We begin our look ahead to Gameweek 16 with the launch of our Captain Poll and an assessment of the key candidates for the armband.
The 857,000+ (15.9%) of managers who handed Harry Kane (12.8) the captaincy at the weekend were again left bitterly disappointed following his failings in a bruising 1-1 draw with Watford.
Indeed, since topping our Gameweek 13 poll with a whopping 40% support, confidence in Kane appears in steep decline. The striker has failed to figure in the top two poll spots ahead of Gameweeks 14 and 15.
Nevertheless, Kane still marginally leads this week’s poll and has to remain a major consideration for a home fixture with Stoke City. Despite Spurs’ recent struggles, the striker has still fired a league-high 21 shots from his last four Gameweeks, though that includes just two attempts at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
Stoke’s defence is perhaps more of a factor. While Kane and Spurs have been frustrated by teams successfully defending in numbers at Wembley Stadium, the Potters’ rearguard has conceded 30 goals this season; only West Ham (32) have shipped more. Mark Hughes backline have also surrendered 12 big chances in their previous four away trips – no side have allowed more.
Once again, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard (10.8) will be a key rival to Kane at the top of our poll.
The Belgian put forward a convincing case for the captaincy with a brace and maximum bonus returns in Gameweek 15. His underlying statistics from the 3-1 win over Newcastle United were also staggering – nine shots, with seven inside the box, offered further evidence that the No 10 role has transformed his goal threat.
Hazard has five goals and assisted a further three over his last six starts, while the aforementioned West Ham defence will be stretched to contain a player who has produced two of his three double-figure returns in away matches. Hazard also delivered in the corresponding fixture last season, finding the net in a 2-1 victory for the Blues.
Alvaro Morata (10.8) is another Chelsea asset poised to profit from the London derby. A point-blank header against the Magpies was the Spaniard’s third goal in five starts and with five of his nine efforts arriving in away matches, Morata will also be backed to punish the Hammers.
The Gameweek 15 poll leader – Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (9.9) – will again garner heavy support.
He faces a Merseyside derby with Everton at Anfield having been put in the shade by Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino in the 5-1 win over Brighton on Saturday.
Salah’s 53% ownership had to settle for just an assist from the south-coast victory, but with eight goals in his last seven Gameweeks, they will remain confident of an improved haul for the Toffees visit.
Everton have the third-worst defensive record this season, shipping 28 goals, though the influence of new manager Sam Allardyce could be a factor in Sunday’s encounter.
Back-to-back clean sheets will also give them confidence and could temper interest in Salah and differential captaincy options Firmino and Coutinho.
Elsewhere, Arsenal’s attack could also attract votes ahead of a visit to Southampton.
While suffering defeat to Manchester United in Gameweek 15, the Gunners impressed with 33 shots, 19 from inside the United penalty area.
Alexandre Lacazette (10.3) eventually beat the majestic David De Gea in the United goal and now tallies three strikes and an assist from his last five Gameweeks. However, with just one double-figure score to his name – back in Gameweek 6 against West Brom – the Frenchman’s credentials as a viable captain option remain in question.
Aaron Ramsey is another in Arsene Wenger’s ranks to consider. The Welshman has provided attacking returns in all but one of his last seven starts, including two double-digit hauls.
Similarly, Alexis Sanchez (11.8) has four goals and an assist over his last seven Gameweeks, including a pair of 10+ scores. He remains a potentially powerful differential as part of just 2.7% of squads.
However, Mauricio Pellegrino’s side are making progress. They ran out 4-1 victors over Everton last time out at St Mary’s and, over their past four home matches, have allowed just a single big chance, fewer than any other home defence.
Meanwhile, the potential on offer at both Manchester clubs is perhaps reduced by Sunday’s other derby clash.
Man City’s rotation in attack continued in Gameweek 15, rendering both Sergio Aguero (11.7) and Gabriel Jesus (10.4) as risky armband options. However, the midweek Champions League fixture with FC Shakhtar Donetsk could yet offer clues on the likely starters at Old Trafford.
The City midfield perhaps provides greater security, with both Kevin De Bruyne (10.2) and David Silva (8.2) appearing assured starters against United.
But Raheem Sterling (8.3) and Leroy Sane (8.8) are the more explosive options.
Again, Wednesday’s teamsheet will be key to deciphering Pep Guardiola’s plans for the pair, although both will be expected to be named on the teamsheet to provide key threats to the United defence.
Paul Pogba’s dismissal at the Emirates Stadium means that he misses Sunday’s encounter, which leaves Romelu Lukaku (11.4) as the sole Red Devils representative in our poll. But with one goal from the previous eight Gameweeks, his form hardly warrants attention and is reflected by continued heavy sales in the FPL market.
Our 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 16 deadline when we deliver our “Captain Sensible” article offering an analysis of the results and the statistics behind the leading contenders.
