This article is part of our The Armband series.
The clock is ticking on the Premier League season with only two gameweeks left. Leicester City may have clinched the title, but the same probably can't be said for your fantasy league.
Gameweek 36 was far from normal with a number of lesser-known players leading the way. My bold projections of Andros Townsend and Troy Deeney pulled through, but the players with the most captain selections failed to do much.
Harry Kane scored but was also one of nine Spurs to pick up a yellow card. Alexis Sanchez didn't show up on the score sheet and Sergio Aguero didn't even appear in the lineup. Any time Newcastle get a clean sheet, it's a weird week. The Magpies held their opponent scoreless for just the seventh time this season, and third time in their last 21 matches.
This gameweek should be the last time you use anything extra, whether it's a final wild card or a bonus like the All Out Attack or Triple Captain. Because that's the case, let's try and find the best player to Triple Captain this week:
Teams with home double gameweek: Liverpool, West Ham, Norwich, Sunderland
Teams with road double gameweek: Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea, Watford
I'm staying far away from Everton and Watford, and someone would have to pull my leg to consider anyone from Chelsea. Eden Hazard is their most in-form player, but I wouldn't touch him.
Even considering someone from Manchester United is an iffy situation. There have been more than two goals just once in their last eight matches. That said, my defensive play of the week goes to Antonio Valencia, who provides a clean sheet possibility (at Norwich) as well as hopes of an assist (two in last three games).
The top team to look at has to be Liverpool, but after a Europa League match Thursday, it's anyone's best guess as to whom Jurgen Klopp will throw on the field. The Reds still have a slim chance at fifth place, sitting only five points behind Man United. Daniel Sturridge has been the man in league play, though Christian Benteke returned last match and scored in a half of action. Liverpool should pile the goals on against Watford, but determining who starts that game is the bigger question.
Because of that, West Ham may be the team to focus on, led by Dimitri Payet and… Andy Carroll. Giving the armband to Carroll at this point in the season seems like an odd thing to do, but the striker has scored five goals and assisted on another in the last four matches. A home game could easily add to that tally. Payet hasn't been as good lately, but he has still assisted in two straight. Considering he's been the best and most consistent player on the squad this year, he's still a top option.
The Hammers are also fighting for a top-five position – and even top-four – and will be pushing for three points. Mark Noble (two straight braces) and Cheikhou Kouyate (goal, two assists in last two) warrant looks as well due to their current form.
Norwich and Sunderland are the last two with double gameweeks and both are fighting for their Premier League lives. However, neither have all that favorable of a slate, with Norwich hosting Man United and Sunderland facing Chelsea and Everton. Jermain Defoe is probably the safest of the bunch, while no one on Norwich deserves a look, considering the Canaries haven't scored in three straight.
As for the teams without doubles, Leicester host Everton and Spurs welcome Southampton. However, following Monday's events – Leicester winning the title, Spurs falling apart – I'd suggest staying away from those teams. Granted, it's hard to pass on Harry Kane at this point.
And in the biggest match of the weekend, Manchester City host Arsenal. City are coming off a Champions League defeat but still need a win to lock up a bid next season. Aguero and Alexis can be used from this tilt, but other players with two matches are probably the better option.
Gameweek 37 Captaincy Rankings
1. Dimitri Payet, West Ham
2. Andy Carroll, West Ham
3. Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool
4. Antonio Valencia, Manchester United
5. Harry Kane, Tottenham
