Captain Poll

FPL managers set for more tough captaincy choices in Gameweek 9

After weeks of captaincy frustration, Fantasy Premier League managers are set for more tough armband decisions ahead of Gameweek 9.

Manchester City and Liverpool both have relatively challenging away matches next weekend, which could deter us from the usual suspects.

Pep Guardiola’s defending champions travel to Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, where Crystal Palace have conceded just one goal in four matches this season.

That strike came in the dying embers of a 1-1 draw with Wolves in Gameweek 6, courtesy of Diogo Jota (£6.1m).

Outside of that, the Eagles have kept clean sheets Everton, Aston Villa and Norwich in front of their own fans.

Manchester City assets underwhelmed in their 2-0 defeat to Wolves

Naturally, Manchester City do usually pose a greater threat, with owners of Sergio Aguero (£12.2m), Raheem Sterling (£12.1m) and Kevin de Bruyne (£10.0m) all hoping for both starts and returns this weekend.

But the Citizens’ recent poor performance against Wolves in Gameweek 8 might go some way to putting Fantasy managers off for the captaincy, especially considering Palace’s home defensive record.

Meanwhile, Liverpool travel to Old Trafford, a ground at which they have never won in the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp.

In all competitions, the former Borussia Dortmund manager has drawn three and lost one at Manchester United’s historic stadium during his time in charge of the Reds.

In total, his side has scored three goals there but on their most recent visit, back in February, the match ended 0-0.

Fantasy managers are likely to steer clear of Liverpool attackers for the captaincy in Gameweek 9

While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have been far from special going forward this season, their defence has shown some improvement on last season.

They have two Premier League clean sheets at Old Trafford in 2019/20, against Chelsea and Leicester and have been boasting some relatively impressive defensive underlying statistics.

All of this is likely to leave nagging questions at the back of the mind for Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Sadio Mané (£11.7m) owners when it comes to the armband.

Given Manchester United’s shocking attacking displays of late, perhaps Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) and Andrew Robertson (£6.9m) might receive more consideration than their midfield colleagues?

Aubameyang and Arsenal are likely to find life tough at Sheffield United next Monday

Even those looking at Arsenal assets such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.1m) may have their concerns about a Monday night trip to Sheffield United.

The Blades have conceded just seven goals this season, only Liverpool have allowed fewer, while Chris Wilder has made all the top-six sides work for their results thus far.

Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw in Gameweek 4, while the only reason Klopp’s men scored at Bramall Lane in Gameweek 7 was because of an uncharacteristic error from Dean Henderson (£4.5m).

For all of those reasons, Gameweek 9 could be see a host of differential options top the upcoming captain poll, which you can now vote in (below).

Wilson will be the favourite Bournemouth option ahead of Norwich’s trip to the Vitality Stadium

Naturally, there will be a lot of consideration for Bournemouth assets in Gameweek 9 as they host a Norwich side that conceded five at home to Aston Villa last time out.

Callum Wilson (£7.9m) is expected to be the favourite of these having registered attacking returns in all but one match so far this season.

Those unable to get the England international into their squads may also look to Josh King (£6.3m), who has double-figure hauls in both of his last two matches at the Vitality Stadium – and remains the Cherries’ penalty taker.

Abraham has been in decent statistical form of late

One of just two of Gameweek 8’s top 20 captains to actually deliver attacking returns was Tammy Abraham (£7.7m), who, with each passing week, looks more and more capable of factoring in the conversation for the armband.

After the first eight matches of the 2019/20 campaign, the Chelsea forward is joint-top of the league for goals scored, alongside Aguero (eight).

Abraham is also top of the league for shots on target, which is probably why his bonus score is also looking quite healthy, a total of 11 to his name thus far – more than any other player.

Ahead of Newcastle’s visit to Stamford Bridge, it would be surprising to see Abraham not considered among the best options, especially given the Magpies’ record on the road this season.

In four away matches in 2019/20, Steve Bruce’s men have conceded 11 times, an average of 2.75 per game.

You can now vote in the latest captain poll on our website, either below or in the sidebar on the right.

Joe and David will be speaking about the debate in the captain video, which you can watch on our YouTube channel from 12:30 pm on Monday.

1,741 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tolly101
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    WC team - thoughts?
    Pope
    TAA, Tomori, Soyuncu Lundstram, Rico
    Sterling, Salah, Maddison, Mount, Saka
    Wilson, Abraham, Vardy

    1. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      mane over salah

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I like it
      I'd consider KDB Bolly Gazzaniga if i'm WCing ..

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No KDB no Sterling is going to hurt you imo.

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Look again

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

        Sorry I see you have sterling. Yes looks OK now I've opened my eyes lol

    4. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Who you thinking of captaining ?

      1. Tolly101
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        risky going without KDB i know...just can’t find space for him unless I drop Sterling which i’m not keen to do.

        currently on Abraham for captain but could easily change before sat. few good options for captain this week!

