Captain Sensible

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 2?

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 Gameweek 2 deadline.


The Fantasy Premier League community has been relatively unanimous in picking their captain for Gameweek 2 – but have they chosen wisely?

That’s what the Captain Sensible article is here to find out, with an in-depth analysis of the key form options, as well as the defences of their upcoming opponents.

As this uses Opta data so extensively, only those with a valid Fantasy Football Scout subscription can access it in full. SIGN-UP HERE.

Captain Poll

For the second week running, Arsenal’s premium midfielder Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) leads the Fantasy Football Scout captain poll. The former Borussia Dortmund man has once again received more than a half of total votes and looks to be trusted by the vast majority of his owners for his Gameweek 2 match against West Ham (home).

Only Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) has scored more goals than Aubameyang since the start of the 2019/2020 season and the Gunners’ captain will be looking to celebrate signing a new contract at the club by improving his impressive tally against the leaky Hammers’ defence.

Despite not featuring in Gameweek 1, Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) is attracting some attention for the armband. The “Portuguese Magnifico” sits second in our captain poll with 11.7% of votes. Manchester United’s talisman has been in scintillating form since moving to the Premier League in January, providing eight goals and eight assists in that time. In fact, since Fernandes’ arrival, Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s men have gained more points (32) than any other team in the division, which highlights the midfielder’s positive impact.

The remaining players have all gained less than 5% of votes, with the likes of in-form Mohammed Salah (£12.5m) and new Everton star James Rodriguez (£7.5m) all failing to attract many Fantasy managers for the armband. In this article, we will look at how good of a captaincy option Aubamyang actually is, as well as try to spot some overlooked assets.

KEY MATCHES

Arsenal v West Ham

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 9

Gameweek 2 pits two clubs together who could not be further apart in terms of outlook right now. In a week where Arsenal won 3-0 at Fulham and tied club captain Aubameyang to a new contract, they host a West Ham that got off to the worst possible start to 2020/21.

The Hammers were substandard to say the least in their 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle, a particularly ominous development before travelling to the Emirates Stadium. If David Moyes’ men were dominated by the Magpies, how much more damage could Arsenal do?

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2,206 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who else is starting Steer over McCarthy?

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

      Probably a lot of people but it won’t matter as he won’t play

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not worth the risk. Pretty sure Martinez will start and there is always that chance, however slim, he'll come on for a 1 pointer.

    3. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      martinez went to aston villa so he could play every game

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm sure he will but maybe there's a small chance he doesn't start this week.

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Of course, but it's very, very small considering the way Smith has been talking about him.

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

    Best GK with 5.0?

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

      Right now i am choosing between.

      Leno
      Pickford
      Martinez and stack 0,5

      1. The King
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I've gone with pickford as fixtures are good and Allan is a rock in the midfield

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Guaita

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

      Martinez

  3. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Whould you sell
    Dier (sou NEW mun WHU)
    to get
    Justin (BUR mci WHU AVL)
    ?

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

      No, sideways.

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

      Save transfer

  4. Flaming Flamingo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Don't normally post my team, but interested in your thoughts:

    (on WC)
    Meslier, Macey
    TAA, Robertson, Shaw, Ayling (Saiss)
    Aubameyang, Rashford, J Rodriguez, Podence (Reed)
    Werner, Martial (Davis)

    0.5 ITB.

    - Shaw is my main concern, given United have been linked with a new left back.

    - Plan is to do Aubameyang to Salah next week.

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    1. Kloppage Time
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No City attack?

      1. Flaming Flamingo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No, happy to go without. Could always do Auba to KDB instead of Salah if I decide, but pretty sure I'll go for Salah

  5. Misunderstood Genius
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Greenwood or Rashford for the immediate short term?

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

      Rashford

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

      Rash

  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I guess regardless of the hit, is there a better sub 9m midfielder than Rodríguez?

    Pulisic must go I guess

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

      It's between pulisic, mahrez and james

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

      Come tomorrow...Son

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

      Mahrez or Son

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      May not be 'better' but Grealish, Barnes, VDB, Ziyech could immerse soon ...

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

      This week Willian?

