Next up this Friday we roll our usual pre-Gameweek members article, focusing on the captaincy conundrum ahead of the weekend’s eight fixtures. As always, we analyse the Opta data for the main contenders and assess the team statistics and Rate My Team’s reckoning, before rounding off with our opinion on the current poll standings in light of the data analysis, including our view on differential captains.

The Captain Poll

With no Sergio Aguero to fall back on this week due to the Capital One Cup final, you’ve voted Jamie Vardy as the standout Gameweek 27 candidate as Leicester entertain Norwich.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Foxes forward has been far from explosive this season and managed double-figures on just three occasions – Vardy’s consistency has been key to his lofty position, though, having scored or assisted in 10 of 12 King Power appearances. The Canaries, meanwhile, have conceded 15 times in their last five matches, including a 2-0 defeat at Villa.

A trio of players are jostling for second position in this week’s Captain Poll. Dimitri Payet currently leads the way on 23% as West Ham prepare for the visit of Sunderland. The Frenchman has already bagged a 10-point haul against the Black Cats earlier in the season, though his home form has been a little underwhelming, with a just a single assist in his last five Upton Park appearances.

Riyad Mahrez looks a very viable alternative to Vardy for the Norwich showdown. Backed by only 14% of voters, the Algerian has been far more explosive than his team-mate and served up double-figures on 10 occasions. His lack of penalty duties – which have since been handed to Vardy – is clearly a major factor here.

Harry Kane sits next in line with just 10% of the votes ahead of a plum home clash with Swansea. Although he’s earned points in four of the last five Gameweeks, the Spurs striker has mainly thrived on his travels in recent matches and has blown hot and cold at the Lane – he’s produced points in only five of his 13 home appearances. Kane is expected to wear a protective mask to cover a broken nose on Sunday afternoon after missing last night’s win over Fiorentina.

Below that quartet, there’s a host of differentials challenging for our armband attention.

Sunderland’s Wahbi Khazri rolls up to Upton Park on the back of a goal and two assists in his last couple of appearances. Diego Costa has bagged seven goals and three assists in his last eight outings but is handed a tough task to replicate that sort of form as Chelsea make their way to St Mary’s. Tottenham’s Dele Alli, meanwhile, has been selected by just 1% despite serving up two goals and three assists in his last four appearances. Like Kane, he’s performed better on the road, though, and has served up just three assists in his last six at the Lane.

Next up, we now delve into the data over the last four matches to shed further light on the situation and assess the validity of the current crop of poll results.