Captain Sensible

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 23?

23 January 2026 479 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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It’s four blanks in five Gameweeks for Erling Haaland (£15.1m) – so is it time to back against him with the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) captaincy?

That’s what we’re considering in ‘Captain Sensible’, despite Manchester City’s favourable home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Brentford, Liverpool, Arsenal or perhaps even alternative Man City players are other options ahead of Saturday’s 11am GMT deadline.

In this piece, we will assess the on-site captaincy poll, analyse myriad player and team statistics, consult the Rate My Team (RMT) points projections and settle on a top three for the armband.

Captaincy Poll

Unsurprisingly, Haaland is the runaway leader at the top of the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll standings. Over 60% of our site users believe the Norwegian is the best option for Gameweek 23, despite him scoring just one goal in five Gameweeks.

Another Man City player, Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m), sits in second place, currently boasting just over 12% of the vote. The January signing, who already has two goals for his new club, was ineligible to feature in the Champions League in midweek.

Elsewhere, Igor Thiago (£7.2m) is the only other player to garner more than 5% support ahead of Brentford’s clash with Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian sits second in the Golden Boot race and bagged a brace in his last home match.

Player Stats – Last Six Gameweeks

price change predictions

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

479 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    2 days, 45 mins ago

    (C) Palmer suddenly, will see if it lasts til deadline

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    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      2 days, 32 mins ago

      Might join you there

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    2. I have no Wirtz
        2 days, 25 mins ago

        Love it

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    3. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 44 mins ago

      Do you think that Fernandes' price will get a rise?

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      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 43 mins ago

        yeah, usually very likely on the predicator they go up

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        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          2 days, 42 mins ago

          *predictor

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        2. Old Wulfrunian
          • 9 Years
          2 days, 41 mins ago

          cheers

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      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 37 mins ago

        yup, highly likely tonight

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      3. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        2 days, 31 mins ago

        I’ve set aside 0.1 extra for the move as I expect he’ll go up one either tonight or tomorrow

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    4. Hutchiniho
      • 7 Years
      2 days, 43 mins ago

      Nunes to Guehi or Mukiele for a -4 (-2 if MN doesn’t play)?

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      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 38 mins ago

        hold

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    5. Kodap
      • 8 Years
      2 days, 40 mins ago

      How's it looking fellas? I have 5.6m in the bank to bring in Bruno after the Arsenal game.

      Sanchez
      Chalobah - Gabriel - Timber - Tarkowski
      Enzo - Rogers - Wilson - Wirtz - Rice
      Haaland

      Dub - Alderete - Kroupi - Mane

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      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 31 mins ago

        Like it, looks like wc team beside no Bruno yet

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        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          2 days, 28 mins ago

          I’d bet it is a WC team

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      2. I have no Wirtz
          2 days, 27 mins ago

          5.6 ITB? I am impressed

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      3. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        2 days, 38 mins ago

        Have a feeling Foden might be benched. Best move here? 2FTs..... 2.6m ITB.

        A. Foden/Thiaw -> Enzo/Chalobah
        B. Foden/Cherki -> BrunoF/Semenyo
        C. Something else/Save

        Dubravka
        Timber Guehi Thiaw
        Saka Rogers Wilson Foden Cherki
        Haaland Ekitike

        Petrovic DCL Alderete Dalot

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        1. JT11fc
          • 7 Years
          2 days, 30 mins ago

          A unless you will get priced out of B

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      4. Nightf0x
        • 10 Years
        2 days, 35 mins ago

        Alison (dub)
        Richards mukiele gabriel (clyne keane)
        Bruno rice enzo gordon (king)
        Tiago haland watkins

        which ?

        A) clyne alison -4 to timber sanchez
        B) king alison -4 to rogers sanchez
        C) gordon clyne -4 to rogers timber
        D) king to rogers (have watkins)
        E) clyne to timber (can wait & get cala later & save some funds.