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

    Why do people still pretend sterling false 9 is a thing. Pep didn't do it once last season even with Kun out for ages

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Because we just repeat things gs we read on here and take it as fact without checking with professionals like you. Sorry x

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

        There's some people I assume are just trolling when they say it

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Just don’t take my upvote away

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

      He played there against Liverpool in the Community Shield but Foden seems preferred there now. Has never really played the "false 9" role specifically, neither has Foden, they just play as normal center forwards.

  8. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Callum Wilson vs Jack Harrison? And why?

    1. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wilson all day

  9. FPL FAN
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    TAA and Son for Digne and Bruno, for a hit, yay or nay?

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

      🙁

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      taking out trent for a hit is exactly a move that will backfire

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

      I think the bruno for son makes it worth it

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

      I did it for a hit

    5. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I dont like it for a hit. Thiago could impact Trent, a slight tactical change this season could impact Trent, but that isnt proven yet and he will surely hit 200 again if nothing drastic changes.

    6. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yay

  10. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Somebody wiser tell me should i transfer out mcarthy on my wc, could get a 5.0 also? thanks

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

      Go Pickford

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

      You WC this GW?

      Martinez best 4.5 for me
      Guaita best 5.0 for me

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Martínez/Steer is the only keeper pairing you need f

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

        But prevents a Grealish/Watkins double up if that ever becomes a thing

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Lol

    4. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      thinking pickford because the pf the immediate cs potential

  11. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you start Walker-Peters or Soucek?

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

      KWP

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

      Soucek

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

      KWP, just

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

      Coin flip

  12. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5 def excluding Justin & Taylor?

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

      Ayling/Dallas

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

      Lamptey Ayling

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

      Lamptey KWP Lewis Holding Targett

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

        Interesting seeing Targett on your list. Was considering him, nice rotation with Mitchell

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

    TAA-> Digne for -4 ? I have robertson.

    I would like to remove Ings but i will wait one more week

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

      No way

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

      Is this really a thing people are doing?

      TAA is a 200+ point a season player for 7.5m.

      I wouldn’t remove him for anyone ever let alone a -4. Yes Digne will probably outscore him this week but looking over a bit longer term there will only be 1 winner

    3. Kloppage Time
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      OMG

    4. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Leave TAA (and Salah) in your Team (and thank me later 😉 )

  14. The Mighty I
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is the members area down? Apologies if this has already been answered.

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Working for me

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

      Not working for me either

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

    Rash or J-Rod for Pulisic? Have the spare £ for Rash

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

      Rashford

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

        Thanks. The only thing that puts me off is that Martial is my preferred Utd option but need to make the midfield transfer this week

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

      Should also say I have DCL

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I wouldn't double up on Everton attack - Digne + one (preferably DCL) is enough for me (actually I only have Digne :)). So Rashford if you need to make the mid transfer

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

          Thanks!

  16. Timon
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Kane to Martial, and Alli to Bruno?

    Or Just Alli to Hamesh?

    Or Save?

    Spurs looks so uninspiring.. 🙁

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

      Alli out is the priority. I'm giving Kane one more week

      Alli to James looks good esp if you don't have any other Everton

  17. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    To think I got Pulisic in to save a transfer for GW2 so I could concentrate on other moves 😆

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

      Me too! What are you doing with him?

    2. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      We all drop clangers, you just dropped one early this year.

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Unlucky, pal. At least Havertz and Werner did not score big.

      James, Mahrez nice replacements around those prices though.

  18. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Did Bruno or Rashford take the last penalty for Man U's last game as the rotate pens right?

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think they actually rotate. I think he gave Rashford one recently? (and a pen)

      Fernandes surely nailed on for Pens!

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

        Ok thanks for clarifying that lad

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

      Bruno took the last 5 penalties. He only gave it to Rashford before that once because he hadn't scored in a while

  19. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any improvements to this WC Team please chaps?

    Martinez
    TAA, Digne, James, Justin
    Salah, Auba, Fernandes, Podence
    Martial, Wilson

    (Steer, Bissouma, Mitchell, Brewster)

    GW3 = Auba -> KDB
    GW4 = Upgrade Bench (0.5 ITB)

    ...unsure on James vs. Saiss and Podence vs. other 5.5 MIDs (would prefer *some* Chelsea coverage for the upcoming fixtures).

