Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 18?

Despite 10 teams missing out on Gameweek 18, all of the Premier League’s current top three are still in action.

That means there are options beyond Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) for the latest captaincy decision, especially for the more maverick managers amongst us.

First, we will assess the fallout of the Gameweek 18 Captain Poll, before then analysing the best options, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Saturday’s 13:30 GMT deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

As you can see from the current results, Mohamed Salah is the leader of the Gameweek 18 captain poll. The Egyptian midfielder has accumulated 52.57% of total votes from our users at the time of writing.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden (£8.0m) is in second place, backed by 9.44% of users, ahead of his trip to Newcastle United on Sunday.

Ollie Watkins (£7.7m) occupied third place with 8.53% of votes before Aston Villa’s game was postponed, with the top-five list completed by Manchester City duo Joao Cancelo (£6.8m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m), with 6.91% and 6.2% respectively.

MOHAMED SALAH AND TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 14? 2

Mohamed Salah netted his 22nd goal of the season on Thursday, and in doing so, has equalled Jamie Vardy’s (£10.6m) record of scoring or assisting in 15 successive Premier League games. That means he has blanked just once across the opening 17 Gameweeks, as he continues to show a frightening level of consistency.

However, it’s worth noting that Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.2m) has outscored Salah in six of the last seven Gameweeks, thanks to a goal, four assists, four clean sheets and 12 bonus points.

SALAH V ALEXANDER-ARNOLD GAMEWEEKS 8-17
GameweekOpponentScoreSalahAlexander-Arnold
17Newcastle United (h)3-1811
16Aston Villa (h)1-089
15Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)1-069
14Everton (a)4-1152
13Southampton (h)4-069
12Arsenal (h)4-0815
11West Ham United (a)2-3512
10Brighton and Hove Albion (h)2-251
9Manchester United (a)5-02410
8Watford (a)5-0136
HOW HAS CAPTAIN SENSIBLE PERFORMED SO FAR THIS SEASON?
Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 18? 3

1,734 Comments Post a Comment
  1. tryf88
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Somehow ended up only 5 players available 2FT...would you go for free hit or -4 or -8 in an attempt to field 8 or 9 players? On one hand -8 and having 9 still not ideal and on the other FH would allow me to keep ronaldo / bowen for the easy games thay would follow whilst fielding 11. Top 3 ML chasing.
    Thanks!

    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Would definitely use your 2 FT as an advantage. -4 for sure, -8 if that final move has great upside. That way you can save the FH for a week that requires it most

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

        Agree with no using FH. Just focus on most important 4 transfers and take the hit to minimize damages. FH will be much more of use once DGWs arrive.

    2. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I would use your 2FTs for sure. The issue with hits is you could bring in a player who ends up not playing next weekend. My advice on hits would be to only do them to strengthen your overall squad - i.e. aim to have 15 players likely to play when their clubs games are on. For instance, two starting gks is a must at the moment in my opinion.

    3. McGazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Remember that most teams are short. Even the fuller ones have dodgy nailed on 0-2 pointers like Luiz brownhill reguilon . Everyone has the same core good players so I don’t reckon people are going to lose too much ground this week. Keep FH

  2. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    DDG to Ramsdale worth a -4 to field a playing keeper or nah?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Sideways. You brought DDG in for the good run of fixture. Stick

      1. Ibralicious
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Makes sense, thanks

    3. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No

    4. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I did last week and zero regrets here

    5. Pukki Pies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Wishing I did it last week. Not sure it’s worth it now

    6. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      wish you'd asked this last week!
      As a (DDG -> Guaita) owner keep

  3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Any news on Reguilon?

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I think he will play

  4. Cheshire Duck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I can do Bilva to KDB for free.
    But I have no playing GK... (Sanchez & De Gea). 10 players expected to start (including Bilva)
    Yay or Nay ?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No

    2. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Haha, I'm debating between Raph -> Foden or filling in a playing keeper. Let me know what you end up doing 😀

    3. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      KDB low ownership could be a great differential.
      However we saw last week people getting stung by moving from Gundogan to Silva.

    4. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      The mid priced city midfielders are better lottery picks

    5. The Movement
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If you are Simply comparing the 2 going forward and funds aren’t an issue, 100% yes.

      Otherwise a move to Foden and upgrade elsewhere would be better

      1. Cheshire Duck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I already have Foden

    6. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Thats fine for this week. Hold on GK - DDG is good pick long term.

  5. XX SMICER XX
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I have 9 players + Brownhill. Is it worth taking a hit to field 11?
    A. Yes
    B. No

    Ramsdale
    TAA James Cancelo Alonso
    Salah Brownhill Jota Saka
    Watkins
    Foster Liveamento Bowen Ronaldo King
    0ITB

    1. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I’d say no. Your bench all play when games are on. Stick with 10.