        1. Postman Ty
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Certainly not riskier than bringing him in before he's confirmed fit. Could just as likely play one game and be back on the treatment table like last season.

    5. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I would consider DSilva over Maddison, if you already have Vardy!

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

    best captain choice for this week?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Josh King

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Jamieeeeeeeeeeee

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Hudson-Odoi

  3. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Have exact cash to do
    Ceballos ➡️ Gendouzi/max 5m
    Pukki ➡️ Wilson
    For free
    Yes or no

    1. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Hold

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

        2 free transfers burning a whole in my pocket!

        Pope
        Taa Otamendi soyuncu
        Salah sterling kdb Cantwell
        Pukki Haller Abraham

        McGovern fredricks lundstram ceballos

        Any ideas more than welcome
        2ft 0.2 Itb cheers

        1. FPL_DON
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Sorry to clarify, good moves, but hold till later in the week 🙂

  4. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    GTG?

    Gazzaniga
    TAA Otamendi Aurier Rico
    Salah DSilva Yarmolenko
    Aguero(C) Aubameyang Abraham

    Button Cantwell Lundstram Guendouzi

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I would play lundy over rico but i'm crazy so don't listen to me.
      Aurier may not even play with foyth fit so lundy may play if you switch him with cantwell

    2. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Good team

  5. Viper
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Completely out of the loop. Don't know whether I'm coming or going.

    Any ideas what I should do with this? I'm probably as likely to save a FT as I am to WC. 1.2m in the bank.

    Heaton Button

    Otamendi Robertson Rico Montoya Tomori

    Salah Sterling KDB Mcginn Mount

    Abraham Pukki Greenwood

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

      I would do Pukki to Wilson

  6. IWR
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Montoya Dunk or Tomori the best cheap def to pick up this week?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Tomori

    2. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Thinking Dunk myself, damn yellow cards though

  7. Postman Ty
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is it just me or is picking a keeper right now a complete crap shoot? 4.6 to spend. Only viable options in my opinion and Ryan, Pope, and Gazzaniga (loosely in that order for me), all of which have solid drawbacks.

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Pope for me

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Not anty really good options rn. But if I were on a wildcard I would punt on Gazzaniga.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Not really any good*

  8. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    New WC draft, anything glaring you would change here? Thanks.

    Gazzaniga / Whiteman
    TAA / Tierney / Boly / Lundstram / Rico
    Mane / KDB / Maddison / Mount / Dendoncker
    Aubameyang / Wilson / Abraham

    0ITB.

    1. andre_c
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure about Gazza besides that great team

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No Sterling or Kun?

  9. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    who scores more:

    1. Pukki (bou)
    2. C. Wilson (NOR)

    trying to figure out whether to hold Pukki and save FT or make the transfer...

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      2

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      2

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Probably B

      You are happy to have ft, I am wondering whethet to take a hit for that.

      1. IWR
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Debating the same. Pretty much need a double return from Wilson to cover the hit, risky but could work.

  10. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Pukki -> King on a FT or save?

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Could go either way

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

      think im going to do it mate... some on here considering doing it for -4

  11. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    A or B?
    A. Vardy and Maddy
    B. Mane and Lund/Rico/Connolly (rotate)

    Cheers.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      A

  12. BlzE_94
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Have i benched the right players?

    Pope
    TAA Digne Mings
    Mane Son Maddison Mount
    Aguero Abraham Pukki

    Bench: Button, Saka, Soyuncu, Lundstram

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Play Soy over Mings

  13. COYS Down Under
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    When captaining Aguero, Salah or Sterling is a massive differential it feels no a brainer to pick one of them.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Just pick the one you think will score the most points regardless of EO

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      'massive'

      1. COYS Down Under
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Well 55% of people are captaining Abraham or Wilson so that’s pretty big.

  14. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone going without Kun and Sterling?

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Loads

      1. Arctic monkeys
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Thought you said with, I'd like to have at least one of them.

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Had my best gameweek of the season without....

    3. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yep...only have kdb and ota. Salah's my only premium

    4. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Will be doing from this GW onwards, just Ota and KDB

    5. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      In the long run i think I’ll go without both but right now I have both. Still thinking on it though. City definitely have the highest ceiling in terms of goals as a team though.

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

      Its crazy talk for me. They will get 100+ goals again this season

  15. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    A. Vardy + Yarmolenko
    B. Wilso + Maddison

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      A for me

  16. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Please choose 2
    A. Sterling
    B. Mane
    C. Auba
    Ta.

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      B & C

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Form B and C
      Fixtures A and C

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      A + C

  17. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Captain sterling is a good idea?
    Also have Auba kun Mahrez Vardy

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Would captain Aguero... unless Guardiolas pressconference pursays me to do otherwise. In that case it's prolly gonna be Tammy or Sterling

  18. leo_messi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Will Pukki survive another night???

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yes.. what are you doing with him?

