Captains

Kane injury opens door for Salah in Gameweek 23 captaincy debate

The recent injury to Harry Kane (£12.6m) looks set to shape the Gameweek 23 captaincy debate as Fantasy managers either avoid or sell the premium forward.

You can now vote in the poll below or on the sidebar, while our latest captain video is now available on our YouTube channel.

Spurs’ trip to Fulham this weekend had caught the eye of Kane owners but with reports in the media claiming he could be out for up to a month, it no longer carries quite the same appeal.

Christian Eriksen (£9.3m) and Dele Alli (£8.9m) will become the likeliest source of goals in his absence, especially with Son Heung-min (£8.7m) now away at the Asian Cup with South Korea.

Neither of those options look as if they can compete with Mohamed Salah (£13.4m), who now has five double-figure hauls in his last seven matches.

Liverpool host a Crystal Palace side that often keeps things tight at the back, but the Egyptian’s 45% ownership will be confident he can breakthrough, just as he did Brighton’s mean defence in Gameweek 22.

Roberto Firmino (£9.2m) may be considered as an alternative within Salah’s team-mates, although Sadio Mané (£9.5m) will have to go up against the impressive Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.5m).

Manchester United options will certainly be looked at this week, with Paul Pogba (£8.5m) and Marcus Rashford (£7.4m) the key men.

The two of them have racked up 13 goal involvements between them since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over and are both in the sort of form that warrants consideration for the armband.

In their way is that Brighton defence that made life so tough for Liverpool at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, although they are without a clean sheet away from home since Gameweek 9.

Manchester City’s visit to now-managerless Huddersfield Town will also get plenty of attention, as goals look probable at the John Smith’s Stadium. However, pinpointing which players will start should prove difficult.

Gabriel Jesus (£10.1m) is in the sort of form that makes it hard to drop him for Sergio Aguero (£11.2m), while Riyad Mahrez (£8.3m) could come in for Raheem Sterling (£11.3m).

Elsewhere, the meeting between Arsenal and Chelsea may put Fantasy managers off options such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m) or Eden Hazard (£11.1m).

However, the Chelsea man scored on his last league visit to the Emirates Stadium and has proved a little more reliable away from home this season anyway. Hazard averages a goal involvement every 85.9 minutes at Stamford Bridge in 2018/19, but every 80.7 away on the road.

Become a Member and access our data

Memberships for the 2018/19 campaign are now available for the price of just £10.

Join now to get the following:

  • Plot your transfer strategies using the fully interactive Season Ticker.
  • Get projections for every Premier League player provided by the Rate My Team statistical model.
  • Use Rate My Team throughout the season to guide your selections and transfers.
  • Get access to over 130+ exclusive members articles over the season.
  • Analyse our OPTA-powered statistic tables specifically tailored for Fantasy Football Managers.
  • Use our exclusive tool to build custom stats tables from over 100 OPTA player and team stats.
  • View heatmaps and expected goals data for every player.
  • Use our powerful comparison tool to analyse players head-to-head.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT MEMBER

2,159 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    A. TAA Hojbjerg => Bednarek Salah -8
    B. Alonso Hojbjerg => Shaw Salah -8
    C. TAA => Shaw -4 and leave 8.0 ITB
    D. Play Hojbjerg and leave 7.8 ITB

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      A

  2. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Already have Rashford & Jimi. Pick one to replace Kane:

    A) Jesus
    B) Aguero
    C) Firmino

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      b surely

    3. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      i am thinking C. And upgrade richa or martial to kdb or sane.

    4. Sif
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Also pondering the same.

      Firminho would allow me to upgrade to one of Anderson or Richardson at some point if they flat line.
      Ditched Ageuro for a reason a while back (playing 60 and not captain material) and not sure how much has changed.

    5. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      D, Auba

  3. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Eriksen now that Kane is injured? Spurs have a majestic run of fixtures

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Legitimate option. As is Alli

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      without son or kane, think spurs will struggle.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        This, thought they would struggle without Son gone.

