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The Numbers Game – Manchester City

Next up in our summer series of team-by-team analysis of the 2016/17 campaign are Manchester City.

We start by checking out the team performance levels over the previous campaign to look for any trends of improvement before assessing the Citizens’ standout individuals ahead of the 2017/18 season.

The arrival of Pep Guardiola helped the Etihad side up their points total from 66 to 78 last term, yet they finished some 15 points off the summit for the second successive campaign, claiming third position in the Spaniard’s first year in charge.

City also improved their goal tally, from 71 to 80, which was again the third best on offer, six behind Spurs at the summit.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,919 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I think this is the best team you can have:

    Foster
    Lindelöf Cedric Trippier
    KdB Willian Ramsey Redmond
    Firmino Lukaku Kane

    Elliot Hünemeier Mariappa Carroll

    1. merin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Why Redmond over Tadic?

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Why tadic over redmond?

      2. Firmino
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        More goal scoring potential

        1. merin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Really? How come?

          1. Firmino
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Always thought that Tadic is more assister than a scorer but you seem to have a different opinion? How will Soton lineup next season?

    2. Agger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      There's no such thing!
      Maybe the highest scoring front 3 in the first 3 GW's will be Vokes, Gayle and Mounie or something 😉

    3. Markus Suttner
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      This is a very good team indeed!

    4. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      See my team below...
      Very similar but my bench is set up to step in for Week 2 in case of injuries and weaker matchups

  2. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I'm starting to think that Mkhitaryan might be a better option than Pogba.
    Atleast from what we've seen in pre-seson so far...

    1. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      +1

    2. JoeSnowUK
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I have Mkhi, set for a massive season IMO

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Me too. Made that switch today. If Mkhi starts the Super Cup I'm going with him.

    4. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      On my watchlist. Pitch time is issue

    5. Viiksisika
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I just made the opposite move today. Mkhi have been good in Pre-season so far, but I still want to see some more of him. Also Pogba is more nailed.

      1. JoeSnowUK
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Hmm I am not sure, Mkhi was bought as the marquee attacking mid but was not fit, now he has got his fitness sorted Mou has played him regularly, he is without doubt the best attacking mid in that united team.

        1. Waxys
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Mata though

          1. JoeSnowUK
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            I still think Mkhi is a more complete player than Mata

            1. Waxys
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              I agree but I can see mata rotating with Mkhitarian

        2. Viiksisika
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Thats tru, but Im still not convinced that he will be nailed on. Especially if Utd sign Perisic. I'll be proven wrong in the pre-season tho.

    6. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Of course he is. Why is everyone forgetting how rubbish Pogba has been? It's not even close

      1. Viiksisika
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Rubbish? 😀 Guy hit woodwork 9 times last season. I can see double figures in goals easily next season.

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Hitting the woodwork is a miss

        2. The Nuttman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          If you practice poor technique you wont suddenly score 10+ goals.

  3. ClaireT
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Best 7/7.5m midfielder?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Willian for me

    2. Zarafa
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Ramsey

    3. Markus Suttner
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I like willian & Ramsey, even Zaha too

    4. JoeSnowUK
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Zaha, Willian or Ramsey for sure. Klassen once Everton's games settle

    5. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Wouldn't go for any 7.5 option anyway...
      From this point I think best 7 would be Willian...but no one can really say...

    6. The Hobbit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Willian, Ramsey, Lanzini, Zaha. Last two more nailed, but Willian and Ramsey have higher point ceiling IMO.

      I picked Willian and Ramsey so far, but tempted to change one of them to Lanzini.

  4. Agueroooooo
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    KDB and Firmino or Aguero and ramsey/zaha ??????????????

    1. Zarafa
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I like the first.

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      KdB and Firmino

    3. Markus Suttner
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think the first is better

    4. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Shame on you with your if name and question

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Id*

  5. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Kompany or luiz ???

    1. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kompany

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kompany.

    3. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Ko

    4. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Luiz

    5. Zarafa
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kompany... if you really must...

    6. Markus Suttner
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Don't think there's a lot in this. Probably Kompany just

    7. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Vinny will get goals & cleanies until he's crocked, good value until then.

  6. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What to change to improve this team?
    Foster - Elliot
    Azpi - Daniels - Cedric - Trippier - Long
    Alli - Salah - Sane - Carroll - RLC
    Kane - Lacazette - Deeney

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Azpi out

      1. Azathoth
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Why? and for who?

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Azpi for Man Utd cover and Deeney for either Gayle or 4.4 to boost midfield

      1. Wild Card this!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        4.5 that is

  7. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Please help me choose:
    A. Laca + Pogba/Mkhitaryan
    B. Kane + JWP + 0.5m

    Thx you.

