Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 38+?

Fantasy Premier League managers are faced with a wealth of viable choices for the captaincy on the final day of the 2019/20 season.

With so much riding on the Gameweek 38+ fixtures, knowing that any number of armband candidates stand a chance of exploding may take the pressure off the decision and allow more focus on the ownership of each asset.

To help you pick the best captain for your team, the Captain Sensible article is back for one last hurrah, analysing the statistical form of players over their last four matches and comparing them with 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

Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) is the clear winner of the captain poll for Gameweek 38+ pulling in the support of 35.6% in the final vote of the season.

There is very little surprise about the Manchester City midfielder topping the charts here, considering he has five double-figure hauls since the Premier League returned and recently claimed penalty-taking duties from Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m), who is backed by just 6.6% of our readers.

David Silva (£7.5m) is also set to play a part in the captaincy conversation after 13% of our voters deemed him the best option for the final Gameweek of the season. It also happens to be the Spaniard’s last Premier League game for Manchester City, suggesting he could go out with a bang. That seems likely when we consider he has averaged 10.5 points per appearance at home during Project Restart.

De Bruyne and Foden unlucky as Silva and Sterling score big for Man City

The backing for both Sterling and Silva is, of course, underpinned by Norwich’s obliging defence. The Canaries have let in 18 goals since Gameweek 30+, an average of 2.3 per game.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) may have blanked in each of his last three outings, but there is still an outside chance he can wrestle the Golden Boot trophy away from Jamie Vardy (£9.7m). Watford come to the Emirates Stadium having conceded three goals in three of their last five away matches, while Aubameyang has scored six times in as many home Premier League appearances.

With the same amount of the support in the poll (11%), Harry Kane (£10.9m) comes into Gameweek 38+ with a brace in each of his last two games. That has convinced a portion of the Fantasy community that the Spurs forward will have an enjoyable trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon. 

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 8

Crystal Palace have found themselves in the middle of a rotten defensive crisis as the 2019/20 campaign comes to a close. They have at least two goals in each of their last five Premier League matches, and will face Spurs short of Patrick van Aanholt (£5.6m), Gary Cahill (£4.3m), James Tomkins (£4.9m) and, most likely, Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m).

Another team in disarray at the back are Newcastle, who have flags against seven different defenders ahead of hosting Liverpool on Sunday. That could be good news for Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), who clearly has a been under his bonnet having not scored in each of his last three despite a whole host of opportunities. The Egyptian has arguably been the most exciting Liverpool player recently and a beleaguered Newcastle defence could be exactly what he needs to get that explosive haul he has been promising.

Christian Pulisic (£7.4m), Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.6m), Gabriel Jesus (£9.9m) and Anthony Martial (£8.5m) are the only other options with more than 1% support in the poll.

Player statistics – Last four matches

2,265 Comments Post a Comment
  1. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best move here? Thanks

    A Vardy/Doherty -> Kane/Aurier (bench Foden)
    B Vardy/Foden -> Ings/Dilva (bench GW)
    C Keep Vardy

    Pope Martinez
    TAA Doherty Bardsley Fernandez Taylor
    Salah KDB Bruno Martial Foden
    Vardy Greenwood Jesus

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

      A

    2. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like A.
      But I'd say Sterling is a must have

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers chasing someone who has Sterling capt so guess i need to gamble.

    3. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you got Nketiah for Vardy, how much do you have to upgrade Foden?

      Would bring Silva or Mahrez in that slot. Bench Nketiah, play Greenwood.

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers you think Mahrez/dilva better than Kane this week?

    5. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Any specific reason dumping Vardy ?

      C for me

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Just think kane a much bigger ceiling this week.

  2. Visionaries
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA, Doh, Bedn*
    Martial, Bruno, Sterling, Pulisic, KDB*
    Greenwood, Jesus*

    A Bedn > 5.5 defender (Aurier?)
    B Bedn, Jesus > Pieters & Kane -4
    C Bed, KDB, Jesus > Aurier, Mahrez, Kane -4

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

      B

  3. Powers106
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I've only got 1FT and in order to keep Salah and get in Sterling for a TC, I need to take a hit on one of these 2 options, which one?

