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. Rover
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What moves would you make with this non-FH team?

    Pope
    VvD Digne Tarkowski
    Sterling (vc) Bruno Martial Pulisic Antonio
    Kane (c) Jesus

    I have 0.4m ITB to go Pulisic/Antonio to David Silva, or a United mid to Mahrez, and am not averse to taking a hit provided there is sufficient upside.

    1. Bring back Rafa
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Bruno to Silva/Mahrez..
      Very good non FH team, could easily beat FH teams imo

      1. Rover
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks! Will wait for team news before confirming either way.

  2. FOO FIGHTER
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Biggest decision for me is either Martial or Fernandes.

    Stuck here...

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Toss a coin

      1. Tomerick
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        To your Witcher?

        1. Utopsis
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Oh valley of plenty

    2. Tomerick
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Bruno for sure

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Martial

    4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Keep tony.

      Bruno been run ragged and starting to show IMO

    5. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm keeping Martial. Counter attack is their best shot at scoring.

    6. Party time
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Martial ofcourse

      • Karan14
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Martial imo.

    7. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Morning all.

      Would love some help with this decision.

      Son or Martial on FH. I already have Greenwood and Kane?

      The extra cash will be the difference between.

      with Martial Pope, Aurier, Bardsley
      with Son. Martinez, Barnsley, Peters

      Cheers and GL

      1. Strchld
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I have been thinking same.
        Currently have Son. Have also Kane so going "all in" and not even chasing.

        1. Art Vandelay
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers.

          Yep, I can see the being a high scoring game but quite like the idea of Aurier this week too.

          1. Strchld
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah, only players I dont have but would like to have are Aurier and Ings.

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

      What say you?

      Foden to Antonio, and Jimi to Giroud for - 4 tho.

      Y or N?

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        N

      2. Shipstontrev
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Keep Jimi

      3. Party time
          4 years, 1 month ago

          N

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers guys...

            I've been taking hits all season and now i can't do 1 final transfer!

      4. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Pages are moving fast, Sorry repost.

        I think my WC team is done.

        Martinez
        Pieters – Aurier – TAA – Robbo
        Salah – Sterling – KdB – Dilva
        Kane – Greenwood
        (Martin) (Nketiah - Williams – D. Luiz)

        Thoughts?

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I think a WC that involves 4 defenders on the last day of the season is boring (no offence).

          Get a 5th mid or play 3 up top, it’s more fun getting goals than hoping for clean sheets.

          1. The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Understand where you are coming from. I have TAA, Robbo & Aurier for assist and goal potential which imo be a higher ceiling than a sub 6 mil mid.

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              That’s fair enough mate, each to their own isn’t it.

              Regardless of what I think, it’s a great team, good luck!

          2. Eddie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I think it's fine. If it means you can afford the attackers you want. Though maybe Antonio over Robbo is more exiting.

            1. Eddie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Exciting *

      5. SantaCruz87
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        KDB or D.Silva for final GW?

        1. Buck The Trent
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Dilva

        2. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Both

      6. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Biggest decision for me is either Greenwood or Fernandes.

        Stuck here...

        1. bc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Fernandes would be my choice tbh

        2. McSauce
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          For captain?

        3. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          To start

          1. Karan14
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Fernandes

      7. bc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Vardy to Kane or Auba for -4 worth it?

        Captaining sterling (my rival doesn't and can't have) and chasing 20pts gap

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Could work

        2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Not for a -4

          1. bc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Kane I'm thinking mainly... Defo not?

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              If you captain him. If you won’t, then the -4 probably won’t pay off .

        3. acidicleo
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yes and Kane..
          If Kane score 1 goal more than Vardy you will break even... And I think thars very likely..

      8. Halftime
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Best striker for 6.1 or under that's not Greenwood? Need to get rid of DCL.

        1. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          JRod or King.

        2. A-L
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Nketiah (likely will start) and save a bit of cash

        3. Bring back Rafa
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          JRod or Trezeguet

      9. Cruz88
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Final selections, didn't want to take a hit, just did Vardy to Kane, good to go?

