Our weekly analysis of the Captaincy contenders is rolled out 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
Yet again, the consistent Diego Costa leads the way in this week’s Captain Poll. The Chelsea forward has scored in all but one of his seven league appearances, with only champions Man City stopping him so far – although Palace have yet to concede at home under Neil Warnock, over 37% have placed their faith in the Spain international.
Sergio Aguero is some way back in second, with 19% opting for the City frontman. Aguero’s strike away to Villa means he’s now notched in five of his seven appearances and, perhaps crucially, he’s earned bonus points every time he has scored – Costa has achieved this on only three occasions. Visitors Spurs have a single clean sheet in five, and with Hugo Lloris a doubt, face a tough task to keep the champions at bay.
Danny Welbeck takes third spot as Arsenal prepare to entertain Hull at the Emirates. The summer signing has racked up four goals and an assist in just six appearances across all competitions for the Gunners and is expected to shrug off an ankle knock to start against a Tigers backline that has managed a single clean sheet in six. Team-mate Alexis Sanchez is also on the radar, though has been selected by just 2% of voters compared to Welbeck’s 12% show of support.
Man United pair Angel Di Maria (9%) and Radamel Falcao (2%) are in armband contention as they roll up to West Brom on Monday evening. A goal and assist in three of his last four appearances ensure the Argentine is the Red Devils’ most popular pick but Falcao has still managed to produce returns in each of his last three and looks a real differential here.
Graziano Pelle has scored and earned maximum bonus in each of his last two home appearances yet ahead of a St Mary’s meet with Sunderland has been selected by 3% of voters. Further down the pecking order, Liverpool duo Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge (providing he’s fit) seem overlooked options for a trip to basement-dwellers QPR, though Harry Redknapp’s side have only conceded three times in as many home matches and will be hoping to derail the Reds at Loftus Road.
