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. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Lots of options.. I'm stuck!

    Pope
    Gvardiol RAN Muñoz
    Salah Palmer Mbeumo Murphy
    Isak Marmoush Wood

    Bruno Robinson Mykolenko
    2.8ITB 2FT

    A) Murphy Isak -> KDB Cunha
    B) Bruno -> KDB
    C) Bruno Isak Marmoush -> Doku/Schade Cunha Haaland (-4)
    D) Isak Bruno -> Schade Haaland
    E) Salah Bruno Isak -> KDB Eze Haaland (-4)

    1. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      I don't think this team needs a hit. Quite like A. Could potentially go Wissa instead of Cunha but both good options.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Yeah, I like A too. ML rival with Wissa, so he's out (chasing)

        1. Eightball
          • 5 Years
          7 months, 2 days ago

          Although if you aren't planning on play Bruno this week then he might just need to go. Depends if you need the money for any other moves you have planned in the next couple of weeks.

    2. For Beto or Wirtz!
      • 1 Year
      7 months, 2 days ago

      A or B and save transfer

  2. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Sels,
    Gvardiol, Milenkovic, Munoz,
    Salah, Mbuemo, Sarr, KDB,
    Isak, Mateta, Marmoush,

    Raya, Murphy, Kiwor, Livramento,
    1FT, 3.7 ITB.

    With the Mateta to Wissa move being largely popular this week, you just know Wissa will probably blank and Mateta will punish sellers. I feel like I could potentially roll this week, yet equally, Isak, Mateta to Wissa, Cunha for -4 also looks tempting.

    Would you..
    A) Roll
    B) Mateta to Wissa/Cunha
    C) Isak to Wissa/ Cunha
    D) Both for a hit?

  3. Danstoke82
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Hi all

    Currently have a small lead in my cash ML, 2nd place owns Wood and Cunha. Is matching him by bringing in Wood the play despite the love for Wissa?

    Which one, Mateta >

    A) Wood
    B) Wissa

    1FT

    Thanks in advance

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

      I'd prefer Wissa but matching him with Wood is probably the smarter play. I'm on WC2 and I got both.

      1. Danstoke82
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Thanks for the feedback! Agree, Wissa has been in great form whereas Wood hasn’t, however I probably need to protect the lead and bring in Wood.

        Just gotta hope Cunha doesn’t go mad!

  4. Elijah's Wood
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    1FT £3m banked

    Pope
    Gvardiol Milenkovic Munoz
    Salah KDB Bowen Murphy
    Isak Marmoush SLarsen

    Raya Merino Konate Bradley

    Might need to get Strand-Larsen out or bench him for Merino.

    A) Merino > Mbuemo
    B) Strand-Larsen > Cunha/Wood/Wissa
    C) Merino + SLarsen > Mbuemo + Trossard/ £7.8m (-4)
    D) A+B+Konate > Mbeumo + Wissa + N.Williams (-8)

    1. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      B Wissa

  5. Loðbrók
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Will Bruno start?

    1. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Unlikely, they won’t be taking chances.

  6. niaz1982
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    2 FTs

    Mateta & Sarr > Wissa & Bowen?

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Yes

  7. theshazly
    • 2 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Martinez ( Raya )
    Gvardi Murillo* Munoz (Kiwior / Konate)
    Salah Rogers Sarr Mbuemo (c) ( Rashford * )
    Marmoush Isak Mateta

    1 FT / 2.8 ITB

    1 ) Rashford > Bowen
    2 ) Mateta > Cunha
    3 ) Mateta > Wissa
    4 ) Mateta > Wood
    5 ) Rashford > Elanga
    6 ) Something else ??

    And bench :

    A ) Rogers
    B ) Sarr
    C ) Mateta

    Please help as Im competing in my ML!

  8. jonnybhoy
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 2 days 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

    1. ct mariner
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      B Wissa

  9. Malkmus
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Evening all.Bench one from 1 and 2:

    1:
    A - Saliba
    B - Schar

    2:
    A - Saka
    B - Murphy
    C - Rogers

    Thinking 1A, 2B

    Ta !

    1. ct mariner
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Agree

    2. RockLedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Agree

    3. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Agree

      1. Malkmus
        • 14 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Thanks all

    4. boroie
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Ab

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Agree

      A
      B

  10. ct mariner
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Odds on Murphy starting

    1. Less than 50%
    2. 50% or Greater

    1. Teddy10
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      2

    2. boroie
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      1

  11. boroie
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Which one out?

