Captain Sensible
9 May 2025 351 comments
Hibbo Hibbo
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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers brace themselves for another testing decision when it comes to assigning a captain, with a trio of targetable fixtures catching the eye ahead of Gameweek 36.

All eyes focus mainly on Brentford and Man City assets, facing Ipswich Town and Southampton, respectively. A certain Norwegian sharpshooter is potentially back on the menu.

As usual, Captain Sensible highlights which assets have the best chance of delivering a big haul.

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

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Bryan Mbeumo (£8.2m) disappointed scores of managers who entrusted him with the armband in Brentford’s 4-3 win over Man United.

However, the Cameroon international did return an assist for headline-hogging Kevin Schade (£5.2m) to nod home his second of the contest.

While Thomas Frank’s Bees registered 2.8 expected goals (xG), Mbeumo cut a peripheral figure, failing to muster a single shot on target with just one chance created.

This performance has done little to dissuade our electorate ahead of Brentford’s visit to Ipswich Town, with Mbeumo securing the most votes – over 36%.

Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne (£9.5m) continues his bittersweet farewell tour of the Premier League in style.

Man City’s outgoing Belgian is certainly on form, with his decisive goal in Man City’s slim 1-0 win over Wolves garnering his second double-digit return in his last four matches.

Against Wolves, however, De Bruyne’s underlying numbers flattered to deceive. No chances created and a single shot registered just 0.47 non-penalty involvement. 

De Bruyne is backed by just under one-quarter of our voters ahead of Man City’s trip to Southampton.

Omar Marmoush (£7.6m), Yoane Wissa (£6.7m) and Chris Wood (£7.1m) are a long way further back than the leading two in the poll.

THE PLAYER STATISTICS – LAST SIX MATCHES

FPL team previews – Liverpool: Best players, predicted XI + more

Hibbo Author of Captain Sensible. I write Fantasy Premier League articles, focusing on stats and strategy. Four top 10k finishes. 22/23 Rank - 6123.  Follow them on Twitter

351 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Geriatric Unathletic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 1 day ago

    🙂

  2. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 1 day ago

    Not sure I have the balls to (c) KDB over Mbeumo even if I should while chasing in my ML

    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Same here, mins risk scares me off

    2. Udogie-style
      • 2 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      If you cap Mbeumo, you'll still be chasing in ML. If you cap KDB and he blanks, you'll still be chasing in ML. Nothing to lose really.

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        The thing I could chase with differntials while not (c) one

      2. Haa-lala-land
        • 5 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        I mean, the opportunity would be lost, but I see what you're saying.

  3. Udogie-style
    • 2 Years
    7 months, 1 day ago

    Is Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade overkill? Thinking of getting Schade in for Rogers, as don't really like the look of him on my BB.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Nothing wrong with stacking against relegated team

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Not at all, but it's quite a few eggs in one basket. Is Bowen a better/safer pick if you already have Mbeumo & Wissa, say for Murphy/Sarr (mf's with possible limited mins)

        1. Udogie-style
          • 2 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Cheers. I have Bowen and KDB already. Rogers was making my BB seem a bit pants which is why I thought I'd consider the swap.

  4. tim
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 1 day ago

    1ft

    Martinez
    Neco Gvardiol Munoz
    Salah Rogers Mbeumo Savinho
    Mateta Marmoush Watkins

    Raya Sarr Kiwior Livra

    Mateta to Wissa or what?

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Yes sounds good or to wood

    2. DL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      I have a v. similar team, and I did Savinho --> Bowen.

      But I also needed to free up a Man City slot to bring in Pep as AssMan (my protest against the stupid chip is just to play it on whoever is most likely to win their last three matches).

      Can't decide whether to start Martinez/Raya, or Sarr/Rogers.

      1. tim
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Starting Rogers because if benched he will score, im going w Martinez.

    3. Steevo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Very similar team... either Mateta -> Wissa or Savinho -> Bowen.

      If Savinho starts, he should do very well on the RW... so probably Mateta -> Wissa makes sense, or possible even roll the FT.

    4. tim
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Cheers lads, will do Mateta to Wissa probs

      1. tim
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Or both Watkins and Mateta to Wood and Wissa?

  5. Haa-lala-land
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 1 day ago

    Bring in KDB or Doku?
    Dokus minutes seem more secure?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Really?!

    2. Bobby Crush
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      you are overthinking

      1. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
        • 1 Year
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Or perhaps not thinking at all 😎

        1. Haa-lala-land
          • 5 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Thank you for your help guys.

  6. Mane Mane Mane
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 1 day ago

    Who are the best players to target for the next two gameweeks only

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      NFO MCI BRE

  7. TAnderson
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Always wondering who’s injured? https://www.premierleagueinjuries.com — saves me every FPL week.

      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 5 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Is this your own website?

      2. iFash@FPL
        • 1 Year
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Lovely. Ose!

    • Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Play Kerkez (AVL) or Munoz (tot)?

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        I fancy Munoz v Spurs. AVL have been tight at the back of late. Spurs not so much.

    • Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Feel like my transfer this week ends up being a GK. I’m £0.1 short of Rogers to Eze, can’t think of anything else.

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Just play Rogers. Save FT?

        Who's the GK transfer?

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Raya or Areola.

          1. Pep bites Kun
            • 9 Years
            7 months, 1 day ago

            Roll FT? It's late, but 2x FT may work next gw for Haaland or other.

    • Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Is this crazy move for a BB this week?

      Murphy + Diaz + Isak --> KDB + Palmer + Evanilson -4

      Sels
      Milenkovic - Gvardiol - RAN
      Salah - Mbeumo - Bowen - Palmer - KDB
      Marmoush - Wissa

      Kepa - Livra - Robinson - Evanilson

      1. My name is Maradona
        • 2 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        I'd hold on to Isak instead of transferring to Evanilson. Not too sure about Palmer, but maybe Eze is a better option.

        1. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          yeah fairs. thinking is that Villa just lost their best player so good for Bou as a whole, and Chelsea is actually a decent defence against New (likely cagey game for UCL)

          Palmer is more of a punt for the rest of the GWs, as theyve got Mun and Not left

          1. Pep bites Kun
            • 9 Years
            7 months, 1 day ago

            Same opinion as the other responses. I'd add - wait for late team news/leaks this gw

            "Villa just lost their best player " - which one?

            1. Scholes Out For Summer
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 months, 1 day ago

              Tielemans! feels like hes essential for their attack and ball retention

      2. No Kane No Gain
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        1 Isak goal could kill these transfers

        1. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          yeah true, but Isak has looked quite off it for some time because Barnes make so many runs centrally.

          Another move would be like Murphy + Diaz --> KDB + Elanga for free, but makes the rest of the GWs look less attractive

      3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Yes

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Not crazy! Yes, as in do it

    • My name is Maradona
      • 2 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      -4 for Bowen or Eze for the next 2 GW's?

      Captain Mbuemo, Wissa, or KDB?

      1. BrockLanders
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Not sure I'd take a -4 for either this week

        1. My name is Maradona
          • 2 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          For context, I'm dumping Bruno and on a BB for this GW.

    • DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      OK, what say thee to the below for a -4?

      A. Saka > KDB
      B. Savinho > Elanga or Bowen

      Thanks

      1. BrockLanders
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        A

        1. DavvaMC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Thanks, to get KDB Savinho or Gvarsiol would need to leave my team.

    • Hitthewall
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Which option?
      A) Rogers -> Elanga and bench Saka
      B) Play Saka and save FT

      1. BrockLanders
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        If i owned Saka I'd probably just play

    • YoungPretender
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Wissa or Wood? Penalties swaying me towards Wood…

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Wood this GW but wissa until the end of the season I think

    • AD105
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Best capitan?

      A) KDB
      B) Mbeumo
      C)Wissa

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        All fab options to be honest. Mbeumo maybe as nailed compared to mbeumo

        1. toerag
          • 15 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          😆

        2. DARE TO BISCAN
          • 7 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Mbeumo and Mbeumo are a much of a muchness, really 😛

      2. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        I'm going Wissa.

    • Cold Palms
      • 1 Year
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Why ask ? Do your own stuff - no one can be right!

      1. el polako
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        You’re clearly new here.

        1. Mini League Fatigue
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Lol

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        A broken clock is right twice per day

        As per FPL or PL analysis, that's quite accurate. It's a game - Enjoy it; get on board or get off 😉

        1. toerag
          • 15 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          mine's not.
          It's stuck @ 18:43. and keeps blinking.

    • RogueBlood
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      1ft 1.6itb what changes would you suggest?

      Raya
      Saliba, Gvardiol, Munoz
      Salah, Mbuemo, Rogers, Bowen
      Isak, Wissa, Marmoush

      Verb, Konsa, Kilman, Rashford

      1. BrockLanders
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Saliba to Sessegnon/Ait Nouri?

    • Mini League Fatigue
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      A) Mateta -> Wissa & Pep AM
      B) Mateta -> Wood, Saar -> KDB & Frank AM (-4)

      B would give me 3 City hence the Frank AM

      1. BrockLanders
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Probably A

    • BrockLanders
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Evening folks.

      What do you prefer?
      1/ Joao Pedro to Wissa for free
      2/ Sarr (own Eze) & Trippier to KDB & Sessegnon -4

      1. Mini League Fatigue
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        I don’t like defensive subs for a hit so A for me

    • FPL Sanky
      • 2 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Am I crazy going against the crowd and getting Cunha instead of Wissa? I am at 135k and I suppose I need to take some risks to break into the top 100k club?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        2 homes games and Palace after the FA Cup is great. Go for it

        1. FPL Sanky
          • 2 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Cheers thank you

      2. Mini League Fatigue
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Not crazy, good option especially if you like a risk …

      3. BrockLanders
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Cunha could easily be as good as Wissa this week

        1. Tommy Template
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Don't they play each other in 38 at Wolves? Thats a better game for Cunha than Wissa imo. Brighton are also very leaky on their day for this week. Cunha could do very well

      4. Boss Hogg
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Cunha’s got main character energy.
        If Wolves get goals he’s always involved.