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        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          2 days, 27 mins ago

          They only post their own questions and never help anyone else...

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        2. Kingy109
          • 4 Years
          1 day, 23 hours ago

          Get Timber or Saliba now depending on whether you prefer attacking returns every so often or Bonus points
          Cala minutes feel a bit dodgy now we know White at RB just means Timber can play LB.
          Rogers can wait too and don't take hits for a keeper.

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      5. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 35 mins ago

        Raya,
        Gabriel, Thiaw, Alderete,
        Rice, Wilson, Foden, Rogers,
        Haaland, Watkins, Thiago,

        Dubravka, Cunha, OReilly, Keane,
        2FTs, 1.1m itb

        Initial plan was to roll this week and reassess next GW, but with OReilly, Foden, Cunha and maybe even Haaland at risk of a benching/rest, (and Keane also out) I may need to look at moving this week.

        A) Cunha, OReilly, Foden to Bruno F, Chalobah, Enzo for -4
        B) Cunha, OReilly, Keane to Bruno F, Chalobah, Rodon/Esteve (keep Foden) for -4??

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        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 days, 14 mins ago

          I'd still roll

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        2. Kingy109
          • 4 Years
          1 day, 23 hours ago

          Cunha to Enzo and roll the other FT - bench Rogers or Watkins Vs Thiaw. Then if you get a leak about Foden you can just bench him this week

          If you are sure you want him, I might consider Chalobah for Keane too if you can still afford Bruno for Foden next week. You could then bench Thiaw and play both Villa attackers if you fancy them, bench Wilson maybe

          Bringing in Bruno for a hit for Arsenal away feels less than ideal

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          1. Wolfman180
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 day, 23 hours ago

            Dya know what. Ive been so blinkered (probably cos he's due to rise in price tonight) that if im making moves tonight that Bruno must come in, like he was the first player in each time I tinkered, I didnt look at leaving that move to next week but still do the other moves, so thank you!

            I could roll to 3fts next week but theres every chance 4-5 players dont start this week so I dont think I can take the chance.

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      6. Moneymar
        • 3 Years
        2 days, 34 mins ago

        Play two and bench one:

        A) Bruno G
        B) Frimpong
        C) Cunha

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        1. Hutchiniho
          • 7 Years
          2 days, 32 mins ago

          Bench A
          BG won’t start before PSG surely

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          1. Moneymar
            • 3 Years
            2 days, 32 mins ago

            Cheers

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          2. The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            2 days, 14 mins ago

            This

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      7. Norco
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 33 mins ago

        Got exact funds for:

        Bruno G + Foden > Bruno F + Enzo (for free)

        Would you pull the trigger with exact funds?

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        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          2 days, 32 mins ago

          YES

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        2. I have no Wirtz
            2 days, 28 mins ago

            Foden is a liability, Gruno is an uncertainty. What are you waiting for?

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          • The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            2 days, 13 mins ago

            Approved

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          • Raoul Nogues
              2 days, 13 mins ago

              I did it for a hit (and had no budget problem)

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          • Hutchiniho
            • 7 Years
            2 days, 33 mins ago

            Nunes to Munoz, Guehi or Mukiele?
            -4 (-2 if MN doesn’t play)

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          • BlzE_94
            • 11 Years
            2 days, 32 mins ago

            Play one:
            A) Watkins
            B) Gakpo
            C) Frimpong

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            1. CYN
              • 7 Years
              2 days, 31 mins ago

              A

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          • CYN
            • 7 Years
            2 days, 32 mins ago

            Raya
            Gabriel Virgil Tark Mukiele Alderete
            Saka Foden Bruno G
            Haaland Ekitike

            Dubravka Stach Tavernier Guiu

            1FT, 2.2 ITB

            A. Roll
            B. Tavernier -> Enzo
            C. Tavernier -> Ndiaye
            D. Bruno G -> Bruno F
            E. Combo for -4

            Thank you in advance!

