Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 17?

The latest Fantasy Premier League captaincy debate is all about trust, something that has been in short supply recently.

Many of us are fresh from watching the most popular skipper blank in each of the last two Gameweeks, Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) still without a goal since Gameweek 14.

What’s worse, those two matches pitted league leaders Liverpool against so-called ‘lesser opposition’ in West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle.

Such freak results have become commonplace in 2020/21 as a busy fixture period, uncertainty over future matches and lack of fans have all impacted our Fantasy assets across the board. Since 2001, no team has ever occupied the Premier League’s top spot after 16 games with as few points as 33. Such a total would have placed you sixth in the division last season.

How will these factors play into the Gameweek 17 captaincy? Well, there is lots to unpack here.

Liverpool travel to face a stubborn Southampton defence, Bruno Fernandes (£11.2m) is up against an impressive Aston Villa team while the arguably out-of-form Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.7m) will be treated to Saturday lunch with Leeds’ gut-busting free-scoring Leeds outfit.

As ever, the Captain Sensible article is here to look into these options, comparing their individual form against the defensive capabilities and/or weaknesses of their upcoming opponents.

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

Captain Poll

Salah’s struggles in front of goal over the last two Gameweeks seem very fresh in many people’s minds, as the Egyptian has failed to reach 10% of votes in this week’s captain poll so far.

That puts the Liverpool winger in the fourth-place behind Fernandes (32.5%), Kane (20.0%) and Son (17.0%).

The top-five is closed up by Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.9), with 5.2% of votes going the way of the Everton striker ahead of West Ham’s Friday evening trip to Goodison Park.

Jamie Vardy (4.7%) is the one to slightly miss out on the top-five this week, as Leicester visit Newcastle in Gameweek 17.

Perhaps surprisingly, in-form Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) gathered less than 1.0% of votes this week, despite extending his scoring run against Wolves. The Manchester United man now has five goals in his last six Premier League appearances

KEY MATCHES

Southampton v Liverpool

Liverpool finally hit top gear ahead of appealing festive schedule
968 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    It's going to be a long night!

  2. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone here dare to go without Kdb for gw18/19?

    1. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      18-22 his fixtures are all blue on the ticker.

      He has the best non-pen xGI per 90 of all players.

      I would definitely keep

      1. Dennis System
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He's also terrible this year

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He is about to get decent rest before dgw? Have looked tired.

        2. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He's a god awful player

          1. Sanchit
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Awesome*

        3. Sanchit
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          How can he have the best xGI per 90 if he's been that terrible?
          He's getting all the chances and creating them as usual.
          Just been unlucky/not prolific this year.

      2. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Probably too much risk to go without. Sold him for Mane this morning but looks like I'm going to wildcard in gw18 and get him back

    2. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will have him on FH18 but can't get him in 19 without losing Bruno or Salah. He's not worth that in my experience this season.

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

    Who would you prefer from GW19-GW24?

    A) Balbuena, Rashford, Vardy
    B) Cancelo, KDB, Watkins

    Rest of team for context would be:

    McCarthy, Johnstone
    Robertson, Dias, Justin, Coufal, X
    Salah, Fernandes, Soucek, Raphinha, X
    Bamford, Adams, X

    1. ManUtdFan_UK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Balbuena can also be any defender up to 4.8m currently (but expecting price rises for the likes of Dallas etc before GW19 so they’ll be out of reach).

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

      B)

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

    Suggestions?

    Meslier
    TAA Robbo Cresswell Dallas Dier
    Salah KdB Bruno Son
    Bamford
    ( Fabri Burke Brewster Davis)

  5. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sold Grealish and now feel stupid with AV having the double...

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure if he is worth it even with double gw

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe will get El Ghazi

    2. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Next 4 fixtures are awful

      1. Basil1977
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        his fixture aren't to bad if ht 18 then double 19 depends on what price you got him at because his fixtures get better around 21

      2. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I wouldn't say focus too much on fixtures with Grealish tbh e.g.

