For the final time this season, our pre-Gameweek members article, which focuses on the main captaincy contenders, arrives in time to guide the armband thinking. 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 captaincy conundrum.
The Captain Poll
Sergio Aguero leads the way in this week’s Captain Poll, with over 35% of the votes cast. The City striker faces a Southampton side that’s picked up a single point in their last six away matches and has scored in each of his last three at the Etihad, including the 23-point haul against QPR in Gameweek 36. Manuel Pellegrini’s men are looking for a seventh straight win in front of their own supporters and have been in fine scoring form, netting at least twice in their previous six home matches.
Christian Benteke is next in line with almost 18% backing. The Belgian has racked up 11 goals, an assist and 15 bonus points in his last ten ahead of a home clash with Burnley, but with next weekend’s FA Cup final also to consider, there remains a slight fear that Benteke’s minutes could be managed come Sunday.
Alexis Sanchez sits just behind the Belgian in third spot ahead of Arsenal’s home encounter with West Brom. The Chilean’s form is a concern, however – he’s scored in just one of his last six, whilst Arsenal have failed to net in their previous three at the Emirates. Bearing in mind that the Baggies have four clean sheets in five, Sanchez will need to up his form considerably. Like Benteke, there’s also the possible threat of rotation ahead of the Wembley final to factor in.
Eden Hazard takes fourth place for Chelsea’s clash with Sunderland. There’s no doubt that his 6% of votes were accrued prior to the news that that he’s undergone emergency dental surgery – a factor that makes him a serious doubt for Sunday’s encounter. Although he’s scored just once in his last five, three of those matches have been away – Hazard has netted in three of his previous four at the Bridge and, if available, could emerge as an armband differential. The Black Cats defence will be no pushover, however, as they arrive in West London off the back of three successive shut-outs.
Further down our poll listing, Hazard’s team-mate, Diego Costa has emerged as another potential differential. Unlike the Belgian, he looks certain to start against Dick Advocat’s side, although, with Cesc Fabregas and perhaps Hazard missing, there are question marks about Costa’s likely ammunition, as well as his sharpness in front of goal following injury.
Romelu Lukaku is also amongst the chasing pack after producing two goals and an assist in his last three. Only just under 3% are willing to consider him for the armband, though visitors Spurs have been defensively dire on the road and managed just three clean sheets.
