Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Blank Gameweek 18?

Fantasy Premier League managers face a difficult choice for the Blank Gameweek 18 captaincy.

Even before Monday’s fixture rearrangements for Spurs, Fulham and Aston Villa, differentiating between Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) and Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) was proving challenging for many.

Now that Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.8m) have been handed a favourable home fixture against underprepared opposition the debate has been thrown wide open.

More than ever, Fantasy managers need some help with the armband, which is where the Captain Sensible article comes in.

As always, we will look into the best options’ underlying statistics, comparing them against the defensive data of their upcoming opponents using the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area.

CAPTAIN POLL

Poll results before Spurs’ Aston Villa fixture was replaced with hosting Fulham

Captain poll results after Monday’s fixture rearrangements

KEY MATCHES

Manchester City v Brighton and Hove Albion

3,604 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 420king
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If neither Villa and Leeds have a DGW in 19, I'd only have 6 DGW players and even that's on a -4.
    Would you play FH?

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks.

    2. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Villa will have done 10 days isolation on thurs i wouldn't worry.

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would still only have 8 DGW players (on a -4). The other three would be Dier, Bamford and Kane. No West Ham defense either. Still worth to save it?

        1. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Hmmm. so no chip 18, free hit 19? seems reasonable .

          1. 420king
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, tried to go without a chip thru 18-19 but the postponements ruined it for me. Was aiming for 11 in 18 and 10DGW in 19. Now I'm at 8 each.

        2. Aeu96197
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'd save if you have 8 doubles and 3 singles. Could depend on who they are, but the potential of the FH is more than that, for me

          1. 420king
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Well they're all decent picks but still feels like I'm missing a lot of good options:

            Martinez
            AWB Stones Dier
            Bruno KDB Salah Grealish
            Antonio Kane Bamford

            1. Aeu96197
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Sure you are. But there's so much uncertainty as well. Leeds/Saints is going to screw up a lot of people, which means the average will probably come down - and suddenly everyone who WC in 16 doesnt have 15 to BB with (for example).

              If you WC now (not you personally), you may be able to make hay - but it's then going to be a long second half.

              There's so much going on just now, it's changing literally day by day and is just silly. Your team above isn't bad for 19, all things considered, so I would just roll with it and save personally

  2. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you get if money is not an issue:

    A) Sterling
    B) Aguero
    C) Gundogan
    D) Foden
    E) Mahrez

    ?

    Already have Kdb

    1. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. as33
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sterling injured?

        1. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Missed cup game with unspecified problem. Probably ok but risky.

      2. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Is he fit?

        1. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          i would err on the side of caution

  3. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Did DCL to Cavani which unfortunately pushed me to -8...
    Leave it be or WC?
    (no FH or BB)

    Cancelo Walker Holding
    KdB Bruno Son
    Lacazette Cavani Brewster
    0.4

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Walker and Brewster may not start. Would be tempted to wc ngl mate

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yeah, in two minds, cheers mate

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      For -8 already, I'd be hitting the WC button.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        50/50 mate, cheers

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dunno really... Cavani not a guaranteed starter so not sure he's worth a -8 at all

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        but he'll def come on at least so probably just about worth the punt for a -4 rather than having 0 points in his place

    4. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      WC

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        cheers

        1. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          use andy's let's talk fpl guide.

    5. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Leave it. Otherwise you will be out of your chips soo early in the season

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The pitfalls of playing all of your chips in the first half of the season

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        have TC lol, I've made a conscious decision the past several seasons to BB in GW1 as I don't enjoy using the chip in the later DGWs as it spreads out the funds too much concentrating on a playing XI I feel...this season is different (with Covid) though where you need a good bench so should have saved it in hindsight!

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          *on a playing 15

  4. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    3rd Man City player

    Stones or Foden/Gundogan/Mahrez (assuming Sterling too expensive)

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I fancy gundo

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Isn't KdB likely to be back in midfield though?

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

      Gundogan

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

      Foden/Mahrez are both better picks than Gundogan. Unfortunately, Gundogan is probably the only one you can say will start for sure out of the 3...

      I’d probably punt on Mahrez and hope for the best

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

        Mahrez has played 169 minutes in the last two cup games.Don't think he will start.Foden has played in both cup games.

    4. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gundog most likely to start but I prefer Mahrez for a haul.

    5. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same dilemma. I was settled on Sterling but he is too expensive for a risky pick 🙁

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yeah, I'd be losing Rashford and Lacazette to squeeze Sterling in.

