Captain Sensible
26 December 2025 282 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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Erling Haaland (£15.1m) notched his eighth double-digit haul of the season against West Ham United in Gameweek 17, delighting the 900,000+ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who played their Triple Captain chip on him.

This weekend, Manchester City travel to Nottingham Forest, no doubt making the captaincy decision straightforward for some.

However, in Captain Sensible, we consider whether there is a case to look beyond the Norwegian. Arsenal and Liverpool, for instance, enjoy favourable home fixtures against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.

First, we will assess the on-site captaincy poll. We will then analyse player and team statisticsRate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings to determine the best captain for Gameweek 18 ahead of Friday’s 6.30pm GMT deadline.


Captaincy Poll

Haaland sits at the top of the standings, with 46.5% of site users believing the Norwegian is the best option for Gameweek 18.

Hugo Ekitike (£9.0m) is the one player pushing him hard in the poll, with over a third of respondents backing the in-form Frenchman.

Matheus Cunha (£8.0m) is a distant third and, even then, this lofty standing might be due to his name appearing first in the poll and him thus garnering a handful of accidental votes!


Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks

price change predictions

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

282 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 days, 2 hours ago

    Morning guys. Do I bench Thiaw away to Man U or Potts home to Fulham ??

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 2 hours ago

      Potts

    2. Snoop Udogie Dogg
      • 5 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Thiaw

    3. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Probably Thiaw

  2. Feed tha Sheep
    • 13 Years
    2 days, 2 hours ago

    Going to sell Saka & Minteh - should I sell Semenyo too this week?

    A. Saka & Minteh > Rice & Gordon (Get Cunha next week)
    B. Saka & Minteh & Semenyo > Rice Gordon & Cunha

    1. BR510
        2 days, 2 hours ago

        B looks great

      • RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 days, 2 hours ago

        A enough

      • Not again Shirley
        • 9 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        Very sideways move imo. Saka may be a bit overpriced but can haul and decent stats. Minteh admittedly has done nothing last few weeks but will come good I think. Don’t rate Gordon.

        1. Feed tha Sheep
          • 13 Years
          2 days, 1 hour ago

          Obviously Saka can haul (and will continue to) but in order for other upgrade I need to downgrade him. Minteh has only scored over 3pts once in 7 weeks. How long do you leave him? I agree after Arsenal his fixs are good for two weeks but feel Gordon fixs are turning as are Cunha’s

          1. Not again Shirley
            • 9 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Fair enough. Maybe wait a week for Gordon if you can.

            1. Feed tha Sheep
              • 13 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Ok thanks

    2. BR510
        2 days, 2 hours ago

        Bottomed. Bowen vs Rogers long term pick?

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 days, 2 hours ago

          Rogers

        2. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 days, 2 hours ago

          Rogers from GW 20 after Che and Ars

      • Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 2 hours ago

        Captain etikite locked in, gl all 🙂

        1. BR510
            2 days, 2 hours ago

            GL. Are you chasing/what helped you decide?

            1. Utopsis
              • 5 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              I'd also like to know this!

            2. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 11 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              I just think he will do better than haaland 🙂

        2. Dutchy FPL
          • 2 Years
          2 days, 2 hours ago

          How about Mason Mount as a placeholder until Bruno, Mbeumo and Diallo get back? Cheap decent fixtures and should be on most set pieces

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 7 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            - can he stay fit?
            - can he start 4 games in 12 days?

            1. Dutchy FPL
              • 2 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Fair points Tony. Who can be a better alternative arround that price point? Anderson, Gravenberch or Minteh maybe? I still like the Mount punt tough

          2. Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Casemiro

        3. Jimjam
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 days, 1 hour ago

          Foden, Cunha, Rice, ???

          A. Wirtz
          B. Rogers
          C. Gordon

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

            B

          2. Hairy Potter
            • 10 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            B

          3. Feed tha Sheep
            • 13 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            C

          4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 9 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            B

          5. Utopsis
            • 5 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            B

        4. Voronins Pony Tail
          • 2 Years
          2 days, 1 hour ago

          I’m on Free Hit….

