Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 1?

13 August 2021 2001 comments
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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers face a number of selection dilemmas as they put the finishing touches to their squads ahead of tonight’s 18:30 BST deadline, one of which, of course, concerns who to captain.

While one, all-too-familiar name leaps out as the leading candidate for the armband this week, there are other FPL assets whose cases deserve examining.

First, we will assess the fallout of the Gameweek 1 captain poll, then analyse the leading candidates and Rate My Team (RMT) ratings ahead of this evening’s curtain-raiser in Brentford.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

As you can see from the current results, Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) is the runaway leader of the Gameweek 1 captain poll. The Egyptian midfielder has accumulated 61.95% of total votes from our users at the time of writing.

Only one other player has garnered more than 10% of votes at this stage, with Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) currently in second place, backed by 14.68% of users.

There is also a surprise inclusion, as Ivan Toney (£6.5m) occupies third place with 4.62% of votes, with Sadio Mané (£12.0m) and Kai Havertz (£8.5m) just behind the Brentford forward.

MOHAMED SALAH 

The Complete Guide to FPL Pre-Season 2021/22
2,001 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. barrybigyin
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    It's funny how much a players first fixture of the season can turn you off them even if you reckon they'll do well the next few games.

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    1. FPL Emu
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      And the opposite if the first fixture is good and the rest not so much.

      I'm almost convinced Deeney will score against Villa. The problem is after that ...

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  2. Champions League Varane
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gundo or Barnes? Leaning Barnes but surely everyone needs a city asset for gw2?

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    1. Eleven Hag
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Precisely why went for Gundagon, but not sure if he will start vs Norwich 100%

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    2. Holteenderinthesky
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Barnes vs Wolves, Save yourself .5 and make the swap for next weekend

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    3. Patron
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      well if u dont have Mahrez then its Barnes I guess

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      1. Patron
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I meant Gundo...

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    4. Guba
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Going Barnes myself with 0.5 in the bank and will see how both do. Can get Gundo for Norwich if he looks threatening.

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  3. Kane Train
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez or Sanchez

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    1. altan8797
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      if you've got someone on your mind to get with that extra 1m then sanchez

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    2. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sanchez

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    3. Patron
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      sanchez for me

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    4. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'm going Martinez

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    5. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sanchez

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  4. altan8797
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    a) amartey-barnes-antonio
    b) lowton-benrahma/smith-ings

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    1. Patron
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      im doing a

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  5. finnish92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Barnes or Maddison?

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    1. altan8797
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      had the same dilemma, currently on barnes

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    2. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Barnes

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    3. Patron
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      im on barnes, hope he starts... the comments confused me

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  6. drughi
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who to partner toney up top ?

    A. Ings
    B. Antonio
    C. Bamford

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    1. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ings Antonio until fixture turn

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      1. Arvin-ation
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        +1

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    2. Patron
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      b

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    3. Flynny
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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    4. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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  7. BigAsGiroud_
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Wanna fit Antonio in,

    Bachmman Foster
    TAA Shaw Veltamn Ayling Tosimkas
    Salah Bruno Mahrez Barnes Benrahma
    Ings Toney Perica

    A) Toney+Benrahma+Veltman
    to
    Antonio+Brownhill+Coufal

    B) Mahrez+ Perica + Benrahma
    to
    Antonio+Gundo+Brownhill

    C) Mahrez+ Toney + Benrahma
    to
    Greenwood+ Antonio +Raphinha

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  8. RedJive79
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Shaw and Benrahma
    or
    Coufal and Buendia??

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    1. Patron
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      shaw and ben for me

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    2. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A. Benrahma had a great pre season and will be an exciting punt. Shaw coming off the back of a good Euros

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    3. RedJive79
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks!

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      1. Shark Team
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Shaw + Ben

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  9. Flynny
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any views on preferred option please?

    A.....Benrahma mahrez 352

    B....Antonio greenwood 343

    Thanks

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    1. Holteenderinthesky
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B for me

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    2. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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  10. Patron
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hey, just an openminded discussion: Do you think there is a way to start without Trent?

