Captain Sensible

Kane and Sterling headline Gameweek 3 captaincy debate

Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are the three teams being considered for the Gameweek 3 captaincy.

They face Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal respectively, and the lack of clean sheet potential for each of those opponents has some Fantasy Premier League managers scratching their heads.

In one sense there is plenty of choice for the armband in Gameweek 3, but a spread of potentially viable options can also increase the risk of falling behind.

As ever, we have assessed all the candidates based on their individual form and the defensive capabilities of their upcoming opponents in Captain Sensible.

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

Captain Poll

Captain Poll results as of Thursday morning

Harry Kane (£11.0m) is the people’s choice for the Gameweek 3 captaincy after he won the latest poll.

The Spurs forward claimed a 38.8% share of the vote this week ahead of Newcastle’s trip to north London.

It seems likely that his backers were swayed more by his Gameweek 1 display than the largely anonymous outing against Manchester City.

That is completely understandable given a meeting with Aston Villa is likely to bear more resemblance to a clash with Newcastle than visiting the reigning Premier League champions.

Against Villa, Kane topped the Gameweek 1 charts for shots in the box and scored twice.

This week’s runner up is Raheem Sterling (£12.2m), as Manchester City prepare for an away match at Bournemouth.

The England international currently shares the summit of the Premier League goal-scoring charts with Norwich’s Teemu Pukki (£6.8m) on four goals, having failed to blank yet so far this season.

That has led to 29% of the voters in our poll backing Sterling for the Gameweek 3 captaincy.

Bournemouth are certainly favourable opposition too, having failed to keep a clean sheet in either of their 2019/20 matches.

Furthermore, both of these were against newly-promoted sides Sheffield United and Aston Villa. That should see Manchester City prove too much for the Cherries.

Salah’s stock has fallen somewhat after Liverpool’s poor display at Southampton

Some way off in third place in the poll is Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Salah (£12.5m).

The fixture is definitely a favourable one for Liverpool’s attackers given that Arsenal kept the fewest number of clean sheets, but the captain interest looks to be elsewhere.

While Sterling and Kane are both sitting on more than 30% in the poll, Salah has just 6% backing at the time of writing.

It seems likely that the Gameweek 2 blank, in which Liverpool were severely tested by Southampton, has played a part in this.

Just behind Salah in fourth place is Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne (£9.6m) who has a 3.8% share.

After a seven-point haul in Gameweek 1, the Belgian international registered two assists and maximum bonus the following weekend to take home 11 points.

De Bruyne’s creativity is the key factor in his appeal, as well as reliability of returns for someone who seems nailed-on in this Manchester City side.

De Bruyne is seen as the alternate Manchester City option at this stage

However, the fact that he is not viewed as much of an ‘explosive’ option compared to Sterling, is probably why on a handful of Fantasy managers are considering him for the Gameweek 3 captaincy.

Creeping into the conversation already is Pukki, who lit up the transfer market this week following his hat-trick against Newcastle.

3.4% of the voters believe that he can continue his hot form against a Chelsea side still searching for its first clean sheet of the season.

Another in-form option is Anthony Martial (£7.7m), who scored his second goal of the season against Wolves in Gameweek 2.

The returning Son Heung-min (£9.5m) has been selected by 2.3% in the poll, although what role he will play on Sunday afternoon remains to be seen.

Lucas Digne (£6.0m), Sadio Mané (£11.5m) and Marcus Rashford (£8.6m) are the only other assets with more than 1% support in the poll.

Player statistics – Last two Gameweeks

Lessons learned from Gameweek 2

1,460 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Robertson -> AWB
    B) Robertson -> Zinchenko
    C) Save FT

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A for instant cleansheet

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Save

    3. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      C

    4. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Save. Mendy back in training and it wouldn't shock any of us if Robbo hauled vs Arsenal.

    5. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    6. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Go with Laporte

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I will need money ITB for next week

    7. fridge
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    8. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I guess it is tough with A or C.

    9. Effe
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    10. La Vida Latte
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I went with A

    11. mike09
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

  2. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A just. Maybe C, not B.

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Reply fail to above

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

  3. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    bottomed.. last WC decision before bed
    Rashford, Dunk, KWP, Kelly or Wickham, Laporte, Digne, Boly

  4. Nesvy
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who to play ?

    a/ Wilson (i have Zinchenko)
    b/ Lundstram

    Thanks in advance

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Really? A.

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      The one who is more forward

  5. fridge
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who to start pls?

    A) Dedonker (BUR)
    B) Montoya (SOU)
    C) Lundstram (LEI)

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B - more chance for clean sheet

  6. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who should I start this weekend?

