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. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A)
    17: Chilwell, Bissouma > Dias, Raphinha (-4)
    18: FH
    19: Forster, Son > Johnstone, KdB (-4) + BB

    B)
    17: Chilwell > Dias
    18: FH
    19: Son > KdB + TC with a bench of: Coufal, Adams, Bissouma

    Summary: BB (-8) vs TC (no hits)

    • Current squad:
    Martinez (Forster)
    Robbo Chilwell Dallas (Coufal Taylor)
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish (Bissouma)
    Bamford Adams Watkins

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

    Are Salah owners benching him in 18 or selling for KDB or some other premium?

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bench for me

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

      Bench

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If no FH, selling.

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

        Same here..
        Maybe Salah to KDB and then son to Salah if I am scared of going Salah less in DGW..

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

          That's if I am not FH...still thinking..

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

      Bench, for sure. KDB not doing nearly enough to justify 2 transfers when there’s so much else to deal with right now!

    5. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      can't do, have so much tv invested in him

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

    Not sure what to do?
    A) Kane to Vardy now
    B) Kane to Vardy for -4 in DGW19.

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Think again

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

    Thoughts on what chip strategy works best?

    McCarthy
    Robertson / Cancelo* / Soucek
    Salah / Fernandes / Son / Raphinha
    Vardy / DCL / Bamford

    Forster // Soucek / Taylor* / Ferguson*

    #1: BB GW19

    If Cancelo & Taylor are fit:
    A) Forster/Ferguson > Meslier/Stones
    B) Forster/Ferguson > Meslier/Justin
    C) Other?

    If just Cancelo is fit:
    D) Forster/Ferguson/Taylor > Martinez/Dallas/Pieters

    BGW makes option D tricky as price changes important.

    Or do I forgo these and save BB for DGW26 for example?

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

      Maybe combo BB with WC for 26?

  5. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A fair strategy to just avoid all man City players as I got 0 at the moment?

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

      Not really now. DGW and no blank, and good fixtures.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably avoiding lots of points.

      1. I Must Break You
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes but from which players?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Use RMT?

          1. I Must Break You
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            RMT can predict Pep roulette these days?

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

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

          I ow KDB for one gw - will probably stay like that that that for the rest of the season,

  6. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor -> Stones?
    FH18, BB19

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

      Thinking same.

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        thinking same, but I have no idea how nailed he is, esp. in dgw19, you think he'll play both games?
        I initially thought of Dias, but my TV is extremely low this season

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

          Seems to be in favour with pep at the minute so think he will.

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

          I don’t know but at least he should play 1 now which is good enough for BB maybe

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

      I'm going to do this most likely. Can't see any other options I like. I looked at Targett but the fixtures are not good.

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

    Need a cheap def replacement for Lewis ideally for 4.4

    A. Lowton
    B. Holding
    C. Someone else ?

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

      A as he is going to play 3 games over 18 and 19, but probably Alioski deserves a shout too because of fixtures and the high upside

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

        I was considering him as well but he will leave with no margin for error with the other moves planned

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

      B

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

        cheers im leaning this way as well because im fh18 and have stones coufal and robbo so wont start this def in 19 anyway no bb also worried abt the burnley vs fulham game being called off

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

    Start

    A) Soucek (eve away)
    B) Brewster (palace away)

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

    what's the latest on Burnley-Fulham?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No update yet.

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

    I presume there's press conferences tomorrow?

  11. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wildcard GW18, FH19 is underrated

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully it stays that way

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

      Which FH19 players you want that you don't want in wc team?

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

      depends on ur team

  12. Saka_me_sideways
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo or Dias for the DGW?

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

      Cancel has higher ceiling

      1. Saka_me_sideways
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Very true, fingers crossed he’s not one of the ones isolating as suggested.

  13. The Wanton Trader
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy
    Trent/Cresswell/Dias
    Salah/KDB/Bruno/Barnes/Raphinha
    DCL/Bamford

    Button/Alioski/Brewster/Ferguson

    0 FT 1.1 ITB

    I’m pretty much set on free hitting BGW18, but unsure what to do DGW19 now.

