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. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best replacement for DCL considering upcoming blank & double to join Bamford & Adams.
    8.7ITB. Exactly enough to bring in Martial. Good idea?

    1. Mid budget coach
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martial and Watkins are the options available at that price. Its more of a gamble. If you can't get Kane and Vardy try upgrading your mid.

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Happy with my cheaper mid options Soucek and Raphina.

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

      Ings?

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

    Have a backline of
    Dallas, Robertson, James, Coufal and Taylor

    Have 3.5 million in bank but still want to upgrade Brewster for DGW.
    Who to upgrade to? Dias, Stones, Allioslki, Dier, KWP, Balbuena

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias

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

    HELP HELP HELP

    Do you know anything new about fixtuers?

    Thank you lads

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

    Lost on an old thread.

    I have a squad of

    Martinez Johnstone

    Cancelo Robbo Dier Coufal Dallas

    Salah Bruno KDB Grealish Soucek

    DCL Bamford Brewster

    By chance I now have 12/15 for the double with DCL, Dier and Bamford the odd ones out. Still probably using FH in 18 so want to use a transfer so as not to waste it, could end up being quite short term but been looking at moving DCL out anyway. Got 0.9m itb, any suggestions? Ideally losing one of those 3, Everton haven't looked as good going forward for a while, Spurs aren't currently impressing so not massively against losing Dier and Brewster and Sheffield United are complete turd, but obviously I need funds to upgrade him to someone vaguely competent.

    1. rowdog24
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bamford has a double

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

        Apologies, meant Brewster who has one game plus is crap. Bamford is going nowhere

    2. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not enough for Vardy or Martial. Cavani, Giroud and Tammy are risky options. Wood is more nailed but not very explosive.

  5. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish on 4 yellows.

    When does it go up from 5 to 10 yellows before a suspension ?
    Be a shame to have him in the double and he misses one of them.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think it's after GW19

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        So if he gets booked this week or next shift him for the double?

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

          19th game for villa so 5 to go

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry after 19th game* not GW19

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks

    2. Sean
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      After villa have played 19 I think?

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thinking Grealish > KDB then in 19.

    3. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm hoping he gets one against manu so he misses the fa cup game.

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

        This

      2. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Let’s hope.

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

    Just seen City have DGW in 19.

    Sterling TC Anyone?

  7. MadeinIreland
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I think I’m going to FH in GW18 and TC in GW19 - I have a sore head trying to get to BB and will save it for just after my WC later in the season

  8. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best GK combo for the double? And beyond

  9. Definitely not sleeping
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on a way forward???

    1ft, 0.6 itb

    McCarthy Martinez
    Saiss Coufal Taylor Stones NicoW
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish Soucek
    Vardy Bamford DCL

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

    Bottomed

    Plan is FH gw18 as only have 6 players.

    Should I hold on to BB rather than use it in 19 considering all the covid uncertainty?

    Have 2fts atm and don't know wat I should be aiming for..

    (Could field 8/9 for blank gw and save FH chip too?)

    Any advice appreciated 🙂

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think the only way using FH would be justified is if you're also BBing in 19. Otherwise it feels like a waste.

      Id probably field 8/9 in 18 and save FH

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

      Good question. I think BB should be used if you can get there as the alternative is bb26 and that means you could have 15 players who don’t start bgw29. That may or may not be right though depending on how everything plays out

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It's hard to know tbh. Was all set for FH 18 and build a good bench for bb19 but way things are it could be a complete waste.

  11. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    TC KDB or Sterling for a punt anyone?

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

      I would rather TC Bamford over KDB/Sterling
      Kidding(or maybe not xD)

  12. BEEZUS
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Think I need to ship one of Watkins/Adams this week for Rodrigo.

    Which to get rid of?

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

      why Watkins??? 3 fixtures in 2 GWs

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

    Anyone punting on a Bamford TC?

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

      Lol for this gw?

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

        For DGW*

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

    Fabianski Mccarthy
    Dias Zouma Dallas Coufal Justin
    Bruno Salah Son Raphina Soucek
    Kane DCL BamBam

    This will be -8. Worth an extra hit for anyone else?

  15. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Man all these fixture suspensions and rescheduling.
    I have changed my plans from BB in DGW19 to TC and now thinking free hit given even city have a DGW now

  16. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If you were WC, who would you get based on today’s news?

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

      Dias

  17. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have a question?!?if i can get "only" 12 or 13 players to dgw19,should i still use bb or save it later?

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

      Depends how good your bench players are.

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

        This is my current team:
        McCarthy-Steer
        Chilwell,Coufal,Justin,Taylor,Lindelöf
        Salah,KdB,Son,Bruno, Grealish
        Bamford, Adams, Brewster

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

          So steer and Brewster are a waste. Your bench would be Taylor & son. Think BB can be used at a better time.

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

            I can get 14 players for -4...

