Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain candidates for Gameweek 22?

The captaincy debate for Gameweek 22 may not be as simple as Fantasy Premier League managers are hoping.

Heading into the first round of action since the FA Cup third round, we now embark on the second half of the current campaign.

Every season, the January transfer window proves a major landmark for change and shifting templates.

For example, Southampton spent much of 2019/20 as whipping boys but they come into Gameweek 22 much improved at the back – perhaps the biggest issue with this week’s captaincy conundrum.

To help guide you to the right skipper for your team we will analyse the recent statistical form of each candidate and compare them with the defensive performances of their upcoming opponents.

As this article uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those signed up either as a season-long, monthly or discounted Member will be able to access it in full.

Captain Poll

Despite missing the last two Gameweeks, Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) has returned to the Captain Poll’s summit once again.

Just shy of 39% of you had voted for the Leicester City forward ahead of Southampton’s trip to the King Power Stadium.

The last time the two sides met saw Vardy bag a hat-trick and an assist in a 9-0 win and it appears that a large number of Fantasy managers are hoping for something similar.

It may feel like a while since Vardy truly rocked the Fantasy world but if we forget his last two absences, influenced by paternal duties and a subsequent injury, he is still a reliable option. Between Gameweeks 9 and 19 he started every match and blanked only once.

However, the chances of another 9-0 drubbing for Southampton do look unlikely. Their defence has improved of late, resulting in two clean sheets in their last four, one at Chelsea and the other at home against Spurs.

A long way off in the poll’s second place is Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne (£10.6m) who faces Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Despite a spirited EFL Cup semi-final first-leg performance against Leicester on Wednesday night, Dean Smith’s defence has been in recent Premier League displays.

In their last four outings, they have conceded three times on two occasions, while across their last three at home, Villa have let in an average of 2.3 per game.

De Bruyne himself has attacking returns in four of his last five, two of them double-digit returns.

It appears that the Belgian remains the most trustworthy asset in Manchester City ranks considering the rotation and patchy nature of some of his colleagues.

Sergio Aguero (£11.7m), with just one start and one goal since Gameweek 14 is the next most-popular among Pep Guardiola’s charges, backed by just 3.5% in the poll.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling (£11.8m), with two double-digit hauls but four blanks in his last seven, has the support of just 2.9%.

Marcus Rashford (£9.2m) looks set for third place in the vote, backed by 9.1% ahead of Manchester United’s meeting with Norwich City.

The Canaries have kept just one clean sheet since Gameweek 10 although have largely fared better on their travels than at home.

Each of their last three at Carrow Road has seen Norwich concede twice, but they have let in just one goal in each of their last three on the road.

Rashford is in good form at Old Trafford though, blanking there just once since Gameweek 4.

John Lundstram (£5.1m) has been considered an outside captain option by many this season but Gameweek 22 sees him get more support than usual.

5.1% of the voters are backing the Sheffield United man ahead of a meeting with West Ham.

The Hammers may have scored four times against a hapless Bournemouth last time out but it’s still early days in David Moyes’ second spell as manager.

Meanwhile, only Leicester (eight) have kept more clean sheets than Sheffield United (seven) this season.

Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) is the most fashionable captain option at Liverpool as they prepare to face Spurs, although the Egyptian is backed only by 3.9%.

Jose Mourinho has struggled to turn around the defensive fortunes in north London, conceding in all but one of his matches since taking charge – which could open the door for Salah and his colleague Sadio Mané (£12.3m).

The latter has accrued just 2.7% of the votes but has outscored Salah over the last three matches by 8.3 points per game to 5.3.

Tammy Abraham (£7.8m), Raúl Jiménez (£7.5m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m), Anthony Martial (£7.9m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.9m) and Richarlison (£8.0m) are the only other options backed by more than 1%.

Player statistics – Last four matches

881 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Djemba-Djemba
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench from
    A) richarlison
    B) Traore
    C) KDB
    D) martial

    And then from
    1) VVD
    2) Soy
    3) lundstram
    4) Rico

    1. Djemba-Djemba
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Or bench boost?

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Honestly depending on how well set up you are for the doubles and what chips you have left BB could work a treat for you. Don't see many benching headaches this bad!

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Really, some of those names?

