Captain Sensible

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 36+?

Fantasy Premier League managers have been invited to take risks with left-field captaincy choices in Gameweek 36+.

That’s according to the latest figures from our recent poll, which features no clear standout candidate.

In Gameweeks like this, the risks attached to going with your gut rather than the crowd are much lower than usual. So now is the time to be as pragmatic as possible with your decision.

To help you make this tough choice, the Captain Sensible article is back once again, here to analyse the form of the individual options on offer and compare them against the defences they are about to face.

As this uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

Captain Poll

Christian Pulisic (£7.3m) is the current leader of the Gameweek 36+ captain poll, although it has been a close-run thing since we published the options on our site.

It was not until late on Monday evening and into the early hours of Tuesday morning that the Chelsea man climbed to the top of the pile and even now, he has the support of just 18.8%.

The American and his Chelsea colleagues have the most favourable fixture of the Gameweek as they host Norwich on Tuesday evening.

Pulisic may have blanked last time out but, since Project Restart began, he has produced an attacking return in all but one match while Norwich have conceded 15 goals in that time, more than any other side.

However, that is not enough to hand Pulisic any kind of large majority, Raheem Sterling (£11.8m) sitting just a few percentage points below him in the poll.

The Manchester City man currently sits on 16.6% support, although he led the standings until late last night.

It has been an explosive few rounds of action for Sterling who recorded double-figure hauls in three outings since Gameweek 32+. Crucially, he has been in devastating form at the Etihad Stadium, averaging 12 points per appearance there since the Premier League returned.

Norwich are the only side to concede more goals than Bournemouth (13) in that time, which is probably why Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m) also finds himself in the captaincy conversation, backed by 13.9% of the voters.

These managers will be hoping for an upturn in the Belgian’s fortunes after a recent distancing from Manchester City’s attacking exploits. De Bruyne has managed just one assist in connection with the former champions’ last nine league goals.

Willian (£7.4m) will also play a part in the Gameweek 36+ debate with his 10.9% support from the captain poll. Obviously, he also gets to face that obliging Norwich defence on Tuesday night and has outscored Pulisic since the restart by 48 points to 39.

Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) rather let down his horde of backers in Gameweek 35+ with just an assist against Southampton but the Manchester United man has a decent record on the road ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace.

The Portuguese international has produced attacking returns in every away match since the Premier League restart, averaging 12.7 points across the three he has played in that time so far.

Even though only Norwich have conceded more goals than Palace since Gameweek 30+ too, only 9% are looking to captain Fernandes in Gameweek 36+.

Gabriel Jesus (£9.8m) and Phil Foden (£5.5m) are the differential captain options for those backing Manchester City, boasting 5.9% and 2.9% of the vote respectively. 

The Brazilian has four attacking returns in the last two matches, while Foden has delivered in all but one home appearance made since Project Restart began.

With Norwich scoring just once in that time, Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.1m) has been considered by 2.7% while Olivier Giroud (£6.7m) netting four goals in his last five outings is enough to earn the support of 2.5% in the captain poll.

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m), David Silva (£7.3m), Danny Ings (£7.5m), Anthony Martial (£8.4m) and Michail Antonio (£7.0m) are the only other options chosen by more than 1%.

Player statistics – Last four matches

1,724 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jaywills
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on Lucas Digne?

    1. Salfpilgrimlfc
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Have him hoping Holgate is back so he plays out wide

      1. jaywills
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        You transfer him in this week?

        1. Salfpilgrimlfc
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yes

  2. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    On a FH this week and trying to fit 6 mids into 5.

    Who would you drop?

    A) Sterling
    B) Pulisic (c)
    C) D Silva
    D) Salah
    E) Foden
    F) Bruno

    1. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Bruno if chasing

      1. Netters2018
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not chasing, 15 pt lead in ML and doing ok overall... What do you reckon?

