Captain Sensible

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 2?

Fantasy Premier League managers had a relatively easy captaincy decision for Gameweek 2, until the European Super Cup came along.

A full 120-minute outing for some of Liverpool’s key assets on Wednesday night has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons to some extent.

We have factored the midweek action into our thinking as we strive to find the best captain for the upcoming weekend.

As per usual, the Captain Sensible article is here to compare the individual players against each other statistically, as well as examine the defences of the sides they will face in Gameweek 2.

As this uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those who have signed up for the 2019/20 season can access it in full.

Captain Poll

Captain Poll results as of Thursday August 15

For the second week in a row Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) has absolutely stormed the captain poll, this time taking a 55% share at the time of writing.

Even though he scored a 12-point haul in Gameweek 1, it is still somewhat surprising to see him dominate the vote so convincingly, in light of Raheem Sterling’s (£12.1m) hat-trick against West Ham.

However, it looks as if most Fantasy managers have looked at the Gameweek 2 opposition to decide between the two premium midfielders.

Southampton were well beaten by Burnley at Turf Moor last week, the Clarets scoring three quick-fire goals in the second half.

Furthermore, the Saints were second bottom for clean sheets at home last season, keeping just three of them across the course of the campaign.

Meanwhile, it looks as if Fantasy managers are not getting too excited about Sterling’s 20-point haul from Gameweek 1 as Manchester City prepare to host Tottenham this weekend.

Sterling’s record against Spurs at the Etihad Stadium is not too shabby, two goals in his last three facing them at home.

But just 11.3% of voters in the poll believe the England international is the best captain option this week, a 44% gap between him and the leading option Salah.

The second-place spot in this week’s captain poll is occupied by Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m), who opened his Premier League account for the new season in last week’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.

The Gabonese forward is currently backed by 16% of our voters, who are most likely influenced by his record against Burnley.

Aubameyang has faced the Clarets three times since signing for Arsenal and has scored twice in each one of them.

Outside of the top three is a host of will differentials in this week’s poll.

There’s a rather unexpected left-field choice in fourth place as Josh King (£6.5m) finds himself as the best of the rest.

Ahead of Bournemouth’s trip to Aston Villa, 1.8% of the voters are preparing to take a punt, while 1.76% of them are plumping for Aubameyang’s new colleague Nicolas Pépé (£9.5m).

Marcus Rashford (£8.5m), Teemu Pukki (£6.5m), Sadio Mané (£11.5m), Callum Wilson (£8.0m) and Gylfi Sigurdsson (£8.0m) are the only other options with more than 1% support.

Player statistics

Lessons learned from Gameweek 1

1,720 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    who you gonna bench?
    a) Perez (che)
    b) Milivojevic (shu)
    c) Jota (MAN)

    leaning towards benching Perez
    Cheers!

    1. Gringo Kid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      If you're benching 6.5-7.0 players your team must be good

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Mcginn is my 5th mid who i'll play this week
        Forwards are Kane Jota King
        so effetively one of the 6.5m players will be benched - sometimes it works out that way

      2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        not necessarily...might be lacking premiums

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn’t bench Jota, could go either way with those top two really.

    3. Warby84
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Mili

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        cheers - yeh the very nature of Mili (set pieces) makes it russian roullette to bench or play

    4. Zimo
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

  2. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I am going for maupay instead of pukki...

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I would get if thought nailed to start but can't be sure yet

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Very risky call

    3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      too risky imo

    4. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Gonna make a decision on him next week. Murray could start again a score a couple which would destroy that plan

  3. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Rashford for Captain ... what can go wrong ! 🙂

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Crikey, that Wolves defence looked pretty tight at Leicester.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Did it? Saw Jota run through a few times and he's not as quick as rashford

          1. dbeck
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Jota plays for wolves

          2. Gregor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Jota plays for Wolves mate.

          3. Poseidon.
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            They probably let him. They’re on the same team.

        • Jordan.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          correct, vardy never had a sniff

      2. jia you
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Brave, dont see a Rashford haul myself but you never know...GL!

      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Wolves have a really good team. Leicester had like 70% possesion vs Wolves, they still could not penetrate the Wolves defence.

        Wolves at home to UTD so that is what can go wrong making Rashford your captain.

      4. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Wolves away sit back and counter attack so it is hard to get behind them, Leicester struggles to do just that.

        Wolves at home push forward with their wing backs and there is space in behind to get beyond the not so mobile centre backs, if the opponents have a fast players and counter attack well.

