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

    Is Roman Saiss a rotation risk?

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

      Could be, with the new signing. Assuming boly is super nailed on I supposed

  2. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Got 5.5ITB for the last mid.....which one?

    A - Doucoure
    B - Armstrong
    C - ASM
    D - Saka
    E - Podence

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Davies Justin Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Aubameyang Henderson Soucek ????
    Kane Ings Mitro

    Ings becomes Martial.

    1. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sorry....Mitro is Wilson

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

      ASM to start with, then Prodence when and if nailed

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

      A if you already have Wilson

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

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

    I think I am set and ready to go... what do you think?
    Cheers 🙂
    ____________________________________________
    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Saiss
    Auba Son Havertz ASM
    Werner Ings Mitro

    Steer | Bissouma Taylor Ferguson
    ____________________________________________

    1M in the bank...

    PLAN:
    *GW2 --> Ings to Martial
    *GW3 --> Auba to KDB/Sterling
    *GW4 --> ASM to Podence

    1. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good to me apart from Ferguson.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Nothing wrong with Ferg, will likely have RB nailed down when he returns

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

    Here is my draft

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA Egan Shaw (Mitchell Douglas )
    Auba Salah Alli SaintMax (Anguissa)
    Ings Werner Mitro

    Quite a risky team I rekon with 2 4.0 defenders. I could downgrade Ings to Adams the defense but really think Ings will be consistent.
    I think Shaw will start and ManU was one of the defense and I dont think I ll need 3 attacking spots for ManU . I like to be able to go to GW2 with a ManU asset and have the option to go for another ManU player or a Chelsea Midfielder or whatever super performing unknown player.

    Any thought ? Way too risky in the back ?

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

      I actually like it, risky yes, but can see who’s performing in order to do moves once the season has started to bolster defence where ya can i guess?

  5. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick the top 3 choices below in order??

    1. Jwp
    2. Barnes
    3. Rodriguez
    4. Traore
    5. Mount
    6. Zaha
    7. Pereira

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      671 in that order

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

        271 for me, mate

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

      267

    3. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      276Eze

    4. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      423 according to projection

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

    A) Wilson + Havertz or
    B) Werner + ASM

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

      B

  7. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    Holding, TAA, Davies
    Alli, ASM, Salah, Auba (c)
    Vardy, Ings, Mitro

    Subs: Nyland, Bissouma, Mitchell, Ferguson
    Please help.

    1. G11gsy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      your gtg

  8. Kyle2210
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I think I am set on this what do you guys think?

    Mccarthy (Nyland)
    Van Dijk KWP Dier Lascelles (Bardsley)
    Auba Mane Traore Saint Max (Soucek)
    Ings Jiminez (Wood)

    Looking to change ings to Bruno with the spare 2Mil.

    The only other question is KWP or Justin.

    Any thoughts appreciated!

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

      Ings to Bruno is two moves.

      1. Kyle2210
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Very true hahaha

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

    So many ings to martial planned.

    Guess there's only one team with a possibility of doing kane to martial around here. 🙂

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

      What are your expectation from Ings in starting 2-3 games?

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

        I wouldn't call it a plan - I'd call it an option. I have Ings - he might stay, might > Jimi, might > Martial. By having a good structure in place, you can respond to situations.

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

          Yeah.. just taking a dig at all the planned moves 😉

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

      Not much.. palace D is enigmatic atm imo so he'll either get a 2 or 9. Will struggle against spurs and bha look tougher this year.

      People will disagree with me.

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

        Rf to Holmes

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

        So do you have Ings or not?

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

          Nope

          Kane Mitro Antonio

          Kane can be martial, depending on the knees

  10. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Soucek as 4th mid too light?

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

      If playing regularly, yes

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

      I think so. Treat him like a 4.5m mid for 5m.

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

      On paper, yes. But not really if you want to switch to 433 at times or plan to upgrade him with money saved from getting manc players

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

        He's going to be very frustrating. Playing for a terrible team with awful fixtures, he'll still pop up out of nowhere to bag a goal in a 4-1 defeat. It's the sort of situation where that happens when you bench him, but play him for 6 games in a row and you'll be lucky to bag 10 points.

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

          So he's a reliable midfielder, can be 4th or 5th, at just 0.5 more than base 4.5 mids. Can gain all the price rises if he scores.

          He'll be like fellaini at everton few years back..but only much cheaper

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

          Think hes a great 1st bench spot player but wouldn't want to be starting him each week. Especially given those fixtures

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

            My point was that any 4.5 mid is a 'great' first benchie because you know he's going to get 2 points if called upon. But Soucek will be on your bench and nut in a brace in a 4-2 defeat, leaving you smashing your head against a wall.

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

              It's an old argument, but I don't mind having points on bench and gain some price rises rather than nothing. Like I said, just 0.5 more.

              Soucek easily give me the option to switch 343 to 433 at my own peril.

  11. Cadgillies17
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    which should I pick
    TAA, Van Dijk, roberson

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

      Trent

    2. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      TAA obviously

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

      TAA

  12. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do we know how long will Ferguson be out for?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Was training in 1 on 1 sessions 2 weeks ago. I'd imagine he'd be back in gw2 or 3

      1. The Man Pastore
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers, surely the best option for 4.0 then

  13. Cadgillies17
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    is Pulisic a good pick

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

      If fit, yes.

    2. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Surely a good pick

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

      What they said

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

      hearing he is just back from injury and may have mins managed. He may not even start. risky i think.

  14. mrrahrah
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    This year is so painful pulling together a team, I just don't feel confident. Its up there as one of the hardest that I can remember.

    I want Martial and Bruno in my team but I know I'm going to be priced out as I cant bring in both for Gameweek 2 and it just feels wrong to have one on my bench for gameweek 1. What if Son has a great game...

