Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 3?

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers face another tough captaincy decision for Gameweek 3, and for the first time this season, there are multiple viable options for the armband.

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) was the top pick in each of the first two Gameweeks but surely won’t have it all his own way this time with Chelsea in town. Could it perhaps be a week for a captaincy differential, then?

First, we will assess the fallout of the Gameweek 3 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

Michail Antonio (£7.8m) has emerged as the leader in this week’s captain poll, gaining just over 30% of votes so far. 

Bruno Fernandes (£12.1m) currently sits in second, backed by 15.8%.

Son Heung-min (£10.1m) occupies third place with 13.35% of votes, with the top-five list completed by Danny Ings (£8.1m) and Salah, with 6.72% and 4.66% respectively.

MICHAIL ANTONIO

Vestergaard injury latest as Antonio and Benrahma haul again 2

“Last year I was disappointed with my 10 goals, I wanted 15. Three in two now — who knows, I could even get 20.”

Michail Antonio became West Ham United’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer on Monday night, as his second-half brace helped the Hammers dispatch 10-man Leicester City 4-1.

Now, the question is: can he be relied upon for captaincy in Gameweek 3?

When zoning in on his 2020/21 performances, Antonio produced at least one attacking return in 11 of his 20 appearances in which he featured for over 60 minutes.

However, during that time, he registered just one double-digit haul against Burnley back in Gameweek 34.

That lack of explosive returns is a viable concern, but the fact he produced either eight or nine FPL points on five further occasions, and has started the new season strongly with 13 and 16-point hauls, does suggest that he can step up.

His attacking numbers catch the eye, too.

Across the entire 2020/21 season, Antonio had an expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes rate of 0.60 – a total, amongst all forwards, that only Jamie Vardy (£10.5m) could improve upon:

You can see why that total is so high via his xG shot map, which highlights his ability to get into good shooting locations close to goal:

He’s continued impressing this term, too, as he leads the goal attempts chart after the two opening rounds of 2021/22:

As for his opponents, Crystal Palace, there have been positives from their opening two games. For example, they have conceded just one big chance against Chelsea and Brentford combined, which is perhaps surprising. 

However, in Gameweek 2, despite having a shade more of the ball than Thomas Frank’s side, they still gave up 14 shots and offered very little going forward, which could invite pressure if a similar theme were to persist on Saturday.

Crosses into the box, a key part of the Hammers’ approach under David Moyes, could also be a route to points, given that Ivan Toney (£6.5m) was handed two chances from set-pieces last time out. While Tomas Soucek (£6.0m) and Craig Dawson (£5.0m) are often the intended targets from these types of situations, Antonio’s 11 headed goal attempts in 2020/21 indicate that he could perhaps be one to benefit, too.

Another impressive performer worth mentioning here is Antonio’s team-mate, Said Benrahma (£6.3m). The Algerian seems to have earned the trust of Moyes in recent weeks and is looking sharp in the final third.

It’s also worth noting that Joel Ward (£4.5m) had some difficult moments dealing with Brentford’s overlap last weekend. That suggests that we might see Benrahma deployed on the left again in an attempt to get in behind Palace’s right-back, having featured in a more central role against Newcastle in Gameweek 1.

BRUNO FERNANDES

765 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Bad Seed
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Schmeichel (Ward)

    Ayling - Shaw - Dier - TAA ( Livramento)

    Salah - Bruno - Son(C) - Benrahma ( ESR)

    Ings - Toney ( 4.5m)

    Already did Tsimikas to Livramento. 1 FT left , 0.0 ITB

    Thoughts ?

    1. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Save

  2. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Any chance Targett starts?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Always a chance

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

    Ronaldo at city enough reason to WC after gw3?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I still think im waiting for GW7

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

        If it’s about fixtures, ronaldo faces liverpool away
        Toughest game maybe

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I’m gonna look over IB and see if it’s doable whilst leaving flexibility to get in 2 Chelsea players in GW7. Will probably wait for 7 though.

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

      I'll try hold out til GW7, but with an international break to tinker with a potential WC draft, I might pull the trigger early.