        GW4: 24 points vs. Liverpool

        GW7: 15 points vs. Southampton (who were top of the previous 4 game form table and had conceded the 2nd fewest goals in the league in that time)

        GW10: 10 points vs. West Ham (who were 4th in the previous 4 form table)

        GW13: 10 points vs. West Brom (west midlands derby)

        While he blanked in easy games like 10 men Sheff Utd in GW2, Leeds in GW6 and Palace in GW15.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I want to get rid anyway. Need to sell him to fund bench upgrades for bench boost

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

      He's not shooting and he not on Pens

      I'm Trapped with him

      I have other priorities

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

    A) Son or B) Rashford (for DGW 19)?

    1. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son for Leeds then switch?

  7. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford a good bet too... Should've got a couple last GW.

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

    Martinez xxxx
    Robbo Zouma Targett Coufal xxxx

    9.4ITB for two double gameweekers. Had been thinking McCarthy & Alioski, would Johnstone & Stones be better now that City have the double as well?

    1. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Meslier and Stones?

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

        That would be my ideal combo, but am 0.1 short. I could maybe go Coufal to Balbuena for -4 to free up funds?

    2. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Johnstone & Stones

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

    Help please. How screwed am I?

    1 FT 0.2 ITB

    Martinez, Johnstone
    Robertson, Dallas, KWP, Taylor**, Mitchell*
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Grealish, Bissouma*
    Bamford, DCL*, Adam’s

    Was planning KDB -> Son this week as need spurs cover, Free hit will have to be in 18 There is no way I can bench boost in 19 now is there? Will have to do Son back to KDB then I’ve got Taylor, Mitchell, Bissouma and DCL.

    I’ll just have to triple captain in 19 won’t I?

    Any better suggestions?

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      In a similar position for BB and I'm not gonna use a chip in either.

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

        Thanks mate - so you think get Son in this week and just TC in GW19?

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah, I did KDB > Son last week but now need KDB back next week lol, I'd love to use BB but not worth the amount of hits I need to get there unfortunately, I don't really like anyone for TC so gonna save that disappointment for later in the season.

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Triple captain is a good option for GW19, with KDB Salah or Bruno

  10. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bruno captain for me I think.
    Will all of this 11 start this week?
    McCarthy
    Coufal Dallas Dier
    KDB Salah Grealish Bruno
    Kane Watkins Bamford

    Want to save my transfer !

    1. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane has just had a baby. Will you believe the paternity leave rumour if I start it?

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Really. I would believe anything at this point.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Kane always scores a hattrick after the birth of a child. Probably.

          Well, you said you'd believe anything.

    2. Bielsa Murderball
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So, are you captaining Bruno just because you don't want to captain a player against Leeds? Well, you aren't alone. Even I might end up captaining Bruno instead of Son.

  11. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you get Stones along Cancelo for DGW or Justin a better pick?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones has the blank too but may not play all 3 games.

      1. Alan_T
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Eh?

      2. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Stones blank?

        1. Bram
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Clearly means bgw18

  12. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Nate Phillips (4m) likely to play for Liverpool in the double? Could be a great enabler

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Unsure. He hasn't looked great in all honesty, but there are few options.

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

    Not sure city getting a double at short notice was good news.. id just sold KDB before last deadline.

    No idea what to do now!

    Martinez Johnstone
    Coufal cancelo lamptey chilwell targett
    Salah son bruno Raphina soucek
    Kane Bamford brewster

  14. Liastro ⭐️
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If I save FT this week and then FH in GW18, will I have 2FTs for GW19?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      no

    2. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Great question. Would like to know too

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        it's an easy question. no you won't

      2. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        😆

  15. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do I do? Hoping for news of Fulham game before deadline...

    Meslier
    Chilwell Dallas Robertson
    Salah Bruno Grealish Lookman*
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Steer* Taylor* KWP Bissouma

    Was originally thinking Bissouma to Soucek with DGW in mind, but if Taylor is out mid-term then maybe Taylor-> Lowton or Stones?

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

      You going to BB in 19?

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hoping to, but keep getting knocked sideways by injuries like Taylor.

