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. 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 lads!

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

      Saka pictured in training yesterday

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

        Still a good chance he starts on the bench given how recently he was out with a knock- Arteta admitted so himself that he's a 50/50

    2. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I have both and starting Saka, trained yesterday but also would he be risked for a cameo?

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

        The fear is that it could be a recovery cameo

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

    Thoughts on my team?

    Raya
    Trent Cancelo Chilwell
    (S)alah Raphinha Son Gray
    Edouard Vardy Antonio

    Foster Livramento Hojbjerg Duffy

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

      It's good. Eduoard a good pick this week. Gray/Livramento a toss-up.

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

        Picking Gray vs Watford defence.

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

    Feels like one of those GWs where all the Top 5 captaincy picks are gonna blank.

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

      You mean Salah is going to blank? Madness.

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

        Apocalypse coming on Monday

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

      Agree - this GW is set up for typical FPL trolling - Ronaldo to score 2 and get 13 points... 🙂

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

        He is my current captain.

        Not sure if I'll keep it on him!

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

    Morning!

    Sanchez
    TAA / Cancelo / Chilwell
    Salah / Jota / Raphinha / Mbeumo
    Vardy / Antonio / Toney

    Steele // Livramento / White / Bissouma

    A) Start Jota, bench Livramento
    B) Start Livramento, bench Jota
    C) Start Livramento, bench other (?)

    For next week I have money ITB for a straight Jota > Son move (with 0.1m ITB), so that's the next likely move, unless Havertz etc. turns me.

  5. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So, Ladies and Gents, my current team is this,

    Guita
    Cancelo Alonso Diaz Rudiger
    Mo Raph Mount
    Jimmy Jamie Toni

    Bench is : Foster Livra Tielamans Smith Rowe
    As you can see, I have quite a strong bench (headache)due to defender rotation risk but do I have the correct starting 11 and if so is my bench in the correct formation?
    Thanks (hopefully) for your replies in advance….

  6. v3n0m
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play:
    a) Saka
    b) Livra
    c) Hwang

    1. FAR EAST
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C. Think Jimenez will improve Hwang involvement.

  7. SteJ
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I can just see this being a super troll gameweek, with Auba / Vardy getting sent off

  8. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Can I get away with this team this week ? Feels like I'm missing alot of good players that people have. 1.4 itb 0 ft left. Anything you would consider for a hit ?

    Foster
    TAA Alonso Rudiger Cancelo
    Sarr Townsend Salah(C)
    Vardy Antonio Jimenez

    sanchez benrahma livramento gilmour

  9. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    How many points will ESR get tonight?

    A) 0
    B) 1
    C) 2
    D) 3

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

      I'll never understand these kinds of posts

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

      E: 26

  10. FAR EAST
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start?
    a) Livramento (BUR)
    b) Semedo (lee)
    c) White (AVL)

    I've got Sa at GK, tend to start Livramento for now

    1. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Livra

      1. FAR EAST
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers!

  11. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Shaw -> Chilwell

    B) Ronaldo -> Vardy, Sarr -> Havertz (-4)

    1. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      A

  12. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez Foster
    Alonso Rudiger Cancelo White Livramento
    Salah Grealish Jota Sarr Brownhill
    Lukaku Antonio Toney

    Stupidly did Ronaldo > Lukaku early this week

    A) Lukaku > Kane (-4)
    B) Lukaku + Jota > Kane + Havertz (-8)
    C) Wildcard

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

      A.

  13. Gorky
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Just pulled the trigger on a -4 (Lukaku & Jota to Vardy and Havertz)

    Guita
    Cancelo Alonso Livramento
    Salah Havertz Raphinha Gray
    Antonio Vardy Jimenez

    Foster Semedo Marcal Bissouma

    Captain?
    A) Havertz
    B) Vardy

    Currently on Vardy

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

      I'd potentially start one of semedo or Marcal over Alonso....10 minute cameo would be annoying.

  14. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Pretty much my last WC decision is Sanchez + White vs Ramsdale + Duffy. Currently on the latter. Any arguments that it should be the former?

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

      agreed with the latter, especially if Duffy is a 4th/5th defender who can be rotated.

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

      The second one

      not considering Raya or McCarthy?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Raya could be a good shout actually

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

      Nope - I prefer RamDuff but always the chance Leno gets an appearance out of nowhere

    4. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Raya + Duffy imo

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Tempted by Raya actually. Never thought Id have a Brentford triple up…

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

      Ramsdale + Duffy

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

      Raya over both, for me. Also Guaita worth a look based on fixtures

    7. Jonesy5
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Raya & Duffy

  15. ElChapo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    start 2

    a) Livra (BUR)
    b) A.Armstrong (BUR)
    c) Sarr (eve)
    d) Gallagher (NEW)

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      AD

      1. Detweiler
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Agree with this. Have been to Palaces last two games against Leicester and Arsenal and Gallagher really passes the eye test.