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

      I'm going to aim for 11 and do the triple captain

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

        Yes either TC or nothing at all

      2. Legohair
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        There arent any good tc picks i think...

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you can get at least 12 and the other 3 play one as well id BB

  18. dezille
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Martial? (including Cavani news and how this will impact his minutes)

    1. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What Cavani news i have Martial

      1. dezille
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He is banned for 3 games (EFL cup, league, FA cup). So Cavani will be well rested for GW18 (that's ok because FH for many), but then in GW19 they will probably share minutes again

    2. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just seen it only a positive as a Martial owner not for a Utd fan

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

    Only recently heard of these rescheduling - my God.

    All the best to everyone trying to navigate through this.

    Back to the drawing board for me - what a waste of the 1st WC!

    Wish you all a Happy New Year and fewer FPL headaches in 2021 😀

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      "In this life we are either kings or pawns, emperors or fools."

  20. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    3 villa, 3 city(2 defenders and kdb) 2 pool 1 united 2 Leeds
    And No chips in 18 and 19
    Crazy or okay?

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

      May be TC in 19 though

    2. rowdog24
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Leeds don’t have game in 18

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

        will add second leeds after 18

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think you have enough players in BGW18 to not play the FH imo

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

      Too much Villa for 18 and 19

  21. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Neco Williams likely to get any minutes during dgw? Taylor being out has scuppered my plans for dgw bb.

    Is this worth a - 8
    Steer, Taylor, Williams
    To Fabianski (or a different keeper to go with McCarthy) Robbo Dallas?

    Gives me 14 dgw players plus Son.
    Or I keep Williams and just do a - 4?

  22. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'm looking for a DGW 4.6 replacement for Taylor (probably stay away from Lowton due to the game may not go ahead) Any suggestions to consider? Thanks

    A. Stephens (SOU)
    B. Targett
    C. Furlong
    D. Other suggestion

    FH18 BB19
    1FT 0.1itb
    Martinez
    Taylor* Robbo Cancelo*
    Son Bruno Salah Raphinha
    Bamford Kane Rodrigo
    (Johnstone Soucek Coufal Balbuena)

  23. Flippo_
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What is the latest news on Hakim Ziyech? When will he be fit to play?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Does it matter from fpl point of view?

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

    Sticking to BB19:

    A) Son + Taylor - - Rashford + Coufal

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

    C) Taylor + Son + Grealish - - Targett + KDB + Henderson (-4)

  25. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    It was indecisive on the previous page do we think Kane will miss the best game because he just got a baby.?

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

      Wasn't the son born on 29th December and not today?

      Would that make him more likely to play?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think so. There would've been a higher risk to miss yesterday's game against Fulham. Baby was born on the 29th

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

      Kane won't miss any game unless he's injured.

  26. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    To the entire FFS Community, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021 from India!

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

      I always thought your username was how someone from Tamil Nadu would pronounce "American" and never once thought about Emre Can.

      Happy New Year to you too.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hehe...I'm actually from Kolkata. And someone from Tamil Nadu might say it like that 😛

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

          Been to various parts of India but still not Bengal / the North East. The mishti doi and rosogolla are calling me 😉

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      HNY from Hyderabad

  27. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Feel like a Son + Kane > KdB(C) + Martial/Werner -4 move before DGW 19 could be a fruitful one especially because I don't feel great about shipping my Spurs assets before the Leeds match.

    Is Just KdB as my only City asset too light from city? I could alternatively do Kane > Ings this week then before 19 do Son + Taylor > KdB + Cancelo -4 but that feels like an unnecessarily lousy move to swap for Ings now

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I brought kane in and lost KDB for these two juicy fixtures then one gets cancelled and KDB gets a dgw sigh! I think KDB is essential for the DGW but I'd keep Son and Kane vs Leeds then look to ship if necessary. Leeds games always likely to be high scoring.

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        i did the exact same and it looks like we've got a similar thought process about it. Right now thinking it'll be best to hold the Spurs boys (unless Kane misses out because of fatherhood) before transferring them out for a hit 19

        1. antis0cial
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Sounds very similar! I'm looking to bring in a City def this week then decide if I FH or not for 18. Then probably lose both kane and Son in 19 for two DGW, KDb + undecided!

          Martinez
          Zouma Taylor* Mitchell
          Salah Bruno Son Grealish
          Kane DCL Bam

          Soucek Coufal Ayling

          1. Nice to Finally Michu
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yup very similar plan over here! Best of luck mate and happy new year

  28. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think Stones is nailed? Is it worth the extra to get Dias rather than Stones? Looking for a Taylor replacement.

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes worth it to go Dias

  29. Harper (No more Penandes)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you double up on City defence with Dias and Cancelo? Or Stones instead?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes to Dias and cancelo (if confirmed he doesn't have covid)

  30. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone doubling up with Robbo and Trent?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      With the latest fixtures news, I can see people ditching one of them to get premium mids in again