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. Zarafa
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B

    3. Leafy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

  8. mad_beer ✅
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is Andy Robertson a LB or RB?

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Lb

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      LB

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      LB

    4. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      left button

  9. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A) Degea + Alonso + Ramsey
    B) Foster + lindelof + mane

    A or B ???

    1. le flem
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      b

  10. Netley Lucas
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Before we all go back to 3-4-3 😆 What are you on now? 3-5-2 here

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      442

    2. Zarafa
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      3-4-3 here.

      3-5-2 very tempting. Who's your bench striker?

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Fletch, I now... sigh

        1. Wild Card this!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          That lol

    3. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      3-4-3
      with Kane, luk and kun...

    4. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      3-4-3

    5. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      5-3-2

  11. Sverdet
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    First RMT this year. Planning on early WC, so focusing on fixtures and neglecting bench until i WC. Gambling on sout defence and no Kane because of his slow starts, but that could be a threat.

    Foster (myhill)
    Lindelof, Cedric, Yoshida (Mariappa, Long)
    KDB, Alli, Mkhit, Ramsey, Willian
    Lukaku, Lacazette (Long)

    What are your thoughts and are there any viable options in defence at 4.0?

  12. Boris Bodega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Ok Guys n Gals, help me out here. Name me one defender that has gotten 150+ points two seasons running? So far I have only come up with Leighton Baines. Anyone else?

    1. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Daniels is close at 135 for 5.0 not bad value

    2. Prokoptas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Koscielny went 150-120-150-120 over the past 4. Pretty impressive, but not quite up to those numbers.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Hey Prokoptas! I'd really appreciate a reply about your explanation of sustainability vs unsustainability, if you have the time and energy!

        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/07/18/the-numbers-game-manchester-city/?hc_page=2#hc_comment_15894915

        I appreciate that you know more about stats than me, but your explanation of the stats is a little vague, and instead you seem to appeal to common sense (of course I know that Kane sustaining points over a longer period means that he has sustained points). I really want to understand a bit better, but I'm very sceptical to trust people in this community, especially when people have no real incentive to help others. Any help you can give me though would be very much appreciated 🙂 I hope my language isn't too direct and impolite: I'm just struggling to connect all the concepts, and forgetting about the nicities, so apologies if it is. I hope I'm not bugging you too much! haha

    3. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Baines 177-169
      Terry 172-177
      Ivanovic 159-179

      1. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Awesome, many thanks

  13. Waxys
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Ozil Valencia and Chelsea defenders are all overpriced imo

    1. Markus Suttner
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Was disappointed with Valencia's price.
      6.5 million really kills him as an FPL asset, would have been good at 6.0 million

    2. willl
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Rooney shouldn't be as much as he is either.

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Why is Valencia overpriced?

  14. le flem
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A or B?

    A) Lacazette, Eriksen/Alli, Coutinho

    B) Kane, Ramsey, Mane

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. Sverdet
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

    3. Leafy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

      1. le flem
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Rather unanimous. Thanks.

  15. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Watfordfc XI v Viktoria Plzeň

    Gomes;
    Janmaat, Prödl, Kabasele, Holebas;
    Watson, Doucouré;
    Berghuis, Capoue, Success;
    Okaka.

  16. reason17
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hi, thoughts on Arnautovic at west ham (7.0)?

    1. Agger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      He's a decent option but West Ham can be so unpredictable, they can be hot or cold.. depends on how you think they'll do?

  17. Agger
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I've considered getting Matt Ritchie(6.0) seeing as he's on set-pieces and could be a half decent punt.. thoughts on him? (If he's fit for GW1)

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Worth a punt.

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      He does well in the Championship. Unfortunately in the PL he failed with Bournemouth.

    3. Leafy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I've got him. Newcastle topped set piece goals in the Championship last season so giving him a chance on that basis and hoping for the best

  18. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone hear of this Pre-assist thing that's circulating? Is it fake?

    https://scontent-sin6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19961587_1340281519413060_165547646051758108_n.jpg?oh=12e85139ddae5cc52d603202207b5925&oe=59F4A89A

    Certainly feels that way...

    Thanks.

    1. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Fake news

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thought so . Cheers 🙂

  19. PvA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    @TOKYO RISING SUN

    Sorry for the late reply, but reply to your post:

    Foster, Myhill
    Trippier, Lindelof, Cedric, Lascelles, 4m
    Alli, Coutinho, Ramsey, Phillips, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Gayle

  20. ClaireT
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    How's this midfield looking?

    Willian, Alli, Pogba, Zaha, Carroll

    0.5 left to improve

    1. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Would rather have Ramsey than Zaha IMO

    2. Agger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Not bad but it's really lacking a heavy hitter in my opinion..

