Captain Sensible

Who is the best captain for Gameweek 5?

Liverpool and Manchester City options are the key figures in the Gameweek 5 captaincy debate.

It’s a familiar story for Fantasy Premier League managers as the first international break of the season comes to an end.

There are favourable fixtures for both of last year’s top two sides, meaning that we must dig right down into the statistics to work out who the best captain option is.

In this latest Captain Sensible article, we will assess the results of the poll, assess the form of the key candidates and compare them against the defensive performances of their upcoming opponents.

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

Captain Poll

The captain poll as of Thursday morning

After a relatively promising start to the campaign, Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) tops the captain poll ahead of Gameweek 5 when Newcastle will visit Anfield.

As of Thursday morning, the Egyptian has the support of 34.5% in the vote, 11% more than any other option.

Salah has been particularly impressive at home so far this season, scoring 12 points against Norwich on opening night before netting a brace for 15 points in a Gameweek 3 meeting with Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have conceded three times in away matches so far.

The current poll runner-up is Raheem Sterling (£12.3m) with the support of 23.5% of our voters.

That makes him the most popular Manchester City man for the captaincy ahead of a hugely appealing trip to Norwich on Saturday evening.

Despite a surprising blank at home to Brighton in Gameweek 4, Sterling remains the second-highest FPL scorer so far this season.

His 37 points have come from five goals, two clean sheets and four bonus and, as things stand, he is behind only Sergio Aguero (£12.1m) in the race for the Premier League golden boot (five goals).

Despite the Argentinian’s current goal-tally (six), having netted in every match so far, just 14.8% are considering him for the captaincy in Gameweek 5.

However, deciding between Aguero and Sterling this weekend could prove to be much of a muchness when you consider Norwich’s defence.

The Canaries have conceded more goals than any other side so far this season (10) and have a number of personnel problems in key areas with a handful of defenders and defensive midfielders out injured.

It is no surprise then, that Kevin de Bruyne (£9.8m) is also in the picture as the most popular of the differential options.

Just 4.3% voted for the Belgian in the poll but that small number may be on to something here.

De Bruyne has firmly re-established himself in the Manchester City team following a torturous 2018/19 campaign and has been in excellent form thus far.

He assisted in each of the first four matches and scored against Brighton to boot averaging nine points per game over that period. Against a ragtag Norwich defence, that trend could easily continue.

Pushing his way back into the differential thinking is Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.1m) who was backed by 3.9% for the Gameweek 5 armband.

Newcastle have not been particularly ruthless in front of goal this season, scoring three goals in four matches, while Liverpool showed signs against Burnley that they had solved some of their defensive problems from earlier in the campaign.

Fantasy managers will fancy Alexander-Arnold for a clean sheet this weekend then, while the right-back has been the most creative of his defensive colleagues, registering three assists so far.

Sadio Mané (£11.5m) is also considered among the left-field options, garnering 3.4% support in the Gameweek 5 captain poll, although he is yet to record any attacking returns at home this season.

Despite underwhelming in his last two outings, Harry Kane (£12.5m) is still in the picture to some extent, with 3% backing him for the armband ahead of Crystal Palace’s short trip to north London.

Sébastien Haller (£7.5m) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) are the only other options with more than 1% support.

Player statistics – Last four Gameweeks

1,336 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Right whos the best 8m midfielder to buy then ffs

    1. FPL Hitman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Fanderson or Dilva

      1. FPL Hitman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Or even Richarlison as he seems to be finding some form

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      DSilva for me.

    3. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      DSilva if you don't have KDB. But Richarlison would be interesting as he surprised us with 2 goals.

    4. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I am going for Richarlison

    5. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      James or Mount

  2. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What is the best option?

    1) Martial WB to DSilva Matip/Tarkowski -4
    2) Martial WB to James Ota -4
    3) Martial to DSilva, play Lund and bench WB
    4) WB to Ota, play Lund and bench Martial

    Ryan
    TAA/Digne/WB
    Salah/Sterling/KDB/Martial/Ceballos
    Pukki/Barnes

    Button/Lund/Rico/Green

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      4

  3. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Laporte, awb and martial all injured in my team
    FML

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

      WC is the answer

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Pay em out early is the answer

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      WC

  4. BancheeCs
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    RMT

    Pope/botton

    Digne, laporte,VVd, rico, zinch

    Sterling, son, salah, mout, cantwell

    Barnes, pukki, Greenwood.

    1 FT.

    A : Hold on to Dobbel City strategi and Laporte - Otm for Free.