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

          thanks lads

  16. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Start Semedo vs LEE(A)
    B) Start Livra vs BUR(H)
    C) Jota to Havertz (-4) and start him

    1. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Livra

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

      B

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

    On wildcard with defence of TAA, Chilwell, Liva and Canceo.

    Looking for a single keeper and can’t decide idea whether to fill the remaining spaces with Raya and Dias or Ederson and Brentford defender.

    Usually like to go with cheap keepers but I think Ederson as a set and forget and then rotating Brentford defender and Liva when needed will lead to less benching headaches.

    Thoughts?

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

      Raya and Dias.

      Aside from the odd Brentford defender attacking return (unreliable), both Raya & Dias will gain bonus (and save for former) at a better rate that the alternatives.

      Livramento is great bench cover for the odd benching & you should be able to stomach the very unfortunate chance of 2 of your defenders missing out - via a 343/352.

      (Unlikely both Cancelo/Dias rested at same time, but 1 + a Chillwell rest could happen now. And then.)

      1. Detweiler
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        A fair point. Thanks.

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

      May I offer this?

      McCarthy for 4, Sa for 2, DDG for 14

      Pinnock as your fourth defender (play him in GWs 10-12, 16, 18 & 19)

      Spend the rest in attack, or keep ITB for future upgrades

      1. Detweiler
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Interesting. Thanks.

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

      I was deciding between Ederson or Dias, i think Dias is a bonus magnet.

      I have Mendy as GK now, may change to Raya later.

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

    Would you do one of Saka or Sarr to Havertz for -4?

    Cheers!

    1. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Saka if injured potentially. Not sure if worth a -4 though.

  19. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What's the likelihood of Jota starting?

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

      I think Firmino will keep his starting place and Jota comes on in the 2nd half.

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

    Have 2 FT and 1.2 ITB. Planning to do CR7 > Vardy next week. Which option looks best this week? Is Mount risky given his recent minutes or should he get some starts with Lukaku out?

    A - Doucoure & Benrahma > Mbuemo & Raph
    B - Doucoure & Benrahma > Mbuemo & Mount
    C - Other suggestion?

    Sanchez
    Cancelo - Rudiger - Livra - Duffy
    Salah (c) - Bruno - Benrahma - Doucoure
    CR7 - Antonio

    Foster - Coufal - Gilmour - Perica

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

    Start which one:
    A) ESR (AVL)
    B) Livramento (BUR)
    C) Armstrong (BUR)

    1. Mole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

  22. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who would be your premium defender of choice for next 3 gameweeks if you were to pick one? (Except TAA)

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cancelo

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

      Prob one of the Chelsea defenders

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

    Saka to Havertz for -4?

    1. Wolfman180
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If you haven't got the squad to bench Saka and move next week for free then I'd say yeah.

  24. Mole
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Alonso >
    1. Chilwell
    2. Rudiger
    3. Azpilicueta

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

    Jesus started 6 games, blanked two times.

    Just saying

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

    There will be goals from both sides WHU vs Spurs.

    Hoping Antonio's rest gets him fired up. Also Son in good form, he should be involved in the points.

    Will be a good match.

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

      his mates are tiredddddddddddddd from mid game.

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

    Pretty tempted to take a -8 and get triple Chelsea defence with Rudi, Alonso and James and wildcard next week.

    Guaita
    Rudiger Cresswell Cancelo
    Salah Grealish Jota Sarr Raphinha
    Lukaku* Antonio

    Foster Reguilon Lowton Davis

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

      Cannot see that triple CHE defence ending well.

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

      Feels crazy to take a hit for Alonso when he's just losing his spot.

      James will continue to frustrate with cameos.

      If you want three Chelsea defence, get Chilwell/Azpi/Rudiger, or with Mendy in place of one of those (although remember AFCON in January).

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

        It's a one week punt, both could well get starts.

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

    Which is the best pick for Jota (-4?)

    A) B.Silva
    B) Havertz
    C) Foden

    1. Mole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      B or C

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

    -4 for chillwell or havertz

    Done ronaldo to vardy

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

      Depends who you're selling.

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

        Jota or shaw

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

          Oh for the love of god sell Shaw already.

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

            Yeah. Sell Shaw. Greater upside. Jota can still come on and get an attacking return, or you can bench him.

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

    Bench who?:
    A) Jota (MUN)
    B) Toney (LEI)
    C) Mbeumo (LEI)
    D) Livramento (BUR)

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

      A probably doesn’t start