Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 2?

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are faced with a tough captaincy decision for Gameweek 2.

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£12.1m) go head-to-head again after huge opening-day hauls, but there are other FPL assets whose cases deserve examining too, including Sadio Mané (£12.0m), Riyad Mahrez (£9.0m) and Son Heung-min (£10.0m).

First, we will assess the fallout of the Gameweek 2 Captain Poll, before then analysing the leading candidates, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Saturday’s 11:00 BST deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Unsurprisingly, Salah has dominated the vote so far.

The Egyptian midfielder, who produced a goal and two assists last time out, has gained 63.4% 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 Fernandes currently in second place, backed by 19.79%.

Mahrez occupies third place with 2.88% of votes, with the top-five list completed by Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) and Mane, with 2.3% and 1.54% respectively.

MOHAMED SALAH AND SADIO MANE

1,133 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Just not interested in Man City this season, never thought I’d say that

    Dias and De Bruyne I’d usually consider but Dias is slightly pricey and to get KDB you’d have to drop one of Salah or Bruno and it’s not worth the hassle really

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      you will 100% be interested in city at some point this season

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        May change but even at home vs Norwich it’s a nay from me

      2. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Maybe Grealish and Cancelo but the rest seem unlikely. Or Kane if he signs

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      They looked really really bad against us

      I think it’s a wait and see who emerges as the best options or until they’re defence is firing and get on then

      Looks like many gambled on them getting a good start

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Lots of 1st team were out and others unfit. I doubt they will be playing like that in 3 games.

    3. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Last season they were half way down the table by the 8th game. They will be back and you’ll want them. It’s just when, not if.

    4. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think there could be some value in defence - Stones should be first choice and he's a threat at corners.

      Otherwise, I generally agree with your point. The rotation further forward makes it a nightmare - I hate that wait for the teamsheet.

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Need an injury bottleneck to signpost someone as a reliable starter for an extended period of time

      Maybe if a DGW falls well in terms of opposition and coincides with someone who has to play because of injury or suspension elsewhere etc

      Outside of that they’re looking like fools gold in FPL, Pep just has too many options

    6. CarelessGenius©
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      If they dump Nor 5-0, there'll be a clamouring for their assets...

      1. Jenas
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        This

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

      Quite a statement, imagine most of us are gonna be very interested at some point.

    8. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Come back after they hit 6 against Norwich...

      1. TomSaints
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I think that’s part of the trap though.

        If you get a city player they will likely get a haul. But then be benched or late sub. So you’ve got to average it over 2-3 games as haul, rest, blank.

        Might still come out on top but just seems like a lot of risk for limited benefit.

      2. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Will do, even if they hammer Norwich which they might likely do, still no interest as whomever does well is probably benched next week

  2. Riggs
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA Shaw Tsimikas (Ayling) (White)
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Barnes (Brownhill)
    Ings Antonio Toney

    A) roll a transfer
    B) Barnes -> Raphinha / Benrahma
    C) Greenwood -> Raphinha / Benrahma
    D) Ings -> DCL
    E) White -> other 4.5

    1. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Easy save

      1. Riggs
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Cheers.

    2. Gromit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Very easy save.

      Good team, no need for a transfer.

      You may want the 2FT to do something with Tsimikas.

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

        Roll

      2. Riggs
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Cheers.

    3. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      C

  3. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Who to bench?
    A. Torres
    B. Jesus
    C. Dele Alli

    1. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Pwoahhhh pray Pep decides for you?

      Torres or Jesus is benched. You need to predict who he goes for. I’d say bench Torres

      1. pjomara
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks.
        There's also the question, even if benched, would Torres or Jesus outscore Alli by playing 20 min v Norwich at home vs Alli away to Wolves

    2. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think I would bench Torres. He's been woeful twice in a row now.

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Bench Alli and let Pep make the decision for you if he benches either of the other 2

    4. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bench 1

      A) Tsmikas (BUR)
      B) Raphina (EVE)
      C) Benrahma (LEI)
      D) AWB (sou)
      E) Toney (pal)

      Have Shaw & TAA.

      Based on fixture i feel it should be Benrahma but then having no him and Antonio seems risky

      1. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Probably Toney given that he never managed a single goal attempt v ARS.

        1. In FPHell
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Toney vs Palace is a completely different prospect though. It’s a tough one but Toney can’t be benched here. I’d bench Raphina reluctantly

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

        I always go for a defender in this situation, Toney didn't get a shot off in the last game but he played well and he's always full of confidence.

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

        Bench D

      4. Bobby_Baggio
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        d

    5. CarelessGenius©
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bench Toney, I reckon.

    6. checkit_j
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bench one

      1. Benrahma
      2. Raphina

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

        Flip a coin

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Benny

        • ARAB-KAY
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Depending on the opportunity. Bench Raphinha

      3. DR0GBA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Sanchez
        Tsimikas Digne Shaw (White Manquillo)
        Mount Havertz Bruno Salah (c) (Gilmour)
        Wilson Ings Antonio

        A) Save FT
        B) Bring in Lukaku (Ditch Salah/Bruno)
        C) Try to bring in Lukaku next week instead?