        1. Forgetmeknot
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I’m leading ml by 60 points and 12k or so similar position by sounds of things - fwiw I’ve gone Foden, Dilva, Sterling, puli & martial (so no Bruno - I never considered Salah)

    2. Salfpilgrimlfc
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      D

    3. CostaCoffee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Dilva

  3. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Vardy to Jesus for a hit?

  4. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If you were FHing, which one would not make the front 7 cut out of:

    Salah Dilva Foden Bruno Pulisic
    Giroud Ings Jesus

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Giroud

    2. 2hotty
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If i was chasing then salah if happy with rank Giroud

      1. Salfpilgrimlfc
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        ^this

  5. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    get rid of Aurier with my FT? gives me a 5.5 M budget.. what you reckon?

    Patriico
    Aurier TAA Lascelle Robinson Doherty
    Mane KDB bruno Willian Luiz
    Rash Greenwood Vardy

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You might not have enough playing defenders so Aurier>AWB.

      Or Robinson > C Taylor (and play Aurier in 37 and 38)

  6. 2hotty
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    On a FH need a keeper got 3 city and 3 chelsea
    best option?

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Mc Carthy

    2. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      McCarthy, De Gea or Pope.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pope or even Everton home to Villa.

    4. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pope or McCarthy

  7. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone got any GW38 punts lined up?

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Apart from TC Dilva?

    2. CostaCoffee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Antonio was one I was planning a week or two ago. Not much of a punt anymore..

  8. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    On FH, Dilva or Foden?

    1. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      foden higher ceiling

  9. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What is your free hit front 7?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Look below.

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Bruno - Sterling - DSilva - Antonio - Willian(C)
      Giroud - Jesus

  10. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rate my free hit team:

    Pope
    Doherty Azpi Digne
    Sterling (c) KDB Bruno Pulisic Antonio
    Ings Jesus

    Reina Greenwood Stephens Cresswell

  11. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Keep dcl or sell for ings for -4?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Sell

  12. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pick one from each.
    1. Willian or Pulisic
    2. Foden or Dilva

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      i have gone with Willian + DSilva

  13. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Jiminez or DCL to Jesus/Ings worth -4?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      DCL to Jesus

  14. Dosh
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Get Salah on Free Hit?

  15. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    FH Team:
    Patricio
    Alonso-Azpi-TAA
    Pulisic-Sterling-Silva--Foden-Bruno
    Rashford-Ings

  16. juho
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    KdB + Traore -> Dilva + Willian for a hit, and Jimenez 1st sub

    Is this crazy?
    I'm 1 pt behind ML leader and he has Pulisic

  17. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Think I'll play safe and captain Fernandes

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      good (C) as any of them

  18. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    RIght think i am set. Thoughts? If Willian doesnt start i'll switch to Pulisic. If Alfonso starts i'll switch him for Azpi. If Giroud doesn't start then i'll switch for Ings. Fingers crossed for early team news!

    Pope
    Azpi - AWB - Digne
    Sterling - DSilva - Willian(C) - Antonio - Bruno
    Giroud - Jesus

    (Reina) - Greenwood - TAA - Taylor

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Brave with Sterling and Jesus.

      I'm free hitting AWB out of my team.

      Trust your judgements...

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Rest looks good to me.

        1. Bobby_Baggio
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          cheers for the input - think jesus and sterling will play enough mins to get something

    2. MOZIL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Digne instead of Azpi?

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        at the moment i have azpi and dinge. If alonso is starting then i will take azpi out

  19. gers23
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What are peoples thoughts on Chelsea defence? Thinking about puttin Azpi in to block a rival but after today cant see any other clean sheets?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      im going Azpi or alonso

    2. CostaCoffee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Currently have James but probably wouldnt buy at this stage

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Only get them for the potential attacking returns, which is why Alonso is the best option if it's confirmed he's starting IMO
      Since the restart they are 5th worst in the league (only just behind Norwich) for minutes per big chances conceded
      Any defence owners should be fully expecting a Pukki consolation goal 90 mins in!

  20. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Patricio or Mccarthy on FH?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      ive gone pope then i'd go mccarthy over Patricio

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Agree.

