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12 May 2018 4315 comments
Paul Paul
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For the last time in 2017/18, we roll out our pre-Gameweek members’ article looking at the main armband contenders for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.

Kicking off with an assessment of our Captain Poll, we then check in with the player and team data and the Rate My Team rankings before considering a differential or two ahead of tomorrow’s 2 pm deadline.

The Captain Poll

Three players dominate our final Captain Poll of the 2017/18 season.

Golden Boot rivals Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane claim the top two spots, with the Liverpool winger well clear of the pack on 39% backing for a home encounter against Brighton.

Despite blanking in each of his last two appearances, Salah’s relentless record at Anfield looks set to trouble a defence with just two clean sheets in their last 16 matches.

The Egyptian has scored in seven of the last eight in front of his own supporters, tallying 12 goals and three assists in that rune.

Furthermore, he has delivered a lofty nine double-figure hauls at home – more than any player.

Roberto Firmino served up his season-high 13 points in a 5-1 win over the Seagulls back in Gameweek 15 and looks the best alternative for the Reds, with Sadio Mane a doubt.

After scoring in three of his last four, Kane earns over 23% of the votes as Spurs finish their temporary stint at Wembley with a visit from Leicester’s porous defence.

The Foxes have just two clean sheets in 13 attempts and have struggled to keep out the Spurs striker in previous matches – Kane has fired five goals in their last two meetings.

Meanwhile, midfield trio Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min have all found the net four times in their last seven league starts.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang grabs third spot (11%) as Arsenal visit Huddersfield in Arsene Wenger’s last match in charge.

The top scoring player in Double Gameweek 37 with a haul of 23 points, Aubameyang is the most bought forward ahead of Sunday’s 2pm deadline.

The Gunners’ striker has bagged a goal or an assist in eight of his last nine outings.

His hosts have struggled to keep out top six sides in front of their own fans, conceding 13 goals in five meetings so far.

That could also profit Alexandre Lacazette, who is expected to return to the teamsheet after being rested at Leicester in midweek. The Frenchman has five goals and an assist in his last five appearances.

With the majority of votes going the way of our top three candidates, there’s plenty of scope for differentials heading into the last round of fixtures.

Having rung the changes in midweek, Pep Guardiola is expected to name a strong Manchester City line-up for a trip to Southampton.

Both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling have much to make up for after a disastrous Double Gameweek 37.

The Brazilian blanked against both Huddersfield and Brighton at the Etihad but has scored in each of his last three road trips.

Rested against the Seagulls in midweek, Sterling mustered just two points over City’s pair of fixtures. With three goals and seven assists in his last seven, though, he could profit against a defence with two clean sheets in 17 at St Mary’s.

Leroy Sane is ending the season in strong form – a midweek trio of assists earned him an eighth double-figure haul of the season. The German has scored in four of his last six away matches.

The top target in midfield for transfers in, Wilfried Zaha has served up 14 points in each of his last two home matches ahead of a visit from relegated West Brom.

And Marko Arnautovic could be the man to deliver for West Ham as David Moyes looks to get one over former club Everton.

The Austrian has three goals and a pair of assists in seven and will face a defence with a single clean sheet over their last eight away from Goodison Park.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. MattCafc94
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A) Vardy to Giroud
    B) Vardy to Firmino

    Worth doing for a -4? Already used my FT...

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Keep. Vardy likes to play against big teams.

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

  2. Stupendous
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Gtg ? Bench boost!

    Cech
    Rudiger Vertonghen Mawson
    Sane Sterling RLC Arnie
    Kane (c) Firmino Jesus

    Ryan McArthur Tarkowski

    1. Stupendous
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Long 3rd sub

  3. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    What would you do here?

    Ryan
    Alonso Vertonghen Fernandez Lowton
    Salah Sterling Son Arnautovic
    Kane Jesus

    DDG Long Austin King

    1 FT, 0 ITB

    A) DDG > Karius
    B) Austin > J Ayew and bench Lowton
    C) Lowton > TAA
    D) Something else

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A as rest of team looks good

      1. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate

    2. Bagheri Arce
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  4. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Anything worth a bit?

    Karius
    Smalling Verto lowton Robertson
    Alli son Hazard Sterling
    Jesus Ayew

    Ryan Mustafi Gross Barnes

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Hazard to Salah

      1. The Overthinker
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Such a defensive move .

        Gotta live a bit . If I want someone in it would be firmino

  5. frenchfries
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Ryan
    Mustafi Vertonghen Lowton
    Alli Sterling Mahrez Lingard Gudmundsson
    Kane Jesus

    DDG Dunk Morgan Barnes

    Any of these worth a hit?
    A) Mahrez+Lingard->Arnie+Zaha (-4)
    B) Mahrez+Lingard->Arnie+Martial (-4)

  6. Ligdon
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Kdb and Pogba to Mo and Arnie for a hit ?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No

      1. Ligdon
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Why not ?

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          KDB can outscore them all by himself.

