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

    I think Jimi is a great shout for captain. Not many will pick him, great chance at home against an awful Newcastle defence, think he will score plus great assist and bap potential. KDB vc.

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Newcastle defence is nt lousy

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

        Only 4 teams have conceded more than them. They are pretty awful at the back.

        1. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          But still i think at most 2-0.

      2. Binny
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        ?

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

          To above post - they are surely quite poor on what I have seen

    2. Le Bluff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Agree. I don't have him, but really do fear and him and Martial this week.

      Jimenez as good a shout as Vardy for the captaincy IMO. Poeple will go for Vardy (rightly) because he's the safe choice.

    3. drughi
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Have considered him but just dont trust wolves enough against the lesser teams. KDB is where I'm looking

  2. Gunner1290
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Fabianski (button)
    Soy trent lund (rico, kelly)
    Salah(c) Kdb Rich Traore Ali
    Rashford Vardy (Greenwood)

    What would you do with this team. 1 free transfer and 1m in the bank

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

      Rash to Jimmy

      1. Gunner1290
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        On what basis?

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

          Norwich players are givin everything when they face Top team and got good results against them.
          At home Jimmy is facing a poor Newcastle Team

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

            Manchester United are not a top team, Norwich do not have good results against 'top teams' if we use your definition of top teams, United will favor a team who attempt to actually play them, United have 2 great fixtures in the next three and wolves turn bad.

            I can't find any possible way to justify this move other than Jimi being cheaper

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

        Wouldnt make that move.
        You could regret it, wolves fixtures turn ugly very soon, transfer waiting to happen

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

        Not this.

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

      Can't really fathom why anyone would take out Rashford against a team who concede 2gpg average.

      Most recently they tried hard against wolves, spurs and arsenal and still managed to concede twice

  3. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What about Kolasinac or Leno?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't go near Arsenal yet

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Get away all defensive players from Arsenal

  4. HAMMERTIME107
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Please help stuck on a few choices.

    Jimenez or Traore

    Martial or Rashford

    Richarlison or Calvert-Lewin

    1. Liastro ⭐️
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Jimi
      Martial
      Richarlison

      1. smitch
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Agree

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

      Jim
      Rash
      Dcl

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Jim Rash DCL

  5. Liastro ⭐️
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1FT, 0.7m in the bank...should I save?

    Henderson Button
    TAA Soyuncu Lundstram Rico Kelly
    Mane KDB Alli Grealish Dendoncker
    Vardy Abraham Jimenez

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

      Think Alli needs to go, but depends on whether your plan is to to turn Dele into Mo or Rico/Kelly into Robbo.

  6. Stef rocks
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I am seriously considering getting Kun as replacement for injured Kane for -4 and captain him as a part of 2 weeks punt!

    I just have a feeling that Kun is due to a haul vs poor defensively Villa.

    Is this madness or braveness ?

    1. Le Bluff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Could work out, but no guarantee he gets more than 60/65 minutes or even starts.

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

      Jesus is also due a haul

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

      Time will tell

    4. smitch
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If he starts he scores surely...

      But then will he start consistently at 11.7M that’s a gamble

      1. Stef rocks
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It is only 2 weeks then I will ditch him for Salah for GW24.

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

    Who to captain here guys?

    Hendo
    TAA Lunds Dunk
    Mane KDB Martial Grealish
    Rash Ings Vards

    Button, Cantwell, Rico, Cathcart

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

      KDB

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

      Nice team! I’m taking a gamble on Martial but there seems a lot of choice there.

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

      Kevin's got the magic and the magic's got Kevin.

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

        lol yea just worried he may play deeper?

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

          Maybe, but why play deep against Villa.

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

            true that... im really hesitating between KDB, Rash or proper differential Lunds...

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

              Go Lund or go home.

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

                dont know if my cojones are big enough

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

                  Full Deeney

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

    Play Rico or Moura?

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

      Moura

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Moura

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

      Same again

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

    Play Mount or Cantwell

    A) Mount: not sure he ll be starting... 1 pt risk

    B) Cantwell: Often get returns against Big Team

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

      I think Cantwell.

    2. smitch
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mount but I can see what you’re thinking

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mount

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

      Cantwell's returns have all been at home. Burnley looking rubbish.

  10. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1.1 itb 0ft, Cpt ok? G2g?

    Guaita
    TAA Lund Soy
    Salah(C) Mane KDB Madd Traore
    Vardy(VC) Ings

    Mouss Rico Willems

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

      Gtg. Seems a shame to bench the Mouss

      1. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks - He hasn't done anything for 7 game weeks and is getting a lot less minutes so it's no big loss benching him I don't think.

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

      Very nice

  11. smitch
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start Soyuncu or Grealish? (I don’t have Ings)

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

      Have a feeling Southampton will score so I think Grealish

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Soy

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

      Bookies think Soy (and you know if you bench him he'll go nuts).

  12. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    im chasing my ML leader who has a 50 point lead. he doesnt own Martial or Rashford. Is it worth gambling on one with the armband, or play safe with Vardy,KDB? He owns both aswel

    1. smitch
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      It could go either way, but if it was me 50 points behind this would be the week I gamble

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

      I would go kdb. Chance he may go Vardy

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, Rashford. It's not that much of a gamble vs Norwich it's as good a choice as any this week.

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

      Yes it’s totally worth it

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

      who dares wins

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

      U have mane or Salah?

