The Scout's panel of experts discuss their go-to captains for 2019/20 Fantasy Premier League.
Raheem Sterling (MCI) £12.0m
The Manchester City winger has returned career-high FPL hauls in each of the last two seasons.
Sterling has totalled 229 and 234 points during that period, bettering his team-mate Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) on both occasions.
Indeed, in terms of points per match (ppm), Sterling's average of 6.9 was better than any other player in 2018/19 FPL.
His potential for explosive scores makes the 24-year-old a major captain pick.
Double-digit returns
Sterling claimed nine double-digit returns last season, more than any other player for the champions.
Crucially, one of those was away to West Ham United, his Gameweek 1 hosts this term.
Sterling scored one goal and provided an assist in a 4-0 win in the corresponding fixture in 2018/19.
And his 27.3 per cent owners will be looking for more of the same in his season opener with the Hammers.
What the experts say
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily): Sterling offers a great set-and-forget pick. With the additional clean sheet point as well as an extra point for each goal as a midfielder, his form last season makes him an ideal captain.
Josh Landon (@hailcheaters): Pre-season performance should usually be taken with a grain of salt, remember when Leroy Sane (£9.5m) looked borderline essential last summer? Sterling has been so dominant this summer he might rival Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) for a consensus Gameweek 1 captain. With 17 goals and 15 assists last season and many team-mates arriving late from summer tournaments, he looks a strong captain pick.
Ben McNair (@drbenmcnair): Sterling is the second-highest FPL point scorer over the past two seasons and looks to be improving. The only drawback once Aguero, Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) are eased back into action following their late return to pre season training will mean the risk of occasional rest and rotation.
FPL General (@FPLGeneral): The kid just gets better and better with every game he plays. The threat of Jesus getting more game time this season scares me off Aguero somewhat, so Sterling will be my Man City attacker. This could be his season to be crowned the highest-scoring FPL player.
Holly Shand (@FFCommunity_): Sterling is my first-choice captain pick from Man City. He's an explosive player who keeps going from strength to strength. AFC Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion and Norwich City over Gameweeks 3-5 all look enticing fixtures.
Neal Thurman (@nealjthurman): I'm a bit uncertain about including Sterling given all of the options Pep Guardiola has in attack but that's what the vice-captaincy is for.
Tom (@WGTA_FPL): Sterling is astonishingly consistent, hitting over the 200 points threshold for each of the last couple of seasons. Guardiola may rotate a bit but Sterling is his most effective weapon.
See: The Scout's panel of FPL experts
Also in this series
Part 1: Salah the go-to pick
Part 3: Price drop boosts Kane appeal
Part 4: Aguero a reliable choice
