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. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Why do people think Kane is overpriced... when you look back at prior year points totals.

    1. Clintymints
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      He's probably correctly priced this season

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      His points per 90 minutes last season was less than Son's and he costs 1.5m more.

      1. Differentiator
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        You can make that argument for each of TAA, Robertson and Van Dijk versus most premium players

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 days ago

          What premium players? Are you comparing defenders with attackers? Because that's the wrong way to do it. TAA, Robbo, and VVD can only be compared with defenders.

          Comparing Kane with another key attacker from his team is the fairest way to do it. It's a joke that he costs more than Son and by that much too.

    3. I Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Wasn't playing for Mourinho in prior years.

    4. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Defensive midfielders such as Kane and Bissouma are usually priced at 4.5 so his price does look wrong

    5. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      What’s his price?

      1. Seanigula
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        10.5....how did Firmino get priced at 9.5? Should be about 7

    6. Ron_Swanson
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      He’s been knackered recently. If he gets fit and starts scoring again then yeah

  2. Rligudfootiemanager
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    What do we think about Doherty playing on the weekend? He played full 90 on Thursday...thinking about swop to Digne but only if unlikely to play or be a sub as transfer would be for a hit.

    1. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Their whole first team played 90 on Thursday

  3. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Bench 1:

    A Davies
    B ASM
    C Adams

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      A

  4. james 101
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Anyone else captaining Bruno this week?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Thought about it but Auba against West Ham would be too terrifying

      Read also that Bruno is better away from home and Martial better at home. Might captain Bruno vs Brighton next GW though.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Solid logic

        Just have a feeling united are going to fly out of the traps

      2. TheDragon
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Those considering captaining Bruno should look at referees stats for penalties and number penalties conceded by opposition as that is where the bulk if his hauls come from

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 days ago

          Have you looked at those mate? Care to share your thoughts?

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 days ago

            https://www.statbunker.com/competitions/AgainstPenalty?comp_id=639

            KDB vs Leicester next week looks intriguing

            1. Snevitz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              4 years, 3 days ago

              KDB vs Salah for captaincy next week will be tricky

          2. TheDragon
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 days ago

            I’d be captaining Auba not Bruno this week

        2. Miguel Sanchez
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 days ago

          Palace only conceded one penalty last season, great spot.

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      If I had Auba, he'd me captain without a doubt.

      Unfortunately I don't, so will have to settle for Bruno.

      I like Bruno a lot, but he just doesn't come close to Auba this week

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        I hear you.

        We will soon see I guess!

    3. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      I also have martial and KDB as options. Or jimmy. But I have a feeling Bruno could be good.

  5. Sir Edo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Now when Gylfi is on the bench, who will take care of the pens?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Rodriguez or Richarlison. My money would be on Rodriguez

      1. Sir Edo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Think so too but don’t tell anyone..

    2. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Hamez most likely

    3. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Jod

    4. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Maybe James Rodriquez.

  6. AllThePies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Laca (WHU) (c) given the number of inevitable Auba (c)'s, or just go balls out Salah (che) or Sterling (wol)?

    1. SackWenger
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Nice to see different options. If Laca starts then he could go well - also Arsenal play Leicester in the Caraboa Cup - perhaps Nketiah gets that gig meaning Laca plays more minutes in this. Reverse could also happen given the difficulty of away to Leicester. On that basis, Sterling is intriguing, scored a brace in the same fixture last season when City were down to 10 men and it's on Monday so you still have hope all weekend 🙂

  7. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Kane -> Martial?

    1. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Yes

  8. seanmcging
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    On WC, thoughts please:

    McCarthy/Steer
    TAA/Digne/Lamptey/Mitchell/Johnson
    Auba/Salah/Rodriguez/Podence/Bissouma
    Martial/Jiminez/Wilson

    I was looking to squeeze in Fraser in Midfield, but was thinking it could a benching headache, so moved him to 4.5m & upgraded Justin to Digne.

    1. Clintymints
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      2 x 4.0 defs, a man after my own heart

      Looks alrite MF a bit gash but the big lads in there

  9. Threat Level Midnight
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Missed the Newcastle presser...ASM fit to play?

