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. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    If Trent is rested, do you see him coming on off the bench?

    I'm considering him for captain, with Robertson vice. Otherwise, I think I'll got Robertons captain, with Hazard or Barncester vice.

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      With Henderson and Keita out, I expect TAA to play.

      ...because Milner will be required for midfield coverage.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Cheers Hamez! Any reason not to go with TAA? Seems almost an obvious choice...?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          I would be very surprised if he doesn't start.
          Can't see another option to play right back.

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Team News has Wijnaldum, Gabinho and Lallana in midfield. A change of formation to give Shaq a run around surely isn't impossible either?

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 15 days ago

              I mean I think with the international break after GW31 there is no need for anyone to be 'rested', however it is of course possible for maybe one of two fringe players to come in for a game against a very poor Fulham team.

              Personally, I don't see Klopp taking the risk.

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 15 days ago

                It's less about rest, and more about protection. TAA isn't as hardy as James Iron Man Milner, and Klopp mentioned before about taking good care of him. But I think I'll just go for it and cross my fingers

                1. HamezMace
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 15 days ago

                  Yes, I agree about protection.
                  I believe TAA was rested a few weeks ago, and Klopp spoke then about how important, and how much he'll be needed in the coming weeks.

    2. Planet Head
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Do they have the squad to rest him?

  2. skodaole2
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Any MUN experts here? Draft league, preparing my team for the DGWs, is either Fred or A. Pereira worth it? Will either of them start at least one game and play in both? Everyone else is taken and wonder whether i should get one of them or chase a BRI or WOL medium mids.

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Expect Pogba, Matic & Hererra to start most matches when fit.

  3. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    spurs v porto final written all over it 😉

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      This

    2. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Pep and his gang are going to punish you boys hard

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      If you’re Stevie Wonder 😛

    4. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Spurs ain’t no Monaco

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Juve vs Barca

    6. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      I worry if Spurs win it. How much more space can Kane have left in his trophy cabinet?

  4. Planet Head
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Can anyone explain why it's disadvantageous for Man Utd to play Barca at home first?

    AFAIK the away goals rule counts in extra time

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Doesn't matter where the first leg is. They're going to smash you regardless.

    2. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Well, because it’s harder to score, because they’re away. Obv.

  5. Atters
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Best Chelsea defensive option?

    1. Nastradarmus
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Luiz

    2. CAPTAIN_WALES
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Luiz

  6. Nastradarmus
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Ogbonna or Balbuena for 31 &33

  7. Champions League draw
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    The Premier League is clearly well represented in Europe, with 6 teams in European Cup Competitions.

    Champions League draw:
    Ajax v Juventus
    Liverpool v Porto
    Tottenham v Man City
    Man United v Barcelona

    With the CL draw now done, who do you think has the best chance of winning the competition?
    Which PL teams do you think will advance to the next round?

    The EL draw will happen today as well - which PL team has the best chance of winning the EL?

    And finally, how does this impact FPL? Are there any takeaways from these draws?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Think Pool & City will definitely reach the Semis and give us a rotation headache.

    2. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Have to fancy City really for the CL.
      Obviously Arsenal will win the Europa League 😉

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Give us the draw then! 😉

      Ajax v Juventus
      Liverpool v Porto
      Tottenham v Man City
      Man United v Barcelona

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        I did?

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Crikey. Was that their the whole time? Haha! I went back looking for stickies and then Googling. Apologies

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            it wasnt

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 15 days ago

              😮 Naughty Geoff!

              1. Geoff
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 15 days ago

                😀

          2. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Thanks for the heads up 🙂

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          😆

    4. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      I don't think the draws affect FPL, as all the teams would have taken it seriously regardless of their opposition. And I don't ny of the teams are likely to change their style and personel in any predictable way. If United were to be more defensive-minded, for example, it might not mean anything for relevant FPL assets anyway, unless they want to utilise that style in FPL games too, but that's getting a bit too speculative. And we'll be reacting to injuries and form down the line anyway.

    5. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Liverpool city on the final

    6. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Maybe Gary Neville now think United should focus on getting top four, and forget the CL, instead of Liverpool.

      1. Mysterion
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        😀

    7. seewhyaxe
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Got a hunch that Spurs will upset City, it's just me

  8. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    No guarantees of course, but if Liverpool make the semi finals, they will play in Barcelona 3/4 days after HUD. A rethink may be needed if that’s the final TC option.

    1. CAPTAIN_WALES
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      cheers for the good info!

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Good point but Liverpool will be up 0-4 in the first leg so can play you and in the second leg.

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        😛

    3. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Good shout hoping for a third double GW for someone

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      With Spurs or City out by then, maybe there will be an elusive City or Spurs DGW in 36 😉

    5. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Haha just said that helps without reading your comment. TC Salah against Fulham now?

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Certainly another plus for a Liverpool TC this week, in my book.

    6. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      I see what you did there 😉

      Rashford against the Barca backline - carnage!

