Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 23?

The captaincy debate for Gameweek 23 of Fantasy Premier League is not proving to be as straight-forward as many would have hoped.

Manchester City blew away the competition last time out but arguably face a sterner test this time.

Meanwhile, Leicester’s defeat to Southampton was certainly a damaging one for Fantasy confidence, but a trip to Burnley provides the perfect opportunity to make amends.

And let’s not forget that Liverpool host a Manchester United side that has made a habit of frustrating their arch-rivals in recent years.

As ever, the Captain Sensible article is here to help Fantasy managers make the right choice for their captaincy.

We will be assessing the key candidates based on their recent performances and compare them against the defensive showings of their upcoming opponents.

As this uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those signed up to a Membership package will be able to access it in full.

Captain Poll

Kevin De Bruyne (£10.7m) tops the Gameweek 23 Captain Poll having accrued 31.9% of the vote.

It comes off the back of his nine-point haul in Manchester City’s 6-1 win at Aston Villa, which saw him outscore Gameweek 22’s most popular skipper Jamie Vardy (£10.0m).

De Bruyne’s latest haul ensured he goes into this weekend averaging 8.8 points per game over the last six matches.

Crystal Palace come to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon without a clean sheet since Gameweek 16 although the last time they conceded more than once on the road was at Chelsea in Gameweek 12.

In a straight swap from the Gameweek 22 poll results, it’s Vardy sitting in second place this time around.

Ahead of a trip to Burnley, the Leicester man has the support of 20% of the voters.

Despite failing to register a shot against Southampton’s revitalised defence last weekend, Vardy does have a much more appealing fixture in Gameweek 23.

The Foxes are set for a trip to Turf Moor, where Burnley have recently lost their defensive edge.

Sean Dyche’s men have played seven matches against last season’s top-six in 2019/20 conceding 23 times in the process, an average 3.3 goals per game.

While Leicester did not fit that description last season, their attack has shown it is capable of competing with the best sides in the Premier League this campaign, so it seems likely that Golden Boot front-runner Vardy will enjoy his trip to Lancashire.

Sergio Aguero‘s (£11.8m) monster haul at Aston Villa has fired him into outside consideration for the Gameweek 23 captaincy, with 12.3% of the voters lending him their backing for the visit of Crystal Palace.

It must be said that the centre-forward has only started two of the last four Gameweeks and there is another fixture coming up for Pep Guardiola’s men on Tuesday evening…

After assisting in Liverpool’s win at Spurs, Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) is considered the most likely to break through Manchester United’s defence on Sunday afternoon.

The Egyptian has two double-figure hauls in his last three outings at Anfield, yielding a 6.3% backing in the captain poll.

By contrast, Mané has the support of just 3.1% of the voters despite proving more reliable at home recently.

The Senegalese international has registered attacking returns in each of his last four at Anfield, while Salah has two blanks in that time.

Raheem Sterling‘s (£11.8m) no-show against Aston Villa appears to have boosted his chances of a start against Crystal Palace, and his captain credentials in the process.

3.6% of the voters have decreed him as the best option for Gameweek 23, although his last league goal at the Etihad Stadium came against Aston Villa in Gameweek 10.

Danny Ings‘ (£6.8m) continuing form keeps on pushing him higher in the captaincy consideration. 3.2% have backed him for Southampton’s Gameweek 23 meeting with Wolves, who appear increasing threadbare and in need of January signings.

Ismaïla Sarr (£6.2m), Son Heung-min (£9.8m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m), Marcus Rashford (£9.2m), Neal Maupay (£5.9m) and Tammy Abraham (£7.8m) are the only other options with more than 1% in the captain poll.

Player statistics – Last four matches

1,300 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LM00091
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What do you guys think of this team? WC is active so still have time to change...

    Ryan / (Button)
    TAA, Robertson, Holgate (Lundstram, Williams)
    KDB, Mane, Maddison, Mahrez, Richarlison
    Ings, Vardy (Greenwood)

    1. Villa Velour
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd take out Maddison and upgrade Robbo to Salah

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

        Not enough funds surely

      2. LM00091
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Would have to switch Mahrez > Grealish and then add a 4.6 def

  2. migas2k7
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench Cantwell or Maddison?

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

      Maddison

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

      Cantwell

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

    Good morning.

    Which plan is better?