  4. KJT123
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    I can't have been the only one to get burned by the predicted TAA rise last night?

    1. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Nope 🙁

  5. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Doing Son to Salah but need a Kane replacement max 7.5m. Any ideas?

    Fabianski Patricio
    Robbo TAA AWB Doherty Holebas
    Hazard Sane Son Pogba Richarlison
    Kane Rashford Jiminez

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Bench fodder? Benching headache otherwise

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Dont really mind tbh. Who would be the best bench fodder? Unless i also sell Hazard and get Auba

  6. R.C
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Lots of hits this GW

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I love it when people go to Hit City

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Yep, these are the best weeks to have 2 ft’s

      1. Sharkytect
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I had 2 FTs and still taking a hit. Mini wildcard!

  7. PukkiBlinder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Fab - Etheridge
    Luiz - Robbo - Digne - Bennett - WB
    Salah - Hazard - Pogba - Sané - Rich
    Rashford - Jimmy - Rondon

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good.

    2. PukkiBlinder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Wild card team. Any advice is much appreciated...

  8. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Rp:

    Best City mid?

    1) Sane
    2) Sterling
    3) KDB
    4) DSilva

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      1

    2. JohnBlack
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      1

  9. Sahil Yadav
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Activated wildcard earlier this week and replaced Robertson with TAA. Now the latter is injured, I lost 0.3m on Robertson. Who should i go for now? Van Dijk? Or Matip/Gomez?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      VVD your only option now.

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        This

      2. Sahil Yadav
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Seems like that. Thanks

    2. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Robbo is still a good option regardless of what your last transfer was.

  10. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    By process of elimination, I came to the conclusion of downgrading Kane to Deeney to accompany Jiminez and Rashford. I will upgrade defence and midfield instead.

    FWIW, here are my notes and considerations when looking for Kane replacement.

    Arsenal - Maybe. Auba. Funds could be better allocated over the next 3. Definitey worth considering after City match.

    Bournemouth - No. Worst run of fixtures in the league.

    Brighton - Yes. Murray. Fixtures, not form and Brighton are not firing.

    Burnley - Maybe. Barnes. He is popular, although I’m not sold and couldn’t imagine owning a Burnley striker. It just doesn’t feel right.

    Cardiff - No.

    Palace - Maybe. Zaha. Potentially being overlooked. Not in FPL scoring form and Benteke lurking around again. Perhaps the fixture swing can trigger his form

    Everton - No. Not a striker worth considering as Rich is most often deployed as striker.

    Chelsea - No. Similar to Everton, Hazard often starts up top. Morata possible exit. Rotation risk regardless for Giroud.

    Fulham - Maybe. AK47. Bad fixtures rules Mitro out, but AK47 is an enabler.

    Huddersfield - See Cardiff.

    Leicester - Maybe. Vardy. Similar to Arsenal, fixtures are not great. However a few weeks down the line and Vardy becomes a prime asset to navigate blanks and doubles. Funds could be better spent in the meantime, although he is proven v big clubs.

    Liverpool - Yes. Firmino. Worth considering for form and fixtures. Must be taken into consideration he doesn’t consistently return points. Salah (close to essential following Kanexit and consequent Salah EO) combined with possible double defence could mean no space for Firmino.

    Man City - Maybe. Aguero/Jesus. Who plays the two easy upcoming games? Get that right and you’re laughing. Fail, and you’re stuck with 2 fixtures then v top 6 and a blank to follow.

    Man United - Yes. Rashford. If you don’t own him he is probably the best striker to go for right now. Form, fixtures and price in his favour.

    Newcastle - No. Can’t score and have a few bad fixtures short term.

    Southampton - Yes. Ings (more so)/Long (less so). Ings could be back next week and the fixtures are good. Similar to Aguero/Jesus but to a much cheaper and less rewarding extent, although they are cheap enough to not worry so much about rotation. Great fixtures. Seemingly scoring again.

    Spurs - Maybe. Llorente. The reason we are in this mess. Unsure who starts up top, fixtures are kind... they would’ve suited the England captain.

