Captain Sensible – Gameweek 35

After Gameweek 34 was finally put out of its misery last night, our atttention is now fixed on the weekend’s action.

Next up, we roll out our usual pre-deadline members’ article focussing on the captaincy dilemma for Gameweek 35.

To get underway, we check in with the main contenders in this week’s Captain Poll, then analyse that Opta numbers and current Rate My Team rankings before suggesting a differential or two to help solve the armband conundrum.

The Captain Poll

A home clash with Hull City earns Southampton’s Manolo Gabbiadini top billing in our Gameweek 35 Captain Poll.

With four goals and an assist in his first six league outings – in addition to an EFL Cup Final brace against Manchester United – the Italian is backed by 22% voters as he hosts a Tigers side that have conceded 41 times on their travels this term, more than any other side.

Gabbiadini is the top transfer target ahead of tomorrow’s deadline, with over 70,000 Fantasy Premier League managers snapping up his services in the last six days.

Harry Kane earns second spot as Spurs welcome Arsenal to White Hart Lane in the North London derby.

Backed by 17% of voters, Spurs’ top scorer has been in relentless form in front of his own supporters, delivering double-digits in each of his last three home starts.

Up against a defence that’s conceded just eight goals in 17 home matches, only 2% have opted for Alexis Sanchez.

Unlike Kane, the Chilean boasts little form to talk about, with a single strike in five league fixtures, but with 13 of his 19 goals arriving on the road, he remains the Gunners’ likeliest source of points.

Christian Benteke earns 13% of the votes cast as Crystal Palace entertain Burnley.

Having notched five goals and an assist in his previous six appearances – including double-figure tallies against Chelsea and Liverpool – the Belgian’s owners will be confident of further returns against a Clarets outfit that have picked up four points in 17 away matches.

Just 10% have opted for Sergio Aguero as Manchester City travel to Middlesbrough.

The Argentine has netted in five of his last six, though with Gabriel Jesus (1%) back in action and pushing for a starting berth on Teesside, his form has mainly been overlooked.

Josh King earns 4% backing as Bournemouth make their way to Sunderland. With eight goals in his last nine league appearances, the Norwegian looks set to take advantage of a defence that has conceded at least twice in six of their last eight at the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool’s trip to Watford brings Philippe Coutinho into contention as a differential.

Only 2% are considering the Brazilian, who has netted in four of the last five Gameweeks ahead of Monday night’s match. The Hornets have been resilient in front of their own fans recently, though, and chalked up three successive clean sheets.

Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa offer overlooked options as Everton face Chelsea at Goodison Park.

The former has bagged 11 goals in the last six and has scored in eight successive fixtures in front of his own fans.

Hazard’s goal against Southampton on Tuesday evening means he’s scored or assisted in six of his last seven league outings as Chelsea’s bid for the title regains momentum.

Meanwhile, Costa served up a season-high 16 points against Southampton on Tuesday night to serve a timely reminder of his talents ahead of the upcoming wildcard rush.