Captain Sensible

Who are the best Captain options for FPL Blank Gameweek 1?

Jan Sienkiewicz was the king of the Fantasy Premier League captaincy in 2019/20, scoring a whopping 657 points from the armband, the second-highest in the whole world. We asked him to help out with the captaincy debate ahead of the new campaign’s Gameweek 1 deadline.


Quite an unprecedented 2020/2021 pre-season is drawing to a close, as we are eagerly waiting for the new FPL campaign to start. Hundreds of drafts, multiple formations, Wildcard strategies and planning early transfers; we have all been there and, in fact, we are all living in this world right now.

There is one common denominator in our efforts; trying to find the best captain. Getting the right skipper is usually a crucial component to having a successful season and Fantasy managers are looking to start the campaign strongly with the right choice. Let’s evaluate the options available for us in Gameweek 1.

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

Captain Poll

Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m)  tops the Fantasy Football Scout captain poll with 53.3% of votes, as he faces a newly-promoted Fulham side in Gameweek 1.

The Arsenal striker, who has been reclassified as a midfielder for this season’s edition of FPL, is currently owned by 44.1% of Fantasy managers – which is more than the combined ownership of Sadio Mané (£12.0m, 13.3% ownership) and Mohammed Salah (£12.0m, 29.8% ownership).

The Gabonese international starred in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory two weeks ago (scoring a long-distance goal in a 1-1 draw that the Gunners won on penalties) and then netted twice in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Aston Villa behind-closed-doors.

Aubameyang’s great form is accompanied by a favourable Gameweek 1 fixture too, as Fulham’s defensive vulnerabilities are still fresh in people’s minds from the 2018/19 campaign. The Cottagers conceded a league-high of 81 goals the last time they were in the top flight, which included nine goals over two games against Arsenal (5-1 and 4-1 defeats).

Metrics

The second most popular pick for the armband among the Fantasy Football Scout users this week is Salah (25.6%). Considering that the runaway 2019/20 champions are hosting newly-promoted Leeds United, and Manchester City and Manchester United are without a fixture, it seems to some extent surprising that the Fantasy-proven Egyptian midfielder is struggling to attract more interest for the armband.

Even more of a surprise, Mané sits at third in the poll with only 3.9% of votes. The Senegalese winger, who scored 18 goals and provided 10 Fantasy assists last season, showed glimpses of class in pre-season and will be looking to improve on his impressive home record against newly-promoted opposition on Saturday.

Behind the podium we can find Chelsea’s new striker Timo Werner (£9.5m, 3.5% of votes), Liverpool’s defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m, 2.1%), as well as Tottenham Hotspur assets – Son Heung-min (£9.5, 2.1%) and Harry Kane (£10.5m, 1.8%).

Based on the poll, the main decision managers will have to make regarding captaincy will involve comparing Aubameyang with Salah. We will therefore mostly focus on the Liverpool and Arsenal options.

Best players by position:

3,881 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    17.5 million.

    A striker and a midfielder FOR ONE WEEK who to pick? (No Son) and why?

    Already have Salah,Auba,Werner,ASM,Soucek

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ings and Kai?

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Kai hmmm will he start?

        A bit of a risk

        1. ilikewud
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It's GW1 on a one week punt, most picks are risky.

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

      Must be Ings and Havertz, given your conditions.

    3. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane and Bowen

    4. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ings and Havertz

  2. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    everyone claims to be loyal until it's time to be loyal and that loyalty vanishes
    everyone thinks they're a savage until they drawn out by some real life savages

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

      women eh..

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        it's just me and my brothers

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

          Oh I see. Tbh, it applies to women too though..

  3. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    ?? V ??

    DCL & Saiss v Adams & Doherty

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  4. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why is Aurier so lowly owned? Am I missing something?

    1. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They just signed Doherty haha

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Haha seriously?

    3. Root
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      haha

    4. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hahaha

    5. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Do you have 2 accounts? Someone just asked the exact same question...

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I reposted it for a fallen soldier that was on the bottom. Thought it was a great question

    6. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Realy?!

    7. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lol erm they signed someone better

    8. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Someone hulk this

    9. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's lowly owned because hes a rotation risk. Doherty's ownership on the other hand makes no sense if Aurier stays. Gonna lol hard when Aurier plays gw1

  5. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can't get away from this? 1.5 ITB.

    Ryan
    TAA Doherty KWP
    Salah Auba Son ASM Soucek
    Werner Mitrovic
    Walton Mitchell Brewster Dallas

    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very simular to mine. Differece is i have Barnes insted Soucek

  6. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is this defense good enough for 442?

    McC
    TAA Doherty Egan Coady KWP

    OR better to get one 5.5 and two rotating 4.5s?

    1. Apwilkin
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like it. Not sure there are any 5.5s that I like more than Egan or Coady.

  7. John wick
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any love for oliver burke for 4.5....or is there any good bench enablers

  8. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    First time in a long time I'm not scared of not owning Salah...

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You should be scared. I'm scared. Would be lying if I said otherwise but I'm still going to go without him.

      1. Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        what is your team at the end?

