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. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Laca or Ings for DCL for free?

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lacazette (if you're selling DCL, that is; it's not 100% clear)

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yep selling DCL, Laca was pencilled originally but Ings has caught the eye

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Fixtures say Arsenal big time. Plus they play in 33. And Laca was in great form prior to the Pool game.

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

      I had Laca, but I see he starts this evening, so he may not start next gw. Ings has one good game, DCL out of form...not trying to be negative, have the same issue here with my WC.

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

      Ings

      Don't think Laca starts in 31 now

  2. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA, Dias, Holding
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Gündogan, Lingard
    Kane, Wood

    Forster, Iheanacho, Rüdiger, Coufal

    Good to go? Any changes needed— including transfers, since WC activated?

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd be playing Iheanacho. I'm not sure who for though.

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

      Is Holding a regular now? Or at least for 5 weeks?

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

    Is Holding a regular starter now? I see him in many teams.

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2 weeks without big hair

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Until Luis is back, he should be although there is competition from Mari. Even if he doesn't start regularly, he's a decent option providing you have bench back-up.

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

      Yes, he's nailed on in that RCB position, Luiz set to be out for a few weeks, and knowing Arsenal's medical team it will be for the rest of the season.

  4. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on Maddison this week, with the option to switch to Son next week?

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

      Chance he will still be eased in and on bench??

    2. footballcandy
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If Maddison should start, who is out? Ihenacho? I'm thinking about this...

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Perez I would think.

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

        Ayoze Perez

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

    Hi....final tweaks to the wildcard now. Which defensive set up do you prefer please?

    Xxx forster
    Taa shaw xxx rudiger xxx

    A..... mendy castagne holding

    B.....Leno alonso coady/ 4.8m

    Thanks

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A with Mendy fofana Coady?

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

        Also an option. But think I prefer holding to coady....thanks

        V tempted with alonso as I can squeeze him in now

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Why don’t you have holding in B then?

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

            Cos I do not want to double up on arsenal defence

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Mendy Alonso holding

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

                Cheers....

  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you WC this team? I would probably Bench boost 32 If so.

    Martinez
    Dias. Alonso. Digne. Coufal
    Bruno. Son. Lingard. Jota
    Kane. DCL
    (McCarthy. Raph. Bamford. Dallas)

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Probably yes. I'd be wanting Salah, Trent, some Leicester and lose some Leeds.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        How essential is Trent?

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Not essential but I want him. I think most will have either Alonso or Trent on WC and I prefer Trent's security of starts.

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

            Worth getting Trent for A hit?

            1. PompeyUpNorth!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              I’m tempted tbh. Can easily haul n an exciting player to have tbh

            2. Hulk Smash
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              It could probably wait a week but he has the potential to repay a hit in one game.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I don't think so.

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

      I wouldn’t WC that team now, no..other doubles to be announced yet plus its fine this week

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

    Arsenals fans...is Holding a regular starter now?

  8. BigKeith
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    1ft 3.4mitb Any ideas or should I save a ft?

    Martinez (Sanchez)
    Shaw, Stones, Digne (Targett, Struijk)
    Bruno, Lingard, Son, Gundo (Raphina)
    DCL, Watkins, Kane

    Cheers

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

    Will Nacho continue to start when Barnes and Maddison are back?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Doubt it

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maddison yes, Barnes maybe not. However, if he keeps banging in the goals, I can't see Rogers dropping him.

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

      Barnes is a way off likely no - suspect he starts with Maddison. He's the best finisher there right now.

    4. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think Maddison plays behind Nacho and Vardy for now. But when Barnes returns it's anyone's guess. Rodgers is probably hoping Vardy is firing and Nacho is off the boil by then so he can easily drop him!

  10. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Got Kane & Watkins....Antonio to who??....was thinking Jesus??

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Can u afford Vardy?

      1. gomez123
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        only if i take a hit

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like the Jesus pick. He seems almost nailed to start in the league at the moment.

  11. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any draft mode players, shouldn't the waiver deadline be today since the gw deadline is tomorrow? Says it's tomorrow 2:30?

  12. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best back line on WC? Will BB32.

