Captain Sensible
16 May 2025 284 comments
Hibbo Hibbo
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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are bracing themselves for the penultimate weekend of Premier League action, with Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) seemingly the favourite captain ahead of Gameweek 37.

As usual, Captain Sensible highlights which assets have the best chance of delivering a big haul. Perhaps someone from Brentford, Chelsea or Liverpool can challenge the Aston Villa sharpshooter.

First, we will assess the fallout of the captain poll before analysing the player and team statistics*, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ratings ahead of Friday’s 18:00 BST deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Watkins sunk Bournemouth last week, boosting the top-five hopes of Unai Emery’s men. Surprisingly, the England international registered just a single shot on target but his 0.36 expected goals (xG) effort setlled the tie.

This performance piqued our electorate’s interest in time for Tottenham Hotspur visiting the West Midlands. After all, Ange Postecoglou’s side is short on energy and domestic motivation.

Therefore, Watkins secures a 36.32% poll majority, heading into this battle of motivation versus lethargy.

As for Bryan Mbeumo (£8.3m), his in-swinging corner provided a decisive assist in Brentford’s 1-0 win at Ipswich Town. It’s enough to have Thomas Frank dreaming of European qualification.

Four shots and one big chance created put the Cameroon international high in both metrics, and the Bees also had a couple of legitimate penalty claims turned down.

Mbeumo is backed by approximately one-eighth of voters ahead of Fulham’s short trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.

Mohamed Salah (£13.7m) sits third with 8.62%, closely followed by Cole Palmer (£10.5m) and Morgan Rogers (£5.7m).

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

284 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. simong1
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Play Kiwior, Kerkez or Livra? Playing Raya in goal

    1. BremerHB
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Livra

    2. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Kiwior

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      All likely to concede. Livra for me

  2. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Option 1
    Gw37 vardy Sarr in 343
    Gw38 murpy saka 352

    Option 2
    Gw37 Watkins Sarr in 343
    Gw38 Watkins odegaard/kluivert in 343

    Captain mbeumo for both options

    Still very undecided about Watkins...is there any point owning him if not c? Won't I lose rank if he hauls?? Cheers and GL. Help please 🙂

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      It depends if you're chasing or defending OR rank or in a ML. My gut would be to go for Watkins. I assume that you'd captain Salah if you didn't have Saka in GW38, but will you have two good forwards (or one in a 4-5-1) other than Vardy - who won't play in GW38?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        Chasing overall rank cheers

  3. andymck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Martinez (Raya)
    Gvardiol Munoz AWB (Kiwior Livramento)
    Salah Mbeumo Schade Rogers (Sarr)
    Isak Marmoush Watkins
    1ft 3.3itb

    Ok to roll transfer this week?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Looks good

  4. PartyTime
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    -8 hit in the house. Say no more!

    1. Gazwaz80
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      -12 here, why not. I can’t get top in my mini league (£480.00 for the winner 🙁 ) but I’m 60 points clear off 2nd so time to have a little fun 😀

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 6 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        Of 3rd

  5. Gazwaz80
    • 6 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    I think all City first team players will start, they’re still fighting for Champions league place…

    1. BremerHB
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      My thinking too. Though there is always some uncertainty with Pep.

    2. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      I didn’t realise how close it is. Had been wavering on starting Haaland.

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Agree but pep is pep

    4. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Itll be too late but I think it will depend on what the other results are over the weekend what he does.

      If both Chelsea and Villa win, highly likely in fairness, he'll need to go strong

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 6 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        City need to go strong against Bournemouth regardless of the Chelsea/Villa result

    5. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      City have a big first team squad...

      Assuming all fit from FAC final - I expect Ederson, Dias, Gvardiol and Haaland to start against Bournemouth, all other spots can be rotated imo

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 6 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        I agree big Tone…

  6. Bobby_Baggio
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Morning all. 1FT + 2.7m ITB. Chasing ML by 40points. Tempted by Potter for AM. Thoughts?

    AM: Pep
    Areola
    Munoz - Gvardiol - Konsa
    Salah - Rogers - Mbeumo(C) - Sarr
    Wissa - Isak - Cunha

    (Raya) - Murphy - Saliba - Livra

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Moyes for AM either?

