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Captain Sensible – Gameweek 20

The final batch of festive matches arrives this morning, giving us just enough time to roll out our usual pre-Gameweek members article.

We kick off by assessing the main Captain Poll contenders, then take a look at the Opta numbers and Rate My Team rankings before suggesting a differential or two to help with your armband dilemma.

The Captain Poll

Sergio Aguero tops the Gameweek 20 Captain Poll as Manchester City prepare to host a travel-sick Burnley.

After failing to get on the scoresheet upon his return from suspension against Liverpool on Saturday, the Argentine now faces a defence that’s conceded 18 times in eight road trips.

Whereas Aguero has earned 29% votes, City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne (1%) could prove a decent differential – the Belgian has supplied an assist in three of his last four at the Etihad.

A trip to Bournemouth earns Alexis Sanchez second spot behind his fellow South American.

The Chilean has served up four sets of double-figures on the road already, producing four goals and two assists in his last three away appearances.

Eddie Howe’s men have been pretty resilient in front of their own fans, earning four clean sheets – only Chelsea (six) and Spurs (five) have managed more home shut-outs.

Manchester United’s in-form Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also backed by 15% of voters as he pays visit to a West Ham United defence that’s kept back-to-back clean sheets at home, albeit against Burnley and Hull City.

The Swede’s assist at home to Middlesbrough means he’s produced points in seven of his last eight league outings, with three deliveries of double-digit returns in his previous four away appearances.

With just under 5% of the votes cast, Adam Lallana is the favoured Liverpool pick for their trip to an injury-hit Sunderland side that have just shipped four goals at Burnley.

Subject to more transfers in than any player for the Gameweek, the midfielder has bagged four goals and two assists in the last five rounds of fixtures.

Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane – in his final match before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations – hover around the 1%-mark as major differentials.

Christian Benteke and Alvaro Negredo both earn 3% votes ahead of home clashes against Swansea City and Leicester City sides that have conceded 21 times on their travels.

West Brom’s man of the moment Matt Phillips also earns 3% backing for a home clash with Hull City – the Scotland international has four goals and five assists in the last nine Gameweeks and recorded 13 points in the New Year’s Eve win at St Mary’s.

Chelsea’s trip to Spurs has understandably diminished expectations of both Diego Costa (3%) and Eden Hazard (1%), given that the White Hart Lane side have shipped just five goals in front of their own fans.

Similarly, Spurs’ Harry Kane receives just 1% of the votes despite taking his tally to eight goals in nine appearances with a brace at Watford yesterday. He’ll be buoyed by the Blues’ defensive problems at home to Stoke after Antonio Conte’s men conceded twice on New Year’s Eve.

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2,549 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Somalion
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    So Gestede to Boro.

    Yuck.

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      don't be rudy

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Well played

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      with Rhodes looking certain to go, they needed another striker. Someone reasonable to throw on for the last 10 mins if desperate.

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Think they're desperate to even consider signing him. Can't see how he will offer anything more than Rhodes. Maybe I'll be wrong, but I wasn't impressed with him in the PL before and he's hardly been lighting it up in the Championship.

  2. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Friend benched again ffs 😐

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      :'(

  3. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Brought in Phillips for Can before the deadline only forgot to swap him in my squad for De Roon now I'm gonna be praying for De Roon goal or assist and we all know how that will go.... *sigh*

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry, but why the hell did you leave it so late?

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Had my missus with me all weekend so been busy that and I actually forgot press save button just a one off.

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Lucky boy!

          1. Lecky Legs FC
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Just hoping Alonso doesn't play now as Phillips is 1st auto sub

        2. Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          See that's your problem. You put loved ones ahead of fantasy football!

          1. Lecky Legs FC
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            It's the first and last time it happens haha

  4. makaveli123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    The guy leading my ML benched Ibra and Phillips. Might be a smart move that!

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      He might just know for sure 2 of his players won't play..
      Awaiting auto change!

  5. Carcetti
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Origi (c) benched. Damn.

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      last 30 minutes against tired legs 😉

    2. Alnair
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Liverpool's line-up is out?

  6. PvA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Translate this to FPL

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G1B7UzLtlk#t=01m28s

  7. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Its amazing how quickly things change in football. This time last season we'd all be right up for this match wanting Mahrez and Vardy to put promoted Boro to the sword.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Except last year Boro were still in the Championship, so we'd be hoping Leicester put Norwich to the sword.

  8. Carcetti
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Rumoured line-up.

    Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Can, Wijnaldum, Lallana; Mane, Sturridge, Firmino. #LFC

    1. Good Times
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Only reason I didn't get aguero was origi assurances on starting..... Lol fpl lol.....

      1. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        +1

  9. TheBusDriver
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Anfield Express ‏@AnfieldExpress 12m12 minutes ago

    Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Can, Wijnaldum, Lallana; Mane, Sturridge, Firmino. #LFC

    1. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      FIRMANE!!!!! Get the 6-0 win boys. Hopefully this is accurate.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Is this a reliable source?

