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
Romelu Lukaku – having found the back of the net in six successive starts – takes pride of place at the summit of our Captain Poll with 37% of the vote. Although Everton face a tall task rebuffing Leicester’s effervescent attack at Goodison Park, they’ll be emboldened in the knowledge that Claudio Ranieri’s troops have carded just three clean sheets this term and are without the suspended Robert Huth.
The Foxes’ man of the moment, Riyad Mahrez is next in line with 18% backing. The Algeria international boasts four goals in his last two outings and has amassed eight double-figure point hauls across 15 appearances. Despite delivering attacking returns in all but one of his 16 starts, Jamie Vardy (4%) plays second fiddle to his partner in crime.
Eden Hazard (7%) makes a surprise entry in the top three. The fleet-footed Lille graduate has notched just once this season and has drawn eight blanks on the trot. Nonetheless, should he recover from injuruy, he’s afforded a great opportunity to kick-start his campaign when Sunderland – who rank joint-third for goals conceded (30) – make the trip to Stamford Bridge. The favourable nature of the Blues’ match-up also finds room for Diego Costa (2%) in the Captain Poll.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7%) scooped 14 points against Liverpool in Gameweek 15 and has arguably been Newcastle’s star performer during their recent revival. All seven of the Dutchman’s league goals have arrived on home turf, which renders him an intriguing differential pick ahead of Aston Villa’s visit to St James’ Park.
Mesut Ozil and Harry Kane (both 3%) attracted an identical following this time around. The former has delivered attacking returns in each of his previous 10 starts but faces a Manchester City defence that’s conceded just six times on the road. Meanwhile, the latter is without a goal in three matches but could benefit from Mousa Dembele’s likely return to action when Spurs travel to Southampton.
Philippe Coutinho and Sergio Aguero both come in at the 2% mark ahead of their road respective road ties. Coutinho will do well to breach a Watford rearguard that ranks third for home goals conceded (six), while it remains to be seen whether Aguero will even start for City in Monday’s trip to the Etihad.
