Our pre-Gameweek members article which focuses on the main captaincy contenders arrives once again this afternoon. 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
Passed fit by Arsene Wenger yesterday morning, Alexis Sanchez leads the way in this week’s poll. Over 34% have opted for the Chilean as the Gunners welcome Leicester to the Emirates – his last seven home appearances (13, 16, 2, 9, 9, 10, 19) underlines just why he’s so highly regarded.
With doubts still surrounding Sanchez’ minutes, Olivier Giroud (18%) and Santi Cazorla (9%) are also amongst the favoured options. The Frenchman has scored or assisted in five of his last seven and has served up 10+ hauls in two of his last four at the Emirates. Cazorla has also delivered double figures in two of his previous four home appearances, with a 17-point haul against Aston Villa in Arsenal’s last match in front of their own fans.
Eden Hazard earns 9% of the votes cast for Chelsea’s home match with Everton. The Belgian was back amongst the goals away to Villa last weekend and is looking to remedy the form that has seen him register just two assists in his last three at the Bridge.
Sergio Aguero is backed to finally end his goal drought as Man City roll up to Stoke – the Argentine still receives 7% of votes despite failing to score in each of his last five. Jermain Defoe and Harry Kane have both been nominated by 4%, though the Spurs man faces a tough task to breach a Liverpool backline that’s chalked up four consecutive clean sheets.
Ahead of United’s home match with Burnley, it’s a damning indictment of their recent form that Angel Di Maria – with 2% of the votes – is their highest ranked player in this week’s poll.
