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Captain Sensible August 4

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 1?

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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are mainly looking to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur for the Gameweek 1 captaincy, and for the first time this season, the Captain Sensible article is here to highlight which assets have the best chance of hauling.

First, we will assess the fallout of the captain poll, before then analysing the best options, Rate My Team (RMT) and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Friday’s 18:30 BST deadline.

THE CAPTAIN POLL

Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) is the clear winner of the captain poll, with just over 60% of total votes from users in the inaugural vote of the season. 

No other player has garnered more than 12% of votes at this stage, with Harry Kane (£11.5m) currently in second place.

Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m) occupies third place with just under 10% of votes, followed by Son Heung-min (£12.0m) and Erling Haaland (£11.5m), with 4.74% and 4.53% respectively. 

THE CANDIDATES

MOHAMED SALAH

Who are the best FPL captain options for Double Gameweek 36?

Mohamed Salah underlined his captaincy credentials by scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists last season cementing his status as the highest point scorer (265) in Fantasy Premier League.

The Egyptian started in an empathetic fashion, and temporarily ended the captaincy conversation, by registering six double-digit hauls in his first nine matches. 

Early-season verve was replaced by late-season lethargy as the performances of Salah slumped below his gold standard levels. 

Following Double Gameweek 26, Salah blanked in six of his 11 Premier League matches, registering a solitary double-digit haul. 

Despite the peaks and troughs, Mohamed Salah produced division-leading underlying numbers, ranking first for non-penalty expected goal involvement (26.40) last season.  

Salah produced his vintage best against defensive-juggernaut Manchester City in the Community Shield, providing an assist before expertly dispatching from the spot. 

A visit to newly-promoted Fulham provides the perfect opportunity for Salah to continue an opening day goal-scoring record which dates back to 2017. 

Fulham boasted the third-best defensive record in the Championship last season, registering a respectable 17 clean sheets, and allowed the least open-play expected goals conceded (xGC).

But in terms of playstyle, the Cottagers ranked best in the division for build-up attacks and produced the second-most goals scored from high turnovers. 

Should Fulham stay true to their football philosophy and try to outplay Liverpool then expect goals, and a Mohamed Salah haul.

HARRY KANE

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Hibbo Author of Captain Sensible. I write Fantasy Premier League articles, focusing on stats and strategy. Four top 10k finishes. 22/23 Rank - 6123.  Follow them on Twitter

1,189 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Does no-one else have a niggling feeling that KDB is going to be GW1's highest points scorer!?

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    1. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Of course he could but you have to remember you can't have everyone. Those with KDB likely won't have one or two of Salah, Son, Haaland etc.

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      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        i get that, and i'm prob going to have to sacrifice him too - just surprised he's 10th in % owned for MFs. He's FF royalty.

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    2. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      More likely in week 2 I think, I'm expecting a high scoring season from him.

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      1. sulldaddy
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        This....im thinking of switching Salah for KDB for GW2...

        Maybe crazy...maybe smart

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  2. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Evening everyone! Most important question of the night - Archer or Greenwood? I imagine Greenwood gets more game time off the bench but Archer in the better team. Thoughts? Does it matter!?

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    1. Oooo Matron
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Tough one - Archer bigger upside but Greenwood likely to get more game time. Both pretty much fodder though

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    2. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Greenwood and No - luck of the draw if they play when you need them most!

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  3. Sausage™️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Im done..

    Ramsdale, (Ward)
    James, TAA, Cancelo, Trippier, (N Williams)
    Salah, Bailey, Mount, Neto, (Andeas)
    Haaland, Jesus, (Archer)..

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    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      What I’m likely to end up with too

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  4. 420king
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Evening guys. Which of these three options do you think looks best?

    1. Ramsale, Perišić, Neto
    2. Ward, Perišić, Rashford
    3. Ward, Neco, 8m mid

    Team:

    _____, 4m
    TAA, Robertson, Cancelo, James, _____
    Salah, Martinelli, Bailey, Andreas, _____
    Jesus, Haaland, 4.5m

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  5. Oooo Matron
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A or B?

    A) Raya & Gabriel

    B) Ramsdale & Bailey

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    1. Bob.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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  6. Bob.
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Think I am kind of settled on this.

    Ward
    TAA Dias Dalot
    Salah Rashford Martinelli Bailey
    Kane Jesus Haaland

    Iversen Perreira Williams Patterson

    I know it's missing a bit of balance in the mids and I'm gone light at the back but I feel it's a sacrifice worth making!

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    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Double Man United wouldn't be for me.

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      1. Bob.
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I'm definitely starting with rashford as I like United's fixtures and think he will get off to a great start. Dalot could be switched to another 4.5 but I do fancy him as first choice right back and pretty attacking.

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        1. Jock Grealish
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Liverpool gameweek 3

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          1. Bob.
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            That's fine I can play Williams or Patterson then

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  7. shakeyjake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on below as differential?

