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. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one?
    A) Son + Saliba
    B) H.Barnes + VVD

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

      B, a lot of pundits saying with Kane in the team Son loses goal threat.

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

      A

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

    Why is nobody taking a punt on Keita, he's in every media outlet line up and at 5.5, it's the fact nobody else has got him or even talking about him putting me off.

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just limits you to 2 other Liverpool assets which will likely score much more highly

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

        Most people can't afford a third anyway though.

        1. fish&chips
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          But if Liverpool start smashing teams 3-0 every week you might need to get 3 off TAA, VVD, Robbo, Mane and Salah. That said, I don't think keita is the worst pick and something different.

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

        Would you pick him if their is a vacant Liverpool spot?

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Minamino can outscore many and still going unnoticed.

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

    Which option?
    Cheers!

    A) Doherty + Saiss + 0.5M
    OR
    B) Robbo + Vinagre

    Robbo means I have 2 LIV defenders against Havertz and Werner for GW2...

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

      Vinagre has big doubts now, looks like Justin seems to be the preferred 4.5

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

      and week 3 against arsenal

      I prefer A

    3. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't be too bothered about the Chelsea Liverpool match up because both TAA and Robbo can get attacking returns but Vinagre might not play

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

        Thoughts on Vinagre to Justin then?
        Then wait and see for a Wolves DEF until GW4?

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

    Mccarthy
    TAA Doherty Vinagre
    Maxi Salah Willian Son
    Werner Ing Antonio
    sub Nyland Mitchell Justin Steven
    1.5 m for Gw 2 Salah to Bruno Gw 3 Son to KDB

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

    Vardy or Werner short term?

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

      V

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

      Possibly Vardy, but it might be close.

  6. Jokesy87
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed.
    Help please!

    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA KWP Justin (Mitchell, Taylor)
    Salah Auba Havertz Soucek (Stephens)
    Wilson Werner Ings

    G2G?
    Not sure on Soucek/Justin myself!

    1. amit1964
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      very nich

      1. amit1964
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        do you think havertz is a better pick then son?

      2. amit1964
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        *nice

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

      Excellent team
      9/10

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

      That backline is shite

      1. Jokesy87
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Show your team then big man!

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

    Morning lads, does anyone knows at what time Scouts pick will be revealed?

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

      Likely to be tonight after all press

  8. The Berbatouch
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking about first 10 weeks

    aubu + mitrovic

    or

    rashford + martial

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

      A

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

      A+M

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

    Pages are moving faster - people are getting excited/panicky.

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

    Hi. How is my keeper combo?
    Should I find another 0.5 to upgrade button??

    I think I’m there now but anything else?

    1.5m itb. Son -> Bruno gw2

    Button - Ramsdale
    Taylor - Mitchell - Alexander-Arnold - Egan - Dier
    Aubameyang - Salah - Saint-Maximin - Son - Soucek
    Davis - Werner - Mitrović.

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

    Any latest news or rumours on Brewster's loan?

  12. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Matheus Pereira for 6.0m anyone?

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

      Considering. It is between him and JWP right now.

    2. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve thrown him in as a bit of a curve ball pick, no fun looking for template GW1!

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Aye. I can either go safe with Mitro in a 433 or him in a 352. Not sure...

  13. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which mid for 7.5 to 8.0.

    Not Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs.

    Thanks!

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

      James Rodriguez or Barnes

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

      James R, risky but might be worth trying

  14. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How does this look to start? Bruno (GW2) & KDB (GW3) to come in.

    Ryan - Nyland
    TAA - Robbo - Doherty - Holding - Johnson
    Auba - Salah - Saint Maximim - Perreira - Soucek
    Jimi - Martial - Davis

    I’ve tried to spread the value to give me options going forward. Once we get some form I can always downgrade someone to upgrade someone else etc.

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

      Looks good!

  15. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thomas is probably a better pick than Justin short term

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

      why?

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Attacking threat. His crossings. Bonus points

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

      I really like what I've seen of Thomas but we don't know where Rodgers will play Castagne.

  16. Mike2795647
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Currently on A, and have pool cover in Trent at back already, stick or twist.

