The Captain Poll – Gameweek 18
Filed under: Captain Poll - Posted by: Paul
With our Captain Poll showing an almost unprecedented see-saw battle at the top, we thought it was worthwhile drawing attention to some of the contenders involved in the tussle, weighing up their merits in the process. Robin Van Persie and Carlos Tevez both sit on 20% at the top of the pecking order, though several other candidates have received plenty votes. We worked our way through the main protagonists to see what they have to offer:
Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney
The Dutchman is the current leader in this week’s Poll, with over 20% of the votes cast so far. Van Persie has scored or assisted in all but two of his 15 starts for United and has found the net in each of his last four; his consistency is superior to any forward around, though it’s worth noting that Rooney has produced regularly alongside his new strike partner. The latter has picked up attacking returns in seven of his 10 starts with Van Persie and with spot-kick duties also in the bag, his current 2% votes in the Captain Poll is surprisingly low.
United’s superb attacking form on the road cannot be ignored. They have scored at least three goals in five of their last six away games and with Swansea conceding four to Norwich in their previous game at the Liberty, the signs look good for the Red Devils. Michael Laudrup’s side have, however, been particularly resilient of late and have conceded more than a single goal in just one of the last 10 Gameweeks – a run that includes clashes against City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs. Against the bigger sides, it seems the Welsh outfit have a tendency to sit back and soak up pressure, with less inclination to go on the offensive.
Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and David Silva
Reading arrive at the Etihad having conceded 13 goals in their last four, offering plenty of optimism for City’s fantasy owners. Brian McDermott has mainly fielded a 4-4-2 but a move to 4-5-1 after the break against Arsenal is perhaps a hint at his tactics for this weekend, with the Royals likely to sit tight in the hope they can avoid a hammering. Tevez’s home form has been particularly strong. He has returned 62 points over seven starts at the Etihad – an average just shy of nine points per home first-team appearance – but the issue is whether he will start. He has featured in the first XI just twice in the past five Gameweeks and with the fixtures picking up pace, Roberto Mancini’s rotation policy could come back to bite his owners hard.
Aguero has now started all but one of the last seven Gameweeks and with no European distractions looks a stronger bet to start – perhaps all the more so now that Mario Balotelli has been ruled out with illness, though Mancini did confirm earlier today he plans to rotate over the festive period. It’s been a hugely underwhelming campaign so far for Aguero after last season’s 23 goals – he has, however, notched three times in his last three home starts and with an ownership of 6% to Tevez’s 40%, may be a smart differential if he hits form. Silva sits fourth in the Captain Poll, just behind the Van Persie and the Argentine pair and certainly seems nailed-on to start by comparison. The potential for points is enticing, as demonstrated by his 16 point haul in Gameweek 12 at home to Villa but the Spaniard has been far from reliable; scoring or assisting in just five of his 12 starts for Mancini’s side.
Gareth Bale
The Welshman has been declared fit and available for Spurs’ home game with Stoke after recovering from a hamstring injury. Prior to limping off at Fulham in Gameweek 15, Bale had produced his best form of the season, with goals in each of his previous three. His form at the Lane has been patchy at best, though; one assist in his first five home games was followed by two goals and an assist in his most recent couple of games in front of his own supporters. Stoke have conceded more than a single goal just once in their last 14 league fixtures, though, suggesting Bale could be in for a testing time of it this Saturday.
Santi Cazorla
Fifth in the Captain Poll after his 23 point haul at Reading last Monday, the Arsenal playmaker now travels to injury-hit Wigan. Roberto Martinez’s side have many regulars doubtful for the weekend, particularly at the back, and the porous Latics’ rearguard surely offers plenty hope for Cazorla, having conceded at least twice in each of their last seven.
Wigan’s 3-4-3 formation could also be beneficial to Arsenal. If Arsene Wenger maintains the same XI from Monday, their pace up front will pose plenty problems for the hosts. With no Boxing Day game to worry about, rest and rotation won’t be an option and with attacking returns in five of his last eight road trips, Cazorla certainly keeps his best form for away games – six of his seven goals have come away from the Emirates.
Luis Suarez
The Liverpool forward is also heavily backed this weekend as Fulham make their way to Anfield. Brendan Rodgers has called for a response after last week’s shock home defeat to Villa and the Reds will be confident of picking up the points – the Cottagers have conceded 18 goals on their travels, the second worst away defence in the league.
Suarez, however, has been incredibly frustrating at home. He has scored or assisted in just four of his nine Anfield appearances, with 38 of his 86 points picked up at home. Indeed, he has scored more than five points just twice in front of his own fans and, with no attacking returns in his last four, has went off the boil in recent matches.