    A. Martial to Sterling this week and Sterling Mane next week.
    B. Martial to Mahrez this week and Mahrez to Mane next week
    C. Martial to Mane this week.
    D. Keep Martial this week and ship to Mane next week.

    Could possibly (c) the City assets in options A and B.

    Thanks.

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    Play 1:
    A: Grealish (bha)
    B: Jimmy (sou)

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

      Grealish

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

      B

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

      same question and playing Jimmy

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

    1 FT, 1.1 ITB. Help greatly appreciated!

    Ryan
    TAA, Holgate, Lundstram
    Salah, Mane, KDB, Cantwell
    Vardy, Ings, Rashford*

    (Woodman, Traore, Kelly, Simpson)

    A) Traore -> Sarr (hope Rashford back for BUR)
    B) Rashford -> DCL (Kelly & Traore -> Son & Williams next week)
    C) Vardy & Rashford -> Aguero & DCL (leaving 1.9 ITB to upgrade Traore)
    D) Something else

    With Rashford (and Traore) presumably a doubt and Holgate potentially rested I dont want to save FT and risk not fielding 11. Currently on A although quite like the look of B as I will be priced out if I don't make this transfer today

    Cheers

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

      Save.

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

    Soooo with my 2FT before the Liverpool double:

    Pope (McGovern)
    TAA - Soy - Lund - Rico - Kelly
    Mane - Kdb - Martial - Traore (Dendo)
    Abraham - Vardy - DCL

    6itb

    A) Traore + Abraham > Son + Firmino
    B) Soy + Traore > Williams (Or any max 4.1) + Salah

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

    If Rashford plays, I'd be kicking lumps out of him if I was a Liverpool defender.

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

      We can beat them easily without risking sending off / susepnsions! 😀

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

        No need to risk much - the odd knee in the back, aggressive follow through, etc.

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

          Trip him up and all pile on

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

            Bundles!

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think he is not going to play. He is definitely not fit to.

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

    Bench Cantwell or Jimenez?

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

    Ryan
    Soy - TAA - Lundy
    KDB(c) - Salah - Mane - Grealish
    DCL - Vardy - Jimenez

    (Button - Rico, Kelly, Dend)

    Thoughts? G2G?

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

      Good team

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

        good 11. bad bench

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

          Yes

  10. mad_beer ✅
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So I'm keeping Rash. But do I bench him and play Cantwell or do I start him?

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

      Play Cantwell

      1. mad_beer ✅
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks dude. That's what my gut was telling me.

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He´s not going to play.

      1. mad_beer ✅
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I agree but I don't like risks.

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Understand. My point is, you should ditch him, obviously if keeping, bench him.

          1. mad_beer ✅
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Cool. Thanks

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Don't risk another subbing off after 30 minutes, I'd play Cantwell

      1. mad_beer ✅
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks dude

    4. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cantwell. Good fixture for the lad

      1. mad_beer ✅
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. I think so too. Bournemouth are a mess.

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

    0FT 3.5ITB

    GTG boys and gals?

    McCarthy
    TAA Lundstram Soy
    KdB(C) Maddison Mane Cantwell
    Vardy Ings Tammy

    Henderson Traore Rico Kelly

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

    Hey guys, 2 FT and 0.4 ITB.

    Should I release funds by doing Pickford > Ryan/Foster/Guaita or just do Kiko > Dunk and then get Guaita/Ryan/Henderson next week?

    Pickford
    TAA / Lund / Holgate
    Mane / Salah / KDB / Cantwell
    Vardy / Ings / Maupay

    Button / Traore / Rico / Kiko

  13. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rash a poor man's bit of hope

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

    Hi all,
    I have Salah and TAA, 2 FT, I am doing Abraham to Calvert Lewin in GW23 to save funds for a third Liverpool player for DGW24, what should I do then next GW :
    1) Rico > Robbo and bank the 2nd FT
    2) Mahrez > Mané and Evans > 4.4 defender, Holgate for example.
    3) Rico > Robbo, Salah > Mané for his effective ownership in DGW24

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

      2. i like the salah and mane double up, city have tough fixtures coming up and likely to have blank gameweek 28 if they make league cup final

  15. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rash capt seems a good choice

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeap, and Kelly VC

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

        you're onto something there

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I´m definitely ON something...

  16. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start Cantwell or Rashford?

