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. FPL Alaska
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which do you prefer?

    A) Ings + Alli
    B) DCL + Son (+0.5 ITB)

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    My draft 11
    G...4.5 4.0
    Def..4.5 --4.5 ---4.5--4.5--4.0
    Mid...sala...de bru..auba..b.fern...4.5
    For....wood...wilso..anto..

    Any advise Amigos!!!

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

      No. Just no.

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Newbie here?

      Get rid of kdb or Bruno.. get taa or robbo. Then we're talking. No seriously

    3. FPL Alaska
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Neither KDB or Bruno playing first week FYI.

  3. I am 42
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    best budget def for gunners

    1. Saliva
    2. Holding
    3. Avoid

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

      Avoid Holding Saliva

  4. SpagBol
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed last page! haha sorry

    Thoughts on this team?
    Cheers 🙂

    1.5M in the bank...

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Vinagre
    Auba Son Havertz ASM
    Werner Ings Mitro

    Steer | Bissouma Taylor Ferguson

    PLAN:

    *GW2 --> Ings to Martial

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

      Very nice balanced team GL - just watch for Vinagre news

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

        should i go Vinagre to Saiss? Will still have 1M in the bank for Ings to Martial GW2

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

          If you have it to spare why not as long as you won’t get caught with any price rises or drops and get prices out.
          I got Saiss the first two look difficult but 3-7 look like amazing fixtures, wish I had a path to Jimmy for those weeks.

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

            Yeah thinking along the same lines, GW 3-7 looks amazing...

            Keen to see what your team is looking like?

  5. Tambling5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is there a good way to adjust this team so I can find a better defence?
    McCarthy 4.0; TAA, Lascelles, Egan (Taylor, 4.0); Auba, Mane, Son, ASM, (Soucek); Werner, DCL, Mitrovic
    No money in the bank.
    I am going for this structure as can get KDB, Martial, Fernandes Havertz etc in easily if required, Should I replace Mitrovic with say, the non-playing for now Brewster, to upgrade my 4.0 defender to a 5.5 def at expense of Mitrovic points?
    Thanks for any advice

    1. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think you are good to go.

      1. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

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

      Taylor coming back in so it’s decent as it is. Lacselles could be replaced with another 4.5 - come GW3 I don’t think you will want to play him or ASM

      1. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks.

  6. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Gibbs + McCarthy or KWP + Johnstone?

  7. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one for GW1:

    KWP
    Justin
    Mitchell

    1. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KWP Most nailed. Most likely to get assist.

  8. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    doucoure or ward prowse..?

    1. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      W-P

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

      Jwp he is onpenalty and free kicks

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

      i'm liking doucoure

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

    Nearly there, just need the pressers

    McCarthy
    TAA - Davies - Keane - KWP / Vinagre (Mitchell)
    Auba - Son - Havertz - Rodriguez (Reed)
    Werner - Vardy (Brewster)

    Plan is to WC GW10.

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

      Looks good. I don’t know much about Reed as a bench option (or the rest of Fulham for that matter, besides everyone’s favorite mitro). He a potential for some attacking returns?

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

        I just want 2 points every week from him, surely he'll get me that.

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

          Fair enough. Can’t ask for much more. I don’t see many in your line up at a risk of rotation anyways.

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

      Also, I like the no Salah. Makes for a much more balanced squad. I can’t bring myself to not have him though for Leeds. Too terrified, cause the second I pull him he hauls.

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

        Fair enough, after seeing the squad I made without him I'm not sure I can ever go back!

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Given we're of similar mind, you won't't be surprised to know that's nearly identical to my draft of 24 hours ago! I've rejigged the midf and front line a little, but it's not a million miles away.

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

        Love it! Good luck mate.

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

          Cheers, you too!

    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Can I ask the customary, plan for mun player in gw2? 🙂

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

        None, I don't like the Chelsea-Everton-Spurs-Arsenal run they have until GW8.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Indeed, MUN can wait. good luck!

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

            GL mate

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If I may jump in here, my plan is to have NO United or City player in GW2, and the option to get one or two in GW3. Depending on circumstances, I'm not averse to going without a United player for ages. It's all about being flexible.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Absolutely this. I'm baffled by the overly used question actually. It's not like Palace are whipping boys either.

    5. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I had a similar draft, but worried about double Chels when so injury- raddled, and weather James would be likely to come out of the traps quickly.
      I guess can replace with City or United miss if so

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

    Season starts tmr ! still not decided on my team. Give me some feedback guys... 1 MIL ITB( For fernandes GW2)

    Which would you prefer?

    A) ASM + Adam
    B) Armstrong + Wilson

    Current squad
    Mccarthy
    Taa-Doherty-KWP
    Son-Salah-Auba-****
    Werner-Mitro-*****

    Bench: Steer- Struijk- Bissouma-Mitchell

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

      Armstrong red flagged

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

    DCL or Ings?

