Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 37+?

There are a number of viable options for the Fantasy Premier League captaincy in Gameweek 37+.

Favourable fixtures for Manchester United, Manchester City, Wolves, Burnley and, according to some, Liverpool, have widened the spread of those considered for the armband by the Fantasy community.

As ever, the Captain Sensible article is here to help you sift through all the different candidates using each player’s underlying statistics from their last four matches compared 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

Manchester United options top the captain poll for Gameweek 37+ with Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m) and Anthony Martial (£8.5m) the two most popular for the armband.

They both face West Ham on Wednesday evening, each asset on a reliable run of form.

The Portuguese international has now hit 105 points across his first 12 Manchester United matches, averaging 8.8 points per outing; good enough to convince 20.9% of our voters to deem him the best captain for the penultimate Gameweek of the season.

FPL lessons learned as Martial and Rashford outscore Fernandes

Meanwhile, Martial has delivered a double-figure haul in every home appearance since the Premier League returned, registering five goals and three assists in just three matches at Old Trafford. Therefore, the Frenchman is not far behind Fernandes for armband support, 17.7% voting for him ahead of Gameweek 37+.

Danny Ings‘ (£7.6m) impressive scoring run was extended against Brighton, his total of five goals more than any other forward since the Premier League restart. During that period, Bournemouth have been breached 15 times, the second-worst in the division. That combination of statistics is clearly enough for 6.9% of our voters to go with the differential tactic of sticking the armband on Ings.

The same number of managers have declared their support for Kevin De Bruyne (£10.7m) as he prepares to face Watford at Vicarage Road. Manchester City options are somewhat problematic in Gameweek 37+ as the next deadline occurs several hours before they play Arsenal in the FA Cup, and roughly three days before their actual Premier League fixture.

 1

Following a complete rest against Bournemouth, De Bruyne feels the most likely to start at Watford but he could always get injured in the Cup. Either way, the awkward schedule has put paid to much captaincy consideration for Pep Guardiola’s men, the Belgian midfielder the only one of only two Citizens to be selected by more the 2% in this poll.

Completing the top five in the latest vote, Nick Pope (£5.1m) makes a rare appearance in the conversation for the goalkeeper’s union. The 5.7% support for Burnley’s shot-stopper does make a lot sense considering his team’s defensive record this season. He has 14 clean sheets to his name, the joint-highest of any goalkeeper in 2019/20 while Norwich have scored just once since the Premier League restart. 

Raheem Sterling‘s (£11.9m) one-point cameo against Bournemouth will be enough to put some Fantasy managers off, but some are prepared to take the risk on Manchester City’s number seven. Provided he can come through the FA Cup semi-final unscathed, the rest last time out does stand Sterling in good stead of starting at Watford, where he could extend his Project Restart record of six goals and three assists. It is that explosive capability which has convinced 5% of voters to go with the premium midfielder.

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 7

Chris Wood (£6.1m) has been a much-discussed option in the Fantasy community this week as he prepares to face Norwich, the team that has conceded the most since the Premier League returned (16 goals). 4.5% of our voters believe Wood will be the one to make the most of that, as he enjoys his best-ever Premier League season in terms of goals scored (12) and FPL points (120).

There is a similar level of support for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) as Arsenal prepare to travel to Aston Villa. Dean Smith’s men have made improvements at the back of late but with the Premier League season winding to a close, they may have to come out of their shell in the final two matches, which could leave room for Arsenal’s Golden Boot chasing striker to exploit.

Perhaps the most striking result of this latest captain poll is the lack of backing for Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), chosen as the best captain by just 4.1%. Yes, the Egyptian has blanked in each of his last two outings, but most would agree he was unlucky to do so on both occasions. With Salah ramping up his shot output in recent games, and Chelsea’s defence conceding an average of 1.8 goals per away match this season, there already appears to be opportunity for big gains offering itself to anyone willing to captain Salah.

Raúl Jiménez (£8.1m) has a favourable fixture in Gameweek 37+ as well, as Wolves host a Crystal Palace side that feels either on the beach, on its last legs, or both. The Eagles have conceded 15 times since the Premier League restart, only Norwich performing worse in that department (16), and they are now short of Patrick van Aanholt (£5.6m), Gary Cahill (£4.4m) and James Tomkins (£5.0m) at the back.