    Pope(wol) or Heaton(EVE)

    1. Slam
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pope, better form and Wolves struggle against weaker opposition + will be tired from Europa league exertions on Thursday

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Pope for these exact reasons

    2. Gunners n' Roses
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Heaton for me

    3. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I have Heaton only so easy choice for me

      1. Slam
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Don’t think that helps him in anyway lad

    4. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pope

    5. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Heaton I guess

  7. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Morning everyone,

    Going on the captain topic, any KDB owners out there thinking of taking a slight risk and making him captain this week over sterling or Kane?

    Possibly could be a big differential if he hauls again or do I need to get a coffee to wake my self up?

    1. Gunners n' Roses
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I asked a similar question on the previous post, and was overwhelmingly shot down.

      But yes, I'm still considering it

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Shot down eh, I don't have Kane so currently on sterling. I just have feeling the KDB looks razor sharp and baring he stays away from injuries j see him consistently getting points throughout the season

    2. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      It’s a big risk at this stage in the season but of course it is one that could pay off.

    3. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      risk vs reward

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Nicely put

    4. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I am.

  8. Igor-Stimac
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    On a WC should I try and get Kane in?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I personally would yes but depends what effect it has on rest of your team

    2. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No.

    3. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I've been trying. t's tough if you want KDB as well. Not sure it's worth it at the cost of defence.

    4. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      For me it pretty much came to a choice between Kane or KDB and I decided on Kane.

      1. Igor-Stimac
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        That's the same for me, I think some of the low price strikers could match Kane. I think KDB will have a high scoring season. But Kane against Newcastle....

  9. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Morning wise ones. Use my FT anywhere or save so I have 2 next week? Grazie.

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

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Save it.

  10. Gunners n' Roses
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone have any idea when Cancelo will be fit//how long Walker is really nailed?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Only Pep, and he's not one for telling.

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Walker is playing well and at times his form seems to improve when he has competition. Maybe some rotation when the European games start? Not clear at the minute.

      1. Gunners n' Roses
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        So easily nailed atleast for a couple of weeks? Should have the funds to shift to Laporte/VVD then

  11. Merlinsnose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Hello there

    I’m looking for a one week punt on a Spurs defender - either (a) Rose or (b) W-P.

    Which would you pick? Which is Newcastle’s weakest side?

    Thank you

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B. Nailed until Foyth returns.

    2. Gunners n' Roses
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I think their weakest side is their current playing XI

      But really, KWP for that short term probably

  12. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pukki 3.44%. thought he'd be higher tbh.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He's 95% in FFS RMTs, 2% in the world!

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I think I'm going to do it.

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I am part of the 96.66%

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Golden boot contender. 😯

  13. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4.5m def to go on a WC? (Dont have Pope)

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd say Soyu, but there are many options, at Brighton and Burnley in particular. Hammers have good fixtures too.

    2. Gunners n' Roses
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Montoya?

    3. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Montoya medium term if you have cover for GW4 against City. Burnley or Villa defender possibly an option. Who you have instead of Pope?

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Going Ederson as I cant see any other City def being nailed and I cant afford Laporte.

  14. pelzi80
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ceballos or McGinn? 🙂

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Though one really. Ceballos could be more prone to rotation with Emery.

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        True because Emery makes weird decisions.

        But still going for Ceballos

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Would you go Ceballos over Mount?

  15. psyurmh
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Morning guys, Ceballos or Trossard?

    1. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Trossard

    2. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I have trossard bit keeping an eye on ceballos soooo trossard i guess

  16. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Nice article. Thanks. 🙂

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Agreed

  17. doowral
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Mount or McGinn? Both promising fixtures, would argue the latter more locked in, however Chelsea’s next two appeal more. Thoughts?

    1. Expected Toulouse
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Mount.

    2. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      McGinn

  18. Inter Family Special
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Fraser to Mount or Martial?

    1. Expected Toulouse
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Martial.

  19. WhatTheDuck
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    time to say goodbye to L.Moura ?
    cause he did not start last match and Son return

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah if on WC. Hold a week if not

    2. Pedaso Pirates
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Given his impact off the bench last week I wouldn't be so sure. I think Lamela is more likely to give way to Son

    3. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    4. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He might get some minutes as Spurs chase an equaliser! (joking)

  20. juho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Soya / Dunk as rotating 3rd defender passable in the long term?

    Lund can come in if CS odds are high enough

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, quite like those three.

      1. juho
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks, Gregor. Cheers!

  21. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Captain Kevin

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      .

