Pro Pundits

The value Man City options on offer for Blank Gameweek 18 and beyond

Planning anything in this crazy Fantasy Premier League season is proving rather difficult. Even as I’m writing this, the Blank Gameweek 18 schedule has changed once again. 

Aston Villa’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur has now been officially called off, and in its place, Spurs’ home game with Fulham has been added.

I keep telling myself to ‘embrace the chaos’, but it does make planning kind of hard! However, as Fantasy managers, we need to adapt quickly, so in this, my latest column, I’m going to talk Blank Gameweek 18, with a heavy focus on Manchester City and their opponents, Brighton and Hove Albion. 

I will also touch upon some of the other teams involved this week, and highlight a few standout statistics relating to them. 

BRIGHTON’S DEFENCE

City’s opponents in Blank Gameweek 18, Brighton, shipped another three goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, which takes them to a total of 28 this season. Only West Bromwich Albion (39), Leeds United (33), Crystal Palace and Sheffield United (29) have conceded more.

However, the defensive statistics suggest they’ve been a bit unlucky. Based on expected goals (xG), they should have conceded just 18.66. They’ve also conceded the third fewest shots.

When analysing the goals they’ve let in, we can see six have been from penalties and seven from set-pieces. That suggests a lack of concentration, or discipline. Whatever you want to call it, it’s worrying, and to highlight it, you just need to watch Dan Burn’s (£4.2m) performance against Wolves in Gameweek 17. 

The fact they tend to switch-off could also stem from the keeper. Before he was dropped, Matt Ryan (£4.3m) was obviously struggling, and I have doubts that Robert Sánchez (£4.4m) is the long-term solution. To be fair to him, he has made some good saves, but he’s still young and will make mistakes.

So, knowing Brighton are susceptible to conceding from set-plays, finding a place in your squad for one of City’s biggest aerial threats, Rúben Dias (£5.8m) or John Stones (£5.0m), makes a lot of sense to me. Dias is due a goal too, having racked up an xG of 0.76 without scoring. It goes without saying that Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) is a good option too, but his set-pieces could be really important this week, which gives him the edge over team-mate Raheem Sterling (£11.4m).

MAN CITY’S DEFENCE, AND THE IMPACT OF DIAS AND STONES

Sky Fantasy Football: Sticks and Stones? Who to bring in before the Overhaul? 2

City have conceded 13 goals in 15 Premier League games this season, and just three in their last 12 in all competitions. Dias has played a huge part in that, and has probably been their best player this term, but Stones has offered real balance alongside him. As a partnership, they’ve given up just one goal in eight starts together!

Pep Guardiola’s side are clearly the best defensive play this week, and when you look at their schedule to follow (see below), a defensive double-up is really appealing.

CANCELO’S POSITIONING

João Cancelo (£5.8m) has looked really sharp this season, standing in at left-back most of the time.

However, with Kyle Walker (£6.1m) out of action, he’s moved to the right, and has often found himself pushing ahead of the holding midfielder when in possession, and occupying spaces on the edge of the oppositions box.

To highlight this, here’s his combined touch heatmap from the recent games against Newcastle United and Chelsea:

In Blank Gameweek 18, City will have a lot of possession in Brighton’s half, and will surely turn to the likes of Cancelo to unlock their defence. I know I say this a lot, but attacking returns look imminent here!

GUNDOGAN’S NEW ROLE

Another player whose role has changed in recent weeks is Ilkay Gündogan (£5.4m), who has been taking up a more advanced position. That’s coincided with goals against West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle and Chelsea.