      1. XX SMICER XX
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I agree. I am worried that I don’t own City mids but it is what it is!

    2. The Movement
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No

  6. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Safer to captain someone from today's fixtures as they have less time to get called off?

    1. Beizer
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I will VC one of todays players...

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Fair shout

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It is safer, but the better options play tomorrow.

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Vc

    4. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Like the logic. I'm locked in on Cancelo tho!

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Over Foden though? I'm on Cancelo for now

    5. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      VC someone who plays today

      1. The Movement
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Just don’t double up on same team

    6. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      VC someone from todays games.

  7. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Pick one to get in. Have Ramsdale.

    a. konsa
    b. targett
    c. tierney

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Can you afford Cash?

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yes

    2. RWB_1991
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      As an Arsenal fan Tierney’s injury record puts me off, especially in the build up to Christmas I can see Arteta rotating between him and Tavares. Konsa is the most nailed, slightly more so than Targett. But I’m also considering between the 2 of them. I guess Targett has the bigger assist potential…

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Confusing. Cashs name keeps popping up as well

    3. The Movement
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Agree Cash or Tierney

  8. bradplum
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I have exact money for KDB for -4
    But would you still go for Foden or sterling?

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I prefer Foden

  9. Flying Dutchman
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Should I do Bilva to Foden for a bit?

    1. Flying Dutchman
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Hit*

      1. XX SMICER XX
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        No

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Is Bilva surly not play ?

      1. Flying Dutchman
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I am concerned and have no other city covers

        1. OptimusBlack
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          No

  10. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Would you go Sanchez > Martinez instead of Ramsdale as Arsenal may not play next GW

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Why wouldn’t Arsenal play?

    2. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Why would Arsenal have less chance of playing than Villa?

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        They play Norwich. Every chance their game gets cancelled

  11. RWB_1991
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Konsa or Targett to replace Livramento for a -4?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Targett

  12. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Captain and VC check. Bare in mind games could still be cancelled.

    Boring but mine is

    Salah C
    Watkins VC

    Best to have a VC playing today in case games are cancelled tomorrow

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Foden TC. Live a little.

      1. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        You actually doing this?

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Would be the ultimate self-inflicted case of Fodenfreude ever. Haven’t decided yet.

    2. DB_00
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Foden C, Watkins VC for me

    3. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      This is the move.

    4. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      C Foden
      VC Lacazette

      Feels strange

      1. Beizer
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Exactly what i Plan to do!

  13. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Choose one plzz
    A- Foden
    B- ESR

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      A

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Even the knight of fodenfreude is picking Foden now..?

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Shhhhhhh

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Desperate times….

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers

  14. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Best Arsenal midfielders budget no issue. Saka??

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Coin toss between him and ESR.
      I had ESR earlier in the season and for Mbeumo for that great run of fixtures!
      I’ve gone with Saka

  15. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Best villa defender to get in?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      The ones not near to 5 YC

    2. CRAZY TRAIN
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ramsey

  16. Hiiler
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Possible transfers for-8 Guita to Ramsdale and Guehi to Tierney worth it( this would give me three arsenal players)? Or only -4 worth it?

  17. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I have 11 playing after doing a -4, would you do a -8 to get a playing sub (Ronny to Kane)?

    1. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Absolutely not

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        That'll do me, sir! Cheers mate

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No no no. Very few will have 11 players let alone a sub

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

      Kane is too expensive as a playing sub

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        In fairness, I would play Kane and bench Luiz

  18. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    2ft 1.7itb
    Ramsdale
    TAA White Reece Cancelo (Livra)
    Mount Sterling Salah Jota (Gallagher)
    (King Antonio Broja)

    Gallagher + King to Foden + Gelhardt sound good?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn’t you wanna drop Antonio instead based on form?

  19. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Do we think scores will be fairly similar across the board with a small pool of players and most on the same captain? How to set yourself apart?

    -differential punts
    -no hits
    -different captain
    ???

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I tried no hits last week and thought it will be of great benefit. Fell from 21K to 43K. All of this is totally team dependent.

      1 differential punt might help though.

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Going with Laca. You?

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yes

    2. Gingerman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Captaincy could be a big one but betting against Salah can easily go badly wrong. Cancelo is tempting.

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Not sure I have the balls to move it off Salah

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

      Punts: Foden (C) + Ramsey
      -8
      Gelhardt backup
      Fully stacked template: Triple Pool, Triple City, Laca + Ramsdale

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Fairly similar here. Triple Pool and Che. Double Citeh and Arse. And Watkins.

        Ramsey a decent shout

    4. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I reckon now is the time to ride it out.