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Would wait a bit
      May be the case he doesn't start immediately

  4. JakeTheRed
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Interested to see your thoughts for the next 4/5 Gameweeks.

    A) Bamford & Traore
    B) Raphina & Jiminez

    Why?

  5. T1P
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Worried I'm going to get killed by Spurs this week 🙁
    Just can't get Kane or Son in. Any other solid spurs attacker?

    I've got;
    Sanchez
    Trent, Shaw and then Duffy or Liv (undecided yet!)
    Salah, Bruno, Benrahma, Greenwood
    DCL, Ings, Antonio

    Thanks

    1. farmerfat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Salah to Son your only real option, but its tough.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I'd leave it

    3. GoalsAloud
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Leave it. Good team

    4. mcginnntonic
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I did trent and greenwood to coufal and son. gonna get trent back in wildcard

  6. ttownstokie
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Do you think Tangana will keep his place at Spurs.?

    1. OLDHERMAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes.

  7. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Ronaldo first home game vs Sou gw5,
    Imagine that.

  8. CHIBBY1990
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    First time asking for someone else's thoughts on here.

    To have the wildcard team I want which includes Kane, Fernandes AND Salah, I have to miss out on TAA. Now my question is: is it more vital to have TAA over the course of the season than EITHER Fernandes or Salah.

    I feel like it's vital to have all 3, but it's impossible for me especially with Kane short term / Lukaku GW7+. My team btw is:

    Sanchez
    Shaw / Reguilon / Dias / Duffy
    Salah / Fernandes / Raphinha / Benrahma
    Kane / Antonio

    Subs: Steele: Livramento / Gilmour / Obafemi

    1. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      At times you have to consider VALUE and TAA value is second to none. You cant have all the big hitters. Your team looks good though.

  9. elmoselite
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Can’t decide who to bench out from my midfielders and forwards for GW3

    1. elmoselite
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      So, who do I drop to 1st sub…?

      Fernandes vs. Wolves (A)
      Greenwood vs. Wolves (A)
      Salah vs. Chel (H)
      Torres vs. Ars (H)
      Benrahma vs. Cry (H)
      Antonio vs. Cry (H)
      Ings vs. Bre (H)
      Adam Armstrong vs. New (A)

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

        Torres

      2. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        No idea. Crazy situation. I'd be inclined to think who could hurt you least.

        Armstrong is the weakest option in theory but Newcastle are open to conceding. Perhaps Torres gets rotated anyway.

      3. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Isn't Armstrong injured and unavailable?

        1. 824545201
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Adam, not Stuart.

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks bruv!

      4. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        If in doubt, could just go for the one with the lowest ownership

      5. Team of Tebilys
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Longer term, I’d consider downgrading one of these (probably Armstrong) to fodder and using the money to upgrade a defender. Otherwise you’ll have minimum 1.5m wasted on the bench each week - the difference between a Williams and a Shaw/James/cancelo. Also saves a benching headache!

        1. Team of Tebilys
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Or Torres actually

  10. mario.10
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    my team :
    sanches
    T.A., Amartey, Digne and shaw
    Salah, Bruno F., Mahrez, Jota
    Toney and Antonio.

    Do you leave this TEAM, and one free transfer?
    or
    1. Jota out - Benhrama in?

  11. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    How do we feel about Barnes vs Norwich?

    Sounds like with Vestergaard out they are unlikely to go to 352. Presumably he's a hold unless we hear something bad?

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

      I held on for one more week. He better bloody play.

    2. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      think the Perez red has done you a favour

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I think that's done Leicester a favour

    3. Team of Tebilys
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I’m holding. This was the (on paper) plum fixture for Barnes and he’s already dropped in price so no gains to be made there.

      Given Leicester’s injuries at CB, I’m not sure they could actually play 3-5-2. So expect Barnes keeps his place. If he doesn’t start there’s still a chance he scores from the bench.