        One thing Man U have is pace out wide and fast counter attacking breaks

        or could just put the band on Salah 🙂

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Would you start trossard or Montoya?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Trossard

      2. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Montoya.

      3. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        The Haller and Felipe knocks are leaning me towards Montoya atm

      4. DeathoftheParty
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Tross

    3. jia you
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      For me its all about the Puk(K)i

      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Nice.

        1. jia you
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Close between a punt on him or Auba but think I'll go with my gut and leave it on the Finn 🙂

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            i would cap auba if i had him

      2. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Got in other game.

    4. King Kun Ta
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Own both Trossard & Barkley (Kelly, Zouma and Dendoncker benched) and they are about to drop....what to do? Alternatives for 6.0?

      1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Take the L buddy.

        1. King Kun Ta
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          L?

          1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            L = -1.

      2. Goat
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Just save

      3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        barkley wont fall

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          and for tross i would save as well, if he doesnt start this weekend and also drops, McGinn and Robinson at 5.5 are still good options

          1. King Kun Ta
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks for the reasonable arguments Rosicky!

        2. King Kun Ta
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Maybe bench one of them for Kelly or Zouma?

    5. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Wildcarded to get the Fab Four.

      No chance am I going Salah > Mane yet.

      Come and get your apples and pears.

      1. Agbonlahorse
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Salah, Sterling Kane and...

        1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Auba Wan Kenobi.

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        4? Kane, sterling, salah and KDB?

        1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Can downgrade anyone anytime.

      3. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I’m considering wildcarding to get three in. Would be better to have auba this week and then FT to Kane next week no?

        1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Sounds good but Kane looks hungry for goals.

    6. clempro
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Concerned about Salah (C) after 120min on Wednesday....
      What do you guys think of TAA (C)? Others big hitters are Sterling and Kane

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Wouldn't be happy going with Trent myself

      2. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Toss-up between Sterling and Salah unless having Auba this GW, imho. Difficult call, really.

      3. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        It's early in the season, Salah will be fine

      4. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Stick with Salah

      5. Konstaapeli
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I had C on Sterling even before the mid week game. City at home can destroy anyone.

      6. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Trent will likely get more minutes after his rest not a bad shout. Could see Origi or someone come on for salah relatively early if pool are winning. 120mins midweek suggests he will get reduced time on Saturday

    7. BlueEddy
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Looking to get Wood out...for
      A) Pukki
      B) Jota

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Jota for me though Pukki not a bad shout.

      2. Pukki Blinders
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I like Puk

    8. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      i'm not doing this next year - its so stressfull!

      2 big desicions to make in

      1) £10m left to spend in defense - do i go for rotation or for big points?
      a) maitland niles £5m + Zouma £5m
      b) Azpilicueta £6m + £4 def
      c) AWB £5.5m + £4.5m def (dont like any of them)

      2) £15m left to spend on a decent attacker & midfielder
      a) Pulisic £7.5m & Haller £7.5m (differential)
      b) Zaha £7m & Wilson £8m
      c) Zaha £7m + Haller £7.5m - then £0.5m to upgrade
      d) Fornals/Lanzini £6.5m + Rashford £8.5m - reluctant as have martial
      e) Grealish £6m & Vardy £9m

      the key is they will both probably play most weeks. appreciate any advice, i'm really struggling with this one

      1. F0oTBall GuRu
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        AWB+Montoya
        Zaha+ Wilson

      2. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        C and 2a I like, they should start picking up good points soon.

        1. Meme2011
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          like these...thx

    9. Ejaaz11
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm thinking of using me free transfer to switch Kane for auba this week given aubas record against Burnley.
      Then switch back to Kane for gameweek 3...

      Thoughts?

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        If no other problems why not?

      2. Mcgugan
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I always feel like these swaps come back to bite you - you need him to score just to cover the cost (I know it’s free now, but if you want to make another change next week it’s a -4).

        I’d personally hold, roll the free and enjoy the flexibility

    10. KGFC
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Who to play?

      1. Dendo
      2. Rico

      1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Rico and pray for cleanie.

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Dendo for the goal

    11. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Auba Cappo

      Itchie vice Cappo.

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        itchie?

        1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Matt Itchie.

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            nice pick

    12. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      got sucked in to players needing rests last season and it made me not get aguero over auba whe he scored the hattrick every triple captained on, ultimately cost me my mini league! Salah captain!

    13. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      is anyone considering Haller? how did he play against city?

