Podcast

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 9?

Deputy Editor Tom joined Scoutcast regular Joe earlier today to look at the best captaincy candidates for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) in Gameweek 9.

You can watch the video either embedded in this article below or on our YouTube channel.

Chelsea certainly have the most appealing fixture as they host Norwich City in Saturday’s early kick-off. 

That’s why it is no surprise to see Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m) top of the latest poll. Even team-mate Timo Werner (£8.6m) makes a rare appearance in the current top five!

However, Mohamed Salah’s (£12.8m) form, paired with Manchester United’s recent defensive struggles, ensure that this week’s captaincy decision maybe isn’t quite as clear-cut as we first thought.

In our video, we also discuss some of the less considered options, such as Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m), Jamie Vardy (£10.6m), Son Heung-min (£10.1m) and Harry Kane (£12.1m), all of whom have under 3% backing in the poll.

You can cast your vote on the widget of our home page or below, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notified of future episodes.

Don’t forget to check back for our Captain Sensible article later in the week, which will delve into even more detail on the main runners and riders.

864 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Rom all day.

    1. Chelsea Dagger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      flat track bully time

  2. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Buendia nailed on in this villa team now?

  3. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Made the rash decision of getting Vardy and Son in for exact funds last night. Now I'm terrified of having no Lukaku.

    Hopefully Trollaku shows up this weekend

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Those are great moves.

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, sure they'll pan out long term. Sofa time this weekend though

        1. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Lukaku could score a brace against Norwich, but he could just as easily blank or be rested.

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Can see Mount Havertz and James back in, brace incoming

        1. Scots Gooner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Most likely

      • Boxwoods
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Good medium/long term moves. Not rash.

        1. Scots Gooner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks

      • F4L
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        you sold Lukaku?

        1. Scots Gooner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          No, but planned to get him for weeks. Recent blanks turned me off

          1. F4L
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            fair enough, then I'd say you did nothing wrong. Lukaku would just be for the short term, Vardy/Son for long term and you can use your FTs on other issues.

      • FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Blankaku.

        Vardy and Son combined can thump him.

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

        If Lukaku plays midweek you could be laughing. He may get the weekend off - see Tuchel's comments about him having played a lot of games etc

        1. Athletico Underachieving
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Surely if he’s tired he doesn’t play tomorrow and instead plays Saturday? Should thump Malmo either way. Can also get a rest for the EFL cup next Tuesday

    3. BIGREDDOG
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I really still see Salah and Liverpool smashing United. Unless Ole is sacked before that. Salah captain for me. Even with Rom in my team!

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        depends how hard Ole parks the bus, United kept most big teams at bay last year

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          One clean sheet = old toilets worst nightmare.

          1. F4L
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            yeah true, they have looked this year

        2. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Not Liverpool at Old Trafford though. Parking the bus against Liverpool might be asking for trouble.

          1. F4L
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            It'll be good to see how Liverpool get on tonight, Atletico will probably just park the bus.

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

        I don't think they'll hammer United.

      3. Athletico Underachieving
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I swear Luke Shaw has done a good job on Salah a few times

    4. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      KDB > Son sounds good this gw? Gives me -

      Ramsdale
      TAA - Dias - James - Livramento
      Salah - Son - Foden - ESR
      Lukaku - Hwang

      Foster - Armstrong - Manquillo - Brownhill

      KDB was always the Son placeholder on WC. Moreover, I’d need to downgrade next gw anyway to fund ESR > Raphinha.

      Would also leave me enough cash to do Armstrong > Toney in gw 11.

      Thoughts? 🙂

      1. Phlajo
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Downgrade Lukaku to Vardy or Armstrong to 4.5 and then ESR to Raphinha?

        Id keep KdB. Owner myself.

        1. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          It’s just that I fancy Son more than KDB.

          Much more chances of Sonnooints in a low scoring Spurs game than a high scoring City game

          1. Phlajo
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Well if you think he is better then surely it's a good move as he's a lot cheaper too 🙂

    5. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      *Repost

      Trent still the best attacking defensive asset to own in FPL. No other player in his price range can put him to bed. He will even take on premium forwards full stop.

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

        Agree but still minded to bench him next GW. Sarr comes in.

      2. F4L
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        tbh I get the feeling the combined Chelsea LWB spot/possibly even RWB spot will outscore TAA's PPG this season, but they're just not nailed sadly.

      3. jackruet
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cancelo might challenge him if he plays regularly

    6. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Werner

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        German

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

      Cancelo goal, Laporte offside.

