There’s another close-fought tussle atop the Captain Poll this week. Robin Van Persie’s quartet of goals over the break, albeit against the “might” of San Marino, has thrust him forward as the leading candidate. The Fantasy manager’s confidence is no doubt reinforced by the fact that Swansea arrive at the Emirates on Saturday having already suffered a battering on the road via a vibrant Man City performance, although Arsenal will go into the game licking deep Old Trafford wounds; it could get interesting if the Swans can keep them at bay early on.
Van Persie’s substantial attacking threat, bolstered by his set-piece involvement, has him out in front with City’s Edin Dzeko on his tail following his own four-goal salvo at Spurs in Gameweek three. The Bosnian will surely retain a starting role this weekend, despite the looming threat of Champions League rotation in the City camp. Roberto Mancini’s side have Wigan in the sights, a side who, believe it or not, have kept things reasonably tight to this point. Can the Latics stem the City tide, conducted by the brilliance of David Silva and a mummified Samir Nasri? It seems unlikely.
Wayne Rooney’s presence in the top rankings also comes as little surprise. Irresistible form, prolonged with a brace in Bulgaria, has him well placed to inflict more damage at the Reebok this weekend as United pitch their rampant attacking football against a Bolton side who looked exposed at Anfield last time out. Goals at both ends look on the cards.
Those three strikers are the clear armband contenders, although midfield master craftsmen David Silva and Mikel Arteta are pushing in fourth and fifth. Their brand of Spanish flair should be given an airing in their home fixtures, and the strong confidence in City and Arsenal victories continues further down the poll as the likes of Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott all figure highly in the current thinking.
Indeed, Luis Suarez, currently ranked tenth, is the only player outside of City, Arsenal and United in the top ten – the Uruguayan has an unenviable trip to the Britannia this weekend, and, having drawn a blank in the win over Bolton last time out, confidence from the Fantasy fraternity appears to have been dented. Notably, Suarez is amongst the most “transferred out” players going into Saturday’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline.
Want an outside bet? Defenders with attacking potential might be the route to follow. Both Jon Arne Riise and Leighton Baines (who is now expected to be available) are simmering outside our top ten but clearly offer returns at both ends of the pitch when Blackburn and Villa visit their home turf.
Plenty to ponder before the deadline bell tolls – be sure to place your vote in this week’s poll via the homepage middle column.