    Should I spend my 1.1 mil on my bench and boost it or, stick the TC on someone...?

  14. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best 7.1M forwards for the dgw19?

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

      Bamford, Adams

  15. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How nailed do we think Stones is, ahead of dgw19 ?

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      His place until he makes a massive f up.

    2. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He's City's best center back IMO. But I'd be surprised if he plays both in a DGW

  16. Pi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any press done?

  17. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Aguero's return doesn't inspire City to start steamrolling teams then what will?

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

      Is he fit to start ?

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

      Maybe if Pep gets back in contact with that dodgy Spanish doctor

  18. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Initially was doing KDB > Son but now that city have a double, can I get away with not owning a spurs player this week?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably but Spurs are likely to score big this week

    2. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't get rid of KDB if I had him now

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

    Any new DGW options you would consider with the fixtures change?

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

      Sterling/KDB

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

      kdb/dias

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

      KDB and Dias

  20. Ray In Bruges.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB or Vardy more essential over the next 3 GWs?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KdB probably

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

    Best combo for DGW19? Using bench boost. Would like some Man City in an ideal world but feel there may be too much uncertainty around them just now, plus Pep roulette.

    Martinez _____
    Robbo Zouma Coufal Targett ____

    A) McCarthy & Alioski
    B) Meslier & Bednarek
    C) Johnstone & Stones
    D) Johnstone & Bailly

  22. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    City game certain to go through? Was looking bring in Dias.

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

    Right now I'm looking at 1 of 2 scenarios for the DGW. Which looks best?

    1) Take a hit to get Fab & Stones, making 14 doubles & Son = BB

    No City attack with this option.

    2) Son > KDB (TC) in GW19 for free. Field 11 DGW player, but bench 2 with doubles as well (most likely Adams & Chilwell/Grealish).

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd do 1 if it's just 1 hit

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

    Would you do Lamptey to Stones before price changes?...
    I know it's crazy to do early moves at this time but I have exact funds for my perfect BB team and I won't be able to once Stones rises tonight

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd do it

    2. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How nailed do we think Stones is? Pep seems to like him and Laporte hasnt featured since the horror defending away to spurs

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

      Do it

    4. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just Do It.

  25. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Madness not to FH18 if I can only the following 6 players?

    Stones - Cancelo
    Son - Bruno
    Kane - Wood

    Feel like saving the FH for later in the season may be more impactful

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Have a look at what your FH team would be vs those 6 players. If you reckon the FH team gets 20 more points then do it. I wouldn't with those 6 players.

  26. htfcbrad
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best midfielder under £7.6m to take a punt on for the next 3 GWs only? Currently sat on Neto (bha, EVE, WBA) as worried about Grealish's tough fixtures and 4 yellow cards

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m having a punt on Harvey Barnes.

      Been playing well recently...

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

      Seems like as a good a punt as any at that price! Raphinha may also be worth a shout.

  27. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If we use the FT first and then use the FH chip, can we hack it!?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

  28. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one to get for long term
    A- Stones
    B- Dias
    C- Cancelo

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias

    2. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias long term, If doubling up I think Stones and cancelo may be viable.

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

      Dias

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

      But Stones 4.9 So
      Dunne > Stones
      Yaaaay
      Nope

  29. Donny_Rover
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The rearranged fixtures actually do me a bit of a favour - I’m free hitting in GW18 and suddenly got 3 players with a double in GW19 so will likely bench boost. 2 key questions:

    1. Taylor out for Dallas or Stones (or other?)
    2. Was planning Vardy in for Kane for the DGW. I really fancy KDB, so it’s either Fernandes out, or Vardy becomes Watkins and Grealish -> KDB (both for a -4).

    Any thoughts?

    Current team (£0.8m ITB):
    Martinez Meslier
    TAA Robbo Dias Coufal Taylor
    Salah Fernandes Grealish Soucek Bissouma
    Kane Adams Bamford

  30. Philip Jones's Diary
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we know which City players are out with Covid this Sunday?