    3. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I am actually considering it and I have sterling too

  22. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Actually the really question is. Boly or Dunk +.5

    Pope 4.0
    Laporte Digne AWB (Lund XXX)
    Sterling Mane KDB Martial Mount
    Pukki Barnes 4.5

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Dunk

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd go very similar w/o Kane. Double UTD (Rashford) seems too much. But really want Kane =)

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Rash?

        1. _figu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Sorry, missread. Barnes is an interesting option. To answer your question, would go Dunk

  23. Gunners n' Roses
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    How crazy it not to have Sterling on a WC if you have Kane, Mane, KDB?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pretty crazy

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Going all 4 on WC.

      1. Gunners n' Roses
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Hate non-playing subs too much for that

      2. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Same

      3. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        ... changing your mind and goind Mané then mate?

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yeh. Totally.
          I’m now on
          Pope
          Digne,Mina,AWB,Lundstrum
          Sterling,KDB,Mane,Mount
          Kane,Pukki

          Button,Cantwell,Kelly,Greenwood

          0.6m in the bank. Kelly > Soya Or Dunk maybe?

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I prefer that indeed. No Martial might/will hurt this GW but I think it will be alright long term.

            If one want KDB Sterling Kane Mané(Salah) and a decent def (which we will all want when Pool get their S together), 7.5 mid is an akward price. Difficult to fit in.

            Welcome on board 🙂

            1. The 12th Man
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Thanks, torn between Mount,Trossard and Ceballos.

    3. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      There's really no paint to WC'ing then lol

      1. Gunners n' Roses
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I actually had Sterling in my preWC team so that's not the issue

    4. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He's better than each of them. So crazy

      1. Gunners n' Roses
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        But is Sterling/Firmino better than Mane/Kane

    5. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Carayzee

  24. Expected Toulouse
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    On Wc: Which combo?
    A. Walker + Digne + Ceballos
    B. Laporte + Mina + Ceballos
    C. Digne + Zinchenko + Mount

  25. Jealous Viper
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is it a wise decision to play Heaton, McGinn, Digne and Siggy all together

    1. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Have Pope as second gk option but happy with the others

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What would be the ideal result? 3-3 draw with missed penalties from Moise Kean after he takes them following Siggy substitution.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        0-2 Everton

  26. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I'm hoping Kean or Haller can show some class this weekend. Need a Wood replacement

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ye im hoping Kean comes good

  27. bootsmanus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    On a WC, need to make one last decision. Help! 🙂

    A) Stick and switch KWP to AWB in GW3
    B) Ryan for 4.0 to switch KWP to Digne in GW3
    C) Do B and Pieters to Kelly to switch KWP to VVD in GW3

    Current team:

    Ryan / Pope
    Lundstram / Dunk / Pieters / ZInchenko / KWP
    Martial / KDB / Sterling / Cantwell / Mane
    Rashford / Pukki / Barnes

    1. bootsmanus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      * GW3 = GW4

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Do the Digne move now.

      Planning a transfer for a defender after one week isn't a good idea

    3. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pope set & forget. Especially as you have Dunk. Not the defence you want to double up on. KWP to AWB, don't have carry transfer plans on WC, banking right after. Stuff will happen.

  28. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Sterling v Kane for captaincy feels like such a big decision...... One of them is bound to blank

    1. Gunners n' Roses
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Sterling usually shows up when you need him to

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Sterling feels like the safer pick.... Which always worries me

  29. PortoGuy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Hi all

    Ryan
    Robertson VVD Digne Lundstram
    Salah Sigurdsson Mount Sterling
    Pukki Jimenez

    King, Stekelenburg, Dendoncker Kelly

    Concerned about double Liverpool defense

    A. Robbo to Laporte (for a -4)
    B. Robbo to AWB (for a -4)
    C. Bench Robbo
    D. G2G

    Cheers guys

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      D

      1. PortoGuy
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks.

  30. Little Frank
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thank goodness GW3 is nearly here, on a WC and fed up of the constant tinkering and changing my mind.

    I'm sticking with this lot (I think), no Salah or Mane but I'll be captaining Sterling or Kane for the foreseeable future so hopefully it's a gamble that will pay off (plus have Firmino who's looked lively in his last couple of appearances)

    Pope Button
    Digne AWB Dunk Soyuncu Lundstram
    Sterling KDB Martial Mount Cantwell
    Kane Firmino Pukki

    GTG?

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Got a lot of time for that! Rides the bandwagons, follows form and fixtures

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Good team. GtG. Not a fan of KDB, personally.