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. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Better option on fh?

    A. Gundogan 3-5-2
    B. Cancelo 4-4-2

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

      Also have stones

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

      A

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

      Cancelo should be the first defender in for a Free hit imo. 352 involving both should be a priority

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

        Or double defence and no Gundo

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

          Cheers. How would you fit cancelo in this team?

          Leno
          Dier stones maguire
          Kdb Bruno rashford son saka
          Kane Laca

          Forster Mitchell xxxx xxxx

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

            I was in a similar situation, I downgraded Rashford and got Wilson, a better defence and Lloris

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

              Tempted to keep rashford though, gets some good scores playing away. Not convinced by Wilson tbh. Thanks mate.

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

            Maguire to Cancelo
            For funds you can do
            Saka to ESR
            Or Dier to someone

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

              Dier to Davies?

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

      A

    5. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tough. A

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

      Definitely Cancelo, should be in everyone's FH.

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

    Hi all,

    If we save our FH, any future GW where FH use looks likely beneficial?

    Thanks.

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

      maybe when next set of BGW/DGW happens

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

        I'm going to use in some DGW

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

      GW 29 blank, but quite frankly the potential fixtures look atrocious, would much rather use the Free hit in a better situation (i.e. now)

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

      For me this is the week, other blank gameweeks might not have such good fixtures

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

      I think it depends on what sort of side u can get out this week without it also. I’m a bit torn myself I’ve got a strong 8 plus Burke and Lewis obviously a free hit side will score more than me but I’m not sure I will lose out enough to justify a free hit.

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

      Thank you all for the reply

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

    A) Dias Holding Saka Laca
    B) Stones Dier ESR Rashford

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

      A

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  4. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have Kilman* Mahrez*
    Kdb Son Kane

    Realistically I have 3 players playing this week. Squad completely set for DGW19.

    FH a no brainer?

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      FH it is

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

        Cheers. Sadly I think it's a must

        1. ChelseaGuy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Was in the same boat, had 2 Villa players and that made my choice for FH easier

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

      yep

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

    Aerola -4 as keeper in preparation for double gameweek as well
    no playable keeper this week, has johnstones

    a) do it
    b) nah
    c) get another keeper

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      he might not get a cleanie...but save points ?

  6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Leeds definitely not having a DGW?

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

      They do? BHA and SOU?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Saw some posts here mentioning it might not happen due to FA cup schedule.

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

          How is that definitely then?

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Not too sure if you noticed a "?" at the end of that sentence!

    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I want to know this as well

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      We should find out tomorrow for sure

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Damn! Too late. If Leeds have single I will transfer Dallas out for someone who plays this week.

      2. Guru Mediation
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Potentially

    4. Guru Mediation
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not definite, but highly likely. I doubt we'll know before today's deadline either sadly

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I hope we get to know something before the deadline. Will move Dallas out for someone who plays this week.

        1. Guru Mediation
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'm toying with Raphina to Rashford for a -4, so yeah knowing for sure would be really helpful

  7. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Davies nailed to start this gw or is dier the safer option?

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

      Don't think reguilon will start?

      Aurier the safer pick maybe ?

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

        Need someone for 4.7m max

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

          Fernandez

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dier as I read on here

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

    For ages I was trying to work out who Douglas is. It seems to be the case you cant search for him on the iPhone app and e only appears onthe web version of FPL. He is like a secret character from mortal kombat

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

      Barry Douglas?

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

        Yup for some reason he doesn't come up as an option on the FPL app. Have I spotted something here so I can demand FPL give me 10 points compensation if my game week goes horribly this week?

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

      2nd page is the trick

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

        hmm oh well in any case I have him now and it means I can change DDG to Lloris so all good

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

        Defenders would all be listed on the first page as they come 2nd after keepers

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

    So if Villa v Newcastle rearranged for FA Cup 4th round weekend will it be in gameweek 19 or 20?

  10. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Please suggest:
    (1) AWB (No other Man U def:)
    (2) Stones (double up with Cancelo)
    Thanks.

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

      I'd go 2

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      b

  11. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which option would you suggest??

    A) Sterling, Richarlison
    B) Rashford, Jesus

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    Are we expecting a MCY presser today? Could do with an update on Sterling’s fitness.

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

    What happened with Leeds? I see a HT which says there DGW could be removed?

