We turn our attentions to the main captaincy contenders for the weekend now and roll out our regular pre-Gameweek members article. 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

Jamie Vardy (25%) is the most popular choice for the captain’s armband this Gameweek, having tallied an astonishing 10 goals in his last eight outings. Considering that Leicester City have scored in every match this term, the Foxes’ irrepressible frontman won’t fear a Watford outfit that boasts back-to-back clean sheets ahead of their trip to the King Power Stadium. A brace for Riyad Mahrez against West Bromwich Albion earns him 17% of the vote and second place in our Captain Poll. The Algeria international has drawn just two blanks in nine appearances this term, underlining the consistency of his output.

Kevin De Bruyne scoops 14% of the vote ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Aston Villa this Sunday. The former Wolfsburg recruit lays claim to a superior points-per-game average (6.9) than any other Sky Blues midfielder, having bagged three goals and four assists in six matches. The 4% of voters that plumped for his team-mate, Wilfred Bony, will be encouraged by the Ivorian’s finish in midweek and the fact that the Villains last claimed a shut-out in Gameweek 1.

Looking beyond the top three, Graziano Pelle attracted an 8% backing as Southampton prepare to square off against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The Italian marksman has chalked up four goals and as many assists in his previous six starts, while the Black Cats are still recovering from their 6-2 drubbing at Goodison on Sunday.

Despite the tough nature of Arsenal’s home clash against Tottenham Hotspur, the fixture-proof Alexis Sanchez enjoys 7% of the vote. The sprightly Chilean carded blanks in the last two Gameweeks but has showcased his capacity for explosive returns with two 15+-point hauls.

Outside the top five, Georginio Wijnaldum and Romelu Lukaku (both 3%) have emerged as popular differential picks. The former ranks second among midfielders – behind Mahrez (seven) – for goals scored this season, with his four-goal haul at home to Norwich City the obvious highlight. The latter, meanwhile, is the sixth highest points scorer (66) in the Fantasy Premier League, with six goals and four assists accrued.

Four consecutive blanks hasn’t deterred 2% of voters from investing faith in Anthony Martial when Manchester United play host to West Brom, who’ve only conceded in one of five road fixtures. Also coming in at 2%, Christian Benteke netted in three of his previous four league outings so should have an air of confidence about him when Crystal Palace roll up to Anfield.