    Cheers

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would go for Ryan

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks - how come? Brighton fixtures don't look good. Thought they had some good spells against Chelsea but still look a long way away from a clean sheet, IMO...

  20. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think on WC best GK combo is Martinez + Steer?

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure about best - that depends what you do with the spare $. I think I'm going Martinez and Steer. Martinez looks good and Villa looked pretty solid after lockdown.

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would go for Ryan - better defence now with White in the team

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

      Dean Smith has come out saying 'Martinez needs to earn the number 1 shirt' which suggests there is a possibility he might not start against SHU. Therein lies the dilemma of whether to go with Steer or Nyland....no one seems to know

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Interesting that he would move somewhere knowing he would not be guaranteed being No.1.

        I suppose for him it was to strike while the iron was hot in terms of his transfer. More time on the bench at Arsenal would make him less valuable I guess.

      2. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ahh! Didn't know that. Surely Martinez would not leave Arsenal to sit on the bench elsewhere? Is it not likely Smith is just being respectful but will start Martinez regardless?

      3. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Link to this quote?

      4. Flaming Flamingo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'd assume by that he means he'll have to perform well to keep the spot over Heaton when he returns. Very surprised if he doesn't go straight in

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

    It appears that nearly the whole of my team are being sold on mass / have been decided to be terrible option. The following are dropping like stones

    McCarthy
    TAA, BDavies, KWP
    Son, ASM
    Ings, Werner

    And yet, none of them were bad picks pre GW1 and thus none of them are bad picks pre GW2

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

      southampton has looked lackluster against Palace and brentford, bit worrying as a mccarthy, kwp and ings owner

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You can always wildcard but tell yourself it was in-fact the sellers that forced your hand 😉

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

      Got quite a few of those players too.

      Wanted to take a more patient approach this season, but price falls are possibly forcing my hand. Frustrating.

  22. Kalou
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this - 4 hit?

    Robbo+Havertz - >Justin +Bruno?

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yep good moves

  23. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Werner or Jimenez (+1M) for mid-term

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

      Werner

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

      JImmmmmmyyyy

  24. davysteen
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Delle Ali out for Greenwood?

    Good move? FT.

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

      Already have Kane

    2. Clueless24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just done the same so hope so! 🙂

  25. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which option looks better to fill the gaps? On WC

    A) KDB, Martial(C)
    GW3 Martial -> Jimenez

    B) Auba(C), Jimenez
    GW3 Auba -> KDB

    Martinez (Steer)
    Digne James Justin Ayling (Saiss)
    Salah xxx Bruno Hamez (Bissouma)
    xxx DCL (Brewster)

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

      B

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B for sure.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

  26. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA -- Justin -- Davies
    Salah -- Aubameyang (c) -- Son -- Soucek
    Werner -- C. Wilson -- Mitrovic

    4.0 -- C.Taylor -- Bissouma -- Mitchell [1FT + 1.5m ITB]

    Average GW1. Have boiled GW2 down to three moves - which seems best?

    A) Son --> B.Fernandes (FT)
    B) Son --> J.Rodríguez (FT)
    C) Son + Davies --> Digne + J. Rodríguez (-4)

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

      I’m going to captain Son GW3

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I had that in my mind before GW1. Bruno is a tough sell for me as we have not yet seen them play and there is comfort knowing not many own United assets. James + cash seems nice to upgrade Soucek in medium term too.

        Hard to draw conclusions from Spurs' 1 match and a Bulgaria away day but Everton look good and Spurs not so much.

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

    Interested to see what your thoughts are on this, next week planning willian > ziyech (if fit)

    Guaita
    Ayling virgil digne justin
    Willian Bruno KDB Auba
    DCL wilson

    Button saiss brewster smallbone

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good side for medium term. No stand out issues apart from no Liverpool.

  28. GOATMEAT
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Digne price rise imminent tonight?

    1. Stout scout
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes - see http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/

  29. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Vinagre dropping tonight...sh1t. Need to sort that one out

  30. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you do the following for a - 4?

    Son and C.Adams > Rashford & Mitro?

    Y or N

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

      I wouldn’t take a hit to bring in a Man U player until I’ve seen them play

    2. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldnt take a hit to bring Mitro in.

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

      cheers lads