    B : Son/Laporte to KDB/Vertonghen or lower. For -4

    Or a sick C : Digne/Laporte/Son for Trent/KDB/Vertonghen

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Martial out 😀 😀 sensual

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      pity. now people will buy better players. for cheaper.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        That's a fair point but more hits too

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          x

        2. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          This is what I'm hoping for ... hits galore - has firmed up my plan to hold tight this week

      2. theodosios
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        What better and cheaper players, tell me pls coz I have no idea of any replacement? Have 8.9 ITB and Salah,Sterling,Lanzini and Ceballos

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

          That's so easy! Dilva

          1. theodosios
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Dilva can't play 3 matches in a week, we know since last season

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

              I would get Maddison. Wish I got him in last week instead of Son

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

                Double digit haul incoming this weekend

        2. Majestic Chanka
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Eriksen?

          1. theodosios
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Let's not lie, Kane and Son are only 2 players we want from Spurs

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Taken a hit

  6. Thunder Warrior
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Sigurdsson or Richa?

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I am going for Richarlison

    2. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Rich

    3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Rich

  7. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Will Greenwood start tomorrow? I really want to see him play.

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ole should play him, but he’ll start someone crap like Lingard or Periera.

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

        Shame.

      2. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Lingard is doubt as well

  8. Darthshearer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Righto
    I am lost as to where I can improve. Too much going on! Any help appreciated.

    I have 1 FT and 1.3m ITB

    Heaton
    Robertson | Wan-Bissaka | VVD | Zinchenko
    Mount | Salah | Sterling | Felipe Anderson
    Pukki | C Wilson

    Button | Greenwood | Dendoncker | El Mohamady

    I am maybe looking at changing Robertson but think he may (or should!) keep a clean sheet against Newcastle, so may hold on for another week.

    I was thinking of the following;

    AWB - Pieters
    Greenwood - Barnes?

    1. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Hold the transfer until next week? Unless AWB is out...

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

        I suppose I can then hold the FT for next week and change without a hit then

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

        AWB is out.

        1. Dion D's Solo Shower
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Didn't OGS say he's a maybe?

        2. FPL Hitman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Not confirmed

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd rather bench AWB than drop him as he could still end up a decent value player

  9. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Got rid of Martial last gameweek. He’s always slow to recover from injuries

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Me too. Got James instead.

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Mistake.

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Worked last week. He is gone now too.

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Got Son for a hit

  10. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    My team

    Heaton
    TAA Digne Lundstram
    Sterling(vc) Salah(c) Mount Zaha
    Haller Wilson Pukki

    Button Donk Kelly Aarons

    Who to sacrifice to enable Mount>KDB ???

    Tempted to hold free transfer and 1.5itb this week to enable the move without a hit next week?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      What about losing Zaha? For a season keeper like KDB, probably best to do as soon as poss.

      1. Bubbles1985
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        As it needs to be for a hit I am not keen to do it this week after the international break!
        Potential rests here and there.

        It will be Mount or Zaha next week along with Pukki/Wilson

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Fair enough. Pukki of those two?

  11. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    BREAKING: Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw have been ruled out of Manchester United's clash with Leicester this weekend with injury.

    Leicester win confirmed.

    1. FPL Hitman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      More so it confirms that Man Utd unlikely to score

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Especially with Pogba out.

      2. JonBoy
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        To play Soyuncu....Hmmm.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      "Leicester win confirmed" from Ole quote too? He has changed his tune.

  12. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    https://twitter.com/SimonPeach/status/1172434743151005696?s=20

    Vardy owners, congrats on the high rank coming

  13. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Which template WC team should I pick?

    A)
    Pope, Button
    Soyuncu, TAA, Digne, Lundstram, Kelly*
    Salah, Sterling, KdB, McGinn*, Cantwell
    Haller, Barnes*, Pukki

    B)
    Pope, Button
    Soyuncu, TAA, Digne, Lundstram, Otamendi*
    Salah, Sterling, KdB, Mount*, Cantwell
    Haller, Pukki, Greenwood*

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer the potential of B overall

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers! So don't really have a punt in my wc which makes me doubt

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          At this stage in the season I personally think that sticking with tried and tested form and fixture winners is best.

          Punts, if taken, need to be well-educated/ researched ones that have stats to back them up.

          Later in the season when you are looking to make leapfrog jumps in OR is the time to take riskier punts

          Just my opinion

          1. Tshelby
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            My only really doubt is whether to play with Haller/Pukki or Barnes/Haller. More love for Barnes actually.