      Salah (c) is a must. His effective ownership just mean it isn’t worth considering anyone else. Captain pints can be saved for gw30+

      Hits are good value as they are effectively a -2, so not much to be gained there by playing it safe.

      Differential punts are your best way forward:

      Matty Cash
      Lacazette if you’re brave!
      Or just a different City midfielder. I’ve got Gundo over Foden/Bilva for pens.

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Sound logic that.

        Hits are team dependent but for me it’s always effective not to take them imho.

        I went Laca. Cash and Ramsey a good shout. Not a Gundo fan personally because of his positional flexibility. Is he on pens

        1. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I thought KDB or Sterling was ahead of him

    5. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I think theres more diversity of captain picks this week

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I think there’s an opportunity but how many will actually take the risk?

  20. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is this worth doing:

    Antonio + Livra to Laca + Lowton for -4 this week.
    Leaves me with enough to do Laca + Gilmour to Ronaldo + Bowen in the next two weeks.

    Thanks!

    1. Gingerman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Do you need to do the Lowton bit? Not sure that will pay off

  21. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What's the max hits that could pay off? I'm likely to do -8 to get 9 players playing or another hit to get in a keeper?

    1. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Hold on the hit. I think 9 players should be fine. Who is your keeper?

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        DDG & steele, considering steele to ramsdale or Martinez
        Moves would be
        Antonio to Watkins
        Bowen to foden
        Ronaldo to Lacazette

        1. AC Yew
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Its not a bad shout having 2 playing keepers amidst all this uncertainty however not sure its worth a -12.Good luck!

          1. AC Yew
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            If they are long term moves then could justify the hits

    2. Gingerman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Look at each hit individually, some will payoff some won't. If you've done 2 already no reason not to do a 3rd if it looks sensible.

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Lacazette, foden/Sterling & Watkins are the players I'm looking at

  22. PartyTime
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Take a -16 or play FH?

    1. JonSnow
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I take it you only have 5-6 starters? I wouldn't be doing either tbh. What's your playing team prior to hits?

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Take hits to get at least 8 or 9 out

    3. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      -16 seems excessive. How many players can you field?

      1. PartyTime
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        9

      2. PartyTime
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        If I take a -16

        1. JonSnow
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          If you're likely going to want the players you transfer out back next GW, I would try and just cover the potential big hitters and field 7-8. Cancelo, salah, foden, arsenal mid, city mid

          1. PartyTime
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks

  23. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsdale,
    TAA, James, Cancelo
    Salah (c), Foden, Raphinha, Bowen
    Ronaldo, King, Antonio

    Foster, Brownhill, Livramento, Duffy

    0 ITB 2 FT

    With 2ft I will likely do Ronaldo > Watkins. for the second ft would you.

    A Bowen > Smith-Rowe
    B Bowen > Jota
    C King > Lacazete
    D Hold

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      C

    2. JonSnow
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A for a 2 GW punt punt but B long term for me with salah going to AFCON. Depends if you want to burn an extra FT on getting jota later

      1. FPLMACKEM
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Good points. Feel like I need an arsenal attacker for the next two weeks. Feels too risky to triple up on Liverpool given the current situation.

        1. JonSnow
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah worth spreading it out with all the potential cancellations. I've gone saka over Smith rowe but that's a real flip of a coin choice

  24. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Gallager to
    1. Mount
    2. Bernardo (have Foden)
    (its a free transfer)

    1. df34
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'd prefer Bernardo if guaranteed to play, Wolves do not concede much and Chelsea's fixtures get a bit tougher

  25. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Priorities:
    a) Get Foden
    b) Get 11th player

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

  26. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What to do here?
    2 FT 0.0 ITB

    DDG Gunnarsson
    Dalot Taa James Cancelo Livramento
    Salah Jota B.Silva Bowen Brownhill
    King CR7 Benteke

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Keeper & Fwd needed

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Big load of crap imo

  27. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who to get in? (replacing bowen)
    A) Smith Rowe
    B) saka
    C) Mount

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

  28. The Parrot
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    No idea what to do with my 2FT today.
    Any ideas?

    2FT 0.6itb

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Dias, Cancelo, Rudiger
    Salah, Jota, Saka, B.Silva
    Watkins, Wilson

    Foster*, Livra*, Antonio*, Bowen*

    Any help would be appreciated

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Antonio to Laca and save the second FT if funds allow!

  29. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Hey fam! Which option?

    XX
    TAA James Cancelo XX
    Salah Jota Bernardo Foden
    Lacazette Watkins

    Foster Bowen Livramento Davis

    A. Martinez & Cash
    B. Martinez & Tierney
    C. Ramsdale & Cash
    D. Ramsdale & Tierney

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      C