The preparations for Gameweek 5 get underway with the launch of our Captain Poll to gauge your views on the optimum armband options.
With a brace and maximum Fantasy Premier League bonus returns against Everton at the weekend, Harry Kane (12.4) signalled the beginning of September’s fixtures in style.
A fine display in Spurs’ convincing 3-0 win, coupled with an enticing home tie against Swansea City, makes him a strong favourite for the summit. The Welsh side have conceded an effort every 4.8 minutes – the worst record in the top-flight – and have also allowed opponents 40 close range efforts on goal, the second worst tally, behind Bournemouth.
Furthermore, Spurs put five past Swansea without reply in the corresponding fixture last season, with Kane scoring twice.
This also brings Christian Eriksen (9.7) and Dele Alli (9.5) into contention.
The Dane’s successful strike at Goodison, and six shots on target this term, could earn him votes. Since Saturday, he has attracted 100,000+ new managers, with returns in three of the first four Gameweeks placing him one point off the FPL midfielders’ summit. Like Kane, Eriksen scored twice in the same fixture in 2016/17.
Alli – who managed just a single assist at home to the Swans last season – has bettered Eriksen by two goals to one and found the net in Spurs’ previous home fixture.
We have also added a fourth Spurs asset to the poll. Ben Davies (5.7) is the top scoring player in FPL on 32 points and, with more than 114,000 new managers, is currently the most popular transfer target. The Welsh international has created 13 chances this season, more than any other defender, while the chance of clean sheet points is also strong given that the Swans have the worst goal attempt record so far.
A red card for a high challenge on Manchester City goalkeeper Emerson on Saturday has deprived us of Sadio Mane’s inclusion for this weekend’s encounter with Burnley at Anfield.
However, in Roberto Firmino (8.6) and Mo Salah (9.1), the Reds have two strong options for consideration.
The Brazilian has two goals and as many assists and should relish the opportunity to take on a Clarets side without their number one stopper Tom Heaton, who suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder during yesterday’s Turf Moor clash with Crystal Palace.
Sacrificed at half time at the Etihad following Mane’s red card, Salah still boasts an impressive record for the Merseysiders. He has produced double-digits in both appearances that have lasted beyond 45 minutes since arriving at Anfield.
Given Mane’s absence, we have tentatively included Philippe Coutinho (8.8) among our captaincy candidates. Although he has yet to play this season in the league, an appearance and a strong showing in the Champions League midweek might see the Brazilian garner interest. With a mere 2.2% FPL ownership, Coutinho could prove an intriguing differential captaincy option.
Man City’s sensational 5-0 win against Liverpool is set to renew interest in their attacking options and could see strikers Gabriel Jesus (10.4) and Sergio Aguero (11.4) challenge for a high placing for their trip to Watford.
Of the pair, the 8.7% owned Brazilian may have the edge – a brace at home to Liverpool took his tally to three goals and 21 points in the last two Gameweeks.
In the corresponding fixture last season, Jesus bagged a goal and assist while Aguero served up two strikes and an assist in a 5-0 win.
But with three clean sheets out of four, the Hornets look far more resilient under new manager Marco Silva.
Everton’s bruising loss to Spurs could give voters extra confidence in the captaincy merits of Manchester United’s attackers for the Toffees trip to Old Trafford.
Romelu Lukaku’s (11.7) delivery of attacking returns in three of four fixtures, including a goal against Stoke City on Saturday, puts him firmly in contention for a top placing at home to his former side. A 57.6% ownership, the highest in FPL, further strengthens the likelihood of votes.
Red Devils’ midfielders Henrikh Mkhitaryan (8.3) and the 38.3%-owned Paul Pogba (8.3) could also attract attention.They have racked up eight assists between them, with the latter also scoring twice.
History suggests that Chelsea players could be strong candidates for the armband for Arsenal’s visit – over the pair’s last four league matches at Stamford Bridge the Blues have scored an impressive 13 goals, while the Gunners have found the net just once.
Alvaro Morata (10.1) leads their cast of captaincy candidates after racking up three goals and two assists this campaign.
Eden Hazard (10.5) could also earn his first league start after a 12-minute run out against Leicester at the weekend; we’re currently presuming that he will be assuming spot-kick duties again this season.
The Belgian has scored in three of his last four home league appearances against the Gunners and notched more goals (12) in front of his own supporters than any midfielder last season.
The poll is now live in the middle column on your homepage on desktop, or via the slide-in menu on mobile and tablet under Recent Comments.
Remember, we are looking for your vote for the player you think will be most effective, regardless of whether you own them or not.
We will be back to check in on progress in the poll later ahead of the Gameweek 4 deadline when we deliver our “Captain Sensible” article offering an analysis of the results and the statistics behind the leading contenders.