    1. Guru Mediation
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Southampton game likely (but not definite) to be postponed due to Southampton Vs Shrewsbury FA Cup fixture

  14. markus808
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If you are considering transferring in any Arsenal player, remember that day don't have DGW, so it really does not make any sense not to transfer in a player who is playing BGW18 and also has a DGW19.

    1. kUwe Inc.
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Form the factor i guess, plus next GW not really matter IF you’re using FH

  15. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys, any thoughts on these moves appreciated. No plan to use a chip in GW18 or 19.

    Martinez, johnstone
    Dias, PVA, Mitchell, Egan, Lewis
    KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Mahrez, Bowen
    Kane, Bamford, Brewster

    1FT, 1.6m ITB

    If sterling passed fit:

    Mahrez, Grealish & Lewis -> sterling, AWB & ESR (-8)

    If sterling isn't fit:

    B) lewis & grealish -> Shaw & Rashford (-4)

    1. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Honestly, I think you'll find it difficult to get this squad through the next two gwks without taking a significant drop in OR. I would wildcard.

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

      Better option on fh?

      A. Leno maguire saka
      B. Ddg cancelo esr

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

        B

      2. Guru Mediation
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B

      3. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B

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

          Thanks bud

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

      Any hits worthwhile here? Not expecting Martinelli to feature but not much appeals for a -4.

      DDG
      Cancelo, Bellerin, Dier, Mitchell
      KDB, Sterling, Bruno, Son, Martinelli
      Wilson

      Forster, Targett, Bamford, Watkins
      Bank 0.3m, 0FTs, all chips

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

        All good I'd say

    4. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Best top 5 players to pick in this blank GW 18 either attacker or from defence/goalie

      ?
      For me,
      KDB
      BRUNO
      SON
      KANE
      CANCELO

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

      Will we know about Soton Vs Leeds postponement before GW18 deadline or is this a question no one has an answer to?

      1. Guru Mediation
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The latter

    6. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How's this looking?

      No Bruno is because i am not allowed United in my City leagues!

      Patricio
      Reguilon Cancelo Tierney
      Sterling Saka KDB(c) Neto Son
      Kane Lacazette

      Forster Brewster Ward Mitchell

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

        Any help please?

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

        Decent considering the limitations. Think Reguilon starts?

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

          Why wouldn't he? Rested last league match didn't he?

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

            Guess he should then

    7. Skogen89
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Play this team without chip?

      Maguire, cancelo, C. Taylor (inj?)
      Kdb, bruno, son, burke
      Kane

      Or free hitt to this team?

      Leno
      Cancelo, dias, maguire, dier
      Bruno, kdb, rashford, son, saka
      Kane

      1. Skogen89
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Dallas, bamford, coufal, grealish, Martinez not playing. Prepared for gw 19 without chips as well..

      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry for late reply. Yes roll with it. Gl!

    8. money face bandwagon
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone taking out bruno in FH?

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Why would anyone do such a thing?

    9. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This is it. My GW18 team. -4

      Dias Dier Holding
      KDB Bruno Son
      Kane laca

      Thoughts? Hopefully I can survive FHers onslaught, if there's any.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        With that team, you should.

      2. Skogen89
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Looks good, better than my team without chip. Would you go ahed with my team above? Or free hitt?

    10. kUwe Inc.
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would you FH this team?

      Martinez*
      Stones-Diaz-Mitchell
      KdB-Bruno-Son-Saka
      Kane-Bamford*-DCL*

      McCarthy*-Soucek*-Chiwell*-Coufal*
      *not playing

      I have planned this team for few weeks, till the Villa game replaced with Ful and left me with 8 players.
      Already took -4 hits (KdB, Stones > Salah, CTaylor)

      A. Good to go
      B. DCL > C.Wilson (-4 hit)
      C. Take FH and bring in Laca, Wilson, Tierney

      A bit reluctant to take FH as I will losing KdB+Stones (got before price rise) and back to Salah+CTaylor.

      Thanks mate!