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        ... Rodri?

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

          Um, yeh. Look like identical twins to me

          1. Hazz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Got it this time 😉

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

              Nostradamus, me 😉

    8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku had only 19 touches v Brentford. Now 6 games without a goal

      Captaincy not as clear cut?

      https://twitter.com/sonofchelsea/status/1450504923901272065?s=21

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        2 offside goals in last 2 games. Hit post against Soton too. Brentford a solid side. He’s home to the worst side in the league and there’s no other good options. It’s an obvious decision that doesn’t need overthinking

      2. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Norwich right now are an entirely different team to Brentford, let's be honest.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Fact is Lukaku needs to be a reference point as per Conte meaning a target man

          This does not exist in Tuchel's style of play. Neither does it in Pep or Klopp's system.

          Lukaku has every chance to score vs Norwich but with bodies surrounding him being a stick man with no balls being fed to only him, he may end up like lamp post again.

          1. Hazz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Uh? That is not what Conte said at all. Lukaku is NOT just a target man. That's the problem, since he's being played as one.

            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              What is a referance point?

              1. Hazz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                "... meaning a target man". Assume you've got confused with the wording then, sorry?

                1. FOO FIGHTER
                  • 4 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Sorry but Lukaku does not work in a pass and move system. He is the type of player you want in the box.

                  1. Hazz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    2 years, 5 months ago

                    Mate did you watch him play for Inter?

                  2. Hazz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    2 years, 5 months ago

                    Lukaku is fast and excels when he can run into space onto the ball. He is actually great at coming in from the wing.

                    He's also strong on the ball in space, but then again he's an elite forward and has many facets to his game.

                    1. FOO FIGHTER
                      • 4 Years
                      2 years, 5 months ago

                      Lukaku is not able to pull the moves of Messi, Suarez, Salah etc.

                      Lukaku needs the ball fed to him on point to score.

                      It is not happening at Chelsea.

                    2. FOO FIGHTER
                      • 4 Years
                      2 years, 5 months ago

                      Conte says hi.

      3. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yes. Norwich being poor doesn't mean you can ignore his form. 5 blanks in 7 PL games. His form is bound to turn soon though.

        1. Walter White (WW)
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Norwich haven’t been poor last 2 gws

          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Against poor opposition but a point well made, defence has improved. Resting him v Malmo could be a good tonic for him before Canaries.

            1. Amartey Partey
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Brighton aren't poor though.

    9. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Semedo, Greenwood, Antonio ->
      James, Mbuemo and Vardy (-8)?

      Really don’t want the first 3, but too risky, right?

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yes too risky. I’d just ship Semedo.

        1. FPLtfs
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Semedo -> Azpi for free?

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Don’t get Reece James - nearly always comes off the bench when benched

        1. FPLtfs
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Exact cash for Semedo -> Azpi

    10. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Mahrez, Foden and Cancelo played full 90's at the weekend and starting again today. Surely they have to be the major rotation risks for GW9

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yes for sure

        • Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Probably

        • F4L
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          League cup midweek might save them, but I'm concerned about Cancelo got sent off vs Brighton last time and Pep might go for the more defensive full backs to counter Brighton's wing backs.

      2. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        If Lukaku blanks against NOR I’m seriously considering a Vardy swap

        1. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I think he’s better to have against Newcastle then Norwich.

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

          I expect we all will. Similarly if Antonio blanks again we'll be piling on Nacho.

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

            Is that not a bit results-based rather than performance-based?

            I still think West Ham look good and that Antonio will tick along. Is Iheanacho's place even secure?

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

              If Brendan goes with the 352 next game and they win, I'd say he is.

      3. JariL
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Would you take a hit to replace Ronaldo? Feels wrong to bring in Rom for a hit... Used my FT on Jota --> Raphinha

        0FT 1.3 ITB

        Sanchez
        TAA / Rudiger / Christensen
        Salah(C) / Foden / Raphinha / Benrahma / Sarr
        Ronaldo / Antonio

        4.0gk / Livramento / White / 4.4fwd

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

          You gonna cap Rom?

          I'd certainly wait until Friday whichever way.

          1. JariL
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            I think if I brought him in for a hit, I'd have to captain. But I'm fine with captaining Salah against United without Varane. I will surely wait until Friday. Tricky situation!

      4. F4L
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cancelo goal, Foden on fire dictating play

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

        Cancelo great composure for goal.

