Captain Sensible

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 8?

17 October 2025 496 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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After Erling Haaland (£14.5m) scored for the fifth consecutive Premier League match in a row against Brentford and bagged yet another Norway hat-trick over the international break, the Gameweek 8 captaincy decision will once again be straightforward for the majority.

But in Captain Sensible, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t ask if there was a case to look beyond the Norwegian this week.

First, we will assess the on-site captaincy poll. We will then analyse player and team statistics, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Saturday’s 11am BST deadline.

Captaincy Poll

Best captain Gameweek 8

As expected, Haaland’s stunning early-season form sees him top the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll yet again. Among site users, the Norwegian is the runaway leader in the poll, currently sitting on over 62% of the popular vote. 

For the second week running, Antoine Semenyo (£7.9m) occupies a distant second place, with a little over 7% of the vote. The Ghanaian international outscored Haaland in Gameweek 17, scoring twice and assisting against Fulham.

Chelsea duo Joao Pedro (£7.7m) and Enzo Fernandez (£6.7m) complete the top four ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Nottingham Forest at lunchtime on Saturday. Nick Woltemade (£7.2m) is the only other player to pick up more than 5% backing.

Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks

FFScout Tom <p>Partnerships &amp; Community Manager. Previously Multimedia Manager and Deputy Social Media Manager.</p>

496 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Solly The Seagull
    • 8 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Which one on WC?

    A) Thiago+Minteh
    B) DCL+Ndiaye

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    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      A feels fun, B maybe a steadier stream of points

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    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      A

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    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      A

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    4. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      A

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  2. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Bruno to Saka worth a FT?

    Do I need to sell Richarlison too? His benching last time out was a blow.

    3FT 3.2ITB
    Raya
    Gabriel Romero Senesi Rodon
    Bruno Semenyo Reijnders
    Haaland Pedro Richarlison

    Dubravka Stach Ndiaye Tarkowski

    Cheers

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    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      I think Richarlison is a sell

      To Wolt or Mateta or Bowen

      I'd also rather have Saka than Bruno.

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      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        Thanks. I'm coming round to Wolt. 50/50 call with Bowen.

        Saka feels like a good move short and long term.

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    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Rich > Wolte imo

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      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        Nice one, thanks. I'm leaning towards him over Bowen too.

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  3. George James
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Best option with squad below

    A) Bench boost as is

    B) Alderete >> Mukiele / Rodin and Bench boost

    C) save BB and use on later GW

    Pope • Dubravka
    Richards • Senesi • Gabriel • Andersen • Alderete*
    Semenyo • Saka • Sarr • Gordon • Enzo*
    Haaland • DCL • Gyokeres

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    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Alderete and Enzo doubts enough to put me off. Next week could be decent for BB. That's what I'm doing.

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      1. George James
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        Cheers Pascal, leaning that way

        Issue now is who do bench and play

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    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Senesi may be a slight doubt too.

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      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 7 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        Hi where has this senesi news come from?

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        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          1 month, 19 days ago

          No news. Clickbait. He's jet-lagged. Maybe.

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  4. Wayner9
    • 3 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Bottomed.
    Whose the better pick, Bowen or Woltemade?

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    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      50/50. Bowen more proven FPL asset but Woltemade has the fixtures, plays for a better team. Could he have pens? Or ar they Gordon's?

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      1. Malkmus
        • 14 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        I would say the next 5/6 fixtures are better for Bowen personally, and he would be my pick. But there's not much between them.

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        1. PascalCygan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          1 month, 19 days ago

          I think you're right actually, particularly for the immediate fixtures. Newcastle have a good long-term run but West Ham being home 3 out of next 4 appeals.

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    2. Pariße
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Opted for Woltemade personally after some contemplation last night.

      Similar for shots per game, both overperforming their xG, Woltemade by 0.5, and Bowen by 2, which is a lot. It means both are good finishers, Bowen even exceptional, but it also means that his opportunities are scarce - it’s a small sample of course. Mateta is an interesting one as well, slightly underperformed so far but has most shots and should easily find himself on the scoresheet soon.

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    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      I think Bowen has more chance to haul, but it’s West Ham.

      Woltemade looks to me like his ceiling is only ever going to be 9 points. This is what’s putting me off him, although Newcastle are by far the better team!

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  5. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Which one of these would you leave out on WC?