          Pickford
          VVD O’Reily Saliba
          Wilson Saka Wirtz Foden
          Ekitike Haaland Thiago

          Dubs Miley Gudmusson Arch

          Thoughts??

          Will Wilson start or should I swap Wirtz for Rice and swap Wilson to Rogers??

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

            Wirtz 0 goals and 2 assists in 17 matches, even with WOL attacking returns seems unlikely

            1. Biggsy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              FH perfect for Wirtz. Punt on him coming good but not stuck with him if he blanks

              1. Baines on Toast...
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 15 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                Means needlessly losing ground to Semenyo owners

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

                Still a very big punt, would be reluctant to spend a FH spot on him. But when I say this, he’ll haul

          2. yakirh
            • 9 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Change Wilson to Tarkowski (4-4-2) and G2G

            1. yakirh
              • 9 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Meant 4-3-3

        5. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          2 days, 1 hour ago

          Bruno to return in 3 weeks which is GW22

          https://x.com/i/status/2004482973060526082

          1. mookie
            • 12 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            22 - City(h)
            23 - Arsenal(a)

            Far from ideal for FPL.

            1. FPL Blow-In
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              His type of games

        6. AD105
          • 9 Years
          2 days, 1 hour ago

          We expecting H.Wilson to fit this week?

        7. Tekkerslovakiaftw
          • 10 Years
          2 days, 1 hour ago

          Who to play?
          A) Senesi
          B) Mukiele

          1. Hairy Potter
            • 10 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            B

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

            A

            1. HVT
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Why if you don’t mind me asking?

        8. OptimusBlack
          • 12 Years
          2 days, 1 hour ago

          If u already did -4
          Would u sell Bruno for another -4

          A- Yaay for Wirtz
          B- Play Gudmundsson SUN (A)

          1. The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            B

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

            B

        9. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          2 days, 1 hour ago

          Silva on team news: "Wilson - it looked more serious than it is right now. It was a big knock on the knee. It's still painful, & we will assess him. Muniz & Sess are out. I'm hopeful about Wilson, games come thick & fast - let's hope we can have him available."

          https://x.com/i/status/2004488514516468163

          1. The Big Fella
            • 9 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Thanks as always Tony. Was just looking on Google for exactly this information. No clearer to me if I play him or sell for Cunha, Wirtz or Rogers

        10. ball c
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 days, 1 hour ago

          Best replacement for Bruno from the below:

          A) Wirtz
          B) Gordon
          C) Cunha

          No other attacking cover from these players teams.

          1. The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            C

          2. z13
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Wirtz = punt on a player whose returns probably look like 8,3,6,2,5
              Gordon = punt on a player whose returns probably look like 2,2,0,16,1
              Cunha - safe option

          3. Biggsy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Would you start Rodon (sun) or VdV (cry) over Senesi (bre) and Andersen (whu)?

            1. Hairy Potter
              • 10 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              No

            2. The FPL Units
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              I'd play Andersen

            3. RamaJama
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              No

            4. Jam0sh
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Maybe not. Vdv over Andersen possibly

          4. Maddamotha
            • 9 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Fully expect Ekitike to go wild this gw… and I dont own him. Im fruckd

            1. Not again Shirley
              • 9 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Just buy him then. Lots will captain him this GW.

              1. Maddamotha
                • 9 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                Would have to take a -8, which I wont do. Will just pray Wolves make it difficult for them.

            2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 15 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              doubt it, liverpool are missing some big players. As bad as wolves are they did hold arsenal out who scored 2 lucky own goals

          5. Whiz40
            • 4 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Marco Silva, unfortunately, so vague on Harry Wilsons availability
            I’m on BB this GW, would you take the risk and play him, or transfer him??
            It would be a free transfer, but I’m also keen on keeping a few up my sleeve

            1. PartyTime
              • 4 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Sell

          6. adstomko
            • 9 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Why does the algorithm for price drops have to be such a big secret?
            That unexpected Bruno price drop could be game-changing.