    A) Bruno to Dendockner
    B) Rashford to Nketiah

    Presumably both would be on the bench... Thanks for the help!

    Patricio (Martin)
    Tarko - TAA - Saiss (Taylor - Lascelles)
    Sterling tc - Salah v - KDB - Foden (tbd)
    Vardy - Greenwood (tbd)

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

  4. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Fair to say that most free hitters choosing from a fairly limited pool of players (around 25)?

    GK: Pope, Martinez
    DF: TAA, VVD, Pieters, Bardsley, Long, Tierney, Aurier
    MF: Sterling, Salah, KDB, Son, Mane, Silva, Mahrez, Antonio, Martial, Fernandes
    FW: Aubameyang, Kane, Jesus, Rashford, Ings, Greenwood

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Think there are a few more defensive options than this

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I have seen a few Man City, but most seem to be going for a Man City attacking triple up. Not seen much love for Robertson or any Arsenal defenders other than Tierney because of uncertainty around game time (are Luiz, Holding, Bellerin all going to start?)

        1. ElliotJHP
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Robertson is in one of my final 2 drafts.

          Also likes of Lamptey/Braithwaite if people are going gung ho in attack

    2. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Few more defenders imo
      Robertson tarkowski Cresswell

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Tarkowski worth £1m more than Pieters, Bardsley and Long though?

        Not seen much West Ham love other than Antonio. Presumably people expect Grealish or Trezeguet to score against them.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I hate lack of 7m ish striker options bar Ingsy !!

      Looking at Wilson too but not liking it at all

  5. Weasel51
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Whole cash ML pretty much relies on one combination:

    A) Vardy and Mahrez
    B) Jesus and Bruno
    C) Auba and Dilva (-4)

  6. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son or Ings on FH?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Son cause much less EO if chasing

      1. Strchld
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Actually Im leading.
        Rival has FH too and is 51points behind.

        1. PascalCygan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Probably Ings then

  7. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    rival has double BUR def get Pieters over :
    a. Doh
    b. AWB

    appreciate help

    1. TAB
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      AWB

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

    Son

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Good option this gw

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Of ?

  9. TAB
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Rashford to Kane (-4)

    Yes or No

    Im Chasing

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

      No try get Son in

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      any other options ? Rash can easily get one in

    3. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes and even captain if you don't have Sterling

    4. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

  10. AnfieldLad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Kdb -> Sterling too sideways ?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Unless you are not on FH.
      On FH, nothing is sideways. It's like selecting a new team

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not this week.

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not sideways this week. Sterling's EO going to be through the roof!

    4. FPL-Albion
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling captain for me I think. Prob means Pep benches him

  11. Robbie Slater
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Chasing 33 point leader in my ML. I’m on FH and making sure I’m picking as many different attackers to him as possible.

    What’s my best option with defence?
    He has Pope and Tarkowski (as well as Trent and Aurier).

    Should I go for 2/3 of Pieters/Bardsley/Long and try to match him on Burnley defenders, or go without Burnley defenders and just hope Brighton score? Would then be going for Lamptey, Branthwaite, etc

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Go without imo

      1. Robbie Slater
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks, I am starting to think this too

    2. FPL-Albion
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If chasing no point going Burnley. Maybe Villa defence?

      1. Robbie Slater
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers, I’m thinking no point now too. What makes you say Villa? Won’t they be going for the win?

        1. FPL-Albion
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Attacking wise they are poor but they can shut up shop.

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      33 points is massive...you must be lucky and have most of different players, hoping his picks will fail miserably.
      Go without Burnley in that case.

      1. Robbie Slater
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yep, it’s unlikely but got to go for it. Yeah think you’re right, just avoid Burnley and hope they concede. Hoping attacking differentials like Kane, Auba, Son, Mane, Sterling(c) can help make up the difference so got to go cheap at the back

  12. 2EyedTurk
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Last post of the season it is, any thoughts on this FH?

