Our pre-Gameweek members article, focussing on the main 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
Alexis Sanchez heads this week’s Captain Poll as Arsenal prepare to host a QPR side without a point on their travels. The Chilean has mustered just one goal and three assists since the return of Olivier Giroud but has still been backed for the armband by over 24% of the voters. Giroud, on the other hand, has netted four times in those six appearances, with his presence up front forcing a tactical re-think which has nudged Sanchez onto the flank. So far, though, less than 9% are convinced by his form.
Chelsea duo Eden Hazard (17%) and Diego Costa (12%) are also in contention for the home clash with West Ham. Hazard has scored in each of his last five appearances at the Bridge, but with no press conference from Jose Mourinho so far, we’re still in the dark over his ankle problem in time for Friday’s encounter. Costa’s home comforts cannot be ignored – he’s blanked in just one of seven matches in front of his own fans. For all their form, Sam Allardyce’s side have yet to earn a clean sheet on their travels and face a tough task to address that record.
Robin van Persie is your United weapon of choice for the visit of Newcastle. The Dutchman has delivered three double-figure hauls in his last five and faces a backline that’s without a shut-out since Gameweek 12, though his withdrawal on the hour mark against Villa last weekend is somewhat concerning.
After getting amongst the goals last weekend, City pair David Silva and Yaya Toure (both 4%) could be relative differentials. The champions roll up to West Brom still devoid of any fit strikers and a false nine system seems set to continue against Alan Irvine’s strugglers. Wilfried Bony is backed by 5% for Swansea’s home match with Villa. Benched for last week’s trip to Hull, the Ivorian is expected to lead the line once again – five goals and an assist in his last six at the Liberty sums up his form in front of the Swans’ faithful.