          7. PogChamp
            • 14 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Thought the captains poll would be close this GW with Ekitike at home to Wolves but Haaland still the clear leader. I’m chasing so I’ve taken a massive punt on Palmer(c) on my FH.

            1. Not again Shirley
              • 9 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Not convinced you need a massive punt this early in the season. Villa are pretty good so won’t be easy for Palmer.

          8. pjomara
            • 15 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            FH team. G2G?

            Raya
            Saliba, VVD, Keane, OReilly
            Saka, Cunha, Wirtz,
            Ekitike, Haaland (c), Bowen

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

              Yep looks good

            2. Jam0sh
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Yes

          9. Old Bull
            • 12 Years
            2 days, 1 hour ago

            Is there a player worth a -4 this week? I’ve got Bruno, Burn, Richard’s and Wilson flagged. Transfers all used.

            1. z13
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                Maybe Cunha or Ekitike

                1. Not again Shirley
                  • 9 Years
                  2 days, 1 hour ago

                  Etikite yes.

            2. Tonyawesome69
              • 7 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Ragabolly theory on Bruno price drop last night

              https://x.com/i/status/2004375412583842067

              1. mookie
                • 12 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                Thiago was like -140% to fall and didn't. I could take a very wild guess on who didn't sell Thiago this week.

            3. XX SMICER XX
              • 7 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Thoughts on Gakpo?
              Slot’s comments have me hope. Likes a goal at home and two plum fixtures

              1. XX SMICER XX
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                *given me hope

              2. Tonyawesome69
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                Not for me

                “Conor will be 50-50. He’s not training with us today, not tomorrow, so Friday we will see where he exactly is [and] if he can be in the squad for the weekend.

                “Joe won’t be available. Wata won’t be available. Cody is a bit similar to Conor.” – Arne Slot

              3. g40steve
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                Too risky need solid players with amount of games

            4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 9 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Have three flags plus Semenyo (transfer rumours) and Guiu
              GTG or take a hit?

              Dubravka
              Hincapie* O'Reilly Keane
              Saka Foden Semenyo Rice Wilson*
              Haaland Ekitike(C)

              Petrovic Chalobah Richards* Guiu

              4.1ITB

              1. g40steve
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                Think a Wilson hint will appear later.

                1. Whiz40
                  • 4 Years
                  2 days, 1 hour ago

                  Can you elaborate?

                  1. g40steve
                    • 7 Years
                    2 days, 38 mins ago

                    Always leaks or social media comment

            5. PartyTime
              • 4 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Worth going with a differential captain this GW or stick with Haaland? The Liverpool lads, Foden & Cunha are appealing.

              1. g40steve
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                Less than 100k No

                1M+ Yes

                1. Utopsis
                  • 5 Years
                  2 days, 1 hour ago

                  What about 100k to 1M?

              2. keefy59
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                I think it depends on rank
                If you are ranked high & want to protect your rank stay with Haaland .
                But if you are chasing Ekitike could be huge as probably fewer owners around your rank .

              3. Not again Shirley
                • 9 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                I would say yes. Captain card a bit over rated. Even if Haaland does well and you captain someone that doesn’t, it’s only 1 set of scores you miss out on. Imo it’s worth going differential this GW. Forest I am hoping will do ok this GW. Actually quite tempted by Saka/Thiago but will most likely captain Etikite (even though Wolves will park a giant bus at Anfield).

                1. Utopsis
                  • 5 Years
                  2 days, 1 hour ago

                  Not sure I understand this. If a popular captain hauls and you go for a differential that blanks, you will plummet in your mini leagues and OR

                  1. Not again Shirley
                    • 9 Years
                    2 days, 1 hour ago

                    You won’t plummet as you will own Haaland anyway so will at least get his points.

