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

    Is triple Chelsea too much at the back? What would you change here? Won’t play West Brom every week will they!

    Mendy. Forster
    Dias. Rudiger. Alonso. Holding. Shaw
    Salah. Bruno. Son. Lingard. Jota
    Kane. Iheanacho. Vydra

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ha ha I just asked that at same time

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Live dangerously and go for it.

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

      I'd take Martinez over Mendy and keep the double up.

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

      It's not too much as they get rotated and there's not really an attacker that'll really stands out so it's not like you're waisting a placeholder

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

      Not really

      You won't be getting Alonso every week and the likelihood is that the triple up only happens in very green fixtures. I'd be comfortable playing it for the next few on the understanding that Alonso might well move on when Chelsea fixtures turn a bit around 35 - perhaps to a Liverpool premium defender who have a super tasty defensive run in.

  2. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy, rudiger plus Alonso too much?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Live dangerously and go for it.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers mean taking out shaw though ?

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

    who to bench out of

    A. Lingard
    B. Nacho (playing vardy)
    C. Kane
    D. Bruno

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

      B

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

      Yeah B

  4. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez,
    Shaw, Dias, Coufal, Dallas, Veltman
    Son, Lingard, Jota, Fernandes, Gundogan
    Kane, Antonio, Bamford

    1ft - 4.7 itb

    Just Bamford to Vardy this week? Or get Salah or Trent?

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

      Trent this week, vardy next?

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

        Can’t afford both moves but still got my wildcard

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

    Which option please?

    A) One week punt on Mount (vs cry). Switch to Son for the DGW.
    B) One week punt on Maddison (vs whu). Switch to Son for the DGW.
    C) Go straight to Son but have 4 players in MUN v TOT.

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

      B

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

      I think I'd just go Son now and have two transfers for after 32.

      That spurs double is a pain though.

  6. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is there anywhere to check the average goals per gameweek?

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

      Good Q, would be interested in to see myself

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

    Rudiger or Coady? Have Mendy if it matters.

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

      On WC***

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

      Rudi

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

      Rudiger for me

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

      Rudiger easily if it's a straight choice

  8. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Not quite sure who all to start in my backline
    Martinez/Sanchez
    Phillips/Shaw/rudiger/stones/dunk

    Stones might be benched anyways
    Thoughts?

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

      Martinez
      Stones Shaw Rudiger

  9. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A nice boring question for you my good people... Phillips or Holding or any other defender 4.7 or under

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

      Nat

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

      Phillips. Maybe Masuaku?

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

      Phillips if you don't already have 3 Liverpool

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks all, was on Phillips not much difference in attacking three either I guess..

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

    Best move this week (no WC left)

    a) White > Phillips
    b) Trossard > Jota
    c) Raphina > Jota
    d) Bamford > Ihenacho
    e) DCL > Ihenacho

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

      B

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

      B

    3. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C

  11. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is odegaard injured ?

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

      Must be, didn’t even make bench

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

        Not cup tied?

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

    Vydra on WC?
    Or any better at similar price to ‘cover’ Kane for GW33?

    Or would you instead drop Dias and only have Kane and Son and just have a fodder like Davis at 4.2?

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

      I like him for his value. Only other player that comes close that’s cheap is either Mitro or Welbeck but don’t see either being as good. Welbeck does have shu in 33 so good fixture but who knows if he’ll still be starting.
      Would try keep dias if possible

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

        Thanks mate 🙂
        Welbeck is so injury phrone as well, Mitro could come good.
        Isn’t Vydra a risk from Barnes?

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

    Who’d you rather on a WC
    A) TAA
    B) Jesus

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

      A, considering the uncertainty of start and BGW33

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

      A

  14. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is this worth -4?

    Tierney Raphinha ➡ Jota Phillips

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

      Any other option than Raphinha?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Nope

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Actually, Gundo other option

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

          I would say yes

  15. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    In isolation, keep Stones this week or Stones > TAA presuming he's uncertain to start ...

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah

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

        Cheers

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

      I'd be reluctant to lose Stones with his set piece threat before Leeds but he is one almighty rotation risk and I see cs odds being fairly even so TAA move makes sense I guess.

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

        Ta, Stones did well in my team but can't afford rotation any longer

  16. Jaok
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC. What's the best liverpool combo?

    A: Salah, TAA, Robbo
    B: Salah, TAA, Jota

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

    Please RMT - WC
    Mendy, Forster
    Rudiger, Shaw, TAA, Masuaku, Holding
    Salah, Lingard, Bruno, Maddison, Jota
    Jesus, Nacho, Kane

    Thanks!

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

      Looks good to me ... ignoring Son DGW I presume?

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

        Son has not been that hot and LEI have some great matches coming up.

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

          Fair enough, hopefully that works out

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

      Can you stretch to Dawson instead of Masuaku? Think it could be worth it

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

        Not a penny left in the bank mate.

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

          Not worth worrying about then, looks awesome! Jesus C punt I assume?

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

    Gundo>Jota?

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

      In isolation fort this GW yes based on Gundo possibility of non-starter or limited mins

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

        same goes for jota imo

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

          Maybe but Pep's rotation is severe

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

    holding likely to start v sheffield ?