      1. Zarafa
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        That's what's Alli's for isn't it?

    3. Agger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      De Bruyne for Alli if you already have Kane?

      1. ClaireT
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cheer guys, how 's this:

        Willian, KDB, Pogba, Ramsey, Carroll

    4. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      yay. Pogba -> Sane

    5. PvA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Pogba to Sane?

      1. ClaireT
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Would you go with 2 city or add Alli back in?

        Bit of change around:

        Willian, KDB, Pogba, Ramsey, Carroll

  21. Mikeharbrw
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Latest draft...

    Foster // Myhill

    Lindelöf // Trippier // Cédric // Mee // Hünemeier

    Alli // Mané // Ramsey // Phillips // Carroll

    Lukaku // Kane // Gayle

    I've been covetously glancing Alonso and Milner's way but the potential incomings of Sandro & Robertson are giving me cold feet.

    Any thoughts would be appreciated.

  22. Tornado
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Given there arent great options at 6/6.5m i have gone for kdb eriksen with a playing 4.5m mid (either carroll or rlc)

    Thoughts?

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah seems logical - I'm 9.5 9.0 6.5 4.5 4.5 in a 3-4-3

  23. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Jaku to Leicester at 4.0 then Schmiechel to United at 5.0 = dreamland

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      4m keeper alert... 8m w/Elliot

    2. Agger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Decent shout.. how likely is DDG to Madrid?

  24. PvA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Cedric or Bertie?

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Cedric. Cheaper and less competition for his place.

    2. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Cedric, you pay 5.5 you can get Utd / Ars / Spurs cover for that

    3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      See on pre-season but Cedric is cheaper while Berty is in the penalty taker shortlist

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Bertie returns better, but that half...

  25. Ninja Škrtel
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A. Kane, Firmino
    B. Jesus, Lacazette

    ?

    1. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

  26. Tornado
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Valencia or milner?

    Clearly milner has pens but valencia better attacking returns?

    1. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Milner if Robertson doesnt sign

    2. Markus Suttner
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Very little in it.
      Hard to pick a winner off the top of your head.
      Will have to look deeper into various stats

    3. Agger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think Valencia thrived off having Ibra, I think Lukaku is a slight different forward.. I think Milner will outscore him but obviously playing time is in doubt for Milner

  27. Markus Suttner
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Simple question...

    Who do you think is the best Gameweek 1 captain choice?

    1. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku

    2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Roonpig if you are willing to only have for 1 week

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku

    4. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku

    5. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Lacazette if you're feeling brave

    6. Agger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think Man City could tear Brighton apart so probably a City player maybe?

    7. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Rooney

    8. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Aguero

    9. arthadox
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Going KDB

  28. Scout Keith
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What do people think of this shambles of a team

    Foster (Elliot)
    Cédric / Monreal / Trippier / Alonso / Daniels
    Tadic / Sánchez (Yacob) (Chalobah) (Loftus-Cheek)
    Kane / Agüero / Rashford

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Shambles, nightmare going into GW 1 with 3 4.5 midfielders.

      1. Scout Keith
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        trust i know, they'll all be on the bench. best option this year i feel is going for a wing back defence or 7m midfield

    2. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      It's not that bad people just don't like five defenders on here. Not sure on rashford. You could play around like get laca instead of Sanchez and alli instead of Kane and maybe sane or something

      1. Scout Keith
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I can understand why people don't like defenders but wing back defenders who are known to join attacks can score big both ends of the pitch. Alonso, Trippier and Monreal for instance

        1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I agree I'm going 5-2-3 as well, if it didn't work out I have my wc. And besides last season whenever I had a good defence my team did much better

    3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Shambles. I'm not aversed to 5-2-3 (considered it myself) but Sanchez is killing your game.

      Rashford 7.5 to Lacazette 10.5 and Sanchez 12 to Pogba 8.0 or Sane 8.5?

      1. Scout Keith
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I agree there, when i remove sanchez i could free up funds to upgrade my midfield and my third striker

  29. bigben10
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A or B

    A. Kane, Mhiki, Mane
    B.Lukaku, Ali, Cout

    1. Scout Keith
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A, seems more explosive to me

    2. Viiksisika
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

    3. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B

  30. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Who do we think will be Man Utd's leftback will be? Blind?

    What are the percentages on start probability for the various candidates?

    a) Blind
    b) Shaw
    c) Rojo
    d) Darmian

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I suspect Maureen will rotate depending on fixtures, add Ash Young te the list.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Darmian's the front-runner.