Captain Sensible

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 31?

Fantasy Premier League managers may have to look past this season’s most reliable assets for the Gameweek 31 captaincy.

Son-Heung min (£9.4m), Harry Kane (£11.7m)and Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) have been among the most reliable skippers in 2020/21 but Sunday afternoon’s meeting between Spurs and Manchester United has blown the latest debate wide open.

A number of alternative options have emerged including Diogo Jota (£6.9m)and Mohamed Salah (£12.4m)who starred in Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Arsenal and face Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Manchester City’s starting XI for their lunch-time meeting with Leeds. While this is a favourable fixture for Pep Guardiola’s men, it is sandwiched between two key UEFA Champions League ties with Borussia Dortmund.

As always, the Captain Sensible article is here to help you with this week’s captaincy conundrum. Given that this text includes plenty of analysis backed up by the extensive data from the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

CAPTAIN POLL

As shown above, Salah is the leader of this week’s Captain Poll, having gained 27.4% of total votes so far. The Egyptian scored in his last two appearances for the club (against Arsenal and Real Madrid) and looks to be getting back to his goalscoring best, just in time for the final stretch in the Premier League Golden Boot race.

Just behind him in the poll sits Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) with 17.7% of votes from our users. The Belgian was unlucky to come out without any returns against Leicester City in Gameweek 30, but played a crucial part in his team’s win over Borussia Dortmund midweek, opening the scoreline in the first half and providing a crucial pass in the build-up for the late winner. The match-up against Leeds United could be a great opportunity for a big haul, although there is heavy uncertainty over the likelihood of him starting.

This season’s top goal-scorer, as well as the top assist provider, Kane has gained 9.0% of total votes. The England international has been in outstanding form in this campaign, often winning games for his team single-handedly. 

That said, in Gameweek 31, Kane will face a tough opponent in Manchester United. He may have scored 16 points in the reverse fixture but the chances of another double-digit haul are not too strong considering the Red Devils have improved significantly since their 6-1 thrashing at Old Trafford.

The top-five list is closed by the aforementioned Jota (8.6% of votes) and Raheem Sterling (£11.3m, 5.2%), who could turn out to be a shrewd one Gameweek captaincy punt.

KEY MATCHES

Liverpool v Aston Villa

Jota continues relentless form as Klopp manages Salah's minutes
1,428 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    For a hit is Cancelo, Digne, Raphinha > TAA, Alonso and Smith rowe good transfers?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Digne Rudiger
    Bruno KDB Gundo Son
    Kane Bamford DCl

    Fabri Raph Coufal holding

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Surely you'd hold Digne for this week and reassess next week? Alonso & ESR are not sure-starters. You want TAA and are willing to sell the farm?

  2. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Holding nailed?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Should be for as long as Luiz is out

    2. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No

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

    1. Kdb and phillips

    Or

    2. Taa and gundo

    ?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Only just 2 for me. Pretty much a coin toss though

    2. Kane and Ablett
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Coin toss

  4. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is any of those worth a hit?

    A) Martinez ➡ Mendy / Schmeichel
    B) Bamford ➡ Ihenacho
    C) nah, no hit

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C for me, not worth a hit for any. Would say A if for free but not a hit

  5. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC

    Mendy (Forster)
    Coufal Rudiger Dias (Shaw) (Phillips)
    Son Bruno Salah Jota Lingard
    Kane Nacho (Wood)

    1. TRE2
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Pretty template. If you are chasing then maybe take a punt or two?

  6. Mork calling Orson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed on previous page

    Straightforward question:
    A) Dallas to Coady
    Or
    B) Raphina to Neto

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Comes down to who you’d be more comfortable starting out of the 2 you want to sell. For me I’d sell A and keep Raphinha because I’d be happier with him starting/coming off bench

      1. Mork calling Orson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thank you my equally great 80’s icon

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          What a golden age of television the 80’s was! Saddens me a little that very few people on this site actually recognize the character though. I presume it’s similar with you

          1. Mork calling Orson
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I appreciate the anonymity now, was a hectic time back in the 80’s.

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Replied on last page

      1. Mork calling Orson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers Steve, valid points for both sides, hence my indecision I guess

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Neither

      A) Dallas to Che/Liv/Ars def - your choice of starter
      B) Raphinha I'd decide whether to bench/hold/play or move for a mf with better fixtures - Jota/Maddi/Lingard, etc?

      1. Mork calling Orson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Interesting, could do Dallas to Phillips - which then allows me to upgrade Raph to Maddi or Jota, which could wait a week to save the hit.
        Food for thought, thanks for the different suggestion

  7. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is anyone on WC going with or can anyone think of a forward line thats not
    Kane Iheanacho x
    Need some out of the box inspiration. Feel like almost all WC teams I’ve seen has that forward line and want to spice things up

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Laca?

