Captains

Captain Sensible – Deciding between Salah and Mané

Fantasy Premier League managers who thought the Blank Gameweek 31 captaincy would be a simpler one may be disappointed after reading this latest article.

The depleted nature of this round of fixtures, with just 10 sides in action in the wake of the FA Cup quarter-finals, has gone some way to trimming the candidates for the armband.

But those at the top end of our poll are quite hard to separate, with form, statistical comparison and the famed eye-test all playing a part in a tricky decision, largely centred around Liverpool assets.

As per usual, the Captain Sensible article assesses each of the best options using data from the Fantasy Football Scout members area.

Captain Poll

Despite registering just a goal and an assist in his last seven Premier League outings, Mohamed Salah (£13.4m) is still the captain poll leader for Blank Gameweek 31. At the time of writing, the Egyptian has 47% backing.

That has him enjoying an advantage over colleague Sadio Mané (£9.9m) of 23 percentage points. The Senegalese international currently has the backing of 24% of voters in the poll, despite outscoring Salah over the last seven Gameweeks by an aggregate score of 58 points to 26.

Callum Wilson (£6.4m) is the key differential this week according to the people, with the Bournemouth striker looking at a 5% backing ahead of Newcastle’s visit to the Vitality Stadium. In his return from injury in Gameweek 30, the Englishman found the net and provided an assist for colleague Ryan Fraser (£6.2m).

The Cherries midfielder also features in our poll’s top five with 3.4% of our voters believing he is the best captain option for Blank Gameweek 31. The return of Wilson has made a big impact on Fraser, hence the interest, with him involved in four goals in his last two with the forward, compared to zero in his last eight without him.

Jamie Vardy (£9.0m) completes the top five in the vote with a 4.3% share. The fact that he is in the chasing pack for the best differential option is no surprise, considering the Leicester man’s five goals in as many Premier League outings. Also, Burnley are without a clean sheet at Turf Moor since Gameweek 20.

Even though he was the hero for Chelsea in Gameweek 30, Eden Hazard (£10.9m) has the support of just 2.5% ahead of a trip to Goodison Park. That may have more to do with the fact that he has not scored away from home since Gameweek 17.

Roberto Firmino (£9.2m), Marko Arnautovic (£6.8m) and Gonzalo Higuaín (£9.6m) are the only other options to have more than 1% of the votes in the poll.

Player statistics – Last four Matches

1,155 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Is this a rite.move
    Jimy+ster+son>vardy+fraser+haz(-8)

    Yes or no

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Looks like a yes in isolation without knowing chip strategy or rest of team

  2. Jealous Viper
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Azpi or VVD? Who to get?

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      VVD

    2. JBG
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      VVD

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      The Virg

  3. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    what to do here? (0ft - 0.9m itb)?

    fab
    robbo - x - x
    salah - mane - hazard - barnes
    vardy - rondon - chicharito

    ederson - pva - awb - doherty - bednarek

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      GTG. I don't think there are any defenders worth a hit for bgw31/33.

  4. drughi
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Could I get away with this team ? -4 taken.

    Fabianski
    VVD TAA Lascelles
    Salah(C) Hazard Brooks Maddison
    Vardy King

    Hamer Jimenez Pogba Doherty AWB

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      get away with it?

      you've got a solid team there fella

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        cheers

  5. Richd
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Brooks safer than Fraser and better and cheaper.

    Now let’s get those points

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Why is he safer my friend?

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Fraser picked up a knock. Howe said he “should” be ok , but Howe is a liar too

        He said Brooks wasn’t training two weeks ago when he was photographed training 😀

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Well I guess I'll be losing a lot of value in Jimenez then!

    2. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Prove it.

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Read yesterday’s member article re stats.

        Points you’ll have to wait.

        1. JBG
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          No mention of Brooks as part of the live broadcast, but Eddie Howe stated that his withdrawal (at Huddersfield) was due to fatigue following his recent comeback from an ankle ligament injury. "David has a bit of fitness work to catch up on."

          From twitter.

  6. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    G2g? Expecting a good gameweek so probably will result in a red arrow..

    Fab
    TAA, Robbo, Pereira
    Salah (c), Hazard, Anderson, Brooks
    Wilson, Vardy, Rondon

    Billing

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      looks good mate

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Thanks! Good luck this weekend!

        1. #FPLBhuna
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          thank you bud, you too!

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Wow - you even have a bench!

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Looks nice bro

  7. Jaok
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Sterling + Son + Rashford + (Kamara/Pogba) to

    A: Mane + Hazard + Wilson -4
    B: Mane + Hazard + Fraser + Vardy -8
    C: Mane + Wilson + Fraser + Vardy -8

    Thoughts?

    1. tokara
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      then following week u want United players again?

      1. Jaok
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Maybe. Lose 0.2 on rash.. Thats ok. 0.4 on Pogba 0.4.

        FH32

  8. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    If a rival is currently free hitting, will it show as 0 on their transfers and finance?

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      It’ll show 0 yes but maybe he hasn’t made a move

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Thanks Flapjack. I reckon they are playing their free hit. Only have 6 players playing 31.