    1. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Yes 🙂

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Cheers

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      He's fit to play but don't expect much.

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Thank you Gandalf

  10. OverTinker
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Hames or Grealish?

    1. Clintymints
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Jrod

      1. Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        hames

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Hames

    3. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Hames with the fixtures

  11. The Frenchie
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    A) Watkins
    B) Podence
    C) Harrison

    1. R.C.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      B

    2. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      C is nailed, others in rotation, also C the best gw2

    3. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      B

  12. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Saka will start?

    1. Seanigula
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Arteta is off-line right now, check back

  13. DantheManinaPan
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Thinking of bringing in Shaw to replace Vinagre.

    I know Saiss and James are popular... Who would you choose and why?

    1. Clintymints
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Not Shaw

      For the same price Lamptey, Lewis, Lascelles, Justin or Holding (short term)

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Shaw offers so much more clean sheet threat than any of those suggestions

        1. Clintymints
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 3 days ago

          Shaw it is then

    2. Top 210 Club
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Ole said Shaw not ready for 90 mins...

  14. TheDragon
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    The comments section here seems to have decided that Hames is the greatest pick of all time and that Son should be removed at whatever costs this week.

    It’ll be very interesting to see how this week plays out

    1. Clintymints
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      I'd rather Son over Jrod

      Errbody needed to save some pennies

    2. Tempestic
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      ikr think it'll backfire personally

    3. Seanigula
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      That savings also allows you to upgrade a weak striker, like Antonio to DCL as an example before the rise

    4. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      That's because there is no other replacement for Chelse/Spurs mids and people are struggling to upgrade to Bruno.

    5. Threat Level Midnight
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Pain incoming. Much rather have Son regardless of match-up

      1. Sir Edo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Of course, but some managers downgrade to James to afford Son..

      2. Seanigula
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Pain is getting 37 points in week 1

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 days ago

          Link your team or else sHHHHHHHhHhHhHhHhH

    6. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Yes, his goal/assist record not the best but might be on pens and freekicks. Left footed as Digne so might share some, not optimal..

    7. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      It only appears that way...we have here few people here that will be spreading religiously their ideas, strategies etc...they will comment on almost every post here...same old, same old 🙂

    8. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Has it really?

      I dunno. I don't see such strong Son out sentiments around here. I most certainly do not think Son out this week is a priority.

  15. Korhan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    I have set my WC with a Trentless one. Please share your thoughts !

    Martinez Steer
    Digne Reece Lamptey Justin Mitchell
    Auba KDB Fernandez Rodriguez Bissouma
    Martial Calvert Bamford

    A) That is a handsome looking squad with lots of firepower

    1. turd ferguson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      No Liverpool is worrying

  16. tim
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Nyland or McCarthy?

    1. Clintymints
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      second keeper, Nyland, first keeper McCarthy

    2. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Think Steer is looking more likely to start over McCarthy

      1. chelseabrad
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Nyland*

    3. tim
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Im thinkin bout takin a punt on Nyland starting. McCarthy comes in if he doesnt.

  17. turd ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Does any have Ville Ronkas team ID? 🙂

    1. Pukki Party
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      617620

  18. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    To start McCarthy or Steer this week

    1. Clintymints
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Steer has the favourable fixture, so him

      he'll either play or not so NBD

    2. OverTinker
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Don't you think Martinez will start?

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Doesn't matter. If he does, it auto-subs McCarthy in. Very minimal risk

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Martinez will start

  19. fplfansss
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    GTG? Save FT for this week.
    McCarthy
    TAA, Taylor, Doherty
    Salah, Auba, Son, ASM
    Vardy, Adams, Mitro

    Subs: Nyland, Stephens, Mitchell, Vinagre

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Yeah save

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Save

  20. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    RMT
    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA Davies Justin KWP(Mitchell)
    Salah Auba Havertz (Bissouma)(Reed)
    Werner Ings Wilson

    1ft,0.0 itb

    A) Havertz to James Rodriguez
    B) Save

    Plan is to KDB to Auba next week, maybe with Reguilon now happening, I can save and do Davies to Saiss along with that

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Roll ft

  21. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Itchy fingers with all the WC teams popping up. Definitely roll the ft for GW2?