      Traore and Rico.

      1. Djemba-Djemba
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I benched Traore on his previous hauls. I can't do that to him again, then again if I don't bench him he will blank.

    3. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      ouch! Richarlison and Rico. Save bench boost

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

      B4, but really tough

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

      B4

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

      Traore and Rico. Traore is inconsistent and Bournemouth are dire right now.

  2. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all. Wondering if Dilva is becoming a useful cheap City asset, especially as a possible Alli replacement.

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely, top player.

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        He's got me thinking. He'll surely start and his points per start are incredible

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Only a little bit worried of his game time

  3. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Appreciate your help on these 2 questions guys:

    1. Combo for Dgw24 to accommodate a 3rd Liv player
    a) SALAH - Maddison - DCL play 3-4-3 (Hayden as a fodder)
    b) SALAH - Grealish - Maddison and fodder, play 3-5-2 (Connoly/ Greenwood as a fodder)
    c) SALAH - Grealish - Jimenez and fodder, play 3-4-3 (Hayden as a fodder)
    d) ROBBO/VVD - Richarlison/Martial -Maddison - Jimenez, play whatever works

    2. Who to play this week?
    1) Alli
    2) Grealish
    3) Alli->Martial/Richarlison and go for option D above

    Ramsdale
    Taa Soy Lundstram
    Mane Kdb Maddison Grealish
    Vardy Ings Jimenez

    Alli Rico Kelly

    1. shawry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Probably 1b

  4. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Morning

    In your opinion who is the best 7.0m MF to have for the next few GWs for this front 8

    Mane KDB Dendoncker Grealish xxxxxxxx

    Vardy DCL Maupay

    Any ideas would be welcomed

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

      Who do you like?

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

      Sarr

  5. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    GTG? £0.8m in the bank.

    Schmeichel
    TAA, Lund, Holgate
    Mane, Maddison, KDB, Traore
    Vardy(C), Jimenez, Ings.

    Bench: Alli, Gomez, Kelly

    1. Djemba-Djemba
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good but all that money for Alli to sit on the bench not worth it

      1. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I can afford a decent replacement (like Dilva, Mahrez or Richarlison), but then who to bench this week?

      2. Jarnathan
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I don't get that logic at all. The point of having a bench is to play who you think will get the most points. Some weeks good players are less likely to score than cheaper options.

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

    Hello guys, who to bench and in what order?

    Hendo
    Rico Lunds Dunk Cathcart TAA
    Grealish Mane KDB Martial Cantwell
    Rash Ings Vardy

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cantwell - Cathcart - Rico

  7. Champione
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1st sub:
    A) Gomez
    B) Cantwell

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

      b

  8. Don Van Vliet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Somehow still can't get the hang of De Bruyne...

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cross your fingers he's playing DM with Silva back. No hurry to get him right now.

  9. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Lol'd @ United player topping the RMT

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

    Final dilemma of the gameweek, barring any surprises, is who to captain.

    I have Mane and Salah, so I'm happy with LIV coverage... I think they will win well but doubling up means it would be more risky putting my eggs all in one basket by (C) one of them.

    So that leaves KDB and Vardy...

    1. KDB (avl) [there is a danger of rest, also he could be in a deep role, but they are playing Villa and could rip them apart with him at the centre of it all and has 2 days extra rest than the below]

    2. Vardy (SOU) [his opposition have improved massively in form, and may want some response to the 0-9, Vardy looked ok midweek, and Ndidi could be a huge loss, but its Vardy and he good PARTY, hes well rested from xmas, his EO will be highest so safe option too]

    Thoughts and comments welcome

    Thanks all

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

      I have the same 4 options and you have read my thought exactly. I am currently on vardy but currently am looking at the Liverpool options. Salah may be a bit gutted about the afcom trophy and remind people with a good performance or mane may remind everyone Why Is the king.

      As for kdb, I agree with you completely that he could play deeper and reduces mins.

      As for vardy I think Southampton will want to prove something but I have read somewere it's his birthday???

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

        It is his birthday yeah so he could be wanting a party for sure!!

