This article is part of our The Armband series.
I tried to be bold last week. A little too bold. Never again will I doubt Sergio Aguero.
Aguero came through in a big way at Stoke over the weekend, matching what Zlatan Ibrahimovic did the previous day, with two goals and full bonus points. But outside of those two, it was once again hit-or-miss for the expected top captain options.
My faith in Swansea and Fernando Llorente backfired as the Swans fell at home 2-0 to Hull. Instead, it was Hull defender Curtis Davies leading the way for all defensemen along with the back lines of Arsenal and Man United. Maybe more unexpectedly, Burnley keeper Tom Heaton was top of the charts with five saves and three bonus points in a 2-0 win over Liverpool.
Staying with Burnley, Andre Gray made an appearance, after a disappointing first match, with a goal and assist against the Reds, as he capitalized the most from Burnley's counterattacking. Newcomer Cristhian Stuani also tops the forward list after his incredible strike to down Sunderland on Sunday. It was similarly unpredictable in the midfield, as Nolito, who played only 22 minutes off the bench, recorded a brace.
Despite all of the favorable matchups, it was another tough weekend for everyone other than Ibra and Aguero. And so, why should we focus on anyone other than those two?
Ibrahimovic is on the road against a surprising Hull team that has only allowed one goal in two matches. Then again, they haven't faced a team like Man United or the likes of Ibrahimovic or Paul Pogba.
In Sunday's premier game, Man City host West Ham. While it won't be easy, there's no reason to doubt Aguero at home. But finding a City teammate who will also produce may be a little more difficult. So with the top players out of the way, where can we look for contrarian captaincy options?
Spurs against Liverpool will be a fun one, especially with how the Reds' back line has looked. Some fantasy bosses may consider Phillipe Coutinho, but Harry Kane is the better target, as he'll be searching for his first goal, with Erik Lamela presenting an even deeper option.
Diego Costa, on nearly 10 percent of teams, will likely be a popular choice having scored in his first two matches. Then again, there's also the chance he finally picks up a red card. Eden Hazard may be the way to go, though, looking more dynamic under Antonio Conte, with a goal (PK) and assist through two games.
Elsewhere, Dusan Tadic can't be forgotten about after a couple tough matches to start the campaign. Southampton are home to Sunderland, a side that just lost at home to Middlesbrough. Tadic or even Shane Long could be useful options that no one else is considering.
And instead of mentioning an underperforming Arsenal squad, Everton have a few players worth monitoring in a home meeting against Stoke. Romelu Lukaku managed 53 minutes last match and may be called upon for a start, but wingers Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas may be the better choices, both having scored and assisted in the first two matches. The Toffees could be in line for more than one goal with Stoke coming off a big 4-1 defeat.
Leicester City may also be a club to turn to, whether it's Riyad Mahrez or Jamie Vardy. Mahrez is the obvious choice for me, with Vardy having not done much in the first two matches.
