Captain Sensible
24 May 2025 266 comments
Hibbo Hibbo
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Captain Sensible returns for the final time this season as we assess the best armband candidates for Gameweek 38.

A favourable home fixture for Mohamed Salah (£13.6m) makes this season’s stand-out performer the early armband favourite.

But can anyone challenge the Egyptian, and who is the best player to back for differential seekers and rank chasers?

In this article, we will assess the fallout of the captain poll before analysing the player and team statisticsRate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Sunday’s 14:30 BST deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Gameweek 38 captain

Mohamed Salah drew his third consecutive blank as Liverpool were brought back down to earth in their 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Egyptian, however, had chances. Salah’s six shots in the box, two attempts on target, and 14 touches in the area against Fabian Hurzeler’s side were all Gameweek leading totals.

This performance, and his gold-standard vintage in a record-breaking campaign, attract the interest of our users before Crystal Palace’s visit.

Salah secures almost 30% of the captain poll vote ahead of ‘The Ibiza Derby’, with both sides very much on the beach!

Meanwhile, Jarrod Bowen (£7.9m) makes a rare foray into the upper echelons of this article. He has six attacking returns in his last five Premier League matches. 

Just under 13% of our voters back Bowen ahead of his visit to Ipswich Town’s Portman Road.  

Evanilson (£5.8m) and Bukayo Saka (£10.3m) are neck and neck, each with over 8% of the vote, with Ollie Watkins (£9.1m) not far behind them.

THE PLAYER STATISTICS – LAST SIX MATCHES

Finally, I’d like to extend a special thanks to all Fantasy Football Scout users over the last season. I hope you’ve enjoyed the weekly analysis in Captain Sensible, and best of luck for Gameweek 38. 



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

266 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Mesh
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Who to transfer out for Evanilson?

    A. Marmoush
    B. Wissa
    C. Cunha

    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      C

    2. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      C

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      A

    4. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Wait to see if any leaks C plays, if not C

    5. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      C

    6. Trippier Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      C

  2. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 5 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    One last decision to get wrong this season.

    1. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Which is?

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Who are you on?

    3. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      I own five of the top six candidates before transfer(s). Will finalise about 1am Monday.

      1. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Same here but has to be Salah for me

      2. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 5 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        [Matches kick-off 3am Monday local time]

  3. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Which move?

    A) KDB to Bowen
    B) Marmoush to Evanilson
    C) other move

    And benching order ok?

    Raya
    Kiwior, Kerkez, Gvardiol
    Saka, Salah, KDB, Rogers
    Watkins, Wissa, Marmoush

    Areola, Sarr, Livra, Munoz

    1 ft, 1.1 in the bank

    1. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Both A or B can easily backfire
      Livra first on the bench if not playing

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Cheers, GL!

    2. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Difficult without team news, both KDB and Mama could haul, not play or sub on.
      Bowen is reliable, will Evan really go ballistic?
      You’ll have to hope for a leak really.
      Bench is good, you could swap Livra/Sarr but it’s tight.
      BOL mate.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Cheese, GL!

  4. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Fancy a Trossard (c) punt if he's confirmed starting

  5. Trippier Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    RMT request please. Am 2 points behind a joint 1st place lead in my ML:

    Sels (Henderson)
    Gvardiol Kiwior Konsa (Munoz Robinson)
    KDB Bowen Mbeumo Rogers Barnes
    Watkins Haaland (Mateta)

    Have 1 FT 0.8 ITB

    One rival has 2 FT, no chips left for any of us. Both have Eze and Wissa, who have really hurt my rank. Any suggestions? I'm open to gamble with a -4 on this I think. Many thanks in advance for any help you can give.

    1. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Barnes -> Kudus?

    2. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      All I can see really is KDB > Saka, would that be a differential?

  6. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Who to start?
    A - Murphy (Eve)
    B - Roger’s (mu)

    Thanks

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Rogers

    2. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      B

    3. Trippier Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Tough, both should do well. Murphy slightly but would try to start both

      1. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Can’t really, but thanks

  7. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Thank you for all your help this season with the captaincy picks, Hibbo.

    1. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Top man is Hibbo

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Reliable.

        1. The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          6 months, 15 days ago

          Beard.

          1. The Knights Template
            • 12 Years
            6 months, 15 days ago

            Hibbeard!

    2. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Cheers mate. Hope you've had a good season!

  8. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Which do you prefer for the final week?

    Semenyo, White, De Bruyne and Marmoush

    Saka, Konsa, Rogers, Evanilson

    1. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      B

    2. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      B

    3. Trippier Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      B

    4. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      De Bruyne and Marmoush to Saka and Evanilson then.

      Thanks

    5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      A

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        I preferred it when it was unanimous.

  9. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    On BB, 1FT. 1m itb

    Where to use the FT? KDB to Bowen? Murphy to Semenyo/Kluivert?

    Raya Areola
    Kerkez Gvardiol Munoz Milenkovic Konsa
    Salah Saka KDB Mbeumo Murphy
    Watkins Wood Wissa

    1. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Get Bowen

      1. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        This

      2. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Cheers

    2. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Keane will probably start if that helps.