        I think if KDB was going to be playing forward he would definitely get it but with that uncertainty it makes you turn your attention to Vardy doesn’t it

  11. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:

    A- Tomori ( BUR)
    B- Rico ( WAT)
    C- Grealish (MCI)

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rico

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

      B

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

  12. Riders of Yohan
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Help appreciated!

    2FT, 0.4ITB

    Henderson,
    Aurier, TAA, Lund
    Salah, KDB, Maddison, alli
    Vardy, Jiminez, Tammy

    Bench: Cantwell, Kelly, Target

    Obvious glaring options are Aurier, Alli and Target - which to prioritise getting out?

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

      Aurier

    2. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I did Aurier to Holgate this week

  13. gelisiguzel
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    GTG? Not sure about benching Traore tbh

    Ryan,
    TAA,Lunds, Aurier
    Mane, KDB, Maddison, Richarlison
    Vardy, Jimmy (vc), Aguero(C)

    Subs: Butt, Traore, Kelly, Simpson

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

      Gtg. Bench Maddi?

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

      Too risky for the captaincy there.

      1. gelisiguzel
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I know, maybe I will give the armband to Jimmy or KDB after the press conferences

  14. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    This article hasn't made it any easier selecting captain this week!

    Dullard pick with Vardy for me.

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Choice between Vardy and KDB if haven't got Rashford, I think

      1. InvertedWinger
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I've got Vardy Rashford KDB Mane and Martial. Moved it around 4-5 times already. Currently have it on Vardy and think it might stay on him

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

      Strange that there is no mention of Southampton will be up for this after the 9 nil thumping.....they have a point to prove

  15. Punter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What to do here?

    Ryan
    Digne - Soy - Gomez - Lundstram
    Richarlison - Mane - KdB - Alli
    Aguero (C) - Vardy

    Stek - Greenwood - Rico - Cantwell £1.3ITB

    Used my FT to move Pope.

    Alli seems like a problem but his next 2 fixtures are pretty nice. Could move him for a hit for Maddo, Martial. Thinking Aguero to Firmino for GW24

    Cheers

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

      Aguero would be great against that Villa defence if we were sure he starts but could well be Jesus who historically is preferred in away trips.

  16. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, have 2FT and 0.0 ITB. What do you think I should do? (Assuming Maddison is not injured).

    Ramsdale (WAT)
    Soyuncu(SOU) - TAA(tot) - Lundstram(WHM)
    Salah(tot) - KDB(avl) - Maddison(SOU) - Grealish(MCI) - Mane(tot)
    Vardy(SOU) - Ings(lei)

    Bench: Button, Rico, Greenwood, Kelly

    Cheers

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

      Ramsdale to Mcarthy

      1. john25
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you, was looking at that but it feels like downgrading unnecessarily when Bournemouth fixtures is much better this GW (and the next few). Think its the best thing to do?

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

          Itl be good in the long run imo. Otherwise i guess you could remove Rico for someone

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

    Richarlison for the armband!
    Gtg?
    3.0itb
    Pope
    Trent Lundy Sidibie
    Mane(vc) KDB Grealish Rich(c)
    Ings Maupay Vardy

    Butt Moura Gomez Kelly

  18. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    KDB captain anyone?

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

      Tempting......Only worry is if dilva plays KDB could play deeper

  19. Burger_and_Chips
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who to captain?

    A. Salah
    B. Mane
    C. KDB
    D. Vardy (Currently)
    E. Tammy
    F. DCL
    G. Lundstram

    1. JammySprat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      G

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

      Go with gut for A - D or flip a coin

  20. Riders of Yohan
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Alli + Aurier -> Mahrez + Holgate

    Mahrez will be a two week punt to be downgraded for funds for Mane for the DGW.

    What do you think? Rest of the team:

    Henderson,
    Aurier, TAA, Lund
    Salah, KDB, Maddison, alli
    Vardy, Jiminez, Tammy

    Bench: Cantwell, Kelly, Target

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I considered this, but mine was for a -4. If for free, I would.

  21. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Good morning! Anyone wildcarding this week? How's your current draft looking?

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

      McCarthy McGovern
      TAA Sidibe Lund Soy Stephens
      Salah Mane KDB Madders Hayden
      Vardy Jimenez Ings

      Thinking of Jimenez to Deeney and Madders to Mahrez, but I'm not sure both punts are worth it long-term... As this is a long-term WC anyway

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Very nice - good balance. Wouldn’t fiddle with that probs

        But do Jim and Sidibe add up to Dilva and DCL?