  12. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    As someone who is at 22K OR, do I:

    A. Take the risk and do Salah to Son (For GW 3&4)
    B. Play safe but risk Spurs running a riot

    1. JakeTheRed
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You really had to get the 22k OR in there didn't you? Haha.

      B.

      If you wanted Son for GW3 you would have planned for it beforehand. You don't lose Salah right now.

    2. farmerfat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Been considering this move myself all week. So tough to decide.

    3. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      c. Realise it's not that many points ahead of 200k OR at this stage

  13. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    And a related issue to the above...

    Is the GW4-5 doubt still enough to deter you from investing in Raphinha at this point?

    1. Ginola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I brought him in already, but would recommend you to wait until deadline.

  14. Pranked
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    I've gone full degenerate, play hard or go home.

    WC PLAYED

    Sanchez Begovic
    Shaw TAA Coufal Livramento Duffy
    Benrahma Grealish Pogba Jota Bissouma
    Kane (c) Lukaku Antonio

  15. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    GW5 team assuming Ronaldo is a 12.5 FWD

    Sanchez
    Shaw James Ayling
    Salah Greenwood Benrahma Sarr
    Ronaldo Lukaku Antonio

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      F-me that's something

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

      Whoa. I'm copying that.

    3. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      13 minimum IMO. I’d pay 14 without hesitation.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        They've certainly got a serious decision to make on the pricing

    4. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      no,trent,bruno,kane ,kdb its all going to be pick your best 2 of 5 worthy premiums imo.gd side though...

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Great team, though I'd be 0.2m off affording it! Shows the importance of price changes early on

    6. ksmith5666
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I like that team, certainly deserves some consideration, depends what happens over the next few days with Ronaldo. I would probably swap Salah for Jota then upgrade distribute those additional funds acrpss defence and upgrade Sarr to Raphinia. Making me think though 🙂

  16. kellamergh
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    GTG?

    Sanchez
    TAA Ayling Shaw
    Raph. Greenw'd Bruno Salah Benrahma
    Antonio Ings

    Steele Dennis Tsimikas Veltman

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Lovely stuff

  17. james 101
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Talk me out of a -8 over two GWs to give me this team

    Sanchez

    TAA Shaw Cresswell

    Bruno Benrahma Greenwood Raphinha

    Antonio Kane DCL

    (Foster White Bissouma Tsimikas)

    - Kane joining this week and capping (losing Salah to achieve this).
    - DCL in for Ings next week (fixtures turn).

    Current rank is around 24k btw. So I probably shouldn’t play too aggressively!

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Current team is:

      Sanchez

      TAA Shaw Cresswell

      Bruno Salah Benrahma Greenwood Raphinha

      Antonio Ings

      (Foster Tsimikas White Junk)

      1. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I have same as you except coufal for cresswell. So I'm definitely not using my wildcard until gw7. Just happy to try and maintain rank and chips until then. Way too many ifs and buts to be sorted out yet, not to mention new ones that crop up over the IB. I can envisage a lot of mini wildcards and transfers until then. Stick with it IMHO. Be patient and good luck.

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks mate

      2. Team of Tebilys
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I’d hold. You’re taking a hit on a good team for this gameweek and if Salah/Lukaku scores you may want a different team next week. Could make any move for free next week with 50% more game data at your disposal. But play your own game.. Kane is rarely a bad choice in FPL!

    2. james 101
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      The idea is to set me up for a nice run of fixtures without burning my WC.

      I feel like my team is good enough not to WC this early…

    3. Mighty Wings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You've answered your own question her, don't play it too aggressively.

      No need to lose Ings for this GW, let alone for a hit

      1. Mighty Wings
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        *here

      2. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Ings would be next week mate

        This week would be bringing in Kane to cap him and for the fixtures run

  18. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Bachmann
    TAA Shaw Amartey
    Salah Bruno (c) Mahrez Benrahma Buendia
    Antonio Ings

    Foster Duffy Ayling Obafemi

    1 FT, 0m ITB. Team looks good and save 1 FT? Thanks

  19. Walter White (WW)
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Ronaldo playing for City. I wonder how Utd fans will take that. Especially during the derby

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Not well I imagine

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

      They deserve it. All the years of talking about RVP.