    A - Marmoush
    B - Mateta
    C - Isak

    Which one in?

    D - Cunha
    E - Wissa
    F - Wood

    * First to 5 votes wins it…

    1. ct mariner
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      B E

      1. boroie
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Thanks

    2. Lecky Legs FC
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      B D

    3. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      BE
      ....just

    4. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      B D

  12. HellasLEAF
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Murphy and Cucurella to Mbuemo and N. Williams for a -4.

    But I will be playing my BB this game week as well to perhaps absorb if it doesn't work out either way. Mini league rival has played all chips so I will play the BB uncontested.

    Yay or Nay.

    1. Teddy10
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Yay

    2. ct mariner
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Yay

    3. boroie
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Y

  13. Teddy10
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Got exact money to do Bowen and Marmoush to KDB and Wissa (minus 4)

    A) Do it and capt KDB
    B) Roll and capt Mbeumo

    1. boroie
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      B

    2. ct mariner
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Coin Toss

  14. Skout
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Does Haaland coming back make KDB less appealing?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      No

    2. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      More appealing. Someone might actually get on the end of his passes and score.

      1. Sun God Nika
        • 5 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        This

  15. Elijah's Wood
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    If you're chasing a lead of 50 points, what would be the move:

    1st place has Wissa and Mbeumo whereas I don't own either.

    I own Bowen and Strand-Larsen.

    A) Would you avoid these two and look at bringing in Cunha/Wood for S-Larsen instead of matching with Wissa?

    B) Is taking a hit a stupid move to bring in a differential like Schade/Elanga?

    C) can I catch 1st place?

    1. boroie
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      A - defs avoid… no point making transfers to match someone who is 50 points ahead with 3 weeks to go… now is the time to take risks.

      B - no problem with taking a hit to get a differential but I wouldn’t for those two. Think there are better differentials out there with higher ceilings.

      C - yes but you will have to take some risks… sell Salah… buy Haaland or KDB

      1. Elijah's Wood
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Thank you!

        I have KDB already as differential. I could sell Marmoush and Salah for Haaland + £8.5m mid

    2. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      A) You need to outscore him by 16-17 points each week which is quite a lot. You need to go different and hope the likely candidates don't score. This could easily backfire on you in terms of overall rank but if you only care about the mini league then it's def the play to go different.
      B) Taking a hit isn't awful but it does make the 50 point lead 54 points so would have to be a really high scoring differential to pay off.
      C) Yes, but very unlikely with no chips.

      1. Elijah's Wood
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Thank you, I still have TC left

        1. Eightball
          • 5 Years
          7 months, 2 days ago

          That's pretty big if you get the right TC. I think Mbeumo and KDB are the stand out options this week but you could go for someone like Palmer in 37 if he looks good again this week. United are going to heavily rotate for the Europa final I reckon. Haaland could be a crazy differential but I wouldn't unless we get news.

        2. Eightball
          • 5 Years
          7 months, 2 days ago

          Haaland starting. TC Haaland is your chance I think.

  16. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Crazy to be considering playing Rogers and benching Salah?

    1. boroie
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      If you’re chasing no problem with that. If you’re ahead and looking to hold position then you’re crazy.

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Only 2 points behind and would say my team is set up better for remaining weeks so no need to gamble.

    2. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Only if it doesn’t work

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Cheers. Maybe silly to risk it.

    3. Wet Bandits
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      I contemplating selling Salah.. is that crazy?

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Depends who you're getting in

  17. Redranger
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Going to bench boost this week.

    A) Murphy > Elanga
    B) Murphy & Isak > KDB & Wissa/Wood

    1. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      B if free. Wissa.

  18. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Got a front line of Cunha, Isak, Marmoush + 1FT. Currently chasing at 350k. What’s the wise move?

    A) Isak to Wissa
    B) Marmoush to Wissa
    C) If a leak reveals Haaland is starting, get him in for Marmoush for a hit, ditching Salah in the process
    D) Sit tight and save the FT

  19. boroie
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Completely torn on the Wood/Wissa dilemma…

    Who and why?

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Wissa. I'm not sure why so many people are debating it. Its not particularly close IMO. Wood has like one chance a game, Wissa has far more.

      1. boroie
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Leicester worse than Ipswich maybe? Pens? Home advantage?