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

          Thanks! 🙂

          Not sure if you made a mistake there. That's a striker and defender to a mid and striker... Sidibe, Soy and Lund rotate perfectly for the two defence spots, with Stephens coming in for GW27 with Sidibe and Soy both having tough games

          I like Dilva, but it's very hard to guess what Pep's plan currently is. KDB, Sterling, Mahrez, Bilva and even Foden have been doing so well. It's a true minefield and I'd just have to bite the bullet by having only KDB, who's currently my captain

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Sorry was thinking upgrade of Hayden to a power 3-5-2 - didn’t make it clear

            Dilva has been pretty much nailed when fit so far. At one level I see him as KdB insurance as one of them anyway will play the advanced role

            (Went WC last week with Martial in fifth spot who’ll become Dilva next week

            You’ve done a better job than me in getting a defence 🙂 Kiko hasn’t turned out that well)

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

              Ah schmuck. Hard luck with the Kiko injury there. Dilva does fit in nicely in Jim's place and I'll consider that, thanks

      2. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not bad! In form Mahrez is unplayable and I always had a soft spot for him. Man's a beast, but Pep has so many options.
        My biggest issue is that I need to restructure my team and might need to do it quickly. Differentials like Sterling, Zaha, Pereira, Kane, Alli sadly all underperformed. I got rid of Spurs players for Sadio and Danny at last but I still feel like I need to make more changes...

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

          I love the template and try to predict or keep up with it while also getting players I feel would do well, no matter the ownership. But it's been a rollercoaster season and trying to predict who'll hit/maintain form does feel like gambling, even with good stats (Pulisic, Alli...), so I'm just going for safety now with my TV as an edge

    2. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ryan
      Taa,Lund,Holgate,Soy
      Mane,Salah,Kdb,Martial
      Vardy,Ings

      How?

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Quality!

  22. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    With Kane being sidelined through injury, Alli to be on pens ? Might bring him in after the Pool double

    1. JammySprat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe Erikson?

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

      Hadn't considered this. Could well be right.

  23. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Helpful as always but for clarity article says that Brighton at Chelsea but in fact they are at Everton- Burnley at Chelsea

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep! Repeated a few times.

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

      Will pass on, cheers.

  24. wildnothing
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Nothing urgent to do here right? 1 ft 1.3 itb. Bench Söyuncu or Traoré?

    Henderson
    TAA Lundstram Sidibé
    KDB Salah Maddison Willian Traoré
    Vardy Rashford (c)

    Pope Söyuncu Maupay Dunk

    1. Rohirrims
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Traore

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Bench Trao

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Soy

  25. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best DEF for 4.4m or less as bench fodder? (Have Kelly, Soyunchu, Lund and TAA)

    A Stephens (Saints)
    B Kiko
    C Holgate

    Captain
    1 KDB
    2 Salah
    3 Vardy

    1. Rohirrims
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C2

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

      A2

    3. G Banger
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C3 for me

  26. amit1964
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    c-3

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

      P-0

  27. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all!

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA / Soyunco / Lundstram (Kelly / Rico)
    Salah / Mane / KDB / Grealish (Cantwell)
    Maupay / Jiminez / Vardy (C)

    1 FT with 0.4 in the bank... not got any fires but thoughts on the followng?

    a) Kelly to Holgate
    b) Maupay to DCL
    c) Save

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

  28. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1 ft people and 0 ITb any ideas?

    Guaita
    Vvd, taa, soy, cathcart
    Traoré, kdb, alli, salah
    Vardy, rashford

    Bench, Stekelenburg, greenwood, lundstram, dendoncker

    1. DALEDOBACK
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Start Lund over Cathcart. Save transfer

  29. DALEDOBACK
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ryan
    Lund Holgate TAA
    Mane KDB (S)alah Grealish
    Vardy Ings Jiminez

    Button Rico Kelly Dendo

    Morning all, am I GTG?
    Bench order correct?

    Thanks in advance, good luck all.

    1. G Banger
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not far off my team and set up... so GTG

      1. DALEDOBACK
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ta