Captain Poll – Gameweek 26

Less than 24 hours after the last set of fixtures concluded, we have launched our new Captain Poll to gauge your views on the best armband options for Gameweek 26.

Following a busy January transfer window, there are a raft of fresh options to consider, with Manchester United’s latest recruit Alexis Sanchez (11.7) likely to garner votes following a move from Arsenal.

The Chilean failed to register any key passes or shots in the Red Devils’ bruising 2-0 away defeat to Spurs on Wednesday night.

But he is expected to fare better at home to a free-falling Huddersfield side that has shipped a league-low 12 goals over their last four matches.

Sanchez’s form prior to his move will also give his backers hope, having earned three goals and an assist in his final four league run outs for the Gunners.

Furthermore, he also scored at home to the Terriers while at Arsenal earlier in the season.

Paul Pogba (8.0) is another United asset looking to make amends for a wretched Wembley performance, which saw him hooked just after the hour-mark. Four assists and five Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus points over his previous three outings should ensure he enjoys support.

Owned by just 3.9%, Anthony Martial (8.1) offers a strong differential captaincy option among Jose Mourinho’s troops – the Frenchman racked up double-digit scores in three successive fixtures prior to last night.

With Alvaro Morata still nursing a back injury and on compassionate leave, Chelsea’s new frontman Oliver Giroud (8.2) seems set for a first start away to Watford on Monday.

The Hornets could make it a dream debut for the Frenchman, having conceded a league-high 25 home goals.

Watford’s porous defence also gives Eden Hazard (10.7) and Marcos Alonso (7.4) the opportunity to challenge for a top billing.

The Belgian has impressed in recent road trips, racking up 26 FPL points in his last two away days, thanks to three goals and two sets of maximum bonus.

Meanwhile, Alonso delivered points returns in the eight games prior to last night’s shock 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

Manchester City failed to add to their attacking assets in the transfer window, after pulling out on negotiations for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez.

But their current crop of talent continues to offer a raft of strong contenders at the top of our poll, as they prepare to travel to Burnley fresh from a routine 3-0 victory over West Brom in Gameweek 25.

The Clarets may have let in just nine goals at home but, with the joint third highest number of shots conceded (166) in front of their own fans, that suggests that they have been fortunate to keep the goals against count in check.

Sergio Aguero (11.9), who scored his 17^th goal of the campaign against the Baggies looks a reliable pick – he also scored against Sean Dyche’s troops in the reverse fixture in Gameweek 9.

Meanwhile, midfield pair Raheem Sterling (8.9) and Kevin De Bruyne both outscored Aguero last night to return their fourth 10+ points haul in the last nine Gameweeks.

Spurs’ trip to Liverpool is likely to see interest in their assets muted but this could be a case of form trumping fixture, given the wealth of attacking talent across both squads.

For the home side Mohamed Salah (10.3) can never be ignored, having scored 19 league goals this season, including his side’s only successful strike in their 4-1 away defeat when they last met, at Wembley Stadium in Gameweek 9.

The Egyptian winger, who looks set to assume penalty duties, has delivered points returns in all but one of his last seven run-outs, a period which includes three double-digit FPL points hauls – both produced in his last two at Anfield.

Also for Liverpool, Roberto Firmino (9.2) has six goals and three assists in his previous seven starts.

Meanwhile, for the visitors Harry Kane (12.9)’s impressive away performances could see him prosper, having scored more goals (11) and had more shots (50) on the road than any other player.

Kane’s brace in the reverse fixture earlier this season, as well as a Gameweek 25-high of eight goal attempts in Spurs’ victory over Manchester United, strengthen his armband credentials.

Alternative captaincy options this week include new Arsenal recruit Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (10.5).

The Gabon international arrives from Borussia Dortmund with an eye-catching record – in 79 league appearances over the past two-and-a-half seasons, he’s served up 69 goals and 10 assists.

The Gunners go head-to-head at the Emirates with an Everton side that has conceded a record number of big chances (14) and shipped eight goals in their last four run outs. The Toffees have also failed to keep a clean sheet since Gameweek 20.

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