Captains

Captain Sensible – Aguero favourite but alternatives appeal in Gameweek 5

The captaincy discussion for Gameweek 5 of Fantasy Premier League probably isn’t quite as clear-cut as our recent poll indicates.

While Manchester City’s number one striker has run away with it, there are strong cases for alternative options.

We’ve weighed up the results of the vote, compare individual and team statistics and analyse what the Rate My Team tool says to ascertain the best captain for this weekend.

The Captain Poll

A home clash with Fulham has led to Sergio Aguero (£11.3m) amassing a huge lead in the captain poll ahead of Gameweek 5. The Manchester City striker has, at time of writing, a massive 58% of the vote.

Aguero’s three goals and two assists thus far have convinced Fantasy managers that he can deliver another big haul. In fact, he has even overtaken Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) as the most fashionable player in FPL, with 51.6% ownership.

Salah’s popularity continues to fall as shown by the fact that he currently sits fourth in our poll with just under 5% of the vote. Captaincy interest in Liverpool’s trip to Spurs on Saturday lunch-time is low, with Harry Kane (£12.5m) and Sadio Mané (£10.0m) backed by under 3% of our voters. That’s despite the latter averaging 9.75 points per match so far, Salah at 6.75 and Kane 5.0.

Joining Aguero in the top three are Chelsea pair Eden Hazard (£10.7m) and Marcos Alonso (£6.8m) who are expected to do very well against Cardiff. Both players have registered returns in every single match so far combining for three goals and seven assists.

Hazard is the more popular for the captaincy out of the two, by some distance. At the time of writing the Belgian has 19% of the vote while Alonso is only just ahead of Salah with his 4.5% share. Perhaps understandable given the differences in classification and price.

Outside the top six are some interesting differential candidates, all of whom look capable of delivering points in Gameweek 5. Benjamin Mendy (£6.4m) has 1.15% backing after registering four assists in his first four league matches and adding another international duty.

Just behind him is Arsenal frontman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) who scored his first goal of the season against Cardiff last week. The Gabonese forward has a trip to Newcastle this time around and continues to prove more popular than colleague Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m). The Frenchman has outscored him so far but is backed by just 0.68% in this week’s captain poll.

Danny Ings (£5.6m), Jamie Vardy (£8.9m) and Romelu Lukaku (£11.0m) complete the top 10 with, at time of writing, 0.84%, 0.77% and 0.73% backing respectively.

Ings has two goals in his last three starts and hosts a travel sick Brighton outfit on Monday night.

Meanwhile, Lukaku is currently second among strikers for shots in the penalty area and efforts on target ahead of a trip to Watford.

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1,457 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 days ago

    Why is there no xGI or xG data in captain sensible?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      maybe they are not important

    2. Rash
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      You should put forward a case to proof read these articles before they are published as you don't seem to miss a trick..

  2. Miro
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 days ago

    3 spots undecided on my WC. 4th and 5th mid and 2nd forward. Choose one:

    A) Mitrovic Ramsey Neves
    B) Lacazette Fraser Hojberg

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      A

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Go with Hojberg in A and save some cash

        1. Seamy
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Agreed

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      5th mid will need to play or not? If not B.

    3. Touré De Force
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      A for sure.

  3. Thinkering like a Boss
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 days ago

    Patricio
    Mendy, Shaw, Alonso
    Mane, Schurrle, Pedro, Moura, Salah (C)
    Aguero (VC), Wilson

    Hamer | Robertson, AWB, Kamara

    Anything would you like to play or change? any input much appriciate

    1. Patrick Bateman
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Why do you have a 6 million defender if you're not gonna play him? Downgrade Robbo and upgrade Mane to Haz?

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Im not on wildcard. I choose this squad for flexiblelity.

    2. Jarnathan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      I'd bench Schurrle over Robbo

  4. LewanGOALski
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 days ago

    Patricio - Hamer
    Alonso - Mendy - ___ - ___ - AWB

    Which duo for the missing spots:
    A) Shaw + Bennett
    or
    B) Rico + Doherty

    ??

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      A

    2. Seamy
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      A But consider a Chilwall as the 5.0m

  5. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 days ago

    Ederson
    Robertson/mendy/awb
    Micky/Walcott/salah/mane
    Aguero/ings/zaha

    Bench: hamer/kabasele/cairney/Daniels

    So I have Walcott, zaha, cairney, Daniels, hamer all doubtful with Micky not a definite starter. What shall I do here!? Any help appreciated. 1FT

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Wait on Walcott news. If he out, Walcott > Madisson/Pedro

      1. Bumbaclot
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Thanks pal

  6. Miguel Sanchez
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 days ago

    Walcott pictured training with Everton this morning

    https://twitter.com/LivEchoEFC/status/1040572207120961538

    1. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      YEAH!

