Captain Sensible

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 23?

Liverpool and Manchester City’s Gameweek 23 meeting at Anfield should allow Fantasy Premier League managers the chance to spread their wings and think creatively with the captaincy this weekend.

Fresh from their 9-0 win over Southampton, Manchester United options are in the conversation ahead of a meeting with Everton, while Spurs host a relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion outfit. 

But considering the Red Devils were helped by the Saints’ unfortunate injuries and poorly-timed red cards, and Spurs have struggled without Harry Kane (£11.0m), is now the time for a differential captain?

West Ham’s in-form attack travel to face a Fulham side whose recent defensive improvements appear to have lapsed while Aston Villa host Arsenal, who have some defensive personnel missing for Gameweek 22.

As ever, the Captain Sensible article is here to sort through the best options, comparing their recent underlying statistics against those of their upcoming opponents.

As this uses extensive data from Fantasy Football Scout’s Premium Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

CAPTAIN POLL

The early results on our website indicate that our users have identified three main captaincy candidates for Gameweek 22, each of them gaining more than 15% of votes so far.

Unsurprisingly, Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m) sits in first place with just over 32.0% as Manchester United’s prepare to host Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton.

Despite Spurs’ toils in front of goal, 21.4% of our voters trust Son Heung-min (£9.7m) enough to capitalise on West Bromwich Albion’s woeful defence. They have given up at least two goals in each of their last seven Premier League matches.

This week’s top-three is closed out by Michail Antonio (£6.7m), who, despite not finding the net in his last three league appearances, is still chipping in with assists (three since Gameweek 20) and remains a constant goal threat.

Jack Grealish (£7.8m) and Patrick Bamford (£6.6m) are the best of the rest this time around as Aston Villa host an Arsenal side without Bernd Leno (£5.0m), Marcelo Bielsa and his Leeds squad will be out for revenge on Crystal Palace, who beat them 4-1 earlier in the campaign.

KEY MATCHES

Manchester United v Everton

Fernandes punishes Saints' ailing defence as Man United face more appealing fixtures
745 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What would you prioritise this week:

    A. Get Antonio (C) in
    B. Get Son (C) in
    C. Get rid of Chilwell
    D. All of the above for -4 and go Antonio (C)

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ooh. Presumably Bruno is your other option? Both A and B are short term(ish) so just go for one or the other. I prefer Antonio strangely enough. Similar issue with Chilwell (below).

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Bruno is my other option yes. Thanks Richard

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A + C

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      AC

  2. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Coufal Cancelo Chilwell*
    Salah Soucek Bruno (v) Grealish Gundo
    DCL Antonio (c) Bamford
    Johnstone - DCL - Dallas - Dias (2FT 5.6ITB)

    Chilwell will either go now or in 24. My gut says he'll get a game (and I have a good bench to fall back upon), but no evidence for that.

    A. Chilwell to Mee
    B. Chilwell to Shaw/Rudiger
    C. Johnstone to Pope
    D. Both moves now.

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A or C. Dont mind both also tbh.

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I also have a feeling Chilwell will make an appearance, so maybe waiting a week is not a bad move. Given that you will still need to make that move in the future and you have a good GK for this week, I still think A or B are your best moves here. It is between Mee or Shaw for me. Prefer Shaw long term, but Mee has a decent double next week.

  3. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    no idea

    1. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sums up my last 3 gws.

  4. VinMar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Rudiger/Azpi/Alonso, Shaw or Cresswell for the next few

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Rudiger > Shaw > Cress in the short term. Shaw definitely on top for the long run though

  5. Malkmus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A'noon all,

    Justin or Coufal to Mee?

    Ta

    1. yosim
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      i would keep Justin

      1. Malkmus
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ta

    2. Monya Meow Meow
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would keep Justin

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Coufal for definite

      1. Malkmus
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Hmm. Interesting. I could do Strujik to Mee instead and keep Coufal and Justin for now?

  6. yosim
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    who scores more this week

    A) Rudiger v SHU
    B) Stones v LIV

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably a

    2. Malkmus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The same, prob A tho

    3. yosim
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      thanks

  7. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo Cresswell Robbo
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish Gundo
    DCL Antonio

    (Steer Dias Brewster Mitchell)

    Robbo & Brewster ➡️ Lowton & Bamford for free?
    Leaves enough cash for Steer ➡️ Pope next week.

    Will then decide in GW25 if I need to wildcard for BB26 or just get DGW25 & DGW26 players with my FTs and hits.

    Thoughts?

    1. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good

    2. Monya Meow Meow
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sound plan

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good moves and good team

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers all!

