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, 2 months 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, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

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

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months 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, 2 months 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, 2 months 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, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

      Do they have the squad to rest him?

  2. skodaole2
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months 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
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

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

  3. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    spurs v porto final written all over it 😉

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      This

    2. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Pep and his gang are going to punish you boys hard

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      If you’re Stevie Wonder 😛

    4. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Spurs ain’t no Monaco

    5. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Juve vs Barca

    6. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months 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, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

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

  5. Atters
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Best Chelsea defensive option?

    1. Nastradarmus
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Luiz

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

      Luiz

  6. Nastradarmus
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Ogbonna or Balbuena for 31 &33

  7. Champions League draw
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months 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
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

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

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

        I did?

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

            it wasnt

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              😮 Naughty Geoff!

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

                😀

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

            Thanks for the heads up 🙂

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          😆

    4. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

      Liverpool city on the final

    6. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

        😀

    7. seewhyaxe
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

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

  8. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

      cheers for the good info!

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

        😛

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

      Good shout hoping for a third double GW for someone

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

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

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

      I see what you did there 😉

      Rashford against the Barca backline - carnage!

    7. Hungry Singh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Manchester*

  9. CAPTAIN_WALES
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

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

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah but it will probably be Brighton...

  11. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

        Maybe an assist

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

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

    3. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      GW38

      Kane vs EVE
      Pogba vs CAR

    4. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      1 goal in the last 8 is it?

    5. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

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

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah its a tough game to call.

  13. Bojaninho
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

      Why? Chelsea don't keep CS

      1. Bojaninho
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

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

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          so you pay -4 point and potentially get 2 points

  14. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Best Liverpool Defender for this GW?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Robertson

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

      Robbo closely followed by VVD

  15. StayoutheSpiceZone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Lovren back this weekend?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Forgot he existed

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

      anyone?

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

      Yes. Azpilicueta.

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Thnanks mate, why you reckon Azpi?

  17. I Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

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

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. Too Many Hits
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Wilson vs Richarlison?

        Think you messed that one up mate

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

      A

  18. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Agent Suarez and Coutinho

  19. Too Many Hits
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

      Buy One Get One Free in Manchester

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        (BOGOF)

  20. Starky22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    What teams are likely to blank in 33??

    1. Too Many Hits
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

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

  21. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

      Nope

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

      Are you serious? What a waste

    3. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      You're bored again, aren't you?

  22. FiddySmith
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

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

    Already have Vardy!

  23. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Brooks or Barnes?

  24. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    The CL final could be a Manchester derby...

  25. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

    Napoli vs Arsenal! Oooooooft

    1. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

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

  27. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Napoli vs Arsenal

  28. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Condolences to Arsenal.

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Confident we can win

      1. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        At least Arsenal play at home first.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          That's a disadvantage imo

          1. Boris Bodega
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months 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, 2 months 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, 2 months ago

      ABC

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

      ABE

    3. No Salah
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      BCE