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. jimmyabs1987
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can I get a bit of feedback on this team guys:

    McCarthy
    Egan, TAA, Davies (Mitchell, Ayling)
    Salah, Auba, Barnes, JWP, Alli
    Wilson, Werner 4.5

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd personally downgrade JWP to upgrade Wilson. Decent team though.

      1. jimmyabs1987
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Who to? Have to get to 8.5 on striker to get better deal than Wilson.

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

      nice mix
      Barnes and Alli have their risks

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Like it. Really good team

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

    It seems Lacazette wants to leave. What would happen for Arsenal ? Aubameyang would be te main striker or would he still be on the left ?

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

      no-one knows, they have a load of lineup possibilities

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      My money would be on Nketiah to start

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nketiah might be an option

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hope so as i have Nketiah.

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

    A) Doherty & 4.5
    B) Davies & Egan + 0.5

    Cheers

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

      B first, won't touch doherty yet

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Based on what?

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

          doubts whether he starts ahead of aurier, plus doubts over his attacking returns too since spurs' goals mostly scored through the front 3.

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Aurier only played because they had no other option. Doherty will start

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m avoiding Doherty too just until we see how he is used.

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

    Name me the two best 5.0 defenders to have please?
    Currently on Davies & Egan

    Cheers

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

      Possibly James too

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

        Saiss is a decent shout

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saiss

  5. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is this Buur guy?

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

      Come off the bench for traore

    2. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He’s a midfielder? OOP?

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

        Traore likely to start season right wing back I would have thought

    3. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      So maybe I should ditch traore?

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

      Rumoured to be doherty's successor even though he has only played 3 games in total.

  6. KayteeStark
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    After 3 Billion edits i currently have

    McCarthy

    TAA Vinagre Justin KWP

    Auba Salah Son Saint-Maximin

    Vardy Mitrovic
    Subs: Ryan Taylor Soucek Brewster, 1.5 ITB

    Auba and Salah become KDB and Fernandes after GW2. Thoughts?

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

      If Vinagre is out what do you do?

      1. KayteeStark
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        currently mulling over upgrading him to doherty

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

      You lose Auba and Salah

    3. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If your spending 9m on GK try a 5m and 4m?

  7. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Pulisic a better option than Son (fear he may play too wide out)?
    Or any other mid up to 10.5?
    Have Werner.

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

      Yes he is

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

    Ok, here we go... any thoughts appreciated!

    Ramsdale (Nyland)
    Doherty Tierney Mitchell (Ayling, Taylor)
    Aubameyang, Alli, Hernandez, ASM (Greenwood)
    Kane, Vardy, Adam's

    0.5 in the bank. I'm a Leeds fan, hence the potentially unwise punt on Hernandez....

    1. Croaker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      ASM or Adams is a lot of money on the bench each week: downgrade one and you can afford a Liv defender

      1. Jönny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Fair point, just not loving any of the 4.5 options out there for mids/fwds...

    2. Pascal Struijks Back
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Fellow Leeds fan - now that there’s a real striker in place I’d go Harrison + 0.5 over Pablo. Surely of minutes and his finishing has gotten a lot stronger. I feel like Pablo’s edging towards a coach’s job!

      1. Jönny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah I'm considering that actually... he won't be able to play vs City, but then I guess I'd probably bench anyway...

      2. CC22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Also a Leeds fan, and agreed. Either him or Klich who I think may still be on penalties. Pablo’s obviously heavily involved when on the pitch, but I think he’ll see reduced minutes this season, and costs more money.

  9. Mukarram
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    My last draft
    Please RMT
    Ragsdale
    TAA KWP justin Mitchell
    Spalah auba son haverts
    Verner mitro

    1. Mukarram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Salah not spalah sorry

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

        And ragsdale

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

          And Verner tut tut 😉

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

            And haverts

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

      1. Mukarram
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        haha obviously was good team

  10. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think i’m locked in on Auba (c) had it on Salah for weeks but just think that Fulham will be weaker at the back compared to Leeds.

  11. gelisiguzel
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do you think about my draft? Thanks in advance.

    McCarty
    TAA - Tierney - Justin
    Salah - Auba - Son - Stephens
    Ings- Mitro - Werner

    Subs: Nyland, Bissouma, Douglas, Mithcell

    1. JaydenLFC87
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good team, maybe play Mitchell over Stephens?

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

        good advice thanks

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

      I wouldn’t have tierney Justin ings. But first and last ok for short term. Why not Callum instead and upgrade Stephens ? Can get Alli James for son and Stephens

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

        I am thinking to use wc in GW2 OR 3 that's why consider it for short term. But I will consider Alli&james, that sounds good to me. thanks

    3. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ayling for Douglas

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

        not the same price

  12. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which 3 are best to start the seaso man with?