    A) Woltemade
    B) Bowen
    C) J Pedro

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    1. The Hunt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      The one who seems to have an aversion at taking shots

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    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      If on WC I’d use it as a way to steal a march on stubborn JP owners

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    3. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      C

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  6. Over Midwicket
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Pick 3 to play:

    Eze (ful)
    Joao Pedro (nfo)
    Senesi (cry)
    Lacroix (BOU)
    Burn (bha)

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    1. Over Midwicket
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Sorry I mean pick 1 to bench

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    2. Fpl_Juggernaut
      • 5 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Burn.. Brighton generally tend to score

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    3. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Lacroix

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    4. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Pedro

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  7. _Greg
    • 15 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    I'm thinking of going Gyökeres to Sesko next week. Getting it in early before he scores at Anfield and the chatter increases.

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    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Sesko is underlooked on here, agreed. I like the punt.

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      1. _Greg
        • 15 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        Did you enjoy your dance sesh the other day? Hear any new ones you liked?

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  8. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Think I am G2G?

    Vicario
    Sensei, Calafiori, Guehi
    Semenyo, Salah, Kudus, Reijnders
    Wotlemade, Haaland, J Pedro

    Dub, Gudmundsson, King, Reinildo*

    Should I swap Sensi for Guddy?

    Or G2G?

    Cheers

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    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Go as is, strong. Gud a gud bench option for Senesi

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      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        cheers mate

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  9. bigdip
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    RMWCT team below (0.1itb) (already used BB & TC). Any changes:

    Pope (Dubravka)
    Senesi, Timber, Gabriel, (Rodon, Alderete)
    Enzo, Saka, Semenyo, Sarr (Xhaka)
    Bowen, JPedro, Haaland

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Looks good. I've ditched Enzo given the concerns

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    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Very similar to mine (albeit not a WC) so naturally a big fan.

      Your Pope, Gabriel & Enzo to my Sels, Cucurella & Kudus

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  10. bigdip
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Pick between:
    A) JPedro
    B) Woltemade

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      JP for me

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    2. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Wolt

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    3. Boz
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Mateta

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    4. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Everyone other than JP. Even DCL is a better pick

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      1. Boz
        • 13 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        Wouldn't go that far!

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      2. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        This is just plain silliness!

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  11. BrockLanders
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Hopefully my final WC draft.

    Pope, Dubs
    Gabriel, Senesi, Anderson, Timber, Diouf
    Semenyo, Eze, Foden, Sarr, Xhaka
    Haaland, Bowen, JP

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Any thoughts folks??

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    2. Boz
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Would probably do Bowen down and Xhaka up and commit to a 442 / 352

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      1. BrockLanders
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        Its DCL though, isn't. Not sure my mental health could cope with owning him again

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        1. BrockLanders
          • 10 Years
          1 month, 19 days ago

          *isn't it*

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        2. Boz
          • 13 Years
          1 month, 19 days ago

          Best of a bad bunch and fine to bench most weeks

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          1. BrockLanders
            • 10 Years
            1 month, 19 days ago

            True

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    3. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      GTG

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  12. jonnybhoy
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    What to do? 2FT 0.1ITB

    Raya
    Gabriel Gvardiol Sensei
    Bruno Semenyo Ndiaye Reijnders
    Haaland J Pedro Gyokeres

    Dubravka Tarkowski Stach Gudmundsson

    A) Gyokeres, Bruno and Ndiaye to Saka, Enzo, Woltemande -4pts
    B) Bruno and Gyokeres to Saka and Woltemande
    C) Bruno to Enzo
    D) Roll
    E) Something else

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    1. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      B

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  13. Boz
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Any considering Cucurella for the nice Chelsea fixture run?

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    1. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      I could not wait to ditch him on the WC

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      1. Boz
        • 13 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        Haha I know the Chelsea def data sucks but they have red card addiction. I like the attacking upside too. Probably not worth the price or transfer though

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    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Had him all season. Hoping he'll come good over the next 4 gameweeks. He's overpriced with the rule changes unfortunately.

      Got 4FT and could easily get Gabriel, but I'm not that boring.

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    3. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Chalobah is better and cheaper.

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  14. Powers106
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Is Burn a good pick on WC or better a defcon like Rodon or ?