          1. Ligdon
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Mo is necessary though

            1. Epic Fail
              • 15 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              You better get him then.

    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, 100%

    3. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Jes

    4. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Jeah

  7. Messsiaah
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A. Firmino Robertson
    B. Auba TAA

  8. Jubilanus / BSC Small Boys …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Alonso to start?

    1. Ligdon
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Why not ?

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I don't see why not.

      1. Duffy Dunk
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Why not

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          I see it now.

    3. el polako
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      And repeat his Leicester City away heroics from last season. #
      webelieve.

  9. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    No AE leaked team this week then?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No more leaks.

      1. el polako
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Always...

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Nope. No more spoonfeeding. Time to be a big boy now...

  10. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    For free transfer

    A Smalling to Van Dijk or Vertonghen (rest of defence Lowton Kompany Mustafi Morgan)

    B DDG to Karius ( other goalie Ryan)

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. caldracula
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Vert

  11. TheNovocastrian
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Went Smalling/Chilwell > Monreal/TAA for -4.

    Fabianski
    Davies, Monreal, TAA,
    Eriksen, Sane, Sterling (c), Zaha,
    Kane, Jesus, Vardy
    (Foster, Long, Dummett, Kenedy)

    Good to go or any further hits recommended?

    1. Ligdon
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Interesting taking a hit for two defenders on the last gw if the season i will say

      1. TheNovocastrian
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thought there'd be more attacking returns on the players brought in and the rest of the team are certain to start (except maybe sane)

  12. Optimus.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Not doing as well as most on here(220k here) but after managing to somehow hold onto all of TC, BB and FH I'm looking to put a massive dent in the top 200k tomorrow

    Can't wait 🙂

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No WC?

      Red arrow incoming.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      What do you mean ?

      1. Optimus.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        If I don't make it inside the top 100k tomorrow with all 3 chips left I will be disappointed

        1. JUST ONE LOMBARDO...
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          You can use more than 1 chip on the final gameweek?

    3. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Don't expect too much and you'll be satisfied.
      Lots of things haven't worked as expected lately.

    4. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Good luck Opti. Wish I'd kept those chips now

    5. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      😆

    6. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I am seriously impressed

      I wish I had your patience and virtue

      *but not your rank 😉

      1. Optimus.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Harsh but fair..

        https://tinyurl.com/lam6psx

    7. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes you can use those chips after this game.

  13. brenks
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Best option here guys?
    A) Smalling > Cresswell
    B) Smalling, Willian > Cresswell, Zaha (-4)
    C) Smalling, Willian > Ramsey, VVD (-4)

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A of those
      can you afford Smalling to VVD?

      1. brenks
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Nope

        1. kennethrhcp
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          thought not... silly Q!

      2. Duffy Dunk
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        B with AllezArnold instead of Cresswell

    2. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. caldracula
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  14. kennethrhcp
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A: Keep Eriksen
    B: switch to Salah for free

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Eriksen could do very very well this gw

        1. Rocky FPL
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Yes he could. But Salah plays closer to goal and I think can better Eriksen.

          1. kennethrhcp
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            cheers lads. 3 comments sum up my thoughts on it aswell.

  15. Drosiah
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Him:
    Fabianski, Davies, Mawson, Otamendi
    Erikson, Sane, Lingard, Walcott
    J.Ayew, Kane, Jesus

    Me:
    De Gea
    Kompany, Smalling, Lowton
    Shaqiri, Son, Erikson, Sterling, Gros
    Kane, Jesus

    I am 9 points clear, 1 free transfer, thinking about Erikson to Salah, do you guys think Il keep the lead & do you think that transfer is worth it?

    TIA

    1. Ashers74
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Similar position here .. salah in priority but defensive rotation concerns .. you keeping Kompany? Smalling unlikely to play .. what’s your defensive bench like?

  16. Daghe Munegu
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Who to play? Already have Verthongen and Robertson

    A Smalling
    B Mustafi
    C Lowton

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Smalling. Lowton first sub.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        This

      2. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        This

    3. Daghe Munegu
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks

    4. Gizzachance
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C: smalling getting a rest, mustafi didnt get 1 start in dgw ,only sub appearance due to injury

  17. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Is the rmt tool usually accurate ? Interesting who is in fourth this gw

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Don't know. Never used it

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Not for a one off GW.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks

  18. BullDogTevez
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Moreno or Robertson who starts?

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Its a must win. So most likely Robertson. Go TAA or Dijk to be safe.

    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I think Moreno as pet the last 3 league games

    3. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Robbo

  19. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    -8 to get Salah?
    Means selling Silva, DDG and Lingard

    Thank you please

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    3. Gizzachance
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      depends on rank/ mini league etc

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Rank 6k, top of ml by 27

  20. nkhoughton
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Anything worth a hit?

