Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 19?

The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) captaincy debate for Gameweek 19 has been completely turned on its head by the postponement of Liverpool v Leeds United.

As a result, Manchester United and Manchester City assets have been thrust into the spotlight, but there are other options on the radar too, including Tottenham Hotspur duo Son Heung-min (£10.3m) and Harry Kane (£12.1m).

First, we will assess the fallout of the Gameweek 19 captain poll, before then analysing the best options, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Sunday’s 13:30 GMT deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

For the first time since Gameweek 7, Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) isn’t top of the captain poll, having seen his Anfield clash against Leeds United called off due to a coronavirus outbreak in the visitors’ squad. Up until that point, the Egyptian had unsurprisingly been out in front with just over 71% of total votes.

Now, with the poll reset shortly after news broke, we have a new leader in Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m), who has accumulated 33.22% of votes from our users at the time of writing.

Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo (£6.8m) currently sits in second place, backed by 21.62% of users ahead of his Etihad encounter against Leicester City.

Son Heung-min occupies third place with 17.18%, followed by Phil Foden (£8.1m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£8.4m), with 6.36% and 4.62% respectively.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

Manchester United have seen their last two Premier League games against Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion postponed, due to a spate of coronavirus cases among players and staff. However, Cristiano Ronaldo has since led his team-mates back into training after their Carrington base re-opened, with manager Ralf Rangnick declaring “they are all in good shape” in Thursday’s pre-match press conference.

Due to those Covid-related match postponements, we have only seen the German tactician in the dugout three times, though the Red Devils have won both of their Premier League matches against Crystal Palace and Norwich City. During that time, Ronaldo has failed to score from open play, but his underlying numbers are more encouraging, having racked up 1.09 non-penalty expected goals (non-pen xG).

Cristiano Ronaldo’s xG shot map under Ralf Rangnick

However, the real appeal lies in Monday’s opponents, Newcastle United. The Magpies’ 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in Gameweek 18 leaves them second-bottom of the table, with just one win and 10 points from 18 games, primarily because of their defence. Eddie Howe’s side have now conceded 41 goals in 2021/22, at an average of 2.3 per game, and a whopping 79 for the calendar year. It’s also worth noting that Ronaldo has scored seven goals in his last four league appearances against Newcastle, including a brace on his return to Man Utd in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

NEWCASTLE UNITED’S DEFENSIVE RECORD (HOME) 2021/22:
GameweekOpponentsGoals concededxGC
18Manchester City43.17
15Burnley00.65
14Norwich City11.54
12Brentford31.00
10Chelsea32.53
8Tottenham Hotspur31.57
5Leeds United11.43
3Southampton23.53
1West Ham United43.04
HOW HAS CAPTAIN SENSIBLE PERFORMED SO FAR THIS SEASON?
Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 19? 6

1,252 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I will very likely be using my FH this week. Am I missing anything here?

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo, James, Reguilon, Tierney
    KDB, Son, Foden, Bowen, Martinelli
    Ronaldo

    De Gea, Dalot, Maupay, Broja
    1.4M ITB

    1. yousunkmybattleship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, checking the fixtures right before deadline before making any transfers

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

        "I will very likely be..."

      2. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        100%.

        I won’t click anything until 15mins before deadline.

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

      I think Palace scores. Their attack is too good for the way Spurs defend atm

      Dalot starting, Reg first sub, maybe?

      The rest looks pretty similar to my FH draft when I was considering the chip. Me likey

      Maupay isn't a guaranteed starter. That's why I went for Toney, who's already confirmed by T. Frank to be starting this game

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I was going back and forth about starting Dalot over Reg. I think you might be right.

        Thanks for the info on Maupay. Toney might be a good option after such a long rest.

      2. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        They’ve only scored 6 goals in the last 5 games, I think there attack is OK but nothing special

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

          You only need to be OK to score against the current Spurs defence

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Almost exactly the same as my draft. I have Reguilon -> Lowton (on bench, Dalot starting), Foden -> Rashford, DDG -> Sanchez (bench)

  2. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is Michail Antonio back??

