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

    Iwobi or James in for Martial?

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

      Would go Lanzini or Maddison but out of those two James

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

        Contemplating lanzini or mount my self. I know mount is FF favourite but lanzini is a steady consistent player.

  2. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Really wanted to save this gw and to have 2FT and assets Son, Pepe and TAA but martial and AWB are big problems.

    Hendo
    VVD Digne Montoya Diop
    Salah KDB Sterl
    Pukki Wesley Greenwood
    (Stek, Dendonk, AWB, Martial)

    Thoughts on AWB, Martial to Lundstram, Pepe (-4)?

    Or a simple AWB to Ota

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I like the hit

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Only problem with that is it leaves 0.2m itb so can't do much with Wesley and V hard to get TAA. Hmmm

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

      yea i did AWB to oTa and also have martial... hesitating on taking a hit to get rid of martial

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

      I like the hit

  3. There's Always One!
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    There seems to be very little interest in Tammy? Surely he's a great pick now??

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

      Needs tougher opposition

    2. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah I opted for Abraham over Mount, Tammy imo is the more likely source of goals.

      1. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Running a forward line of Haller/Abraham/Pukki - quite like the price/points for this line up. Now I need to save some FT to work TAA back in.

  4. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Laporte & Perez —>

    A. TAA & 7.0m (James, McGinn, Ceballos...)
    B. Otamendi & 8.7m
    C. Pieters & 9.5m (Pepe/Son...)

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

      I'm doing A

  5. Budweiser
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed..

    Thoughts on this -4?

    AWB, Martial, Kane to TAA, Ceballos, Firmino?

    Ceballos could be Tielemans, Maddison, James.. I think its the Leicester boys immediate fixtures that I don't like and I'm hoping Ceballos will play against the weaker sides.. Right decision?

    Thanks

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Do not understand the desire for Ceballos, has hardly proven to be a regular starter and his two assists against Burnley were more down to his teammates work not that he hit a pass into a goal scoring area.

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Past the eye test.
        Injuries suggests he starts.
        Unai commuted to him having a major role to play and arsenal want him permanently
        Plays high and has Pepe, laca and Aub ahead of him
        Fixtures!
        Must I go on..

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

          I've just noticed all their midfield injuries.. Could be the better shout

    2. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd opt for James over Ceballos, been far more productive in the box with shots etc.

    3. Budweiser
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mainly because when he started he was on all set pieces and looked like the best player on the pitch. But I may opt for James then. What about the other two moves? Been disappointed with Kane

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

      I've just realised I can get TAA, Pepe & Haller instead and I prefer it. Nice differential

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

    I see no replacement for Martial below 8.2

    I might just keep him , and starr Ayew instead

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

      Moura or Rich for me personally

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks like I'm doing that, interested in D.Silva but ruins my Ota plan and Iwobi kinda messes with my structure for now. I sorta wanted to play Ayew anyway so fingers crossed against a potentially weakened Spurs defence

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

      Richarlison, Maddison and Lanzini all good options

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

    Siggy or eriksen to bring for martial?

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

      Neither imo but if I have to pick, Eriksen

  8. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pepe in and (C) wish me luck

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      (Good) luck

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        V tempted to do the same

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I have him but definitely no (c).

      Far too many better options this week to give him the armband. Maybe next week.

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

      Not worthy of the armband yet

  9. theofficialMB180
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Sterling and Jimenez or Aguero and D. Silva (or another mid)?

    and Ceballos or James?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A and Dilva

      But tough not to have sterling!

  10. tobz102
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Transfer McGinn (H) WHU
    To Ceballos (A) WAT
    Or wait a week?

  11. james 101
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    GTG?

    Pope
    TAA Lunds Mings
    Salah Sterling(vc) KDB Mount Cantwell
    Pukki Kun (c)

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks mate

    2. Big W
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      whats your bench?

  12. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    With martial and maybe lingard still out would you punt on starting Greenwood over pukki this week?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Prob not. But who knows!

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Rashford
      James Mata Pereira

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

      no

    4. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Take it from a man who did this last week - never ever again.

      The fact Greenwood didn’t start last week to me means he will never start

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Never again

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      lol

  13. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I have a feeling Wood is long due an explosion tommorow.

    1. Where has all the rum gone?
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      everyone is long due for an explosion......

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sounds like you need a girlfriend

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Can relate 😀

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

        Or have been married for a while already.

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

      When you've got Wood, you're due an explosion - fact

  14. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    How on earth can Martial still be injured!

    This season having patience is being severely punished.

    #raging

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

      Probably not arsed to play. His body language suggests as much at times.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Please tell me you are not a nurse 😉

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

        Kinky

    3. Swanremainsthesame
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not understanding your rage at Martial living up to his past history
      Why would anyone dream this season was his season?

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Are you familiar with FPL?

  15. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Was all set on Salah (c) but this article is making me reconsider. Damn it. Sterling is a really strong choice this week. I just have a bad feeling he might be rested. It happened last year right after the Intl. Break. I can see it again this year easily. But if I knew he'd start, he'd be my captain. This is rough.

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Imagine owning AWB and Martial - that’s rough

      Can’t go wrong with either captain choice

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Dropped both last game week. Glad after seeing further doubts. Manu players off my radar.

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks - this has really helped me feel better about my situation

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

      Both strong options. It'll be Salah for me as I think Shaq / Ox will start instead of one of the systemic CM's.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        That would be so sexy I forgot about this omg

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

          Shaq, Salah and Mane have had 2 weeks off. It makes sense to bring in Shaqiri behind the front 3 tomorrow.