    Watford - Yes. Deeney. Great fixtures and okay form. One to watch.

    West Ham - Maybe. Arnie. Possible injury. Might leave, but if stays he has a good fixture run. Potential new signing could be worth considering.

    Wolves - Yes. Jimenez. Best fixtures in the league. Returning consistent points.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      TL;DR

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Me either lol

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Mental! Suppose he is the easy option to drop and not field again given how good Mitro has shown himself to be.

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      New. fixtures are mixed but Rondon has Cardiff next, he'll do for me.

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I was considering a maybe for Rondon. He is cheap enough to drop during the two hard fixtures. However Newcastle are just so awful I don’t even fancy them for good fixtures.

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          No Problem he is a bit Marmite but I think he's capable on his day.

          Good write up by the way, it actually helped me focus my mind reading through your thought process. 🙂

    3. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Great analysis. Feek Watfords fixtures are mixed though and not necessarily great. Personally going to do Kane, Vardy and Camarasa to Rashford, Ings and Salah and go power 5 in midfield

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Just my opinion and angles for others to consider. Ings still offering good value. Good move imo. Go for it. I also like the value Camarasa offers, so he stays put in my team.

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Second to write that. Maybe I mistakingly wrote him off. I did consider him over Jimenez when I got Jimmy about 10 GWs back. He could fire and can just be benched during tough games.

        1. tucaoneo
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          I think it also depends on if you need this guy to play just this week, or a couple more. I am also hoping to get more Ings news.

          1. Zladan
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            I agree.

    4. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Locadia also an option for a downgrade. Missed him out.

  11. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    TAA injury is annoying - figure he’ll sit on my bench for two weeks

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah I’m benching unless I take a hit for Robbo. I’m pretty deep at defence So can wait.

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I can upgrade to robbo also but not sure it’s worth a hit

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah I’m not so sure it is either. The only way I can justify it is because it prices me out if any prices change

  12. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Fodder gw for WC?
    Speroni? Button?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Speroni

    2. Tom Heat-is-on
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      button

  13. Richd
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Rashford and sterling are great captain options this week imo.

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Why wouldn’t you captain salah tho

  14. S.Agueroooooo
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Is llorente likely to start all games with son, kane and moura out?

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      We just don’t know and certainly can’t expect Kane levels of points. Risky.

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Moura might be back right? -Just bard on his flag says 75%

    3. balint84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      no way

  15. Jealous Viper
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Any word on Ings. Tempted to go for Long

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Long went an insane period of time without scoring. He relied on pace when he was at Reading.. and judging by his age that’s gone

  16. Ibra
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Best striker options? Is there anyone good under 7m except Jimenez or should I go for Rashford and take a -4 hit?

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      rondon for this gameweek only and then sell to deeney

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I would recommend Rashford yes. I had a big write up a few comments up.

  17. Totti
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    kane to:

    A) rashford (already owning pogba)
    B) firmino (already owning salah)
    C) aguero (already owning sane)

    reposting looking for replies

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Rashford obvious with fixtures and form. Never mind pogba.
      Firmino a good call but the only player worth having in the price range.
      Never Kun now the youngster has mommy at home and is firing.

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      A.

  18. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    I knew Son had to go this week after going Trippier to TAA last week.
    Now I have 2 long time absentees as well as Ings.
    Medicine time and I brought in Lamela (punt) and Alders.
    It will cost -4 but both have to happen anyway and TAA price fall -2 expected.
    I might have held back if I had spare cash in TAA.
    Just counted and had 31 injuries this season!

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks. If Ings is back maybe a sub only.

  19. FPLGeezer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Ok been out most of today catching up Kane red flagged has there been some news today?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Out till March

      1. FPLGeezer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Wow

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Out for months

  20. Giorgi89
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Guys,
    What would you do:
    team is:
    1FT / 0.3 ITB
    Fab - Ham
    Kola Digne TAA AWB Digne
    Salah Hazarg Pogba Richar Camarasa
    Kane Rash Ings

    Kane + TAA > VVD and ?
    other?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Robbo surely not vvd

      1. Giorgi89
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Prefer being safe from rotation with DGW coming in,
        As a forward, what's your thinking? Kun and Jesus battle, Luka not nail, suggestion?