      1. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Scouts predict Gordon and Barnes either side of Isak with Murphy further back in mf.

  10. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    A or B? (2FT)

    Raya
    Gravordiol, Burn, Konsa
    Salah, Mbuemo, Bowen, Rogers
    Isak, Marmoush, Wissa
    (Martinez, Sarr, Munoz, Saliba)

    A. Marmoush -> Evanilson
    B. Marmoush -> Watkins and Konsa -> AWB (already have 3 Villa's)

    Thanks

    1. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Isac & Mama > Watkins & Evan.
      Regardless if Isac starting or not his form has been poor and been carrying an injury, can’t see him exploding last day

      1. Trippier Hazard
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Agree with this, but assume you need to lose another AVL so how about Welbeck instead of Watkins

  11. Ray Kinsella
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Help please?! I am in the final of quite a big nationwide cup. Team is...

    Becker/Martinez
    Munoz/Guardiol/Neco/Konsa/Kerkez
    Salah/Mbeumo/Bowen/Neto/Murphy
    Marmoush/Watkins/Isak
    No chips, 0.2 in the bank

    Thinking WanBissaka in and then maybe Semenyo/Kluivert in for (?) Neto if Isak is fit OR Evanilson and Wan Bissaka (?) in if he's not fit.

    Thoughts? Who would you bench/drop/captain?!

    1. sunzip14
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      how many FTs?

      1. Ray Kinsella
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        One!

        1. Ray Kinsella
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 months, 15 days ago

          May keep it simply and hey AWB in and take the gamble on Isak?

  12. Triple P
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Play:
    A) Eze (liv)
    B) Isak (EVE) doubtful on minutes

  13. Yes Ndidi
    • 6 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Already done Salah (C) & Evanilson for Palmer & Isak for free.

    Is it worth a hit to transfer out KdB, who I reckon could be given a leave of absence tomorrow, for either Bowen or Saka (assuming Saka can do what the combined might of Haaland and Kev couldn't at St. Mary's)? Would bench one of Rogers or Minteh then.

    Raya
    Gvardiol RAN Schar
    Salah Mbeumo Rogers Minteh
    Evanilson Cunha Haaland

    Verbruggen KdB Milenkovic Mykolenko

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Surely De Bruyne plays in his final game for City

      1. Yes Ndidi
        • 6 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        He might, or they might have covered that in the final home game, a send off in front of the faithful. I wouldn't like to say.

  14. sunzip14
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    RMFHT please. 0.2 itb. What would you change?

    Raya,
    Kiwior, Gvardiol, AWB
    Salah, Bowen, Mbeumo, Murphy
    Watkins, Haaland, Evanilson

    All fodders in bench.

    1. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      That’s a good team. Jealous!!

    2. Tommy Template
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Wouldnt have Murphy. 60 mins at RWB doesnt feel great. If Trippier comes back in he might not even start at all.

      1. sunzip14
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Thank you. He is the one I am doubting myself as well.
        I am hoping for leaks to make it easy to schuffle the team.

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Rogers over Murphy

      1. Tommy Template
        • 11 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        To be fair its slim pickings at Murphy's price but I'd just about prefer Schade who has similar mins concerns but at least plays in an advanced role. Maybe Tavernier if you wanted to target the fixture they have. Advice might be different if Howe was playing a back 4 and Murphy was instead of Gordon or Barnes fwiw.

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 8 Years
          6 months, 15 days ago

          Oh yes definitely Schade or Tavernier over Rogers

    4. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      On a FH, I'd look at 352 with Saka & Diaz. Not sure Haaland is worth it (I get that he's a differential). Then AWB to Newcastle def.

  15. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Can I rely on Isak, Marmoush, Watkins as my front 3?
    No Bournemouth.
    1ft for Saliba to Livra I am thinking...

    1. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Exactly my problem. If Isak plays he’s worth having, if not we should get rid now or at least have a great first sub. I can’t see why he would come on for a twenty minute cameo, so maybe it’s too risky to keep him?

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        All guessing games right now. I see you are in the cup final. Amazing! Which nation?

  16. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Better question would be who’s FPL Olympian captaining? They’re such a jinx. Been unusually quiet with his choice in the lead up to this GW.

  17. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Assuming all start, who scores the most?

    1. Wissa
    2. Wilson
    3. Welb
    4. Evanilson

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Wevanilson

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Not 2 imo

    3. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      1

  18. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    I am planning Sarr to Kudus and bench Murphy. Good move? Cheers

    1. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Not too exciting

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Noticed you replied to my previous post thank you v much 🙂 what s wrong with kudus ? On form v a very poor Ipswich side ?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          6 months, 15 days ago

          I'd pick a gunner but who is nailed ? Other options are Bournemouth mid or Brighton. I just have good vibes about kudus especially as apparently Ipswich are affected by a sickness bug.

        2. Mozumbus
          • 4 Years
          6 months, 15 days ago

          Nothing wrong with kudus as such, not too exciting
          I belive you already have Bowen which is more exciting
          Murphy can score as well, so this is the point

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            6 months, 15 days ago

            Thanks again

            1. Mozumbus
              • 4 Years
              6 months, 15 days ago

              You're welcome

  19. Cruyff's Eleven
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Captaining Salah, who's scored 1 goal in the last 8 games, feels like historical bias to me.

