Our pre-Gameweek members article which focuses on the main captaincy contenders arrives once again this afternoon. As always, we take a three-part approach which includes the weekly poll standings, the Opta statistics and our Rate My Team projections to help steer your thoughts on the armband conundrum.
The Captain Poll
Eden Hazard leads the way as Chelsea host Palace at the Bridge. The Belgian disappointed over the double Gameweek and blanked in successive matches for only the third time this season but with a win over the Eagles set to clinch the title, over 41% of voters have plumped for Hazard, who has served up double-figures in each of his last two at the Bridge.
Four goals in his previous three earns Sergio Aguero 15% of the votes cast as City make their way to Tottenham. The Argentine has thrived since Manuel Pellegrini switched to a lone striker system and served up a 19-point return against his weekend opponents back in October – his highest haul of the season. Bearing in mind that Spurs are without a home clean sheet since Gameweek 19, Aguero owners will be confident that his scoring streak is set to continue.
Leicester’s Jamie Vardy has picked up 7% backing for a plum home clash against Newcastle. The Magpies have lost seven successive matches under John Carver and have mustered a mere two clean sheets in 22 league outings – with three goals and as many assists in his last six, Vardy could wreak havoc as the Foxes look for a fifth win in six.
Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez have earned 7% and 6% of votes respectively as Arsenal make their way to Hull. The Tigers proved the shock troops of double Gameweek 34 after serving up back-to-back clean sheets but face a tough task in keeping their visitors at bay. Giroud has seven goals and an assist in his last eight in the league, whilst Sanchez – for all the talk of a lack of form – has three strikes and an assist in the previous four in all competitions. Encouragingly, the Chilean has already bagged a 13-point return against Steve Bruce’s side back in Gameweek 8.
Christian Benteke’s eight goals and an assist in the last seven is set to put Everton’s defence to the test this weekend. The Villa forward has two sets of double-figures in the last three in front of his own fans but with the Toffees conceding just two goals in the last six, only 6% are willing to hand the Belgian the armband. It’s worth noting that Everton have managed just two clean sheets away from home all season, though, with the last one arriving in Gameweek 23.
Raheem Sterling (3%) has the chance to redeem himself after failing miserably over the double Gameweek. With Mario Balotelli ruled out, Sterling could return to a central role at home to a QPR side that has managed a single clean sheet on their travels this term.
Harry Kane is surprisingly low down. Backed by just 2% of voters, the Tottenham forward faces a City side that’s conceded in each of their last eight outside of the Etihad and has lost four successive away matches.
Graziano Pelle could be an outside differential. With three goals in as many matches, he travels to Sunderland – a side he racked up 15 points against back in Gameweek 8, when the Saints hit the Wearsiders for eight at St Mary’s.
Juan Mata is backed by just 1% of voters as United look for their seventh straight home win. Louis van Gaal’s side entertain West Brom this time out, having scored 18 goals in their last six outings at Old Trafford.