  7. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Sorry, reposting as going to be out of action from 9 up to deadline with work

    Any thoughts please, much appreciated

    A) Watkins to Isak
    B) Mateta to Watkins, KDB to 8.2 (-4)
    C) Isak to Watkins, Mateta to Wood (-4)

    Sels
    Munoz Milenkovic Kiwior
    Salah KDB Eze Mbuemo
    Wissa Isak Mateta

    Raya Murphy RAN Kerkez

    Going to hit probably use BB, too risky to carry over to 38 in all likelihood with the rotation and changes that usually come in that GW

  8. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Watkins or Mbuemo captain?

    Im out with the lads tonight, most I think will give Ollie the armband.

    Im top of the league and never have any luck with early KO!

    What do you think?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      How far ahead are you?

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        32 points.

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 months, 23 days ago

          Go with you gut, wouldn't worry too much about what they think. Are they likely to captain Watkins too?

          1. Weak Become Heros
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 months, 23 days ago

            They definitely will. Something nagging me about Mbuemo to do well.

    2. Dutchy FPL
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      If you really think they will captain Watkins, I think you should do that too. You have had 36 GW's to get the lead. Defend it in the last two!

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        Thanks

  9. Little Frank
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Play Eze or Cunha?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Eze
      Cunha first sub

    2. Dutchy FPL
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      I'm playing both. Out of the two; start Eze

  10. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Would you just try playing Sarr?

    Otherwise it’s:
    -4 to have Wissa or Isak (blocks Evanilson in GW38)
    or
    -4 to have Schade or Enzo (tho not sure I would play them in GW38)

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Play Sarr

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        On it now

  11. Drizzle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    I'm 6 pts behind in my ML. 1ft. Do I take hits or hope for the best?

    Raya
    Saliba Gvardiol Munoz
    Salah Mbeumo Schade Sarr
    Watkins (c) Isak Cunha
    (Murphy Milenkovic Livra)

    A) Sarr to Bowen (striker to Evanilson in 38)
    B) Sarr to Asensio (opponent has Rogers)
    C) Sarr/Isak to Saka/Evanilson -4
    D) Sarr/Isak to Saka/Vardy -4 (Evanilson in 38
    E) Roll, hope Sarr gets more than a point and attack gw38 with 2ft

    Reluctant to roll at this point as I may be too far behind by 38 if I'm not proactive...

    1. The-Red-1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      6 points is nothing. Schade might make that up himself!

      I like A out of those.

    2. Boz
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Switch up the captain. 6 pts is nothing, one goal.

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      No hits!
      A out of those options. Don't like Asensio much.

  12. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 15 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    A) Isak -> Vardy (fairy tail ending) also allows Eze -> Saka next week
    B) Isak -> Watkins
    C) Salah -> Palmer
    D) play Isak & Salah (2ft,s for next week)

    1. rjcv177
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      A

    2. Boz
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      D

      1. super zlatan
        • 14 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        D

    3. Udogie-style
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      B

  13. rjcv177
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Good morning Scouts
    Save FT?

    Raya
    Gvardiol, munoz, awb
    Salah, kdb, mbeumo (c), elanga, sarr
    Watkins, wissa

    Areola, mateta, kiwior, konsa

    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Yes and play konsa over awb

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        this

  14. Boz
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Having Martinez, Raya, Konsa and Saliba, would you start both Villa or split the risk with Martinez + Saliba?

    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      I’m in a similar position and starting both villa players.

      1. Boz
        • 13 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        Starting to lean that way

  15. simong1
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Play Sarr (WOL) or Evanilson (mci)?

    1. Drizzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Evanilson

    2. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Sarr

    3. Boz
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      If you have any city defense start Sarr

  16. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Save FT?

    Martinez
    Gvardiol. Ruben. Konsa
    Eze. Salah. Mbeumo. Rogers. KDB
    Isak. Wissa

    Subs. Raya. Mateta. Kiwior. Kerkez

    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Eaze save

    2. Udogie-style
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Watkins?

      1. Boz
        • 13 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        3 villa

        1. Udogie-style
          • 2 Years
          6 months, 23 days ago

          Ah sorry, didn't see keeper.