  21. Tom Heat-is-on
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Now when Kane is injured I need to transfer him out, no problem. The question is do I need spurs cover after selling Kane?

    Fabianski Patricio
    Robertson Digne Doherty Taylor AWB
    Salah Sane Pogba Richarlison Fraser
    Kane Jimenez Kamara

    1 FT 0.3 ITB

    A) Kane -> Rashford
    B) Kane, Fraser -> Rashford, Alli/Eriksen (-4)

  22. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    De gea will be on the captain's poll?

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Captains poll is awful. In the article it states Sterling may be benched for Mahrez. Absolute poppycock

  23. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Perils of doing early transfers....already done aubameyang to rashford.
    Now Kane is out.
    Best option
    A) firmino
    B) jesus
    C) other?

    1. piquiblanco
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Firmino, can't get him myself but I would.

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      D. Auba

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Don't think my pride could take it!

      2. JohnBlack
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        This

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      D Auba

  24. Visionaries
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Latest wc draft

    Lloris
    Robbo, Doherty, Shaw, Digne, (AWB)
    Salah, Sane, Pogba, ??? (Punch)
    Jim, Rash, ???

    A Sterling & Long
    B Martial & Firmino
    C Alli & Zaha/Barnes/7.5

    1. thischarmingman
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I'd keep Hazard

      1. thischarmingman
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        So, Haz/fodder

    2. S.Agueroooooo
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldnt have a combination that leaves you with 4 guaranteed blankers in gw27 potentially even 3 is too much to sort out

  25. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Will Kane get price locked as normally the long term injured players do or I got it all wrong?

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      He will still drop.. just slower I think

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Price only locked when the red flagged is removed

    3. thischarmingman
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      After 7ish years, this is the one thing about FPL I've yet to understand

  26. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Can’t decide who to bring in between Sane and Sterling, who’s the better option fellas?

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I have kept sterling and sane was sold. I think he’s the more viable medium to long term option despite recent points.

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Ye you could be right with Mendy back soon

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling ignoring price

  27. Ray In Bruges.
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    A) Llorente or Aubameyang?
    B) Wilson or Arnie out first?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Auba

      Second wait until Friday

  28. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Eriksen or Hazard?

    1. piquiblanco
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Eriksen

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Haz will score if you don't get him and won't if you do!

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Totally this. And will get an assist if you own but don’t captain him. And blank if you captain him

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

      If you have other captaincy options, then Eriksen. Hazard will not offer value unless he is a legitimate (c) option for your team. Eriksen and upgrading elsewhere (e.g. defence) will serve you better if you plan to captain someone other than Hazard for the forseeable future.

  29. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on my WC team?

    Alisson
    Robertson VVD Vertonghen Shaw Bednarek
    Sterling KDB Pogba Moura Puncheon
    Aguero Rashford Jimenez

    1. thischarmingman
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      If City is back on track you win. Most likely red arrows, because Salah

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I like. Ballsy

      2. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Most likely to score a penalty. I take my 6 cs points.

      3. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I've already lost buddy. Just going to enjoy till the end

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      8
      8 7 6 6 5
      8 6 8 6 3
      6 8 7
      Total 94 Average (presume no second keeper?)

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Puncheon 3 points v city ? Bednarek 5???

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Naa. Just my estimate of value out of ten for the not too distant future.

      2. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        No. Speroni or button
        What are those numbers?
        Predicted points?

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Just out of 10 pointer for near future. Subjective but fun.

          1. Emiliano Sala
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks mate

  30. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    A. Aguero
    B. Rashford (and money ITB to upgrade Martial to KDB or Sterling in a few weeks)

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. S.Agueroooooo
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      You wont want city in a few weeks they blank in 27