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. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone think Chalobah is a decent option from Chelsea? 4.8 and has played the easier fixtures so far this season.

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

      I'd rather have Christensen for an extra 0.2

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

      Not for me, much better options in Che defense

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

    Kane (c)

    Talk to me. Feels like an opportunity.

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

      Owning him is enough imo. I have both and will captain Salah.

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

        I agree that owning him is enough at the moment with his ownership... could be gold though

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

        I don't care about ownership when picking a captain. It does simply come down to... does Kane score more than Salah. I think he might.

        1. Make United Great Again
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          There’s your answer. Give him the armband

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

      If you think he will outscore Salah go for it

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

      Depends if you think Newcastle game was a fluke or not.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Fall and Christmas are traditionally good seasons for Kane. He starts slow but gets going. I saw potential from last week.

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

          It's a good opportunity to make serious gains if Kane scores and Salah blanks as Salah will be heavily captained, but you know the other side to that coin right?

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            True true. But since I own Salah at least it won't hurt that badly. Difference in points is simply the difference between Kane and Salah's scores.

            Worst case Kane gets 2 and Salah gets like 15. And I'm down 13 points.

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

              yes, that's true. I don't see Salah hauling either although I think he will get points. I'd probably do it if I had Kane but its finely balanced

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

      I think he has the potential to do well, after being rested and against a WHU side who will likely be tired. Just not sure if his ceiling is higher than Salah's. Owning may be enough, but he's tempting me also.

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

        DM did rotate for the win against Genk, and the match being at home bouncing off a solid win in the EL. Tiredness may not really be a factor.

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

      If you own Kane you gotta (c) and hope Salah start losing the form of his life. Otherwise just get Son for 2 mill cheaper.
      I bought Son.

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

        I think owning Kane is enough. Of course captaining Kane could work out but your taking a massive risk. Liverpool are averaging more than 3 goals away from home. They just scored 3 goals against a very good athletico Madrid side. Kane played Newcastle who have one of the worst defences so far. People are saying west ham will be tired for their game most of there team was rested in Europa league with only a few like rice and soucek playing who will start this weekend. Man United conceded 2 goals in the first half to a weakened Atalanta side who have a number of injuries. Not only that man United have conceded a lot of goals of late and haven’t kept a clean sheet for a while. If course Salah could blank but if he doesn’t it’s a mega rank drop

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Well that's my point. Doubt there is going to be much difference between Kane and Son this week and tbh over the rest of the season. Not worth spending 2mill more if you dont captain Kane.
          Salah in the form of his life atm.

  3. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anything worth a hit and bench right order?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, Azpi, James
    Salah (C), Foden, Raphinia
    Vardy, Antonio, Toney

    Foster, Mbeumo, Livramento, Brownhill

    0 FT 1.0 ITB

    A) Foden > Havertz (-4)
    B) Something else
    C) Nothing

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C. Nice team.

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

    Play Sarr or Livramento?

    1. Super John McGinn-
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Livramento

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Liva

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

      Sarr for sure, he's playing as a striker

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

        Erm. May want to read what the tinkerman had to say about that failed experiment.

  5. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Save FT and start White and Sarr

    or

    Take a hit and start Havertz and Jimenez

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

      B

    2. Super John McGinn-
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Save

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

    KDB to Havertz -4?

    Cheers

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

      Lol

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

      No!

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No way. I'd do the hit the other way if I could afford it !

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

      Switch off your laptop now imo 🙂

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

        Cheers guys

    5. Nice Baps.
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I got KDB in last night for the long term. Kai is a flash in the pan

    6. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Step away from your device.

  7. CRAZY TRAIN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    The armband is on Havertz for me this week.
    Bought him in on a -12 so its make or break

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

      -12 ! Just reading this makes me feel dizzy 😉

      1. CRAZY TRAIN
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I know, madness really. Never done it before....and most likely never will again!

