Technical Area

The Technical Area – Assessing City’s 3-4-1-2

This evening we bring back our series of “Technical Area” articles which offer tactical insight on a match or team each Gameweek. While the Guardian chalkboards are no more, this season we have built our own maps and charts to feed these articles and to provide a preview of the kind of tools and content available to our members…

Having obtained Opta data from Sunday’s Community Shield match between City and Chelsea, we were all set to analyse each side’s respective systems in terms of Fantasy potential but the dismissal of Branislav Ivanovic weights the head-to-head team comparison too much in Man City’s favour. As a result, we’ve decided to take a look at the league champions’ new 3-4-1-2 formation, as utilised by Roberto Mancini is several pre-season games prior to yesterday’s match – in particular, we focus on the midfield area.

Milner and Kolarov
Looking at City’s average position (below left, top), the system played out more like a 3-2-3-2 yesterday. With Vincent Kompany (4) stationed deep and central, the wide-positioned centre-halves afforded City plenty width at the back, which allowed James Milner (7) and Aleksandar Kolarov (13) to push far forward on the flanks – when in possession, the duo were almost as far up the field as Samir Nasri (19). Indeed, the pair received more passes in the final third of the pitch than any other City players; Milner’s 22 and Kolarov’s 20 were superior to frontmen Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, with 17 and 14 respectively.

Man City Average Positions

Mancini’s system demands the pair supply plenty of balls from out wide and both delivered time and again; Milner registered 11 crosses and Kolarov 10 but the former’s distribution in the final third was relatively poor. The former Villa man has a lowly 71.4% pass success rate in this area – compare that to Kolarov’s 86.7% or Nasri’s 89.5% and it’s clear that, despite creating four goalscoring opportunities for his team mates (more than any player in yesterday’s match) there was plenty room for improvement in Milner’s contribution.

From a Fantasy perspective, these positions will clearly be crucial to City in the season ahead if Mancini decides to operate with such a system. What also looks essential in order for this formation to flourish is a high work-rate in these key areas. Both players made three tackles each – a tally bettered only by Pablo Zabaleta – while the pair also demonstrated strong aerial ability; Kolarov won four duels in the air, more than any other player yesterday, while Milner was next best with two, alongside Vincent Kompany and Nigel De Jong.

It seems unlikely that Nasri or David Silva will be suited to the wide roles in such a system, then, meaning the pair would likely battle it out for the role in “the hole” behind the front two whenever Mancini rolls out this tactic. With the City boss also playing the likes of Zabaleta and Gael Clichy in the back-three, the versatility of the City full-backs could well prosper from a Fantasy perspective within such a line-up.

Despite Mancini’s post-match uncertainty over the tactics, there’s no doubt the new formation has been a definite hit so far for the Etihad club, with Wigan’s successful implementation of a three-man defence in the second half of last season highlighting its capabilities within the Premier League, if utilised intelligently.

Man City Average Positions

A quick glimpse at City’s shape in their previous encounter against Chelsea (left) highlights the difference. Silva (21) and Nasri (19) were the wide men that day but both have a tendency to cut inside when on the ball and, for all their intricate possession, Mancini’s men lacked any real width further up the field – a criticism that was levelled at the champions on a number of occasions last term. It’s perhaps debatable as to whether this will be their default tactic but it clearly offers City a very strong Plan B, going on yesterday’s performance and result.

Toure and Nasri
As David Silva continued to build up his fitness with a brief cameo yesterday, Yaya Toure and Nasri took the opportunity to grab our Fantasy attention with a goal apiece in the 3-2 win. As the average position map (top,left) highlights, Toure (42) was relatively deep, playing just ahead of Nigel De Jong (34) but he was the beating heart of the City side, making an incredible 100 passes – a statistic that will no doubt catch the eye of Fantasy managers playing the Sky Sports game, bearing in mind the new bonus point system. For all his possession, though, Toure rarely ventured into the final third with any real intent – he made just 10 successful passes in the final third and scored with his only effort, firing home from outside the box after a poor John Terry clearance.