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

      Stones - Foden/Mahrez is more bingo than fantasy footy

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        ha, good point.

  5. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else punting B.Silva or is it just me?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Did he play the full game vs Birmingham?

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        he did, but started last 3 in the league & I full expect KDB false 9 again with Jesus on the bench.

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully you have a good first sub then

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Good punt imo. Overlooked as the crowd aren't swaying that way but I think he could do damage.

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

      Could be a great move.

    5. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Be honest with yourself. If he didn't score 2 in the cup would you give him a second thought? Only you know the answer.

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        His underlying stats aren't too bad but yeah, I believe in form too.

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

      Silva was suspended for league cup semi so I think after De Bruyne and Gundogan he's the most nailed of City front players after playing 90 mins in last 3 prem league games.

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        thanks tomsk.

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

    So Leeds and Saints game definitely off?

    1. pitstop1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not yet

    2. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I suspect it will having read that. I have 3 leeds players after my FH dammit!

  7. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would need to find 0.3 to upgrade Shaw to Dier. Who to downgrade?
    Or hold?

    Leno
    Stones Cancelo Shaw
    Bruno Rash KDB Son ESR
    Kane Laca

    1. Aeu96197
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mate, slim pickings. I presume you've nothing on the bench?

      Leno to Sanchez?

      Or don't bother, I think.

      Rash(/Son) to Zaha is the only other way for me, but not sure you want to do that

    2. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Shaw will start.

  8. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else who thinks that Sheffield United will win?

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Quietly confident

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

        cheers.I have Basham in my team.I really liked his last games.

    2. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      V possible but hard to pick a player with any confidence - particularly as their defence are still quite expensive.

    3. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bogle could be a great shout but not sure he starts

    4. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, 1-0.

  9. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    To complete FH

    A Dias Saka (Reed) or
    B AWB Gundogan (Smith-Rowe)

    Lloris
    Cancelo Tierney ****
    KDB Bruno Son ****
    Kane Lacazette Wilson

    Sanchez Clark Mitchell ****

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

      b

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

    Why the hell am I going Wilson over saka I feel like my season will be over here

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Won’t be much difference. I’m thinking the same but 2 Arsenal attackers scares me. But also think Wilson will blank against us

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

        Wilson is blanking against you deffo. You guys aren't even bad, you made DCL blank too. We should go Saka over Wilson

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Imagine asking something like this when you're in charge of your teams transfers lol. Just change it FFS

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

        I'm petrified of the Wilson ownership though and the money in the bank it leaves me. It's a psychological phenomenon caused by the extra funds I can't use.

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Sheffield are god awful but have rarely been steamrolled - Pick the players you want.

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

            Thanks

  11. 8ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How long before the price rises?

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

      75 minutes

  12. Toked
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Aaaand settled on what feels like a budget defence FH compared to around here

    Darlow
    Stones - Dier - Mari
    KDB - Son - Bruno - Rashford - Gundo
    Kane - Laca

    Kilman - Fodder - Fodder

    Was torn on Gundo vs Saka but not having Cancelo made me go for him as a third City player.

    Mari feels cheeky instead of Holding but I'm happy.

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

      Great one

  13. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    36 positive in latest round of testing.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55624533

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      FH Fail

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

        Two per club, basically, staff and players. You'd be unfortunate. That said, they're likely to be clustered

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

      Season over

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

      Didn't realise this was several hours old. Got caught out by the update time

    4. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      man utd players are all fine.

  14. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Loris or DDG?

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

      Lloris

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

      Lloris

  15. FPLHaggis
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts appreciated folks, can I save my FH?

    Cancelo Dias Lowton
    KDB(c) Bruno Son
    Wood
    (-4)

  16. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez*
    Cancelo Dias Holding Reguilon
    KdB Bruno Son Saka
    Kane Brewster
    (4.0 Lewis Grealish* Bamford)
    0FT 1.9ITB All chips in tact.

    Anything worth a hit this week? May TC next week, still undecided.

  17. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this? Very template I imagine.

    Leno
    Stones - Cancelo - Dier
    Bruno - Rashford - KDB - Son - Saka
    Kane - Wilson

    Bench - Mitchell

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Double Man City defence vs Brighton feels overly safe for me.

      1. Atwood
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Just can't be sure of any attacking minutes, except for KDB

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          true, but feel it's worth the risk

          1. Atwood
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            You on FH? Mind if I take a look, for inspiration.

    2. vova
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I like it. Similar to mine but I've gone Laca over Rashford and DDG over Leno (with Smith-Rowe on the bench).

