It’s time for our pre-Gameweek members article now, as we assess the leading captaincy contenders for the weekend ahead. We take a three-part approach that 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

Mesut Ozil leads the field with 20% of the vote this Gameweek, having delivered two goals and nine assists in his last eight outings. In the absence of Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla, more emphasis will be on the 9.3-priced German to exert his influence during Arsenal’s home tie against Sunderland. The Gunners’ attacking unit will be emboldened in the knowledge that no team has conceded more away goals (18) than the Black Cats.

Romelu Lukaku has netted five goals in four league ties and graced the scoresheet in Everton’s midweek League Cup clash, encouraging 16% of voters to hand him the captain’s armband. The Toffees’ home tie against Crystal Palace looks favourable on paper, yet the Eagles boast the second-best defensive record away from home (five goals conceded).

City’s Kevin De Bruyne attracted an 9% backing by virtue of three goals and as many assists in his last two outings across all competitions – this afternoon’s news that Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of the trip to the Britannia will strengthen the Belgian’s appeal for some.

Notwithstanding his six consecutive blanks, Eden Hazard (8%) still finds a place in our top five. The former Lille winger turned out solid performances in his previous two league starts and now enjoys a home encounter against Bournemouth. Although the Cherries have offered more attacking threat of late, no team has surrendered more big chances (22) in road fixtures.

Jamie Vardy and Odion Ighalo (5%) go stride for stride in the Captain Poll. Pitted against a Swansea City defence that conceded eight goals in their last four home ties, Vardy could well extend his scoring streak to 12 matches. As for Ighalo, he’ll look to profit from a Norwich City back line that ranks top for shots inside the box conceded (85) in road fixtures. Harry Kane (4%) was unable to breach Chelsea’s resilient defence last time out but should have more joy against West Bromwich Albion, given that they chart top for home goals conceded (13).

Doubtless Philippe Coutinho – who scooped 4% of the vote – would place higher in our Captain Poll if he hadn’t been nursing a hamstring injury over the last week or so. The ex-Inter Milan starlet recorded four goals and one assist in his last three starts but looks likely to miss the Newcastle encounter, judging by Jurgen Klopp’s comments this afternoon.