Captain Poll – Gameweek 21

Earlier today, we launched our Gameweek 21 Captain Poll as Fantasy Premier League managers prepare for Saturday’s 2pm deadline.

Once again, rest and rotation could play a part in our assessment as the relentless festive programme continues.

Although Spurs’ weekend blank rules Harry Kane out of armband contention, a number of big-hitters are handed very favourable fixtures, with five of the top six going head-to-head against struggling defences.

Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho are bound to earn big interest at home to a Leicester City side that’s mustered just one clean sheet in ten.

All three have valid claims for the armband.

Salah is second only to Kane for shots (45), efforts in the box (32) and attempts on target (15) at home this season and has produced returns in seven of nine starts at Anfield.

Runner-up to the Spurs striker for the Gameweek 20 captaincy among FPL managers, he has already established a significant lead in our Captain Poll and has earned over 27% of the votes cast.

The number one transfer target since Tuesday’s deadline passed, Firmino has now bettered the Egyptian for points returns in each of the last three Gameweeks, delivering double-digit hauls on each occasion.

Meanwhile, Coutinho’s goal and and assist at home to Swansea has edged him ahead of Salah for points per match (ppm) this season, by 7.8 to 7.7.

As always with the Reds, Jurgen Klopp’s teamsheet could scupper the plans of Fantasy managers.

Firmino and Salah were withdrawn midway through the second-half against the Swans and look very likely to retain their roles in the XI, while Coutinho’s owners will be hoping that a 90-minute outing on Tuesday doesn’t impact on his upcoming pitch-time.

With four goals and two assists in his last seven outings, Riyad Mahrez is the visitors’ form player as they attempt to breach a defence that has conceded just three times in front of their own fans.

And Jamie Vardy’s record of six goals in seven appearances against the Reds is highly impressive.

Elsewhere a visit from Stoke’s porous and injury-hit defence looks promising for Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.

Alvaro Morata returned to the teamsheet and headed the opener against Brighton on Tuesday and has now scored in three of his last four league outings at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard bagged a hat-trick against the Potters, racking up 17 points in Gameweek 6, though that was, nonetheless, the last time he managed a double-digit return.

Morata’s comeback failed to spark Eden Hazard into life against the Seagulls on Boxing Day.

However, after being replaced just after 70 minutes, he looks set to start against a depleted Potters defence that’s conceded more goals (41) than any side.

Marcos Alonso carries strong form into the weekend – he has now delivered back-to-back goals and 14-point returns in home matches.

Over the last four Gameweeks, only three players have managed more shots on target than the wing-back’s six.

Manchester City’s key assets will also be in contention for a trip to Crystal Palace.

Raheem Sterling heads to Newcastle tonight on the back of three goals and a trio of assists in as many appearances, while Kevin De Bruyne has three sets of double-figure returns in six.

David Silva has scored three times in his last two road trips but with reports indicating he is back in Spain due to personal reasons, the Spaniard’s pitch-times looks in question.

Depending on who starts at St James’ Park later this evening, Sergio Aguero or Gabriel Jesus could also profit against a defence that has yet to keep a clean sheet in front of their own supporters.

A visit from Southampton could elevate Man United’s main men.

Jesse Lingard is the form option against a defence with a single shutout in 15 Gameweeks. The top transfer target in midfield ahead of Gameweek 21, he’s served up six goals, two assists and four 10+ points hauls in the last seven matches.

Romelu Lukaku netted the winner in a 1-0 victory over the Saints in Gameweek 6 and has a strong history against them, netting six times in nine league appearances.

Despite his poor recent form, the Belgian remains a factor in the FPL armband standings – he was third top captain choice (13.6%) for Gameweek 20.

Paul Pogba, meanwhile, has fired more efforts on goal (nine) than any team-mate since returning from suspension over the last two Gameweeks, though only one of those efforts has been from inside the box.

Arsenal’s trip to West Brom could prove profitable for Alexandre Lacazette.

The Frenchman scored both goals in a 2-0 win over the Baggies in Gameweek 6 to tally 13 points – his highest of the season.

Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil has found the net in back-to-back outings for the first time this term ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Selhurst Park, while Alexis Sanchez has notched three times in his last four against the Hawthorns outfit.

A home clash with basement-dwellers Swansea boosts the prospects of Richarlison at Vicarage Road.

Although he’s failed to score since Gameweek 12, the Watford attacker is ranked fourth for shots inside the box in the last four rounds of fixtures – a total of 11 is level with Firmino and West Ham’s Marko Arnautovic.

His visitors, meanwhile, have conceded more goals (13), efforts in the box (48) and attempts on target (31) than any side in the previous four Gameweeks.

Everton’s trip to Bournemouth could also benefit Wayne Rooney – providing he recovers from illness, of course.

The Toffees’ frontman has returned six goals and three assists in his last five and now faces a defence that’s been breached 11 times in three Gameweeks.

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 21 deadline when we deliver our “Captain Sensible” article offering an analysis of the results and the statistics behind the leading contenders.