      2. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Scared of high ownership maybe, but watching him preseason I am happy with my triple pool defence instead... You own Mane

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No I don't. I only have TAA.

        2. ilikewud
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Thankfully preseason doesn't count for points.

      3. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm scared but I don't want to own him purely out of fear. C'mon Harvey Barnes

    2. Red Red Robins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Scared Auba will blank and Salah gets a haul

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Gw1 is the only gw to be really scared of him. Just get that one out of the way and you're good

  9. thepeen555
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think I might risk not having TAA and keeping just Salah or Mane as liverpool coverage.

    Then defence would be Stevens at SHU, C Taylor, Dallas, KWP, and buur as a fodder. I only plan to use 3 each week anyway.

    Wouldnt mind chilwell when he is fit but that could be a few game weeks yet.

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Most value player in the game

      1. thepeen555
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That's what keeps making him end up in the team. Maybe will have to be him instead of 1 of those

        1. ilikewud
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          If TAA was any other position 7.5 for 200+ points would be a dream pick. Mane and Salah are 4.5 more and only got 20-30 points more. I know they are captain options and both good picks but it's only because he's on the backend that people choosing to go without. He was the first name on my team sheet and if he comes anywhere close to what he did last year he will be value.

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Highest scoring player in the game for 7.5m.....

    3. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd be getting a midfielder with 19 goal involvements in my team for 7.5m. Trent gets clean sheet points too. Get him

  10. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Salah captain material?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bench

    2. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah. Not sure this weekend due to not good form preseason but maybe he wasnt trying

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not own material judging on his pteseason

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

      He is mine C

  11. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mark and I are gearing up for FPL BlackBox episode two
    See you in ten minutes!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz1okLLDXPI

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      alright bro see you there

      1. Az
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        woo

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      LIVE Mark!? Virg better be in the comments section

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Saw Virg trolling Lateriser on Twitter earlier. Said he was doing poor FPL management 😆

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          love it

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

          What is his twitter lol

    3. Thescaff
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Loving the beats

    4. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Loved the episode, as someone with Son or Ings dillema.

  12. John wick
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Current draft
    Ryan button
    WP TAA justin Taylor Mitchell
    salah auba Asm ziyech romeu
    mitrovic werner ings
    bank 0.5
    Planing to do ings to martial in gw 2
    Downgrading TAA to robbo is a good idea?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What for? Not a good idea

      1. John wick
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A.Upgrading ziyech to havertz thats the plan
        Or
        B. Ziyech to Alli and wait and see for havertz

    2. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ziyech doesnt play

    3. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah Zi is out

  13. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) DCL, Doherty
    B) Alli, Davies

    Best option here?

    1. soumyeah
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A - i think DCL is being very underrated, should be lots of opportunities for easy goals imo

      and Davies gets no returns ever

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You try thinking DCL is underrated after you've had him for nine no-goal/no-assist weeks. I'm still traumatised.

  14. soumyeah
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What has everybody convinced about

    Che Adams?

    1. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good late season form. Southampton are good. Has nice fixtures

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Need a 6m forward and scraping the barrel

    3. Cheeto__Bandito
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      good team cheap price

    4. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      As a Southampton COVER he gets 25% of Ings points.

      1. soumyeah
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks all - i'm loathe to field Mitro based on past experiences so appreciate the convincing..

        (tho i don't believe in offensive cover!)

    5. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very good underlying stats (only his finishing has been poor), but uncertainty over the minutes...

      1. soumyeah
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        appreciate it, going to look closer

    6. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t fancy mitro at all in this Fulham team so he’s basically the only other option and seems could be a decent punt, nothing more for that price

      1. soumyeah
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        you and me both

  15. UshFPL
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How's this looking? I have 1.0 itb currently

    Mccarthy
    TAA Robbo Dier Vinagre
    Salah Auba Alli ASM
    Werner Adams
    (Steele Ayling Reed Davis)

  16. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which che mid would u go for if bench boosting ? With wc next week

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not injured ones.

    2. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kai

  17. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick 2:
    A. Saiss
    B. Davies
    C. AWB
    D. Stevens (sheff)

    1. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B C

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A B

  18. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you rather have on long term:

    A) Rashford + JWP
    B) Fernandes + Soucek

    1. Apwilkin
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  19. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Everyone buying Kai Havertz and never even seen him play.

    He’s more Stefan Freund then Lothar Matthaus

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Think I'd prefer Pulisic if he was 100%

    2. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The stats don't lie

    3. soumyeah
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i thought we were all watching bundesliga during lockdown

    4. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Then clearly you’ve never seen him play. I played bundesliga fpl and watched a few games during lockdown, havertz is a superstar in the making.

    5. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sorry mate - what a load of old cobblers.

    6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I watched his YouTube reel & was thoroughly, thoroughly impressed

      Werners was decent too, but Havertz just looked to have that ridiculously delicate touch & timing of his runs seemed to be almost Lampard-esque

      And of course we all know that YouTube never lies and once you’ve watched a 10 minute highlight reel on a player you are thereby qualified as an expert on them

  20. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any news on Soucek availability for gw1?

    I read “Tomas Soucek is available for selection against Newcastle on Saturday, according to ExWHUemployee.”