  12. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    a. TAA and DCL

    or

    b. VVD and Ings?

    1. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    Giroud close to Juve according to Italy, Werner more likely to play 90!

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

      *Di Marzio

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nooooo

      Fair play for him though, he deserves to start every game

  14. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So Vinagre pick back on the table? Rumours of him going have died down.

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

      Still some talk of him being loaned out. He's in my squad currently, but doubting he will be come Saturday.

  15. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ward-Prowse and DCL
    or
    Barnes and Mitrovic

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

      WP and DCL

  16. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    @Az just watched scoutcast. I would say the easy choice is to downgrade Tierney
    for 5.5m you want every game starter and post Fulham their away matches are Liv City United
    doubt his price changes and you can jump on him after the above mentioned run

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

      He's got Gabriel atm.

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

        cheers, I realise I'm on delay post the podcast

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

    A) Doherty, Son, Havertz
    OR
    B) Dier, Salah, Alli

    And why?
    Cheers

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

      I prefer players that stay in the middle

  18. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    a. James Rodriques and Vardy

    or

    b. Son and Ings?

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

      I like A, the safer option is B.

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

      Agree. A is the fun pick and could pay off well. But B is the safe pick.

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

    I think down to the final conundrum...

    1- Adams and ASM (already have Wilson) Or another recommended midfield at 6m or less?
    2- Mitro and JWP

    Other option could be to drop KWP in the back for Taylor. Then plays Adams and JWP?

  20. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Greenwood is too risky as an option after recent events? Think he could be great value but unsure he starts

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yep. But if ole say he's starting GW2 then I don't mind getting, but not gonna rush him in

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

      yes he is....probably they will have to play 442 diamond to accomodate matix van beek pogba and bruno

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

        matic*

  21. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What's the thinking on James Rodriguez? Too soon to own him GW1?

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm punting on Doucoure as my 2nd 5.5 mid, his stats seem to be the best of the mids at that price. Too soon for Hames I think.

  22. PapaWengzz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT
    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Dier
    Auba Salah Alli ASM
    Werner Ings Adams

    Steer Bissouma Mitchell Buur

    Plan is Auba, Ings > KDB, Martial in GW3

    Thoughts appreciated!

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Team is good surely, just that 2soton vs 2 Spurs in gw2. Not sure about that.

      Good luck Gooner!

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

        This is a good point! Cheers Gooner!
        Mitro would be the easy fix but Im struggling to see who will provide him the service in that team

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

        Fixtures after GW2 are good for both teams and we need FT elsewhere so I wouldnt mind it

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah but since it's early days, we can actually plan our team to avoid such situation to maximize our points potential. Unless you are certain that the future fixtures, like you said, have better potential to overcome the ugly outcome of his GW2 .. you know what I mean

  23. masterkyzz
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think I’m set on this. 0.5 ITB

    Ryan
    TAA | KWP | Davies
    Salah | Auba | Son | Soucek
    Werner | DCL | Wilson
    (Steer | Taylor | Bissouma | Mitchell)

    Thoughts?

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

      only toby and dier are nailed ...avoiding spurs defence initially will be better

  24. no kane no pain
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Almost done just final combo remaining.

    1)doherty and 4.5 mid
    2) Davies and asm

  25. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    https://twitter.com/artiildn/status/1304181396097949703

    Auba scoring bangers!

  26. Aleksei
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is there any chance Jimenez will outscore Ings in first 6GW? Saints have better fixtures, but Wolves without Europa league could do strong from the beginning!

  27. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Armstrong out then it seems?

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

      Tweet agrees.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ahhh, need to ship him out then, only just noticed. Cheers TM.

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

    Think I am set - any changes that you world suggest?

    McC.
    TAA Doherty Egan Coady KWP
    Auba Bruno Alli ASM (Bissouma)
    Werner Ings (Brewster)

    Will be playing 442
    - GW2 Auba Captain save FT
    - GW3 Auba + Werner to KDB + Kane (c)
    - GW4 Kane to Werner

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

      Saiss over Coady

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Any particulular reason why? 🙂

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

          Coady basically has zero attacking threat. Saiss has slightly more attacking threat.

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

        I hear Saiss is rotation worry because of a new signing

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

    Your thoughts on the following team & strategy?

    McCarthy (Button)
    TAA, Davies, Justin, Mitchell (Taylor)
    Salah, Auba, Son, Havertz (Bissouma)
    Werner, Mitrovic (Davis)

    GW2: Salah > Rashford
    GW3: Son > KDB (assuming no price fall)

  30. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will Ferguson return from injury by GW5? FPL has him on unknown return date and can't find any news on injury status either