Captains

Captain Poll Contenders – Gameweek 9

Today, we’re rolling out a new weekly regular which looks at the Captain Poll contenders in the Gameweek so far. Analysing form, fixtures and upcoming opponents of each of the main protagonists, we run through your favourites, with Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla the runaway leader ahead of Arsenal’s home clash with basement-dwellers QPR:

Over the eight Gameweeks to date, the Captain Poll leaders have averaged 7.3 points per appearance – just shy of 15 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points per Gameweek if you handed them the armband. You’ve selected three lots of double figures – Michu (10 in Gameweek 2), Carlos Tevez (15 in Gameweek 3) and Robin Van Persie last weekend, with an 11 point haul against Stoke.

Intriguingly, the last five Gameweeks have seen Van Persie and Eden Hazard monopolise the Captain Poll. Since the start of Gameweek 4, the Dutchman has earned top spot three times, while the Belgian has been the favourite twice but with Chelsea and United squaring up at the Bridge on Sunday, neither are anywhere near the summit.

Santi Cazorla

The Spaniard currently leads the way in the Captain Poll, with 23% of the votes cast ahead of a home showdown with QPR. Cazorla was handed the armband by many last time round but provided his owners with a four point captaincy return after Arsenal unexpectedly stumbled to defeat at Norwich. The former Malaga man has mainly excelled on the road – both his goals, two of his three assists and all five of his Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus points have been accrued away from the Emirates.

With just a single assist over his three home games – in the 6-1 Gameweek 4 mauling of Southampton – Cazorla has produced blanks against Sunderland and Chelsea in front of his own fans but with QPR conceding two or more goals in three of their four road trips, his owners will be confident of picking up the points after the Carrow Road disappointment last Saturday evening.

Gareth Bale

The Welshman sits in second place with 13% and heads off to former club Southampton this weekend. In terms of attacking output, Bale is similar to Cazorla, producing just one assist in four matches at the Lane this term but playing away clearly seems to suit him right now. The 9.5 priced FPL midfielder has produced double figures in each of his last two road trips; a goal and maximum bonus points harvested 11 points at Reading in Gameweek 4, whilst a 16 point haul at Old Trafford came courtesy of a goal, two assists and the maximum bonus.

Nigel Adkins’s side have been dire defensively, though have conceded half the number of goals at St Mary’s than they have on their travels (eight versus 16) but with Spurs scoring two or more in each of their last five, the odds are heavily against a home clean sheet. Let’s just hope Bale is available this time; he missed out against Chelsea, of course, with his partner due to give birth.

Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero

Tevez may have failed to score since Gameweek 3 but his stats have still been strong – he has either scored, assisted or picked up FPL bonus in all his seven starts this season. He has featured in the first XI in three of City’s four home matches, producing two goals, three assists and three bonus points over that quartet of fixtures – an average of 8.6 points per Etihad start or 6.75 per home appearance. The problem, then, is whether Roberto Mancini will hand him a first-team place – the one time Tevez has climbed off the bench this season (at home to Arsenal in Gameweek 5), he returned a single point.

Aguero, on the other hand, has mainly picked up the points regardless. With Champions League duties a clear factor in Mancini’s thinking, the former Atletico Madrid man has been handed a sub role in each of City’s last two – yet still managed to produce attacking returns in both those fixtures. Since returning from injury in Gameweek 5, Aguero has outscored Tevez in FPL by 18 to 17, despite featuring for a total of 62 minutes in the previous two matches. Many Fantasy managers’ decision could be swayed by Mancini’s Champions League line-up this evening but with Gameweek 9 opponents Swansea travelling to the Etihad on the back of a run of games which has seen them ship two or more goals in five of their last six, Tevez and Aguero – with 11% and 10% of votes cast respectively – could be primed for points.

Demba Ba

Another armband contender, with 9% of votes, though it’s worth noting that Newcastle have scored a total of four goals in four home games so far. Ba has notched two of those strikes and has had a hand in seven of his side’s nine goals thus far – both his double figure returns have arrived away from St James’ Park. Nevertheless, Ba has accrued 22 FPL points over those four home games (9,2,9,2) with maximum bonus against Spurs and Norwich in Gameweeks 1 and 5. West Brom roll up to Tyneside having conceded in all of their three away trips and have a single clean sheet in their last five – if Alan Pardew’s side are to get the better of the Baggies, Ba looks a good bet to play a significant part, with spot-kick duties also likely to come his way.

Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney

Despite playing the full 90 minutes for United last night, Van Persie now has five-day break before Sunday’s trip to Chelsea. The Dutchman has lived up to the “Robin Reliant” tag since moving to Old Trafford – he has scored or assisted in all of his six league starts this term. He has averaged over eight points per away start, scoring (15,6,4) when fielded in Sir Alex Ferguson’s XI on the road and looks certain to begin the game at the Bridge. Chelsea have conceded just once in the last three in front of their own fans, though, and could provide a real test for Van Persie’s incredible consistency; he currently sits as low as fifth, with just 7% votes cast perhaps an indication of the Blues’ defensive resolve.

Rooney has just 2% of votes so far, despite returning double figures in each of his last two appearances. Since returning from injury in the second-half of the Gameweek 6 home defeat at Spurs, he has grabbed two goals, four assists and six bonus points; in spite of his new deep-lying role, Rooney has bettered Van Persie’s tally in each of the last two matches, though whether Ferguson continues with the diamond against Chelsea’s width on the flanks is perhaps debatable.

Other Contenders

Dimitar Berbatov travels to the Madejski to face a Reading side that have yet to register a clean sheet all season. He has only started one away game for Fulham this term and returned eight FPL points in the Gameweek 5 trip to Wigan; the Bulgarian has 4% of the votes. Juan Mata’s phenomenal form makes him the most popular Chelsea contender. Since returning from a rest in Gameweek 5, he has produced three goals, five assists and six FPL bonus points, though Eden Hazard has averaged nine points per home game and should be on spot-kicks if Frank Lampard misses out with a calf problem; incredibly, he has just 1% of the votes so far.

Elsewhere, Peter Crouch has scored all three of Stoke’s home goals this season and welcomes Sunderland to the Britannia – the Potters man has just 2% of the votes, double that of Arouna Kone. The Ivorian is an intriguing option – he has had a hand in four of Wigan’s five home goals this season (two goals, two assists) and plays host to a West Ham side that have conceded in each of their last four matches.

Grant Holt has scored in each of his last three, against Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, and travels to Villa Park to face former Norwich boss Paul Lambert – Villa have one clean sheet all season, while Rickie Lambert is another to consider. He has averaged 6.5 points per home game this season and squares up to Spurs at St Mary’s; although he has started all four home matches, he was subbed off after the hour mark against Fulham in Gameweek 7.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,522 Comments Post a Comment
  1. @FPLStrategist
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    So Aguero gonna be rested vs Swans???

    Open Controls
    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      No he isn't.

      Open Controls
    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Naaa. Prob Tev and Aguero up top

      Open Controls
      1. WillShare
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        think so

        Open Controls
    3. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      we dont know, all we know is Tevez will probably play

      Open Controls
    4. floydy_floyd
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Most likely. Probs be Balo and tev. That's easily enough
      To see off swans.

      Open Controls
  2. nedfoo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Lewandowskiiiiiii goal!

    Open Controls
    1. nedfoo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Pepe assist 😉

      Open Controls
  3. Lao Tzu
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Is anyone transferring out Rangel this week? If so, who are you considering to replace him with?

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      can you afford Kolarov?

      Open Controls
      1. Lao Tzu
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        No. Sorry forgot to say I can only afford up to 5.3 without taking a hit

        Open Controls
    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Look at STK/NEW defence.

      Open Controls
      1. Lao Tzu
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I already have STaylor and Begovic - is it worth doubling up on either? I was thinking Wilson.....

        Open Controls
  4. Soccer Brah
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Lewandowski with a pure gift! Pepe completely oblivious.

    Open Controls
  5. Waldaz
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Jackson!

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      (c) 😀

      Open Controls
  6. blue cheese
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    JK, Jackson Martinez scored.

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      YYYEAAAAHHHH CAPTAIN JACKSON

      Open Controls
    2. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      He's my favourite Jackson. After Tito.

      Open Controls
  7. Give The Todd Some Love
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Dortmund great finish Lewandowski

    Open Controls
    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Bad news for Man City.

      Open Controls
      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        And now some good news...