    But is this credible?

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

      Yes

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      99.9% credible

  21. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A - Alli and Soucek
    B - J.Rod and ASM

    1. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  22. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Leeds are gonna try and play ball and LFC are gonna smash them on the counter aren’t they?

    Would love to overlook LFC until GW4, but this game v newly promoted is far too tempting.

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Leeds are going to high press most likely, but you never know Bielsa may find a way to outsmart Klopp.

    2. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Leeds Xgc away from home last season was only 19 - a very solid team, think they will do ok (although still lose). 1-0 / 2-0 seems most likely

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I mean xGc of conceding every other game in the Championship isn’t amazing....

        However it would be nice to see LFC struggle!

  23. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will be hitting the WC button before GW3 so just attacking the first 2 fixtures.

    The main thing I'm on the fence with is that as I haven't gone with a Pool FB, do I bother to "cover" that first match with Gomez or move to someone like Boly or downgrade to a 4.5/5 and reshuffle the defence? Can't see Gomez getting more than 8 points in those first 2 fixtures.

    Also toying with no Salah (getting Ings most likely) and pumping the surplus into defence.

    McCarthy
    Tierney, Gomez, Justin
    Auba (c), Salah, Son, Saka, Soucek
    Vardy, Werner

    Villa GK, Mitchell, Ayling, 4.5 FWD

  24. John wick
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Oliver burke for 4.5?

  25. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Right kind of settling on this. What ye think

    McCarthy
    Mitchell. Davies. Trent
    Alli. James. Salah c. Auba
    Werner. Wilson. Mitro

    Nyland. Lascelles. Dallas. Lemina

  26. Thescaff
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What's wrong with this then? ....

    Ryan
    TAA Justin Egan KWP Robbo
    Auba(C) Son Salah
    Mitro Werner
    Bench - Walton Soucek Bissouma Wickham

    Transfers
    Gw2 = Son - Rashford
    Gw3 = Auba - KDB/Sterling

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Got to play Soucek for his only good fixture surely? Bench KWP. Southampton Def is seriously overhyped on here.

      1. Thescaff
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Doubts over him starting puts me off.
        See him as fixture proof though to cover rotation.

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Too bottom heavy. Downgrade Egan and Son and upgrade possibly Wickham

      1. Thescaff
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm trying to look at it as 352, seeing as the 2 Liv boys will out score all mids at that price

    3. Not again Shirley
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Prefer Wilson to Mitro

    4. Not again Shirley
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Oh and yes play Soucek instead of a defender

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

    Why don’t more people own Buur? Isn’t he Wolves only RB/RWB unless they play Traore oop?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keep it quiet! If it works out, Buur could be 4.6m in a few weeks...

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cant see this at all

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

      I think Mitchell is nailed for now though?

    3. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think this is just it, they will probably play traore oop?

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Traore has played rwb before and buur has hardly played a professional game...

    5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      why is he the only rb? i thought they had backup

    6. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The one who tweeted about Buur confirmed that it was tongue in cheek

    7. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The Twitter guy who started it admitted it was a throw away comment

      Traore is lined up for that RWB slot, perhaps why they were happy for Doh to leave

  28. Aurora Borealis?
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Doubt I’ll be able to improve this further between now and deadline. Focusing on teams with good fixtures 1-6 then probably wilcarding. Would you change anything?

    McCarthy
    TAA/Doherty/KWP
    Auba/Salah/Son/Perez
    Ings/DCL/Mitro

    Ben: Steer/Mitchell/Ferguson/Gordan

    GW2: Salah > Fernandes
    GW3: Auba > Havertz/Pulisic
    GW4: (5m ITB) anyone > anyone

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Great team. Good plan

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hopefully not too much covid though with that bench !

        1. Aurora Borealis?
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          This is very true, got my fingers washed and crossed

    2. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      RIP God... I'd get Wilson in for DCL and get a 4.5 in order to bench KWP vs Spurs.

      1. Aurora Borealis?
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks Forza. I agree the bench would do with some improvement. I have tried to pick mostly nailed players to avoid using the bench. Wilson is a good pick for GW1-2 but Newcastle’s fixtures turn pretty sour after And I have earmarked Auba to Chelsea for that week. Best of luck for the season

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

          Thanks, good luck to you too!

  29. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who else is putting faith in Pereira from GW1? That Leicester fixture with a weakened defence looks fairly appealing tbh.

    Is Pereira really the 'real deal' do we reckon?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s just West Brom for me, probably irrationally, putting me off

    2. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm not going to bet on WBA coming up and doing the business. He could be an options but I'm going to wait and see.

  30. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    This is me locked in, good luck all!

    McCarthy
    TAA | VVD | Doherty
    Salah (C) | Son | ASM | Soucek | Greenwood*
    Kane (VC) | Werner

    Steer | Mitchell | Buur | Davis

    *Mitchell on for Greenwood GW1

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe Salah to Auba in GW2 but will see

    2. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Loool no Auba

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yup, decided value is up top and def this year, plus can only Captain one of them

    3. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Spurs fan? Way too much

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe, we’ll see