    Pope
    Walker VVD Digne
    Sterling Salah Silva Rich Antonio
    Kane Greenwood

    Reina Pieters Williams Ayew

  13. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Vardy to Kane
    B. Vardy to Auba
    C. Fernandes to Silva?
    D. Or both of the Vardy and Fernandes transfers for a -4?

    1. FPL-Albion
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

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

      a

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy > Kane

  14. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Robertson and ings
    Or
    Pieters & Aubameyang

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Robbo/Ings

    2. FPL-Albion
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Robbo Ings

  15. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pick one pls

    A) Triple Burnley defence

    B) Double Burnley defence + Diop

    C) Double Burnley defence + Brathwaite

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Morning mate, my final piece to my puzzle ....

        Bench......
        A) Antonio
        or
        B) Willian

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Morning !
          This is pathetic 😀
          One who you'll bench will score more buddy.

          Antonio
          Just.

  16. FPL-Albion
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think to this FH team?
    Pope
    TAA Robertson Pieters
    Sterling (C) KDB Dilva Mane Martial
    Ings Greenwood
    (Martinez, Williams, connelly, 3.9)

    I am currently 15 clear in ML, rival also has FH

  17. screamer73
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Got lost in an old post. Which one to start guys?
    A Doherty
    B Jimenez

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

      Jim

    2. FPL-Albion
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B from those two. Chelsea not good defensively but will score

  18. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Re Mané not featuring in any of the training session photos, the Liverpool Echo have this to say:

    “The ECHO understands that Mane was missing due to a slight medical issue though, thankfully for the Reds, it is not serious enough to make him a doubt for the game against Newcastle on Sunday.”

    https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-mane-lovren-henderson-award-18660948

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      In other words, a bangin hangover.

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Haha, yes let’s hope so TS

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I’m going Salah because he’s teetotal. The levels of research we go to as fantasy managers 😀

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Hehe. I always used to play better after a few ales.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            In your head, you did 😉

            That said, I was always better at snooker/pool after a couple of pints. But then I’m an uptight so and so.

            1. Rasping Drive
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Aye, in my head: George Best
              In actual fact: Wayne Wanklyn

              You sound like you’ve got a touch of the Bill Werbenuik’s, TS

              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Haha, I’m certainly no Terry Griffiths 😀

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          So is Mane. He's also Muslim and teetotal.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Ah wasn’t aware. Thanks for the correction *thumbs up*

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t know if it means anything but there are 10 players wearing that bib or performance measurement vest in the photo. Salah, TAA, Robertson not among them.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Means nothing. Lallana wearing one and he won't play, last day today

  19. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Just curious to know, did anyone own Wilson years ago when he got a hat-trick against West Ham during the promotion season?

    Considering him as an option on my FH and it may be my last chance to pick him at FPL.

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No, but I did sell him the week before.

      1. b91jh
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        It must be painful. I was lucky to keep him at that time.

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Needed to read the last sentence to realize what Wilson. Ray Wilson from Everton was 50 years ago (smile)
      Wilson will be on a lot of wanted lists. He got stale at Bournemouth. Nothing to strive for. Will not surprise me he goes to West Ham or Even Man U if they miss out on Europe.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Champions league

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Man United are not missing out on Europe sir !
        😛

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I love a loyal supporter! I hope not; honestly! Wink Wink

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            😀

      3. b91jh
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        As a half-Bournemouth fan I would say his performance is really poor this season.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          He has had a shocker, but the guy has it all and probably needs a new challenge like the manager. Bournemouth a breath of fresh air and I fear when the go they will go properly.

  20. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I see a lot going for Mahrez on here...

    I'm on Sterling/Dilva/Jesus..

    Am I missing something?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No you're not.

      Let's wait and see the lineups.

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not been in last two league starts so could be due a start.

      Might also just be out of favour tho

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It’s sterling Dilva and one other, with Mahrez having a rest he has a good chance of starting. And Jesus was awful last time out.

