This article is part of our The Armband series.
Romelu Lukaku wasn't the highest scorer of Gameweek 2, but hey, at least he scored. The same can't be said for… a lot of other players. Arsenal didn't score. Bournemouth didn't score in a good spot. Sadio Mane was the only player to find the back of the net for Liverpool. Raheem Sterling, who didn't start, scored Man City's only goal against Everton.
Yet again, if you went with a differential play, it likely didn't work. Lukaku, Mane and Christian Eriksen were some of the favorites for the armband and they all produced in some capacity. Sure, scoring leaders Paul Pogba and Chicharito could've been great differentials, but it's doubtful many captained either.
Gameweek 3 presents more of the same with Lukaku once again a top option. With three goals through the first two matches, Lukaku's ownership is up to 56.9 percent, which is 20 percentage points more than any other player.
The last time Leicester were on the road, they played an up-and-down match that resulted in seven goals. While Man United play a bit different than Arsenal, I wouldn't put scoring four more goals – which they did in their first two matches – out of the question for the Red Devils. Pogba has entered the conversation as well, with two goals and two assists in the first two matches as he's playing more forward with Nemanja Matic taking most of the defensive duties.
The other side to focus on will be Tottenham, with a home match (at Wembley) against Burnley on the slate. Spurs haven't been at the same level they closed last season with, but it'd be wise to expect some points from this matchup unlike the Chelsea one. Harry Kane still has a problem with scoring in August, so I'm fine with giving Eriksen the nod as he has all three assists for the Tottenham goals. Either way, Kane will still be a popular captain play in the public's eye, while Dele Alli has somewhat faded, making him more of a differential.
The only other side I'd consider this week is Man City at Bournemouth. Sergio Aguero remains the man in charge as Gabriel Jesus was subbed off at the break last match. I'd also be comfortable with Aguero over Kevin De Bruyne or David Silva. At the least, Aguero is getting shots off each match and that's all he'll need against the Cherries.
Other than that, there aren't many more I'd be willing to trust with the armband this week. Sadio Mane is next in line and should get plenty of opportunities with the way Arsenal have defended early on. Willian and Alvaro Morata are the top choices for Chelsea, but I'd stay away from them against a confident Everton side. Crystal Palace have a great matchup against Swansea, but there's no reason to back a squad that hasn't scored yet.
Speaking of not scoring, Spurs and Manchester United have the best chances for clean sheets, with Ben Davies and any of the United defenders being stretches for captaincy. I wish I had a good deep dive for captain, but none of the matchups stand out. Aaron Mooy is my pick, as he already has a goal and assist for Huddersfield, playing at home against Southampton.
