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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 membersโ€™ 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 tomorrowโ€™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, Salahโ€™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 โ€“ 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 Leicesterโ€™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 โ€“ 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 Wengerโ€™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 Sundayโ€™s 2pm deadline.

The Gunnersโ€™ 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, thereโ€™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 Cityโ€™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 Maryโ€™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. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Is Salah really the safest option for (C)?

    1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I’m surprised at the definitive conclusions that he is. I think there are other options. I’m defending a lead in MLs where chasers dont have salah so thinking Kane to block.

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah probably. Effective ownership and all. Doesn't mean hell be the best, but predicted to do well at least.

    3. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No . As soon as Pool are 2 up he's off regardless of whether he's scored or a sister.

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

        Good point.

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

        2 up doesn't mean game over, especially for Liverpool. 3 up maybe

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'm now thinking Kane.
      Leicester have been awful lately.

  2. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Why y'all selling Silva when he's flown back to the UK?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve not ๐Ÿ˜‰

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Likewise. Feel I'm owed for that poor DGW showing!

        1. #FPLBhuna
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Same just hope My trio can play together

          Don’t think I’ve had Sane Silva and Jesus play together yet and have owned all 3 for a few weeks now lol

    2. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think everyone is selling.,

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

      I wish I had him

  3. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Best differential for the final game week? I have a lot of absolute dirt; Barnes who is injured, kenedy who can't play, Ibe who doesnt play, Morgan who is crap, De Gea who won't play. Any ideas?

    Team is:

    De Gea (Ryan)
    Dunk, Lowton, Alonso, Vertonghen (Morgan)
    Sterling, Salah, Arnie, Ibe (Kenedy)
    Jesus, Kane (Barnes)

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Who are you captaining?

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

        Toss between Salah and Kane. I'm 15 points behind my work rival and he is trying to match my team as much as he can. He took a -4 already so I'm okay to do the same

        1. The Royal Robin
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Kane really hasn’t inspired me this year but he is due a haul.

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

            Yeah I'm really not feeling him tbh! Thinking of maybe captaining sterling for a differential

  4. UnitedFan
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    FT?

    A) DDG > Romero

    B) Gudmundsson/Mili > Arnie

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

      Will have to play Ryan (liv) if I don't do A)

  5. George Sillett
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Oh for Clint Dempsey on GW38.

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

      Ah Clint. I captained him many times.

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

    Start Lingard or Gross?

    1. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      You've still got both?

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

      Gross

  7. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Gtg or any hits required?

    Pope
    Otamendi Smalling Tarkowski Vertonghen Monreal
    Zaha Salah (C) Sterling
    Kane (V) Jesus

    Hennessey Shaqiri Townsend Quaner

    1. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      lmao you're actually relentless with RMT's

    2. Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Unfortunately Smalling will not play.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Really? Monreal is a doubt too. Got to expect changes this week I guess.

        1. Stevie B
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          People here say that Smalling will not play. Look at the previous sites. Or ask this again to be sure.

  8. michudagawd
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    No replies on my last post.

    Ryan
    Van Der Hoorn* Lowton Vertonghen
    Salah Sterling Son Arnie Lingard*
    Jesus Kane

    De Gea - Morgan Duffy Barnes*

    1 FT, Nothing itb

    Lingard's not gonna start and more than likely neither will VDH so should I go ahead with Lingard + VDH โžก Mili + Robertson -4?

    Cheers

    1. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Usually good manners and thanking people for potential assistance gets you a reply.

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

        Piss off

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

          ๐Ÿ˜›

      2. michudagawd
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for that, wanna help with my question then?

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Son > Zaha

      1. michudagawd
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        What about my shoddy defence though?

  9. Viper
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Kaptain Kane, thanks for the reply but the last time Gross got more than 3 points away was gwk 13 when got awarded the phantom 3 bonus points. Not a patch on Siggy in years gone by

    1. Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Not captain Salah?

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

        When did I say that? ๐Ÿ˜†

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Last minute pen incoming mate ๐Ÿ˜†

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

        For sure ๐Ÿ˜†

    3. Fat Frank
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers Viper. Very true, after posting I did think to myself well his away form has been poor.
      I think his BPS ability he has potential to be the new Siggy next year.

  10. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Captain Salah? People say that he lost his spirit. But he need one goal to break the record. Or captain Kane, Sterling or Jesus? But I think that Southampton will stay tight.

