The Captain Poll is in a bit of a tailspin right now and it’s hard to say just what’s going awry. The last four Gameweeks have seen Didier Drogba and Cesc Fabregas partake in some rather tantalising fixtures (WLV, WHM, NEW, FUL) and yet the grand sum of returns from our poll toppers has been a meagre eight points.

A little look at my post mortem of last season’s results make it only more damning. In the whole 09/10 season the winner of the Captain Poll scored three points or less on only four occasions. This feat has been matched in just these last four Gameweeks alone.

Something to consider then while we scan the runners and riders in this week’s poll…

Didier Drogba
The Ivorian may be suffering/recovering from his recent diagnosis of Malaria, but he’s got the confidence of his manager and his pitch time appears to remain strong. Given that Chelsea play host to Sunderland (a side who conceded seven goals on their last visit) this weekend, Drogba still is top of the pops when it comes to polling votes with 23% of the opinion. Under normal circumstances Drogba would have a much greater total on the board; his recent ill health and subsequent lack of form has clearly had an effect. Right now however, no player has accrued enough votes to topple him from his perch, but will that change before tomorrow’s deadline?

Rafael Van Der Vaart
Spurs’ Dutch master of a midfielder has been a pretty slick character at White Hart Lane to date, and as a result of these performances – five goals in four home appearances since signing – he unsurprisingly pops up in second place in our poll. Spurs play host to Blackburn who, on the whole, are generally found wanting at the back away from Ewood. As a consequence, many Fantasy Managers appear to be pinning hopes on Van der Vaart, despite what Harry recent aspersions on his fitness.

Carlos Tevez
Manchester City rely on Carlos Tevez heavily, with the word “heavily” written in big bold letters and emblazoned for all to see. If the Citizens are to score a goal, more often than not, Tevez is involved. The only concern right now is that creating chances and scoring goals appears to be an issue for Mancini’s men. We can expect a more attacking approach from City at home to Birmingham this weekend however, and the goalscoring, assist providing, penalty taking, Bonus Point hogging Argentinian, is a close third in our poll as a result.

And the rest…
Andy Carroll is a name that leaps out, but will all of his last four goals coming from Joey Barton assists, you have to wonder if Carroll will suffer from the midfielder’s suspension. Cesc Fabregas scored a gargantuan 22 points at Everton on the opening Gameweek of last season and his owners will be hoping for just a mild case of déjà vu this weekend. Fernando Torres has three goals in his last two fixtures, so carries form to the Britannia against a defence that has forgotten how to earn a clean sheet. Throw in punts on the likes of Nani, Florent Malouda and the budget promise of Frederic Piquionne and it’s clear that there are differentials available that offer promise.

As always head back to the frontpage and fill in your ballot if you’ve yet to do so and share who’ll be adorning your armband this week.