Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 8?

The captaincy candidates for Gameweek 8 of Fantasy Premier League are few and far between but that does not mean the choice is an easy one.

With Manchester City and Liverpool going head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium, just two matches are taking our fancy ahead of Friday’s early deadline as Tottenham Hotspur travel to West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea host Sheffield United.

The Hawthorns will feature this season’s highest-scoring team facing the Premier League’s worst defensive outfit. Does that make selecting a captain a simple exercise? Far from it.

And as Fantasy managers flutter between Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.6m) there are some differentials to consider.

As per usual, the Captain Sensible article assesses each of the best options using player and team defensive data from the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area.

CAPTAINCY POLL

Unsurprisingly, Kane and Son are the runaway leaders in this week’s captaincy poll. The Spurs duo have gained 44.7% and 21.4%, respectively, although, in keeping with the world at large this week, we should remind you that there are still legitimate votes left to be counted.

Fantasy managers have been looking forward to their trip to the Hawthorns for some time so, regardless of form or fixture, these two players were always going to perform well in the Gameweek 8 captain poll.

With no other candidate managing more than 5% backing, Kane and Son have produced arguably the world’s most important two-horse vote of the week.

It is Timo Werner (£9.3m) who leads the way among the independent options, although he managed only 4.4% backing ahead Sheffield United visiting Stamford Bridge.

Hakim Ziyech (£8.0m) also made the top five with 2.5% of the votes while Tariq Lamptey’s (£4.7m) meeting with an out-of-form Burnley outfit was enough for 3.6% brave managers to take a punt with the armband.

Meanwhile, many highly-owned premium options failed to attract captaincy interest for the Gameweek 8 clash between Manchester City and Liverpool. Mohammed Salah (£12.4m) has brought in just 1.8% of our votes, while Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m, 0.8%) failed to even make the top 10.

KEY MATCHES

West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur

763 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    It's simply too risky to not captain Kane

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not if you have Son

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Didn’t work last week

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Well it was home game

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Ah, away form

        2. Bruce Lee
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Son won't play the elite Brighton every week

      2. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        How's this for odd? I love Son. It's been a running joke amongst my friends for a few years that if he's fit, he's in my team guaranteed. Even this year when he might not be fit - i had him for United.

        When i've got him, i back him with captaincy more than i should too. But for some reason, if i ever own both him and Kane, (K)ane always always gets the nod. The allure of the premium price, i guess?

      3. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I agree with this

  2. Yeyeyeyeye
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Robertson and Rodriguez to coufal and ziyech? Gives enough money for son to KDB in 2 weeks

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Could work, did Robbo -> Coufal last week

    2. Latetotheparty
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don't like those moves, sorry 🙂

    3. AllStars
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not for me, after this weekend, Robertson and Rodriguez have good fixtures. Man U is not a bad fixture, although Rod might not play this weekend, but then has two weeks to fully recover for Fulham, Leeds and Burnley

    4. Yeyeyeyeye
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers

  3. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How is Lamptey at 4th?

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yung Goat

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Poll has not been out long.

  4. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench two

    A) Dallas (cry)
    B) Lamptey (BUR)
    C) Jrod (MUN)
    D) Pulisic (SHU)

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Make decision after presser tomorrow

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah for sure

    2. Latetotheparty
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B D

    3. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      AD

  5. noone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Will we get comments on Pulisic before FPL gets locked?

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      presser is in the morning

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lampard presser tomorrow AM

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

    Any news on J Rod? I know the presser isn't out yet but just curious if I missed anything.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing yet, hopefully we will get something before deadline

      1. ilikewud
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Don't even know what I'll do if he's out. Might hold either way TBH

    2. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jay Rodriguez or Jack Rodwell?

  7. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FT & 4.0m ITB. Should I looking to upgrade my 4.5 DEFs or look at something like TAA + Pulisic --> Chilwell + Grealish/Ziyech/Zaha (FT)

    McCarthy
    TAA | Justin | C.Taylor
    Salah | Son | Pulisic* | Soucek
    Mitrovic | Kane | C.Wilson

    4.0 | Bissouma | Mitchell | Targett [2FT + 4.0m ITB]

  8. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who scores more for these fixtures:

    1) Martial vs Eve and WBA
    2) Vardy vs Wol and Pool

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      1

    2. Latetotheparty
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You're brave going for Martial. I need to wait and see how they do vs Everton first.

