Our weekly analysis of the Captaincy contenders arrives once again this Thursday evening. As always, we take a three-part approach which includes the weekly poll standings, the Opta statistics and our Rate My Team projections to help steer your thoughts on the armband conundrum.
The Captain Poll
Diego Costa is the leading candidate ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Sunderland this weekend. With a variety of options available, though, the summer signing has earned only 27% of the votes cast despite scoring in eight of his 10 appearances so far – he’ll fancy his chances of extending that run against a defence with a single shut-out in six.
Alexis Sanchez (14%) heads the chasing pack as Arsenal make their way to the Hawthorns. As evidenced by last night’s win over Dortmund, a move out to the left flank doesn’t seem to have diminished his prospects as he look to continue the form which has delivered five goals in the last four Gameweeks. Given that the Baggies have conceded twice in five of the last six, the visitors will be optimistic of returning to winning ways.
Man United’s home encounter against Hull brings Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria into contention. Both are backed by 12% heading into the Tigers clash – Louis van Gaal’s decision to roll out a 3-4-1-2 earned the Argentine a start up front against Arsenal last weekend, whilst Rooney’s goal and maximum bonus at the Emirates perhaps hints that he’s about to embark on a streak of goals. Certainly, with two clean sheets in their last 11, Steve Bruce’s defence have been anything but resilient as they head to Old Trafford.
In spite of his midweek hat-trick against Bayern, Sergio Aguero has been backed by just 7% of voters so far as Man City travel to Southampton. Given the Saints have conceded just one goal in front of their own fans, though, he clearly has his work cut out to deliver, having failed to produce the goods at home to Swansea last time out.
Eden Hazard and Wilfried Bony also look viable armband options this week, according to the votes cast so far. Both have persuaded over 5% to hand them the armband but, bearing in mind he’s managed just two assists on his travels, the Chelsea winger will need to improve his away displays to justify that show of faith. Bony has notched five times in the last six, and with a home encounter against Palace’s porous defence on his agenda, could well be set to extend that run.
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