    2. Nice Baps.
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Occasionally you just have to 'buy' a mini wildcard. Good Luck

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

        A mini wild card is 2FT and a -4 though, -12 is ill advised imo

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

    WC active, any changes you would suggest?

    Raya
    TAA, Cancelo, Azpi
    Salah(c), Son, Raph, Mbeumo
    Vardy, Jimi, Toney

    Foster, Livra, Manquillo, Brownhill

    0.6 itb

    Feedback appreciated, Cheers!

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good team

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good. Mbuemo and Toney double up brave, why Jimenez over Antonio?

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

        Mainly based on fixtures, Antonio stats are still decent but seems to have lost his early season form

  9. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Any hits required?
    Foster
    Rudiger Azpi Cancelo
    Sarr Salah(c) Raph Saka
    Antonio CR7 Toney

    Sanchez White Brownhill Williams

  10. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Need some help please guys, unsure what to do as a priority. 2 FT and 1.1m ITB. Thanks.

    Sanchez
    TAA - White - Rudiger
    Benrahma - Jota - Salah - Raphina
    ASM - Ronaldo - Antonio

    Livramento - Marcal - Brownhill

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

      Happy to take -4 if needed

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

      Ronaldo to Vardy and Jota to Son

    3. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Marcal & jota > cancelo & mbuemo

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

      White 1st/2nd sub, start Livra. Sanchez and Jota to McCarthy/Raya and Havertz. Roll with the rest and reassess next GW

    5. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jota & Ronaldo to Vardy and Son (if you can afford it)

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

      No pressing issues by the looks of it probably upgrade Marcal. Or could do Jota to CHE/MCI mid, Or Ron to Kane

    7. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cheer all - will have a think

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

    Which to bench?
    A) Livramento, BUR, H.
    B) Tomiyasu, AVL, H. (have Ramsdale in goal)

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

      B

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

        Thank you!

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

      B, spread the risk

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

        Made the mistake not to spread the risk last week, and it burnt me. Don't think I'll make the same mistake twice.

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

      B

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

    These hits being taken for Havertz...

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

      🙂

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

      Imagine all the hits that'll occur when people knee jerk and sell him the day after he's dropped

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

        See my latest post 🙂

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

    Is a hit for Jota to Havertz worth it?

    My team without the hit:

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Rudi Livra
    Salah Raph Mbeumo
    Antonio Jimi Vardy

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nah

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not with that team

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

    GTG?
    Ramsdale
    Azpi Rudiger Cancelo
    Salah Havertz(c) Raphina Mbeumo
    Vardy (vc) Antonio Jimenez
    Foster Gallagher Livramento Marcal

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yup. Looks as good as a wc

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

    Ronaldo + sarr to vardy + havertz (-4)?

  16. Raf
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys,

    Gtg?

    Ramsdale
    Taa cancelo alonso
    Salah benrahma raphinha havertz
    Antonio vardy asm

    Foster semedo livramento d.luiz

  17. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this wc? Leaves me 0itb

    McCarthy
    Dias TAA Rudiger
    Salah Raph Mbuemo Havertz Foden
    Antonio Vardy
    (Foster, Liv, Borja, Manquillo)

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Absolute delicious mate!!!!!

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

      Love it

    3. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers both 🙂

  18. FITZ-G
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is it worth keeping Saka or transferring out for either Havertz, Son or Mbuemo for a - 4? Will be transferring in one of the other two for GW10.

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

    It seems -8 hits to get out Blankaku and bringing in Havertz are rife.

  20. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Good morning all!!! Final decision this week, I have Rudiger and Alonso, would you start Livramento ahead of Alonso so not to risk a one point cameo like Reece James owners last gameweek???

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think you have to start Alonso if you have him. Doesn't usually cameo.

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

      Roll with Alonso, higher ceiling. Decent chance of getting a start.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers gents!!! This is what I’m on currently and have been all week!! Will stick with it!!! Thankyou to your advice!!! Best of lucky to you both this weekend too!!

    3. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd probably start Livra. Chillwell came off around 60th min against Malmo is likely to start.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        This is my slight concern mate!!