    Ward
    TAA - Cancelo - Dalot - Saliba
    Salah - KDB - Son - Aaronson - Bailey
    Jesus

    Iversen - Neco - Greenwood - Archer

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    1. Oooo Matron
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Looks horrible to me - Saliba will lose his place, Dalot an unknown, Ward probably will get replaced by a new signing, Aaronsen a complete unknown, Bailey a three week punt at best.

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    2. Bob.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I like it! It's different in a different way to mine

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    3. Carroll to the rescue
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Bit different, but the frontline with only Jesus in there is worrying. Lots of points in a Kane or Haaland.

      You can afford to keep Son, Salah, Jesus, and even get Haaland there if you're willing to offload KDB.

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  8. RamboRN
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ward
    Taa walker robbo cancelo
    Salah mount martinelli Bailey
    Haaland Jesus

    Subs iverson n.williams Andreas archer

    1m itb. Where to put this 1m?

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    1. Tinmen
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Same team as me

      Walker to James

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      1. Q
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        This and this

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  9. Henning
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    1. Perisic and Ramsdale/Raya
    2. Cash and Ederson

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    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      1

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  10. Tinmen
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Folks which option would you go for here ?
    Last tinker before I head to bed and have nightmare

    A) Walker Diaz Saka

    B) Robbo Mount Martinelli

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    1. BeWater
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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    2. Sergio vamos
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B for me

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    3. Croaker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B easy

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  11. Dancing Glen Kamara
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Best week of the FPL soon to end. Everything is possible until deadline and then... who knows. My last temptation: Should I get Salah after all and wait with Darwin. What you say?
    Ward (Sanchez)
    Botman-Zinc-TAA
    Bailey-Martinelli-Mount-KDB
    Kane-Darwin-Jesus
    B: Sanchez, Walker, Andreas, N Williams

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    1. mrelpea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I’m going without salah too and reckon Darwin will hit the ground running

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      1. mrelpea
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        A single premium for me though, Kane

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  12. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Perisic or Trippier?

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    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Perisick

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    2. Claudio555
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Tripps

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    3. mrelpea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Trip all the way

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  13. Maradona
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Mad to take a punt on Julian Alvarez for City? Could start at RW, or get 20/30 mins against a tiring defence?

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    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I had him in my draft up until yesterday. I think he could be a seriously good option and I think he'll get plenty of minutes. I decided it's probably a bit too much of a risk though to start with. He's high on my watchlist though.

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    2. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Not worth it

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  14. FDMS All Starz
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Which team do you prefer?

    A)
    Ederson
    TAA - James - Robbo - Cancelo
    Salah - Rashford - Martinelli - Bailey
    Kane - Jesus

    B)
    Ward
    TAA - James - Zinchenko - Walker
    Salah - Son - Martinelli - Bailey
    Haaland - Jesus

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    1. Emre Can Pie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A - but maybe downgrade Ederson to Ward and upgrade Rashford to 8m mid.

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      1. FDMS All Starz
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Considering preseason, You don’t think Rashford at 6.5 facing Brighton and Brentford in the first 2 isn’t as good an option as Mount?

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        1. Halftime Lemon
          • 15 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Gonna keep a close eye on Rashford and utd in general, but too many question marks with new manager. Will they just be dire again?

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          1. FDMS All Starz
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            I think they will have a change in style of play so same as last season is unlikely, I’m not too sure on the results though, maybe they will be a high scoring team but concede a lot aswell similar to Leeds last season

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    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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  15. it lies in the proles
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Robbo or Cancelo?
    Bowen or Coutinho?

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    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If you have Trent then Cancelo. Also Coutinho

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    2. Halftime Lemon
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Robbo & Bowen for me

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  16. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is Doherty an option or is there doubt over his game time?

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    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Wondering the same as hoping will still play but can’t see anything further about him

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    2. Herger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Both

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    3. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I have him.
      I imagine it will be a bit like owning James last season, lots of 1s with the occasional 16 pointer.

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      1. The Wizard of Ozil
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah im thinking the same, plenty of options if it doesn’t work out

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    4. Carroll to the rescue
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I would say he's nailed. Spence is still very much in the works of development and cementing his place in the team. Moura MAY be his only competitor and seeing the way he faired in pre-season in the RWB position...I don't see him stealing the spot from Doherty.

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  17. sarnshawn
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Mendy (gaz)
    TAA, Cash, Robertson, Coady, N. Williams
    Salah, Coutinho, Mount
    Jesus, Haaland
    Bench - Greenwood, Rice, Andreas

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    1. Emre Can Pie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I feel like defence is too weak to play 5 at the back.