      6. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cancelo undroppable.

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

          I expect Pep to do just that this GW.

          1. Paqueta Rice
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah? He is going to need a rest at some point that’s for sure. Tuesday game and late kick off Saturday helps his chances of playing I guess

          2. Radzio
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Full 3 days rest plus they play 5.30 against very solid BRI side, what's the point of benching him?

          3. Amartey Partey
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Unless he takes him off in the 60th minute in this game.

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

              I'd appreciate that. Give Foden short minutes too. I brought them both in only last week.

      7. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Lukaku has had one big chance and one shot on target in the last 4 games.

        1. Walter White (WW)
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Impressive numbers from Lolkaku

        2. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          And why is that?

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Dunno, will the reason for it be changed?

            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Blank after blank does not fit in Tuchel's style of play otherwise he would be hauling like a mofo.

          2. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Fatigue possibly? Challenge him in the air and don't let him get a step on you with ball at his feet on land. Great in the air and if he gets a run at you he's lethal but minimising those strengths can stop him being so effective.

        3. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Mentally tired.

      8. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Some finish from Cancelo. Joao

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Suarez esc.

          1. Paqueta Rice
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            The man is in around the penalty spot every time they go forward

      9. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Why do my players always return in the UCL but never the league

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Don’t buy players that play in both to avoid disappointment in future I reckon 😉

      10. Im New Here
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Salah captain for me until he stops this run of form. He's on fire currently.

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Thinking the same. Have not made my transfers yet though and Rom is tempting

        2. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Salah for me all but locked in.

          Just need to decide on a Ronaldo replacement

        3. Kellz86
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Can’t argue with a Salah (c) atm, but surely if you have Rom you’d be hard pressed not to capt him against Norwich, if he blanks then it’s rage time lol

          1. Im New Here
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            I have Lukaku and am going Salah (c). Can't ignore the form for me.

      11. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Brought Cancelo in on UCL fantasy with one of my ft 😎

      12. F4L
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Mahrez on pens

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

          He's on pens, he's the only one that's had a proper pre-season and Pep has to pick him#

          Oh wait sorry this isn't GW1 - as you were

          1. F4L
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            😛

      13. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Get Cancelo off!

        1. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Disgusting. Let him finish the match 1st.

      14. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yep. Cancelo Foden and Mahrez in my FPL team. F all at home vs Burnley and all haul away against a Champions league team

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Standard!

      15. squ1rrel
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        GTG?

        Sa
        TAA - Azpi - Cancelo - Livra
        Salah - Son - Sarr
        Vardy - Jimenez - Toney

        Steele - Saka - Allan - Williams

        0 FT, 0.0 ITB

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

        Ooof

        Foden's rest at the weekend is going to sting owners

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Unless he comes off at 60 for Sterling or Jesus

        2. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          As a Foden owner I love when people start making comments like this about players I own.

          It’s when you know they’re terrirfied.

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

            Terrified for his poor, poor owners 🙁

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

            ownership is too low to be scared of foden. good chance he doesnt start

            1. Grande Tubarão
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              I clearly disagree 🙂 To each their own though. The less that own the happier I am.

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

          Lucky I have a deep bench. Trent would be the one filling in.

      17. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Who can play in Cancelos place?

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Zinchenko, Ake.

        2. Kellz86
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Ake was used as left back I believe

        3. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Zinchenko on left Walker on right

        4. jackruet
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Zinchen

        5. Kellz86
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Laporte had also done some shifts at fullback but can’t remember if he was right or left

        6. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Cancelo is a RB by trade. If Walker does not feature, Cancelo will IMO.

        7. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          City might need him against Brighton. Not an easy game for them.

      18. Jimbo-Jones
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Doucoure > Mbuemo the obvious move?
        1ft, 0.2itb

        Sanchez
        TAA Rudiger Christensen Livra
        Salah KDB Sarr Doucoure
        Lukaku Antonio

        White Gilmour Scarlett

        1. BrockLanders
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yep

        2. yeahbuddy
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Save as Doucoure has Watford at home? Transfer could be made next week with 2 FT

          1. yeahbuddy
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Nvm just saw the injury. Yep good trade

      19. BrockLanders
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Mahrez pen. Off at 60mins would cement his weekend selection..

      20. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Foden to retire as the best English player ever?

        1. BrockLanders
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Bit early for that talk. Looks very special though

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

          If I recall correctly someone on here was putting him in the frame for a Balon D'Or after the Andorra assist