        Open Controls
        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          😉

          Open Controls
  8. Give The Todd Some Love
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo equaliser

    Open Controls
  9. Waldaz
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Captain Ronnie! 🙂

    Open Controls
  10. emperikal
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Sublime finish from captain Ronaldo!

    Open Controls
  11. Soccer Brah
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo, snice finish.

    Open Controls
  12. COMH
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Both teams to score - Check

    Need the same at the Emirates

    Open Controls
  13. COMH
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Any goals looking likely in the Arsenal game?

    Open Controls
    1. ★FC Borecelona★
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Nope.

      Gervinho and Ramsey playing like sh1t so far

      Open Controls
      1. SPorting
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        by so far, you mean this season, right?

        Open Controls
  14. nedfoo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldoooooooo

    Open Controls
  15. Kostja
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    ROnaldooo

    Open Controls
  16. Soccer Brah
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Dortmund need to push Reus further up, the guy is class. His pace could cause Varane all sorts of problems.

    Open Controls
  17. BONZ
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    LEWANDAWSKKKKKKKIIIIIII

    Open Controls
  18. Kostja
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Bet on 4-5 goals for this game, will be fun to watch at least 🙂

    Open Controls
  19. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    What. A. Finish.

    Open Controls
    1. emperikal
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Phenomenal stuff. Perfect ball from Ozil as well

      Open Controls
  20. Jinksbach
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Any chance of a bit of help?

    This is my current team:

    Begovic (Schwarzer)
    Baines, Boyce, Saylor (Hangeland, Clyne)
    Bale, Yaya, Nolan, Morrison (Britton)
    RVP, Jelavic, Giroud
    (£0.8 in the bank)

    Wanted to do this for an 8pt hit:
    Hangeland > Wilson
    Morrison > Gervinho
    Giroud > Ba

    But I'm £0.2m short, any idea how I could get around it?
    Or any other suggestions?
    Much appreciated

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      not during the games

      Open Controls
      1. Jinksbach
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Ohh okay, sorry!

        Open Controls
    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Hangeland for not Wilson. Risky doubling up on Stoke

      Open Controls
      1. Jinksbach
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers, but it's better than doubling on Fulham, no? and he's £0.5m cheaper?

        Open Controls
      2. Demel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Sorry but this is rubbish. Stoke have the best remaining fixtures and a very strong defence at a very cheap price. All this doubling up/trebling up talk is nonsense if the fixtures, form and price fall into place.

        Open Controls
        1. Jinksbach
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          +1

          Open Controls
        2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Still a risk. It may come off. But then it may not. Risk taking is something an individual manager needs to be comfortable with. I am not, at this stage of the season. And i'm doing ok at the mo 😉

          Open Controls
          1. Jinksbach
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah, everyone's opinion is different I suppose!

            Open Controls
  21. Waldaz
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Malaga pen.

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Isco?

      Open Controls
      1. Waldaz
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Joaquin, missed.

        Open Controls
  22. Mr Sarcastic
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    For next two

    a) Ba
    b) Berba

    Open Controls
  23. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Malaga pen. Soft 😡

    Open Controls
    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      YEAH!!!!! 🙂

      Open Controls
  24. Marlen R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    2 free transfers. Going Pienaar and Chico for Walters and Huth due to Stokes good run. Thoughts? Would leave me with this:

    Jaas (McCarthy)
    Baines, Rafael, Huth (Gorks, Clyne)
    Bale, Cazorla, Nolan, Walters (Michu)
    RVP, Suarez, Lambert

    I think that looks pretty solid. Other choice - Suarez, Pienaar and Chico for Berba, Mata/HBA, Huth (-4)

    Thoughts?

    Open Controls
  25. blue cheese
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Menez scores. Ibra assist. 2-0 to PSG.

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      and Pastore still does nothing

      Pastore to Menez next week for me

      Open Controls
      1. Lovzat
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Pastore assist.

        Open Controls
  26. COMH
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Santos is terrible! Schalke will be scoring shortly

    Open Controls
  27. Soccer Brah
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Booo De Jong!

    Open Controls
  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Is dzeko actually playing?

    Absolutely non existent

    Open Controls
  29. BONZ
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Goal fest last 5mins great stuff - my red button had a hammering!!

    Open Controls
  30. Zero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Evening everyone 😉

    Open Controls