      5. TOLV TUMS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Not at all - like so many selection choices right now it’s a total toss-up so may as well be bold and go with your gut

        1. FPL Sanky
          • 2 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Thank you

    • SalahFingers
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Chasing by 32pts. Is this a decent WC for the rest of the season?

      Sels [Raya]
      Gvardiol Aina RAN [Kiwior Konate]
      Salah Mbeumo KDB Bowen [Schade]
      Wissa Marmoush Wood

      11 out of 15 are different to my minileague leader.

      A) G2G
      B) Get Haaland instead of Marmoush
      C) Get Brentford Def instead of Schade
      D) Any other suggestions?

      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 5 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Not sure I'd go Marmoush on WC. He may not start all the next three and I expect everyone in your ML has him?

        I don't think it's worth having Schade if you're benching him Vs Ipswich?
        Maybe a differential for 37 or 38 that you can leave on the bench?

        I think I'd want Palmer for 37 if on WC, but I'd understand if you've been burnt by him!

        1. SalahFingers
          • 7 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          The most important thing is my minileague leader doesn't have Marmoush. He could buy him this week though.

          Schade is mostly a cheapo for bench fodder. I need to bench 1 out of the front 8, so he's just there in case someone else doesn't play.

          Palmer is good. I guess I went with KDB in midfield as he has 3 good fixtures, where Palmer only has 1 IMO. Chelsea are on form though and Palmer is a differential (with my ML leader).

          Like I said, 11 out of those are players that my minileague leader doesn't have so I have a lot of differentials there.

          I appreciate the ideas.

      2. TOLV TUMS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Haaland the big question for you

        1. SalahFingers
          • 7 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          I was thinking that. Money aside, would you prefer Haaland over Marmoush for the last 3?

    • GE
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      1) Savinho -> De Bruyne
      2) Mateta -> Wood

      1. Mini League Fatigue
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        Solid

        1. GE
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Would you do both for a hit?

          1. Mini League Fatigue
            • 12 Years
            7 months, 1 day ago

            Depends on the bench options, I’d be tempted

      2. SalahFingers
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        I'd prefer 2, but both look good IMO.

        1. GE
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Both for a hit ? 🙂

    • Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Best 4.5m defender?

      a. Neco Williams
      b. Huijsen
      c. Wan Bissaka
      d. Seasegnon
      e. other?

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        D

    • Isco Disco
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Chasing my ML leader by 70 pts and he has used all his chips and I still have my TC left which could help me win the ML if I play my cards right and pick the right TC. I made a mistake by not using it during the Liverpool doubles but need to make up the ground now.
      Who's the best TC candidate in the next 3 GWs who will guarantee 45+ points using the TC chip?

      Thanks in advance!

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        I’d target someone vs Man Utd or Spurs before their final.

        1. Isco Disco
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Appreciate the feedback!

      2. Etihader
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        No one will guarantee you 15 points in a single game week. You should be super happy if you get 10 points, given no elite captain options in any of the last 3 GWs.

        1. TOLV TUMS
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          This

        2. Isco Disco
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 1 day ago

          Thanks! So my next question is who's most likely to assure me of 10+ pts in a single GW in the next 3 GW?
          I feel Mbuemo has the potential to give 15+ pts and so does KDB but just not sure how they will perform this weekend. Both had poor underlying stats last GW despite playing poor teams

      3. toerag
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        watkins v spurs??

    • Boss Hogg
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Cumha to Wissa or Wood for a free?

      a, Wissa
      b. Wood
      c. Keep Cunha

      ???

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        C!

      2. toerag
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 1 day ago

        c

    • jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      What to do? I've got 1FT + 2.3M ITB. Thinking of bringing in Wissa for Mateta or Marmoush if hes benched or potentially roll one more week on Mateta v spurs?

      Raya
      Gvardiol Williams Munoz
      Salah Mbuemo (C) KDB Sarr
      Mateta Marmoush Isak

      Areola Rogers Livramento Kiwior

      A) Mamoush to Wissa/Wood
      B) Mateta to Wissa/Wood
      C) Raya to Sels
      D) Mateta and Rogers to Wissa and Bowen -4pts
      E) Something else

    • BrockLanders
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Just noticed the Brentford vs Ipswich earlier in the season. 4-3 (Mbuemo 2, Wissa 2) :0

    • Tsparkes10
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Save or Rogers to KDB?

      Glasner

      Verbruggen
      Gvardiol Williams Murillo
      Salah Eze Rogers Mbuemo
      Evanilson Isak Marmoush
      (Raya, Murphy, Munoz, Saliba)

    • Wet Bandits
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      20pts behind my ML leader.. he has a pretty template team, what's my move?

    • Malkmus
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 1 day ago

      Evening.Bench one from 1 and 2:

      1:
      A - Saliba
      B - Schar

      2:
      A - Saka
      B - Murphy
      C - Rogers

      Thinking 1A, 2B

      Ta !