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

      Looks likely.

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

        cheers

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

      Worth bringing him in and starting imo

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

        thanks. nice couple of fixtures. can cover if rested.

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

    Already done Gundo to Jota.

    A) Digne to TAA (-4)
    B) Antonio to Nacho (-4)
    C) Veltman to TAA (-4) Play TAA over Raph
    D) don’t take a hit. Play Digne+Coufal

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

      d

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

    New crowd(?) How do you like this 352 on WC?

    Mendy
    TAA Alonso Castagne
    Salah Bruno Son Jota J.Lingz
    Kane Nacho

    Forster Veltman Holding Davis
    Playing Holding over Castagne this gw vs SHU. Veltman's purpose is he plays SHU in BGW33.

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

      nice

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

      I like it, looks solid. Few decent punts in there. Only thing maybe if you feel extra punty is Alonso to Mendy (city) for some city coverage but I rate what you got as is

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

        Cheers, I'm done with Pep 😆

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

          Hahaha can’t blame you tbh

  22. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Can’t decide between Laca, DCL, Watkins or Bamford
    Currently have Kane, DCL* & Nacho

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

      No clear option which is why I have gone 352, a lot of option in midfield I feel

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I have BB Next GW so would order 3 playing forwards

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

      Would definitely stick with the three you already have.

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, that’s my thinking but having second thoughts tonight

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

          Villa’s fixtures are horrendous, ditto Leeds short term. Forget Watkins and no point getting Bam now if you don’t have value tied. Can see why you might be dubious with Nacho with BB imminent but I would stick.

          1. ‘Tis the Season
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Thanks mate

  23. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Article says: “Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) performed well and scored in Portugal, putting Marcos Alonso’s (£5.7m) minutes at serious risk.”

    Didn’t Chillwell score in Seville and not Portugal?

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

      Yes

    2. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It's also confused thinking. Chilwell now very likely to keep his spot for second leg in Seville on Wednesday, increasing chance of Alonso or even Emerson (!) playing on Saturday.

  24. Disco Volante
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Seeing a lot of Rudiger on here and zero Christensen - anybody care to explain to me why? This is my final WC decision so any info would be much appreciated.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      As a Chelsea fan, my opinion is that chirstensen is a shite defender per se, only benefiting from the team. Always a liability when I watch him. He might improve in the future though

      1. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        As a fellow Chelsea fan I agree, however he is still better and more reliable than zouma who is crap

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

      The consensus is he is bit more secured to start. Leading figure while Christensen is more of an utility player. They could be close right now as Christensen has been doing fine and they have leaders in Azpi and Thiago

    3. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Christensen never scored a Prem league goal, and Rüdiger gets the odd one now and again. Rotation makes it all very tricky, but expect Zouma, Silva, and Rudi against Palace.

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

        Silva suspended? Not sure Zouma starts anyway as was horrible vs Wba when there's Azpi and Christensen

        1. Tambling5
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Of course. I'd forgotten suspension. Think Dave will need a rest before Wednesday tho, as shattered when came off the other day.

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

    Okay how’s this WC squad? Tried to retain all the big hitters and some differentials

    Sanchez Forster
    TAA Dias Rudiger Lowton Phillips
    Son Salah Bruno Lingard Raphinha
    Kane C.Wilson Vydra
    0.0itb

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

      Wilson is a wild gamble but there a little alternatives at that price - could be a huge differential go for it!

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

        Thanks! There being so few options at that price is what drives me toward him really. If he gets a set back I can just downgrade him or use him as a building block to upgrade, much easier to do than with say Iheanacho. Needed some differentials also!

  26. BeaversWithAttitude
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hope that streaker was wearing a mask, lol.

    1. Isca Extremadura
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lol. game behind closed doors..

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

      And had their passport or whatever it is you need now lol

  27. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Digne to TAA for a hit, tonight before the TAA potential price rise ?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Or maybe sell Cancelo / Dias instead?

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

        Yes I think one City def is more than enough with the rotation

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          But which one? If I sell the wrong one the other one can run riot against Leeds

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

            Think Leeds will score myself. Would probably keep Dias long-term but Cancelo with a nice back-up on the bench could be gold

  28. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you sell KDB for Salah(c)?

    KDB may not start and blank a week after

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep

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

      I would yes

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Can't have a 12m player as rotation as 50:50 rotation risk + blank, so yes

  29. ow00019
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Cedric nailed?

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

      No

      1. ow00019
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Amy less nailed than holding? If so why?

  30. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best move here?

    A) Bale -> Jota/Mahrez
    B) Auba & Bale -> Salah & Jota/Mahrez (-4)
    C) Shaw & Bale -> TAA & Jota (-4)
    D) Wildcard

    Pope
    Cancelo, Coufal, Shaw
    Auba, Son, Gundo, Bale, Raphina
    Kane, Watkins

    Martinez, Bamford, Dallas, Targett
    Bank 0.0m, 1FT, WC & FH left

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      WC

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

        I know I’m running out of weeks, but who to bring in this week on a WC?

        Tough games for those with good fixtures (TOT/MUN/LEI/WHU) and there will likely be rotation. One last punt on Gundo/Cancelo before offloading on a WC32?