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    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Yeah I would have him

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    2. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Good pick

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  15. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Sles Dúbravka
    Porro VDV Calafiori Diouf Munoz
    Bruno Reijnders KDH Smenyo Rutter
    Haaland Pedro Gyökeres
    1 FT & 1.2 itb
    A- WC
    B- Not WC just -4

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    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      A

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    2. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      I’d wait and WC later

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  16. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Which do you prefer?
    A Sarr & Gyokeres
    B Saka & Isidor
    C Eze & Woldemade/Matera

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      C

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    2. Boz
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      C

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  17. ran
    • 4 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Play Stach or Diouf this week?

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Diouf

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    2. Boz
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Stach

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    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Diouf

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  18. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Raya
    Gabriel, Sensei, Rodon
    Reijnders, Bruno, Ndiaye, Semenyo,
    Gyokeres, Pedro, Haaland (c)

    Dubravka, Stach, Andersen, Tarkowski

    3ft 0.7 itb

    A Roll
    B Ndiaye to Enzo Fernandez

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    1. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Roll

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  19. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Bench boost these?

    Dub
    Reijnders Stach Sensei

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    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      When else would you do it?

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      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        I've not really worked that out

        I'm playing my Sunderland defender at home to Wolves so this week feels right.

        It was the plan.

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  20. No Kane No Gain
    • 7 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Does J Anthony play this week?! No news

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    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      You would think so. Burnley not exactly stacked and this is one of the games they will have targeted for 3 points.

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      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 7 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        He’s yellow flagged

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  21. theshazly
    • 2 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Enzo or Caicedo on WC ?

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    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Enzo

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  22. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Currently got Pope (and Dub)on WC but really feel like I should have Roefs instead.

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    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Sels is the one

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  23. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Why are people picking Pedro on WC. I really don't understand it. Haven't seen worse stats for a striker in a long line and the team is riddles with injuries.

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    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Bowen better?

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      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        1 month, 19 days ago

        Statistically yes. I have him on my WC at the moment but I’m not convinced his fixtures are as good as people think. I keep chopping and changing between him and Mateta.

        I know Nuno is there now, but WHam still look pants.

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    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Good fixtures coming up and he’s fit and been rested.

      I’ve picked Enzo on my WC this week, although he may not start this weekend, but I understand why some are picking JP.

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    3. The Reptile
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      And also looks like falling tonight - I might get rid for Bowen and get Enzo in

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  24. Full ham tragic
    • 3 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Does Tel start in front of Richardson again ? If so do I take out for Woltermade or wait a week ?
    Cheers

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  25. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Rodri not available

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  26. RedKev81
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Got a real benching headache this gw (no bench boost)

    Sanchez
    Gabriel/Alderete/Burn
    Saka/Semenyo/Anthony/Stach
    Haaland/Isak/Gyokeres

    Dubravka/Reijnders/Lacroix/Senesi

    Would you swap in any of the bench players …Anthony/Alderete/Stach probably have the ideal fixtures to play them in and Bournemouth v Palace tricky to predict (but could easily be 0-0)

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  27. _Greg
    • 15 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Pep Guardiola: “Rodri is not available this weekend against Everton”.

    “I don’t know when he will be back”.

    Good for Reijnders?

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    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Tell you what's good for Reijnders. I'm benching him.

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    2. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      1 month, 19 days ago

      Not sure why people link the 2. No tactical reshuffle needed; Pep just uses Nico in the exact same Rodri role

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  28. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Raya
    Guehi-Senesi-VdV
    Saka-Gordon-Kudus-Semenyo
    Woltemade-Haaland-JPedro
    (Roefs- Minteh, Cash, Rodon)

    1FT, 0.9 itb

    Am I set up right?

    Tempted to BB just to get it done.

    Any thoughts appreciated.

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  29. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    I guess there's no word on Anthony?

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  30. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 19 days ago

    Sounds like Senesi is fine.

    BB on.

    BOURNEMOUTH | David Brooks has picked up a hamstring injury and joins Enes Unal on the sidelines.

    Julio Soler remains with his national team for the Under-20 World Cup.

    Marcos Senesi was among five players returning late from their national teams. The defender trained on Thursday and will do so again today, with Iraola hopeful his midweek exertions won’t be a factor in GW8.

    Adam Smith has trained and could be involved.

    #FPL | #AFCB

    https://x.com/FFScout/status/1979113760175394961?t=qEzz9dUy2WLHUPCJVW2Myw&s=19

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