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. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1m ITB 1FT - FH18 and then BB19

    Pick one for DGW

    1. Alioski
    2. Ayling
    3. Balbuena

    CT
    McCarthy-Martin
    Coufal-Dallas-Konsa-Taylor-Bernardo
    Salah-Kdb-Bruno-Soucek-Son
    DcL-Adams-Bamford

    Will wait on Taylor and might swap to Lowton closer to gw19 deadline.

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

      1

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

      1

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

    Reece James owners sticking or twisting? Got the double coming up but just not convinced...

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

      I really don't know... He's been such a crap pick for me that I think I might just get drunk and banish him from my team

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

      Moving to Dias most likely. Will make decision GW19

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

      No idea. Love the man, has a double, great post-GW20 fixtures but Chelsea and his fitness is in doubt. Will wait for Lamps' updates, see what happens this week

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

      Transferring him out for Dias

    5. Fantasydreamer
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m getting him out

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

    Dunne 3.9 > Stones 4.9
    Yaaaay
    Nope

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

    Play Cress or Stones?

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

      Stones, these “big 6” clashes normally end up being cagey with CS’s

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

    Wich combo for DGW

    A) Zouma. Dias. Cresswell.

    B) Cancelo. Dias. Cresswell.

    C Zouma. Dias. Maguire.

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

      B

  6. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone still with the Power5 (Salah,Bruno,kdb,Son,grealish) midfield?
    It was a poor week without Son or KDB but looking good going forward.
    What are your plans? are you thinking to break up and lose grealish or hold?

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

      yep

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

      Hold for sure

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Have the Big 4, got rid of Grealish a while back and it’s proved a solid call - certainly no plans to get rid of KDB/Mo/Son/Bruno unless I want to get Vardy/Kane back

      1. All about the galacticos
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        grealish looks great, but watins needs to finish, el ghazi looking tempting, maybe to upgrade Son to Sterling for GW19?

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

    Alright i caved. My team no longer deleted. I also wildcarded cuz fek it. Now i can use FH later. Muahahaha

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

      No surprises there

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

        😆 i was almost free but these reschedulings have got me excited 😛

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

          Completely turned my mood around after that last GW too 😆

          Looking forward to - probably - playing my WC2 and smashing the upcoming weeks

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

            Same here. Hopefully we both smash it 🙂

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

        Will my last weeks points be added to my total soon? It's still stuck on the total before this week. Or have i lost those?

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

          No idea

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

            Well all i can do is wait to see I suppose. Cheers!

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

      So hard to do.

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

        Yeah 😛

  8. popey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    planning comes down to;

    a) Salah >> blank & MUN/BUR
    b) KDB >> BHA & CRY/AVL

    playing 9 in GW18 and BB in GW19 and its pretty hard to time all 3 big guns (have Bruno) without lots of hits.

    Roll FT this week the obvious move with new info?

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

    Pick the best transfer
    A- Dunne > Stones
    B- James > Dias

    1. StellaMan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      usually B, but James could be an option for DGW (im holding until deadline to assess)

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

      Probably still too early to decide.

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

      B

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

    Best Taylor replacement? Ideally with a DGW coming up
    4.9m budget

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

      Stones?

      1. StellaMan
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It's a good option. Splashed out on cancelo already. Could double up though

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

        Surely I can’t be tempted again.

    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dallas if you don’t have him already

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

      Bailey if we think Lindelöf out long term

  11. Cruyff Turn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any chance Burnley-Fulham goes on as scheduled? I made a drunk blunder by bringing in Wood before realizing Fulham was hit by Covid...

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

    If I save a transfer this week but use a free hit next week, will I have 2 free transfers the following week?

    If not am I right in saying I might as well use my transfer this week?

    Thx

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

      No

      1. onemrtime
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks - so might as well use my transfer tomorrow?

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

          Yes.

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

    I just realized, If I get Wan Bissaka instead of Maguire next week, I can wait till deadline instead of moving for Stones now, is it worth it?
    Or just take the risk and move early for Stones to be able to afford Maguire instead?

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

      Worth it. Information is crucial

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

      The concept of Maguire or Wan Bissaka ... blimey

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

    Can the ticker be updated please just to help out my own?

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It has been updated

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

        Oh. Might need to refresh again. Xxxx

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

    A. Aguero, Soucek
    B. Watkins,Mahrez
    C. Dcl, Neto
    D. Kdb, Brewster

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      for what GWs?

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

        Got 2 fts trying to fit in a city player for 18 and 19

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'd take KDB over Kun. Would Brewster be in your starting eleven?

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

            Not at all, Brewster in DCL out, will be left with Bam and Vardy in a 3,5,2

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

      Don’t like any.

  16. F4L
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pretty bored with this season, and average rank, so thinking of WCing to bring some fun back with FPL. Looking at changing to this right now (happy to have money on the bench), any thoughts?