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    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Of course

      Just do it with eyes wide open

      If he does what Trent often does, you’re fcked

      But if he doesn’t do what Trent often does, and whoever you went with in his stead does what Trent often does, then you’re good

      Until Trent does what Trent often does again - then your fcked

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      1. Patron
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks for the reply, I thought of going with Tsimikas to cover the clean sheets atleast. Its 3.5 mils less damn...

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    2. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes but you will be closing the TV when Liverpool plays

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      1. Patron
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I guess everyone does that from time to time for a certain player haha, cheers

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    3. TKC07
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I feel like TAA is not a must have as long Tsi covers CS points. I feel its a huge upgrade in MID/FW with the extra funds. Consider below combo players with & without TAA. At least it looks great on paper for me.

      A1) TAA + Ings
      B1) Tsi + Lukaku

      OR

      A2) TAA + Ings
      B2) Tsi + Lukaku

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      1. Zimo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        U repeated the same options 😛

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        1. TKC07
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          my bad..

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      2. TKC07
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        •• Correction.
        A2) TAA + Buendia
        B2) Tsi + Son

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      3. Patron
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Ye its a lot of money and your team can look pretty good with it. I think ill risk.
        P.S. I wouldnt go with Lukaku from gw1 considering he just signed.

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  11. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA Shaw ____ ( ____ , White)
    Salah Barnes Greenwood Buendia _____
    DCL Antonio (Obafemi)

    A) Cancelo + Jota + Alonso (Gw1 punt)
    + 1.5m ITB to upgrade to Son/Grealish

    B) Tsimikas + Fernandes + Dier + 0m

    I think I prefer A, tbh. B obviously has Bruno but really stretches the team and leaves me with little room to manoeuvre in future weeks and a much poorer bench. Easy downgrade with Alonso for more $$ too.

    Thoughts?
    Cheers

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    1. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B because you will have enough depth on your bench

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      1. Arvin-ation
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers!

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  12. Holteenderinthesky
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I think I'm fairly happy after some tinkering over the past couple of days. How are we looking?

    Sanchez,
    TAA, Shaw, Tsimikas
    Salah, Bruno, Greenwood, Barnes, ESR
    Ings, Antonio

    Steele, Coufal, White, Scarlett
    0.5ITB to upgrade either one of Barnes or Greenwood to Gundo or Grealish for the Norwich game.

    Do I start ESR vs Brentford or Coufal Vs Newcastle?

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      13 players the same. I’ve started with Gundogan over Barnes rather than book in a transfer.

      I’ve also gone Webster over White as I need a playing defender in GW3 when Arsenal play Man City and I may bench ESR.

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      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        You won’t want to sell Greenwood when he has Southampton in GW2 🙂

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      2. Holteenderinthesky
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I really like Barnes especially vs I Wolves feel its a chance to try and get a nice haul before going to a man city lad.

        I'd really want Grealish vs Norwich once he's settled. But whoever flops the most out of Greenwood or Barnes this week there out. Regardless of fixtures has a City lad vs Norwich at home is too good.

        I couldn't have double Brighton Defence. And would definitely go Veltman over Webster if I did. White is in for the long haul for me.

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        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          All good reasoning, can’t argue with any of that. Good luck!

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  13. Warby84
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Southampton are 3/1 to beat Everton, thoughts on the result? I think maybe 0-1 Southampton

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    1. JoeShmoe
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Saints are either going to be ok or a car crash, that back 4 looks super suspect to me, which is why I'm having to go with DCL week 1

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    2. TomSaints
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Saints have the worst record of the current premier league teams on first day results (1 win in 10 years), we also have an awful record at Goodison park.

      Also lost Ings, Vestergaard and unsure if JWP is fit. New strikers to bed in.

      Everton win seems very safe.

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    3. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      1-1

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  14. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Given the small injury concern and Buendia being in a new time - how many % would you give him to start?

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    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He'll very likely start

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    2. Reacher
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      90% I think he is vital for Villas creativity with JG gone

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    3. Khark
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      90%

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    4. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      80%

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    5. Chilli Heatwave
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      90

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  15. Reacher
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Final decisions

    A, Digne, Jota & Mahrez

    or

    B, TAA, Barnes & Gundo

    Thought appreciated

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    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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  16. TKC07
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    RMT. itb 1.0 for Next week transfer Vardy to Lukaku.

