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
After being deemed “100% fit” to play against West Ham by Manuel Pellegrini earlier today, Sergio Aguero has strengthened his hold at the top of our Captain Poll. The City frontman leads the way for the fourth week on the trot, with 32% of the votes cast this time around, despite scoring just one goal in 304 minutes league minutes.
David Silva’s return to action against the Old Lady has convinced 5% of voters to back the Sky Blues’ midfield magician, who’s bagged four assists in as many starts this term. Aleksandar Kolarov (4%) is second (46 points) only to Riyad Mahrez (47) in the total score rankings, having averaged over nine points per game in the opening five Gameweeks. Elsewhere in the Man City camp, Yaya Toure (4%) and Kevin De Bruyne (1%) also feature in the top 10, which is doubtless a reflection of the fact that Pellegrini’s men have won their previous four home ties (stretching back to last season) by an aggregate of 13-0.
In the wake of his acrobatics at Old Trafford, Christian Benteke (15%) is the second favourite captaincy pick. Although Liverpool have struggled at home so far this campaign – scoring just one goal and falling to a 3-0 defeat against West Ham in Gameweek 4 – his 35% ownership might be encouraged by the fact that the Merseysiders have rattled 21 goals past the Canaries in their last five meetings. The Belgian hitman could profit from the return of Philippe Coutinho, who’s been tipped by 2% of voters following his one-match suspension. Notwithstanding his recent lack of minutes, Coutinho ranks second among midfielders for attempts (18) this term, highlighting his strong potential for attacking returns.
Riyad Mahrez (11%) and Callum Wilson (9%) claim the third and fourth spots, respectively, in our list, illustrating the paucity of confidence in the Fantasy Premier League’s traditional big-hitters. The former – who’s amassed over ten points in each of the four matches he’s finished this campaign – is hard to ignore on current form ahead of a trip to Stoke City. Meanwhile, the latter enjoys a home tie against Sunderland this weekend, with the Black Cats ranking second for shots conceded inside the box (29) during their away fixtures.
Only 2% of voters fancy Alexis Sanchez (11.0) to compound Chelsea’s misery when Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge tomorrow. Couple a defence that’s conceded more big chances (nine) at home than any other team with a midfielder that’s tallied more attempts (14) and shots inside the box (nine) on the road than any player in league, and there’s a real hope that Sanchez will finally break his scoring drought.
Bafetimbi Gomis and Harry Kane (both 1%) attracted a smattering of support. Gomis netted in each of the opening four Gameweeks of the season but faces a home clash against an Everton outfit that’s yet to concede on their travels. Conversely, Kane is still searching for his maiden goal of the campaign but will be buoyed by the fact that Crystal Palace haven’t recorded a clean sheet in their previous eight road encounters.
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