Manchester City have this afternoon announced news that potentially sets up a double Gameweek 27.
The Premier League fixture bulletin published by City confirms that, should City progress past Huddersfield in their FA Cup replay, their fixture with Stoke City will shift back from March 11, to March 8.
This would move it from Gameweek 28 to within Gameweek 27. Pep Guardiola’s men would, therefore, face a trip to Sunderland, paired with that home tie with the Potters – a hugely appealing double header.
Mark Hughes’ side, meanwhile, would host Middlesbrough prior to visiting the Etihad.
The news completely transforms the current landscape of fixtures and impacts our short-term strategies.
City will face Huddersfield in their replay next Wednesday and, should they progress to the last eight of the FA Cup as expected, the double Gameweek 27 will be confirmed.
This will immediately promote their assets – particularly in attack – and likely re-align our plans ahead of Gameweek 28.
Certainly, City’s display in last night’s Champions League win over Monaco serves as a handy showcase for the form of their attacking talents.
With Gabriel Jesus now stuck in the treatment room for two-to-three months, Sergio Aguero retuned to form with a bang and his two goals and assist against the French outfit will have many now forging plans for his acquisition.
Should City progress, the allure of handing Aguero the armband in a double Gameweek will prove irresistible for many.
The performances of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane on either side of the Argentine last night won’t have gone unnoticed either.
Both bagged a goal and assist against the Ligue 1 club and, with form very much on their side, offer more budget-friendly options at £7.8m and £7.5m respectively in FPL for those who may baulk at Aguero’s £12.7m price tag.
Serving up a goal or assist in eight of his last ten league outings, Sterling has proven to be one of the most consistent midfield picks in recent months, while Sane’s two goals and a pair of assists in five underlines the German’s improved showings on the flank.
With Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and spot-kick taker Yaya Toure also vying for our attention, there’s plenty for us to consider if City can clinch that spot in the last eight next midweek.