    Sanchez | [Foster]
    Shaw | [White] | Tsimikas | Amartey | [Omobamidele]
    Salah (C) | Bruno | Jota | Sarr | [Brownhill]
    Ings | Antonio | Vardy*

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    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      D is a disaster waiting to happen Robbo could return before the international break, Amartey replacement has already been purchased, Omobamidele not expected to start, Shaw and White were on England duty so are doubts for GW1.

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      1. TKC07
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I totally agree with 4.0 def options..

        However both Shaw and White started one friendly match already for clubs.

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  17. mojoindojo
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gundo or Grealish?

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    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish Gw 2 onwards for me

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    2. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish

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    3. Holteenderinthesky
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I've gone with Barnes&Greenwood. Leaving myself 0.5ITB to make the swap to one of them next week when things are a bit clearer.

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      1. Khark
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Exactly the same

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  18. Mouth
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A) Raphinha & Toney (current option)
    B) Benrahma & DCL (knee-jerk option)

    Advice much appreciated

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    1. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B is great

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  19. Miro
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chances of Havertz starting gw1 ?

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    1. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      90%

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  20. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Last question: which trio?
    A) Tsimikas Mahrez Toney
    B) Digne Barnes Jota

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    1. TKC07
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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    2. Wayne Enterprises
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I prefer B but without Digne

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      1. Shark Team
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Maguire/AWB better?

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  21. Redranger
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chose two:

    A) White
    B) Ayling
    C) Veltman

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    1. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      AC

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    2. TKC07
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      AC if you don't have Sanchez.

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  22. Kodap
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Am I G2G? Would really like to get Lukaku in, but will happily leave it for a week or two..

    Sanchez
    Trent - Tsim - Shaw
    Salah (c) - Bruno - Raphina - Grealish - Barnes
    Ings - Antonio

    Bench: Steele - Ayling - Amartey - Obafemi

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    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      love this team

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    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      It’s strong. You’ll need a defender transfer in a week or two, though, but you know that.

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    3. YEAH PITCH!
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nice team

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    4. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Love it. Have a 7.5m (Greenwood/Pepe) place holder + 0.5 instead of Grealish. You think he starts?

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      1. Kodap
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I think he does, but I'm not 100% sure tbh, you surely don't spend £100m on a player to bench him?

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  23. CRAZY TRAIN
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    As a Villa fan I am coming around to the idea of putting Grealish in my team.

    What are the chances of him starting? Is Gundo a better pick?

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    1. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He will start but not great for gw1

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      1. CRAZY TRAIN
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Nope, I just can't do it (seeing him in my team in sky blue is too much)

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    2. Chilli Heatwave
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No chance is he getting near my team, can’t bring myself round to do it

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  24. OldBenKenobi
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bowen a decent differential?
    Great fixtures and only 1.8% ownership

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    1. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rotation risk, good pick though but I prefer Benrahma

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  25. Eleven Hag
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which two?

    Buendia/ Rafinha/ Toney

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    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Buendia and Toney

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    2. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Toney + Buendia(risky)

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  26. TomSaints
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hate the last minute indecision.

    I'm somehow on Townsend as 5th playing mid and a 4.5m striker. Good fixtures, played preseason and some tasty crosses to DCL.

    Also Saints defence could be awful...

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  27. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish + Benrahma/Sarr or Gundogan + Raphinha

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    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      First with Ben

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  28. JoeShmoe
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Why so little love for DCL, will start and that Saints back 4 looks like a car crash

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    1. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ings and Antonio are both great options and having another 8.0 limits you a lot.

      Calvert Lewin is a bit of a risk with no pre season minutes and not coming back from a toe injury.

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

      he had been a major doubt until yesterday

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  29. Millie7
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    GTG??
    Sanchez
    TAA - Tsimikas - Shaw - Veltmam
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Raphinha
    Ings - Antonio

    Foster - Ayling - Gilmour - Obafemi

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  30. Kun Tozser
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez
    Dias Shaw Bertrand White Ayling
    Pepe Barnes Mahrez Benrahma 4.5
    Kane Ings Lukaku

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    1. Eleven Hag
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      10/10

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    2. Warby84
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      2/10

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