      1. Mini Mane Mo
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Anfield express usually reliable

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Cool - hope so 🙂

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      You telling me someone at Liverpool has leaked the line up? Doubt it very much - Klopp would not have it.

  10. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Should I ditch Cedric? Plumming fixtures coming but price goes down again..

    1. Stokelona
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Don't worry too much about the 0.1 if the fixtures are good

    2. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      He's been a nightmare

      Injured , ill or rested

  11. thep025
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Even Origi benched now??!!Hell

  12. drughi
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Payet and origi to lukaku and walcott looks like my transfers for next gw

  13. Djemba12
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Think I'm good to go. What are your thoughts?
    Hennessy
    Alonso, Koscielnt, Evans
    Lallana, Sanchez, Phillips, Allen
    Aguero (c), Negredo, Ibra

    Heaton, Rodriguez, Ake, Wilson

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      With 1.5 weeks until the next match - that is early.

  14. Ravager
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    ML Rival brought in CIA by getting rid of Sanchez. With Sanchez's fixtures?

    But then again, that kinda thinking will probably be rewarded way this goes

    1. Clam. ☘️
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      How do you know what they've done already?

      1. squintykid
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        look in the leagues tab.

        1. Ravager
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          ^ What he said. Can check teams out once the deadline has passed/ teams have updated.

      2. Clam. ☘️
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Hadn't realised it had updated!

    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'd sooner stab myself in the eye than ditch Sanchez.

      1. Ravager
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Same here honestly. Not with this run of fixtures.

    3. squintykid
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Its a risk, playing differentials.

      1. Ravager
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        A risk I'd love if it backfired on him for once lol. Especially considering I might captain Sanchez for the next two.

    4. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, one of mine played his wildcard. Got rid of Sanchez for Hazard so he could bring in Aguero.

      1. Ravager
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Well. Mine did Sanchez for Phillips. I want a Kun blank more than ever now.

  15. Cookie Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, who is with me?

    Sure I overlooked Ibra, Sanchez, Kane, Lallana, Alli etc, should be fine

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Watched it - great film - I'm with you

  16. thep025
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Worth holding onto Cedric??

    1. Clam. ☘️
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Probably. Fixtures are good

    2. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I am, Southampton have great fixtures. Hope he plays well to avoid a price drop.

  17. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Woohoo, 0/1 playing so far! 😀

  18. A.T
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Last time Anfield Express did the line up it was wrong. Or at least the last time I saw them do it. I stopped following after that 😀

    1. Good Times
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Hope you are right sir.... Only thing that kept me from getting aguero for hits was a starting origi =(

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Can't believe that the lineup has been leaked - unless a fake one is being put out there on purpose....

  19. boc610
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    alonso crocked?

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Late fitness test IMO.

    2. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Oh FFS...

  20. Gr3g
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Fingers crossed for Kun to have frustrating game and silly red card!

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Those who WC'ed to get him in would be screwed 🙂

    2. squintykid
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      fingers crossed hull spank brom and kane blanks again.

      1. Gr3g
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Possible

    3. Pazdannavaro
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Heaton is in great form, they have no injuries, so there is not a bad chance Burnley will show good defensive performance like they do at home.

  21. MTPockets
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Sanchez close to a drop. Why sell him?

    • Flynny
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I have 0.1itb.....just enough to upgrade zaha to Phillips.

      Is it worth doing tonight after Phillips has played?

      If I wait till nearer the next game week Phillips will be unaffordable...

      Thanks

      1. MTPockets
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Fixtures are good.

      2. mad_beer ✅
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        My first time making it to round 3 of the FPL cup. 😐

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Only 18 wins to go - almost there!

      3. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Anyone got top 10K captaincy stats?

        1. MTPockets
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Sanchez 25%
            Ibra 21%
            Aguero 15%
            Costa 8%
            Lallana 4%

            https://fpldiscovery.wordpress.com/2017/01/02/1617-gw20-team-selection-and-stats/

            1. Rolls-Royce
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Cheers bru.

        2. Firminooooo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Brought in Valdez for Pickford this GW. Kill me now.

        3. Dynamo Chicken
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Happy new game week everyone

        4. MidasBoys XI
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Giroud my captain for this GW. Hopefully with a nice sting in the tail

        5. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Cedric flagged. Sort of glad. He has been useless.

          Baines or Belerin?

        6. drfc_matty
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          where do i start with this mess?

          Grant (Pickford)

          Jones , Morgan , Smith (Pieters, Amat)

          Hazard , Siggy , Walcott , Pedro (Fletcher)

          Ibrahimovic, Costa , Kane

          i have 2 FT and 0.5m In the bank
          Whats changes are my priority?
          Too Top heavy?
          Too many chelsea attack?
          Replacing Pickford and Amat?
          Siggy change before tougher fixtures?

          Any help welcome
          thanks!