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

      It’s Norwich. I think whoever starts plays the full game or gets subbed 70-80 for someone who doesn’t often get many mins. Would def start Alonso if I owned him

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah I think your right mate, will keep him in my starting lineup for sure

  21. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bench one please:

    A Sarr
    B Benrahma
    C Greenwood
    D Livramento

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

      C

  22. hustler7
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is this starting 11 correct? Tough decisions to make...

    Raya
    Dias TAA Chillwell
    Salah Grealish Raphina Havertz
    Ings Vardy Broja

    Foster Mbeumo Livra Duffy

    Captaincy between Salah & Havertz.

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd Start Mbeumo over Broja with Liva 1st sub, Broja 2nd

      1. hustler7
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks!

  23. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A. Gilmour to Havertz for -4
    B. Play Tierney

    1. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A, live a little!

  24. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ergh what transfer(s)? I have the right change to do Lukaku and Saka to Kane and Havertz? Or get Vardy and upgrade a defender next week?

    1FT and 2.3itb

    Sanchez
    Rudiger Livramento White
    Salah Raphinha Saka* Mbuemo
    Ronaldo Lukaku* Toney

    Steele; Semedo Marçal Sissoko

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

      Those moves are solid. Vardy and Son is not bad either

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

        I’m 0.5 off getting Vardy and Son for Lukaku and Saka, unfortunately

      2. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah can’t lie I prefer this if possible

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Kane and Havertz could be worth a very differential shout

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

        Yes the only issue is it leaves me with 0.0itb and a shoddy defence! 🙂

  25. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT 0.9 ITB… was gonna do Ronaldo to Lukaku but… obviously not. Do I roll FT? Anything else worth it this week? Cheers in advance x 🙂

    Sanchez (Steele)
    Tierney Cancelo Rudiger (Semedo Livramento)
    Salah(c) Raphinha Sarr Gray (Benrahma)
    Ronaldo Antonio Jimenez

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Will Ronolado out be a -4?

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Depends who for - if I just straight replace him with Kane, Vardy or any other striker then no, as that’s what I’d have done with Rom.

        If I want a swap move to put money in midfield tho it would involve a -4

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Ronnie->Vardy then
          Spend the surplus money next week

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Hmmm cheers (and to BITM below). There is just something about Vardy these days that worries me, could go off the boil at any time

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I've been debating whether to sell Ronaldo for Vardy/Kane or not. At the moment I'm leaning towards keeping him and having 2ft next week.

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

        I'm doing this

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

      I’d roll the transfer

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers, yea considering that. Hope Ronaldo gets something this week

    4. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ronaldo to Vardy, then use the ITB to get TAA next GW.

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

    Anyone going with different Captain from Salah?

    Have Kane Raph and Gray... all of them are tempting for different reasons

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

      Salah or Kane

      Gray is a never capt and Raphinha is playing in an injury hit Leeds limiting potential imo

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

    Here is hoping Doucoure 0 points, DCL 0 points, Matip ? > Chilwell Raphina Edouard will pay back the -12 I took.

    Calculated risks? Fingers crossed!!!

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

      looks unlikely but good luck

  28. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy or Kane?

    Finding it real hard to make a decision. Both on pens similar fixture run

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Get VArdy and SOn and save 2m

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

        This

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Kane

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

    Mendy
    Rudiger, Cancelo, Laporte
    Salah, Gray, Havertz (C), Gallagher
    Vardy, Antonio, Toney

    Bench: Steele, Livra, White, Sissoko.

    Took a -8 to get there but feeling positive with this team.

    Would anyone make any changes? Start Livra over Gallagher?

  30. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lots of posts about Sanchez v foster and seems split? Sanchez better defence but foster easier game so v difficult to decide !

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cool kids got Ramsdale 😉

      But both Foster or Sanchez will be on 2 points this week, doesn’t matter who you start imo

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Wish I was cool! Oh cheers mate currently on Sanchez