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. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which one to bench?

    A. Jota (mun)
    B. Benrahma (TOT)
    C. Livramento (BUR)

    D*. Jota to Havertz (-4), Benrahma bench, play Livramento

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

      A so he won’t start

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

        BUT I’m looking at D myself

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

    If you have Havertz, Salah & Vardy who is your captain?

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

      Have all three - going Havertz

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

        Not everyone's going to the match, Miguel!

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

          I’m gonna take a banner with me and hang it behind the hold to encourage Kai

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

            *goal

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

      Salah. 65% ownership. His EO is going to be massive.

      Will damage your rank with a double digit haul plus cap.

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

        This is my worry. Captain Havertz or Vardy & all that will matter is outscoring Salah.
        Don’t like to feel nervous about Salah doing well because he usually does!

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

      Salah for me.

    4. We Go Again
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm going with Havertz. Risky but I'm not catch up by playing safe all the time, these kinds of opportunities don't open up every week.

  3. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I am baffled by the popularity of havertz, surely owning him is enough and captaincy is a step too far for someone who has only scored once and has such poor stats ?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Saying that I bought him for Jota last night but I'm a sheep 😉

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

      Starting up top for top of the league chelsea against bottom of the league Norwich. Whilst most other captaincy options have fairly tough fixtures.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Playing up front doesn't necessarily mean he will do well though. We ve seen before with players in a false 9 role not in their comfort zone.

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

          It doesn't necessarily mean he will play well, no, but I personally cannot see how someone can be 'baffled' by the idea that it might well be propitious.

          What was that song? Gets truer every day. 'This is is the age of the overstatement'

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

      Shows the quality of mid option we have at the moment

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        🙂

  4. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I’m still tempted by Ronaldo > vardy or Kane for my first -4 of the season

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      For -4 I'm not sure.

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

      I was going to get Lukaku in for him before the injury but I'm thinking of holding even though I have FT

    3. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Think he looks really good TBH despite a couple of blanks and it's really only 1 "proper" blank given his benching

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks mate, I think this was the logical post I needed to see this morning - I think because I haven’t taken a hit yet a part of me just wants to do it but logic says wait a week. Gl

        1. Mambino
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          no probs, I was going to transfer him out myself just because I had planned to get him out for Lukaku for so long but I'm going hold and role my FT

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

      I'm going to cap ronnie.

      May backfire spectacularly, but just a gut feeling, he'll be up for it at OT vs Liverpool

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

        Not a bad shout and could pay off handsomely. He is one of the all time greats after all.

        I will probably swap Ronnie out for Kane though.

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

      Not for a hit

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

    Who should sit next to me on the bench?
    A. Cash
    B. Livrsmento
    C. Tierney

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

      Tierney

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

        Cheers

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

        ^

  6. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    a) Lukaku & Foden > Jesus & Son (-4)
    b) Lukaku > Vardy

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B 100%

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

      B

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

      B

    4. Robin Cook
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Why would you want to get rid of Foden? He is my C this week.

  7. diofateen24
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Alonso going to start?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say no

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

      A cry in the dark.

    3. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say yes

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

      Possible.
      Chilwell has started 3 in a row and Alonso may be given the nod because Norwich should be an easier fixture.

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

      No, I think Chilly starts. Watched the Q&A vid with Az and Sam and what Sam said about not damaging his confidence now he's playing well makes a lot of sense

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

        Did they mention James?

        1. Mambino
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          yes, reckon he starts - when does he if he doesn't v Norwich

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

            That’s it, last chance

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

    Currently on a WC and hoping for a sanity check, team looks like this:

    Sanchez
    Cancelo Dias Rudiger
    Salah Son Havertz Raphinha
    Toney Vardy Edouard

    Foster Livramento Henry Brownhill

    0.5m ITB

    Any feedback is appreciated!