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

      rash

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

      Don't matter as Rashy will most likely not feature

    3. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just wouldn't want a Rashford cameo and Catwell to score

    4. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      This was question just above. I'm benching and starting Cantwell

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

        rash will score

    5. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cantwell as it's a juicy fixture for the lad

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

    Is McCarthy a wise pick despite being cheap and having nice games? Southampton always seem to concede and cleanies are rare.

    Not sure whether to go with Foster, Ryan, Guaita (after City) or McCarthy. Thoughts?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      S'ton are no worse than the teams you just listed... They look a much improved side now so I'd go with McCarthy and save some cash

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Much of a muchness. Save yourself the 0.5

  18. Snooze ya lose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Doesn’t look positive for Rashy

    https://www.facebook.com/7724542745/posts/10157231212897746/?d=n

  19. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    ole mind games rating around a 2

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hum.... dont think so. Reversed mind game maybe - he already knows Rash not playing.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rashy will take some painkillers and play... Ole knows how to throw off the leaders

  20. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all. Which from the below please? 2FT & 0m ITB.

    Foster
    Soy - TAA - Lund
    Salah - KDB - Maddison - Martial
    Vardy - Jimenez - Ings

    (McGovern) Grealish - Rico - Kelly

    A) Grealish > 4.3m fodder
    B) Kelly + Grealish > VVD + 4.3m fodder
    C) Anything else?

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why do you want to swap Grealish for fodder?

      I have done Rico to Stephens and think Rico/Kelly to a better 4.3 option is a good move.

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

        So then next week I can change Jimenez and Maddison to Mane and Greenwood

        1. ElliotJHP
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Aye, good moves with the context

    2. All For One
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I Would hold for now Souyuncu should get a clean sheet and good fixture for Grealish too

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

        Cheers. Got 2FT and by doing that move then next week so have 2FT again to do Maddison + Jimenez > Mane + Greenwood.

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

      b

    4. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Assuming you need to sell Grealish for the cash, B.

  21. All For One
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guaita
    Soyuncu, Taa, Lundstram
    Grealish, Mane, Son, KDB
    Abraham, Jimenez, Vardy (C)

    Button, Dunk, Dendoncker, Kelly

    1FT 0.9 ITB

    How to fit Salah in without removing Son?

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Dropping Tammy to cheaper and then KDB to salah looking at it

      1. All For One
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Interesting my money league rival has KDB and Salah I don't think it's a good move

  22. Kante Touch This
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is captaining Mahrez chasing last week's points too much?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Way too much

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

    Got 2 FT. What to do with this lot?

    Ramsdale*
    TAA, Kiko*, Robertson, Soy, Holgate
    Salah, Moura, KDB, Martial, Sarr
    Vardy, Ings, Greenwood

    Thinking Ramsdale ----> McCarthy.

    Also wondering if I need Mane, rather than double Pool defence? 

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

    ‪Don’t care if Ings scores, is benched or gets injured. I just had to bring him in. Enough is enough ‬

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Here here

  25. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Puskas starts

  26. Aftermath
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play one:

    Lundstram
    Aurier

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Same boat I’m just edging Aurier

    2. All For One
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Aurier

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

      Lund

  27. The Pesci challenge
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford to Deeney or DCL?
    Looking to bring salah in next week

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

    Rashford news doesn't look good today. Ole saying he doesn't think he will make Sunday.

    Whats everyones plans with him?

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

      I have sold. He can come back in a month or so

    2. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Going to get rid due to the quick turn around in midweek.

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

        Elaborate?

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

          There are games on Tuesday/Wednesday; he will be on the bench at best imo

        2. Ozzy smith
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Well they play Sunday/Wednesday? Chances are if he’s struggling with back problems they might give him an injection to get through the Liverpool game maybe. But I’d want him for Burnley.

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

      A number of options for me.
      1. Bench and play Cantwell
      2. >> Maupay or Greenwood in preparation for Maddison >> Mane next week
      3. Rico,Rashford >> Williams,Aguero
      4. >> Firmino

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

      im getting rid, at risk of not starting v burnley on wed. getting dcl, gives me enough funds for either robertson or salah, already have taa and mane

  29. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford replacement?

    A) Deeney
    B) DCL
    C) Maupay
    D) Deulofeu

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      B

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

    There is no way Rashford plays. I think they'll give him a few games off tbh

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

      yeah i agree, good chance he will miss burnley game as well