    1. MTPockets
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Salah if I had him.

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

        Salah

      • Viper
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Salah

      • Ragabolly
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Salah

      • Waylander
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Salah

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      As I've got a 50+ points lead my ml's, all I've got to play for is OR.

      Which move helps me move up a little.

      A Jesus to Firmino
      B Fernandez to VVD
      C Gudmundsson to Zaha

      1. Random Name
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I've seen 50 point leads perish within 90 minutes

        1. Pep's Money Laundry
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          It won't happen as the team in 2nd has vardy & Zaha to my kane & Gundmundsson. Otherwise almost identical team

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

      Gtg please???

      Bench boost active.

      Cech
      TAA Vertonghen Mawson
      Salah (c) Sterling Son Arnie
      Kane Ayew Firmino

      Ryan Milivojevic Tark Long

    4. Nightf0x
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Loris
      Smaling azpi fernandez lowotn (chilwel)
      Son stelring salah arnie (king)
      Jesus kane (barnes)

      A) smaling to creswel/robertson
      B) -8 son smaling barnes to frmino gudmundosn creswel/taa

    5. Ohh1454
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Which duo ?
      A. Salah and lacazette (-4)
      B. Sterling and aubameng

      1. Random Name
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        A for obvious reasons

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

        Too close to call for me

        1. Random Name
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Too far to call for me

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

            imo
            1) Auba has greater potential than Laca
            2) Salah greater potential than Sterling, but Sterling has been getting 10+ for fun
            3) Got to consider +4

    6. Big Col
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Which 2 to play?

      A) Cedric
      B) Maguire
      C) Lingard

      D) take another hit (-8 for week) Maguire to PVA

      1. Random Name
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Idk about which 2 but definitely not D

        A -8 on gwk 38 is of no benefit

    7. Tiki-Taka
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      What do we think of Rashford this week, is he absolutely 100% confirmed to start? Best forward for 7.3 or less?

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

        He starts

      2. Netley Lucas
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yes, maybe

    8. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      have 22 points to catch in mini league... he has salah whom I expect he will captain....
      who would you captain out of these.....
      A- Kane
      B- Aubameyang
      C- Sterling [he has too]
      D- Zaha or Arnie

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

        B

    9. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A) Play Monreal and have Shaqiri first on bench for back up

      B) Sell Monreal for ? (-4)

    10. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Ddg+Son ---> Karius+Zaha(-4)?

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

        Others will say no. I'll say yeah

      2. Ragabolly
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yes

      3. Fat Frank
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Madness

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

          Hehe why madness, it's not that bad a move me thinks

      4. Udo
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        ur chasing? I'd say Son is putting on some show.

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

          2 pts ahead

      5. Yozzer
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Romero and zaha better ?

    11. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      If you don’t care about rank, and just care about protecting a lead, then blocking is sensible right?

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

        Yes

      2. Random Name
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Blocking is for the Pessimist

      3. Ragabolly
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yes

      4. Yozzer
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Absolutely

    12. Viper
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Let's say I was to go against all advice and take a (-8). Which is the best way of making up the essential 0.2m for Arnautovic & Zaha

      A. Naughton - > TAA

      B. DDG - > Lloris (Ryan 2nd keeper)

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

        B

      2. Ragabolly
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        B

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

        B

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

          Or Karius if he is guaranteed a start

    13. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Why is Smalling a doubt?

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

        Confirmed rested by Mou

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

          By confirmed

          You mean hinted

          I believe

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

            Worded wrong, but confirmed Blind and Baily. Blind might play LB tho. But highly unlikely he will play imo

      2. Random Name
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        No idea

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

      TAA and VVD prices rising on fpl stats much quicker than Robertson which is puzzling!

    15. West Hammered
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Nothing to play for so taken a -8 to leave me with

      Pope
      VVD Vertonghen Lowton
      Salah (C) Sterling Arnie Ki
      Kane Jesus Rashford
      Subs: Ederson Mawson Dummett Kennedy

      1. West Hammered
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Would you start

        Mawson or Lowton
        Pope or Ederson

      2. Random Name
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Play for pride

    16. Maddamotha
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Best midfielder upto 9.1m?

      1. West Hammered
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Sterling

    17. HD7
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      G2G? Right order of starters and bench?

      Ryan
      Vertongen Mawson Lowton
      Son Sterling Gudm Zaha
      Kane(C) Jesus Auba

      Subs: DDG, Mustafi, Tark, AKing

    18. Fat Frank
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Repost:

      Anything worth a hit or GTG? Chasing a 17 point cash league.

