Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 9?

Ahead of Gameweek 9, a costly international break and tricky fixtures make for one of the most challenging Fantasy Premier League captaincy debates of the season so far.

Our teams are awash with multi-coloured flags representing injuries and positive coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, limiting our ability to trust assets we have regularly turned to for the armband in 2020/21.

Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) is set to miss at least the next Premier League game as he recovers from COVID-19 while this year’s top-scoring assets so far in Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.5m) face Manchester City.

But fear not, the Captain Sensible article is here to help you pick the best captain from the bunch this week.

As ever, this uses extensive data from the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area so only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

CAPTAIN POLL

For the first time since last season, Bruno Fernandes (£10.6m) is the runaway leader in a Fantasy Football Scout captain poll, fresh from a 17-point haul at Everton in Gameweek 8.

The Portuguese midfielder has gained more than a third of all votes ahead of Manchester United’s favourable fixture against relegation candidates West Bromwich Albion. 

Fernandes appears to be the only trustworthy Fantasy option among the alternatives for this particular fixture, as no other Manchester United player achieved more than 2% of votes.

Competing for the second and third-place spots are Jack Grealish (£7.5m) and Hakim Ziyech (£8.2m) with 11.9% and 10.3% of votes, respectively. 

The Aston Villa midfielder enjoyed a busy week with the English national team, starting all three of their international break matches, against Ireland, Belgium and Iceland. Deserved game-time considering the four goals and six assists Grealish has registered in the Premier League this season; only Salah (67) and Son (74) have more points among midfielders at this stage.

Ziyech, meanwhile, continued his great form by scoring three goals and providing two assist in two games for Morocco having put up double-figure hauls in both of his league starts for Chelsea in 2020/21.

The remaining players with more than 5% of votes are Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.8m, 9.9% of votes), as well as Chelsea’s left back Ben Chilwell (£6.0m, 8.4%) his team-mate, Timo Werner (£9.4m, 5.7%).

With so many premium assets not featuring at the top-end of the poll this week, is it possible Fantasy managers are overlooking options that still have potential for Gameweek 9? Let’s find out…

KEY MATCHES

Newcastle United v Chelsea

517 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Jota punt looks good now...may get 2 weeks at least...

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Then you can punt him. That's what a punt eventually ends up being.

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

        Well yes he may do enough to nail a spot over Bobby F with a few more minutes to impress.

  2. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any news on Salah from Klopp?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, previous page.

    2. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Um look at the comments tab or last page

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks all

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

    Gtg? Save the free right regardless of Salah news?

    Martinez
    Chilwell Cresswell Robbo Kilman
    Son Grealish Hames Zaha
    Kane DCL(C)

    Martin Salah Brewster Mitchell

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

      GTG

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No I’d sell.

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

      Yup, the smart play I believe is benching Salah.

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

        When I say bench Salah, I mean don't transfer him out, you can leave him starting in your team for 0.1% chance he may play, but very likely he doesnt. My point was that the smart play is not to sell Salah because I believe he will be back for Brighton and its a waste of 2 transfers to bring him back in next week.

    4. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why would you bench salah, he either starts or he doesn’t. If you keep salah you start salah.

      Can’t believe I need to actually post this, how long have you guys played fantasy?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He might just want to save a transfer for something he considers more important.

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

          And I would want him back the second I sell

      2. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Who are you talking to?

        He is obviously out this week and next week I start him

        I assume you are talking to Motty

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          You should start salah even if you consider the chance he starts to be 0%

        2. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Oh right Salah is obviously out guys, this guy knows.
          Please bench Salah, if he starts it will be hilarious when you are crying

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

            Look f tard, firstly why would I cry over a fkin fantasy football game?

            Secondly why would Salah have any chance of kicking a ball in the next 48 hrs when he has just tested positive for COVID.

            Jog the f on

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

            I do get your logic, but on this occasion it's a moot point because Salah is definitely out

  4. Malinwa
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play Saïss or KWP this GW ?

  5. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    No comments on Robbo from Klopp?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What do you need to hear? He is fit..

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

        That's what i wanted to hear. Thanks.

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

    Beginning to bottle DCL (C) and consider Mane or bring in Fernandes for the armband...

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing to bottle really. It’s not exactly a random punt.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hoooold

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

        I lack your strength of resolve, Sir!

