tavernier MGW
    DCL Haaland Jackson

    Verbruggen Gross Konsa O'Shea

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    1. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 hours ago

      You're probably better off with double Arsenal defence than double City. So I would say Konsa over Guehi who's looked a bit shakey of late

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    2. Udogie-style
      3 hours, 42 mins ago

      2

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  24. Pompel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    3 hours, 50 mins ago

    My defense looking shaky this gw, so considering to upgrade Davis:

    1. Davis -> van Hecke, bench de Cuyper
    2. Davis -> Hill, bench de Cuyper
    3. Roll, play de Cuyper

    Team is

    Rushwortrh
    Ajer Calafiori* deCuyper
    Rogers Manzambi Cherki Gross
    Haaland N.Jackson DCL

    subs: Verbruggen Schade Konsa Davis

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    1. thewhitepele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      3 hours, 47 mins ago

      1 looks like a solid long term move, though currently player De Cuyper my self as can see him getting some attacking returns (and have Kinsky already)

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      1. Pompel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        3 hours, 25 mins ago

        Tx - good entry point for van Hecke sure, but as you say de Cuyper could easily get attacking returns.

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  25. thewhitepele
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    3 hours, 48 mins ago

    G2G or something worth a transfer? 1ft & 2.3m itb:

    Kinsky
    Cala Hall DeCuyper
    Rogers Mbeumo MGW Gross Tavernier
    Haaland(c) Jackson

    Verbruggen, Barry, Davis, Affengruber

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    1. Udogie-style
      3 hours, 43 mins ago

      Play Barry over Gross or MGW.

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      1. Pompel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        3 hours, 24 mins ago

        Agree above, otherwise this is close to new template so better save FT

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  26. Udogie-style
    3 hours, 44 mins ago

    Hi guys. I still have 1FT to use. Current team is

    GK: Raya (Bentley)
    DEF: Davis, Hall, De Cuyper (Egan, Calafiori)
    MID: Rogers, Groß, Gibbs-White, Tavernier (King)
    FWD: Kostoulas, N. Jackson (VC), Haaland (C)

    I was going to do King to Manzambi but not entirely sure on Villa double up. Alternative would be to do Kostoulas to Evanilson, or upgrade Egan to Silva or Van Hecke. Or roll FT. Any suggestions on best move?

    Cheers.

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  27. Bavarian
    3 hours, 43 mins ago

    Who to start?

    A- Konsa (Have Calafiori)
    B- De Cuyper

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    1. Udogie-style
      3 hours, 43 mins ago

      B

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    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      3 hours, 35 mins ago

      B - I feel like Brighton could do City over

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  28. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    3 hours, 36 mins ago

    Before the JP news I was going to go Gonzalo to Jackson and bench Odegaard.

    I have already done JP to Jackson, but means I need to play one of Odegaard or Gonzalo*. 1FT £3m ITB.

    a. Play Odegaard
    b. Play Gonzalo
    c. Odegaard to Tavernier
    d. Gonzalo to Evanilson

    *I could also play a 4th defender obviously and that is not a terrible choice

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  29. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    3 hours, 35 mins ago

    Raya
    Calafiori, Hall, Egan
    Palmer, Mbuemo, Rogers, Sangare
    Haaland (c), Jackson, DCL

    Lecomte, Gross, Muharemoic, Konsa

    2ft 1.9itb

    Is this team GTG? Or would you make any transfers?

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    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      3 hours, 31 mins ago

      Sangare stands out as an immediate issue - would get rid or at least play Gross. Nothing about Brentford's run screams points for him

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  30. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    3 hours, 27 mins ago

    Which one out for Tavernier?

    A) MGW (bre)
    B) Barnes (EVE)
    C) King (avl)

    Leaning towards C, but would create a benching headache…

    Raya (4.0)
    Calafiori* Hall Muharemovic (Davis Thomas*)
    Rogers Gross Barnes MGW (King)
    Haaland(c) Jackson Barry

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