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

      Exactly the same Camzy, have been on Salah the whole IB but now thinking NEW are too well-schooled to let him run riot and Sterling can still do damage even with a 30 mins appearance

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

      Salah at hm is a safe bet...

    5. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      For the reasons mentioned, C Salah locked in. Why take unnecessary risks.

  16. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    All you lundstram owners. We drew 5-5 in my dream last night so brace yourselves 🙂

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Hat trick?

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

      How many did he score?

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Don't even know if he was playing :/ Norwood bagged 2

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Any idea I’d Robinson is fit or injured?

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I've seen worse sources on here tbf

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

      Denis Irwin scored in my dream if that is any help. They were playing inside a church/marquee though against my old school.

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

    Decided I could keep WB this week, play Lund and get rid of Martial.

    Would you get DSilva as last City spot or look somewhere else?

    Have Sterling and KDB now.

    1. Where has all the rum gone?
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      triple city mids, is it encouraged?

  18. @persecuted_by_mods
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I used to be good at fpl and now I'm just not, and I have no idea what happened in-between

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

        “No matter how good you are at something, there’s always about a million people better than you.”

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah but I was consistently good and now I just have no idea and no real strategy

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

              "You tried your best, and you failed miserably. The lesson is: never try."

              I think just so many people play now with so much info available that it makes it much more difficult to do really well.

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

          Might be time to get a membership here.

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Did think that but don't wanna get bogged down in stats just like watching footy and making an opinion

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

            Its more likely 90% of people were total 5h17, but now they get fed sensible things to do on the fpl site.

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Maybe but wouldn't explain why my points are lower rather than rank, it's more confidence when I first started playing i was very maverick and with success captained people like welbeck Ben arfa fellaini but now I captain fail all the time almost

          3. pablo discobar
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            How am I looking?

            GK Adrian
            DEF Wan Bis, Zinchenko, Digne
            MID Salah, KDB, Sterling(c), Ceballos
            FWD Pukey, Abrahams, Haller

            Subs Pope, Lundstrum, Cantwell,Sonyucu

            If AWB isn't fit Lundstrum comes in.. 

            Plan is next week is 0 transfers unless AWB looks like falling in price, if so I'd probably sell for a spurs with Aldetwield the front runner for safety. .1 in the bank

            Or is Matip a better option?

            Cheers.

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

              Nice team.

              Don't really know about Alderweireld or Matip. Monitor this weekend imo

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

            Playing my wildcard. Which option do you prefer?

            A) Pukki/Haller
            B) Barnes/Haller
            C) Barnes/Pukki
            D) Get Barnes/Pukki/Haller but lose Mount on midfield for McGinn

            1. HurriKane
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              D

            2. pablo discobar
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              I like D tbh there mate

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

                Cheers! Mount not a must have for his price?

          5. The Real Big Vern
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I assume that this Martial news means Sutherns will finally let him drop in price

            1. SADIO SANÉ
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              His flag will change again and hopefully prevent it again haha

            2. Party time
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Hahahaha... No he should let him retain his price. Rubbish!

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

              Any news about Mepham? Appears to be flagged

            4. DOGS
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              best AWB replacement?

              1. HurriKane
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Ota straight swap if you got taa/digne already

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

                Ota

            5. camarozz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Too early for Pepe???

              Trossard+Kane OUT

              Pepe+Haller IN - 4????

              Y OR N??

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

                Pepe looks good and has nice fixtures. It's a risk but you could be rewarded very well. I would do it

              2. HurriKane
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Why sell kane? Scored in 3 consecutive matches and looking sharp

              3. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Dew it.

                I brought him in this week.

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

              Hows this WC guys? 0.4ITB

              Pope (Button)

              Pieters / Alexander-Arnold / Lundstram (Rico / Kelly)

              Salah / Sterling / De Bruyne / Martial (Cantwell)

              Barnes / Pukki / Abraham

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

                Might want to rethink Martial for starters.

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

              RMT. On a WC:
              Pope Button
              TAA Zinchenko Dunk Lundstram Rico
              Salah KDB Sterling Trossard Dendoncker
              Barnes Pukki Haller

              Any changes I should make? 0.3 ITB

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

                Trossard is out until mid October...

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

              Pope, (button)
              Vvd, digne, lund, (Montoya), (rico)
              Sterling, kdb, salah, mount, lanzini
              Pukki, Jimenez, (Greenwood)

              1.2 itb, 1 ft...
              A) c Wilson in for Jimenez
              B) save ft

            9. theroadrunner
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Pope
              Digne Mepham Lundstram Mait-Niles
              Mane Salah Mcginn De Bruyne Sterling
              Pukki

              Heaton Soyuncu 4.5 4.5

              GTG??

              Thanks.

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

              Ceballos to McGinn?
              Hold?

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

                Hold, arsenal have good fixtures and Ceballos looks good

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

                  Will Ceballos start?

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

                    I think so

              2. ‘Tis the Season
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Why? Sideways

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

                Ceballos much better and will start imo

            11. Crouching Tiger
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              RMWCT:

              Pope (Button)
              Digne - Otamendi - Lundstram (Pieters, Kelly)
              Salah(c) - Sterling - James - Mount (Cantwell)
              Pukki - Aguero - Abraham

              Good to go?

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                8(0)
                8 6 8 (6 2)
                8 9 6 6 (6)
                8 8 7
                Good side
                Arguing about James and Mount all week not good enough

                1. james 101
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  I’ve got mount

                  James is tempting though

                2. Crouching Tiger
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Thanks. Liking James & Mount as value options at the moment & great form.