        1. Professional Fowl
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          A

      4. RocketMan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        struggling for who to bench.. 1 of these

        A) Wilson
        B) Antonio
        C) Shaw

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          You must have one hell of a team if that is your benching dilemna.

          Possibly Wilson as he plays for NEW.

          1. RocketMan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            ye my fixtures are on point and playing my 4.1 defender (tsimi) means benching one of these this week

        2. Rassi
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          C

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

          C

      5. CarelessGenius©
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        How long can we milk the Tsimikas teat?

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Gwks 1-3. Robinson back in light training.

        2. Wings Fan
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Maybe to GW3

        3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          For me only until after this week unless Robbo has a setback. I won't play him v Chelsea next week, then comes the IB. Another 6 points and he'll have done all I wanted honestly, anything more is a nice bonus

      6. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I think Ivan Toney feels like one of those classic cases where he fails to score in his opening three, drops 0.2 in price, goes on a run of scoring three in four, goes back up in price and then doesn't score again for weeks.

        Classic FPL.

        1. CarelessGenius©
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          A 'confidence' trickster, I reckon.
          Soon, that 6.5m might not seem so much of a bargain...

      7. Trovsmash
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Any Newcastle fans around, can you tell me who takes set pieces?

        1. Kambo
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Hi! I would love to share but unfortunately I am not a Newcastle supporter! Sorry!

      8. More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Anyone know for TM's last man standing competition if the safety score is after hits...assume so?

        1. Jimmers
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Safety score is always after hits

      9. More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Is it madness going without any City this weekend? Feels like madness...

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Who do you get in and for who?

          1. ARAB-KAY
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Debruyne or Mahrez in n Kane out cos it is looking likely that he will not play this weekend again

          2. @persecuted_by_mods
              2 years, 8 months ago

              This, it's not that man city are totally unappealing. Its the question of who leaves your team and who comes in, and whether that is worth it

          3. ARAB-KAY
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah. Cos they will be out for blood after loosing to Tottenham

          4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Seems like a lot are going without myself included. Don't think it's worth the transfer and rotation risk and I won't plan on keeping them after. Honestly only the possibility of Kane being there is all I'd be considering in the next few weeks, maybe Stones if they look settled at the back but they started off slow last season too so I'm not confident of that. KDB of course too but his returns weren't great for a premium last year and has injury history so would need to see him pick things up

        2. @Bryan
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Start ESR or Ayling this week?

          Any insight from Chelsea or Arsenal fans in particular whether they are expecting the trouncing that everyone else expects?

          - Looking at past results I see in the last game vs Chelsea ESR bagged a goal.

          - Leeds are at home, first game with fans.

          - Leeds are still missing llorente at the back.

          Bit of a toss up tbh, I originally was thinking Ayling so may just go with that.

          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Ayling.

          2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Ayling. ESR did score in that game but it was from a bad backpass from Jorginho if memory serves me well and was a tap in, Arsenal just defended for the whole game otherwise and I can't see them doing much better this weekend

          3. Professional Fowl
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I have same issue and I'm going ESR

        3. MG13
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Question: I am really looking yo buy one of the 5.5m options at Everton - trying to decide between Townsend and Gray.
          Who do you think is more nailed (when/ if James and Sigurdson come back, who is more likely to be starting?)

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Townsend

          2. Joey Tribbiani
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Townsend has less competition on the right wing

          3. Bobby Digital
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Gray was really advanced in the heatmaps vs Sou. The most advanced player for Everton.

            1. gergin
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              With 0 end product. By the way Thousend is the same - 16 goals in 150 PL games.

        4. ARAB-KAY
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I will go for Salah

        5. liiusions
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Bench order for the following? Got a feeling may need it this week (but hopefully not)

          A) Gilmour (mci)
          B) White (CHE)
          C) Livramento (MUN)

          Currently on ABC

          1. waldo666
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Yep, that order.

        6. Purse83
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Playing 442 with TAA Shaw Tsimi Veltman (out) and White - other playing sub is Brownhill

          Do I make a change or just roll with White/Brownhill?

          1. the dom 1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Im rolling with White/Brownhill too lad

            1. the dom 1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              on my bench that is 😉

          2. TheTinman
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Ouch. Bit unlucky they both have a bad fixture when you need them. Start White

            1. Purse83
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Appreciated mate, White it is and hoping he justifies his £50m price tag…I’d take 2 points!

        7. WVA
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I'm so confused by the captaincy pole, am I missing something? I thought it was 50/50 this week but Salah is on 63% despite having never scored against Burnley!

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              2 years, 8 months ago

              He has scored against them I'm sure

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                Once, in 2017

              2. the dom 1
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                Salah = 1 Goal v Burnley

                Mane = 4 Goals v Burnley

            • TheTinman
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              These kind of stats mean little in my opinion. Liverpool have changed, Salah has changed, Burnley have changed and its in front of an Anfield crowd who are chomping at the bit to create a mental atmosphere

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                Burnley have hardly changed for years

                1. TheTinman
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 8 months ago

                  They're on a slide. Relegated this year or close to it

                  1. Wild Rover
                    • 13 Years
                    2 years, 8 months ago

                    I wish. I say this every year, but it never happens.