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I was looking forward to getting over the top excited wirh you this w/e when DCL hauls! Deee Ceeee Elllllllll we would have shouted.

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

            Still time but Fernandes is slowly drawing me in!

  7. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I’ve decided not to get KDB this week. I did Salah to Bruno last night, would you save the other. Tempted to get Ziyech or JRod. 2.9m in bank.

    Pickford
    Gabriel Chilwell Saiss
    Son Bruno Rash Barkley
    Kane Watkins DCL

    4m James Reed Mitchell

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

      Ofc one can see big upside in Barkley to Ziyech/Hamez, just assume it would block your Son to KDB move next weeks

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It’s probably be Son To Ziyech or JRod and then Rashford to KDB next week. But it would block Kane to Vardy.

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Save? And play James over Gabriel/Saiss, surely?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah good point. James is now in the 11

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I would save the other with that team. Who is your C?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It was going to be Watkins, but now I have Bruno, think it has to be him.

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Cool.

    4. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Barkley is woeful. Scoutcast were singing his praises about him being lije he was at Everton but he was largely rubbish at Everton. Never really once became even approaching more than an option. He improves this villa side, very much. That I'm not going to argue with. But he's gash and I would be firing him out into the waste like an express ejection after a bad prawn

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It was such a stupid transfer. I do like the way you construct a sentence and more so an argument. Quite beautiful really.

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

      Do the sideways transfer in Barkley to Grealish when you habe a spare FT...
      Nothing till then

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Wish I didn’t have to. Haven’t a clue why I have him.

        1. Pacer.
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          At 6m I kind of see the appeal but sadly as a fourth midfielder in a game with so many exciting options the sight of him taking up one of those exciting positions will drive you to drink. Just get a badass player

  8. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah + Son + Kane >
    Burno + Ziyech + Vardy
    Yaaaaay
    Just Sell Son
    Just Sell Salah
    Just Sell Kane

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

      I’m in the same boat and looking at Salah and Kane to Ziyech and Vardy, Son to KDB/Sterling next week.

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

        Great

  9. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Rashford in for Mo and (C) - 3m rank got to take chances now...

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

      Why not Bruno? Not sure if Rash has been given the all clear injury wise yet

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

        I think Bruno will provide the bullets for Rash. But like you say need the OK from OGS first...

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

          Sure, don't make the move until Ole confirms Rash is okay but if he is then it's a decent move.

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

      If he can get a 20 minute hat-trick in the Champions League...

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

        Double figures or more likely a 1 pointer injury reoccurring the way its gone this year.

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

          Don't think he was ever really injured

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

      It's a good chance that you are taking

  10. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Got to start 2 of these absolute jokers. What do we reckon?

    Foden
    Saiss
    Podence
    Brewster

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Trade them all at once

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        wish I could bring myself to do that

    2. SKENG
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      PB

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

      2.3

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

      For as long as you have Foden, he's got to start. If he gets minutes he's an excellent chance of returning

    5. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Foden and Saiss with podence first on bench.

  11. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Robo/Chilwell/Kilman with Reguilon/Mitchell on the bench - is that def good enough for this week or use the FT?

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

      Possible you’ll only have three starters. Not sure what I’d do there.

  12. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts here?

    Martinez
    TAA* Robbo* Ayling
    Salah* Son Ziyech Foden
    Jimenez DCL Watkins

    4.0 Soucek Taylor* Lewis

    A) TAA, Salah to Digne/Cancelo, Fernandes
    B) TAA, Salah to Kilman, Fernandes (can do Foden to KDB next week)
    C) TAA, Salah, Foden to Kilman, Fernandes, KDB -4

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  13. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you play?

    A Mitchell
    B Lamptey

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      I dont think you have a choice, mitchell wont play. And Lamptey easily because he has a good fixture and is attacking

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

      B

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

      will Mitchell even start?

    5. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  14. Baron Penguin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hit the -4 with Salah, Son and Saiss to Chilwell, Ziyech and Bruno. Is it going too far to -8 and move Jimenez to Werner?

    1. Yay
    2. Nay

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      May as well, you're on a roll!

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No need for -8 as you already got Ziyech. Keep Jimenez imo.

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just Salah & Saiss out no hits

  15. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah >

    A) Mane
    B) KDB (have Sterling)
    C) Keep/Bench (Brewster)

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

      A

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A then

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

      do you own Bruno/Ziyech/Grealish? Anyone one of those over A, B or C

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Have Bruno and Grealish

  16. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Jamal Lewis nailed..
    Anyone?