Despite a double-figure haul against that Palace defence on Thursday night, which had been coming for a while, Marcus Rashford (£8.9m) has not received the same attention for the Gameweek 37+ captaincy than Fernandes and Martial, chosen by just 3.6% of our voters. But he is just as reliable as his midfield counterparts at Old Trafford, although less explosive thus far, averaging 7.3 points per game there since the Premier League returned.

Harry Kane (£10.9m), Son Heung-min (£9.6m), Gabriel Jesus (£9.8m) and Jamie Vardy (£9.8m) are the only other assets considered by more than 1% in the captain poll.

Player statistics – Last four matches

1,634 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Firmino
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Will there be early team news for Norwich - Burnley?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      There is a chance

  2. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Lads, pick one:

    A) Dawson-> Tarkowski -4
    B) Play Dawson.

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Dawson

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

      Really close call! Saving the transfer swings it for me.

      1. Boywiththesoupdragontattoo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        No wait, you’re not saving a transfer!!! In which case coin flip!

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If just for 1 week and FH38+ play Dawbag, if no FH left and want for next two then a -4 for Tarko is ok.

  3. MillsAU
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play Silva or Jiminez?

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      both

      1. MillsAU
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Not an option!

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Who else have you got that cant be benched?

  4. gers23
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Worth doing Ederson to Henderson this week, thus allowing Foden to Silva next? Or even in for Pulisic

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not for me

  5. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else thinking of offloading United assets for GW38? Hoping it’s a nice differential for a last gasp surge up the rankings ...

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      highly dependent on UCL qualification status

    2. There's Always One!
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      or it could be a plunge down the rankings mate

  6. Clarity
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi All!

    Best defender for 6 million or less?

    Thanks

    1. FPL_DON
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      tark

  7. FPL_DON
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Not sure which move to make, only got 2 nailed defenders..any help appreciated!

    Greenwood Puli > Nketiah Martial -4
    Lascelles > Tarkowski

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      The defender move then

      1. FPL_DON
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        cheers rafa

  8. Bruno Commando
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play 1:
    A) TAA
    B) Pulisic
    C) Doherty

    1. FPL_DON
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      b

    2. Coys96
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C

    3. The Road to Turfdom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C

    4. Limbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      That's nuts. Your team value must be off the charts.

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Not really!! Just that Pool and Chelsea are playing each other..

        Team for 37+:
        Pope
        AWB // Egan // Saiss // Doherty
        Bruno // KDB // Mahrez
        Jesus // Rashy // Jimi

        Bench: Krul // TAA // Pulisic // Cantwell

        1. Limbo
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Almost too balanced. Good team tho.

          1. Bruno Commando
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks! But a lot of potential for regrets when my bench hauls...

          2. Bruno Commando
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ah my bad, if I bring in Doherty, then TAA got to be sold. Options are below..

            A) TAA -> Doherty [already have Saiss, probably have to go for Robertson for FH 38+ as I lose 0.4 from TAA sale]
            B) Lord -> Tark [already have Pope]

            Current team:
            Pope
            AWB // TAA // Saiss // Egan
            KDB // Mahrez // Bruno
            Rashy // Jimi // Jesus

            Bench: Krul // Pulisic // Lord // Cantwell

    5. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C but wouldn't want to bench Trent either.

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        And hence the dilemma!

        1. Krafty Werks
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Now you give context, bench Egan play Trent.

          1. Bruno Commando
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks! Guess I'm set for this week!

          2. Bruno Commando
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ah my bad, if I bring in Doherty, then TAA got to be sold. Options are below..

            A) TAA -> Doherty [already have Saiss, probably have to go for Robertson for FH 38+ as I lose 0.4 from TAA sale]
            B) Lord -> Tark [already have Pope]

            Current team:
            Pope
            AWB // TAA // Saiss // Egan
            KDB // Mahrez // Bruno
            Rashy // Jimi // Jesus

            Bench: Krul // Pulisic // Lord // Cantwell

            1. Krafty Werks
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Personally i'd be looking at Pulisic > someone in a 3-4-3, keep Trent and bench Egan, you already have Wolves defensive cover in Saiss and rather play a more attacking formation then defensive always. I've personally gone Pulisic > Martial as have the funds, dunno what money you have?