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

      Moyes doesn't know

  3. Friday's Press Conference Times
    Skonto Rigga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all, here are today's presser times. The press conference equivalent of a Lynx Africa gift set:

    Conte - 9am
    Smith - 9am
    Vieira - 1pm

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Ugh , assuming no pressers on Christmas Day?

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, that's right - I think we'll have heard from 13 of the 16 managers in action by the time these three are done. Tuchel, Rodgers and Moyes, we'll have to make do with pre/post-EFL Cup comments.

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

    Do you prioritize getting

    A) Ronaldo?

    B) Son?

    C) Both?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Son over Ronaldo

      Both is my intention

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      C

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

    Who to lose for Son and Ronaldo?

    A. Salah & Antonio
    B. Salah & Dennis plus Gallagher to fodder (-4)
    C. Salah & Dennis plus James to Ben Davies (-4)

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

  6. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is Martinelli a trap?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      not really but wouldnt be getting him now for just one game

      1. 1justlookin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        It would be for the mid term not 1 game

  7. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ramsdale
    James Alonso Cancelo Livramento
    Bilva Foden
    Watkins

    Foster TAA Salah Jota Raphinha King Davis

    1FT, 2.7itb

    Currently can field 8 (with some rotation concerns)…

    Is Free Hit the way to go?

    Thanks.

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Hits for moves that you want to make longer term may be better

  8. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A) Salah to bowen, dennis to ronaldo (-4)
    B) Salah to son, Antonio to ronaldo (-4)
    C) Dennis to dcl?!

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn't do C yet. DCL may be back but Everton are decimated by COVID and no gaurnatees how much DCL plays given how long he's been out.

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

      Would prefer B because you want Son and Ronaldo to offset any Salah haul against Leicester. But depends what you do with Dennis as he'll be gone soon and Antonio probably better to keep longer term

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Got a fairly decent bench, with broja, so might bench. But maybe downgrade alonso and upgrade. Tough to decide with all the changes!

    3. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

  9. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    With 2FT is this a FH worthy team this week?
    Would go Kdb and Son and few other shiny toys

    Ramsdale Steer
    Trent James Cancelo White Livra
    Salah Jota Foden Bilva ESR
    Antonio Watkins Dennis

    Triple pool and Dennis out
    Doubts over Antonio Foden ESR

    Was planning on doing Foden>Son Antonio/Watkins>Broja but that’s two playing guys out.

    Best moves please or just use FH?
    Given short turnaround time for 20 I’m expecting similar issues outside of pool players back

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Have you drafted a FH team?

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Not one I’m settled on.
        Would go Kdb Son Odergaard Bowen and another in midfield
        Lose Trent and James for Davies it’s whether I try Ronaldo or not.

        How’s your dilemma going?
        Might spend some time planning ideal teams for the next 3-4 weeks and see how I get there.

        1. FCSB
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Why wouldn’t you go without Ronaldo on a FH, don’t fancy him?

          I haven’t had chance to tinker tbh, I think it’s going to be a Boxing Day job

          1. FPL_Crisis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Possible doubts over the fixture and also high ownership so want to go a bit different.
            Too many scenarios = overthinking!

            1. FCSB
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 3 months ago

              Quick draft I just did:

              Ramsdale
              James Rudiger Cancelo Reguilon
              Son KDB Foden Bowen Martinelli
              Ronaldo

              With a playing bench…

              I could get Son Martinelli Ronaldo in my current team for -8 but it would mean losing Salah and I’d want him back next GW which would cost another -4

              1. FPL_Crisis
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 3 months ago

                Hard to fault. What does it mean in terms of resorting back to old team next week with hits

                1. FCSB
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 3 months ago

                  So that was a FH draft

                  I’m the same as you, FH solves this weeks problem but we could have problems next GW but hope -4 could solve that… whereas for me to field 11 this week I’d need a -12 and even then have some doubts

  10. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Thanking of taking a hit to get Gilmour out for someone priced at 7.0 or below. Not bowen or gallagher.

    Who would you pick?