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Probz not nailed enough for my liking. Can see why people would take the punt though with those fixtures. He’s one I rarely see on teams now though

    2. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Kane Laca (Davis)

      Currently have Maddison but thats a coin toss with Mount

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        If I knew Laca would get decent minutes every week I’d go for that attack myself but I like how you’ve gone for a differential there and in midfield, I can understand why it’s a coin toss, I’d probz go with Maddison and ride the fixtures myself if I was in your shoes

        1. popey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          thats my thinking - 93pts off top of ML and about 500 off top 10k so might as well be a little brave - hope he gets minutes managed tonight!

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Also don’t mean like fill in x just pointing out that those 2 are in basically all teams then the x can vary slightly...

    4. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Kane Vardy Bamford/Brewster

      For me anyway...

    5. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wood?...gw32 speed bump?

    6. TRE2
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Kane Vardy X

  8. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi....think I'm ready to go on this wildcard. Would you make any changes? Not convinced on castagne....

    Mendy (forster)
    Taa rudiger holding (castagne shaw)
    Salah Sterling (c) son jota lingard
    Kane iheanacho (Davis)

    Cash for Sterling to Bruno gw32.

    Thanks

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good. But I would say that - it's similar to mine in quite a few areas.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Everyone used to say going without Salah hurts, I think that now applies to Bruno this year.

    3. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good, Sterling a 1 week punt?

    4. funnyoldgame
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      looks good - standard WC team

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers. Yup it's a Sterling 1 week captaincy punt before getting Bruno. Thanks

  9. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone else keeping Martinez on a WC?

    I have Forster and I'm planning to start him in 31 + 32, then Emi v West Brom in 33.

    I do have the money for Mendy, 0.3 as I've had Martinez so long.

    Could move to Mendy for 34?

    1. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think I will and possibly with Forster. Keepers are proving a headache though, I'm also weighing up any Lloris and Mendy

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers. I don't mind the idea of a Chelsea double-up but most of my WC drafts have had stacked - and reasonably priced - defences which suggest I can make do with Rudiger.

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Should do the move to Mendy now imo. Villa aren’t that good defensively at the moment, nor are Southampton.

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. If I still have 0.4 burning in my pocket as I do with my current WC draft, I might well do that.

        Sterling to Son next week will free funds again in any case.

    3. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm going Schmeichel I think

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers, he was in another of my WC drafts. Good option with those fixtures!

  10. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is there anything about the Leicester approach that encourages penalties?

    6 of the 12 goals Vardy has scored this season are pens. Subtract those from his total and you're left with a measly 6 goals from open play so far - a rate that closely matches his form in the second half of last season.

    Yes the pedigree is there but his ability to score from open play just doesn't look like it was. Give him pens and he looks a prospect but they aren't necessarily going to fall in green fixtures.

    His flat track bully stats aren't all that either. He improves against bottom 11 but not hugely as the pens fall fairly equally and that's his current specialty.

    Last 36 games 17 goals (7 pens) = 0.47 goals a game
    Bottom 11 fixtures: 19 games 10 goals (4 pens) = 0.52 goals a game

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

      Leave Vardy alone Ping. Let the man party 😛

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry

        Will stop now. I just miss the invites 🙂

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        And if it helps there last time I got a bee in my bonnet it was that Adarabioyo was better than Andersen - statistically spot on factually balls.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Vardy is one of the few players that can get slated for 85mins & still come away with a double digit score in minutes - read rank killer.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        🙂

        I've joy ridden that train enough to know that was the truth. But half the goals from open play than Watkins, Bamford and DCL this season whilst playing for a top 4 team but I won't get started again. Promise.

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

    Which option is the best?

    A) Watkins -> Iheanacho
    B) Struijk -> Phillips
    C) KDB -> Salah

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

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

      B

  12. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What is the third best forward to go with Kane and Nacho 8.2 mib?
    Thanks!

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lacazette for sure

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I currently have him but concerned that he may not start.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Can't afford Jesus?

      If Lacazette don't start tonight, he can be a good punt

    3. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      not sure there is one right now. Vydra and 5 mids is popular.

      For a third diagne tempts me.

  13. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thinking this is my finished WC - G2G?
    I’m 18K and clear in my ML hence fairly template

    Mendy Forster
    Rudiger TAA Shaw Coady Holding
    Lingard Jota Salah Bruno Son
    Davies Ihenacho Kane

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good to me. Very similar to mine (also template). Would appreciate some help below.

  14. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it worth doing Raphinha (mci,LIV,MUN) to Lingard (LEI,new,CHE) for -4?

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not for -4. Do it next week.

    2. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah I agree not for a hit.

  15. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which option do you prefer to complete the defence on this WC?

    TAA Shaw Coady xxx xxx

    A: Coufal Amartey
    B: Masuaku Holding

    1. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Second one I think.