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    2. mrelpea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Cash to Trippier, coutinho to rashford and upgrade coady

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  18. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo guys? (Got TAA + Cancelo)

    A) Ederson + James
    B) Mendy + Robbo
    C) Ramsdale + Robbo

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    1. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      C

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    2. Emre Can Pie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      C

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  19. abaalan
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A)
    Raya (4.0)
    Taa, Robbo, Perisic, Cancelo (N. Williams)
    Salah, Son, Martinelli, Bailey (Andreas)
    Jesus, Wilson (4.5)

    B) Template
    Ramsdale (4.0)
    TAA, Robbo, Perisic, Cancelo, James
    Salah, Martinelli, Bailey (Neto, Andreas)
    Jesus, Haaland (4.5)

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    1. Emre Can Pie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B cos Haaland for gw2

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  20. FootballRookie
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Welcome thoughts on the below team please...

    Mendy (Ward)

    TAA, Cancelo, Trippier, Zinchenko (N. Williams)

    Mount, Salah, Rashford, Bailey (Andreas)

    Jesus, Kane (Mbeumo)

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    1. Emre Can Pie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Reckon you could downgrade Mbeumo yo upgrade a 5m def to James or even Robbo

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      1. FootballRookie
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks for suggestion....

        I did consider James but then didn't want to double up with Mendy, unless of course I change Mendy....

        Will see what else I can do by downgrading Mbeumbo

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  21. Halftime Lemon
    • 15 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A. Ederson & James
    Or
    B. Sanchez/Ward rotating & Cancelo

    Leaning to A but feels weird having a premium gk

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    1. Emre Can Pie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B cos Cancelo

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    2. Herger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      That’s a very easy B

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    3. ArseneAllTheWay
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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  22. Emre Can Pie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A) Neto
    B) Bailey pluas 0.5 in the bank

    Thank you

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    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Bailly for me, but have an exit strategy ready (or be ready to bench him) come GW4

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      1. Emre Can Pie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks!

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    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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      1. Emre Can Pie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thank you!

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  23. Whiskerz
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    People are really picking ward as their main keeper?!

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    1. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah

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    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Cheap keepers that make save points are the best. Leicester defence not terrible. Only danger with Ward/Iverson punt is they buy a new keeper before transfer window closes in a month

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    3. FDMS All Starz
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Most will be playing their WC around GW6/7 so if funds used appropriately worth the punt imo

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  24. TONEY HONEY
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Isn't Hwang a better pick than Neto? Jimenez looks to be out for a while and Hwang is the only striker left.

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    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      No wolves attack is even better then that.

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  25. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Barcelona are confident they can sign Bernardo Silva during the last days of the transfer window as their relationship with both Jorge Mendes and #ManCity is so good. Personal terms between club and player are already all-but agreed.

    [via
    @MailSport]

    City could be decimated this summer.

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    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Bernardo would be a huge loss to City. Their squad is already thin as it is. Interesting if this goes through. Might see Foden pushed to more central midfield?

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      1. Mesh
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thin??

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        1. Collie01
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Numbers wise.

          They already only have 6 senior defenders. If they lose Bernardo, they then could struggle once injuries and cup competitions kick in. Of course they will probably sign a replacement in any case.

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  26. Mesh
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Why are so many people picking Neto?

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    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Dunno, feels optimistic

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    2. kamdaraji
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Nobody better at 5.5

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    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Nobody better at 5.5m Why on earth are people getting Aaronson?

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    4. FDMS All Starz
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Winger for 5.5 with good fixtures would be my guess

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  27. sirmorbach
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Will I regret going with Perisic from the start?

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    1. DIMITRIS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      There's not a possible way to answer this question which will satisfy you. You'll either be wrong or right going without him, so it's up for you to decide whether to take the risk or not.

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    2. Mesh
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'm thinking the same.
      If he doesn't start, there will be a sell off and his price will plummet.
      Who are you thinking of going with instead?

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      1. sirmorbach
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I think I'll take my chances. Will you keep?

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        1. Mesh
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Still undecided at the moment.
          It's either him or Tripper for me.

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  28. Whiskerz
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Talk me out of a cheeky almiron instead of bailey

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    1. sirmorbach
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Could actually work.

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      1. Whiskerz
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I said talk me out of it!

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    2. Herger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I think I’d rather just let you get him

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      1. Whiskerz
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        That's not very sporting

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        1. Herger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Only if you don’t think Almiron could do better than him. I like Almiron

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  29. DIMITRIS
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo is better :
    A) Sterling + Kulusevski (or some other 8 mil player)

    B) Son + Bruno Guimaraes

    C) KDB + Neto

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    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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      1. DIMITRIS
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers

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    2. sirmorbach
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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  30. ZiZou10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Jesus or an £8m mid?

    Jesus would have to score 20 goals + 12 assists to break the 200 point mark… think the £8m mids come in at 170-180 points

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    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Jesus

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    2. ZiZou10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Can he get those sort of returns?

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      1. DIMITRIS
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Goals yes, assists perhaps no

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    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Kane didn't get over 200pts last season and he was top scoring FWD. Are you going without Kane?

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