Captain Sensible – Gameweek 23

Next up, we roll out our pre-Gameweek members’ article, assessing the leading captaincy candidates for the upcoming round of fixtures.

We get underway with an analysis of the Captain Poll, then check in with the Opta numbers and Rate My Team ratings before looking at a couple of differential options for Gameweek 23.

The Captain Poll

Harry Kane sits atop our Poll once again as Spurs prepare to welcome Everton to Wembley Stadium.

Despite failing to score in seven of his 11 league outings at Spurs temporary abode, Kane’s penchant for explosive hauls – he’s produced at least two goals on seven occasions this term – has earned him over 45% of the votes cast.

By comparison, the Spurs midfield has been largely overlooked.

Son Heung-min (1%) has been far more consistent at home than Kane, scoring in six of his last seven outings, while Dele Alli is backed by just 0.8% despite bagging two goals and four assists in his previous four appearances.

A home clash with Stoke City helps Jesse Lingard to second spot on 9% – his highest placing of the season.

Over the last nine Gameweeks he’s supplied seven goals and two assists, serving up double-digits four times. That form looks promising for Monday’s meeting with a defence that’s conceded more goals on the road (27) than any other side.

Romelu Lukaku’s (4%) goal and assist off the bench against Derby in the FA Cup suggests he could be back in form after a dire run of two goals in his last nine league matches.

Meanwhile, just 3% have opted for Paul Pogba, whose 12-point tally away to Everton last time out was his first double-digit haul since Gameweek 12.

Eden Hazard and Sergio Aguero share third spot on 6%.

Hosting a Leicester defence with only one clean sheet on their travels, Hazard’s record alongside Alvaro Morata makes for convincing reading – he’s delivered five goals, two assists and 56 FPL points in his last six starts alongside the summer signing.

The Belgian returned to a central role behind Morata away to Arsenal last time out and found the net for the first time since Gameweek 15.

With his rival Gabriel Jesus sidelined through injury, Aguero has stepped up his recent output, netting six times in as many matches in all competitions.

He heads to Anfield boasting an average of 6.5 points per match in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), more than any forward.

Marcos Alonso also earns just 2% of the votes for Chelsea’s clash with Leicester. Yet with two goals, three clean sheets and 34 FPL points in his last three home fixtures, the wing-back makes for a very intriguing armband alternative.

Back in contention after shrugging off a groin complaint, Mohamed Salah has served up points in 12 of his last 13 and has nine sets of double-digit hauls to his name. Yet only 3% are willing to back the Liverpool wide man.

Raheem Sterling and Roberto Firmino offer in-form alternatives in the same Anfield fixture – both have both bagged three sets of 10+ points hauls in their last four starts.