              1. Krafty Werks
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Oh i see you already have triple Utd anyway, i'd consider maybe D.Silva or Foden for the City mid triple up then?

                1. Bruno Commando
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  Good suggestion about Dilva!

                  Reason for double Wolves is because I'm chasing ML and leader has Doherty. Kind of afraid of him exploding (CS + assist).

    6. Big Al Stankovic
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C. But I think the ceiling is higher with TAA over Eagan.

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Maybe TAA over Egan then?

  9. Captain Beefheart
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Jimi, vardy, or Ings, this week?

    1. Coys96
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jimi

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

      Wood

    3. The Road to Turfdom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ings

    4. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy

    5. The Road to Turfdom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      #consensus

    6. There's Always One!
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      jim then ings

    7. Greative
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jimi

    8. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wood then Jimbo

  10. Weasel51
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Mahrez > Martial(c) or keep 2 ft’s for GW38?

    Cheers

  11. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Likely to be any leaked team tonight?

    Boring one but Bardsley or Pieters? Either better on BAPS? Either more nailed? Pieters more attacking?

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think Bardsley better on BAPs but the Taylor injury makes Pieters more nailed

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Which is the best pick then?

        1. InvertedWinger
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Without early team news, Pieters.

    2. Sir Oki
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pieters has played midfield, so a little more attack minded and greater possibility of attacking returns.

  12. The White Pele
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Giroud to wood for a hit . Yay or nay?
    (Chasing)

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not for a hit

    2. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not for a hit

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      For free it's a no brainer...for a hit chasing? 50/50.

  13. abaalan
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any of these worth a hit?
    A) Mane + Nketiah -> Son + Wood -4
    B) TAA + Nketiah -> Mendy/SHU + Wood -4
    C) Maguire + Nketiah -> Pieters + Greenwood -4

    Or do we think Nketiah plays?

    1. Limbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      None of those for a hit. All very light.

  14. Coys96
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gayle to JRodriguez worth a -4?

    On BB!

  15. Limbo
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Repost - bottomed...

    WC team with BB next week - GTG?

    Martinez (Pope)
    Saiss, Bardsely, Egan (Pieters, Walker-Peters)
    Salah, Bruno, DSilva, Sterling, Martial
    Auba, Ings (Greenwood)

    (Think double Burnley this week is a risk as leading ML, so picked Martinez... stupid?)

    1. Limbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks All. 😀

    2. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Its the time for risks, Pope > Martinez with Villa desperate for points. Doubts on KWP so I'd reconsider for Lamptey or someone, rest look strong.

    3. Bruno Commando
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If you a good lead then I will agree to NOT go for double Burnley defence =)

  16. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bottomed. Help appreciated! What to do with this lot? Will FH 38.

    Pat
    AWB TAA Doherty
    Martial Bruno KDB Dilva
    Jimmy Vardy Ings

    Bench: Pulisic Fernandez Kiko
    0.7m ITB

    A) Vardy > Wood
    B) TAA > Tarkowski
    C) Other. What?
    D) Hold

    1. Limbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hold

    2. The Road to Turfdom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      weighing up similar - probably D, definitely not A

    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Same boat with FH38, I'm thinking about A, feels like a haul coming for Wood!

  17. The Road to Turfdom
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Got a spare free transfer as will FH in 38...anything obvious here?

    Thinking Reid -> Tarkowski and bench Alonso, 3.6m ITB but any suggestions greatly appreciated!!

    DDG(3.9)
    TAA, Doherty, Alonso (Femenia, Reid)
    Bruno (C), Pulisic, Dilva, Mahrez (Guendo)
    Vardy, Rash, Jimenez

    Many thanks!