            1. Don Kloppeone
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Barnes is a safer pick. Pukki more fun. He won't haul every week but he is ballsy and super-attacking so I think he will still be great value

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Agree with Don.No need to punt with 30 whatever games left.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Ha - that's quite impressive that you agreed with the point I made before I made it above! 😉

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Not real magic, more Derren Brown

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Ah just an illusion then 😆

  14. Mikha In A Tutu
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Ceballos to McGinn or hold?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Hold

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Hold - plenty considering bringing him in so don't remove him

    3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ceballos the superior player both in real and in FPL

  15. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    1FT, 0.3 ITB

    Pope, Button

    VVD, Digne, AWB, Montoya, Diop

    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Martial, Dendoncker

    Pukki, Barnes, Greenwood

    Martial to James?

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Honestly don’t bother with United players. Transfers waiting to happen.

      Get Mount.

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah I think that could be a decent move. You could even get in TAA or Otamendi for AWB if you feel flush!

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Or Mount - still a good pick I think

    4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Get maddison! Hes going to get a huge Haul. I wish I got him instead of Son last week

  16. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Morning!

    Am I ok to save FT do you think? Agree with bench/ order?
    Constantly changing the armband from Sterling to Salah and back....

    1FT 0.5itb
    Heaton
    VVD, Zinch, Digne, Lunds
    Salah, Sterling (C), KDB, Mount
    Pukki, Haller
    (Button) (AWB, Greenwood, Dendo)

    Thank you fine people - finally the GW has come! GL!

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah you can save.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate - you all set?

    2. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good! I would also save and get AWB out next week.

      Good luck

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Nice one - yeh he's definitely on the chopping block but bench is good enough to cover

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Hold

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers 🙂

  17. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Young, Lindelof, Maguire, Rojo

    2 words. 10 letters. Vardy Party!

  18. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    1. James and King
    Or
    2. Cantwell and Wilson

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      2

  19. RIDZ
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Play Lundstram or Ayew?
    Ayew play away but it still in London right? Spurs still no cs also.
    Sheffield never got blank from his last 4.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      If borederline, go for the striker.

  20. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with AWB?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      can you bench this week? needs to be sold asap

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        No way. Might as well sell.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          good.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sell or get Lund off the bench

    3. UpAndAway
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      In a similar position. I might play Dunk instead for this GW and then get rid. No chance Man Utd keeps a CS.

    4. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sell asap but dont think i will be able to this week.

      Could do AWB to Burnley def or Otamendi... but not convinced City will get a CS this weekend.

      And I think my priority is to upgrade VvD to TAA.

    5. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sell

    6. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Liverpool kiss

    7. FPL Hitman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Just sold for Ota

    8. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sold for Ota last week

  21. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Rash > Vardy (C) worth -8?

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

      Yeah

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Almost

    3. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      not for -8

  22. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Play Mount or Dunk? Can’t see Mount getting anything...

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Dunk for the 0-0?

  23. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who to play for Martial?

    A) Montoya (BUR)
    B) Guilber (WHU)
    C) Greenwood (LEI)

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  24. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    AWB have to go, which one in?

    A) TAA (Have VvD)
    B) Digne

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  25. BarrowAFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Trossard replacement? Have 6.6m

    A) Mount
    B) James
    C) Lanzini
    D) Ceballos
    E) Cantwell
    F) Anyone else?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. Raging wildcard
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Tielemans, although he doesn't have the best fixtures. I'd say Mount out of those. Iwobi is also an option if you're feeling lucky

  26. Raging wildcard
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Got bottomed on the last. Really struggling with these choices, I guess one is a bit more template than the other:

    A) Son, Guendouzi, Auba
    B) Mane, Iwobi, Haller

    Thanks!

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I like both, can't decide sorry

  27. Polar_Bear
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A) Otamendi, Barnes & Guendouzi/Dedonker
    B) Otamendi, Ayew & James
    C) Kelly, Barnes & James

    Already have Cantwell in these scenarios. Thanks

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

  28. Benster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I feel this article has persuaded me to Cap Sterling over Salah.

    I've been on Salah all week and at first glance he looks to have the best fixture, but how many of us have been caught out going for the 'obvious' so far this season. Not many of us have picked the best Cap each week.

    Is that a good reason for picking Sterling? Probably not.

    I'm thinking that if Pep was going to rest Sterling he will do it midweek in CL, as Mahrez and Bilva can deputise.

    How's everyone else feeling?

    1. theodosios
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Torn between those two...I'm on Salah all week but there will be a goal fiesta at Norwich...

  29. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A or B??

    A play lundi (have Henderson)
    B get DSilva for martial for -4

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  30. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    a) ota and lanzini/ceballos
    b) soyuncu and haller

    pick...

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A