                    1. Utopsis
                      • 5 Years
                      2 days, 1 hour ago

                      You get half his points, which in a haul situation is 10+ points less. Say your captain gets 2, that's 8 points less than probably 50% of people, then youre playing catchup the rest of the GW with your other players

                      1. Utopsis
                        • 5 Years
                        2 days, 59 mins ago

                        8+*

                      2. Not again Shirley
                        • 9 Years
                        2 days, 55 mins ago

                        Maybe but in GW’s such as this, it’s very unlikely for example that Haaland scores 2 more than Etikite and it’s worth a chance to make a gain on all the dullards captaining the Man City man.

                        1. Utopsis
                          • 5 Years
                          2 days, 37 mins ago

                          Oh I get this completely, but I'm just highlighting that the risk still remains. I captained Saka for his 11 point haul vs Wolves instead of Haaland for example - but I knew the risks and was prepared to accept the consequences.

                2. PartyTime
                  • 4 Years
                  2 days, 55 mins ago

                  Thanks. I think it isn’t overrated. Captaincy plays a huge part of the game tbh. Reason why i suck at this every season.

                  1. Not again Shirley
                    • 9 Years
                    2 days, 54 mins ago

                    Just captain Haaland every week like everyone else and you’ll be fine.

              4. PartyTime
                • 4 Years
                2 days, 54 mins ago

                Thanks Lads. I’ll ponder over it.

                1. Not again Shirley
                  • 9 Years
                  1 day, 22 hours ago

                  GL whatever you choose

            6. g40steve
              • 7 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Morning.

              A/B 1/2

              A Petrovic to Pickford bench Fernandes.

              B Bruno to Palmer bench DCL or Wilson play Dubravka

              Bench 1

              1 Chalobah

              2 Guehi

              Petrovic
              Timber O’Reilly Chalobah
              Foden HWilson Semenyo Rice
              C Haaland Ekitike DCL

              Dubravka Guehi Senesi Fernandes

              3.1

              1. keefy59
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                B But maybe Saka as a placeholder until Palmer gets more minutes & his form & fixtures improve .
                1 Difficult fixture

                1. g40steve
                  • 7 Years
                  2 days, 36 mins ago

                  Cheers Keefy I was on Palmer Dubs & Chalobah, need to reverse the rot to get to 10k

            7. The Big Fella
              • 9 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Wilson owners - what are you doing? I was hoping (in vain) to get more clarity so now I am left with the decision of keep him, Wirtz, Cunha or Rogers. Wirtz is a bit of a punt but matches are very good. Cunha may not be able to maximise potential with nobody teeing him up and Rogers has tough two matches coming up.

              1. GreennRed
                • 14 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                Keeping this GW. Silva didn't think injury was too serious though that status could change by 3 PM tomorrow.

                https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/harry-wilson-injury-latest-fulham-west-ham-b1263737.html

                1. Tonyawesome69
                  • 7 Years
                  2 days, 1 hour ago

                  Not the latest info on Wilson

                  https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/27472918

                  1. GreennRed
                    • 14 Years
                    2 days, 57 mins ago

                    Cheers. I'll start him. And Senesi to come in if he doesn't play.

              2. Ausman
                • 2 Years
                2 days, 44 mins ago

                I'm starting him. If he doesn't start then I don't see him playing at all. Just make sure your bench is set correctly.

            8. RogueBlood
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              3ft 2.2ITB what changes would you make planning on BB this week too

              Dubravka
              Timber, Senesi, Andersen
              Saka, Semenyo, Rice, Wilson
              Haaland, Thiago, Ekitike

              Verbruggen, Guehi, Rodon, Minteh

            9. AD105
              • 9 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Saka/Thiago > Rice/Ekitike?

              1. estheblessed
                • 11 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                For free ... Yes

              2. Not again Shirley
                • 9 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                No

            10. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Any more press conferences today?

            11. estheblessed
              • 11 Years
              2 days, 1 hour ago

              Bench one from each:

              1) Foden (a NFO)
              2) Wilson (a WHU)

              a) Cash (a CHE)
              b) Andersen (a WHU)
              C) Alderete (h LEE)

              1. Tonyawesome69
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 1 hour ago

                - Foden v Wilson isn't a close decision

                -CS odds https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/27470126