This article is part of our The Armband series.
Sometimes going against the grain works… and other times it doesn't.
Sergio Aguero was the most popular captain selection in Gameweek 34 and it went as well as anyone could have thought. Aguero played all but six minutes in two matches, scored four goals and received full bonus points. The Argentine has now scored in four straight matches and has an upcoming home match with Stoke City. However, it's hard to see him getting the start with Man City hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal the following Tuesday.
Elsewhere in the huge gameweek, points could be had everywhere, from Manchester United defenders (as expected) to the Liverpool attacking line led by Daniel Sturridge. In addition, Tottenham, who only had one match, still managed a 4-0 win at Stoke with huge games from Harry Kane and Dele Alli.
Not reaching the 100-point mark in the official fantasy Premier League game was hard to do, unless you were one of the aforementioned owners that went against the grain to captain someone like… Hector Bellerin.
But never mind about that, Gameweek 35 starts Saturday with only seven matches. Fortunately, there are a number of favorable matchups. Unfortunately, teams like Man City and Liverpool have midweek European matches that will likely force them to sit top players.
Aguero is on a tear, but expecting him to start this match would be a mistake. Then again, City are still fighting for a top-four spot, so who knows what Manuel Pellegrini will end up doing.
Instead, I'll lean on someone a little unexpected in Aleksandar Kolarov. Stoke City have lost their last two matches by a combined 8-1 score line and I'm banking on a Kolarov clean sheet to go with a goal or assist. At the least, Kolarov has started three straight matches.
Liverpool find themselves in a tricky situation as well, hosting Newcastle on Saturday and then traveling to Villarreal for a Thursday Europa League match. Divock Origi has been the forward starting in Europa League play, but now in the semifinal, Sturridge will likely draw the call, especially with Origi out with an ankle injury. Could Sturridge start Saturday and Thursday? It's possible.
Roberto Firmino may be the in-form midfielder for the Reds, but even if he does start, it's hard to see him topping 70 minutes.
The good news is that there are still a couple teams with great matchups that don't have anything to worry about but league play. Chelsea and Arsenal are both on the road, at Bournemouth and Sunderland, respectively, while Spurs host West Brom and Leicester City take on Swansea.
Chelsea are struggling and haven't scored in their last two matches, so I'll stay away from backing them on the road. Arsenal's case is a little different, as they are playing a Sunderland squad fighting for their lives. The Black Cats are sitting in the relegation zone but are coming off a huge 3-0 road win at Norwich and should have some confidence.
That said, in-form Alexis Sanchez is one of the best and there's no reason not to captain him no matter who Arsenal face.
Still, captain selections will be heavy on Leicester and Tottenham players. Jamie Vardy is suspended, but the sneaky play for the Foxes will be Leonardo Ulloa, who will likely fill-in at forward. He's only started a few games this year and has done well in limited action.
Riyad Mahrez will be a popular choice, but he hasn't scored or assisted in the last three matches. The safer option may be a defender like Robert Huth, as Swansea have struggled on the road this year, losing most recently at Newcastle 3-0.
As for Spurs, Harry Kane will probably be the most popular captain choice and there's no reason to argue that, as he has scored eight goals in his last six matches. Dele Alli is up there as well after netting a brace last match. The youngster has been excellent for Tottenham and has 10 goals and 12 assists for the season.
If you like to play it safe, there's always Christian Eriksen, who has scored or assisted in four straight, or a defender like Toby Alderweireld or Eric Dier. West Brom have been stout defensively of late, allowing just four goals in their last five matches, but that's not stopping me from backing Spurs at White Hart Lane.
Gameweek 35 Captaincy Rankings
1. Harry Kane, Tottenham
2. Christian Eriksen, Tottenham
3. Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal
4. Leonardo Ulloa, Leicester
5. Aleksandar Kolarov, Man City