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No taa is very risky

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

        No it isn't

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

        That's my worry, but Cancelo is currently matching him for points-per-game. Is it worth downgrading Son/Havertz/Raphina/Edouard to fit TAA over Cancelo?

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

      Lokks a good wc.

    3. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good for this week. Probably for the next GWs you will have to upgrade the bench

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

        Who would need to be upgraded? Henry is nailed started for a solid Brentford defence going on a good fixture run. Livramento has been solid and covered me for Rudiger/Dias/TAA so far (I'm downgrading TAA to Cancelo from a monetary standpoint). And Brownhill has started every game for Burnley as a 4.4. I'm flexible to upgrade one of those with the $0.5 ITB.

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

      Sanchez to McCarthy and I'm sold

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

    Any Arsenal fans (or anyone else) have any further insight regarding Saka playing it not?

    Tempted to switch him to Mbeumo potentially?

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

      Mbeumo please

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

        Ta very much

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

      Was training yesterday and is much better than Pepe.

  10. Oscar Slater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I've just seen the video of Norwich's defensive preparation for the Chelsea game and they look bloody well drilled and focused. It's really put me off transfering in Havertz and do you know what? I think they've got a squeak of getting a clean sheet hat-trick...

    https://bit.ly/3vyF1sq

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      🙂

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

    Swaying towards Captain Kane; loves a London derby, 88 away goals in 128 games.

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

      Stats dont lie

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

        The best thing about stats is utilising your bias to come to a predetermined outcome.

        Go Harry Go!

  12. cheese XL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which 2 of these to play and bench order for the other 2 please.

    A) TAA
    B) Livramento
    C) ESR
    D) Toney

    Thanks in advance.

    1. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      DB - AC

    2. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      DA Start
      BC Bench

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

    Any chance Lukaku gets the all clear?

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

      to fly out for treatment?

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

        Yes

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

    Who would you go for? Azpi, Cancelo or Chilwell?

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      probably Chilly this game week

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Azpi all day long

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

      Cancelo

  15. jay01
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Drop one:

    Livramento
    Sarr
    Gray
    Gallagher

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      From your team or bench ?

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Bench*

    2. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Sarr

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

    Who would you rather own for next 2/3?

    A. Rudiger
    B. Havertz
    C. Chilwell

    1. jay01
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Chilly

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

      Weirdly Havertz is probably the most nailed, and personally I don't think I'll pass up the chance of an OOP mid for a Top 3 team, with NOR, new, BUR.

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

        Was on havertz but chilwell almost plays as far forward and gets 3pts extra for clean sheet

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

          Plays as far forward as Havertz when H is in midfield, but assume he won't when H is up top.
          And with Chilwell there's always the possibility of Alonso starting. Feel like Havertz has to play.

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

      Havertz

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

      C

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

      A

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

    Going to have to take a hit this week as have Lukaku and Doucoure.

    Punting on Havertz and so have 9.2 for a striker.

    A. Jesus
    B. Toney (+2.7itb)
    C. Other

    Sanchez
    TAA Rudiger Christensen Livra
    Salah KDB Doucoure* Sarr
    Lukaku* Antonio

    White Gilmour Scarlett

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

      Toney long term

  18. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku replaced by

    Auba or
    Vardy

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I couldn't decide so went Kane.

      Vardy probably

    2. Shearer & Sutton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy

    3. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Auba

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

      Vardy. But probably should have done it last night!

      1. Bubbles1985
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I have 5.7 itb so not worried about the money.
        Wanted to wait in case Lukaku was confirmed in or out.

        Cheers all!

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

      Vardy the safe bet, Auba could be a great short term punt

  19. llmja
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Raphinha or Mbeumo

    Thank you

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Mbeumo

    2. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Raph for next two GWs, then Mbeumo looks good

    3. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Raphina esp if you can get Toney next week

  20. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    which is worth a hit?
    A-Havertz (Gallagher to be sold)
    B-Azpilicueta (Marcal will start if i don't have azpilicueta)
    C- Both A&B
    PS- note, no chelsea cover

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't sell Gallagher.
      Not keen on taking a hit for a defender.
      Could you afford mount ?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Or Christensen?