    Pope
    Van der horn Mawson Tarkowski
    Salah Hazard Sterling Iwobi Zaha
    Kane(c) Jesus

  21. Syd.
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Good evening

    Any good rumours that I have missed that might set me off into a last minute panic?

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Trump has pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal 🙂

    2. Konig Luther
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      UK may win Eurovision

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        You still upside down?

      2. Syd.
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        That is stretching it a bit

    3. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Rumour has it that FPL Virgin has started up his own website to challenge the status quo

      1. Syd.
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Why does he want to challenge an old rock band?

    4. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Us with DDG, Hen or Pope are worried about starts for Romero, Speroni or Heaton

      1. Syd.
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Did you hear the joke about the Hen, the Pope and the Nun?

        1. Optimus.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, John Terry has the T-shirt

    5. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Mane injured. DDG, smalling and Lingard rested.

  22. Aladdin Sané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one (for free):

    A) Jesus to Auba
    B) Son to Martial

    1. nkhoughton
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Gizzachance
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Neither !!

  23. UgoSmart
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Elderson
    Smalling/Masuaku/Monreal
    Ali/Eriksen/Zaha/Sterling
    Auba/Jesus/Perez

    Dubravka/Lejeune/VdHoorn/Tadic
    A. Ali+Small >for Salah(TC)+TAArnold (-4)

    B. Jesus+Eriks+Small >for Kane(TC)+Arnie+PvAnholt (-8)

    C. Small > PvAnholt (TC Sterling)

    D. B. Jesus+Eriks+Ali >for Kane(TC)+Salah+Milli(-8)

    I am really confused. Current defence not guaranteed starters. In a 3-way rivalry in ML. Onky leader got Kane. I am behind (3rd) and chasing, but it is close. None has Salah but obvious transfer target for us all. I have TC chip. Rivals haven't got any chip. Please advise.

    1. caldracula
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

  24. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    14 points behind ML leader who has this lot in attack:

    Salah, Sterling, Eriksen, Tadic, RLC
    Kane, Jesus, Perez

    Best move for me to make up ground?

    A) Willian -> Zaha
    B) D Silva & Vardy -> Zaha & Firmino (-4)
    C) Gross & Vardy -> Mili & Firmino (-4)

    Sterling, Son, D Silva, Willian, Gross
    Kane, Vardy, Barnes
    Bank 0.1m

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Ah, now this is more like it Jins 😉

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Especially for you mate 😉

    2. caldracula
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C

    3. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

    4. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      D) D Silva & Kane -> Salah & Auba (-4)
      E) Willian & Kane -> Salah & Firmino (-4)

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I gave you my answer the other day but it hasn’t changed.

        A.

        1. Jinswick
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Ah, must have missed that, thanks. Captain?

    5. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  25. Kasper the ghost keeper
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A) Smalling and Vardy -> PVA and Firmino (-4)

    B) Smalling and Son -> PVA and Arnie/Zaha (-4)

    1. JJ Jones
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      a

    2. caldracula
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  26. ol
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Christensen likely to start tomorrow? I'm a bit short if unlikely.
    Is it worth doing Christensen and Lingard to Alexander Arnold and Zaha/Arnautovic?

  27. JJ Jones
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Level with rival, he has kane and we both have salah. He has injuries so will most likely be taking a hit of at least -4

    A) Stick with Vardy + De Bruyne
    B) Vardy + De Bruyne > Kane + Sane (-8)
    C) Vardy > Firmino (-4)
    C) Vardy > Aubameyang (-4)

    1. caldracula
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  28. Gizzachance
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    any thoughts/advice much appreciated guys

    A firm/mane
    B giroud/salah
    cheers

    1. JJ Jones
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      b think mane is out

      1. Gizzachance
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        cheers

    2. mr messi
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. Gizzachance
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        thanks

  29. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Chasing 8 points - am I better to match his captain (Kane) or go with Mo who he doesn't own?

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Definitely Mo

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Want to stay 8 behind or have a chance of winning?

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly.

    3. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Since he doesn't own Salah, owning Salah itself is a differential, just match his captain

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Why would you match his captain when your chasing?

        Shockingly bad advice.

        1. Rocky FPL
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Its just a different way of thinking. 8 point is not a lot. Rival doesn't have Salah, so having Salah can be a differential in itself. If Kane hauls, he can be in a bad situation. So just to be safe as 8 points is not a lot

          1. Hibbo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            It's time to get the balls out of the freezer.

            Playing safe is gone.

            If you play safe and lose from playing safe it's a case of being a complete no balls.

    4. Kalou
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      He might own him by the deadline?

    5. SheBangsTheDrums
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers lads!

  30. Messsiaah
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Guys please help!
    Should I pull the trigger? for -8
    DDG Smalling Barnes out
    Karius Robertson Firmino in

    Firmino or Auba? Feeling both of them will score.

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Depends on rest of your team

    2. Gizzachance
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      3 you want out are no shows, so nothing to lose really