        Who do we captain this week without City? Haha

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Yes.
      His TV must have dropped drastically if using FH as most cash bound player's like pogba, Jimenez,Doherty missing this gw

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        That's a great point. Thanks very much.

  9. La vida FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Should I do...

    A) AWB > Luiz
    B) AWB > Rice (own Fabianski)
    C) Jimenez > Wilson (and lose loads of value)
    D) 2 of the above for a -4

  10. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Fraser didnt take part in early training, but should be okay for the weekend, according to Howe.

    Knowing Howe, so I guess Fraser out xD?

    Feeling a bit hopeful as a Solanke owner.

    1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Very annoying isn't he. Not sure I want to buy now

  11. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Is this Fraser 'knock' putting anyone off?
    I never know how far to believe anything Howe says.

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Tough one. Already own so am quite hopeful he'll be OK.

      He was in the training pictures released Wednesday so that combined with Howe saying he'll probably be fine would make me feel better about bringing in...

      https://www.afcb.co.uk/news/first-team/gallery-preparations-step-up-for-magpies

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Graham you are a legend - I'll carry on and get him then. He's clearly pictured.

        1. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Ah, shucks!

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Yep I'm selling Jimenez for Wilson instead of getting Fraser now

  12. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    On FH:

    Have Already Vardy and Wilson

    Who to get for the 3rd spot?

    A- Higuain (have Hazard)
    B- Arnautovic
    C- Firmino (have Salah and Mane')

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      The ballsy move is B. If you are not getting a pool defender (which is crazy of course), then C.

      1. _Gunner
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Currently have TAA

    2. Kante Touch This
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      C if you have no Liverpool defender

    3. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      I'd go B, and get a Liverpool defender.

      1. _Gunner
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Best Defender to get for this GW?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Robertson/VvD

        2. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Rice

  13. Punter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Chaps, any word on Higuain's fitness?

  14. Grendino
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Aguero / Pogba -> Mane / Vardy for -8???

    Will lose a lot of value on Pog and Kun so have held off until now but I'm scared Mane could do me some serious damage.

    If I do it I will field 11 players and if I don't it will just be 9. I have all chips still in play.

    Damned if I do, damned if I dont! Please help!

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Go for it. You'll figure out a way to get Pogba back in if you want to. Points > TV.

      My biggest qualm this season is planning too far in advance, even if it's next game week.

  15. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Here is my team as it stands for GW31 on a -4. On a standard FH32 WC34 BB35 TC? strategy.

    1.1itb
    Fab
    Robbo, TAA, Luiz, Pereira
    Salah (C), Haz, Maddison
    Wilson (v), Barnes, Higuaín*
    (Hamer) (Pogba*, JWP, Doherty)

    Would you say this is G2G or are either of these worth a -4?

    Pogba > Fraser (would currently be 0.4m more to buy back on FH)
    Higuaín > Vardy (can Vardy outscore him by more than 4pts?)

    Thanks!

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      I'd say stick as you are, I'd prefer Vardy to Higuian, but not worth a hit.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Cheers mate. Yeh prob true. I’m scared Vardy will explode and nervous of Hig either not playing or just being a dud but taking the hit makes it a lot less tempting!

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Take comfort in Higuain playing Everton defence.
          *Watch the Newcastle v Everton highlights if you need further encouragement.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            😉

          2. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            Oh it’s not the EVE defensive failings I doubt, it’s Higuaín’s ability to do well in FPL terms. Got him in on a whim a couple of weeks back and hasn’t really passed the eye test so far

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 14 days ago

              I agree, I've not been impressed with him, I'm just trying to offer you some hope 🙂

              1. Don Kloppeone
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 14 days ago

                Appreciate it mate haha

                I’m hoping having 11 playing will earn me a green arrow regardless as I’m languishing down at 100k OR

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Nope.
      G2G Buddy 🙂

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Thanks matey. Has been a long week of pondering moves! Glad it’s finally Friday lol

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          I did early transfer's to avoid headaches 😀

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            I got drawn into the false hope of decent price changes in my favour and the fear of injuries midweek. Obv neither happened lol

  16. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    49 innocent lives. The monster even live streamed it. What a sickening world. I know there's a few from NZ on here, stay safe and thoughts are with your country.

    🙁

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      It's disgusting someone would do such a terrible thing.

    2. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Thanks mate. scarey times. 4 bombs discovered too

    3. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      In tears just reading articles and tweets of it. Shocking, disgraceful. Inhumane.

    4. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      absolutely sickening bro 🙁

    5. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      It's the results of a perverted ideology that sadly still has its followers. Apparenty inspired by ABB who hit us so hard nearly 8 years ago . Had hoped we'd never see similar atrocities again.

    6. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      It’s not the world that is sickening, it’s these extremist indivduals with convoluted ideologies. Pure terrorism and no culture is exempt or immune. Dark day for both New Zealand and Australia 🙁

    7. Party time
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Tragic news

    8. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Jim to Vardy for -8pt or leave it as it is? Will use my FH in 32...