              2. the dom 1
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                100% agree with this*

                Stats was for Super Saint...

              3. Rassi
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                This. People tend to read too much into these kind of statistics.

            • Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Someone had a great recap of his Burnley history the other day

              Something like 1 goal and 2 assists in 8 games I believe

              Big Seany knows how to nullify him more often than not

            • WVA
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Surely the best way to look at this week's captaincy decision is who could do the most damage? Both are very likely to return but which opposition is more likely to get rolled over and hammered, us of course, Bruno is much more likely to score big this week.

              1. Bennerman
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                Pushing it to be 'so confused' though, is it not? Salah at home to Burnley ain't massively confusing, whatever past record he has, surely

          2. Andrew Garfield
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Any replacement recommend please !!!
            Sanchez
            TAA Tsim Shaw
            Salah Bruno Barnes, Greenwood
            Antonio Ings Toney

            Foster , Ayling, White, Brownhill

            My opionion
            1. Barnes-->Benrahma
            2. Ings-->DCL
            3. Keep FT

            1. MG13
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              1 or 3

          3. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Son to Mahrez hokey cokey?

            1. Steve The Spud
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Absolutely not

            2. Rassi
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Hell no.

          4. Steve The Spud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Norwich are being written off, I think they’ll do ok against city

            3-1 max

            1. CarelessGenius©
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              A Pukki hatty eh?

          5. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Some nice price falls emerging

            Henderson, Sancho, Kane, Saka could all become decent options in the coming weeks.

            1. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              It's just 0.1

              1. TheTinman
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                He's obviously from Yorkshire

          6. Scots Gooner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Surprised so many are keen on Salah vs Burnley's notorious low block over Bryno vs Southampton's notorious high line

            1. lespaul
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              to me it's screaming Salah penalty

            2. Steve The Spud
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              That ‘low block’ is more leaky than a colander these days

          7. Lord of Ings
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Save FT or make a move guys?

            Sanchez
            Taa shaw tsimikas ayling/Coufal
            Salah bruno mahrez Barnes
            Ings Antonio

            Foster brownhill perica*

            G2G?
            Also would you start ayling or coufal?
            Looks pretty 50-50 to me..

            1. the dom 1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              I'd start Ayling imo..

          8. Kodap
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Is Salah the best captain option this week? (obviously that's what the poll says)

            But wondering whether it's worth a punt on someone like Grealish?

            1. the dom 1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Up to you really lad...

              1. Bennerman
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                Everyone could answer this to ever question and it wouldn't be much of a forum!

            2. CRAZY TRAIN
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              I've no idea

            3. Rassi
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Salah is the most popular captain option. On monday evening I will tell you who was the best one.

            4. Mr.K
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              I don't think you can even make an educated guess with City. Knowing Pep, Grealish might not even start. Or he might score 3+2. It's a complete coin toss if you ask me.

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

                I'd pick the one who gets the most points.

          9. the dom 1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I have a gut feel Gundo will probably come off the bench this week if he gets a cameo at all that is!

            Thoughts?

            1. Bobby_Baggio
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              I think he will come off the bench for a few mins

              1. the dom 1
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                My gut is saying Gundo > Greenwood and just stay clear of City lol

                1. Silecro
                  • 6 Years
                  2 years, 8 months ago

                  how long do you see Greenwood starting? i'm in same position with Gundo but i am very hesitant to spend a free transfer this early on a player who isnt even nailed. Should Greenwood retain place even when cavani comes back?

            2. Emiliano Sala
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              0 minutes

          10. Eirern
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I have both Jota and ESR in the team. What are their chances of playing this GW?

            Use 1FT or roll for next GW?
            1.0 itb

            Sanchez
            TAA / Shaw / Coufal
            Salah / Bruno / Jota / ESR
            Toney / Antonio / Ings

            Steele / Amartey / White / Brownhill

          11. Bobby_Baggio
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Which one please? Thanks.

            Sanchez
            Tsimikas - TAA - Coufal - Shaw
            Salah - Bruno - Raphina
            Toney - Antonio - Ings

            (Steele) - Gundo - White - Brownhill

            A) Save and have 2 FT next GW.
            B) Gundo > Barnes.
            C) Gundo > Greenwood.
            D) Gundo > Sarr

            1. Emiliano Sala
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              a

              1. Bobby_Baggio
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                cheers

          12. Mr.K
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Would be happy to hear someone's thoughts on this. I'm leaning towards saving but unless Bertrand starts the bench is not great for this week and Jota is a bit of a rotation risk.

            A) Save
            B) Jota -> Greenwood

            Sanchez
            Tsimaikas - Shaw - Digne
            Raphinha - Jota - Salah - Bruno
            DCL - Antonio - Wilson

            Bachmann - White - Bertrand - Brownhill

            1. Bobby_Baggio
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Save - Your starting 11 will all play

              1. Mr.K
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                Thank you, Sir!

            2. CHIBBY1990
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Even if Jota doesn't start, he's very likely to come on has potential to do bits. I'd save your transfer unless you have somebody in mind long term?