Nasri, however, demonstrated the danger he could carry when playing in “the hole” in this new system. The Frenchman made 17 passes inside Chelsea’s defensive third – the most executed by any City player, with only two of his passes going astray in this vital area. The former Arsenal man also managed two shots on target inside the box; once again, this stat was higher than any of his team mates and, with a goal and assist for his endeavours, he scored 15.3 in our ICT Index, the top mark for Mancini’s side in yesterday’s 3-2 triumph.

Having looked at the midfield, our next step is to analyse the respective displays of Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero within the system in a separate “Versus” article exclusively for Members. With a price difference of 9.0 to 11.5 in FPL, the question of who to plump for is a hot topic on the site right now ahead of Saturday’s rapidly approaching deadline, with Tevez’s goal already boosting his ownership considerably over the past 24 hours.

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4,341 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Razmataz
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Ramires or Lampard?

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    1. Zack Attack
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      im feeling ramires also. cheaper an i feel lamps plays to def now but just worried that lmaps may be on set peices and pens

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    2. Van The Man
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Lampard!

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  2. damill1
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Zabaletta, Lesscot or kolarov??

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    1. Zack Attack
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      zab first few games , not sure if lescott is fit and clichy seems quite popular

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    2. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Kolarov every day on the left flank, maybe Milner too

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  3. damill1
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    ramires

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  4. tone
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    lescott will play - whos going to be dropped for him this weekend ??

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    1. Van The Man
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      savic likely!

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  5. neopaint2005
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Sorensen or Begovic to start for Stoke in EPL?

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  6. Manani
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    nzog+lampard
    vs
    kagawa+ramires

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    1. Pinoche
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      N'Zog and Lampard.

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  7. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Hey guys, how do you rate this team, i know i have lots of cheapies but i have tried to buy starters, apart from cerny, but i dont see krul missing too many games, and if he does then im in the same boat as the other 15% of people with cerny!

    -------Krul (Cerny)-------
    -------Zabaleta Cole A Gunter (McCartney, Clyne) -------
    -------Yaya Kagawa Mata Bale (Britton)-------
    -------Pogs Torres Tevez-------

    Have Pogs for DGW and will be transferred out for Petric or Graham dependant on performance! 2M in the bank to upgrade Torres to Rooney or Kun. What do you guys think, anything I need to do before GW1? Feedback is appreciated 🙂

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    1. Dial Square
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      If you are buying Cerny (who wont start) it needs to be with DDG or Hart who you can play every game. Who will you play when newcastle play mci away??

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    2. Van The Man
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      u must ve 3m in d bag to do those two transfers! 😉 i've not been keen on Pog just coz of dgw! it might waste another transfer instead! i personally wud start wit Graham fa GW1...

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  8. JVL
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    A) zabaleta
    B) kolarov

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    1. magman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      What are you thinking of including Kolarov and Milner, will they start? Think them both looks like scoops to me! =D

      And what about Allen in Liverpool? Liverpool has a though start, but he is only 5,5... will his price increase because of the many selections or is the price solely dependent upon gained score?

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    2. magman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Ops, sorry! Anyway, Kolarov any day! =)

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  9. Van The Man
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    RMT out of 10! Tinkering still going on!

    DDG---Henderson

    Mccartney---Fabio---Ivanovic---Cuellar---Zabaleta

    Nasri---N'Zogbia---HRK---Dyer---Hazard

    Bent---Torres---Tevez. Criticism welcomed! few punts taken 🙂

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    1. magman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Would get rid of Bent, N'Zogbia and Zabaleta for more value:) Rest is good... 7!

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      1. Van The Man
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        i see Villa doing well this season under PL! so taking a punt with Villa's offense!! A city def is a must have, so went with Zabaleta!