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            1. The Lucky Dane
              • 2 Years
              2 days, 22 mins ago

              Definitely D.

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              1. CYN
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 19 mins ago

                Will do it before the rise

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            2. Prinzhorn
              • 5 Years
              2 days, 16 mins ago

              D

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            3. The FPL Units
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              2 days, 12 mins ago

              D

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          • Tim2012
            • 13 Years
            2 days, 31 mins ago

            Start Frimpong or Rogers?

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            1. Jarnathan
              • 9 Years
              2 days, 22 mins ago

              I didn't bring in Frimpong because of the uncertainty with Salah coming back... Start Rogers

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          • Royal5
            • 14 Years
            2 days, 31 mins ago

            People capping Haaland despite him being 50/50 rested?

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            1. I have no Wirtz
                2 days, 29 mins ago

                Get serious about VC then!

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                1. Royal5
                  • 14 Years
                  2 days, 24 mins ago

                  Yep. Usually gets a full rest if benched.

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              • Miguel Sanchez
                • 9 Years
                2 days, 28 mins ago

                Have moved captaincy to Palmer with Rice as vice

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              • Hutchiniho
                • 7 Years
                2 days, 28 mins ago

                Where’s that coming from?

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                1. Royal5
                  • 14 Years
                  2 days, 25 mins ago

                  Over half of the tipster accounts I follow on twitter got him rested. Tbf it makes sense.

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            2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
              • 12 Years
              2 days, 30 mins ago

              GTG?

              Roefs
              Gab Guehi Chalobah
              Rice Foden Wilson Rogers
              Thiago Haaland(c) Ekiteke

              Bench: Dubravka Casemiro Cash Van Hecke
              0 FT, 3.5m ITB

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              1. tbos83
                • 5 Years
                2 days, 28 mins ago

                Not sure about Foden but otherwise gtg

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            3. The Knights Template
              • 12 Years
              2 days, 29 mins ago

              Might sell Bruno G, they’ll protect his ankle this week. Have to know when to hop off assets. Like Ndiyae, but don’t like Everton. Might roll. It’s all uncertain as always!

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              1. The Bandit
                • 15 Years
                2 days, 26 mins ago

                Sell him for Semenyo. You’re welcome

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                1. The Knights Template
                  • 12 Years
                  2 days, 5 mins ago

                  Already have him!

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            4. Saka Punch
              • 7 Years
              2 days, 26 mins ago

              Captain:

              A) Haaland
              B) Semenyo
              C) Palmer

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              1. Miguel Sanchez
                • 9 Years
                2 days, 25 mins ago

                B

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              2. The FPL Units
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 15 Years
                2 days, 11 mins ago

                A

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              3. Raoul Nogues
                  2 days, 9 mins ago

                  A (C)
                  B (VC)

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              4. The Lucky Dane
                • 2 Years
                2 days, 24 mins ago

                My wildcard is active.
                Good to go with 0.0 left in the bank? Looks like a strong starting 11 IMO.

                Petrovic
                Timber - Gabriel - Chalobah
                B. Fernandes - Mbeumo - Semenyo - Wirtz
                Haaland - Ekitike - Thiago

                Dubravka - Dorgu - Reinildo - H. Wilson

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                1. _Ninja_
                  • 15 Years
                  2 days, 18 mins ago

                  Dont go Petrovic on WC! trust me

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                2. Prinzhorn
                  • 5 Years
                  2 days, 17 mins ago

                  Don’t take Petrovic

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                3. I have no Wirtz
                    2 days, 13 mins ago

                    You are gtg! We need more lucky Danes in Europe. FTW

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                  • I have no Wirtz
                      2 days, 13 mins ago

                      Take Roefs

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                      1. The Lucky Dane
                        • 2 Years
                        2 days, 10 mins ago

                        The issue is that I need to find 0.5 somewhere to get him in.