    A. TAA. Rudiger. Coady. Holding. Masuaku
    B. Dias. Rudiger. Coady. Shaw. Fofana

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

      B

    2. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A for me

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

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

      A

  13. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it too much to have Mitchell (3.8) and Davis (4.2)?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe Holding better option for 4.2? Could get gametime now

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

        I'm doing my best to try stretch to him

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

      I've got these two on WC

  14. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Not sure whether to do KDB -> Salah or Raphinha -> Lingard this week. Which scores more?

    A)
    Salah Captain (AVL)
    Raphinha (mci)
    Salah (lee)

    B)
    KDB Captain (LEE)
    Lingard (LEI)
    Lingard (new)

    Leaning towards A for a safe captain pick this week!

    Cheers.

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Salah looks more promising to me (but you would have to stomach it if KDB plays and hauls!)

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

      Pretty much same dilemma, will suck if kdb actually plays and hauls, but would suck more if kdb doesn't play and salah hauls. So I'm probably going kdb to salah

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

      I really fancy Salah this week. Hungry for the Golden boot

    4. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers all. Think I will go for Salah!

  15. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Does Auba missing out tonight impact on Lacazette's prospects going forward?

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

      You'd think so

      Even EL qualification next season from their league position looks tricky/unlikely so assuming Laca is number 1 now rests in the PL for EL games seems probable.

  16. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A bit of tinkering, but this is the team I think I’m going for, what’s everyone’s opinions?

    Mendy, Forster
    Fofana, Rudiger, TAA, Holding, Michell
    Lingard, Sterling, Son, Fernandez, Jota
    Kane, Nacho, Davis

    What’s everyone’s opinions??

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

      Looks good. Sterling proper differential

  17. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who to transfer out for Jota?

    a) Trossard (EVE, che, shu)
    b) Raphina (mci, LIV, MUN)

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

      Trossard

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Trossard easily

  18. SwissWavey
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you do
    Mings, Watkins and Bale to
    Coady, Vardy and Salah for a -8?
    Or stagger them over 3 weeks?

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

      Stagger definitely

  19. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    who does amaartey cover for, soy?

    thanks

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

      Soyuncu

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        cheers

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

    TAA or Dias on WC?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      taa

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      TAA

  21. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC draft

    Mendy Forster
    TAA, Shaw, Stones, Saiss, James
    Salah, Jota, Son, Lingard, Gundo
    Kane, Laca, Nacho

    Any late changes??

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

      Laca is playing tonight...might be rested for GW

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

        Yeah. Proper quandary now

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd downgrade Laca and Saiss to afford Bruno

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

        Cheap striker??

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

          For one week I like Wood or maybe even Vydra. Depends how much you think you'll play that 8th attacker

  22. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Auba captain now looks great

  23. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Really nervous that Arteta will play Auba in the PL and Laca in the Europa

  24. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Has anyone looked at Son replacements for the blank?

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

      Maddison

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

      Won’t you want him back for SHU?

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

    2 questions
    1) how important would you say having TAA is on WC (no one in ML has him)
    2) better City player punt Jesus or Sterling?
    Jesus probably lasts longer in the side but Sterling would probz more comfortable in captaining this week then selling for Son next

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

      Jesus

  26. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mahrez vs Sterling for this week?

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

      Sterling surely

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

    Auba should be nailed in the PL - just struggle to justify given his form most of the season

  28. Dotherightthing
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lingard to De Bruyne with a -4? cheers

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

      De Bruyne to Lingard -4, sure. The other way round, no way

      1. Dotherightthing
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thats what I meant lol .. Just afraid of Lingard v leicester and without Rice &Antonio ..

  29. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Kane, Nacho....3rd WC forward if not Laca? Punt on Wilson?

    1. SMOOTH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      vardy?

      1. BobB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Much prefer Nacho to Vardy now

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

      Possibly Ings, I guess

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

      I'm actually thinking about Wilson too. It's a punt because he's not fit and could have a set back but we've seen what he can do when he's fit, he'll be a big differential and Newcastle need points and goals

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

    (WC Active) 1 from each;

    A) Mendy
    B) Keep Martinez

    Then

    1) Maddison
    2) Mount
    3) Keep Gundo

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A
      1