    3. Dutchy FPL
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Save

  17. ball c
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Which transfer to do:

    A) Haaland to Watkins (allows me Saka gw 38).

    B) KDB & Haaland to Palmer & Watkins for -4

    Am chasing around 10 points in ML.
    Will captain Watkins

    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Not a fan of either tbh

      1. Sun God Nika
        • 5 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        A) Haaland is still a overpriced target back from recent injury
        and it allow you a arsenal mid for 38 which you would want

    2. Dutchy FPL
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Haaland seems a good choice if you are chasing. Why would you transfer him out?

  18. GC123
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Bottomed with no replies

    Morning all

    Martinez
    Gvardiol Munoz Konsa
    Sarr Rogers Salah Mbeumo
    Wissa Isak Marmoush

    Raya Livramento Saliba Murphy

    3FT £1.9m ITB

    1. Konsa + Marmoush > W Bissaka/Collins (which?)

    2. Roll and attack GW38 with 4 FT’s

    3. Something else

    Thanks in advance

    1. Udogie-style
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      2

    2. Dutchy FPL
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      2, put Murphy first on bench.

      1. GC123
        • 4 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        Thanks Dutchy. Yeah he is 1st sun. I just typed it out badly. Appreciate the advice bud

  19. GC123
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Thanks Udogie. Just have to pray Watkins is quiet tonight. If he goes big, I’m screwed

    1. Udogie-style
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      If you are worried about that you could use a couple of transfers to free up a Villa spot and get him in!

      1. GC123
        • 4 Years
        6 months, 23 days ago

        It’s just FOMO on Watkins. I don’t actually think he’s a great asset. It would be a defensive move to cover. I’m leaning towards attacking GW38 with 4FT. I can then bring in Bowen, Saka and and a couple of Bournemouth attackers

  20. Dutchy FPL
    • 2 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Difficult decision to make, now on A:

    A) City double up Gvardiol & Rúben
    B) Villa double up Martinez & Konsa
    C) Start Timber --> Martinez, Munoz - Gvardiol - Timber

  21. C_G
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    would love a bit of advice, is this gtg? no FTs remaining, 1.1 ITB and TC chip available. Is it worth using this week? i’m in second place 24 points behind my ML leader.

    Raya

    Maatsen Munoz Gvardiol

    Salah Mbeumo(c) Asensio KDB

    Watkins Wissa Marmoush

    Areola Timber Livra Murphy

    1. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 23 days ago

      Can’t see anything that’s worth a hit so no need to change anything

  22. HarryS
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    KDB > Palmer for a -4?

  23. FantasyFooty01
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Martinez
    Munoz Saliba Gvardiol
    Sarr Rogers Salah KDB
    Marmoush Isak Mateta

    Bench: Raya Livarmento Dorgu Rashford
    3 ft 0.1 ITB

    Want to use all 3 free transfers. Any suggestions? Thinking of getting Watkins in and triple captaining

  24. andymck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Which do you prefer?

    A) Marmoush > Vardy this week
    B) Marmoush > Evanilson next week

    The money will be used to upgrade Sarr to Saka in gw38

  25. FantasyFooty01
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Martinez
    Munoz Saliba Gvardiol
    Sarr Rogers Salah KDB
    Marmoush Isak Mateta

    Bench: Raya Livarmento Dorgu Rashford
    3 ft 0.1 ITB

    Watkins>Mateta
    Marmoush>Wissa
    Rashford>Enzo

    Then KDB>Saka GW38

    Want to use all 3 free transfers. Any suggestions? Thinking of getting Watkins in and triple captaining

  26. Fast Hands Phil The Keeper
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    6 months, 23 days ago

    Two questions ??:
    1. Who to bench from these 8:
    Salah, Saka, KdB, Mbeumo, Rogers; Wissa, Watkins, Wood.
    Currently Wissa on bench because I don't want to be doubled up on Brentford if Palace win the FA Cup and take the final European spot.
    But it is Brentford's final home game, a London derby and Fulham's away form is .. poor. So even if it is a 'dead rubber', will Brentford's players take their foot off the gas/will Frank 'rotate' (rhetorical)?
    2. And of the remaining 7, who to Captain? I'm 12 points ahead in my minileague