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      yes

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

        What about Matt Ritchie?

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          what about Matt Ritchie?

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

            He's back, won't he take Lewis' position?

            1. Mr. O'Connell
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Interesting. I backtrack on my nailed assertion.

        2. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          depends

  17. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Quickie here

    1. Wilson-> DCL (-4)
    2. Son-> KdB (-4)
    3. Keep both

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

      3

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      agree, 3

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      3

  18. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any fitness news on Sterling yet?

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

      He's fine for Spurs.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He's signed up for CrossFit, reckons F45 should be called FU45.

  19. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Guys as of what klopp say, salah tested negative? I thought he tested positive?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      when did he say he tested negative?

      1. Captain Vantastic™
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        What do you make of his comments and him flying back Tina?

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          not losing sleep over it. my guess is he needs to sit it out and prob wont start vs Bri in 8 days

          1. Captain Vantastic™
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Thank you. Leaning towards selling for Bruno(c).

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              good move. I still need to make up my mind who I am replacing with. Might get Mane.

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He said when he tests negative then the process will start in terms of how long he needs to isolate for....but didn’t go into specifics on that

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

      No he hasn't said he's tested negative. To be honest he's given barely any info on Salah at all, only that once he tests negative then things will change. But so far, no.

    4. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I dont think klopp said he tested negative, I think he said when he tests negative. Could be wrong but I'm sure that's what he said. Only watched it once.

  20. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah -> KDB -4

    Yay or nay?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Neigh

    2. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Who comes in for Salah if you don't do it?

  21. It's his Job.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Can i get your thoughts on this team please

    Martinez
    Vestetdaard Kilman Chilwell
    Zaha Grealish Fernandes Rodriguez Son
    Kane Dcl

    Ryan/Bamfotd/Justin/Mitchell

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah it’s really nice

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thiago Gold!

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

    How many points worth of hits will you likely have taken by the deadline?

    A) None
    B) -4
    C) -8
    D) -12 or more

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

      A/B depending on Salah

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

      A

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

      B most likely. Small chance of C.

    4. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

    Decided to go without Salah on my wildcard but the next big issue is do I keep enough money in the bank to get him in if he will start the Brighton game.

    DCL is in my current draft but that means I can't get Salah back in one move, or I should go with Bamford instead...

    Will Bamford ( ARS eve ) and Bruno ( WBA sou ) outscore DCL ( ful LEE ) and Bruno ( WBA ) / Salah ( bri) ?

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

      I would keep enough money in the bank for Salah yes. But unfortunately DCL looks to me a way better option than Bamford for the next 2 fixtures.. Can you squeeze the money out of somewhere else? In defence / backup options?

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

        I can but I like my current defence and don't want to touch it...

  24. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) Salah out for 1 GW

    GW9 - Bruno in for a hit - 3 points (average home points)
    GW10 - Salah in (1FT)

    Overall -1

    B) Salah out for 2 GWS
    GW9 - Bruno in for a hit - 3 points (average home points)
    GW10 - Bruno - 13 points (average away points)
    GW11 - Salah in (1FT)

    Overall +12

  25. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Captain:
    A) Bruno
    B) DCL
    C) Ziyech

    And why? (Assuming you owned all 3, as many seem to)

  26. Malinwa
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play Saïss or KWP this GW ? Thanks!

  27. karljkadak
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez, McCarthy
    Robertson, KWP, Semedo, Dallas, Sakho
    Barkley, Salah, Foden, Traore, Son
    DCL, Kane, Brewster
    2FT 0.8 ITB

    Would like to get Bruno (and Ziyech) but that means sacrificing Salah/Son. tbf Traore has been awful and Jota in his place would make sense. Overthinking is killing me and any advice is welcome.

    A) Son to Bruno, Traore to Jota
    B) Salah to Jota, Foden to Bruno
    C) a better solution..?

  28. matadormani
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who is worth a transfer for Trent -4, bring in Robertson? Zouma?

  29. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How is the Covid process in the Premier League? Is Salah supposed to be isolated until he gets a negative test or does he have to wait x days in isolation after the negative test?

    If he misses two games I want to ship out for Bruno for a hit, but not if he's only out for one game.

    Thanks.