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Like that idea

  18. Mr_Barbs
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts this week?
    Own 3 United and 3 city (Rash, Bruno, Greenwood, KDB, Sterling, Foden)

    A) Greenwood > Wood
    B) KDB > D.Silva
    C) Greenwood + KDB > Wood + Martial (-4)

    1. Greative
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A I would do. Wood on pens and a strong header against a weak team with nothing to play for.
      I also did B, but on a free hit.

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

      Kdb should play v watford

    3. Mr_Barbs
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers guys. Think I'll pull the trigger on wood. Will probably get Dilva in on GW38. Just worried about lack of martial!

  19. Better luck next year
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    AWB + Mahrez > Tark + Martial (C) for -4? .

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hmm maybe.

      1. Better luck next year
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Guess it depends on whether Mahrez starts or not. Also allows me to get Sterling for final GW though.

  20. Greative
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi
    Going for the free hit - thoughts?

    Pope
    Doherty | Tarkowski | Egan
    Martial | D Silva | Fernandes | Salah
    Auba | Rashford | Wood

    Button | Ritchie | Saka | Thomas

    .5 in the bank

    1. Mr_Barbs
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Like it a lot. Nice picks this week. Not entirely sure on Auba but that's just me. He could do well.

      1. Greative
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers. Got Auba for the differential over Vardy or Jesus.

  21. Bartowski
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Do we think Foden might start against Watford?

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I do. But Pep will Pep

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think he is benched but it's Pep so we never know

  22. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Scenes if even a single one of these players get a knock in the cup fixtures:

    KDB
    Sterling
    Jesus
    Dilva
    Mahrez
    Rashford
    Martial
    Bruno
    Greenwood
    Auba
    Pulisic
    Willian
    Azpi
    Alonso
    Giroud

    Keep those FTs on ice guys!

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have strong bench so I dont mind. It will help me with the difficult benching decision too

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Nice

        Planning to bench Greenwood next week? Or Jimmy?

    2. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      FH38.
      Dont mind if all the non-Chels get a knock or a bug 😛

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Lovely week to FH alright

        Going TC38 myself!

        1. InvertedWinger
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Got to think there's a big upside on Salah/Sterling/Jesus that week!

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Dilva’s testimonial 😉

            1. InvertedWinger
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              The Man's got to stop scoring direct free kicks sometime.. right?!

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Or alternatively, he’s bound to score from play soon, right 😉

                Reckon they’ll actually do everything to try to get him on the scoresheet in that game

                If a penalty’s awarded they’ll even give that to him I’d say

  23. Origi-nal
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chasing.. Doherty (C)?

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think it's a good punt but would still favour a United attacker

    2. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Probably better off doing a United player and getting it right - most will do Fernandes or Martial so maybe punt on Rashford...?

    3. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Attacking stats dropped off so not a very big upside

  24. Shark Team
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    If i put Martial (C) then should i (VC) Wood who was my second choice or Bruno for safety?

  25. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ederson (button)
    TAA VVD boly (kiko Taylor)
    Salah KDB Fernandes martial pulisic
    Jesus Greenwood 1FT 1.2ITB

    any ideas what to do with this lot?
    Tempted just to bank

    1. Greative
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good. Maybe Greenwood -> Wood for differential.

      1. barton fc
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        nah dont see the wood and mcneil hype, surely i would be more assured of points getting a burnley defender? not as fun a way to play the game tho

    2. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Bank

  26. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    If u had to choose one for this gw.

    Sterling or kdb?

    1. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      KDB

    2. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling

    3. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling

    4. Mr_Barbs
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling

  27. Detweiler
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thought on Dwight McNeill as a 1 week punt?

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Good. Prefer Wood but if a cheap MID, McNeil, Trossard look good

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe Stanislas for a punt instead?

  28. HD7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    So Martial usually does better than Bruno at home. So I shoud Captain Martial... thats the logic...
    and since logic hasnt worked after restart we should go Salah 😀

  29. gers23
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How valuable could 2 frees be next week? Problem is nothing jumps out at me so feel may aswell do Maguire or Giroud to Tarkowski or Woods this

  30. Under The Kosc-ielney
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pulisic to Dilva
    or
    Giroud to Jay R or Wood
    or
    Both (-4)