Hello internet! Welcome to another edition of Fantasy Premier League captain choices, in which we dwelve into which players could give managers a significant return in double points if handed the coveted armband.
But before we see our options, let’s look at last week’s choices and how they fared.
1. Sergio Aguero (2)
2. Harry Kane (13)
3. Gylfi Sigurdsson (9)
4. Marko Arnautovic (9)
5. Riyad Mahrez (3)
Once again we had a fairly good output, but number 1 pick Sergio Aguero failed to produce, tallying a mere two points against Norwich City compared to the other choices. Harry Kane duly delivered with a brace again against Aston Villa, while Gylfi Sigurdsson continued his remarkable consistency with his seventh goal in 2016. Marko Arnautovic also made it double figures for the first time in his Premier League career by scoring his 10th goal of the season. And lastly, Riyad Mahrez drew a blank against Newcastle United at home, but we are taking nothing away from him after his amazing campaign.
What about this week? Here are our FIVE CAPTAIN CHOICES ahead of Gameweek 31.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Wow for once we did not start with Sergio Aguero when fit!
I give to you Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.3) as our top choice, as what we learned is that when Aston Villa play someone, just captain the player that is facing them. And nobody is on better form for Swansea than the Icelandic attacking midfielder.
Since the turn of the year, ‘Siggy’ has scored seven goals and supplied one assist, scoring two in his last two games. Also on set-piece and penalties, the Swans have a brilliant chance to widen the gap from the relegation zone when they host the hapless Villans.
Rock-bottom Villa have conceded an astonishing 17 goals in their last five games, and if stats are backing anyone as captain, it’s Sigurdsson this weekend.
Harry Kane
‘One season wonder’ they said, well they’re taking back their words now.
Harry Kane (10.3) is showing why he deserves to start for England at Euro 2016 after another brilliant campaign, tied on the scoring charts with Jamie Vardy with 19 each.
Last time out he could have had a hat-trick against Aston Villa, and he will look to reach 20 again this term when Spurs host Bournemouth on Sunday. The Cherries have been on good form winning three in succession, but with survival almost guaranteed, Eddie Howes’ men may falter under the intense pressure from the Lilywhites.
And Kane scored at hat-trick in the reverse game earlier this season. Another incoming?
Riyad Mahrez
You can’t leave out the best player in the English top flight, with Riyad Mahrez (7.4) scoring 15 goals and supplying 11 assists so far this season.
He may have blanked last time out against Newcastle United, but he helped continue their lead at the top of the table. However, he could once against be on the scoresheet against an out-of-colour Crystal Palace.
Palace are on a 12-game winless streak and have conceded two or more goals in their last four, suggesting that the Foxes should see out Alan Pardew’s men on Saturday, with Mahrez set to take advantage in his aim to be the Player of the Year.
Mesut Ozil
Arsenal may be in a bit of a crisis at the moment, but one thing that has been consistent this year is Mesut Ozil (9.8). The Gunners midfielder once again showed his class with another sublime assist in their FA Cup loss during the weekend, and should be the main man if Arsene Wenger’s men get the better of Everton this Saturday.
The Toffees may be one of the league’s top scorers, but Roberto Martinez’s men have the WORST (yes the worst) home defensive record in the English top flight, conceding 26 goals at Goodison Park. It is unlikely that they will be able to keep Ozil and co. out, especially after Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League.
Alexis Sanchez (10.8) is another option, but with his poor form the Chilean isn’t worth captaining at the moment.
Sergio Aguero
You thought we would leave him out didn’t you.
Despite two games without goals against Norwich City and Dynamo Kiev, Sergio Aguero (13.6) is probably still the league’s best player and at any given day can explode into action.
And despite playing Manchester United, we believe the Argentine will once again be on the scoresheet in the derby having scored in four of the last four games he played against the Red Devils.
With the likes of Harry Kane and Gylfi Sigurdsson playing ‘easier’ sides respectively, giving Aguero the armband will also be considered a differential tactic.
