Once again, our pre-Gameweek members article, focussing on the main captaincy contenders, arrives 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
David Silva is the runaway leader of our Gameweek 20 Captain Poll ahead of Man City’s home clash with Sunderland. Four goals and an assist over his last three matches in Manuel Pellegrini’s false nine system has persuaded over 38% of voters to opt for the little Spaniard as the champions look to bounce back from their weekend home draw against Burnley. Four goals in his previous six earns Yaya Toure 5% backing here, despite concerns over the groin injury that kept him out of the Clarets’ clash.
Raheem Sterling and Charlie Austin are next in line with 9% of votes apiece. The former’s move to the central role up top saw him grab a goal against Burnley last Friday, and with visitors Leicester conceding at least twice in five of their last six road trips, the Reds will fancy their chances of a third straight win. Despite an unexpected blank at home to Palace on Sunday, Austin has still served up five goals and a pair of assists in his last four at Loftus Road ahead of the visit of Swansea.
Wayne Rooney remains in contention as Man United roll up to the Britannia. Stoke have registered back-to-back clean sheets but will do well to keep out their opponents, who have now gone nine matches unbeaten – Rooney has five goals and a pair of assists in his last seven.
Eden Hazard is the preferred Chelsea weapon of choice for the league leaders’ trip to White Hart Lane. The Belgian has earned 5% of votes after earning returns in each of his previous four appearances – Diego Costa, on the other hand, is trusted by just 2% of voters after scoring just twice in his last six.
Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke has been backed by 4% for the home encounter with managerless Palace. The big Belgian has produced returns in two of his last three at Villa Park and looks the man most likely to breach the Eagles’ backline.
Further down, the likes of Stewart Downing (2%) and Andy Carroll (1%) look real differentials as the Hammers host struggling West Brom, whilst Robin van Persie and Alexis Sanchez (2% and 1%) could also be worth considering, given their fine festive form.