    1.0itb 1ft
    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Justin Ayling
    Auba(C) Salah ASM Havertz
    Werner Adams
    (Peacock Bissouma Taylor Vassilev)

    1. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Not tempted by Havertz -> Rashford for free?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Undecided with the Utd players. Prefer Bruno and Martial ahead of Rash so will hold off to try and get some info from the Utd Palace game

        1. A19
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 days ago

          Yes makes sense. I'm in the same boat. Cheers and good luck!

  22. Flair
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Feel like Chelsea vs Liverpool will be cagey, especially with Lampard's injury list. They've become more secure defensively at Stamford Bridge, and 5ATB to make a return?

    1. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Kepa is in goal - 10 at the back wouldn’t be enough

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      I see Salah hauling, but capping Auba myself.

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Lampard usually sets up 3-4-3 in the big games

      1. Flair
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Kepa
        James - Rudiger - Christensen - Zouma - Azpi
        Mount - Kova/RLC - Kante - Havertz
        Werner

        When I put it like this, it feels less likely..

  23. Bobby Digital
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Aubaaa!!!

  24. Dynamic Duos
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Everyone will have one of Sterling or KDB gwk3? Heard mentality?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Herd*

    2. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      I won’t if Pulisic is fit

    3. Fitzy.
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Is that what you're doing then?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Rashford I want

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        What are you doing?

        1. Fitzy.
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 days ago

          Planning to watch GW2 matches

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 3 days ago

            Great move 🙂

    4. AnfieldLad
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      I’d hardly say herd mentality, just a pretty logical thing to do. Without injuries they’re almost certainly going to be amongst the highest points scorers at the end of the season

    5. I Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Not sure if bringing in an attacker from the best attacking team in the league is herd mentality or just common sense.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        I wouldn't say go without them all season, it isn't what I'm saying at all.

    6. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Herd mentality? Wut?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        Well on the ticker I think they were bottom for attacking fixtures over the next 10, other very good players with better fixtures I think , you?

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        3-6 are great fixtures though.

  25. have you seen cyan
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Son - Kane - Bale
    Best front 3 in the league?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      No

      Salah Firmino Mane

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Up there, not the best though.

    3. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Bale coming back is obviously amazing and everyone will want him but based on his recent performances for Wales he isn’t even match fit. It’s a complete unknown whether he still has the magic

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 days ago

        He still has it 🙂

    4. I Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Not even top 5.

    5. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Lol

    6. Zimo
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Still no creativity for any of them. They're sorely missing eriksen and pochettinos tactics

  26. Bruno Commando
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Is this WC team gtg?

    Ryan // Steer
    TAA Justin Lewis Barnsley // Mitchell
    Auba Bruno KDB JRod // Biss
    Martial DCL // Davis

    Going Martial to Jimenez then Auba to Salah.

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Looks good...

  27. The Train Driver
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    A. Targett + Meslier
    B. Dallas + Martinez

    1. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      B

  28. A19
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Thoughts on these two options:

    A) -4 Havertz & Dier -> Rashford & Mitchell (bench and rotate a 4.5 def and Soucek for the 11th spot in the team)
    B) Save, keep Havertz & Werner and no ManU

  29. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    Any hits needed or am I g2g?

    McCarthy
    TAA, Justin, Dallas (Vinagre, Taylor)
    Salah, Bruno, Auba, ASM (Reed)
    Werner, Mitrovic, Adams

    0.0m itb

  30. Zimo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 days ago

    How odd. Pulisic was on -100 a few hours ago and is now on -61.8

    1. Tempestic
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Oh yeh wth

    2. Flair
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      That's weird but extremely delightful

    3. Holding Matip
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Wildcard adjustments

    4. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 days ago

      Has his flag changed from amber to red, takes more FT's out when players turn red.