      Am being lured toward Jesus.

      1. ilikewud
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Me too - Jesus and Vardy in for me GW 10

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I'm worried about Jesus as Kun is almost back

        2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          The original plan was to get Vardy in 10. But with Ings out the options are Vardy and Martial for me.

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I think Everton United will be high scoring and Martial will be involved. Need to move out Ings. Options are Kane but already have Son and do not think those fixtures warrant a double up. Already have Sterling and Foden from City and do not want a triple up with Jesus. The other option is Vardy and hence the question.

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Go for the proven vardy when in doubt

  9. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any help appreciated: 1 FT, 0.1 ITB

    Mendy
    Chill - Robbo - Dallas
    Salah - Son - Grealish - Pulisic*
    Kane - DCL - Bamford

    Steer - Saiss* - Stephens - 3.9

    A) Save FT
    B) Pulisic > Ziyech, Mahrez, Bowen, Fornals, Mount?
    C) Robbo > Cress/Coufal
    D) Saiss > Cress/Coufal
    E) Something else

    Looking to get in City assets (mainly Son > KDB) around GW 9/10 or so.

    1. Fergiesarmy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Pulisic to Zaha maybe

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

    Martinez
    Lamptey TAA James Saiss Mitchell
    Salah Son Rashford Foden Anguissa
    Kane Watkins DCL

    Saiss & Foden to

    A PVA & Fornals
    B Balbuena & Zaha

  11. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best Pulisic replacement. Have 9.6 ITB. Midfield is currently Salah, Son, Zaha, Grealish .....

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hakim 'the Drim' Ziyech

    2. Latetotheparty
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bale if you're feeling punty?

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I like this other than that maybe Rashford is "safer"

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Rashford

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

      Ziyech? Rashford?

    5. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Depends if you need funds for future moves for the likes of KDB, etc. If you need money, then Bowen/Fornals, if not, then Ziyech or Rash your best bet

    6. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      9.6m plus Pulisic? Bruno.

    7. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ziyech.

      1. Will J 256
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks guys!

    8. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ziyech or Rashford.

  12. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kane playing tonight. A little knock would throw a cat amongst the pigeons 👿

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Martial time 😀

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Martial wasn't my first thought, have to admit 😀

      2. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I am going with McBurnie!

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nah, would be boring, everyone would captain Son then

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        True, but a few -4's and -8's maybe!

    3. Salan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Making him 50% chance to play will get everyone mad here.

  13. tissae
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one:
    A) Cresswell (FUL)
    B) Lamptey (BUR)
    C) Robertson (mci)

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B for me

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C. But neither.

    3. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

    4. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

    5. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      b

  14. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any idea what time is Ancelotti's press conference tomorrow?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Usually 13:30 (GMT) on Fridays

  15. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez (Button)
    Zouma,Lamptey,Kilman,Chilwell (Konsa)
    Salah,Son,Pulisic,Grealish(Bissouma)
    Kane(C),DCL (Brewster)

    1FT, £2.4ITB

    Pulisic to Bruno?

  16. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    who to bench?

    a) Robbo (mci)
    b) Lamptey (BUR)
    c) Dallas (cry)?

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      c

  17. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    1FT 2.6 ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA Ayling Justin
    Salah Son Hamez Podence
    DCL Kane Bamford

    Steer Bissouma Mitchell Saiss

    a) Podence > Grealish
    b) Saiss > Chilwell
    c) Save

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A. I did A a couple of weeks ago.

  18. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Mendy
    PVA Cancelo Vestergaard
    Salah Mane Sterling Mahrez Jota
    Bamford Adams

    P.Farrell Brewster Kilman Thomas

  19. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best Ings replacement among those 3?

    A. Martial
    B. Vardy
    C. Werner

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yep. Vardy will be my Kane replacement in 9 or 10 I think. Or a City attacker

  20. mikess
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Shall I take a hit to replace a defender this week?

    Happy starting first two. Dubious others will start. Micthell could return maybe, see what is said tomorrow

    Chilwell, Kilman, Saiss, Micthell, Dunne

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No I wouldn't take a hit

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think you should take a hit and sell Saiss.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yep, even if Saiss remains an important member of the squad hard to see him not being benched.

  21. lelou881
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Made my transfer early, now I need to take a -4 hit for an Ings replacement.

