Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 9?

The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) captaincy debate for Gameweek 9 has been completely turned on its head by an injury to Romelu Lukaku (£11.6m) during Wednesday nights UEFA Champions League win over Malmo.

As a result, Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) again looks like the leading armband candidate, but there are other options on the radar too, including Kai Havertz (£8.1m), Son Heung-min (£10.2m), Harry Kane (£12.1m) and the in-form Jamie Vardy (£10.7m).

First, we will assess the fallout of the Gameweek 9 captain poll, before then analysing the best options, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Friday’s 18:30 BST deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Mohamed Salah leads the captain poll for the fifth time this season, having gained 39.47% of total votes from our users at the time of writing.

Kai Havertz currently sits in second, and is backed by 15.97% of FPL managers ahead of his appealing Stamford Bridge encounter against Norwich City, while Jamie Vardy occupies third-place with 11.98%. 

The top-five list is completed by differentials Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) and Harry Kane, with 4.7% and 2.9% respectively.

MOHAMED SALAH

HOW HAS CAPTAIN SENSIBLE PERFORMED SO FAR THIS SEASON?

Gameweek1st2nd3rd
1Salah (17)Fernandes (20)Mane (3)
2Salah (3)Fernandes (1)Mane (8)
3Son (10)Antonio (11)Fernandes (2)
4Ronaldo (13)Salah (8)Lukaku (13)
5Salah (12)Mane (8)Ronaldo (6)
6Ronaldo (2)Salah (7)Antonio (8)
7Lukaku (2)Ronaldo (1)Antonio (2)
8Salah (13)De Bruyne (11)Mane (8)
853 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bruno to KDB
    Yes or No?

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

      Decent move

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

    3. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good move, especially now with news Bruno might be injured.

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks. No idea about Bruno being injured. Hope you don't have a news on KDB 😀

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah, hopefully KDB is fine, as I have him too

      2. Thanos
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        When did he get injured??

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Apparently in the Atalanta game. Didn't train yesterday.

      3. Bonus magnet
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        sauce (ketchup or brown )

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Ben Dinnery on twitter

    4. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yea

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

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

      no

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks. Would you like to elaborate reasons? Would be grateful

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

          Don't object to losing Bruno but KdB is imo no better an asset than Foden. Not looking at price - simply likely returns.

          1. Mozumbus
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks a bunch

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

    A. Kane Mbeumo
    B. Toney Havertz

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      A

    4. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Auba, Havertz?

  3. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Sarr -> Havertz (-4)
    B) Saka -> Havertz (-4)
    C) Dont bother

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C, it’s just a fad, like yo-yos.

  4. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Greenwood>Havertz for free?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It's a no from me

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

        What's your reasoning?

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

    Toughest week for captaincy as a man utd fan..Got vardy. Utd fans what's your thoughts?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Tumbleweeds (they all went Salah).

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

      Even as a United fan, I cannot see us keeping Liverpool out. We are way too open at the back and I fear Liverpool will maul us.

  6. El_Gigante
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA, Rudiger, Cancelo, Livra
    Salah, Raph, Sarr
    Ronaldo, Jimi, Antonio

    (Steele, Bennie, White, Gilmour)

    Ronaldo > Vardy, Sarr / Ben > Havertz for -4? Sarr or Ben?

  7. One Wheels Enough
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is it worth binning either Shaw or Ronaldo for a hit or -8 for both.

    Options include the bandwagons of Chelsea defs (have Alonso with bench cover) and Vardy.

    They did assist and score the winner on Wednesday....

    1. Angelic upstart
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I would sell Shaw but keep Ronaldo. I can see Ronaldo scoring. I can't see United keeping a clean sheet anytime soon.

  8. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start?

    A) Saka (AVL-H) (chance of cameo)
    B) Livramento (BUR-H)

    Cheers and good luck all!

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

    To play

    1. Livra
    2. Hwang

    1. Angelic upstart
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      1

  10. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Start 2

    A Toney
    B Mbuemo
    C Livra
    D Broja

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ab

    2. Angelic upstart
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B and D

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

      AD - always back your strikers

  11. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to get rid of first for -4

    Jota.shaw or sarr

  12. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Or.mauapay

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Maupassant much better.

  13. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bit of a weird one but over the next 3 games which represents the best option

    A Jimenez and Havertz for a -4 this week

    B Vardy and Benrahma then switched to Mbeumo from next week?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B easy

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

    It'll be sweet if Vardy gets the triple rise this week - some way off still but piling on the transfers so not impossible.

    10.4 was a decent investment 🙂

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Vardylay Industries!

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

        Wow, is that a Seinfeld reference?

        1. artvandelay316
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yes.

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

            Ahahaha. Perfect that you answered this. Where did you pop up from?

            It’s on Netflix now. I don’t think the younger generation deserve it.

            1. artvandelay316
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              I've been staking out this lobby for a while now!

              I have been enjoying it on Netflix! Upscaled to UHD too at last!

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say that is impossible given tonight's deadline, but a 0.2 rise is pretty nice all the same 🙂

    3. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      still feels like coming in late on the vardy train

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

        It's one of those where I feel a bit cross that he's suddenly in the limelight.

        It was impossible to sell him on here last week. And I was glorying in him as a differential. Looking for the upside now he's so hot 😉

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

      Can’t see it as there’s a game tonight.

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

        Unlikely but he had over 300K inward yesterday and that I think is not far short of what he needs now if I'm reading it right. Still plenty to lose Lukaku.

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

          Yeah but it gets reset after the deadline. Nobody will be transferring him in at the beginning of the game week.