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I am on this at the moment. People seem to think Holding is more nailed than Amartey. Although I do prefer Coufal to Masuaku

        1. cigan
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          prefer B

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

      B

  16. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Should i do -4 for

    Dallas to a defender or
    Bamford to ihneacho

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      neither for a hit

    2. Hazardous1983
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      How does this look

      Areola (sanchez)
      Rudiger dawson stones (targett dallas)
      Jota gundo salah son bruno
      Watkins kane (bamford)

      0.3m in bank 0 ft

  17. Voodoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you:

    A) Take out Raphinha for Jota
    B) Take out Aubamayang for Salah and captain.

    Not sure about Aubameyang coming out ahead of Sheff U!

  18. Oh Mane Mane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Dias worth keeping on the wildcard? Surely we’ll see City rotate even more than usual with them going for the quadruple.

    Safer freeing up funds elsewhere and going for TAA?

    1. Tomas_brolin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I got rid. Ceiling is only really 6 plus the odd bonus

      1. Zlatan F.C
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        6 is good enough for me. I'm keeping

  19. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wildcard draft #2, any opinions ?

    Mendy
    Rudiger Shaw Dias
    Gundogan Salah (C) Jota Fernandes
    Kane Vardy Nacho

    forster lingard phillips holding

  20. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What are Laca's chances of being a regular starter? On WC

  21. Etonmessi
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez or Johnstone this week? Thanks!

    1. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      One thing I learned this season is always play Martinez

  22. cigan
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi, I've got WC, FH and TC left. I'll TC Kane in gw32. Would you use the WC now or after the Spurs double?

    Martinez (Johnstone)
    Dias James Digne (Coufal Dallas)
    Salah Bruno Lingard Gundo Raphinha
    Kane DCL (Bamford)

    It's basically between:
    A) Digne&Raphinha > Rudiger&Jota (-4)
    B) Wildcard

    Any feedback would be appreciated greatly. Thanks!

    1. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d probs save it for 33 I think. That way you can make the most of the double by getting in 2/3 spurs players?

      1. cigan
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks - not sold on any Spurs apart from Son & Kane tho. Bruno > Son next week?

      2. cigan
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Bamford & Raphinha > Jota & Vydra (-4) also a (punty) option I guess

  23. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC

    A. Trent, gundo, vydra
    B. Philips, Maddison, Antonio

    1. GE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    3. TRE2
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

  24. GE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What would you improve on this WC?

    (0.0 itb)

    Martinez
    TAA/Dias/Azpi
    Salah/Bruno/Son/Lingard/Jota
    Kane/Nacho

    Bench: Button, Shaw, Lascelles, Davis

    1. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Azpi > Rudiger; upgrade bench & keepers

      1. GE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, but why do I need 2 keepers? Will Martinez be benched anytime?

        1. cigan
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I just prefer Mendy/Schmeichel at the moment (although Martinez could be great as well), while having a playing 2nd keeper for 4.0 is a no-brainer for me

    2. Peteski29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like it, 11 players the same as my WC team. Only differences are I've gone Rudiger, Forster, Holding and Vydra instead of your Azpi, Button, Lascelles and Davis

      1. Zlatan F.C
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Forster instead of Button. Forster might have a double GW coming up

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

    A. DCL & Raphinha to Iheanacho & Jota (-4)

    B. DCL to Iheanacho & play one of Watkins/Raphinha

    C. DCL & Maguire to Iheanacho & TAA(-4)

    D. DCL & Watkins to Jesus(C) & Iheanacho

    E. Save FT

    Areola
    Cancelo Alonso Dunk
    Salah(C) Son Gundogan Lingard
    DCL Watkins Kane

    Martinez Raphinha Maguire Targett

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

      D is for -4

  26. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Ok so it comes down to this

    Struijk, Antonio => TAA, Iheanacho

    For a 4 point hit

    A. Yes, good move
    B. No, don’t bother

    Thoughts?

    1. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good imo

  27. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wild punt on

    Jesus
    Werner

    Or

    Just do Struijk to Phillips.

  28. Wigg_1992
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Help! Any suggestions?
    WC team. £0 ITB

    Mendy Forster
    Shaw Rudiger Coady Holding Phillips
    Son Salah Jota Gundo Bruno
    Kane Nacho DCL

    1. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Like it a lot

    2. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm not decided on WC yet but if I do it, it should look a lot like this. Possibly Trent&Lingard instead of Son&Phillips

      1. TRE2
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Keeping DCL?

        1. cigan
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Probably. Don't like any strikers right now, apart from Kane tbf

        2. Wigg_1992
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Would of had Antonio but he’s a doubt. Everton will have a possible double to come as well I think?

      2. Wigg_1992
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I feel that Trent would change the whole team because of price.
        Put possibly could do JLingz,
        Thoughts on the below?

        Gundo to JLings
        Coady to Dawson

  29. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I know its a risk but anyone here still captaining Kdb?

    For me I might cap him or sell him. Undecided.

    1. AlpoShearer
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Same, i think i sell..

  30. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Aubameyang benched, Lacazette starts.