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

    If Trent was rested, it would be Williams to start, right?

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yes

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Why would he be?

      1. thepuntmaster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I don't think he will be, just seen some speculation

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

      final game of the season having just been crowned champs....not a chance

  2. Barnabus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I'm 2pts behind my ML rival, far enough ahead of anyone else not to worry about what's below.

    My team - no chips, 1ft, 1.8itb:

    Ederson
    TAA VVD Pieters
    Martial Bruno KDB Foden
    Jimi Greenwood Vardy

    Nyland Doherty ASM Lascelles

    His team - no chips, 1ft, 0.3itb:

    Pope
    Doherty Tark Saiss
    Bruno KDB Salah Sterling Dilva
    Ings Rashford

    £3.9, Greenwood Aarons Simpson

    Looking at the teams he's got a bit of a problem in defence, so will probably switch Doherty to VVD and maybe also Saiss to Egan for a hit. I doubt he'll change his front 7.

    I'm thinking about switching Vardy to Kane and captaining him, and leaving it there. Not sure I can see the value in spending points to bring in Sterling/Salah just to block, I have to hope for a bad game from them really.

    Any thoughts and ideas greatly appreciated!

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He's got the optimal City assets with Sterling c and Salah as well. With all due respect, I think you're done for 😛

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden & Bruno -> Antonio & Dilva (c) or something like that possible?

  3. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you prefer pulisic in a 3-5-2 or ings in a 3-4-3?

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pulisic

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      P

  4. Deeney-is-a-god
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) martinez, mahrez, bardsley
    B) ederson, digne, greenwood

    (got pieters already)

    1. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      sorry, a has vvd and b has robbo as well

    2. Barnabus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

    Am I underestimating Wolves too much?

    De Gea,

    Aurier, Van Dijk, Bardsley

    Sterling (C), KDB, D Silva, Martial, Pulisic

    Ings, Greenwood

    Bench: Jimenez, Doherty, Saiss

    1. Mork calling Orson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      That’s a lot of money sat on your bench, can’t you get rid of Jimi & upgrade maybe Ings to Kane/Auba ?

    2. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No. Correct lineup imo.

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

      Play Jimenez over Greenwood and you are set

  6. Super-Anders
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I’m 24 points behind in a cash mini league. The leader got 2 free transfers and I have the Free hit. He will captain Sterling, I’m pretty sure.

    Best way to win it for me?
    A. Captain Sterling and look to make the points gain on the rest of my team.
    B. Include Sterling, but captain someone else.
    C. Leave out Sterling

    1. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      dont captain sterling for sure. Are you on a FH? If so you could look to have a kdb, mahrez dilva combo for instance and the captain one of them (maybe dilva)

  7. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mendy anyone?

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

      I'd rather have Burnley defenders and City attackers tbh

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No room for the City attacker and have a Burnley defender

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Always room for 3 this week

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I'm not on FH , I'm not selling any of Salah, Pulisic or Martial for a -4 and getting Mahrez to go with Sterling.

            1. NABIL - FPL otai
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Fine then. Mendy could work yeah

              1. Dynamic Duos
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Thanks mate, is there any other defender up to 5.6m you would pick instead?

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

                  Aurier maybe at only 5.1, but you don't need to spend it all, save some for next season.

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

    I am just stuck with Vardy no matter how I tinker with it, the lower priced replacements just cost too many points, since I want Sterling tc.

    1 FT used on Bruno --> Sterling, then the required -4 =

    a) KDB --> Dilva
    b) Willian --> Dendoncker

    Patricio (Martin)
    Tarko - TAA - Saiss
    Sterling tc - Salah - Foden [tbd result of a or b]
    Vardy - Rashford - Greenwood

    THANKS!!

    1. Martial Matas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy to Wood get you enough? Or Nketiah then play 3-5-2?

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

        I am going to try as I just don't see Vardy getting much, maybe 1 to seal the golden boot.

  9. insertcomedyname
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ings or Antonio?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I

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

      I think they both score, but I think Ings is fixture proof and this is his real chance to catch Vardy for the golden boot, so I'd go with Ings.

  10. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So far decided to play foden, so which united to bench.. Bruno, rashford or greenwood?

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

      I'm still of the mindset that Dilva will start and Foden comes on after 75th minute or so as the mantle is handed over. Of your choices, I'd probably bench Greenwood.

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

    Who will score more points -

    A. Doherty
    B. Bertrand

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      A

  12. juicewagz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you put any Wolves players into this team?

    De Gea,

    Aurier, Van Dijk, Bardsley

    Sterling (C), KDB, D Silva, Martial, Pulisic

    Ings, Greenwood

    Bench: Jimenez, Doherty, Saiss

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

    2. Shipstontrev
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jimenez for Greenwood, Chelsea have poor defenders

  13. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Tark TAA Serge
    Salah KDB Mahrez Fernandes Martial
    Greenwood Jimmy

    Martin Doherty Nketiah Robinson

    1 free tranny, 0.1 itb

    Think Im only bringing in Dilva or should I take a hit somewhere?
    Kick who for Dilva?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno

    2. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      one of fernandes or martial the logical choice here. Would go fernandes out personally. Don't take a hit.

