This article is part of our The Armband series.
It feels like a month since the Premier League was last in action, or maybe it's just me.
But two weeks ago there wasn't anything outstanding or surprising. No side scored more than two goals, which was the first time that's happened this campaign and that led to minimal fantasy scoring. Maybe the biggest take away was that Diego Costa continues to perform at a high level for Antonio Conte. And Tottenham did what no one else has in holding Manchester City scoreless. Also, my idea to back the Man United back line failed as Jose Mourinho's side couldn't keep Stoke City out of the net.
Arsenal and Liverpool both climbed into the top four with respectable wins on the road. The Gunners will undoubtedly be at the top of lists with a home match against Swansea in Gameweek 7 and that's where we'll start.
Theo Walcott is the hottest name in the market and his ownership has gone up steadily since a goal and assist a month ago. That said, Alexis Sanchez is still getting added at a more consistent rate despite his high price. Both will be on the radar to get the armband against the Swans, but I'm rolling with trusty Alexis if it comes to it.
Chelsea have an interesting test, home against Leicester. The Blues haven't played at Stamford Bridge since losing 2-1 to Liverpool, while the Foxes have allowed eight goals in their last two road matches. Costa may be the only one to deserve consideration with Eden Hazard too inconsistent, given that he hasn't scored or assisted in the last four matches.
A sneaky play may be to look at Crystal Palace and Christian Benteke. Not only did the Belgian grab a hat trick on Monday for Belgium, he has scored in the last two league matches. Palace will be hosting a West Ham side that has allowed a league-high 17 goals. If you're crazy, you'd give James McArthur a look, who had two goals, an assist and four bonus points in the two matches prior to Palace's draw at Everton.
Liverpool hosting Man United may be the match of the week, but backing anyone on either side to be captain will be tough. Unfortunately, Zlatan Ibrahimovic isn't in that conversation, as the Reds have allowed just two goals at Anfield. United are struggling, but again, this Liverpool midfield doesn't make it easy at deciding a captain. James Milner has three goals and full bonus points over the last two matches. Congrats to anyone that considered captaining him. He's still just the fifth-most selected midfielder for the Reds.
The team I'm looking at in all facets of the game is Southampton. Dusan Tadic is the obvious commodity, having scored or assisted in three of the last four matches. Charlie Austin has also found a spot up front and would be a highly contrarian play.
I would've felt more comfortable backing the Saints for another clean sheet, but the loss of Ryan Bertrand to a hamstring injury is relevant, as is the bum ankle for Cedric Soares. Either way, Southampton have three consecutive clean sheets in league play and host Burnley, who have not scored in their last three in all competitions. That includes failing to find the back of the net against Accrington Stanley in the League Cup.
And last but not least, this guy named Sergio Aguero. After picking up an adductor strain in international play, his status isn't certain, but Aguero did feature for his country and miss a penalty kick Tuesday. If he starts for Pep Guardiola, it's hard not giving him the armband against an Everton side that has fallen off in recent matches. That said, the Toffees have only allowed five goals all season, so there may be some second-guessing for the Argentine.