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

        And FFIx has him rising tonight and they are I think a bit more reliable than FP stats this season

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

          It gets reset

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

            I rather suspect Fix know that.

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

            It's not as simple as it just getting reset, though.

            FPLstats says this: "A percentage of the carryover transfers will be lost at the gameweek changeover for those players who have changed in value in the previous gameweek."

            A percentage. So there is an adjustment, but not a 'reset'. According to FPLstats at least, and whoever does that understands the machinations better than most.

            1. rainy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              They're reset at the beginning of a gameweek, bringing the NTI required for a change in price down to the base figure, which multiplies with each change in price and is reset again the next gameweek

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

                Again, surely they are adjusted rather than reset?

                FPLstats: "A further change to the price predictions table is made at the end (and also at the commencement) of each gameweek when the system reassesses the effective baseline value of all players and adjusts each players value accordingly"

                1. rainy
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  What I wrote and what you've quoted can both be accurate

  15. M_Rega96
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo > Vardy and Jota > Havertz
    Worth it for a -4?

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jota to Havertz only.
      No hit for a nailed player.

      1. M_Rega96
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Can’t afford just the Jota > Havertz unfortunately. Torn on what to do

        1. Mozumbus
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Hold or Ronaldo to Vardy only

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Why Havertz?

  16. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on holding and benching Lukaku before moving in GW10? I've already used my FT (lesson learned....again) and not keen on the popular move for Vardy. Am I safe enough to hold? Had a mediocre start but slowly making progress and don't want to undo that. Any thoughts very much appreciated.

    Sanchez

    TAA, Christensen, Coady, Dier

    Salah, Foden, Mbueno, Sarr

    Jimenez, Wood

    Subs: McGovern, Lukaku, Duffy, Mendy

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

      Looks fine for the week, I'd just be wary of Lukaku being out longer than the 1 GW.

      Is also a chance Foden/Christensen don't play and maybe a Kane/Vardy -4 is the play

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Anytime I've taken a hit recently it has felt a bit hasty but maybe the -4 is necessary with light bench cover. Thanks!

  17. si
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Not impossible that Mahrez starts this weekend after his showing in midweek? Pep often says he plays players in form. Although, I already feel silly even beginning this debate..

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

      Nothing is impossible with Pep but it’s the uncertainty that kills you

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Uh oh. A Man City speculator!

  18. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    If Ole confirms the Bruno knock that MEN is reporting, and Fred is still out, things could get very messy for Man U

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

      Could be one of those odd situations where Ole forms an actual coherent side as a result

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

        Go on them ElliotJHP, enlighten us with your wisdom of what an Actual Coherent Side is, if Ole can't form one and must be such an amateur?

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I'm a United fan but surely you have to agree that we look disorganised in most areas of the pitch at the moment.

  19. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    With Lukaku out I have zero Chelsea, so A B or C please?

    A) Lukaku > Vardy

    B) Lukaku + ESR > Firmino + Havertz -4

    C) Lukaku + Duffy > Auba/Nacho + Chilwell -4

    Thanks

    1. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A, although in a few weeks I'd like Firmino

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

      Why did you wait until their prices changed?

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

        Cos unfortunately I gotta work

    3. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not C

  20. si
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Scenes when Lukaku is passed fit today.

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      More scenes when he bags yet another 2 pointer.

  21. FlashGilbert
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to bench?
    a) Livra
    b) Raph
    c) Hwang

    and play?
    1) Raya v Leicester; or
    2) Foster v Everton.

    Thanks.

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

      A2 all the way to the white cliffs

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C1
      Though I have a feeling Watford may get a result at Everton

    3. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A2

  22. XX SMICER XX
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to Captain?
    A. Aubameyang
    B. Salah
    C. Vardy

    1. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

  23. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    One of these will be transferred out:
    Sarr
    Benrahma

    Which one should go?

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I would be looking to move both on. Benrahma first

      1. artvandelay316
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers.

  24. KirkhamWesham
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Foden worth a 4pt hit, to replace Jota?

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Christensen
    Sarr Raph Salah Benrahma Jota*
    Antonio Vardy

    Steele, Manquillo Veltman Dennis

    2.1m itb

    1. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B. Silva?

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I prefer Havertz to Foden in the short term

    3. cockmcballs
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely

    4. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  25. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Benrahma > Raph for free or roll transfer?

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes - but depends on the rest of your team whether you do this week

  26. cockmcballs
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Take your pick:
    A) Dias - Foden - Toney
    B) Dias - Townsend - Jesus
    C) TAA - Brownhill - Jesus

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  27. D.Glynn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On a WC, which combo do you prefer?
    A ) White KDB Hwang
    B) Rudiger Havertz Antonio
    Rest of team
    Raya Foster
    TAA Chillwell Livermento Duffy **
    Salah Raph Mbeuno 4.5 **
    Kane Toney **

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Havertz a must on a WC for me.
      Though I really KDB & Kane as different picks.
      Not sure on double Brentford.

      1. D.Glynn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Hard get them all. If going with Havertz who would you replace Mbeuno with?

  28. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT
    Anything you would change or save?

    Ramsdale
    Trent Rudiger Dias Livra
    Salah Raph Gray Saka
    Kane Vardy

    Steele Marcal Sissoko Scarlett

  29. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    g2g? Enough in bank for Alonso to TAA next week all being well. Havertz 3 week punt before moving to Son.

    Ramsdale
    Dias Cancelo Alonso James
    Salah(cpt) Raph Havertz
    Jimenez Antonio Toney

    Foster Livramento Sarr Benrahma

  30. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Benrahma to....

    A - Raph
    B - Mount

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

      Mount for the diff, Rapha for the safe bet/budget

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A