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

      Bruno.

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

      I'd probably go Bruno to Dilva as you have enough Manu cover already with Martial and Greenwood

    5. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ta, just worried about set pieces for Bruno

  14. Deeney-is-a-god
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Another one
    A) ings, bardsley, vvd
    B) greenwood, digne, trent

    (Got martial and pieters)

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

      B

      More explosive

      1. Deeney-is-a-god
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        my thinking as well

  15. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bruno and vardy —> Silva and Kane?? (-4)

    1. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      good moves or silly?

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

        I've been so focused on getting Sterling that I hadn't considered that option, only I always get burned by Kane and I like the concept that Pep wants to use this as a bit of a "keep the A team sharp" match. But it's a toss up if that move nets you more than the 4.

      2. melvinmbabazi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Silly

    2. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      sound alright actually, but you know the risk.

      1. McSauce
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ye exactly

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

      Yup, good.

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

    Who thinks Wolves keep a clean sheet vs Chelsea.

    Wolves just so solid at the back!

    1. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      but chelsea will go gung ho as always. Chelsea are terrible at the back, but not so bad going forward

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not me and Mark doesn't he is (c) Pulisic lol.

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

      I dont, benching Doherty

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

      I doubt it but I think Patricio could get some save points!

    5. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think the odds of a clean sheet are low but Chelsea will leave themselves so open trying to score that Doherty has a great chance of attacking returns.

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

    Help please!

    How many goals has Bruno scored from open play EPL?

    1. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      4

      1. Deeney-is-a-god
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        everton, brigtonx2, bournmouth

        1. RVP 20
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          freekick vs bournemouth 😉

    2. RVP 20
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      answered you on the last page, 3

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      In all comps 4, in league 3

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Sorry 5 and 4

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Sorry right the first time

  18. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best defender up to 5.6m with abit of attack threat?

    Have a short list

    Mendy
    Tark
    Tierney
    Aurier

    1. RVP 20
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      mendy

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

    Is there a reason that Willian was taken off at 58 minutes vs Liverpool? Is he in danger of being benched this gw?

  20. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Alot of people overlooking aubameyang for their FH team this gw. Anything ive missed?

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

      Kane love and he blanked last week

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

      Watford fighting for survival, they were terrible last week and there’s an outside chance he’s benched.

  21. Aimar
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hendo
    Doherty egan AWB
    Sterling mahrez Son pulisic martial
    Jimmnez ings

    Leading in ML with only 6 pts my rival has FH
    Will get kane salah and may be jesus or Mahrez but he won’t get silva

    So

    A) pulsic ——> Dilva

    B ) jimmnez —-> jesus

    C) Doherty ——> TAA

    1. Aimar
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Greenwood ans sais on the bench

  22. Mini Mahouse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Haven't seen many teams with both TAA&Robertson - But I think it might be interested against weak Newcastle defence? Both on fire recently attacking wise

    Pope
    Pieters - TAA - Robertson
    Mahrez Dilva Sterling Salah
    Ings Kane Greenwood

    3.9 Branthwaite Williams Guendouzi

    Feels sexy - Other option is to downgrade Robertson and upgrade City midfielder to KDB

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Team looks good. I've gone TAA and VVD as as a Newcastle fan I'm worried we're going to struggle to defend corners given the lack of fit centre backs.

  23. Sahin
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which option?
    A)de bruyne,jesus >> Dilva , sterling,
    B) other
    C) i have Triple captain who should i give the arm band

    1. LFC4EVER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling’s and, and trip captain

  24. LFC4EVER
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What option?
    I have TC.
    1) Salah + Bruno >> Sterling + Dilva (-4)
    2) Bruno + Laca >> Sterling + Wood
    3) Salah >> Sterling
    4) Bruno >> Dilva

  25. LFC4EVER
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What option?
    I have TC.
    1) Salah + Bruno >> Sterling + Dilva (-4)
    2) Bruno + Laca >> Sterling + Wood (-4)
    3) Salah >> Sterling
    4) Bruno >> Dilva

  26. BurnMyBread
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Am I being silly or is Brighton's defence being underrated because of their fixtures since the restart? Everyone's talking about Burnley keeping a clean sheet but I feel like it's equally likely for Brighton to do it. I guess this is just a complicated way of asking whether Dunk is a good option on a free hit.

  27. Rivers
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1. Vardy ==> Jesus
    2. Salah ==> sterling
    Which is good?
    Jesus will start?

  28. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who would you start this GW?

    A - Doherty
    B - Aurier

  29. Sahin
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which option?
    A)de bruyne,jesus >> Dilva , sterling,
    B) i have Triple captain who should i give the arm band

  30. Sahin
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which option?
    A)de bruyne,jesus >> Dilva , sterling,
    B) i have mahrez
    C) i have Triple captain who should i give the arm band