    2. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Wissa if planning to hold the rest of the season

      1. boroie
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Don’t think they are worth a -4 to take out Marmoush or Isak

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 6 Years
          7 months, 2 days ago

          then why are you asking? wtf lol

          1. boroie
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 2 days ago

            Playing devils advocate. You’re saying it’s not particularly close. I’m giving reasons why I think it is. I’ll be honest, I agree with you and I’m steering towards Wissa. But I don’t think it’s as straight forward as you’re suggesting.

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 6 Years
              7 months, 2 days ago

              You didn't tell us you were taking a -4 to do it, otherwise our opinions may have been different. That was my point. You should have lead with that.

    3. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Why not both.

      1. boroie
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Don’t think they are worth a -4 to take out Marmoush or Isak

  20. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    A. JSL to Wissa
    B. Murphy to Elanga

  21. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    4 pts behind in my ML and he has Wissa/Bowen

    Raya (Verbrug)
    Gvardiol Munoz Burn (Konsa Cucu)
    Salah Mbeumbo (C) KDB Sarr (Rogers)
    Marmoush Isak Mateta

    A - Roll FT
    B - Mateta to Wissa (Shield)
    C - Mateta to Cunha (Sword)
    D - Sarr to Bowen (shield)
    E - Sarr to Schade (Sword)

  22. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Sels,
    Gvardiol, Milenkovic, Munoz,
    Salah, Mbuemo, Sarr, KDB,
    Isak, Mateta, Marmoush,

    Raya, Murphy, Kiwor, Livramento,
    1FT, 3.7 ITB.

    Would you..
    A) Roll
    B) Mateta to Wissa/Cunha
    C) Isak to Wissa/ Cunha
    D) Both for a hit?

  23. lauren2223
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    1FT £1.1ITB
    Areola
    Gvardiol RAN Munoz
    Mbeumo Salah Bowen Rogers
    Isak Marmoush Mateta
    AM (35-37) Glasner

    Raya Livra Murphy Kiwior

    Any thoughts/ideas?

    1 - Mateta -> Wissa
    2 - Rogers + Isak -> KDB + Wissa -4
    3 - Salah + Mateta -> KDB + Wissa -4
    4 - Any of above + another -4 to change AM

  24. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Wissa or Wood for Evanilson?

    1. RockLedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      No wood for either.

    2. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Can you get rid of someone else? Evanilson going to be a really good pick for 38.

  25. Jude Rooney
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    Gibbs White or Elanga?

    1. Sun God Nika
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Elanga for explosion

      Former MGW owner and its quite lacklustre

      1. Jude Rooney
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        Cheers - makes sense,

  26. Wet Bandits
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    I'm lost on what to do. I'm sat 2nd in cash league, chasing 20pts. With 2ft

    Martinez
    Gvardiol, Saliba, Munoz
    Salah, Eze, Saka, Murphy
    Marmoush, Isak, Watkins

    Raya, Bradley, Sarr, Konsa

    Similar team to my rival. He has KDB, Wissa, N Williams (I have Saka, Watkins, Bradley)

    What's the play....

  27. wildnothing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    What are the chances of a Haaland start you think?

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Think he comes off the bench personally

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Pretty good chance IMO.

    3. David Parkinson
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      30%.

  28. Gazza1993
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    7 months, 2 days ago

    A) Areola to Sels (My ML rival who is 18 points behind me has Sels)
    Or
    B) Cunha to Wissa
    Or
    C) Roll transfer

    1. Gazza1993
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      7 months, 2 days ago

      I only have 1 FT

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      A
      Sure keep Cunha

  29. Captain Beefheart
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    100s of duplicated posts about best forward transfers, all good options, no right or wrong choices, toss a coin, Mateta and Murphy to Cunha and KDB, done, good luck!

  30. Flynny
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 2 days ago

    I won't be around ahead of deadline tomorrow. What to do here with 1ft and 0.3m? Rank 400k

    A....save ft
    B....mateta to wissa
    C....Marmoush and salah to haaland (c) and schade - 4

    Raya
    Gvardiol bradley munoz (burn estupinan)
    Salah kdb mbeumo sarr (murphy)
    Isak marmoush mateta

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      I like C but need to know if Haaland starts or not

    2. Wet Bandits
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      I do like C.. but it's a gamble!

    3. David Parkinson
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 2 days ago

      Nearly the same side & rank Flynny. Wood for me, cap KDB, gl.

      1. Flynny
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 2 days ago

        I love C......but unlikely to be online for leaks. So it's a huge gamble!