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. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi...I'm bringing in pope tonight.

    Not sure if I should lose martinez or Johnstone tho.

    Is martinez worth keeping as likely to have other dgws outside of popes?

    Already played bb. Will wildcard in gw30...martinez has good fixtures in 27 and 28 when pope has bad ones. Thanks

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

      I think I am keeping Martinez. see post bellow

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

      Easy decicion. Johnstone out. I'll do the same, especially as got Martinez at 4.5

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I had both. Did Johnstone -> Pope a few hours ago.

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

      Getting Martinez back can be painful as he's gone up so much in price. I'd sell WBA GK if Money isn't an issue atm

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

        Cheers guys. Also got martinez at 4.5m so will lose Johnstone. Thanks

  2. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Weird one this week.
    Starting XI and bench order OK?

    Martinez
    Cancelo, Coufal, Dallas
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Grealish, Gundo
    Antonio, Bamford

    Dias, Robbo, Adams

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

    Pope is tempting for GW24 but Martinez can get close enough if he gets a CS and a few saves/bonus against BHA at home. Maybe it is a waste of a transfer especially because I got Martinez at 4.5

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

      Thinking the same. Pope in only if you're going to BB

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

      Have to take this week into account as well.

    3. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm thinking of getting Pope in as my second keeper, so not to lose Martinez value. I can really foresee a huge haul over those two. Martinez will do ok, but I think brighton score.

  4. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Quite a basic question about transfers...

    If I have 2 FTs and use 1 this GW, do I have 1 FT or 2 FT next GW?

    I am sure the rules used to be that you lose your carried over FT and you only have 1 next week, but someone has said differently.

    Thanks in advance!

    1. THL33
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2

      1. AJ24
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you - rules must have changed?

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

      2

      1. AJ24
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you - rules must have changed?

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

          Many years ago.

        2. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          If you're not able to carry a free transfer to the following week, how did you manage to have 2 Free Transfers this week?

          1. AJ24
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I had 1 last week, not 2.
            As confirmed above by Torres - this used to be the rules years ago. If you had 2 and didnt use them, the following week it reverted to 1 transfer.

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

    A) Salah to Son (C)
    B) Martinez to Pope

    Best transfer?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    Keep Sterling or dump? Strange question considering he has a dgw coming up, but he plays liv this gw and will most probably start only one game in the dgw. Grealish / Maddison could easily out score him over the next two gws.

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

      Sterling could easily start both in DGW24.......even if he plays 120 minutes he's an outstanding captain pick I think

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

        Cheers, will be a nervous wait for line ups though.

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

    Didn't watch the game, but can someone who did tell me how McCarthy played against Man United? Did he make any mistakes and could he perhaps lose his place to Forster?

    1. Punty McPuntface
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If I remember rightly, he let in 9 and saved 6...

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

        Yeah, but the last time they conceded 9, their goalkeeper was dropped and McCarthy came in

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

      He wasn't at fault for any of the goals really, don't see him losing his place

  8. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor to Mee/Lowton for the double if 2ft and no other pressing issues?

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. Punty McPuntface
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm in this boat and currently unsure which Burnley def to bring in but it's deffo the right move

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

    CT 1FT 4.4M ITB

    Pope
    Dallas-Coufal-Holding
    Salah-Bruno-Son-Soucek
    DCL-Bamford-Antonio

    (McCarthy-Gundo-Konsa-Stones)

    What's the opinion on starting DCL over Gundo ?

    Is it worth doing Holding to Mee now or wait until next gw?

    Any other suggestion

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

    headache for team selection can you help me out? all good like this?

    Meslier
    Dallas,Justin, Coufal, Dias,
    Salah, Son, Fernandes, Soucek,
    Wilson, Bamford
    Subs: Martinez, DCL, Stones, Gundo

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

    Hey fam! Did Firmino to Bamford with 1 FT. Save another FT & GTG?

    4.7 ITB, 1 FT, No WC/FH remaining, BB/TC remaining.

    Martinez
    Cancelo Maguire Coufal
    Sterling Bruno Son Gundogan
    Bamford(C) Antonio DCL

    Areola Targett Burke Mitchell

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nice

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

      Save seems best

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

      Cheers both

  12. Hint
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking Grealish as a differential captain this week. Rogue or not?

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

      Eh. I think someone like Bamford is better

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

      crossed my mind but bruno or antonio feels safer

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

      A bit rogue. But he usually plays well against Arse.

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Early Lunchtime KO puts me off him for cap

  13. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Alonso safe for the next 2 games before WC?

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

      Maybe, based on 2 starts out of 3 he could be favoured over Chilly

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

    Bench one plz
    Salah Sterling Burno Soucek Gundo
    DCL Bamford Antonio

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

      DCL i think

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

        Thxx

    2. Mighty Wings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      DCL

  15. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    4.8 ITB 2 FT WC in 25
    Want Son,Pope, and Mee what would you recommend?

    Martinez
    AWB Stones Cancelo
    Salah Sterling Bruno Soucek
    Antonio Bamford DCL

    Forster,Targett,Mitchell,Burke

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

      Son is a no-go until Kane is fit, if you have him keep him but don't buy imo. He has 0 G+A against WBA in 7 apps

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hm it’s West Brom tho.. Sheffield scored 2 against them and they haven’t even kept one clean sheet since Sam took over

  16. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane (C) anyone?