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He was. And he was awful last time I had him and then went on to score loads of points when I sold him.

        It's either Dilva + Jesus
        Or Salah + Greenwood.
        Have Sterling (c)

    4. FPL-Albion
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I’m thinking sterling KDb and dilva

    5. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The system will crash if Dilva and Sterling not on early team sheet.

  21. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Rival has both and I’m blocking best I can. I would be selling AWB or Alonso and benching the other.

    A) Aurier - will he play?
    B) Burnley def (Bardsley!)

    Pope
    TAA AWB Boly
    Salah KDB Sterling Bruno Dilva
    Greenwood Jime

    Alonso Nketiah

  22. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I so hope Simpson falls to 3.8mn with 1366 more transfers out to go...Net transfers out already 6k so hopefully it happens tonight and I can get my perfect FH lineup

    1. FPL-Albion
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Can you share the perfect lineup

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      😀
      Taking everything out of bench

      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yes 5th midfielder is Williams so you get my drift. This season I have been very late with my transfers thereby missing price rises but just dint have time to analyze midweek to do early transfers. Example last week I actually wasted a FT as was unsure on who to replace Greenwood/Pussylic with. Glad I dint as both got 9

        1. FPLtfs
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Greenwood and/or ....?

  23. rilo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Taylor is injured.
    I can play Saiss or should i buy someone? 1 FT.

    Also have Foden who might not start and was thnking about selling him to get Dilva

    So sell Foden-> Dilva and play Saiss
    or Taylor-> Tarkowski, play Foden

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden to Dilva, play saiss

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wait for lineups. There's a chance Foden starts.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Dangerous ploy. Good advice but changing teams last minute could end up in slow down tears.

  24. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which free hit team do you prefer?

    A) Son, Antonio, Auba

    Martinez
    TAA, Aurier, Pieters
    Salah, Sterling, D.Silva, Son*, Antonio*
    Auba*, Ings

    B) Mahrez, Martial, Kane

    Martinez
    TAA, Aurier, Pieters
    Salah, Sterling, D.Silva, Mahrez*, Martial*
    Kane*, Ings

  25. PScholes18
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to bench and captain?
    Martinez | Dead
    TAA | Aurier | Toby | Pieters | Tarko
    Sterling | KdB | Bruno | Foden | Puli
    Kane | Rashford | Greenwood

    Chasing in ML, leader on FH and will probably captain Sterling.
    City will depend on early team news, but need to have a starting line-up ready.

    1. FPL-Albion
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wow that is a strong team. Not sure what I’d do. Prob bench foden and Toby, plus one other

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I’ll pass, thanks.

      You’ve managed to have Greenwood or Foden as your 8th attacker. Why do it to yourself? Also, just have 4 playing defenders and Lascelles or someone at this point of the season.

      It’s practically impossible to guess your strongest starting 11.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Sorry, didn’t see it was a FH team.

        Too many sweets in the shop window!

    3. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What if your non FH team outscore your FH team ?

      1. PScholes18
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm not doing FH, the guy leading the ML is. The bench is strong due to miscalculated rotation after the break.

  26. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Guys..
    What is the site url where you can check previous years FPL performance?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      FPL

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just go to your Gameweek history.

  27. stuffantings
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Final GW, good luck to all! Chasing 27 points in my mini-league. Still on the fence about A. Auba or B. Kane?

    Pope (Martinez)
    TAA / Pieters / Aurier (Bardsley / Williams)
    Sterling (c) / Martial / Salah / Dilva (Guendouzi)
    Auba / Ings / Greenwood

  28. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to play AWB or Doherty ?

  29. Oscar Slater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Quick question chaps, what was that secondary squad based game that preceded the auction game called again?

  30. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    HELP needed.. :/

    a) Bruno -> Son
    b) Jimi -> Kane (-4pts)
    c) Jimi -> Jesus
    d) Bruno -> Sterling (-4pts)
    e) do nothing

    I have Foden and KDB