Captain Poll – Gameweek 38

Earlier today, we launched our final Captain Poll of the 2017/18 season to gauge your views on the best armband options ahead of Sunday’s finale.

The search for motivation could be key to selection and should ensure that Mohamed Salah (10.4) remains among the favourite options.

Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, who play their game in hand at home to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday, means that Jurgen Klopp’s charges may need to get a result at Anfield against Brighton to guarantee a Champions League spot.

Although the Egyptian has blanked in each of the last two Gameweeks, his form at Anfield remains convincing – Salah has scored in seven of the last eight home matches since Boxing Day, tallying 12 goals and three assists across that stretch.

In contrast, the Seagulls may struggle to find enthusiasm for this clash, having secured their top-flight status with a 1-0 home win over Manchester United on Friday. Chris Hughton’s side have two clean sheets in their last 11 away days and were beaten 5-1 by the Reds back in Gameweek 15.

Elsewhere for Liverpool, Sadio Mane (9.4) has three goals and two assists in his last four home league encounters, while Roberto Firmino (9.4) has already served up his season-high total of 13 points against the Seagulls.

Spurs assets will not be short of motivation should Chelsea earn a sixth successive victory with a win over the Terriers this week. That result could leave Mauricio Pochettino’s chasing a victory against Leicester in Gameweek 38 in their bid to clinch Champions League football.

Harry Kane (13.1) will come under intense scrutiny in Spurs’ penultimate home encounter with Newcastle on Wednesday and his performance in that match could decide our armband decision. The striker has been far from his best in recent matches, but with two goals in his last three run-outs and perhaps still with the Golden Boot still in his sights, he can never be ruled out.

Kane’s underlying statistics are also promising, with a league-high number of penalty box efforts (seven) over his last two matches. Furthermore, he’s scored five times in his last two league outings against the Foxes.

Among the supporting cast of Spurs alternatives, Christian Eriksen (9.7) has attacking returns in five of his last seven starts, while Dele Alli (9.0) has delivered four goals and three assists over his last seven.

Their team-mate Son Heung-min (8.3) is another that may be considered. When selected, he’s been involved in 42% of their goals at home – more than any team-mate. Nine of the South Korean’s 12 goals and five of his seven assists have arrived at Wembley Stadium. Like Kane, his minutes and performance against Newcastle in midweek will likely influence our decision-making.

There is no question that Spurs will face a Leicester City side in a dire run of form; Claude Puel’s men are without a win since Gameweek 32, and the minds of their key assets already appear to be wandering to World Cup commitments and perhaps even moves away from the club.

Depending on results, Chelsea’s top four status could be secured with an away win at St James’ Park. The Blues will face a Newcastle United defence that have been strong in home matches but who are now without a clean sheet in their last five. This could see Eden Hazard (10.5) attract some votes as a differential; the Belgian has produced eight of his 12 goals and four of his six double-figure hauls on the road this season.

Olivier Giroud (8.3) is another Chelsea option to consider, with four goals in the last five across all competitions.

As always, champions Manchester City offer a wealth of potential candidates for their trip to face a Southampton defence with one clean sheet in 12 at St Mary’s.

Gabriel Jesus’ (10.4) four strikes in five starts could lead the Sky Blues charge in the poll, with his pitch-time remaining secure with Sergio Aguero sidelined.

Raheem Sterling (9.1)’s three double-digit hauls over his last four should also attract interest, as should David Silva (8.3)’s strong away record. On his travels, the Spaniard has found the next six times and also recorded seven assists, which is a season-high for the champions.

Pep Guardiola’s attack was stifled on Sunday by Huddersfield Town, but Southampton seem likely to be chasing a win in this encounter to avoid relegation, which could leave plenty of space for Man City’s front men.

Should Sunday’s clash remain a relegation decider, it would arguably drive Guardiola to calm any rotation, with several players expected to be rested for Man City’s midweek meeting with Brighton.

Meanwhile, Manchester United also have a favourable final fixture, as they host a Watford side that has shipped a record 11 goals over their last four away trips.

But the Red Devils’ loss to Brighton on Friday suggests a lack of motivation that may mute interest in their assets.

Nevertheless, with three goals, an assist and pair of maximum bonus returns over his last five appearances, there could still be some managers that look to Paul Pogba (7.9). And should Alexis Sanchez (11.5) recover from a knock to feature, he may also earn recognition from those seeking a game-changer for the final fixtures. The Chilean has two double-figure tallies in his last four starts.

The Arsenal attack is now back on the radar as potentially strong options following Sunday’s mauling of Burnley.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (10.7) is certainly the big attraction. He is currently the top scorer in Gameweek 37 with 16 points, thanks to two goals and an assist against the Clarets. Only one of the top 100 FPL managers captained the Gabon striker this Gameweek, and he could prove another major differential for the final push.

Alexandre Lacazette (10.3)’s run of five goals and an assist in five may also gather votes ahead of the Gunners final day trip to Huddersfield Town.

Nonetheless, the Terriers’ strong defensive form – evidenced by two clean sheets in four at the John Smith’s Stadium and Sunday’s shut-out at Man City – may dent the enthusiasm for Arsenal’s in-form strikers.

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