Captain Sensible – Gameweek 9

Up next, it’s time for our pre-Gameweek members article, offering insight on the armband conundrum for the weekend’s ten fixtures.

We kick off by assessing the main contenders in this week’s Captain Poll, then analyse the Opta numbers and check up on the Rate My Team ratings before suggesting a couple of differential options as a result of the data analysis.

The Captain Poll

Alexis Sanchez once again tops the Captain Poll as Arsenal welcome Middlesbrough to the Emirates.

Despite collecting just one assist in the last two rounds of fixtures, the Chilean holds a comfortable lead at the summit with over 38% of voters backing him to do the business against a defence with a single clean sheet all season.

Theo Walcott’s stunning recent form sees him edge Sergio Aguero (17% to 14%) into third spot.

Subject to more transfers in than any player in the Gameweek, the former has racked up four goals and two assists in the last four and has only failed to pick up points in two of eight appearances.

Both players got on the scoresheet against Ludogorets in midweek, underlining their flourishing form as Aitor Karanka’s strugglers roll up tomorrow.

Mesut Ozil bagged three goals and an assist against the Bulgarians and netted for the third time in six Gameweeks in last week’s win over Swansea.

Only 2% fancy the Gunners playmaker as a captain due to Sanchez and Walcott’s popularity.

Utilised as a sub in City’s previous two matches, there are now concerns that Sergio Aguero’s pitch time may be at risk under Pep Guardiola.

The Argentine has now blanked in three of his last four league outings after emerging from the bench to miss a spot-kick at home to Everton last weekend.

With Southampton’s resilient rearguard rolling up to the Etihad, Aguero’s 44% of FPL owners are relying on Guardiola to return him to the first XI as City seek a first win in five across all competitions.

Kevin De Bruyne’s ownership is on the up as a result of his security of starts. The Belgian remains a real Gameweek 9 differential, though – despite averaging seven points per appearance, he’s earned just 1% of the votes so far.

Romelu Lukaku is positioned in fourth spot with 5% of votes as Everton travel to Burnley.

Granted, the Clarets are no pushover at Turf Moor – conceding just three times in five – yet six goals in his last five, including an opener at City on Saturday, highlights the Belgian’s capabilities.

West Ham’s plum home clash against Sunderland earns Dimitri Payet (2%) the final slot in our top five.

The Frenchman has served up 20 points in three appearances in front of his own supporters and earned double-figures in his previous outing at the London Stadium.

He faces an injury-hit Black Cats side that’s mired to the basement after picking up two points from the first eight fixtures.

Elsewhere, the likes of Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho are overlooked options as Liverpool welcome West Brom to Anfield.

Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son collects just 2% of votes ahead of a trip to Bournemouth, with many perhaps wary of Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to use him off the bench at West Brom last weekend.

Chelsea’s home clash with Man United means that only 1% are willing to back the consistent Diego Costa, who has scored or assisted in seven of the first eight.