Captain Sensible – Gameweek 33

Next up this Friday evening, it’s time for our pre-Gameweek members’ article as we run the rule over the main captaincy candidates for the upcoming round of fixtures.

As always, we get underway by checking in with the form of the leading contenders in our Captain Poll, then delve into the Opta data and Rate My Team (RMT) ratings before considering a differential or two for Gameweek 33.

The Captain Poll

A strong start to life helps Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang top the Captain Poll for the first time since arriving in the winter transfer window.

A brace at home to Stoke took the Gunners’ frontman to five goals and an assist in six league outings, helping him to an average of 6.5 points per match in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

Despite some healthy competition for the armband, Aubameyang is well clear of the chasing pack with 44% of the votes cast.

Harry Kane (17%) grabs second spot ahead of Mohamed Salah (14%), with the latter’s allure in decline due to major concerns over his availability for the Merseyside derby.

The top transfer target for the Gameweek, Kane is expected to lead the line at the bet365 Stadium after returning to fitness off the bench in Sunday’s win at Chelsea.

Encouragingly for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, their top scorer has fired eight goals in his last four league meetings with the Potters.

Midfield pair Son Heung-min and Dele Alli offer in-form differential options, with 36 and 31 points respectively over their last three outings. Furthermore, the South Korean served up 16 points against Stoke earlier in the season.

After limping off early in Liverpool’s Champions League win over Man City, there’s a worry that Salah could be rested for the trip to Everton, bearing in mind that the return leg with Pep Guardiola’s side is on Tuesday evening.

With a goal or assist in 23 of 29 league starts and 14 double-digit hauls to his name already, the Egyptian is clearly more than capable of delivering, if selected.

Meanwhile, his team-mate Sadio Mane can also profit against a defence with just one clean sheet in the last 12 Gameweeks. The Senegal international has three goals and as many assists in the previous five fixtures.

Riyad Mahrez (3%) and Jamie Vardy (1%) are also overlooked as Leicester welcome Newcastle United to the King Power Stadium.

The Algerian has delivered attacking returns in 11 of his last 15 league starts, while Vardy’s strike at Brighton last time out means he has scored in six of the last eight Gameweeks.

The Magpies, meanwhile, roll up with just a single shut-out in their previous 13 attempts on the road.

Eden Hazard remains the favoured Chelsea pick for a home clash with a West Ham defence that’s conceded 11 goals in their last three on the road.

A single assist in four showcases an alarming lack of form, yet the wide man remains his side’s most explosive performer, having delivered 10+ points on six occasions.

Somewhat surprisingly, Romelu Lukaku is the most selected captain for the Manchester derby on Saturday evening.

In saying that, the Belgian has just over 1% backing, despite arriving at the Etihad Stadium on the back of four goals and two assists in his previous six.

Pep Guardiola’s midfield is packed full with form options as they bid to defeat their neighbours and clinch the title.

David Silva has been the standout performer in recent weeks, with three goals and a trio of assists in City’s last four matches.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling (two goals and four assists in six) and Leroy Sane (three goals and as many assists in seven) also boast fine form.

Kevin De Bruyne, meanwhile, has recorded more double-figure hauls at home (six) than any team-mate.