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Saka or Martinelli. Demerai Gray has good fixtures but game a risk and Everton sturggling.

  11. Bucket Man
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    What is best so I can relax till boxing day when all hell breaks lose again. At one of my best ranks for this stage so need all the advice I can get.

    1FT - 2.8 ITB

    Ederson
    Cancelo, James, White, Livramento
    ESR, Silva, Bowen
    Lacazette, Broja
    Foster, TAA, Jota, Salah, Dennis

    A) Save
    B) Salah to Son (Lacazette to Ronaldo next week possibly may be to late. May have to WC to get Salah back)
    C) Dennis to Maupay
    D) Free Hit (May be better use in the DGW)

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      can you do Mo + Dennis to Son + Ron?

      1. Bucket Man
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Unfourtunatley not otherwise I think that would be worth it

  12. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    On a FH and looking for one City mid, like many others I assume. Mahrez very tempting. He rarely gets subbed on, either starts or is benched. Just have a good bench and get ready for that haul or those juicy bench points...

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Mahrez has been subbed on in three of the last nine games

  13. Mattdrid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If players depart for Afcon, will value be locked in when they get sold or will it drop?

  14. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    who to get for the upcoming gws
    a. Moura
    b. Gray
    c. Bowen

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      C

    2. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'd go C as he's in form and could also get some gametime as the main striker. Moura not nailed despite the positive comments from Conte and likely to be the first one hooked even if he does start. Everton are in a right mess so I'd avoid Gray.

  15. TheYogaDaddy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    What to do here???

    Ramsdale
    Livramento James Cancelo Dias
    Foden Brownhill
    Watkins Antonio

    (Foster) (TAA) (Salah) (Raphinha) (King)

    1 ft, 0.6 itb.

    Thinking Salah/Raphinha out for Son and Martinelli/Odegaard

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      King to Broja? and or Raph to Martinelli

  16. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    No idea what to do now… possible 5 players with some doubts around the game time of Alonso, ESR, Foden and Antonio.

    Got first WC or could FH?

    DDG
    Livra. Alonso. Cancelo. White
    ESR. Foden
    Lacazette. Antonio
    (Foster. Raph. Salah. Jota. TAA)

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I think I'd be tempted on using your first WC although I've been in your position the last few weeks now and managed to ride them out with a -4 each week.
      I'm very tempted on Salah and Antonio out for a -4, you might be better selling Salah and Raph though to give you 11 possible starters?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah could do. No idea haha. Could do without this headache this time of year haha

    2. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'd make a few transfers Salah and Raph to Son and Bowen and then WC next GW.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

        1. TheTinman
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          I would echo this. You don't have time for a wildcard when a game could be cancelled tomorrow. Enjoy Xmas and wildcard later.

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Cheers Tinman! Tricky time of year haha. Probably just take the -4 then. Bowen, Rash or a City mid all options

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Possibly WC time or a couple of hits, will be flying everywhere if any more cancellations

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers mate! No idea what to do haha

  17. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Chaos here we come!

    A play team below 9 or 10 save FT

    B Salah & Dennis > CR7 & Moura/Maddy or Bowen -4

    C Salah & Dennis > Son & Laca/Jesus -4

    Ramsdale
    James, Cancelo, Teirney, Rudiger
    Bilva, ESR, Gallagher
    Antonio, Dennis, Watkins,

    DDG, Jota, Salah, Trent,

    .7

    1FT

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B but selling Salah so hard to do.

  18. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Looks like no one has a clue haha! Oh well

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      That's true mate, I don't have a clue what to do with the below?

      Ramsdale
      TAA Cancelo James Reguilon
      Son Bilva ESR
      Laca Antonio
      Steele Salah TAA King Sissoko

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Ask Santa he knows 😉

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

      "And no one showed us to the land
      And no one knows the where's or why's
      But something stirs and something tries
      And starts to climb toward the light"

  19. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A. Salah Antonio to Ronaldo Mahrez -4
    B. King to Broja for free

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Do you own Son? Do you have a way to get Salah back?