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

      is he back ?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can't see him getting risked when Spurs have City in 24.

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

        Also it takes him a while to get back up to speed after an injury

  17. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Pope a priority this GW when you have Martinez?

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

      Not a priority no, only if you have 2FTs and nothing else to do. Martinez could do well v his old club.

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

        Cheers, only have 1FT. I'll roll the FT

      2. Punty McPuntface
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This! I'd roll it and do it next week if any

  18. MoSalad
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Areola
    Cancelo, Cressy, AWB
    Zaha*, Salah, Sterling, Fernandes, Barnes
    Tonio, BamBam

    Johnstone, Coufal, BobbyDR, Stones

    2FT £0.3m ITB

    A) Zaha & Sterling ----> J Rod (Eve) & Son for GW23, then for GW24 Son & BobbyDR to Gundo & DCL
    B) Zaha & Sterling ---> Gundo & Son & then GW24 Son & BobbyDR ----> J Rod & DCL -4
    C) Something else?

  19. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1ft,0.7 itb

    Fabianski
    Dias Stones Coufal Maguire
    Salah Bruno Son Gundo
    Bamford Antonio
    (Martinez DCL Zaha* Mitchell)

    A) Save
    B) Zaha to Mount/Grealish and bench Stones

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Zaha to Grealish and bench stones.

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would you bench Stones and play DCL and Save FT?

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah if you would prefer to save.

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks,50/50 still,save or sell Zaha

  20. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1FT and 4.3mill ITB.
    Should I:
    A) hold Kane and save FT
    B) get in DCL? (and have to bench someone)

    Martinez
    Cancelo Coufal Mee
    Salah Fernandes Grealish Soucek Gundogan
    Antonio Bamford

    Forster; Kane, Dallas, Stones

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Save FT imo, more info after fa cup

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers cro

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Np, GL,good team

  21. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Players we want for DGW24....any one missing?
    - City: x 3 from Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Foden, Stirling, Gundo
    - Everton: DCL
    - Fulham: None?
    - Burnley: Pope, Wood

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1x Burnley def/GK. But the rest is right.

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

      Perhaps Digne ?

    3. A.J.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Those that are saving WC for after GW29 might consider the Fulham keeper as well. You get the doubles and a player for GW29 as well.

      1. More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Good shout AJ, thanks

  22. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench

    A) DCL (mun)
    B) Raphina (CRY)

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

      A

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      I'm benching DCL

  23. cescpistols111
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Robbo + Pickford -> Azpilicueta + Schmeichel (-4)?

    Plan is to bring in Salah for Sterling next week if the move makes sense.

    Pickford Button
    Robertson Coufal Holding Lowton Kilman
    Sterling Fernandes Son Grealish Bissouma
    Werner Ings Bamford

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

      Not sure about -4 for a keeper. Just do robbo to azpi

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Naw, Rudi if you want Chelsea defence, prefer Ederson, Martinez, Pope for GK

  24. SomeoneKnows
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Current team with 1FT and 5.1 itb

    Martinez (Forster)
    Cancelo, Dallas, Coufal (Stones, Douglas)
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Grealish (Gundogan)
    DCL, Antonio, Bamford

    Thinking of saving my transfer this week and then using BB in GW24 after doing:
    Forster > Pope
    Douglas > Digne

    Which would leave me with 6 DGW players (3 MCI, 2 EVE, 1 BUR) and a bench of:
    Martinez & Grealish vs BHA
    Coufal vs SHU
    Dallas vs ARS

    Solid plan or am I mad for not saving for GW26?

  25. Iain Dowies Love Child
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any reason the ticker doesn't mention the upcoming GW24 doubles and Leeds v Saints in GW25?

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

      Waiting to be updated I guess

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

      Should be updated soon.

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Football Index articles to edit are a higher priority

    4. Iain Dowies Love Child
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ta

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

    Anyone see Saints bouncng back against Newcastle? Sounds like they should have their first choice defence back.

    1. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  27. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play:

    A) Justin
    B) Lowton

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

      rank killer justin

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

        haha like the name. Wonder where you got that from...

    2. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      a

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Belated thanks all, James 'Rank Killer' Justin it is

  28. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A real selection dilemma:

    G2G or change it round?

    Martinez
    Shaw, Cancelo, Dallas
    Salah, Son (VC), Bruno (C). Gundogan
    Kane, Antonio, Bamford

    Ryan, Rudiger, Soucek, Justin

    Obviously aware of Kane fitness, but Kane loves to have a secret return...

  29. barcaa7
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Robertson to
    a-Mee
    b-Digne

    1. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      b

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      a

  30. alsybach
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench?
    A) Wilson
    B) soucek

    1. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      b

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

      neither if possible

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

        My others are
        Grealish
        Son
        Salah
        Fernandez
        Antonio
        Bamford

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      someone else

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

        Salah?

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

          I probably would bench Wilson. I don't think it'll be an easy game against Soton. I expect Soton to be fired up and correct that 9-0 loss

          I think Soucek will outscore Salah but Salah has pens and is the best player in FPL so can easily bag a goal or two.