Less than 48 hours after the last round of fixtures came to a close, our usual pre-Gameweek members article focusing on the armband conundrum comes around once again.
First off, we check in with the main contenders in the Captain Poll, then delve into the Opta data and current Rate My Team rankings before suggesting some differentials for your consideration.
The Captain Poll
A home encounter with Hull City earns Sergio Aguero top spot in this week’s Captain Poll.
Having struck for the fourth time in five appearances during the midweek loss at Chelsea, the Manchester City striker has been backed by over 31% of voters against a Tigers defence that has conceded more goals (35) than any other on their travels.
Dele Alli is regarded as the Argentine’s main rival, with more than 25% choosing the Spurs midfielder for a home clash with Watford.
Twelve goals and four assists in his last 14 appearances makes very convincing reading as Alli prepares to host a Hornets’ backline hampered by injury and suspension.
His team-mate Christian Eriksen claims fourth place, with 7% of the votes – a goal and assist away to Swansea City helped the Dane to a 13-point return, his ninth double-figure tally of the season.
The fit-again Harry Kane was not included in the Poll as he was injured at the time of publication.
Earning just over 9% backing, Zlatan Ibrahimovic splits the Spurs midfield pair in third spot as he makes his way to basement-dwellers Sunderland.
Having returned from suspension to fire United’s late equaliser against Everton, the veteran visits a defence that sits second-bottom in terms of shots conceded inside the box in front of their own supporters.
Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku both collect 5% of the votes despite failing to score in each of their last two league outings.
The Chilean travels to Selhurst Park on Monday evening seeking a seventh double-figure return on the road, with 12 of his 18 goals arriving outside of the Emirates this term.
Lukaku, meanwhile, has scored in each of his last six home appearances, totalling ten goals over that stretch, ahead of a visit from in-form Leicester City.
Only 1% are considering Jamie Vardy, who has netted five times in as many Gameweeks ahead of his trip to Goodison.
Meanwhile, Chelsea pair Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have been backed by a mere 2% and 1% respectively for a favourable trip to Bournemouth.
Hazard has served up a goal or assist in five of his last six, though Costa’s two strikes in eight highlights why he’s second only to the injured Sadio Mane for transfers-out since Tuesday’s deadline passed.
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