    A) Doherty, son and Wilson
    B) Big Virg, Alli and DCL
    C) AWB, Havertz and DCL

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A, and maybe Son > Havertz once we know how Chelsea are looking.

      1. Mike2795647
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

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

    4th and 5th on my bench are Bisouma and Ferguson
    Upgrade one with 0.5?

    1.Ferguson > Ayling
    2.Bisouma > Soucek
    3. Keep the 0.5m

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

      2

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

      *3rd and 4th.
      Soucek would be my first outfield bench player.

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

      2

    4. Mike2795647
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2

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

      2 only if we are sure he will play.
      If not , 3

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

    Anyone know when the Wolves and Leicester pressers are??

  19. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    FPL Blackbox was excellent again last night. Az and Mark have helped me make a couple of key decisions. Worth a watch if you haven’t already.

  20. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How is this lookig? One of Salah/Mane to Kdb/Bruno gw2

    McCarthy
    Taa, Justin, Kwp
    Salah, Mane, Auba, Haverz, Asm
    Wilson, Mitrovic

    Nyland, Mitchell, Stuijk, 4.5

    Any alternative for Wilson? Batshuai?

  21. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Still got 1.0m in the bank.

    Any suggestions?

    Lloris, 4.0m
    TAA, Saiss, KWP, Justin, Lamptey
    Auba, Havertz, Alli, ASM, Soucek
    Vardy, Ings, Mitro

  22. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best combo here (gw2 onwards)

    A: Dier + Son + Bruno + Kai
    B: Doc + Son + Rashford + Kai
    C: Doc + Alli + Rashford + Kai

    Essentially where to save 1m from, Doherty, Son, or Bruno?

    1. Mike2795647
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Downgrade Doherty and Son to AWB and Havertz

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

    Little different, martial on the bench, thinking then have 1.5 to play with next week after he comes in, could go Bowen to greenwood or saka to a 7mil. Anyone like this idea?

    Ryan
    Trent Robbo KWP Mitchell(1 week only)
    Mane Pulisic Saka Bowen
    DCL Werner

  24. Rassi
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    a) JWP/Pereira + DCL
    b) Barnes + Adams

    Currently JWP and DCL but not sure.

    1. jdogg
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i would go a with perriera.x

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

      yeah a

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

    Which one?

    A. Haverz/Pulisic + Taylor/4.5 rotation (442)

    B. ASM + DCL (343)

  26. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mcarthey steer
    Taa ayling lewis justin mitchel
    Salah auba bruno perriera asm
    Werner wilson brewster

    Toiling.not sold on newcastle double up attackers but want wilson and dont see any better 5.5 with armstrong out.

    Any advice?x

    1. Nüno Vippan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Klich for 5,5?
      I wouldnt occupy Liv’s spot with Brewster

      1. jdogg
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I know thats an issue am still hoping he goes on loan before deadline if not ill likely be playing my wc close to then anyway.x

  27. fpork
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    Davies, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Walker-Peters (Taylor)
    Saint-Maximin, Salah, Aubameyang, Son (Reed)
    Adams, Werner (Davis)

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

    Feeling quite pleasede with this. A small punt in Richarlison to keep things exciting. All bench players should almost always cover me with about 2 points if needed. The fifth defender spot is currently between Ayling and Vinagre. Will need to see what Nuno tells in the presser today.

    Ryan
    TAA Egan Davies KWP
    Salah Auba Havertz
    Werner Richarlison Mitro

    Walton; Vinagre/Ayling, Reed, Bissouma

    1. Nüno Vippan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not a fan of richalison. I think there are high value players in everton mid

  29. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is H.Barnes a safe pick?
    Played more than any leicester player in friendlies.

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

      Should be safe but he is the type of player who often gets subbed off at 70min mark

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

      Safe for GW1 I'm sure. Could be a very good pick because he's greedy - ideal for FPL. His form, however, is unknown.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Great fixtures too. Maybe best!

  30. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    a.Mitro + Alli + Stephens
    b. Davis + Son + Soucek

    McCarthy Nyland
    Justin TAA KWP Ayling Mitchell
    Salah Auba ASM X X
    Werner Ings X

    1. Nüno Vippan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B