    Martinez Button
    TAA Robbo Tierney Saiss Stones
    Bruno Son Rashford El Ghazi Raphinha
    Vardy Bamford Watkins

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

      Dias over stones at all costs

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I would if I could afford. Stones might turn into James for the double GW, don't want to FH in 18 so Stones has his uses. Only 0.4 left itb.

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

      Think TAA isn’t worth it these days.

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah I agree somewhat. Maybe it's nostalgia but I'd rather keep him in for now, with Thiago back he might start getting in behind defences again and closer to the goal. Hopefully Liverpool sign a CB very soon as well.

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

          Hmm. Slightly different if you already have him. Tougher to let go than bring him in.

          1. F4L
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            cheers, yes food for thought.

    3. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe have two playing keepers mate? With all the possibilities of uncertainty

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That's definitely a good point, will probably try to find some funds for it. Having a low TV is a pain 🙂

    4. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      cheers all 🙂

  17. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who gets dropped when Pereira comes back for Leicester?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Justin if they stay with a four back

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

    2FTs, will FH18, BB19. Please help!

    A. Taylor >> Stones and burn 1FT.

    A. Johnstone+Taylor >> Martinez+Lowton
    (DCL >> inform striker in GW19).

    C. Taylor+DCL >> Cancello+Antonio

    McCarthy
    Robbo, Dias, Coufal
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Raphinha
    DCL, Bamford, Adams
    (Johnstone, Dallas, Soucek, C.Taylor*)

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

      Two A’s! Oh dear! NYE a beers gone to my head. Second is B if you read this

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

        Not sure if this comedy?

    3. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would say B.

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

        Not sure if this comedy?

  19. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor >

    A. Lowton
    B. Holding

    1. StellaMan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Was tempted by lowton. Burnley playing Fulham next worries me if doesn't go ahead

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

        It’s their games after Fulham that worry me, and I’ve had Taylor for 7 weeks.

        I’m getting holding.

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

      Holding

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

    People who were FH 18 BB 19.. does the added fixtures change your planning?

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

      Still the same. Only 6 for 18 .

  21. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Need a bit of inspiration here...

    £0.2 ITB, 2 FTs

    McCarthy
    Cancelo Chilwell Coufal
    Son(C) Bruno(VC) Salah KDB
    Bamford Adams Watkins

    Forster; Soucek Targett N.Williams

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

      Nice team.

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

    I am doing this Dunne 3.9 for Stones so can't get player with 4.9 can play DGW and from City what do u think ?

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

      Would be typical if he misses one of the dgw fixtures

  23. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Maguire Stones Rashford Saka KDB
    Is it worth Free Hitting for those 5? or play with 6/11?

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

      FH

  24. Bagheri Arce
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best combo for this week plus DGW? Cheers

    A) Dallas, Mane & Antonio

    B) Robertson, Raphinha & Vardy

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

      B

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

      B

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

      B

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

    Are most people still on FH18?

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

      I am, yes.
      Only Martinez,Dias,Grealish,Fernandes,Watkins and Kane and one FT here.

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

      I think so yes, can then get 3 City
      I have 4 players in villa vs spurs, not ideal

    3. THE LUCKY ONE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, sticking to Plan A - barring serious postponement or catastrophe...

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

      Nah.. Have 7 players, can get 8 or 9 if I want.

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

      Yes, might be super punty and go for Auba as well

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

    Thoughts on Grealish >> Rashford?

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

      Yes. Just yes

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tough one both could haul?

    3. THE LUCKY ONE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you can afford, I think it's a great move. Now Grealish on a double for GW19 I'm sticking on him but will look to another way to get Rashy in.

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

      Still not convinced by Rash or United ... too much luck

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

      With Bruno or without?

  27. Drogo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Got Robby, Salah, Mane and no city players.
    Should I go Mane -> KDB or Sterling in preparation for GW19?

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

      Yes I would. We’re not firing at all.

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

      Using fh in 18?

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

        Yes

  28. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What the hell am I going to do with 2FT....

    Martinez Johnstone
    Dias TAA Cresswell Taylor* Dunne
    KDB Fernandes Grealish Salah
    DCL Bamford welbeck

    0.6 ITB plan to FH 18 and Bench Boost

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Taylor & Dunne to playing picks

  29. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Been looking at strategy of using wc in 17 and a solid XI for 18 and 19.

    Got something like this:

    Gw17
    Leno (fabianski)
    Dias, holding, maguire (hause, dallas)
    Bruno, son, zaha, kdb, saka
    Kane, bamford (brewster)

    Gw18 (no transfers )
    Leno
    Dias, maguire, holding, hause
    Bruno, kdb, son, zaha, saka
    Kane

    Gw19 (-4)
    Fab
    Dias, dallas, maguire
    Bruno, kdb, salah, rashford, saka
    Kane, bamford

    What u think?

  30. 4-6-0
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So does Cancelo have covid?