Juan Mata
Similar to Santi Cazorla, five of Mata’s six strikes have come on the road this season. Since his opening blank four Gameweeks, a return to form has seen him rack up the points – Mata has started five of Chelsea’s last six at the Bridge and averaged just over six points per home start from Gameweek 5 onwards. Back-to-back goals in the Blues two away games prior to their departure for the World Club Championship highlights his current form, while he turned in another sublime display in the cup against Leeds on Wednesday. Aston Villa arrive at the Bridge in strong defensive form, though; just two goals conceded in their last five suggests they may be no pushovers.
Demba Ba
The Newcastle forward has scored seven of his side’s 11 home goals this term and has notched in four of his last five at St James’ Park – a clear indication of his importance to the Magpies’ cause. Indeed, over the course of the season Ba has 11 goals and two assists, meaning he has played a part in 13 of Newcastle’s 19 goals. Visitors QPR may have conceded in all four games under Harry Redknapp but remain unbeaten since Mark Hughes’ departure and are in better form than their hosts heading into this one. While Ba’s 3% of the votes cast seems a little low, he’s produced double figures at home just once this term, against 10-man Wigan in Gameweek 15.
Other Contenders
Fernando Torres has now notched six goals in five games in all competitions under Rafa Benitez and racked up 16 points in his last league match – his strongest showing of the season so far. The Chelsea forward has picked up plenty ownership this week ahead of the home clash against Villa, though has failed to score or assist at home in the league since Gameweek 7. Nevertheless, he seems to have pick up in consistency under the new man in charge.
Yaya Toure has 3% of the votes after scoring in back-to-back Gameweeks ahead of City’s home showdown with Reading. Prior to that run, he had one assist in 12 appearances and has shown little consistency this term – in spite of that, huge numbers have drafted him in this week, with the Royals’ woeful form clearly boosting his appeal.
Christian Benteke has proven relatively popular this week, too. The Villa forward returned 15 points last time round at Liverpool and arrives at the Bridge in scintillating form – since the Belgian made his league debut in Gameweek 4, Villa have scored 13 times and Benteke has played a part in eight of them (five goals, three assists). If anyone is likely to breach the Chelsea backline on Sunday afternoon, Benteke looks the most likely.
For those Fantasy managers looking for a Tottenham option, Jermain Defoe has scored nine times this term compared to Bale’s six, with both also providing four assists. Perhaps surprisingly, Defoe has scored in just two of his last nine, though, and may struggle against Stoke’s physical backline. Jason Puncheon has averaged just less than seven points per game over his last three at St Mary’s and looks a real punt for the home clash with Sunderland, particularly with the influence of skipper Adam Lallana in the stands.
Michu seems to be an armband differential. He has scored seven times in nine home games this season and faces a United side with one away clean sheet – bearing in mind the league leaders conceded three at Reading in Gameweek 15, it’s surprising he’s not been more heavily backed. Adel Taarabt arrives at Newcastle on the back of his strongest showing of the campaign. Moved to the role in “the hole” behind Djibril Cisse, the QPR playmaker looks full of confidence and is up against a Magpies side with two clean sheets all season.
To round off, here’s some data on how the Captain Poll has been performing. So far this season, the average points haul of the poll winner is 6.6 points, with Michu and Van Persie both delivering 12 points over the past two Gameweeks, having topped the poll. Carlos Tevez’s 15 points back in Gameweek 3 remains the highest FPL score by a poll winner – the only time the Argentine has won the majority vote. Robin Van Persie has won the poll on 10 occasions this term, averaging 6.1 points.
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“I understand you don't consider Dempsey a striker. He has developed into playing in different positions, but for me he is a pure striker. ”
Andre Villas-Boas reveals his views on Clint Dempsey's best position.
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greek fan @FFScout_Greekf
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Big Dunc @FFScout_Dunc
December 21 at 3:10 pm
Carlos Valderrama says:
Who to play? Snodgrass or Berba? I’m really tempted to play snoddy…
December 21 at 3:10 pm
SCOTT. says:
dimitar
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Daniel - Go away Rafa !!! says:
And Scott while u r here: Dimitar or Sterling? who to play?
December 21 at 3:11 pm
Pratik says:
Play Snoddy then
December 21 at 3:12 pm
SuperDunny says:
Berba
December 21 at 3:13 pm
roscola says:
Snod. Berbs & Fulham are totally off, whereas Snoddy has been scoring in away games.
December 21 at 3:18 pm
Daniel - Go away Rafa !!! says:
Berba is off
December 21 at 6:04 pm
Jude Rooney says:
Get a grip man Berba all the way
December 21 at 3:11 pm
Jonah Takalua says:
Sterling has just signed a new contract, he will be fully focused on the football now and in the mood to play. Rest him away at Stoke instead Rodgers
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Jonah says:
Is it really better for you for him to miss next week? Most people it will be better if he misses tomorrow, I’d imagine.