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  10. magman
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    What are you thinking of including Kolarov and Milner, will they start? Think them both looks like scoops to me! =D

    And what about Allen in Liverpool? Liverpool has a though start, but he is only 5,5… will his price increase because of the many selections or is the price solely dependent upon gained score?

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    1. Van The Man
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      only on scores imo! Kolarov n milner both are rotation risks! allen is only good fa 2 points a week! 😉 so i don prefer him...

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      1. magman
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        He will not increase in price even with 22,1% selection? Then I easily drop him :p

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  11. magman
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    How to identify and target those players with potential price increase? Any suggestions?=)

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    1. Van The Man
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      u shud be looking at players who fetch points rather than price hikes imo! its virtual money after all!!! 😛

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      1. magman
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        haha business student need return on invested capital! =)

        What do you think?

        Frederici - Vorm (A good rotation for at least the 13 first GM)
        Kolarov - Pearce - Cole A with Vertonghen on from GM 2+ McCartney as cheap sub
        Noble - Yaya Toure - Ramires - Bale with Michu rdy from GM 2
        Tevez - Torres - Pogrebnyak (Selling Pog for Graham or Defoe after GM1, got 2,5 extra=)

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  12. el flacooo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    So pleased to be back on this site!! I hope this season Will be as well as the last one!!!
    I have à question for you, do you have an idea of the arsenal starters and position? ( with Giroud, cazorla, gervinho rvp etc)?
    Thank you!!

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  13. perfectred8
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    1st time poster here... decided to go with Zab and Tevez for my fantasy side, what do you all think?

    Federici - Davis

    A.Cole - Zabaleta - Hughes - Fonte - McCartney

    Bale - Gerrard - Pienaar - Noble - Guthrie

    Rooney - Torres - Tevez

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  14. nashj
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Please RMT out of 10 and provide suggestions / insights . Criticism welcome 😀
    Fed / (Friedel)
    Coloccini / Cole (Vice Captain) / fabio / ( Shawcross / Rafael )
    Y. Toure / Bale / Hazard / Tarrabt / (Michu)
    Torres (Captain) , Tevez , Pog

    GW 3 : Possible switch from Hazard — > Kagawa & Pog —- > Graham / Holt

    Thanks

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    1. magman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I like it 8/10! Are you a QPR fan?=)

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      1. nashj
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Nope but I have high expectations for QPR this year. With all their good work during the transfer window I feel they can edge out a spot in Europe by the end of this season or the next.

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  15. Shabaaz
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Hey guys .. please rate my team !

    Federici / Friedel

    A/cole koscielny zabeleta ( gunter /tierney )

    lampard pienaar kagawa bale ( dyer)

    torres tevez graham

    0.0 in the bank .. would love to downgrade mid if possible

    thanks

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    1. The Team Principal
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I would question if Lampard has the same attacking threat as in previous years, but I do think Ramires will play just in front of Chelsea's two midfielders, if Roberto plays as he did last year.

      When Balotelli is again fit plus with Mancini saying that Dzeko will get game time, I don't think Tevez will get as much game time as Aguero but I would still take that risk for now.

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      1. Shabaaz
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        thanks bro .. will consider your opinion 🙂

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  16. The Team Principal
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Do you think that Kolarov will be a good selection cos he is classed as a defender at 6.0 but if City revert to last year's formation then he is stuffed. Also Clichy or Zabaleta?

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    1. damill1
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I cant decide myself. got the same problem. Got Kolarov in at the moment. Thought Kolarov looked good on Sun. Looks as though he could be good for a few assists. Will Lescott be back and favoured? Not keen on zabaleta

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  17. damill1
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Struggling, got Kagawa in at the moment given his good pre-season. Need help

    Kagawa, Valencia, Young or Nani?????!!!!

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  18. BananaMan
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Ok, so, done a bit of tinkering! Would appreciate some feedback.