        Burnley Wolves could be 1.1 or 2.2.

  21. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I just heard that Smith Rowe has created 4 big chances since his January loan move to Huddersfield, while the most big chances created in the Arsenal team all season by a single player is.... 1.

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      by a single Arsenal midfielder*

  22. Benditlike
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I have 2 FT, FH and TC. Probably using TC on Sterling in GW 38, which means i «have to» use FH this GW or next. Feels like im throwing away a FT if im using FH this GW. This is my team:

    Martinez
    AWB, TAA, Aurier
    KDB, Foden, Salah, Fernandes, Son
    Rashford, Jimenez

    Martin, Saiss, Nketiah.

    FH or use my 2 FT?

    1. Tabasco
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Same position; used it anyway. It's not that big a deal losing a FT imo and the chipcould pay off well, fingers crossed!

  23. Jukes
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Am I nuts trading out KDB for Pulisic??

    Salah, Bruno, Martial, Foden my other midfielders

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Nope good move

    2. MidTableFantasy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think you'd want KDB back after this GW

  24. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Ideas here with 1FT and 1m itb. Super confused

    DDG
    Taa • Doherty • Holgate ----------- Kiko Lamptey
    Mahrez • KDB • Bruno • Pulisic --- Guendouzi
    Jimmy • Rashford • Vardy

    A: Mahrez >> Foden/Dilva
    B: Vardy >> Jesus/Ings
    C: Vardy + Guendouzi >> Ings + Foden (-4) but who to bench then?
    D: FH to bring in sterling, dilva, ings, 3 chelsea, antonio

  25. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I feel sick... Just took a -12 for BB GW36

    ML1 - Chasing 41 points pre hit.
    ML2 - Leading 26 points pre hit.

    Wish my luck.

    1. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I am also looking to BB. It's so difficult without a WC. In my case I'll get a -4 or -8.

  26. cuppatea78
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is this a good move or not?

    Saka > Willian or Pulisic and then place Jiminez on the bench

  27. BlueEddy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Current team:
    Martinez (Reina)
    TAA Egan Doherty (Lascelles, Lundy)
    KDB, Foden, Pulisic, Fernandes, Martial
    Greenwood, Jimenez, Jesus (c)

    Who to bench?
    Greenwood? Jimi?
    Captain Jesus, Pulisic (vc)

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'd rather start Reina than Martinez

      1. BlueEddy
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Hadn't thought of that!!!! Thanks...

    2. cuppatea78
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'd probably go with Jiminez. Palace are woeful at the back at the moment.

      1. BlueEddy
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks a lot! Jimi is Mr. Reliable, though....

  28. MidTableFantasy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    DDG
    TAA Stephens Saiss
    Mane Bruno Salah KDB
    Ings Jimi Greenwood

    TAA + Jimi > Tarkowski + Jesus?

  29. eamonhegg
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Current Team vs FH team: Think im going to FH to the second team. OR 4k!
    Would you?

    CURRENT TEAM:
    Martinez
    TAA / Doc / Wan-bas
    Mane / Son / KDB / Fernandez / Foden
    Vardy / Jimi
    4.0 /Greenwood / Lamptey / Lasa

    FH TEAM:
    Fab
    Alonso / TAA / Bertrand
    Stirling / D Silva / Pulisi(C) / Fernandes / Son
    Vardy / Jesus

    4.0/ Greenwood / Cresswell / Lamptyy

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Like it, Alonso wont start though

      1. eamonhegg
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Why?

    2. Vovhund
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Wouldn't gamble on Sterling and Alonso on FH. Foden and Azpiliueta more secure. Could allow you to upgrade Vardy to Kane

  30. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is Lamptey expected to start this GW?

    I am bench boosting but I have only 4.0 if I want:

    Sterling - Azpi/Alonso - Lamptey -4
    or
    Sterling - Digne - Diop -4

    I woud be removing MAhrez, Lascelles and Aurier if I acivate BB