      1. leo_messi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        2 Ft Firmino Pukki to Vardy Wilson

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

    Captain who?

    a. Stirling
    b. Tammy
    c. Vardy
    d. Auba.
    e. Salah.

    Cheers.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      CP goes B.

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

        Thanks TM.

  20. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Would you bench PVA (MCL) and play Rico (NOR)?
    ...keep changing my mind on this one!

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Clear winner on RMT.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        yeah but still dont like benching PVA, he's the type of player that can scores or assist on the counter regardless of opposition!

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Do you still owe Pukki?
          PVA won't have penalties this week to save you unless Milo is off.

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Yup, still own Pukki

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 5 months ago

              If you didn't, Rico would be easier.
              Playing both like to get a return as Pukki is highly involved in Norwich goals.
              Problem with Rico is Bournemouth have 0 CS.

              1. jia you
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 5 months ago

                Exactly mate, not convinced Rico will get anything but unlikely PVA will either I guess! Cheers!

  21. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Kane with 5 goals in 8 games which is decent considering Spurs iffy form...
    19% ownership so it feels a cheeky captaincy pick v WAT this GW, could do with a captaincy haul stop the rot!

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

      Last chance saloon for Harry and me. Had him since GW 1 and blanked 2 (Newcastle, Brighton) of the 4 times I've captained him. I'll captain him this GW and if he blanks, he'll get the boot.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        sounds fair enough to me mate...but hopefully he gets a hattie for us 🙂

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

          Yes, please.

          Even worse? I'm Spurs. He's really tested my loyalty.

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

            (this season)

          2. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            I got him in for a two GW punt (at least) as I thought they'd bounce back strongly...then Brighton happened!

    2. Ajaxeeding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I’ve kept Kane just for WAT. Will sell him next week.

  22. rainy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Price Changes - 14th October 2019

    🔻  Iwobi (5.8), Mepham (4.4), Zabaleta (4.3), Gbamin (4.8)

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Phew. Another to think about Pukki. Thanks Rain man

    2. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Thx Rainy. Much respect. Always giving it as it comes.. These are pretty boring...
      But hey-ho it is what it is.
      Let's hope it gets more lively.

      Happy Monday to ya'All

  23. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard?

    Gazzaniga 4.0
    TAA Soyuncu Lundstram Rico Kelly
    Sterling Mane KDB CHO Dendoncker
    Lacazette/Vardy Wilson Abraham

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Defence a bit too weak but nice attack with Vardy although cheeky CHO punt is risky considering your back up.

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Anywhere worth downgrading to upgrade defence?

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          To each their own poison mate but I'd prob downgrade one of Wilson/Tammy and upgrade one of the defenders and do CHO to Mount.

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            ...in saying that as long as Rico and Lundstram keeps starting you'll likely get away with it.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Rather Mount in there.

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Wouldn’t we all

    3. Bring back Rafa
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Solid. Make sure you take Spurs 4.0 GK, which will cover you just in case Gazza gets injured.....at least until Lloris is back anyway

  24. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    How's she looking for GW9?

    Pope
    TAA / Otamendi / Rico
    Sterling / Mahrez / Mane / Mount
    Kane(C) / Pukki / Connolly
    (Button, PVA, Cantwell, Pieters)

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

      sell Kane Pukki Mahrez Mane
      buy Vardy ANO DeB Salah

      1. Klein
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Who is ANO?

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

          ANy Other player ... preferably Tammy

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        I've just bought Mane, why the hell would I sell him?
        The other three are on borrowed time tbf.

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

          Does Mane cover Salah ? 😉

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Haha, the better player this season is Mane imo and he could yet prove the best FPL asset this season...time will tell 😉

  25. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Sorry to be that guy but I didn't keep track on FPL life since the break.

    Are Salah, KDB and Cantwell likely to start GW9 ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Won't know about KDB until later in the week and how Pep wants to protect him.
      Cantwell is carrying a hammy injury which sticks around.
      Salah will play if close to 100%.

  26. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    I'm going to win FPL this year

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Need to break 80K to have a chance.

      1. noahzark22
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Haters gonna hate

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      sorry to burst your bubble but you're going to finished second

      1. noahzark22
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        i'll take it

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          🙂

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

    How is this team looking for this week ?

    Pope
    TAA Otamendi Lowton
    Sterling KDB Maddison Mount
    Auba Wilson(c) Abraham(vc)

    Button Cantwell Lund Kelly

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good if all start.

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

        Yeah that's my concern...

  28. Bggz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    ota, pukki -> tammy, leicesterdefwithfunnyname

    -4 ?

  29. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Had a quick look at LMS

    4 teams in the top 1K overall.
    Lowest team ranked 4m+

    1. Klein
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Surely that 4m team is gonna win.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Could happen for sure.

  30. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Son* or KDB on wildcard?

    *Would use my FT on this move next week

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      A little early in the week for an informed answer.