Our pre-Gameweek members article, which focuses on the captaincy conundrum, comes around again this Friday afternoon. As always, we analyse the Opta data for the main contenders and assess the team statistics and Rate My Team’s reckoning, before rounding off with our opinion on the current poll standings in the light of the data analysis, including our view on differential captains.
The Captain Poll
Sergio Aguero once again leads the way in our Gameweek Captain Poll after bagging the winner in City’s narrow 1-0 victory at Sunderland. A home clash with Leicester is no easy task, though, given the Foxes have conceded once in the last six Gameweeks, but Aguero’s current form, allied with the fact that nine of his 13 goals have arrived at the Etihad, has persuaded just almost 40% of voters to hand him the armband.
With 24% backing, Harry Kane is the Argentine’s main rival. Like Aguero, the Spurs man has two double-figure returns in the last three Gameweeks after he bagged a 13-point haul at Norwich in midweek. Visitors Watford, meanwhile, have managed just one clean sheet in their previous six road trips.
Further down, 11% have placed their trust in Roberto Firmino’s explosive potential ahead of a home encounter with a Sunderland side that’s conceded more away goals than any other team in the top flight. The Brazilian has produced 13 and 18-point hauls in the last six but with four blanks also returned, his lack of consistency is an obvious concern.
Over 7% are eyeing up Alexis Sanchez, despite the fact that Arsenal have now failed to score in their last three league matches. The Chilean’s goal and assist against Burnley in the cup last weekend remains fresh in the mind as Arsene Wenger’s charges make their way to Bournemouth on Sunday.
Outwith that quartet, Dele Alli and Jamie Vardy are the in-form options from a cast of differentials. Alli is expected to be passed fit to face Watford, though Vardy’s trip to City is proving too much of a deterrent – despite his midweek brace against Liverpool, only 2% are willing to back him.
Next up, we now delve into the data over the last four matches to shed further light on the situation and assess the validity of the current crop of poll results.
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