      2. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Mostly doing Lukaku to toney (-4) to get some funds then its what to do after that
        my midfield is good actually,
        Gray/Gallagher/Salah/Mbeumo/Sissoko
        but if i sell sissoko, who would i bench?
        have 2.2 ITB before lukaku to toney

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          So you want to swap to a 352?

          1. The Red Devil
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            naah, 3-4-3 but switch from Lukaku to a midfield premium like son/Kdb or maybe take a punt on Havertz, so lukaku to toney gives me funds to spread around. defence is an issue coz i only have 3 playing defenders

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

      A

    3. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      The only problem with B is will he definitely start. Otherwise I can’t see Norwich scoring so the only downside is if Wolves keep a clean sheet.

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        true, but leeds have raph back, not sure on wolves. isn't azpilicueta nailed? saw he's no highest minutes with rudiger, was only benched once i think post international break. it is very touch & go, Lukaku to Toney i'm doing most probably for a hit

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

    You just wonder who is going to win this battle?

    (H)avertz or (S)alah

    🙂

  22. Junks
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I have Grealish....

    Do I keep him? So frustrating owning him!!

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Tough one but may as well keep for next 2

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

      Uninspiring tbf.

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

        Aha Grealish or my post?

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

          Grealish

  23. Energetics
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    If Adam Armstrong to Hwang is the planned move next week anyway (need the extra 0.3 for Kane/Son moves in a couple weeks anyway) is it worth a -4 this week?

    Also considering if I take the -4 this week and save a FT next week I wont need a -4 in 2 weeks for the above moves.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I have Armstrong and keeping him one more week because of the fixture. He might not start but surely hell get some minutes with a point to prove.

      Reckon hwang is now nailed ?

    2. WWW.
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Assuming you would play Hwang this week?

  24. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James
    Salah(c) Foden Mbeumo Raphinha
    Vardy Antonio Jimenez

    Foster Livramento Brownhill Duffy

    0FT, 1.5 itb

    Is this good to go? Bench order correct?

    Thanks

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

      Only problem is James.

      Other than that GTG.

    2. WWW.
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes, nice team

  25. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What would you do?
    1 FT 0.8 ITB

    Sanchez Ward
    Rudiger Cancelo Alonso Livra Semedo
    Rapinha Salah Saka Greenwood Bissouma
    Toney Antonio Ronaldo

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

      Green to Havertz

  26. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What to do??

    A. Play Sarr
    B. Take a -4 for Havertz

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

      Wait for Tuchel presser to see how long Lukaku is out for

  27. ajk1211
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Worried about not owning Havertz in light of the captain poll and Pep roulette.

    Foden -> Havertz -4 surely madness right? Have Mount too

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

      yes, that's stupid

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Don't sell Foden to get Havertz sell other one

  28. Junks
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts?
    0ITB 1FT
    Ramsdale Foster
    Tierney Azpi TAA Duffy Livra
    Saka Grealish Raph Salah Allan
    Ant Ronaldo Armstrong

    A. Saka to Mbeumo
    B. Ronaldo to Kane/Vardy
    C. Ronaldo & Saka to Vardy & Havertz -4
    D. Armstrong & Saka to Mbeumo & Edouard -4
    E. Armstrong & Saka to Toney & 5.8 -4

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd probably roll FT and play 4-4-2 benching Armstrong, presuming Saka is fit

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

        Yeah A lot of it does seem overkill and forced which I don’t like.

        If Saka not fit... Mbeumo? Thanks

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

    Is Saka ok for tonight?

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

      I dunno, wait for presser maybe?

  30. WWW.
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Probably wouldn't take the hit, think Mount would be enough, could wait for presser though to see how long Lukaku is out for

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

      Reply fail to AJK1211