Next up this Friday we roll our usual pre-Gameweek members article, focusing on the captaincy conundrum ahead of the weekend’s ten fixtures. As always, we analyse the Opta data for the main contenders and assess the team statistics and Rate My Team’s reckoning, before rounding off with our opinion on the current poll standings in light of the data analysis, including our view on differential captains.

The Captain Poll

With the top four teams going head-to-head on Sunday, there’s no runaway armband favourite in this week’s Captain Poll.

Nonetheless, it’s no surprise to see Sergio Aguero leading the way yet again after netting for the fourth successive Gameweek last time around. A home encounter with Tottenham’s resilient defence hasn’t deterred just over 26% from backing the City striker, who scored all of his side’s goals during a 4-1 win in the same fixture last season.

Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino takes second spot after delivering a third double-figure haul in five appearances last time out. The Brazilian – who earned third spot in last week’s Poll – is backed by 14% as the Reds make their way to basement-dwellers Villa.

Romelu Lukaku is hot on Firmino’s heels as Everton entertain West Brom. The Toffees frontman has already served up a 16-point haul against the Baggies in a 3-2 win at the Hawthorns in Gameweek 7 and with Gareth McAuley ruled out and Craig Dawson doubtful, he’ll be looking to build on last week’s strike at Stoke.

Further back, a trio of candidates are jostling for our differential attention.

Alexis Sanchez earns 9% of votes for Arsenal’s clash with Leicester. Although the Chilean has little form – just one assist in eight league appearances – it’s worth noting he produced his highest haul of the season against the Foxes, courtesy of a 20-point return in Gameweek 7.

The 8%-backed Diego Costa, meanwhile, has six goals and two assists in seven ahead of the visit of a Newcastle backline that’s managed just one clean sheet in 10.

Dimitri Payet is selected by 7% as West Ham head to Carrow Road. Like Sanchez, though, he’s struggled for any sort of consistency since returning from injury and blanked in five of his last six appearances.

Delving a little deeper, there’s a number of candidates offering real differential appeal. Mesut Ozil and Riyad Mahrez square up at the Emirates on the back of double-figure hauls, whilst Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney have been in fine scoring form of late. Given that Spurs hammered City 4-1 at the Lane, it’s something of a surprise that Kane only has 3% of the votes cast this week.

Next up, we now delve into the data over the last four matches to shed further light on the situation and assess the validity of the current crop of poll results.