    Have enough to switch to Kane, but do I still do it with their fixture turn coming,
    Or should I go a different route? Maybe Werner or Vardy?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      The fixtures really do look nasty shortly, do you have Son? If no Son id say go with Kane but deffo wouldn't have them both with upcoming fixtures

    3. lelou881
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I do have Son.

  22. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mcarthy
    TAA Justin Lascelles Reguilon (mitchell)
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish (oirol romeu)
    Jimi Mitro (davies)
    with 2 free transfers & 3 million to spend would TAA & Davies - Chilwell & Wilson be a good move for this team?
    Anything else that would be better?
    Thank you in advance

  23. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would u sell either of Lewis or Mitchell for a hit?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mitchell possibly.

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Unlikely to start u think?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I'm not expecting him to now that PVA is back fit. I'll probably let him rot on the bench until I upgrade to a 4.5m defender in a DGW.

          Kilman would've been a good move but not worth a hit.

          1. Nightcrawler
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I dont have 5m itb and can probably afford to spend 1.5 out of that. Will have to shift justin to the bench then if i get a premium pick

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nah but I’m selling pool for a hit

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Are you down to just two defenders starting GW8?

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No i have zouma justin and chillwell too. Thinking long term

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Don't let take hits for either.

  24. King of Kings.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is this crazy - Robbo for Coufal?

    Keep funds then upgrade a 4.5 def to Dias/Cancelo GW10

    I have 2 free transfers and no other issues. I think I'll be downgrading Robbo GW10 anyway to get KDB in.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Get Masuaku. Coufal not creating anything, although he's probably more nailed if Moyes goes back to 4 at the back.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Seems ok to me

    3. Clay Davis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Make sense. Been considering similar myself.

      What's your team?

    4. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I was tempted to do a similar thing with TAA with virgil out I don't see them getting many CS points now

    5. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers lads.

      My teams is

      Martinez
      Robbo, Chillwell, Lamptey
      Salah, Grealish, James, Son
      Kane, Watkins, DCL

      Subs: Forster, Kilman, Dallas, Bissouma

      I'll be keeping an eye on James tomorrow and might swap him for Ziyech instead if he's out. If he's fit he stays.

  25. Fergiesarmy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    need some advice on WC Forster / McCarthy Zouma bellerin Justin Mitchell 3.9 Zaha son salah ziyech Kane DCL Last two spots A) Grealish & Brewster. Play 3 5 3 B) Wilson & 4.5m mid play 3 4 3 Many thanks...

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A cause you get to play an extra player

  26. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Why are people buying Jota?

    He's not nailed

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      'Cause he scored some goals.

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I agree as well as he has done he could easily be on the bench this weekend

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Likely will be. Depends on your bench cover I suppose. On current form I reckon he is going to start getting more games ahead of Bobby but still waiting another week or two to see myself.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      There's no way Klopp is changing his front 3 vs Man City.

      But after a poor result, maybe Jota starts a few.

  27. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Saiss and Jimenez to Chilwell and Werner for -4?

  28. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    That earwax advert that is always on this site is an absolute disgrace =)

    Disgusting picture of someone's earwax in a cotton bud. Why do they think fantasy football enthusiasts are a target audience for their product?

    Did the execs at the company have a meeting where they said "I bet people who play fantasy football never clean their ears out, lets put 100% of the online advertising budget into the most popular website dedicated to those individuals".

    And it must be working!

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Olive oil is yet only man for the earwax. Put some in your ear using your baby finger. Keeps your ear canal moist preventing wax building up and that horrible itchy feeling.

  29. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How does this look folks?

    Trent, Robertson, Pereira and Brewster
    To
    Chillwell, Cresswell, 4.5 and Werner

    Allows me .3 to do Trossard to Jota after city?

    1. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      -8 points is not good, is it? The players you bring in look good though

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No not good at all. Of all fixtures in the season, Man City away has to be the hardest for pool. So Trent and Robertson hauls are confirmed as soon as I sell after holding since the beginning.

  30. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is this move too boring? - any other ideas for what to do?

    Saïss+ Ings -> Chilwell + Wilson

    Martínez
    TAA, Saïss, Lamptey
    Son, Salah, Fernandes, Grealish
    Ings, Bamford, Jiménez

    Button, Burke, Mitchell, Dunne
    2 free transfer, 0.1 million in the bank

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I like it!

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nice moves

    3. Fergiesarmy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Transfers at this stage of the season should be boring. Follow the obvious unless you are chasing

      1. fc_skrald
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks.I will do it.