Captain Sensible – Gameweek 34

Our pre-Gameweek members article, which focuses on the main captaincy contenders, arrives once again this afternoon. 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

There’s no surprise to see Eden Hazard as the runaway leader of this week’s poll. The Chelsea winger – who has earned a minimum six points in all but one of his last seven – has moved away from the chasing pack at the top of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) standings and is backed by over 59% as the Blues face up to Arsenal and Leicester.

Raheem Sterling (15%), Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho (both 3%) find a place in our top five as Liverpool prepare for trips to West Brom and Hull. Sterling has a goal and assist in the last two Gameweeks, whilst Coutinho has netted in two of the last three in all competitions, though Henderson is clearly the form player – providing a goal or assist in five of the last six league outings. Their opponents’ recent defensive form bodes well for the Merseysiders – West Brom had shipped ten goals in three prior to their 2-0 win at Palace, whilst Hull have conceded eight times in their last three, suggesting the latter two, in particular, look real armband differentials in light of their lack of votes.

Sergio Aguero is the highest ranked single Gameweek player. Having notched three times since a shift to 4-4-1-1, the Argentine (3% backing) is in fine form ahead of the visit of a Villa side with two shut-outs in eight under new boss Tim Sherwood. Harry Kane has also collected 3% of votes as Spurs travel to Southampton but with their hosts earning 11 clean sheets at St Mary’s already, the youngster faces a tough task to justify any armband investment this time out.

Two goals and a pair of assists earn Jamie Vardy 2% backing as Leicester prepare to face Burnley and Chelsea. Whilst their trip to Turf Moor holds more optimism, the Foxes have racked up ten goals in their last four and Vardy looks a key figure in their attack as Nigel Pearson prepares to take the match to the league leaders.

Further down, Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas hover around the 1% mark. The Serbian’s propensity for returns at both ends of the pitch has seen him deliver at least five points in seven of his last nine appearances, whilst a goal and two assists in the last four has helped Fabregas return to form after a barren winter spell. With four double-figure hauls apiece this season, the duo have shown they are more than capable of explosive returns.