    2. stat
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Press conference in 10 mins

      • carlosice
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Interesting...when is the everton presser?

      • Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Damn it. Sold him like a mug.

        Hopefully he'll just be on the bench.

      • DGW Sane TC Fail....
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Nice find

    3. Gentlemens club
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Advice on who to transfer in with 1 FT? WIldcard?

      Pat (Foster)
      Mendy Alonso Robbo Wan B (Tomkins*)
      Salah Mane Bilva Walcott* (Cairney*)
      Aguero Zaha* (Kamara)

    4. Rash
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Wally been found!

    5. Pauntley
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Which combo should I go with?

      a) Bennett and Mitrovic (playing 3-4-3 with Bennett as sub)

      or

      b) Shaw and Ings (more flexible 3-4-3 or 4-4-2)

      thanks

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        I like B. This week play Ings, next week play Shaw.

        1. Pauntley
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          thanks - I'm leaning that way

    6. The Rock
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Foster
      Alonso, Mendy, Robertson, PVA
      Salah, Mane, B.Silva
      Aguero, Arnie, King
      Hamer, AWB, Hojbjerg, Stephens

      2FT and 0 in the bank. Bit confused as to what i should do this week, any help appreciated.

      A) Foster out for Patricio
      B) Arnie out for Ings
      C) B.Silva out for Pedro (I know Pedro is as much a rotation risk but still likely to score more points)
      D) 4 point hit to cover 2 of the above (Or another transfer)

    7. RUUD!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Help would be very much appreciated this week, I have no idea what to do. I currently have 1FT with 0.0 on the bank. Thinking of saving my FT.

      Ederson (4.0)
      Mendy Alonso Robbo PVA (WBA)
      Mhki Salah Mane (Cairney, Gunnarson)
      (K)un Ings Zaha

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        If you are unsure , and you can save. Then save. Don't force a transfer for sake of it

      2. Royal5
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Mkh out look obvious.

      3. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Good team. Save!

    8. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Trying to help someone in office with very low team value. How does this WC look? Any suggestions for improvement welcome

      Patricio Hart
      Alonso Mendy Shaw Rico Wan-Bissaka
      Salah Hazard Richarlison Neves Højbjerg
      Aguero Mitrovic Wilson

      1. Patrick Bateman
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        How much money has the person got left? I would be looking at upgrading Neves potentially so my suggestion would be downgrading Rico to Bennett, then hopefully you have enough cash for Maddison, Pedro, if not Fraser who will be back next week.

        1. Patrick Bateman
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          you could also raise more funds for the person by downgrading Hart to say Hamer, another 0.5 that could put into improving Neves

        2. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Thanks. Team above used up 99.6 m budget. Could perhaps stretch Neves to Demari Gray or Fraser just with Bennett but means benching Fraser and Richarlison

    9. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Cook or Wan-Bisaka higher on bench for Fraser no show?

      CPA clean sheet odds 13/8
      Bou clean sheet odds 23/10

      Bookies favour CPA

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        AWB

      2. Moorinho
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        CPA. Leicester are stronger than huddies

    10. Z3US
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Question - which to play as my 3rd defender (in 3-5-2)

      A) Holebas (home to Manu)

      B) Bennett (home to Burnley)

      C) Wan-B (away to Hudds)

      Thanks!

      1. Royal5
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        B

      2. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        B

    11. Bring back ole
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 days ago

      Peoples thots on ozil?

      1. Moorinho
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        way better options out there

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        His eyes are offside

      3. Seamy
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Avoiding. Cant be sure he'll start

        1. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          This

      4. caldracula
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Deulo

    12. stat
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Silva's press conference starts in 5 mins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVs7dvEydXQ

      • Seamy
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        WC Choices:
        A) Holebas + Pedro + Fraser + Biling
        B) Bennett + Maddison + Richarlson + Hodjberg (Bench Rich this week)

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          A

      • TeddiPonza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Got all of Zaha, Jimenez and Fraser in my team. My bench is crap with Kabasele, Stephens and Peltier.

        Got 0,0m in bank and 1 free transfer. Don’t want to wildcard yet as I am happy with the solids in my team (Alonso Mendy Salah Hazard Mane Aguero)

        How does this sound?

        Jimenez and Fraser out for Ings and Neves (-4) and hope Zaha plays. Zaha the most likely to play out of those three.

        Thanks

        1. Eden Wizard
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Nice foresight there....Nuno hasn't mentioned Jiminez yet so what are you on?

      • Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Schurrle, Hendrick, Gray or Fraser on WC.

        Have Mitrovic. None from the other teams.

        1. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Gray or Fraser

        2. Royal5
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Gray

        3. caldracula
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Gray

        4. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Fraser.

          Seri?

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 days ago

            The fact Fraser is doubtful is super annoying. Might still pick him. If he was fully fit he'd be a lock.

      • Eden Wizard
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Are we overreacting with Mkhi? 1 benching is all, I really want to hold another week for more information.

        1. Royal5
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Can't see Lacazette getting benched after that performance.

          1. Eden Wizard
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 days ago

            Ozil & Rambo both have been dropped, why do we deduce Mkhi is now out of the XI?

            1. Royal5
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 8 days ago

              We don't know, but by the looks of it he's now a rotation risk. Not sure I want that at 7.1 mill.

          2. RUUD!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 days ago

            I was thinking Ramsey dropping into one of the double pivot position

      • adam28193
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Right WC team thoughts?

        Patricio/Hennessey

        Pereira/Mendy/Alonso/AWB/Bennett

        Salah/Hazard/Pedro/Maddison/Hojberg

        Zaha/Aguero/Wilson

        1. weaver93
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          gtg

      • SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Start Kabasele (MUN) or Wan-Bissaka (hud) ???

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Wb

        2. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          AWB

      • IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Wally hopefully is completely ruled out or fully fit.Would be annoyed if he starts on the bench

        1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Couldn’t agree more

      • sergeblanco
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        I’ve Shaw, Zaha & Tomkins with Billing & D. Gray as back-up...would you make a transfer or save??

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Save. Billing is the new Fellaini 🙂

          1. sergeblanco
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 8 days ago

            Thanks...

            ...and apologies. I see from your gravatar that you’ve been through much pain. Thankfully for me that pain has subsided in Limerick

            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 days ago

              Congratulations to ye. The man in yer grav was a good man helping out the hurlers on the mental side. We could definitely do with improving that department. I'm working with a Knockaderry man. He has a permanent smile since the final 🙂

              1. sergeblanco
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 8 days ago

                I think we all do!

        2. LEFT-FIELD
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Seems Shaw didn't travel with the squad

          https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1040614217068544001

          1. sergeblanco
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 8 days ago

            Thanks for the heads up!

      • Visionaries
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Fill the blanks

        Hazard, Maddison, ???, ???
        Aguero, ???, ???

        A Dilva, Mane, Wilson, Vardy

        B Moura, Salah, Wilson, Ings

        C Moura, Mane, Wilson, Lacazette

        D Fraser, Mane, Lukaku, Wilson

        1. PascalCygan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Quite like D for the Lukaku differential. A otherwise.

        2. weaver93
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          b

        3. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          So basically Wilson is in.

          Dilva, Mane, Vardy
          Moura, Salah Ings
          Moura, Mane, Laca
          Fraser, Mane, Lukaku

          It's D for me.

        4. sergeblanco
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Oooh nice choices. I’d go with D but I’d also go with B if you substituted Moura for someone else

      • FootballFanatic365
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        walcott keep?

        1. Royal5
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          walcott no

      • meltedman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Firmino to Lacazette for a free?

        1. weaver93
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          yes

        2. sergeblanco
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Nah...save transfer and improve elsewhere next GW

      • PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        Considering selling Salah for Hazard. Or Walcott to Pedro maybe? Thoughts?

        Currently on 1FT, 0.2ITB
        Patricio
        Mendy / Alonso / TAA / Wan-Bis (Peltier)
        Salah / Mane / Walcott / Neves (Cairney)
        Aguero / Auba (Kamara)

        Thanks!

        1. sergeblanco
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Maybe option 2...I wouldn’t be selling Salah just yet

      • Professor Abel X
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        What to do if sitting on Mkhi & BSilva? Only 1FT.

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Sell one this week and other next week for Richarlison.

        2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Save IMO

        3. sergeblanco
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          I’m saving Bilva this week anyway

      • Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 days ago

        1FT 0.5ITB

        Ederson
        Robertson Alonso Mendy
        Salah Mane Walcott* Fraser*
        Zaha Aguero King

        Boruc Wan-Bissa Stephens Peltier

        If need be, do I:

        A. Fraser-> Neves
        B. Walcott-> Pedro, Would rather have Richa next week.
        C. Walcott-> Schurrle this GW. Fraser-> Richa next week.

        1. Seamy
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          C provided you want Schurrle long-term. Otherwise maybe hold

        2. sergeblanco
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 days ago

          Stick with what you have this week and bring Richa in next week