RVP

 Well he failed to get a return when starting for the first time away to Norwich.  However Rooney will be back to give some creativity and this really is the easiest fixture of the game week.

The only question is whether he will play.  I’m not totally convinced he will start but I think its likely.  Utd play on Saturday v QPR then West Ham H on Wednesday then Reading away in the champs league on the following Wednesday although RVP will not play in that s Utd are group winners.  You would think that RVP maybe rested in one of these fantasy premier league games and QPR is probably the easiest although the sacking of Hughes may have helped his selection due to the short term improvement in play that can come for a sacking as players have to prove themselves again.  Especially as we understand Harry will be watching.  That may make the game more difficult and therefore RVP more likely to play.

QPR have the worst statistical defence in the league and therefore its an ideal fixture.

In summary I think he will play and he’s always a captain option

Rooney and Valencia

The alternatives to RVP are probably Rooney and Valencia although to me Rooney is playing too deep for me and Valencia is a totally assist based player.

Lets have a quick look at their returns against qualifying teams

Valencia

Ful H 2 points

Stoke H 5 points

So nothing to write home about thats for sure

Rooney

Stoke H 14 points

Interesting then as unless he’s been demoted he is the penalty taker as wel.  I think Rooney is more likely to play than RVP.  However the deeper role is the worry for me so I’m sticking with RVP although I wouldn’t criticise anyone who put Rooney as captain.  With only 6.5% ownership if it comes off it will make a real difference to your position.

Suarez

Returns of 8,9 9 and 11 in his last 4.  He’s in great form.  He’s top of the shooting stats and top of chances created for the season and the last 6 games.  He now seems to be able to finish as well as get in positions.  Whats he like against captain qualifying teams?

pretty good but not perfect.

Stke  H  2

Rdg H 5

New H 9

Wigan H 11

However lets look at away games against qualifying teams.  This is not my ideal as you know I think home games are far safer bets for a captain choice.

Norwich a is the only qualifying game.  There he obviously got a hat trick and 20 points.

Swansea are a poor defensive team near the bottom of the defensive league.

I think Suarez though is a real captain option even away from home

Bale

Bale is one player who isn’t that fixture sensitive.  He can get strong returns against poor teams or against good teams home or away.  Unfortunately this makes him a difficult choice for captain and he’s let me down a couple of times this year

Lets look at his form for qualifying games:

WBA H 2 points

Nor H 1 point

QPR H 8 points

Avl H 3 points

Wig H 2 points

Do I need to say more?  Don’t give him the armband

Ba

Saints should always be considered a captain option home or away.  Both defences are pretty hopeless in my mind so I’m expecting goals.

Lets look at qualifying games away from home

Only Reading A when he scored 13 points qualifies

At home he’s a good bet although not perfect

Avl H  2 points

Nor  H 9 points

WBA H  8 points

Wham  H 2 points

Swa H  6 points

I think he’s a captain option if a little risky as HBA and Cabaye are out.  RVP is a better option though

Summary

Here’s the order of captain choice for me

1.  RVP

2.  Suarez

3.  Rooney

4.  Ba

Not Bale or Valencia for me