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yes I've had Son all season, season keeper for me.
        No way to get Salah back but don't mind for those fixtures then AFCON

    3. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

  20. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Pope (If game on) OR Fabianski
    Cancelo Tierney James (Dalot Tsimi)
    Bowen Mahrez DeBruyne Son Martinelli
    Ronaldo Lacazette (Scarlett)

    FH team 0.0 itb
    Thoughts???

  21. Tic Tacs
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Any point taking hits this week?

    Guaita
    Reguilon, Tierney (C), Cancelo (vc), James
    Ramsey, Gundogan, Bernardo, Smith Rowe
    Antonio, Wilson

    No bench!

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      nah leave it, you already have a huge advantage by being able to field 11 players

      1. Tic Tacs
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah true, if there's any definitive Antonio news I may be tempted by a DCL punt

        1. vova
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          yeah, definitely wait until the deadline, so much can change. between now and then

  22. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Friends, I don't have the slightest idea about what to do next. Would you please help me out with this lot?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Dias, Cancelo, James, Cash
    Salah, Jota, Foden, Bowen, Douglas Luiz
    Lacazette, Watkins, King

  23. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Starting lineup prediction for city?

    1. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      anyone got the lotto numbers as well?

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Haha. That was my next question.

    2. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I think you can only really bank on Cancelo, Dias, Ederson at this point! I can see Mahrez playing though

  24. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Bottomed last page

    Who is the priority
    Son with 3 games in hand or Ronaldo with 2?
    The combination is also vital as with Ronaldo i can get Martinelli but with Son I can get up to 8.0 striker but there is none!
    Helpppppppppppppp 🙂

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I leaning towards Ronaldo because there are no stand out strikers at that price range. I'm thinking of going with Ronaldo/Bowen

      1. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Exactly.
        I prefer Son ( cheaper nad 1 game more) but the lack of strikers is killing
        CR also will allow me to have good christamas as I'll be hoping he will deliver on Monday ha!

  25. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If you had to, ignoring everything else - Kane or Son?

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Son

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

      Reposting this reply:

      Conte has two options:

      3-4-1-2, with Ndombele or Lo Celso as the creative mid

      3-4-3, with Kane dropping deep to become the creative mid

      The Liverpool game was the first time he's started Ndombele, and Moura is expected to return vs Palace

      Flash in the pan

      And, rather poetically, Kane's only 3 returns in the league coincide with Ndombele's only 2 returns

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Interesting, was it last season where Kane was playing a tad deeper but getting a lot of returns? My issue is, If I get Son in, then I have to settle on a striker up to 8m that I don't really want, but if I get Kane, then I get choose a better midfielder up to 8M where there's a lot more to choose from than up top

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

          Mourinho used a tactic that doesn't need creative mids: parked bus, then every pass was forwards, everybody fed Kane and Son

          Conte's gone for more control, which means the ball moves around and then needs a creative mid to send a key pass or a wingback to cross (all 4 wingbacks have been under par at this), for the ball to get to Kane in the box

          About the striker conundrum: ignore Broja's price, like Dennis. I have Ronaldo Broja Gelhardt now, and I'm fine with that until GW21, when DCL, Watkins, Jimenez and co return to the conversation

  26. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    So Salah+Raph >> Son+Rash/City Mid/Bowen (-4)? Will be on WC next week if so.

    DDG
    Livra. Alonso. Cancelo. White
    ESR. Foden
    Lacazette. Antonio
    (Foster. Raph. Salah. Jota. TAA)

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

    https://twitter.com/FFScout/status/1474306278059032579?s=20

    Dean Smith confirms that the Canaries have some fresh Covid cases but have got others coming back who previously tested positive. The Norwich boss doesn't name names regarding those affected.

  28. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    How many GWs do the players going to AFCON miss ?

  29. Ruudy Van
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Which do you prefer? Selling my hwang Salah & Christensen.

    A) Kane Rashford
    B) Ronaldo Bowen Dier

    B) Leaves me money to sell Bilva or foden to son

  30. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If you could field 10 with a -4 and have Ronaldo and Son but sell Salah to enable the moves would you free hit?