Our weekly analysis of the Captaincy contenders arrives once again this evening. As always, we take a three-part approach which includes the weekly poll standings, the Opta statistics and our Rate My Team projections to help steer your thoughts on the armband conundrum.

The Captain Poll

A four-goal blitz against Tottenham last time around has ensured Sergio Aguero is this week’s runaway leader, with almost 50% of the votes cast. Up to nine goals for the season, the Man City forward has netted in six of his eight appearances so far, and up against a West Ham side with a single shut-out all season (at home to QPR), Aguero has already risen 0.2 in price heading into the weekend deadline.

Graziano Pelle is some way back in second spot. The Southampton striker has earned just under 16% of votes cast as he prepares for the visit of Stoke – bearing in mind his last three appearances at St Mary’s have returned 13, 9 and 15 points in the FPL game, though, the Italian looks a viable option. Team-mate Dusan Tadic earns 4% of votes after serving up a goal and four assists at home to Sunderland – the playmaker has now produced 34 points in the last three in front of his own supporters.

Diego Costa remains in contention for the league leaders’ trip to Old Trafford. Only 4% are considering the Chelsea forward with the armband due to Jose Mourinho’s mind games, but if given the chance against United’s dodgy defence, he has to be considered, having netted in all but one of his seven appearances.

Raheem Sterling is an armband option for some as Liverpool prepare for a home clash with Hull. Having scored or assisted in five of his seven starts, the youngster has remained a consistent option – after moving to the lone forward role against Real Madrid in midweek, he’s persuaded 3% of Fantasy managers to hand him the captaincy. Gylfi Sigurdsson is similarly backed for Swansea’s home encounter with Leicester, though is struggling for form, having blanked in four of the last five.

Further down, Arsenal and Spurs are overlooked ahead of enticing showdowns with Sunderland and Newcastle. Danny Welbeck (3% of votes) and Alexis Sanchez (1%) face a Black Cats backline that shipped eight to Southampton last weekend, whilst Christian Eriksen (1%) and Nacer Chadli (0.8%) will be looking to take advantage of a Magpies defence that have kept out their opponents just once in the last six.