      1. Atwood
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Laca is a really interesting one, I may well switch to your team.

      2. Atwood
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Actually, scrap that. I'm nowhere near being able to afford it!

        1. vova
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          DDG
          Cancelo Dier Stones
          KDB Fernandes Son Saka
          Kane Laca Wilson
          Steer ESR Mitchell Douglas

          try this, my team value isn't the highest and I was able to get this

  18. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who is more important on FH?

    A. DDG (United defensive cover)
    B. Darlow (Newcastle defensive cover)
    C. Leno (Arsenal defensive cover)

    XX
    Cancelo Dier Stones
    KDB Bruno Rashford Son ESR
    Kane Wilson

    1. Atwood
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Leno

    2. Aeu96197
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

      Also - from Bruce's comments not sure Darlow will defo play

    3. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A Arsenal will concede against palace, look at their 11vs11

      https://www.11v11.com/teams/arsenal/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Crystal%20Palace/

  19. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DCL to Martial the best option?

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

      Prefer Wilson

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

        He doesn't have a double?

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

      Makes sense but is Martial guaranteed a start with Cavani back ?

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

        Not sure, who else is an option that plays once in gw18 and twice in gw19

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

        Cavani over Martial?

    3. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martial will get at least an hour. I think Martial starts left, Cavani up top and Rashford right.

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

        Would you pick cavani then to answer this question of mine?

        1. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Not long term, too injury prone. Just this week, sure why not.

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

            It would be for their next 3 fixtures

            1. Evil Greg
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Risky.

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

                Martial safer then?

                1. Evil Greg
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  oh definitely

  20. smix
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    RMFHT
    DDG
    Cancelo - Sa’iss - Tierney
    KDB (c) - Son - Bruno - Saka
    Kane - Laca - Wilson

    Norris - Yedlin - Mitchell - Anguissa

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

      A. Laca & Saka or
      B. Rashford & ESR in this team ?

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

        a

  21. RWB_1991
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    When playing your free hit, what happens to the money in the bank when the team reverts back the following week?

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

      You get the exact same team as you had the previous GW, with any price changes they've gone though

      1. RWB_1991
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Right so if I have 0.3m itb having played my fh, I wouldn’t have that in the bank next week?

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

          No, unless you also happened to have 0.3 itb before you played FH as well

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You get the team back at it's value at the time. Your players rise and fall in the background as normal

  22. The Riders of Mohan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    GTG?

    Darlow (Dubravka)
    Cancelo Tierney Dier AWB (Mitchell)
    KDB Fernandes Son Gundogan (Saka)
    Laca Kane (Brewster)

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

      Like it

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

    For next two gws only. Is Tierney worth 1m over Holding? Haven't seen Arsenal playing lately.

    That 1M would allow me to have Awb instead of Lindelöf

    1. RWB_1991
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tierney deffo worth the extra million

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. AWB is crap anyway...

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

    On FH:

    A) Leno + Saka
    B) Lloris + Smith Rowe

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

      A

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

      A

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

      B

    4. Aeu96197
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    Shall I take a 4 point hit to ditch Lewis for AWB?

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

      I would. AWB double coming up too

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

        Ta

  26. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Guys, anyone taking mahrez?

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

      Doubtful he starts. Played 90 in the cup

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

      Thought about it but can't see him starting after the cup either

  27. Davidwes
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How about this free hit?
    Lloris
    Cancelo, Stones, Tierney
    Kdb,Bruno,Son,Rashford,Saka
    Kane, Wilson
    Will I be missing lacazette?

    1. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Basically its coming down to 2 from Rash/Laca/Wilson. You could make the same argument about any of them.

  28. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Randolph an option for the DGW?

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

      ?

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

    Right, ended up on this FH and stepping away. Won't change unless late Sterling news.

    Pickford
    Tierney - Cancelo - Bogle
    KDB (C) - Fernandes - Son - ESR
    Kane (vc) - Jesus - Richarlison

    Some shockers in there but when can you ever if not on FH.

    Best of luck all!

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

      I like your attitude. Good luck!

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

        You too my friend

    2. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's a crazy idea, but it might just work.

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I like it.

    4. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Appreciate your bravery! Hope it pays off.

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

    What are everyone’s thoughts about Carvani? Obviously he’s not played due to ban, but he was playing before that...

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm a United fan and would avoid. I still think Olé's preference is to switch Martial and Rashford around... Cavani second half if things aren't going our way.