        McCarthy
        Trent Azpi Tark
        Sterling KDB Fernandes Puli
        Greenwood Ings Kane

        Bench: DeGea, Willian, Stephens, Saiss

        1. Buck The Trent
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah

        2. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Very good

      10. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thoughts on this FH?

        Martinez
        TAA Bardsley Pieters
        Salah Sterling KDB Dilva Antonio
        Auba Wood

        Button Greenwood 2x Fodder

        1. bc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Excellent.. Kinda thinking.. Kane over Auba maybe?? In form, Spurs last game, palace defence is in tatters. Auba has the FA cup to focus on..

        2. D.Glynn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Looks good, I also went Kane over Auba

        3. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I'd rather kane over auba.. not sure on antonio and Martinez given opponents. Rest is good

      11. Olesathewheeel
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Bottomed

        Q1. Pulisic or Fernandes?

        Q2. Kane TC if chasing instead of Sterling?

        Cheers

        1. GOONER
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Pulisic

          Kane

          1. Olesathewheeel
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

        2. Tomerick
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Pulisic, Sterling

          1. Olesathewheeel
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Wondering how to close the 20pt gap if we both have same captain

            Considering he has FH

            1. Tomerick
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              It’s easy. You won’t lol

              1. Olesathewheeel
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                ...

      12. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Which is better?

        Bruno and Justin ➡️ KDB,Cheap Burnley defender
        Bruno and Justin ➡️ Dsilva,7.7 defender
        Foden and Justin ➡️ Dsilva,cheap Burnley defender/Garcia
        Bruno and Justin ➡️ Mahrez 6.6 defender

        Thank you.

        1. D.Glynn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          3rd one

        2. Runaway
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          First one

        3. LOS BLANCOS
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          3rd

      13. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Bruno or Pulisic for this week?

        Also is it worth selling one of them for a hit to get David Silva?

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          P and yes

        2. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Pulisic yes

        3. ritzyd
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I have a feeling pulisic will do well this week to the extent i'm looking to bring him in on my FH

          1. Karan14
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah he looks a great differential tbh. Think I will keep him most likely.

            Just wondering if it's worth selling Bruno for a hit to get Silva.

      14. popcoin
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Have Liverpool been partying again like they did before the city game?

        1. bc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Defo a few San Miguels consumed

          1. popcoin
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Salah out then

            1. Do I Not Like Orange
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Doubt he drinks tbf.

      15. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Can a member confirm something for me...

        In the Members Area stats when it says Norwich have conceded 27 chances down the 'Left Flank' in their last 6 gameweeks, does that mean down their own left flank (i.e. down Jamal Lewis's side) or down the oppositions left flank meaning Max Aarons' side?

        1. popcoin
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Own left

        2. Karan14
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I think it means their own Left flank which bodes well for the RW/RB.

        3. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Their own left flank.

          So basically that means the RW from the other team is favored.

          1. Long ago I drew a walrus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            so Mahrez?

            1. Tomerick
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Sterling swapped sides with Foden for the first goal in the last game I recall.

              1. Long ago I drew a walrus
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Sterling was central for the first goal iirc, Walker put in a rubbish cross

                1. Tomerick
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Ah ok I only read the commentary on Sky Sports. I’m sure one of the goals said he had switched flanks with Foden.

        4. Rains of Castamere
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers all, much appreciated

      16. dshv
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        FH G2G?

        Pope
        Aurier taa pieters
        Salah kdb sterling dilva antonio
        Kane greenwood

        1. GOONER
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          KDB to Mahrez
          Greenwood to Ings

          1. A-L
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            This would make it my exact mid and attack actually so yeah this

        2. A-L
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yep all good

      17. GOONER
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        A) Sterling, Silva, Mahrez

        B) Sterling, Silva, Jesus

        C) Sterling, Mahrez, Jesus

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          A

        2. Karan14
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          C

        3. Runaway
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          B

        4. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          B

      18. Phlajo
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Pick one:
        A - Ings+Sterling
        B - Kane+Martial

        1. GOONER
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          A

        2. Runaway
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          A

        3. Phlajo
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Thx guys

      19. Will J 256
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Any thoughts on this FH:
        Pope
        Trent, Aurier, Pieters
        Sterling, Mahrez, D Silva, Martial, Pulisic,
        Kane, Ings

        1. Big Ronnie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Similar to mine but have Salah instead of Pulisic and another Burnley def instead of Aurier

      20. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        A) Antonio
        B) Martial (would be only united)

        1. GOONER
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Martial

        2. Will J 256
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          B

        3. nolard
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          B

        4. Runaway
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          B

        5. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          B

        6. Deeney-is-a-god
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Martial a better option. He is up against wes morgan...