    A) Ramsdale Alli Antonio

    B) Ryan Son Mitrovic

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

      B

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B with McC

  13. SouthCoastSaint
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Nobody fancying the Leeds keeper? So many RMTs with McCarthy

    Also quite a few with Nyland when Steer likely to play until Heaton is fit/ Martinez signs

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

      Think the opening fixture puts people off.

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

      Just the first blank is a bit of an issue, don’t want two keepers

    3. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Andy’s stats analysis on keepers highlighted Leeds GK as a good pick

  14. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Where Im at

    £0.0 Bank
    McCarthy - Nyland/Button----------------------------------------(8.5)
    TAA - Robertson - Egan - [CTaylor - Johnson]--------------(28)
    Aubameyang - Salah - Son - Saint-Maximin - Højbjerg---(43.5)
    Werner - Nketiah - [Davis]----------------------------------------(20)

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

      hojberg?

  15. thehodge
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Robo and Wilson

    Or

    Saiss (Other 5m defender) and Ings

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

      First deffo

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

      Robo and Wilson

  16. KayteeStark
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick a defender and striker from these four:

    Vardy, Werner, Doherty, Vinagre

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

      Werner and neither

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

      Werner, Doherty

  17. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone considering James Rodriguez?

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

      Me

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

        Not considering. Locked

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      O/

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

      Yes if he was nailed week one

    4. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Only a brain dead would not consider him. Happy to wait and see personally

  18. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Most nailed villa defender aport from mings and cash (5mil)?

    Very much considering them considering the martinez news and great post lockdown defensive numbers

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

      Targett

    2. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Has he defo signed ?

      So Nyland not a good 2nd keeper option now ...

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

        soon apparently

  19. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    best non brighton 4.5 midfielder ? thanks

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

      I’m taking a punt on Lemina

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        thanks zotter

    2. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Reed I guess

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        cheers

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

    Who would you rather have?

    A) Bruno + Ings
    B) Rashford + Werner

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B easily

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

      B by far

  21. Apollo Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Havertz & Saiss
    B. Son & Holding

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  22. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts? Justin could also be Ayling (play Davies instead of him)

    Ryan
    TAA Egan Justin KWP
    Salah Auba Havertz
    Werner Richarlison Mitro

    Watson; Davies, Bissouma, Romeu

    1. Croaker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Personally not sold on Rich although I understand the logic; nice team otherwise

  23. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    what you do lads think about this?

    McCarthy / Button
    Taa Dier Justin / Mitchel C. Taylor
    Salah Alli Auba ASM / Souchek
    DCL Werner Mitro

  24. Mukarram
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    My last draft
    Please RMT
    Ramsdale
    TAA KWP justin Mitchell
    Salah auba son haverts
    Verner mitro

  25. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who has been playing and more likely to start folks?

    Nyland or steer ?

    Pieters or Taylor?

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

      Steer
      Taylor

    2. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Steer is ahead of Nyland. Steer got injured when covering for Heaton it’s the only reason nyland got games

  26. wattalowz
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Help

    A) Doherty ASM Mitrovic
    B) Davies Bissouma Ings

  27. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Settled on this. Thoughts?

    McCarthy
    TAA // Davies // Egan // Justin
    Salah // Auba // Havertz // ASM
    Werner // Ings

    Bench: Steer // Mitchell // Bissouma // Davis

    0.5 ITB for potentially Ings > Martial (GW2)

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice.
      Same plan as me for a United player.

  28. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I’m done.

    Leno
    TAA,Dier,KWP
    Aubamayang(c),Alli,Havertz,James
    Werner(vc),Ings,Wilson

    Button,Taylor,Bisouma,Ferguson

    0.5m itb for Ings > Martial in GW2

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

      Like the first 11 very much but let’s hope you don’t need to call on bench! Reed might be better over Bissouma as I understand he is nailed in Fulham team so at least worth a couple of points

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have Taylor as well.

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

          Sorry didn’t spit that - very nice squad then

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

            * spot!!

      2. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeh Reed is another good choice.

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

      Very nice

  29. SouthCoastSaint
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Gordon at 4.5 too punty for people? Could be gold...

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

      Who

    2. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Most likely only plays from the bench. But could be good as a 3rd sub

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Think he’ll be good for cameos.

    4. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I had him for a while, but then Everton signed 3 new mids for big money. Surely he won't get many minutes?

  30. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Suggestions please for best 4.5 mill defender please???

    1. Steve
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kwp

      1. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks but have McCarthy in goals...