      1. Gringo Kid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Doubtful for the next game

      2. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        He picked up a knock, due to have a late fitness test.

      3. Pukki Blinders
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        He has a knock

        1. Meme2011
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          thats ruined my plans 🙁

    14. @persecuted_by_mods
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Sorry don't know why I read that as Leicester! My bad. Probably should eat breakfast first

        1. Andy'81
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I recommend Quaker Oats plus some fruit, luckily for you it's Friday so things can only get better from here,

      • Meme2011
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        best £4.5m defender thoughts? thx?

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          montoya

          1. F0oTBall GuRu
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            mings

          2. Stef rocks
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            This

        2. FOO FIGHTER
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Dunk

        3. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Debatable.

        4. Jordan.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          soyuncu

          1. Meme2011
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            seems to be alot of love for montoya - guessing he played fairly well??

      • HNI
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Hey Moderators, Lets have a XG XA, projections based members-only hottopic on Tuesday after GW2 is done as most will have 2 FTs and look to do mini wc if bou and liv def struggle again

      • In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thoughts appreciated please

        I have Haller now I’m concerned about this potential injury.

        Should I keep and hope for the best?
        Or
        Transfer out to a max 7.5 ?
        Maybe a punt on Maupay

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          keep

          1. In a Rush
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers for your feedback

      • ooooo
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        How likely is Rico to start?

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          75%

        2. Gringo Kid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Rico is a long term project. They've paid him big money last season, they wont drop him easily

        3. FPLShaqiri
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          89%

      • F0oTBall GuRu
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        FFS H2H is still in classic league how will you change it to H2H..

      • Stef rocks
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Bench one:
        A) Trossard
        B) Lundstram
        C) Montoya
        D) Pérez

        Rest of the team:

        Adrian
        TAA Digne xxx xxx xxx
        Salah Sterling De Bruyne xxx xxx
        Jiménez King xxx

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          B

        2. Bobby_Baggio
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Lund

        3. Stef rocks
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Damn guys I wanna cry now

      • Bezz82
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Advice on Wesley (A-Villa).

        Is his place upfront secure?

        What was his first game like? Any Villa fans go to the game?

        Is he worth a punt as his fixtures are so good!!

        1. Andy'81
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Theirs talk of Kodjia leaving which should be of extra benefit to Wesley, I wouldn't judge him to harshly after an away game to Spurs but he's still only watch list material for now.

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Kodjia leaving irrelevant. Smith rarely played him in the past

            1. Andy'81
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Smith rarely played him because he had Tammy Abraham scoring for fun and if Wesley gets injured/suspended who'll go up front for Villa (Davis maybe)?

              1. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Either or but Davis more Wesley type player

        2. JT11fc
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Id say its secure, id want to see him this weekend before moving for him tho, spurs a tough test

          1. Bezz82
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I’m looking for a replacement for King if he doesn’t perform this week. Those fixtures could be gold.

            Just wasn’t sure how secure he was for starts

      • Modest Bob
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Note to self:

        Pukki on watch list and work those glutes.

      • DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        How likely is Murray to start?

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Even odds to start on a walking frame in a nursing home. He should be a non option with Andone and Locadia to tear it up

          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            He was a quick fix option for 6 M. Will be moved on soon enough.

      • JT11fc
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Too much money in midfeild or balanced enough?
        Very early WC thoughts

        1. JT11fc
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Ok half the post dissapeared.....

        2. F0oTBall GuRu
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          GTG 🙂

          1. JT11fc
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers i can sleep easy

        3. Bobby_Baggio
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I think it's well balanced

      • Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Lacazette Captain, anyone?

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          too risky, hasnt played at all yet

      • WWF
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Anyone else feel an Aguerro hat trick incoming??

        1. Bobby_Baggio
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          No sorry. 1-0 city

        2. FOO FIGHTER
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          That is if Aguero starts.

        3. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Ban.

      • Bobby_Baggio
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Morning wise ones. G2G or use FT somewhere?

        Pope
        VVD | Robertson | Zinch | Zouma
        Salah | Sterling | Barkley | Perez
        King | Kane
        --------------------------------
        McGovern | Greenwood | Lundstram | Dendonker

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          save

          1. Bobby_Baggio
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers

      • JT11fc
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Too much money in midfield or balanced enough?
        Very very early WC thoughts

        4.5 / 4.5
        Trent Digne 4.5 4.5 / 4.0
        Salah Sterling Son KDB / Dendonk
        6.5 6.0 / 4.5