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                    • The Lucky Dane
                      • 2 Years
                      2 days, 11 mins ago

                      I think all the 4.5 keeper options are horrible, but at least Bournemouth has the second lowest xGC at home after Arsenal.

                      Not sure where to find the funds for an upgrade to Sanchez.

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                      1. Raoul Nogues
                          2 days, 6 mins ago

                          If you take Sanchez, maybe sell Chalobah to avoir double Chelsea defence

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                          1. Raoul Nogues
                              2 days, 5 mins ago

                              (avoid)

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                            • The Lucky Dane
                              • 2 Years
                              2 days, 4 mins ago

                              I might do that - thanks!

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                      2. TSN
                        • 8 Years
                        2 days, 24 mins ago

                        Bench one

                        A. Cash
                        B. Hall
                        C. Cherki

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                        1. CYN
                          • 7 Years
                          2 days, 23 mins ago

                          A

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                        2. The Lucky Dane
                          • 2 Years
                          2 days, 22 mins ago

                          A

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                        3. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 days, 6 mins ago

                          A

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                      3. The Mighty Whites
                        • 10 Years
                        2 days, 23 mins ago

                        2FT, 2.3 ITB - thoughts?

                        Raya - Dubravka
                        Tarkowski - Andersen - Van Hecke - Keane - Gudmundsson
                        Saka - Foden - Rogers - Rice - Enzo
                        Haaland - Ekitike - Guiu

                        A: Foden to Bruno
                        B: Keane & Saka to Gabriel & Bruno
                        C: Raya & Keane to Sanchez & Gabriel
                        D: Other

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                        1. The Lucky Dane
                          • 2 Years
                          2 days, 21 mins ago

                          B

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                        2. Royal5
                          • 14 Years
                          2 days, 12 mins ago

                          A

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                          1. Royal5
                            • 14 Years
                            2 days, 12 mins ago

                            Fodens form is beyond shocking

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                      4. Garfield1001
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        2 days, 17 mins ago

                        Would you WC this team in GW24?

                        Roefs Dubravka
                        Gabriel Dorgu O’Reilly Andersen Richards
                        Foden Saka Rice Wilson Rogers
                        Haaland Ekitike Guiu

                        Thanks

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                      5. FPL Blow-In
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        2 days, 17 mins ago

                        Haaland and Foden to Salah and Thiago worth a hit 😉

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                        1. Prinzhorn
                          • 5 Years
                          2 days, 14 mins ago

                          At this point could be masterclass

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                        2. Voronins Pony Tail
                          • 2 Years
                          2 days, 13 mins ago

                          Do it!

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                      6. Voronins Pony Tail
                        • 2 Years
                        2 days, 15 mins ago

                        Worth a 4 point hit for Cherki to Semenyo?

                        Bench right?

                        Kelleher
                        Guehi Frimpong Gab
                        Cherki Rice Rogers Wilson
                        Watkins Haaland Thiago

                        Dub Mukiele BrunoG Gud

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                        1. Prinzhorn
                          • 5 Years
                          2 days, 14 mins ago

                          No

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                        2. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 15 Years
                          2 days, 10 mins ago

                          Nope

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                      7. Prinzhorn
                        • 5 Years
                        2 days, 13 mins ago

                        Foden

                        A) to Semenyo
                        B) to Schade (no Thiago)
                        C) Roll

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                        1. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 15 Years
                          2 days, 9 mins ago

                          C

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                      8. TSN
                        • 8 Years
                        2 days, 12 mins ago

                        Cherki > Wirtz (-4)?
                        Yes or No?
                        Already have Semenyo and Haaland

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                        1. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 days, 10 mins ago

                          Not sure, Liverpool fixtures look difficult after Bournemouth

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                        2. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 15 Years
                          2 days, 9 mins ago

                          Nope

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                      9. Fifa las vegas
                        • 13 Years
                        2 days, 12 mins ago

                        Anything worth a final FT here? Think I’ll bank for now, as probably need a couple to rejig. Have already done Foden & Gordon > Bruno & Ndiaye (went with him over Enzo for something even slightly different!)