  8. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    GTG?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Shaw Dallas
    Salah Bruno Son (C) Maddison Gundo
    Bamford Antonio
    Areola DCL Stones Mitchell

    I guess my decisions are to play;
    A) Gundo
    B) DCL

    1) Dallas
    2) Stones

    1. Monya Meow Meow
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good, bench too

  9. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one of DCL, Soucek, Watkins, DCL, Gundo or Salah? I’m absolutely clueless with my bench recently

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL or Soucek

    2. Monya Meow Meow
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably DCL or Watkins

    3. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL

    4. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL probably although I’m weighing up between benching him or Salah currently as I’m playing double city defence

    5. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL

    6. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo

  10. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    WBA goal conceded is staggering.

  11. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    0.7 ITB 2FT’s

    Martinez
    Cancelo Coufal Chillwell
    Salah Bruno Gundogan Grealish Son
    Antonio (c) Bamford

    Johnstone DCL Stones Dallas

    Really confused, was planning Johnstone to Pope but priced out now?

    1. Monya Meow Meow
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Chil to a Burnley defender?

  12. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play DCL or Lowton?

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lowton imo

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

      DCL

  13. Monya Meow Meow
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    No real urgencies with my team this week with 2FT and a view to the upcoming DGWs...

    Martinez (Steer)
    Cancelo Dias Justin (Dallas/Taylor)
    Bruno(C) Salah Son Grealish Soucek
    Antonio Bam (DCL)

    1) Steer > Meslier/Areola (any others who is not Pope?)
    2) Salah > City mid (Gundo/Sterling?)
    3) Taylor > Mee

    Not really sure what to do with my spare FT, please help thanks!

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why not Pope? He is the outstanding choice.

    2. Aubamazette
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Similar to me and I’m looking to do Steer -> Pope
      Or
      Salah -> rash (next 3 games are too good)

    3. Monya Meow Meow
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Just feel like Pope v Martinez will be a benching headache for the next few haha

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

    Evening lads,
    How did Son look yesterday ?
    I didn't watch the game but with the last results, I'm not sure if he's worth my only FT and armband

    1. boombaba
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Look bad but that was against Cheslea under new manager. WBA at home is a little different

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

        yea ofc.
        But last few games I watched, Totenham looked plain bad, even against mid-lower table teams

        1. boombaba
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Spuds are garbage against anyone

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

            this.
            But if Son hauls and my competitors have him captained and I don't have him, it won't be nice. Esp. with so few good capt. choices this week

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

      Never looked worse. But I would still cap him.

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

        hehe like the nick name

  15. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Okay don't want to overthink it.

    Chillwell to? Shaw? Mee? Rudiger?

    Think I will do Alioski to a burnley defender next week

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mee, has tasty double GW incoming

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw or Mee

      I would personally go Mee now that he has an extra game.

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Shaw now and next week Alioski to Mee?

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yes sounds good.

        2. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Don't you want him for the DGW25?

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

      both 3 options are good.. mee because of dgw or rudi because of tasty fixtures

  16. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Barnes to Lingard for a free transfer a good decision?
    It would last for a two GWs as a punt, because I plan on WC in 25 and BB in 26.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would prefer to use my FT to bring in players that have a double in 24

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Also Lingad's goals was due to poor GKing from Martinez

      2. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks for advice

  17. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Rudiger looking too good be true at 4.5 - got into a few attacking positions last night too

    Think Stones > Rudi FT is on the cards to move away from triple City Defence with Sterling or Gundo in for Mo next week for the doubles...

    Or maybe KDB or Kun will be back??

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Although Ben Mee has a lot going for him in the short term too...

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not interested in Burnley defenders?

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Have Pope & Maguire already on board for Burnley/Utd & kind of mulling over whether to double down with Mee, or diversify with Rudiger...

        The Tiago Silva injury might be a fly in the ointment as they may be leaky without him... but watching the last two 90 minutes of chelsea they look damn tough to get the ball off, let alone score against

        Lovely fixtures too (as does Mee though)

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Depends a bit on when you plan to wildcard also. If you can get rid of Burnley in 25 or 26 then it might be worth going for them.
          Short term Burnley just edge it over United/Chelsea defs for me with a DGW.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stones to Mee to open that 3rd City spot for Sterling/Gundo/KDB

  18. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    It basically comes down to are WBA worse at defending than Spurs are at attacking

    1. boombaba
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Surely time to give Bale a run out upfront with Son

      1. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Unfortunately I think he's currently worse than the WBA defence

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Ha ha

  19. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Paarl Gim

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

      Ha! Was dit jou skool?

  20. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Those with BB and WC left, is WC25 and BB26 the most popular strategy? I can get the below BB without hits for DGW24:

    Pope (cpl & FUL)
    Mee (cpl & FUL)
    Antonio (SHU)
    Coufal (SHU)

    Cheers

    1. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If that’s who you’d bench 24 then I definitely would use it

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers - yes.

        1. MattysFantasyFooty
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          You have to bench boost then would be so wrong not to bench boost those fixtures and players

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would BB that deffo, assuming you'd be benching them otherwise

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. - yep.

