Our analysis of the Gameweek captaincy contenders arrives once again as Fantasy managers prepare for a quick turnaround in fixtures ahead of tomorrow’s 7.30pm deadline. 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
With Diego Costa suspended for Chelsea’s home encounter against Spurs, Sergio Aguero is the standout armband candidate according to the votes cast so far. Despite failing to score in back-to-back matches for the first time this season, the City talisman has earned over 35% of the votes cast as the champions travel to a Sunderland side that has conceded just two goals in the last four and kept the league leaders at bay on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney is next in line as United look for a fourth straight win under Louis van Gaal. The Red Devils’ skipper has netted in successive league matches and is up against a Stoke defence that has been breached in each of the last seven – he’s persuaded over 16% to give him the nod. Robin van Persie remains a real differential for the Potters’ clash, with just 3% looking to the Dutchman to carry on from last weekend’s goal and assist at home to Hull.
Swansea are heavily backed for the visit of QPR – understandable, given that Harry Redknapp’s side have conceded more goals on their travels than any other team. With six goals in his last seven, Wilfried Bony earns 11% of the votes, whilst Gylfi Sigurdsson is next in line, having played a part in eight of his side’s 11 home goals so far.
Eden Hazard (7%) and Alexis Sanchez (5%) are also amongst the favourites. With Costa sidelined, Chelsea will be looking for the Belgian to score for the fourth successive home match as Spurs roll up to the Bridge, whilst Sanchez’ owners will be hoping for a return to form – he’s now blanked in each of the last two since being moved back to the flank.
9 years, 5 months agoBuilding on cogs post above, do people believe certain fixtures have patterns?
e.g high scoring derbies, one team out performing compared to vs other similar quality teams.
I tend to thing we look for patterns based on small sample sizes that aren't necessarily there.
Should the results in the last few seasons be a bigger factor than aguero form home and away, I don't think so.
By all means find another captain as Sunderland away is a difficult fixture and other captain options have an easier fixture but don't do it because you think history will continue to repeat.