      1. Skogen89
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Dcl to Wilson is effectivly only a minus 2,and Dcl srruggles with hamstring so might take that gamble. Looks good

        1. kUwe Inc.
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah...-2 effectively if he blanked. His fixture not bad though, only that he’s not that consistent. Anyway, i agree he’s good bet in those price bracket...will consider that. Thanks

    11. kelvint93
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Darlow
      Saiss Tierney Clark
      Fernandes KDB (C) Saka Son Rashford
      Lacazette Kane

      Thoughts on this team

      0.0m ITB

      Free Hit activated

      1. Kroos Kontrol
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A bit top heavy, Man City & Spurs are likely to keep a CS and you might find yourself behind on that. It's a tradeoff, it could be a great move if Fulham/Brighton get 1 goal in the game (which isn't beyond them).

      2. TKC07
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I would pick Man City defender(s) in FH team.

        Stones & Dias are nailed (dont think they have any other fit CBs). Cancelo is likely starter (even though Pep has options in Full back).

      3. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It has a great upside if Newcastle don't concede, Wilson doesn't score, and Lacazette hauls. Most seem to be going for a better defence and missing either Laca or Rash, but if City, Arsenal, Spurs, concede, then you have a real differential, so go for it if you fancy it!! Good luck!

    12. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      FH18 team gtg? Please make suggestions. 0.2itb

      DDG
      Dier Stones Cancelo
      Saka KdB Bruno Rash Son
      Kane Wilson
      4.0 Yedlin Mitchell Davis

      1. Kroos Kontrol
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pretty good. Suggestions only work if you really want to fit someone else in (e.g. Sterling, Lacazette, Auba etc). In that case, you can downgrade in other places to get there. But if you like this crop of premiums it's fine

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Cheers Kroos

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

      Double city def, double Spurs def.

      Parking the bus on FH

      Lezzzz gooo

      1. kUwe Inc.
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I would prefer Son-Kane combo than double def

    14. Kroos Kontrol
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Trying to avoid chips. Any thoughts here? Maybe Ayling -> Stones? Or Mendy -> De Gea for a -4? Or just save the FT?

      E. Mendy* (Forster*)
      Dias Holding Kilman (Targett* Ayling*)
      Fernandes KdB Son Burke (Grealish*)
      Kane (Bamford* Watkins*)

      *Blank & double

      1. kUwe Inc.
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I would go Ayling > Stones

      2. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If there's a penalty fest this GW you'll score enough points to not lose much rank by not playing FH with Bruno, Kane and KDB! Picking the right captain of increased importance with limited players-who do you fancy?
        I think Mendy to De Gea a good move, as better fixtures in DGW. Can't see a clean sheet for Mendy with Fulham and Leicester away. Would be unlucky not to gain from 3 matches to 2 for De Gea
        Ayling to Stones is similar, but risk Stones won't play all three games. Looks like Pep feels he can play Walker there against lesser teams.
        I think your overall strategy not playing chips a good calculated risk

    15. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pretty set on this fh team barring any news from the pressers today. Thoughts?

      Ddg
      Cancelo stones dier
      Kdb Bruno rashford son esr
      Kane Laca

      Forster Mitchell xxxx xxxx

      1. Kroos Kontrol
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Looks good as long as you're happy with Laca + Smith-Rowe (alternative is downgrading Laca to somebody e.g. Wilson and upgrade ESR to Saka, or Dier to an attacking defender).

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

          Cheers. Laca is the form player and prefer him over Wilson any day. Esr is the compromise I’ve had to make, prefer saka.

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

          Who would you replace dier with?

          1. Kroos Kontrol
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Depends on how much you're after the Spurs CS, they're definitely a lot safer than the alternatives & Dier is cheapest there.

            Alternatives could be Holding (Arsenal triple up), Wolves (no DCL). The goalkeeper is also a place you can downgrade in, since Sheffield-Newcastle can easily be a 0-0 (but it also can be a 1-1...)

            It's all a tradeoff and your call if it's worth ESR -> Saka.

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

              Think spurs will get a cs. Arsenal probably not. Not keen to get any players from the shu new game. Guess esr it is. Cheers bud.

    16. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I narrowed my FH team to 2 options

      Which one is best?

      Patricio
      Tierney Cancelo Regulion
      Son Saka Bruno Foden KDB
      Kane Laca

      4.0 Saiss Clark Brewster

      Or

      DDG
      Regulion Tierney Cancelo Stones
      Rashford Son Saka Bruno KDB
      Kane

      Saiss & fodders