    7. Hungry Singh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Manchester*

  9. CAPTAIN_WALES
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Advice please guys:-

    A) Bennett & Gunnarsson -> Daniels & McNeil for Free (gives me 9 plays)
    B) Bennett, Gunnarsson & Jim -> Stankovic, McNeil & Wilson for -4 (goves me 10 players)

    Cheers!

  10. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    There is going to be a third double game week .... I can feel it in my water 😉

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Yeah but it will probably be Brighton...

  11. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Kind of more tempted to TC Salah this week now.

    If Liverpool beat Porto, the first leg of the Semi Final is midweek after the Huddersfield game. Even if Liverpool are in the hunt for the Premier League there is a risk they might rest Salah. Surely thy can beat Huddersfield who will most likely be relegated by then without him

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      I can't see it. Maybe a 70 min sub if we are 3 or 4 up. But then you would fancy he would have got returns.

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Maybe an assist

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      If Brighton beat Millwall this weekend there will be another DGW.

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      GW38

      Kane vs EVE
      Pogba vs CAR

    4. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      1 goal in the last 8 is it?

    5. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      All good points.

      Also Liverpool might have an "easier" game against Huddersfield but the pressure of the title race can do funny things. Liverpool would ideally want their best player starting

  12. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    No idea what to expect from Burnley - Leicester. Can be anything between 0-0 to 3-3 imo

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Yeah its a tough game to call.

  13. Bojaninho
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    defender worth a -4 this week? it would probably be Luiz.

    Already doing a -4 for Hazard and Wilson coming in

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Why? Chelsea don't keep CS

      1. Bojaninho
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        field 11..any other defenders worth it though, for this week and 33.

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          so you pay -4 point and potentially get 2 points

  14. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Best Liverpool Defender for this GW?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Robertson

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Robbo closely followed by VVD

  15. StayoutheSpiceZone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Lovren back this weekend?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Forgot he existed

    2. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Mario had been great Klopp praised him today so he's not losing his place till Gomez is ready

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Bench the last few weeks.

      Matip has retired international, so can rest soon, and has been impressive, don’t think Klopp will bring Lovren back in this weekend.

  16. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Sorry for repost, need some advice guys!

    Already took a -4, considering a -8pt to get Bamba out for a BGW 31,33 defender. Based on my team below, who would you suggest?

    3.7 ITB

    Fab
    Robbo Taa Pereira
    Salah(c) Haz Brooks
    Wilson Rondon

    Stek, Bamba*, Jota, Pogba, Doherty, Jim

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      anyone?

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Yes. Azpilicueta.

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Thnanks mate, why you reckon Azpi?

  17. I Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    A) Richarlison, Fraser & Azpilicueta + 4 points
    B) Wilson, Brooks & David Luiz

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      A

      1. Too Many Hits
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Wilson vs Richarlison?

        Think you messed that one up mate

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          No. In B I would take a hit to do Kamara to Wilson and bench Richarlison. Rich is already in my squad. I either just bring in Fraser and Azpi and play Rich or get Brooks and Luiz in order to afford Wilson and bench Richarlison.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      A

  18. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Agent Suarez and Coutinho

  19. Too Many Hits
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Choose for me this Free hit is getting stressful:
    1)
    A - Arnie B- Barnes C- Rondon
    2)
    A - Fraser (Has Knock) B - Maddison C - F Anderson D - Willian (on Corner's vs Everton)

    Current Team
    Fabianski
    Luiz Robertson Rice
    Salah (C) Mane Hazard Fraser
    Arnie Vardy Wilson

    Boruc Tielemans Schindler 3.8

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Buy One Get One Free in Manchester

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        (BOGOF)

  20. Starky22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    What teams are likely to blank in 33??

    1. Too Many Hits
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      City Cardiff Watford Fulham United Wolves - Maybe Brighton Spurs but I'm not convinced

  21. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    would you consider FH'ing this?

    to bring in b'mouh assets, arnie

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

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Nope

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Are you serious? What a waste

    3. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      You're bored again, aren't you?

  22. FiddySmith
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Pick one from LEI:
    A) Maddison
    B) Harvey Barnes

    Already have Vardy!

  23. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Brooks or Barnes?

  24. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    The CL final could be a Manchester derby...

  25. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    To field 11 GW31 (will FH32) Schär >

    A) Azpi -4 (eve, WHU)
    B) Aké (NEW, BUR)
    C) Don't take a hit

    Rest of defence is: Fab, TAA, Pereira and Schindler.

  26. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Napoli vs Arsenal! Oooooooft

    1. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Meh - Napoli will be feeling the same way about us most likely.

  27. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Napoli vs Arsenal

  28. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Condolences to Arsenal.

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Confident we can win

      1. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        At least Arsenal play at home first.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          That's a disadvantage imo

          1. Boris Bodega
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Depends if we keep a clean sheet first leg or not really. Should be a good couple of games.

  29. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Which 3 to bring in from:

    A: Hazard
    B: Mane
    C: Wilson
    D: Arnie
    E: Vardy

    Currently leaning towards ABC. Already have salah and king if that changes anything

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      ABC

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      ABE

    3. No Salah
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      BCE