        I'm thinking at the least I need to upgrade Steer and Bissouma to make it worthwhile, and maybe do Kane to Vardy.Taylor is a right pain though as had a good ficture this week.

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

          Bissouma to soucek just now looks good

          1. how now brown cow
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks.

            I think like you I can't decide whether these chips will be a massive upside or just a millstone that blinds me from what's happening.

            I normally think BB of 20 pts is great - might take 1 or 2 hits, bench of DCL, Kane, Lookman and a double gk might return that if i'm lucky - but needs to leave me with a decent team afterwards too.

  16. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you consider doing Son to KDB for DGW or just stick with City defs?

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

    Looks like these are my options now I’m keeping kdb (FH in 18):

    A - lose son this gw to build towards BB for 19
    B - a -12 in 19 to get a BB team
    C - forget BB in 19 and bench one of coufal/Dallas

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

      I’m similar situation to you

      Can’t se B being worth it so considering C and use TC

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

        Yep I think it’s the best move but just not sure if BB will actually be a burden on my second wc! Probably going from taking kdb out to maybe TCing him

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I think trying to be flexible and deciding on BB as late as possible is best even if it means a hit. One key game postponed and BB won't be worth it.

          I wouldn't be losing Son this week.

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

            Cheers. Def think losing son is a bad move!

        2. George Agdgdgwngo
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I want to get rid of BB as it is a burden like you say. I’ll be using BB with Brewster

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

            It’s a total pain to plan!!

  18. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If you FH in GW18 will you still have 1FT to use for GW19?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Unfortunately, yrs

    2. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes.just the one,no previous saved FT carried over...

  19. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi lads, how do I get Son and still use BB in GW19? Cheers!
    1FT, 1.4ITB

    Martinez,Button
    Chilwell,KWP,Justin,Coufal,Mitchell
    KDB,Mahrez,Salah,Bruno,Soucek
    Che,Bamford,Wood

    Thanks!

  20. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Why am I considering a City triple-up in defence lol...

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cause that's where the points are with City.

  21. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Maguire good option now?

  22. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you play Maguire over Rodrigo if you brought him in?

  23. thepancakeman123
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which 3 defenders do I start this week?

    1) James
    2) Coufal
    3) Bellerin
    4) Balbuena
    5) Dallas

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      235

  24. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Found a glitch on the ticker if any mods are interested. If I delete GW18 and then sort by GW19 it doesn't order by difficulty correctly. I think it even puts Brighton top. No biggie but just thought I'd share.

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Strange. Cheers, will look into that

  25. turd ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Have Son & Kane. Tough (C) decision. Not easy this year :/

    1. turd ferguson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Trusting the above article advice. Kane it is

    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Have them too, Kane for me

  26. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Going for BB19, fielding 15 players. Pick one:

    A) Son + Taylor - - Rashford + Coufal (-4)

    B) Son + Taylor - - Barnes + TAA

    C) Taylor + Son + Martial - - Coufal + KDB + Antonio (-4)

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  27. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do with this team chip wise? I'd planned to do fh18 and maybe TC 19 but I feel the fixture change has thrown a spanner in. Thoughts?

    Martinez/Johnstone
    Taa, Robbo, Coufal, Dallas, Mitchel
    Kdb, Bruno, Salah, bissouma, lookman
    Adams, dcl, bamford

    1ft, 0.4 itb.

  28. The_Bar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Kane & El Ghazi
    B) Son & Watkins?

    Need to lose one of Kane or Son to upgrade Mahrez to Bruno, or would you keep both? (.3 itb)

    Martinez Button
    Cancelo Dias Dallas Lamptey Balbuena
    Salah Son Grealish Mahrez Soucek
    Kane DCL Bamford

  29. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which team is most nailed for a CS in gw17

  30. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ugghhh very annoying postion to be

    Cant get Robbo without selling one of Son and Kane

    Cant sell Son and Kane this GW

    Dont want Kane and Son for dgw 19

    So will essentialy have to take -8 before 19 to tick all boxes..