    His EO was about 100 last week, so even 'defending' is done by just starting him.

    I'm not convinced, it feels lazy.

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Led a lot of the stats last week. Goals incoming!

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      I think pool palace will be a good fest.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      I might have gone with a gunner but who starts ? Bowen another solid option

    4. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      You've a choice of dare not captaining him

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        I know. Just putting it out there. This is, after all, a discussion forum.

        1. Mozumbus
          • 4 Years
          6 months, 15 days ago

          In case you don't captain him there's a big risk
          In fact this is the biggest risk for this GW
          Reward can be high as well
          So depends on your risk appetite

          1. Cruyff's Eleven
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 months, 15 days ago

            The risk of not capping Salah is not too crazy - as I said, his EO was 100 last week. It's been close to 160 at times.

    5. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Bowen is on fire so feels much better choice but still torn

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        I agree. I'm on Bowen too.

        1. Steavn8k
          • 2 Years
          6 months, 15 days ago

          Bowen for me to. Easy fixture and great form

          1. Tommy Template
            • 11 Years
            6 months, 15 days ago

            Don't really trust West Ham as a team to score loads although they did in the reverse fixture in fairness, but across the season they've been a pretty poor attack. Doesn't necessarily make Bowen a bad pick but maybe a less exciting captain. I know we pick players not teams but if there aren't so many goals it does limit his ceiling.

            1. Steavn8k
              • 2 Years
              6 months, 15 days ago

              That is a fair point, but then again this is gw 38, nothing to loose for any of the teams, so goals alore.

              1. AC/DC AFC
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                6 months, 15 days ago

                Ipswich have a sick bug too in their squad

    6. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      I agree

      He could score okay again but I'd rather go on Watkins or Bowen or a Newcastle midfielder

    7. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      I think the narrative is there. Like last week's Vardy party.

      Needs 2 returns to equal the attacking record.
      Has good stats.
      LFC v CPL smells of goals.

  20. pakornk
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Is Trippier back from injury?

    1. Steavn8k
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Doubtful, testing today. Look what Howe said in yesterdays presser.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Friday presser:

      “He is a player, again, probably in a similar situation to Alex. He hasn’t trained with us yet. He’s had an absence of maybe two, two and a half weeks. He has a chance maybe in the next couple of days to build up his load. Maybe we’ll see him train tomorrow – let’s wait and see.” – Eddie Howe on Kieran Trippier

  21. Xhaka_Laca
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Play Konsa or Livermento?

    Other two starting def are Kiwior and Gvardiol

    1. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Livra

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Livramento

  22. PartyTime
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Best Vardy replacement?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      What's the budget

  23. Steavn8k
    • 2 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Any chance of White not starting for Arsenal? Partey an option in defence, so it would be Cali-Kiwior-Partey-Zin. Any of those a more secure pick in the defense?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Partey is not an option in defence for Arsenal based on the defenders available. I expect the defence to be below assuming all fit:

      RB: White
      CBs: Kiwior Calafiori
      LB: MLS/Tierney/Zinchenko

      1. Steavn8k
        • 2 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Cheers! White it is then!

  24. Steavn8k
    • 2 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Schär or Livramento the better pick?

    1. Haalander
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      I’m mulling over that myself but shar always the potential of a goal

      1. Steavn8k
        • 2 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        My thoughts too. Might be the better pick if chasing especially

  25. fish66
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Play 1 (Raya in nets)
    (a) Kiwior
    (b) AWB

    1. Steavn8k
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      AWB if you're chasing, Kiwior if defending.

  26. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    What am you missing?

    Watkins seems like a good captain punt this week, over Salah.

    Don't think I'd go Saka.

    What do you think?

    1. Haalander
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      Not so sure about Watkins. Will United want to at least to lock up shop at home for the last game of terrible season and do everything to get a win.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Possibly

        But can they?

        A statement of intent would be a strong win but I suspect 1-3 or something to Villa on Sunday

        And more doom and gloom amongst the United faithful.

  27. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    A or B?
    A. Evanilson and Konsa
    B. Watkins and AWB

    Thanks

  28. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    What do you think?

    A.Marmoush > Evanilson (bench elanga)

    Or

    B. Elanga > Mitoma

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      I'd probably play Elanga

      But B otherwise.

      1. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        6 months, 15 days ago

        Thanks got another one for ya.

        Not sure Trossard starts so...

        Tossard > Bowen
        Marmoush > Evanilson

        Above is for a hit.

        Thanks

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 months, 15 days ago

          Yeah, get Bowen but you could wait for team news.

  29. pl4y8oi
    • 3 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    Hello Everyone
    In need ot some advice here..thanks!

    Palmer n Obrien to Saka n Kiwior

    OR

    Sarr & Isak to Bowen n Evanilson?

    Thanks again :))
    Or any similar options?

  30. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 15 days ago

    With the Ipswich team news, is that enough reason to play Areola over Sels?

    1. g40steve
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 15 days ago

      He’s giving easy goals, so no