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 – the first section will be free for all visitors to the site and will analyse the chief protagonists in our Gameweek Captain Poll, though the latter two parts will be members-only, as we delve deeper into the Opta and Rate My Team projections.
The Captain Poll
Sergio Aguero claims the lion’s share (35%) of the vote this Gameweek, having announced his return to Manchester City’s starting line-up with a goal against Chelsea. The Argentinian marksman already looks to be firing off all cylinders, as evidenced by the fact he sits atop the summit for goal attempts (nine) among forwards this term. Such is the strength of Aguero’s fixture-proof status, his owners are not deterred by the Sky Blues’ trip to the in-form Everton this Sunday. Given Manuel Pellegrini’s troops fashioned 18 shots on goal against last season’s stingiest rearguard, the Toffees will do well to batten down the hatches at Goodison Park.
Wayne Rooney drops down a spot the second place, with 16% of voters keeping faith in Manchester United’s premier striker in spite of back-to-back blanks. Although Rooney tallied a paltry two goal attempts across his first couple of starts, the Red Devils’ home tie against Newcastle could well serve as the catalyst that kick-starts his campaign. For that reason, it no surprise his team-mate Memphis Depay occupies the bronze medal berth with 7% of the vote. The Netherlands international bagged an eye-catching brace during United’s Champions League qualifying win over Club Brugge and looks far more suited to the left wing role after moving out of the central position last time out. Furthermore, the absence through suspension of the Magpies’ first-choice right-back, Daryl Janmmat, should further stand to benefit the Dutchman if he’s retained out wide.
Bafetimbi Gomis is backed by over 6%, while Swansea’s high-flying new boy Andre Ayew has convinced just over 2% of voters to hand him the armband. The Welsh outfit have been in sensational from an offensive standpoint over the first two Gameweeks, chalking up more big chances (seven) than any other side. Moreover, they sit joint-top – alongside Man City – for shots on target (15), demonstrating their quality in the final third. A trip to Sunderland looks certain to harvest further attacking returns, given that the Black Cats shipped three goals in their previous home encounter against Norwich City.
Inspecting the lower reaches of the list, Eden Hazard and Dimitri Payet scooped 4% of the vote each. The former has yet to deliver any attacking returns but a road tie against West Bromwich Albion – who’ve been breached three times in their first home fixture – could serve as a fertile proving ground for the dormant big-hitter. The latter, meanwhile, will fancy his chances of racking up points for the third successive Gameweek as the Hammers gear up for a home tie against winless Bournemouth.
At 3%, Alexis Sanchez – who plays at home to Liverpool this Gameweek – is starting to build some momentum as a slew of Fantasy managers draft him in with their Wildcard. Riyad Mahrez is not far behind the Chilean livewire, with his proponents expecting the goal spree to continue at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Speaking of the North London club, it’s perhaps surprising that Harry Kane attracted just 1.4% of the vote, considering he tallied four goals (including a hat-trick) against the Foxes last season.
