Our pre-Gameweek members article which focuses 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
Chelsea’s home encounter with managerless Newcastle makes Eden Hazard the runaway leader of this week’s Captain Poll. The Belgian’s outstanding festive form has seen him rise to the top of the midfield standings, and having scored in five of his last six at the Bridge – serving up four sets of double-figure hauls in the process – he’s earned 43% of the votes cast.
Hazard’s team-mate Diego Costa has been selected by 15% of voters. The summer signing has also scored in all but one of his last six but has delivered only one 10+ points return since Gameweek 4.
Harry Kane’s rise to Fantasy prominence is underlined by his spot in third position. After serving up an 18-point haul at home to Chelsea on New Year’s Day, just under 11% are looking to hand the Tottenham frontman the armband as he heads to Palace.
Alexis Sanchez is backed by 6% as Arsenal prepare for the visit of Stoke. With Olivier Giroud back in contention, however, the Chilean may be set for a role on the flank once again, though his last six scores at the Emirates (13, 16, 2, 9, 9, 10) underlines his potential, with only United keeping him at bay.
Raheem Sterling’s role in the centre of Liverpool’s new 3-4-3 formation has convinced 4% to back him for the trip to Sunderland. A goal and assist in his last three is hardly prolific, though the Black Cats’ run of a single clean sheet in their last seven at the Stadium of Light, compared to four shut-outs in five on the road, suggests they are more liable to concede when going on the offensive in front of their own fans.
Promoted pair Danny Ings and Charlie Austin have persuaded around 3% of Fantasy managers to select them as captain as the duo go head-to-head at Turf Moor. In spite of the R’s toils away from home, Austin has scored at the likes of Southampton, Chelsea and Arsenal and bagged a goal and assist against the Clarets in the 2-0 win at Loftus Road last month. With a single strike in seven, the goals have dried up for Ings of late, though the R’s dire form on the road offers reason for optimism here.