      21. nolard
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Team settled:
        Bench boost.

        Pope
        Digne Doherty Tarkowski
        KDB Martial Antonio
        Kane Greenwood Ings

        Martinez, Dunk, D Silva, Egan

        Points estimate 85.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Can't find any fault other than no raheem and ings vs egan. gL

          1. nolard
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks!

        2. Utopsis
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Estimate based on?

          1. nolard
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            My own predictions on results and goals 🙂

            1. Utopsis
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Be interested to see how close ya get! 🙂

              1. nolard
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Yes, I am still pondering the captains choice though.
                Kane, KDB or Silva.

      22. FOO FIGHTER
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Things will just be simpler if we knew whether Jusus starts LOL.

        Would make figuring out the rest of the City team easier...

        1. Firminooooo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I have to drafts ready, to join D.Silva and Sterling:
          Jesus, Pulisic (Guendouzi)
          Mahrez, Martial (Connolly)

        2. Karan14
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I don't see any reason why he will be benched after starting 8 games in a row. The rest period between those games was less than it is for this gameweek.

        3. A-L
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Might be team announcement 5 mins before deadline so be alert

        4. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          He's started all the others.

          This one is more relaxed so why not?

      23. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Sterling and kdb enough to cover city ?

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Just get 3...

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            The team just feels more balanced with only 2... Think I'll take the gamble and ignore d Silva . Thanks and gl

        2. Deeney-is-a-god
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          on FH? If so get dilva or a defender IMO.

        3. Bring back Rafa
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Not worth taking a hit to get 3 but if on a FH I'd pick 3

        4. Sim Simma
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          City of London deal in Sterling pounds and the KDB bank transact in Euros. So I guess there's coverage somewhere

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Very good !!!

      24. Muller Reus Corner
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Is my team gtg?
        Pope
        TAA, Robbo, Pieters
        Sterling (TC), KDB (VS), Bruno, Pulisic, Antonio
        Jesus, Ings
        (Martinez, Greenwood, Taylor, Robinson)

      25. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Any thoughts on best bet here please? Fighting over minor mini league places...happy to try something unorthodox...3.6mitb

        Foden and jiminez to sterling (c) and nketiah (benched) - 4

        B....Taa, bruno and jesus to pieters, sterling (c) and kane - 8

        C.....something else

        Thanks

        Hendo Mccarthy
        Taa maguire boly stephens soy
        Kdb foden pulisic bruno martial
        Jesus jiminez wood

        1. The Mighty One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          A is good.

      26. Deeney-is-a-god
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Kane or auba at FH? Currently on Auba, but watford does have something to play for and Kane has had the longer rest...

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I'd be more concerned about fa cup 6 days away.

          I think Arsenal beat Watford 2.1.

          So do Spurs get a 1 nil at Palace or bag a load of goals?

          1. Deeney-is-a-god
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            good point actually, leaning more towards kane now...

        2. Bring back Rafa
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Watford could lose by a goal and avoid relegation as they're only 1 goal off Villa in GD. They're gonna be scrapping, just like Villa

      27. Better Call Raul
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Jesus + Bruno -> Kane + Dilva (-4) ?

        1. Deeney-is-a-god
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          risky, but could pay off. For a hit I am not realy sure it is worth it

      28. Rushford
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Would you drop Martial or Bruno? Martial more on form but Bruno on set pieces..

        1. Bring back Rafa
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I kept Martial. He can play bad and still score 6+ points

        2. FOO FIGHTER
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Burning question for me as well.

      29. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        If you had to go without 1 of these for the final GW, which would it be?

        A) Salah
        B) Sterling
        C) KDB
        D) Martial

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          C

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Or D

        2. Phlajo
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          D, then ABC

        3. The Mighty One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Go without order: c d a b.