  13. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Currently have Ramsdale and I see many have switched to Fab. Would another option be to hold Ramsdale this week and get Ryan next week when his fixtures turn for the better?

    Fabs may well concede away to Sheff Utd tonight and Ramsdale having Watford at home isn't a bad game in spite of them being leaky of late

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

      Yes, that would be an option. Fabs brings more joy though.

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

      I have Ramsdale too. Although Bournmouth defense are not great, it gives chances for Ramsdale to do many saves, and I think he still is one of the top for save points.
      If all goalies concede it will come down to save points, so i'm keeping him for now!

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

        Fair enough. Love it when a keeper gets points even when his team gets pumped. Rams saved any pens?

        1. aborg
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I don't think he has saved any pens yet. I hope he does soon 🙂

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

            GL

  14. theroadrunner
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Alli and Moura out for Richarlison and ___(two-week punt who will go out for salah)__

    -Willian
    -Mahez
    -Pepe
    - others?

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

      D.Silva

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez between those 3

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

      I'm leaning to Dilva so probably safest if you get Mahrez

  15. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I hear Abraham wont play... is this true? why?

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Where did you get this? Link?

      1. quayle99
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        few comments ive seen on here, I am looking for answers 😕

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

      ?!

    3. Binny
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      ‘I hear’ ... where from my friend

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

      Wait for the reading of Frankie's Magic Football this afternnon before nap time.

  16. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    0FT 2.9ITB. Gtg? Who goes for Robertson next week?

    A. Rico
    B. Kelly

    Henderson
    TAA Lundstram Soy
    KdB Maddison Mane Traore
    Vardy(C) Jimi Tammy

    McCarthy Cantwell Rico Kelly

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

      Kelly

    2. smitch
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      See how Bournemouth go this week first... currently they are awful.

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rico

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

      Kelly. Rico at least seems to be nailed.

  17. HD7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Right order of starters and bench, mates?

    Kasper
    Rico Lundstram TAA
    Salah Mane KDB Maddy
    Vardy DCL Ings

    Subs: Button, Dunk, Kelly, Hayden

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

      Yes, I reckon.

    1. AB.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Top bloke indeed. That’s fantastic!

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

      Good chap

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

        What about an extra $10,000 for every goal scored by a keeper in this weekend too?

    3. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Legend, there goes Brighton’s clean sheet

  18. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ergh this article is planting a seed of doubt on Vardy (c)

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

      The moral of the story: don't read the articles.

  19. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Captain:

    A. Salah
    B. Mané
    C. KDB
    D. Martial
    E. Abraham

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

      King Kev or Young Anthony for a punt.

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

      Salah

  20. GAMBIT
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Looking to bring in Kiko but see that he's flagged, should I bring in Cathcart to be safe?

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

      Mariappa has the better stats

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

      Cathcart for long-term nailedisity?

  21. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Have people brought in Fabianski a week too early? I'd say Sheff Utd are likely to score at home to West Ham later.

    I

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

      no such thing as early with fab

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

        +1

  22. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Jimenez or Ings and why?

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ings

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

      as long ings scores-him-cheaper

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Jimmy, Newcastel conceded 9 goals during the last 3 GW

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

      Ings - drive him till he breaks down.

  23. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think Mount will start this GW?

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

      Nothing will be revealed by Frank at 1.30.

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

    hii, for 5 defender:
    a) saiss
    b) holgate

    thank you

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

      B

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

        please,why?

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

          Clean sheets

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

            ok thank's

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

    GTG? Still cant decide on (c).

    Henderson
    TAA/Soy/Lund
    Mane/KDB/Maddison/Traore
    Vardy/Rash/Tammy

    Button/Dendo/Rico/Targett

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB(C) and gtg

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep g2g, good team. Cpt is really tough this week. If KDB plays attacking mid it's KDB, but who knows. With that team I'd be tempted by Rash

  26. Arse Craic
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A Maddison injury is a game changer for the GW22 captaincy.

    180 passes into the box this season
    49 chances created (4th)

    Will Vardy suffer without his creativity?

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

      Is he confirmed out?

      1. Arse Craic
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not yet.
        1:30pm - Leicester press conference

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

      Yes

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

        But Tielemans would easily slot into that more creative role, a bit like KDB and Dilva

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

          Aaagh. Was all set on my Alli replacement, but I can't unthink this now.

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

        where did you hear it?

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

          He's not confirmed out. Wait for pressers

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes definitely he's the most creative player in that team.

  27. mr_jones
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Kane out for:

    A) Vardy
    B) Aubameyang
    C) Delofeu
    D) C. Wilson

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

      A

    2. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Perfect opportunity to take a punt with Aguero.

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    Repost

    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. Rock Papiss Cissès
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Saving with 2FT always seems a waste but I think you're GTG

  29. Rock Papiss Cissès
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hello great minds of FFS, would you please use said great minds to help me out a little?

    Pope McGovern
    TAA Lord Chilwell Rico Reid
    Mane Grealish Maddison KDB Cantwell
    Kane Tammy Vardy
    0.1 ITB, 2 FTs

    A) Chilwell, Grealish Kane -> Holgate, Salah, Maupay +0.5
    B) Chilwell, Maddison, Kane -> Sidibe, Salah Maupay +0.6
    C) Reid, Chilwell, Kane -> Sidibe, Robertson, Maupay +2.4
    D) Suggestions? preferably that don't include a hit like the above

    Thanks in advance and good luck for GW22

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

      B if Madds out.