December 21 at 3:15 pm
Shanky says:
Yes. You need players like Sterling, someone with trickery and pace to break down Stoke defence IMO.
December 21 at 3:11 pm
Keep Caz and Carry On says:
Is Dawson back to start?
December 21 at 3:12 pm
sminkypinky says:
Which should be my first def sub ? In case Rafael is really out:
Shorey (city away)
Davies (Utd home)
December 21 at 3:12 pm
sminkypinky says:
Gotta be Davies, right? And hope for a 1 pointer.
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Davies
Swansea keep the ball well which means less chance of the onslaught we are likely to see at the Etihad.
December 21 at 3:15 pm
sminkypinky says:
Reckon you are right. Thank you sir!
December 21 at 3:12 pm
The Flying Bananas says:
Massive captain dilemma this week, mata, cazorla, rvp or tevez?
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Tevez from that lovely lot.
December 21 at 3:14 pm
The Flying Bananas says:
Aguero and Dzeko will start tho
December 21 at 3:15 pm
SuperDunny says:
So why is Tevez even in your thinking?
December 21 at 3:17 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
December 21 at 3:14 pm
I taught Ashley Young how to earn penalties says:
Always captain RVP. Especially United at xmas time
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Help needed lads
Rafael Ridgewell Clyne
Cuellar off my bench to replace Rafael but I have a feeling Ridgewell will miss out again.
Pick one please
a) Play Clyne Cuellar Ridgewell
or
b) Rafael > GJ/Enrique for -4 and play GJ Ridgewell Clyne with Cuellar for defensive cover should Liam miss out?
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Daniel - Go away Rafa !!! says:
Apparently bottled out from Dzeko? He chickened
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Daniel - Go away Rafa !!! says:
* Apparently Mark
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Pratik says:
Feel so silly now for getting rid of Sagna instead of Rafael….
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Ouch
December 21 at 3:15 pm
Pratik says:
You still have Dempsey? I got rid of Sagna+Dempsey->Clyne+Silva
December 21 at 3:16 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Yeah mate keeping Dempsey for now. Fellaini > Silva for me.
December 21 at 3:16 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
I’m looking to get Sagna in or Baines in GW20
December 21 at 3:17 pm
sminkypinky says:
This is the reason we really should wait closer to the deadline before making transfers.
I did Fella + Suarez -> Mata + Ba for a hit. Now I’m forced to wait. Not taking another hit for Rafael.
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Benjenkins says:
Who should I play?
Garrido (wba)
or
O’Brien (EVE)
December 21 at 3:13 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
O’Brien
December 21 at 3:16 pm
Benjenkins says:
Cheers, was unsure
December 21 at 3:15 pm
thegaffer82 says:
I doubt it but you never know.
I’d say with everyone fit (which is almost the case now) that Spurs’ backline will be:
Walker – Gallas – Vertonghen – BAE
Then Caulker & Dawson are back up DFers
December 21 at 3:27 pm
Yidfan says:
yup although why he chooses Gallas over Dawson is anyones guess..both good leaders but Dawson far the better defender IMO
December 21 at 3:15 pm
Milanista says:
Rafael and, far more importantly, Kolarov ruled out. I guess Shorey’s going to be coming in from 3rd sub
December 21 at 3:16 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Kolarov ruled out. Missed that one
December 21 at 3:18 pm
Milanista says:
Of all the weeks as well, he was captain material
December 21 at 3:35 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
I know.
But in all seriousness who is going to play now? Milner and Silva as the “wings”?
December 21 at 3:38 pm
Milanista says:
I guess so, unless Sinclair features.
December 21 at 3:17 pm
Louise Garcia says:
Blessing in disguise, no 1pter
December 21 at 3:16 pm
Number51 says:
So last one before im off…
I’d apriciate it if some here could take a quick look at this mess.
Looks like this will be another one of those gameweeks i’ll scrape through..
Bego
Rafael (most likely out) Enrique Demel
Sterling Taarabt Silva(C) Michu
RVP(VC) Suarez Berba
McCarthy Gervinho Nelsen Cuellar
FT spent and 5.4 in bank.
1. Who to bench first out of Nelsen and Cuellar?
2. Any hits worth doing? Berba – > Torres/Aguero or Gervinho – > Bale/Mata being the most likely I think.
Everything else in order?
Thanks
December 21 at 3:19 pm
Louise Garcia says:
team’s ok
gervinho out next week
December 21 at 3:16 pm
Mild Nappy Rash says:
Hi chaps. Been having sleepless nights over whether to do any transfers, who to captain, and who to bench. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!!!’.