      Hennessey
      Lowton | Cresswell | Naughton
      Salah | Son | Arnie | Sterling*
      Vardy | Kane* | Jesus*

      DDG* | Milivojevic* | Long | Dummett

      *Not a differential

      0FT, 0.2ITB

      Salah is currently a differential, but the caveat is my rival will have to take a hit to get him (which I think he will), so the lead will be 13 and as above but without Salah being a differential.

      Lastly....who to captain and can I do it?!

      Thanks

      1. Random Name
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Jesus to Lacazette. Captain Lacazette.

        Thank me later.

        1. Random Name
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Vardy, Son, Arnie and your defence won't gain you the 13 points you need. You have to take a chance with Lacazette.

          He will deliver

          1. Fat Frank
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            You know what you're actually tempting me Lmao

          2. Fat Frank
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            For a -4 though?

            1. Random Name
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Haha. Well on a serious note if he's getting salah (the right move for him imo) he's trying to block you off.

              I could be completely wrong but here's what I think - 13 points behind with no real differentials is going to be tough. You've gotta pick your captain carefully and rest your hopes on Vardy & Son (Who are playing eachother)

              Or you could take a punt - hope Jesus blanks and Lacazette grabs a brace which would do you wonders. Maybe you can get Auba i'm not sure? Sleep on it. But Personally i wouldn't put so much faith on Vardy or Son

              1. Random Name
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                Don't let me persuade or dissuade you though - sticking with the team you've got is a very sensible move. My option is simply a punt that may or may not work

                1. Fat Frank
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 6 months ago

                  Yeah I appreciate it, cheers. It's an awkward gap to have:
                  - Too large to rely on simple differentials
                  - Not big enough to go all punty and maverick

              2. Fat Frank
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                And Arnie, Jesus could also become a differential if he does get Salah...
                I can't afford Auba straight for Jesus.

                His team:

                Ryan | DDG*
                Davies | Baines | Tomkins | Maguire | Smalling
                DSilva | Willian | Lingard | Sterling* | Milivojevic*
                Ayew | Kane* | Jesus

                *Not a differential.

                He has 0.3ITB. His options to get Salah are limited, to the point where I think he could sacrifice Jesus and Sterling potentially if he does.

                Having seen his team, what do you think?

                Thanks by the way

                1. Fat Frank
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 6 months ago

                  Forgot to * Jesus as a current non differential

                2. Random Name
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 6 months ago

                  hmm... Having seen his team i think i'd stick with the team you have.

                  13 points is doable. I'd still fancy your chances at 17 points if he didn't get salah. Gonna be a nailbiting 90 mins for you tmrw. Good luck lad

                  Although you might rue it if you didn't pull it off and the laca move would've worked (Probably not) ๐Ÿ˜›

                  1. Fat Frank
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 6 months ago

                    Cheers, yes I think a lot of the outcome will depend on lady luck, e.g. Dilva/Son and which if any plays.

                    Tell me about it, I'm not going to watch it live, will just check it blind in the evening when all is done.

                    I will remember either way Random Name, Mr Lacazette and THAT punt I didn't go for haha. Good luck to you too!

                    1. Random Name
                      • 10 Years
                      7 years, 6 months ago

                      No problem and thank you bro ๐Ÿ™‚

                      1. Fat Frank
                        • 8 Years
                        7 years, 6 months ago

                        I did it mate ๐Ÿ™‚ won by 13 points in the end. Thanks for your help ๐Ÿ™‚

    19. Nightf0x
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A) smaling to creswel/robertson (son fernandez play, 442)
      B) -8 son smaling barnes to frmino gudmundosn creswel/taa (343, ferndnez bench)

    20. FPL Marc
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Jones, Davies, Fernandez, Dummett, Mariappa
      Salah (c), Sterling, Alli, Arnautovic, Loftus-Cheek
      Kane, Jesus, J Ayew

      I'm thinking waaaay too much about closing this 10pt gap, so need your help:

      1) Are Jones or Davies likely to play?
      2) If not, should my sub go on Zaha or making sure 3 defenders play?
      3) Alexander-Arnold, Milner or Van Dijk?

    21. Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Anything worth a hit?

      Ryan (de Gea)
      Vertonghen, Long, Lowton (Smalling) (Morgan)
      Salah, Sterling, Son, Arnautovic (Lewis Cook)
      Kane, Jesus, Jordan Ayew

      Thank you!

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

        DDG - > Karius will pay off by 1 point imo ๐Ÿ˜†