    Makes it really exciting but I'm going to be gutted when one the 150 other players that were in one of my original drafts score a hat trick on Saturday.

    Sorry just venting wishing you all the best of luck this year!!

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

      Just remember, you can't have them all...

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

      All the best to you too

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

      hard not to overthink things with the flutter of options on offer...

  15. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Mane>Bruno and Ings>Martial for a hit before price rises a silly move?

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

      Nothing is silly without results.

    2. Kyle2210
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I was thinking of the same so we are in it together!

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

      Depends. Is this something you intend to do a noon tomorrow? That would be silly.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think United players may rise quickly after deadline so think it might be more sensible to bench one gw1 and work out another plan

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

      But United fixtures aren't really very easy from an attacking perspective IMO...I would rather get 2 Chelsea players and a Son for their better run of fixtures...and we were extremely tired towards the end last season and I expect to start rusty in the first couple of games and then the tougher games would kick in

  16. hshepherd
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which option would you select?
    A) Son + Rashford
    B) Alli + Fernandes

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    4. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      What they said

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

        Strong consensus! Thanks for the replies. Will probably select B, as Bruno would be a stronger captain option too

  17. Fortune
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    is FFS H2H still open?
    I entered the code, and it sent me to classic league.

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

      h3em1d

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

      yep, entered the code.

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

    Is Neto a good midfield option for Wolves at 5.5m or is not nailed enough?
    If not what other good mids are there at that price bracket?

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

      Currently not nailed enough...

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Neto is far from nailed. Saka Doucoure Henderson ASM better options to name a few.

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

        Thanks. What do you think about Moutinho for same price bracket if I had to stick with Wolves?

  19. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How long can we expect Justin to hold his spot?

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

      3-4 weeks. May not even be one week if Castagne and Thomas are preferred 😀

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for the answer! Worried about hanging on to him for that exact reason. Taylor is catching my eye despite an imperfect rotation with KWP

  20. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will Mourinho ruin Doherty’s attacking returns?

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

      Will Doherty perform better if given the role aurier played last season?

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

        Was Aurier's role good? And will Doherty be worth the 6.0?

        1. KING KOUNDER
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Licensed to go forward, but Doherty was gold because he was getting into the box a lot in Wolves. Spurs, am not too sure.

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

            Maybe mour would allow him to do that at Spurs too. Could be golden

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

      Is Doherty nailed on to start?

  21. Cadgillies17
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    pulisic or de bryune

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

      Pulisic this GW.

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

        But seriously, the 3m difference tells the story and how you would spend it.

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

      Both but later

  22. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Adams or
    B. Wilson ?

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

      Wilson

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

      W

  23. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Another one please...

    A. Havertz + Adams/Wilson or
    B. ASM + Ings ?

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

      B

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

    Havertz or Pulisic?

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

      Will Pulisic even start? Has he been training?

  25. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Not much love for Jimenez, he was my nailed forward with Werner, considering he does well against city, Sheffield will have a slightly different defence from last year, he does well against city & the fixtures thereafter are great! Yet he seems behind the popular front three of Werner ings & mitrovic
    Thoughts?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jimi is a bit of a question mark for me. Until they sign proper wingbacks I don't know how his service will be

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Traore might play at RWB?

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

      I have an 8.5 spot and I long agonised over Jimi vs Ings. Nothing in it really, so for me it simply came down to GW1. Can easily slide over to Jimi if he looks sharp despite the loss of Doherty.

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

      Starting 2 fixtures are probably the reason, he will start getting attention from GW3 again.

      I have him but not expecting much vs Sheffield and Mancity, anything will be bonus.

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

      If Kane fails first 3 GWs, will consider moving him to Jimmy

  26. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How do people rate the 6-7m striker slot? Would you rather downgrade one of two premium attackers to a second 6-7m striker to spread funds into midfield?

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I've got two in that bracket (DCL & Mitro)

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

        Similar here.. mitro and Antonio

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

      Was looking like a black hole when the prices came out, but there's been a spate of signing to flash it out. Now i think it's wise to have one in order to jump onto whichever starts to emerge as a bandwagon. I'm on Wilson myself.

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

      Other than Wood, I don't really like any of them for long term(fixtures and inconsistency). One player in that slot will be enough...

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

      I'm not currently keen on the 6-7 striker options so have Werner/Martial/Ings - it does leave me thin in midfield though

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

    dier or davies...?

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like Davies

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

      Dier for me

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

      Dier

  28. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one :

    A) Son + Soucek
    B) Alli + ASM + 0.5ITB to upgrade Ings to Martial GW2

    Soucek/ASM would be playing 4th mid

    Cheers!

    1. G11gsy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have (a) but i also have a plane to get tony in.

  29. KING KOUNDER
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy- Nyland
    TAA - Robbo - Digne - Davies - Johnson
    James - Son - Auba - ASM - Biss
    Werner - Ings - Davis

    1.0 ITB, planned Ings to Martial.

    Hello deadzone, fixed on my strategy, any better options in the same price ranges or any glaring mistakes ?

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

      These non Salah teams look so good I just can’t bring myself to do it.
      Werner needs to emerge as a reliable C pick or else you will always C Auba or his replacement.

  30. Cadgillies17
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Feedback on this team please
    Pope, Nyland
    TAA, Doherty, Egan,
    Pulisic, salah, lundstram, henderson
    richalison, wener, ings

    Subs-webster, taylor, stephens

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

      The mids are too weak for me. Auba starts well are you are behind the 8 ball from the start.
      The front 3 and defence looks great and have decent fixtures.
      Also Pulisic still an injury concern I think.
      It might work better if you pooled the cash from Lundstram and Hendo to one more decent mid and play Taylor most of the time in a 433, but so many mid options this year.