Begovic
Fonte, Johnson (Glen), Demel
Cazorla, Michu, Ramirez, Mata
Aguero, RVP, Suarez
Bench currently. Morrison inj, Garrido, Sterling
December 21 at 3:17 pm
roscola says:
In other news
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....-focus-16/
December 21 at 3:18 pm
Berbilly Gilmore - Betis for La Liga 2013 says:
New post.
December 21 at 3:18 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Rafael > GJ/Enrique worth a hit?
December 21 at 3:18 pm
5 FT 4 MAGICIAN says:
Fellaini for silva or mata?
Already have tevez for city coverage……
Capn Tevez/RVP
December 21 at 3:23 pm
Yidfan says:
Mata for me..Dunno what the big thing about Silva is all of a sudden, great player but more of an assisters assister this year ? you may prove me wrong with stats but that what it seems..and i do have him
December 21 at 3:26 pm
5 FT 4 MAGICIAN says:
True very true, Mata has been consistently on form….only inkling for silva is the favourable fixtures and reading at home.
I suppose if u have coverage in the form of yaya, tev or aguero that may be enough and less of a risk.
Mata seems to be a cert to get points this season.
December 21 at 3:19 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
I saw someone suggest Pod as a differential to Theo for Arsenal’s DGW yesterday
Pod – 9% ownership
Theo – 2.4% ownership
Only major advantage of Pod is it allows me to keep Silva and dump Benteke hmmm….
December 21 at 3:20 pm
Louise Garcia says:
Wenger needs a slap for not playing Podoloski down the middle. Until somebody gives it to him steer clear
December 21 at 3:20 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Benteke will be in demand in 2 weeks time. Not worth hanging on until then?
Even with the next 2 fixtures he is still capable of scoring.
December 21 at 3:20 pm
Louise Garcia says:
Dump Benteke? When did you bring him in?
December 21 at 3:22 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
I don’t want to, it was just something someone suggested
I already have Santi, might just get Sagna. I think 2 Arsenal plus Nolan and maybe a Hammers defender might be enough
December 21 at 3:26 pm
Louise Garcia says:
You’ll struggle on boxing day id you get an arsenal player in now. I did mind, but before the strike was confirmed.
December 21 at 3:26 pm
Yidfan says:
why? they both miss the next game week don’t they?
December 21 at 3:21 pm
shifty powers says:
I’m also looking to bring in Benteke soon,
December 21 at 3:51 pm
Pedro145 says:
is suarez to aguero a good call??
December 21 at 3:53 pm
5 FT 4 MAGICIAN says:
Anyone know if Tevez is definitely likely to start? Considering capn him but not if he only plays 30 minutes!! RVP more secure choice but Tev could prove to be the dark horse.
December 21 at 4:43 pm
ahmed_7 says:
I’m waiting to on news, but it seems that we have to take the risk
December 21 at 4:04 pm
Merlinho says:
Start Michu or Lambert chaps?
December 21 at 4:23 pm
5 FT 4 MAGICIAN says:
I’d go michu…utds defence is weak and has been conceding a lot lately. If swansea get any goals he is 90% likely to be involved.
December 21 at 4:26 pm
Cilly Bonnolly says:
What’s happened to Rafael? Just noticed he’s flagged as injured.
December 21 at 4:41 pm
Christian says:
Jussi or Migs?
December 21 at 4:48 pm
Chicharito United says:
My defence is Cameron, Enrique, Nelsen, Shorey, Cuellar thinking of a hit to bring in Nasty/Zabs for Cuellar is it worth it?
My GKs are Jaask and Migs
December 21 at 5:34 pm
bring on Real Madrid ! says:
no need to to take a hit
simply play enr cam cue
December 21 at 4:55 pm
Zach Skedzuhn says:
Who to start? Scezney or mignolet? Both have decent fixtures but arsenal has been leaky
December 21 at 5:35 pm
bring on Real Madrid ! says:
obviously schezny soton somehow find a way to score
December 21 at 5:33 pm
ashish.patel says:
Who do I captain: Silva, Van Persie or Torres ?
December 21 at 5:41 pm
heeljames says:
Ive got Van Persie, Tevez and Suarez. Arguably VP has the hardest fixture of the 3 so im trying to avoid him, Suarez on paper should provide but in reality constantly fails to hit the mark and Tevez, whilst ultra reliable runs the risk of not being started. Bit of a conundrum really.
December 21 at 8:16 pm
mahone24 says:
Need to bench 2 from Snodgrass, Michu, Demel and McAuley – have to play one of Demel and McAuley