Captain Poll – Gameweek 9

There may be one match remaining in Gameweek 8, but we’re already thinking ahead to the next set of fixtures with the launch of our latest Captain Poll.

After 56% of Fantasy Premier League managers earned just four points from their chosen captain at the weekend, many of us will be desperate for improved returns next time out.

Manchester City’s relentless attack is likely to occupy many Fantasy managers’ plans ahead of Burnley’s visit, given that Pep Guardiola’s troops have served up an incredible 28 goals this season, including 17 in their last three at the Etihad.

While the Clarets may have only shipped six goals, the underlying statistics suggest they have been fortunate, having conceded more shots than any other team.

Gabriel Jesus (10.7) produced a brace and netted maximum bonus points against Stoke on Saturday. Already more than 84,000 Fantasy Premier League managers have transferred in the six-goal Brazilian for the Clarets’ encounter.

But his pitch time remains a caveat – Saturday’s 62-minute outing was the longest he’s managed in front of his own fans this season.

Sergio Aguero (11.5)’s return to the bench against Stoke, after suffering a rib injury that has seen his ownership plummet to 7.4%, could reduce Jesus’ minutes further.

With the same number of goals as Jesus, as well as three assists, the Argentine looks set to garner attention, particularly if he proves his fitness with a Champions League appearance against Napoli midweek.

In total we have put forward six Sky Blues options for consideration, including a quartet of midfielders. Of these Raheem Sterling (8.1) may emerge with the most votes given his 15-point haul against Stoke on the back of two assists and a sixth goal of the season.

Sterling has tended to be rested for his side’s Champions League encounters, while being preserved for Premier League action, which goes in his favour. The England winger has made the first XI each time he has been available since Gameweek 3 and lasted the full 90 minutes on four occasions.

Unsurprisingly, Sterling is this week’s most popular transfer target, with more than 107,000 new owners since Saturday’s deadline.

Aguero’s return may threaten Leroy Sane (8.4)’s pitch time should he be fielded in tandem with Jesus. But this season the City winger has proved to be a more than capable impact man, having earned three double-digit FPL points hauls, scored four times and assisted a further three across his four starts and three substitute appearances.

City’s two chief creators 17.7% owned Kevin De Bruyne (10.0) and David Silva (8.5), who sits in 26.7% of teams, should also prosper in our poll. Both have started every league match so far and earned 11 assists between them, as well as a goal apiece.

The most likely challenger to City assets for the summit is set to be Romelu Lukaku (11.8), who travels to a Huddersfield Town side that has shipped seven in their last four, including four in their previous home encounter, against Spurs in Gameweek 6.

While the Belgian was restricted to just one shot at Anfield, he is likely to get more opportunities against the Terriers. Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool was the only time he has failed to score away from home in the league this season.

As well as Manchester United, another side to disappoint in Gameweek 8 was Chelsea, who lost 2-1 away to Crystal Palace.

A home tie with Watford this Saturday looks the perfect match for the Blues to bounce back, with their top scorer Alvaro Morata (10.2) likely to attract interest if he returns from injury for the midweek Champions League encounter with Roma. Six goals and two assists should ensure he earns more votes than team-mate Eden Hazard (10.6), who has yet to deliver an attacking return across his five appearances since his return.

Interest in Harry Kane (12.8) may be muted after he failed to break down Bournemouth’s defence at Wembley at the weekend.

His toils at Spurs’ temporary home – where he is yet to score in the league – is a major concern ahead of Liverpool’s visit and already more than 28,000 FPL managers have moved him out.

Yet Liverpool are unlikely to arrive at Wembley and put up a rearguard action. In addition, they have already conceded 11 times away from home, the joint highest along with Crystal Palace, West Ham and Stoke.

Wilfried Zaha (6.7), who scored against Chelsea on Saturday and proved inspirational as his side earned their first win of the season, is among the differential armband options.

Fielded as the central striker against the champions, Zaha makes a trip to Newcastle next. Despite showing resilience so far, only three teams have allowed more shots in home matches this season.

And Tammy Abraham (5.7) is another one to consider in light of his double for Swansea at home to Huddersfield.

The Chelsea loanee has claimed over 66,000 new owners as he entertains a Leicester City side that’s shipped seven goals in four road trips.

Encouragingly, Abraham has bagged 21 points in his last two at the Liberty Stadium.

The poll is now live in the middle column on your homepage on desktop, or via the slide-in menu on mobile and tablet under recent comments.

Remember, we are looking for your vote for the player you think will be most effective, regardless of whether you own them or not.

We will be back to check in on progress in the poll later ahead of the Gameweek 8 deadline when we deliver our “Captain Sensible” article offering an analysis of the results and the statistics behind the leading contenders.