    3. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You wouldn't be benching Pope, You'd start him if you werent bench boosting. Martinez would be on your bench. Likewise with Mee

      You should have weakest players in that week and then compare if it is worth a BB or not.

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers - Yes that's a fair point. I would be getting Pope in for the BB but yes after that point it would be:

        Martinez (bri)
        Stones (TOT)
        Antonio (SHU)
        Coufal (SHU)

        Same answer?

        1. Kryptonite666
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I’d BB in 26 because I plan to use it in 25

          Arguably, your bench boost will be stronger if it had 4
          more games.

          1. Kryptonite666
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Plan to WC in 25 I meant.

          2. Catastrophe
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Hmm yeah true. I was planning that originally but now looking at:

            BB25
            WC25
            TC26

            Advantage being for 27 onwards my team should be balanced without a load of excess $ tied up on the bench?

            Difficult to plan without knowing the DGW26 fixtures.

            1. Catastrophe
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              BB24*

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

    Bench 2 defenders:
    A) Stones
    B) Cancelo
    C) Justin
    D) Dallas
    E) Coufal

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have same and benching A and C at minute but really undecided

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

      Definitely Stones and toss-up between Dallas/Justin/Coufal. Prob Coufal. Dallas OOP and every time Justin hauls non-owners are dropping rank.

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      AE

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

      Currently on Stones and Justin.. but will probably change it.. Justin has been so good to me this year

  22. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    It’s almost too easy to navigate these next few DGWs. Given most of us have Salah Bruno Son, we also have the majority of the doublers we need:

    Burnley: Pope
    City: the 3 you own
    Everton: Digne DCL
    Leeds: Dallas Raphinha Bamford
    Southampton: Ings

    For me it’s the following for free:
    23: Button to Pope
    24: Mitchell to Digne
    25: DCL to Ings & Digne to Dallas

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good tbf

  23. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Shaw-Cancelo-Justin-Dias-B.Johnson
    Gundo-Soucek-Salah-Bruno-Bissouma
    DCL-Bamford-Antonio

    Probably C Antonio or Bruno, but what should I do with my last ft? 8.9itb

    Should I:

    A) B.Johnson to Mee and bench Cancelo

    B) Bissouma to Son and bench DCL

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B.

      Don’t bench Cancelo.

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Could just bench Mee instead, getting him in for the double anyways.

  24. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    So Rodrigo out for 'weeks'
    Does that mean Dallas will continue in midfield?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Klich will play more

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        But last game both Klich and Dallas started in midfield

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

      As long as Alioski and Ayling start at full back Dallas will be OOP, IMO.

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Right

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Rodrigo out doesn't determine Dallas playing in midfield. He has been playing in midfield with Rodrigo.

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Oh right, so he should continue regardless for now I guess?

  25. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    All this Burnley hype reminds of when people were getting excited about the Soucek DGW.

    I hae also bought into the hype. Hopefully it pays off.

    1. boombaba
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Only Pope worth having. Bonus magnet.

    2. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I mean most are going to have 2 max most will just have Pope or a defender it’s worth it if it only 1 or 2 for the potential pay off

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think Pope and a defender is quite reasonable with the fixtures they have.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I agree, blanks shouldn't deter people from making sensible moves and in DGWs, defenders usually deliver big. But this just reminds me of the Soucek hype, which ended badly.

  26. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Quick help here, please?

    Martínez / McCarthy
    Dias / Stones / Cresswell / Saïss /  Dallas
    Salah / Bruno / Grealish / Gündogan / Soucek
    DCL / Antonio / Watkins

    A. Saïss out, Digne in, hold another FT
    B. Saïss and Watkins out, Digne and Bamford in for free

    1. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably just A

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers!

  27. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts? Martinez is current gk

    A) Coufal to Mee
    B) Johnstone, Salah to Pope, Rash/Sterl

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Just Johnstone to Pope.

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Don’t have the funds

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

      Short term B with Rashford that has WBA 24 and NEW 25. You definitely need 3 City players for the multiple doubles though. Can you bring in Gundo in 24?

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Could do but happy with my mids atm tbh. Could keep rash a placeholder for Sterling or Kdb

  28. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Guaita/Forster
    TAA/Robbo/Dias/Cancelo/Coufal
    Mane/Bruno/Rash/Gundo/Saka
    Antonio/DCL/Brewster

    .2 ITB...Mane>Son (C) feels like the play? Thoughts?

  29. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) start my 3 city Defenders
    B) Play Coufal and bench Stones

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  30. MattysFantasyFooty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go?

    Martinez
    Stone Dias Coufal
    C Bruno Salah Son Maddison Gundo
    Antonio Bamford

    DCL Robertson Mitchell

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd potentially start DCL over Gundo, but toss up. Looks good