                        Sanchez
                        Gabriel, O’Reilly, VdV
                        Saka, Bruno, Rogers, Ndiaye
                        Haaland (C), Ekitike, DCL

                        Probably be looking to downgrade Saka > Rice in coming weeks and keeping an eye on Palmer too, but both him and Rice would mean losing Ekitike I think

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                        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                          • 11 Years
                          2 days, 10 mins ago

                          gtg v nice

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                          1. Fifa las vegas
                            • 13 Years
                            2 days, 8 mins ago

                            Cheers!

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                      10. Teahupo'o
                        • 14 Years
                        2 days, 11 mins ago

                        G2G?

                        Dubravka
                        Gabriel Timber Dorgu
                        Foden Semenyo Fernandes Gakpo Gordon
                        Haaland Ekitike

                        (Verbruggen, Chalobah Tuanzebe Guiu)
                        0FT 0ITB

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                        1. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 days, 11 mins ago

                          I prefer Chalobah over Dorgu

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                          1. Teahupo'o
                            • 14 Years
                            2 days, 10 mins ago

                            Yeah, I've gone back and forth on that and my keepers.

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                            1. XX SMICER XX
                              • 7 Years
                              2 days, 9 mins ago

                              Both keepers concede, Dub should make more saves

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                              1. Teahupo'o
                                • 14 Years
                                2 days, 7 mins ago

                                Same feeling. Cheers.

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                      11. XX SMICER XX
                        • 7 Years
                        2 days, 11 mins ago

                        A. Cherki to Enzo
                        B. Cunha to Enzo
                        C. Cherki Cunha to Enzo Semenyo -4

                        Thanks

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

                          b

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                        2. TSN
                          • 8 Years
                          2 days, 11 mins ago

                          B

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                        3. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 days, 8 mins ago

                          Thanks both, do you think Cherki starts?

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                        4. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 15 Years
                          2 days, 8 mins ago

                          B

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                      12. Ajax Hamsterdam
                        • 11 Years
                        2 days, 11 mins ago

                        pope (dub)
                        gab chalobah alderete(dorgu hall)
                        saka rice foden bruno g (potts)
                        haaland thiago bowen

                        1 ft 1.4 itb

                        a bruno g to semenyo (C)
                        b bruno g to enzo/ndiaye

                        cheers and gl all

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                        1. XX SMICER XX
                          • 7 Years
                          2 days, 8 mins ago

                          I like the Semenyo captaincy punt

                          Enzo over Ndiaye if you go B

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                          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                            • 11 Years
                            1 day, 23 hours ago

                            cheers

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                        2. The FPL Units
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 15 Years
                          2 days, 7 mins ago

                          B Enzo

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                          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                            • 11 Years
                            1 day, 23 hours ago

                            thanks

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                        3. Kingy109
                          • 4 Years
                          1 day, 23 hours ago

                          Unless you are on WC 24 then Enzo - Semenyo feels like a one week punt and you don't have the transfers to spare

                          Hall.over Alderete surely?

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                          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                            • 11 Years
                            1 day, 23 hours ago

                            I have pope already and not sure about dle newcastle def

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                      13. Bambi
                        • 14 Years
                        2 days, 10 mins ago

                        3 yellow flags. Bench 2 from:

                        A) Stach (eve)
                        B) Gudmundsson (eve)
                        C) Bruno G (AVL)
                        D) Dorgu (ars)

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                        1. Kingy109
                          • 4 Years
                          1 day, 23 hours ago

                          Definitely Gud. I think Bruno G won't be risked which is why I sold him for Enzo so I'd play Stach and Dorgu.
                          You might not have a choice if there are really injured of course

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