      Fab
      Robbo TAA Pereira
      Brooks Salah Haz
      Wilson Rondon

      Stek, Pogba, Jim, Doherty, Bamba

      1. Fantasy Premington
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Surely may as well take a -4 to ditch Bamba for someone who plays 31 and 33 and is guaranteed 4 points anyway

        1. tibollom
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          actually yes, v good point thanks mate.. Who you reckon? I have 3.7m ITB from my Kun to Wilson sale.. but planning to get Kun back at some point

    9. FPL AXE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      I want to invite a friend to my league, but i cant find the league code anywhere....any ideas where to find it?

      1. Van Klinkert Delarosa
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Are you the admin of the league?

        1. FPL AXE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          yes

          1. Van Klinkert Delarosa
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            [Your ID] - [League ID]

        2. Van Klinkert Delarosa
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Scratch this.

          [Your ID] - [League ID]

    10. BHA_Seagull
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      I've decided to give Mane the armband due to really enjoying singing his song when he scores!
      Mane...duh duh duh duh duh duh.

      1. Party time
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Salah La La La La La La La Oh Mo Salah La La La La La

          1. BHA_Seagull
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            Doesn't have the same ring to it though.
            With my current history of captain choice Salah will outscore him!

      2. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        GTG? on a -4 but hopeful of a green..

        Fab
        Robbo TAA Chilwell Digne
        Salah (C) Hazard Felipe
        Vardy Higuain Wilson

        XXXX

      3. b91jh
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        A. Sterling->Hazard (-4), 9 players to play
        B. Sterling, Kamara->Fraser, Arnie (-8), 10 to play
        C. Sterling, Bennett->Hazard, Luiz (-8), 10 to play
        D. Sterling->Fraser (-4), 9 to play

        FH32 WC34
        Which looks better?

        1. Fantasy Premington
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          C. Hazard a great option this week and there basically is no hit going from Bennett to Luiz because he will get minimum 4 points

      4. czechow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Safe to say Puncheon won't play?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          I'd say very unlikely

      5. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        This whole thing on Arnie: "(If) he is ready, I think he will return to his position". Everyone fixating on whether Pellegrini said 'if' or not, but what if 'his position' refers to a position on the bench? 😆

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Find a sofa

        2. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Ignoring him is the best thing.
          Not worth our attention. He'll score one & get injured again.

      6. JBG
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        No mention of Brooks as part of the live broadcast, but Eddie Howe stated that his withdrawal (at Huddersfield) was due to fatigue following his recent comeback from an ankle ligament injury. "David has a bit of fitness work to catch up on."

        Ryan Fraser picked up a knock during the win over Huddersfield which caused him to miss sessions earlier in the week. "But he should be okay [to face Newcastle]."

        Great... Two vague statements from Howe.

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Look at the links up above - he's been pictured in training this week. He'll be fine.

          1. JBG
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            Ah thanks, guess that comment popped up as I was writing this one. Think I saw Brooks there as well.

        2. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          You were expecting certainty from Eddie Howe?

          1. JBG
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            Good point haha.

      7. MGD
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        A) Aguero + Masuaku -> Vardy + Fraser/Maddison (-4)
        B) Aguero + Masuaku -> Higuain + Fraser/Maddison (-4)
        C) Aguero + Jimenez -> Vardy + Higuain (-4)
        D) A + Shaw -> Pereira (-8)
        E) B + Shaw -> Pereira (-8)
        F) C + Shaw -> Pereria (-8)

        Cheers

        A-C i can do Shaw to Pereira before 33

      8. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Say no to Fraser?

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Haul coming

        2. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Look at FPL Graham's post above - pictured in Wednesday's training, but missed the early session(s) this week.

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            will get him anyway, its not like we have too many options this week 😛

            1. Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 14 days ago

              Good man!

        3. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Hopefully he plays

          1. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            Most likely: "Eddie Howe reveals that Ryan Fraser missed the early part of training after picking up a knock against Huddersfield but added that the Scotland midfielder should be okay for the weekend."

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 14 days ago

              Nice 🙂

      9. TaiwanHC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Is it too risky to bring Fraser in now?

        1. Sulk
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          i think so. Depends on your team and strategy. Not worth transfering out if you have him but wouldnt waste a transfer bringing him in.

      10. Sulk
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        0.8 ITB

        I want to get rid of Camarasa or Bennett (No WC so looking for someone for the rest of the season, FH in 32)

        A) Cam to Snod
        B) Cam to Kante
        C) Bennett to Diop (already have Rice)
        D) other?

        I dont need a differential but happy to have one. Im leaning towards Snod this morning....

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Brooks if fit would be gold for rest of the season

          1. Sulk
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            i have 3 Bournemouth already otherwise i'd agree.

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          I'd want to hold Cam - he's brilliant value and so long as he stays fit there's none better in his price bracket for me and he's a deal cheaper than either Snod or Kante.

          Bennett I'd happily sell though. Double WH defence is a no no apart from this weekend. I'd look at Clyne.

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            Oh just seen already 3 Bournemouth. Can you reach Tarkowski?

      11. Party time
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Time to watch the draws. Come on Uefa! do the usual thing and draw two english teams

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            Nooooo

            1. Party time
                5 years, 14 days ago

                Ha! yesss