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
Despite drawing blanks in his last two outings, Harry Kane (27%) attracted the largest backing ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s home tie against Newcastle United. Although the Magpies pulled out an eye-catching win over Liverpool last time out, they still rank top in terms of goals conceded (30) throughout the course of the campaign. In addition, Kane has displayed a propensity for explosive returns during his fledgling career, notching two or more goals on seven occasions.
Romelu Lukaku occupies second spot with a 23% share of the vote. The Everton marksman currently places second in the overall scoring charts (11 goals), having netted in his last five starts. No side has managed fewer clean sheets than Norwich City (one), so there’s every chance Lukaku will perpetuate his streak when Everton make the trip to Carrow Road. Given that the Merseysiders carded eight goals in the previous three Gameweeks, Ross Barkley (1%) also finds a spot in our top ten.
The favourable nature of Manchester City’s home tie against managerless Swansea finds Kevin de Bruyne (17%) among the top three. The Sky Blues are out of sorts on their travels right now but remain a formidable force at the Etihad, having tallied six more home goals (23) than any other team. As such, David Silva (2%) – who scored a searing strike in midweek – serves as a viable differential pick.
Just over 8% of voters were swayed by Mesut Ozil’s consistency, considering that he hasn’t failed to deliver attacking returns since Gameweek 6. Playing behind a buoyant Olivier Giroud – who bagged a hat-trick in midweek – the German playmaker will be afforded short odds to register his 13th assist against a floundering Aston Villa side. Elsewhere in the Gunners camp, Aaron Ramsey’s switch to a central berth convinced just over 1% of voters to hand him the skipper’s armband.
Riyad Mahrez (3%) is the pick of Leicester’s much-vaunted duo ahead of their home encounter against Chelsea. The Blues rearguard posted four clean sheets in their last five fixtures across all competitions, ensuring that Jamie Vardy has dropped off the radar in our Captain Poll.
Odion Ighalo (3%) places third among forwards for total score (96) by virtue of his nine goals and five assists. The Watford frontman has drawn just three blanks since Gameweek 5 and will be relishing the opportunity to tackle Sunderland’s inconsistent defence at the Stadium of Light.