    Schwarzer | Friedel *
    Vidic | Ivanovic | Kolarov | Hangeland | Stevens
    Lampard** | Yaya | Kagawa | Guthrie | Allen***
    Tevez | Torres | Petric

    0.5 bank

    * these two keepers alternate really well for first 6 gw's
    ** Can't decide if this should be Hazard? Will prob swap for VDVart/Bale after DGW
    *** At this price playing for Liverpool, under a manager that loves him, can't see why he won't do well?

    Thoughts.....

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    1. magman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I agree, however I'm afraid VBV is too attacking and is therefore considering Vorm instead of Friedel..
      Lampard - Hazard - Mata is difficult, I ended up with Ramires as much cheaper but mby not a 100% starter in both the matches?

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      1. Raiyo0o
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        I have chosen Ramires too.. I disagree with you on starting both games,, I think since his good performance in UCL last year and FA cup at the end of last season.. he became key player and RDM likes him to be in the squad .. I am also confused between him and Lampard?? Do have other thoughts ?

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        1. Raiyo0o
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Btw I didn't watch their friendly games.. do you know how did they preform and how did RDM used them?

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    2. magman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Also of same opinion regarding Allen, but Liverpool's fixtures seems to strong for me to include him..

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  19. Raiyo0o
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Ramires or Lampard for gw1 only??

    At the moment I have Ramires because i think RDM likes him more and he will use him both games plus he plays more offensive than Lampard in the RDM formation ... What do you think guys?

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  20. magman
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Chelsea got too many midfielders which make the players vulnerable to rotations.. Ramires would be the cheapest and safest in the beginning I guess

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  21. amit_yr
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Guys, have been referring to this space for a year,finally signed up..RMT pls,would really appreciate it...

    Friedel Green
    Zabaleta A Cole Hangeland (Fonte) (McCartney)
    Bale Mata Piennar Guthrie (Noble)
    Rooney Graham Aguero

    Mata > Dempsey if need be after GW2
    A Cole > Ferdinand/other if need be

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  22. GREENDREAMS11
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    I've been happy with my team all week and plan sorted, now Koscielny is showing as a doubt and so is Hughes. I've had to re-jig things a bit to maintain the same cover from the teams I had excluding Arsenal to Chelski. What do you think of these changes folks,

    Hughes - Hangeland
    Koscielny - A.Cole
    Yaya - Nasri
    Lampard - Ramires

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  23. GREENDREAMS11
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    August 14 at 9:20 pm
    GREENDREAMS11 SAYS:

    I’ve been happy with my team all week and plan sorted, now Koscielny is showing as a doubt and so is Hughes. I’ve had to re-jig things a bit to maintain the same cover from the teams I had excluding Arsenal to Chelski. What do you think of these changes folks,

    Hughes – Hangeland
    Koscielny – A.Cole
    Yaya – Nasri
    Lampard – Ramires

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  24. GREENDREAMS11
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    August 14 at 9:20 pm
    GREENDREAMS11 SAYS:

    I’ve been happy with my team all week and plan sorted, now Koscielny is showing as a doubt and so is Hughes. I’ve had to re-jig things a bit to maintain the same cover from the teams I had excluding Arsenal to Chelski. What do you think of these changes folks,

    Hughes – Hangeland
    Koscielny – A.Cole
    Yaya – Nasri
    Lampard – Ramires

    Sorry to post this twice but it got lost coz of the speed everything's going at

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  25. sid_photo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Freidel (Cerny)
    Terry Lescot Hangeland
    Hazard Bale Kagawa Guthrie
    Torres Aguero Pog

    (Ferdinand Britton Barnett)

    Good Yeah??

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  26. Sifha238
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    i doubt Lampard will play both Chelsea game for this gameweek, he will captain England against Italy, what do you think ?

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  27. moey211
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    RMT:

    Gk: Schwarzer-Sorensen
    Def:A cole-Zabaleta-Hangeland-Barnett-Collocini
    Mid:Bale-Ramires-Yaya Toure-Michu-Pienaar
    Att:Torres(c)-Aguero-Probegnyak

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