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        😆 Yeah. RVP’s transfer was frustrating tbh

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

        Didn’t have an issue with Schmeichel going there did they.

        1. Walter White (WW)
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          They did

  20. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Suddenly the game is a 12 player game 🙁

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Who are the three locks?

  21. Walter White (WW)
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Salah/Bruno. Who will you sacrifice for Ronaldo?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Salah all day

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        In fact I’ve already sacrificed him to get Kane this week

        1. Walter White (WW)
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah I think Salah would be gone

    2. Mighty Wings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Depends on their form and available cheaper "cover" (Jota, Greenwod) at the time Ronaldo arrives I guess

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Good strategy

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      neither

      1. Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        bruno gone for kane

    4. Icyrx8
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      This one is mostly preference I feel, but Bruno on set pieces could be an edge and he is slightly cheaper.

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        True

    5. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Play the fixtures

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Interesting but I think Salah out for me

    6. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Really tough one! Past seasons show they are neck-and-neck in terms of stats.

      Ultimately would have to go through captaincy decisions GW by GW e.g. probably wouldn't want to captain Ronaldo vs. Chelsea in GW6 where Bruno plays Villa at home and Liverpool play Brentford away

      I think Bruno edges it on this basis (fixtures match-up vs. Ronaldo). Then there's the consideration of whether you prefer Bruno's cover in Greenwood or Salah's cover in Jota.

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Since Bruno joined the PL he has outscored Salah + I prefer to have Bruno(Set pieces). Think Bruno will stay in my team. I would sacrifice Salah lol

    7. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      It all depends on his price and fixtures, that's all

  22. Mighty Wings
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Would you start Tsimi or Livramento (have Trent of course...)?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Livra

    2. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Livra, should be safe and could easily get something against Newcastle the way he's been bombing forward

    3. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Probably Livra but I think Chelsea & Newcastle will score

  23. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Hey guys, considering to captain Wilson as I don’t have any spurs player. What do you think?

    Cheers

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Its a good shout imo and with the captaincy likely to be spread out, its low risk high, reward week.

  24. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Any help appreciated. I’m on wildcard, would you guys go

    Raya or Sanchez

    Reece James or Pereira

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Probably Raya
      Definitely James

  25. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Ronaldo going to be a victim of Pep roulette?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yup - benched for Ferran Torres for prime fixtures at home

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Even before it starts?

  26. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Bench one:
    A) TAA
    B) Shaw
    C) Harrison (likes to score vs Burnley)

    1. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

  27. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    2 FT's any ideas what moves to make? 0.5 ITB

    Sanchez
    Coufal Shaw Dias
    Raphinha Jota Bruno Salah Benrahma (VC)
    Antonio (C) Toney Ings

    Foster Amartey Tsimikas Toney

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Save one, buy Livra

  28. Icyrx8
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Is there a good reason not to captain DCL this week? Man has been impressive so far.

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, difficult fixture.

    2. Ginola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Enough I think: Brighton solid at the back, better candidates this week (Bruno, Antonio, Son)?

  29. chrislt4
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Most votes wins. Which WC team do you prefer? A looks safe & balanced but B looks aggressive & I like it a lot... I'm also a sucker for 3-5-2. If I were to choose A I would need to use a transfer next week to shift Ings. B & I could roll a transfer next week. Any tips welcome.

    A). Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA Shaw Reguilon (Duffy, Livramento)
    Salah Bruno Benrahma Raphina (Bissouma)
    DCL. Antonio Ings

    B). Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA. Coufal. Dier (Duffy, Livramento)
    Salah Bruno Son Benrahma D Gray.
    DCL Antonio (Obafemi)

    1. 824545201
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Close, but A

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A Bamford instead of Ings.

  30. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Morning guys, any advice on what to do here? 2FTs and 0.0itb

    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA Shaw Ayling (Tsimi White)
    Salah Bruno Gundo Barnes (Gilmour)
    Antonio Ings Toney