Rather than playing as a second player in a double-pivot, he’s now more of a number eight and taking up some smart positions in the box, something he touched upon in a recent interview:

“… even though I like to be included in rotating the ball, when I am playing as a number eight and more offensive position, I try to put myself in the spaces where I think something could happen or I feel like the space is not occupied by a player of ours or the opponent. Both goals I scored in the last games were similar in the way they were from the right side and Raheem assisted me both goals and I tried to be in a space where I am free and able to get the ball and finish with one touch. It worked out quite well and as long as I am playing in that position I try to continue like that.” – Ilkay Gündogan

His seven shots in the box and four big chances in their last four matches are more than any team-mate, and his five shots on target are joint-top with De Bruyne. Here you can see where he’s been shooting from over that period, with his attempts on target in green:

If Gündogan continues in this role, I think he’s a viable option, and if you’re not comfortable with a defensive double-up, pairing the German international with De Bruyne could be a nice play.

So, moving away from City, here’s a few standout statistics and observations relating to some of the other teams involved this week:

  • Manchester United have scored 21 goals in their seven Premier League away matches this season, averaging three per game – not bad, is it? It’s also worth noting Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) is yet to blank on his travels, registering six goals and four assists in seven appearances. Yes, Burnley are a decent defensive team, but can be exposed by better sides, and a midfield double-up involving Rashford and Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) looks sound this week.
  • Since Boxing Day, Arsenal have scored eight goals. They’ve also taken more shots and had more attempts in the box than any other side during that time. This week, I see the wide players being key, so Bukayo Saka (£5.3m) is near the top of my Watchlist. Since moving to the right-flank, no midfielder has taken more shots in the box, and he’s also been on corner duties too. However, if you’re working with a smaller budget, Emile Smith Rowe (£4.4m) is another nice option.
  • Though there have been signs of improvement at Arsenal recently, Wilfried Zaha (£7.4m) can cause them problems. Let’s not forget, the Gunners have failed to keep a clean sheet at home this season. I also think they look vulnerable against quick players who like to run at them, which should suit Zaha. If you can fit him in, he should do well.
  • Over the course of the season, only two teams have given up more big chances than Sheffield United. Bearing in mind Callum Wilson (£6.6m) has been directly involved in five of Newcastle’s eight away goals in the Premier League this season, plugging him into one of your forward positions makes a lot of sense this week. The Blades are also on a club record 20 league matches without a win, and are yet to keep a clean sheet.
  • In this climate, filling your Free Hit benches with Sheffield United and Newcastle players looks wise, seeing as they kick off shortly after deadline. The likes of Ethan Ampadu (£4.3m), Jayden Bogle (£4.3m), Rhian Brewster (£4.5m) and DeAndre Yedlin (£4.3m) are all cheap and should get some minutes, and at least contribute a few points from the bench in case of any disruption to Wednesday or Thursday night’s fixtures.

So, best of luck in Blank Gameweek 18 everyone, and thanks for reading!

1,530 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Peekay
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Rashford (v Burnley) or Lacazette(v Crystal palace)?

    1. RealSocialDads
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why have you got this benching headache? Surely bench someone else

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This

      2. Peekay
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry. I meant who to transfer in on a FH

      3. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It's probably not bench players. It's who to buy and formation

      4. Sterling Malory
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bizarre that you even considered this a benching problem

    2. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Upside is with Lacazette, I went through the same thought process

  2. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Another combination to evaluate lads...

    A. Dias Saiss Rashford
    B. Dias Wilson Lacazette
    C. Stones Wilson Lacazette

    Rest of the team unaffected bar bench fodder.
    Lloris
    Cancelo Tierney
    KDB (C) Bruno (v) Son Saka
    Kane

    1. SilentLemonMan
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

    3. Sparky6670
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

      Gives you the same outfield 10 as I have!

      Utd half an eye on Anfield at the weekend and Dias is better than Stones

  3. wattalowz
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lindelof a safe pick on Free Hit?

    Can’t afford AWB.

    Thanks

    1. KINGS
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yup

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not 100% safe. Burnley are physical and play lots of crosses, Bailly more dominant in the air.

      1. MGMT
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Think Bailly is injured

  4. Rbyrne95
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Finally, nearly there, only one wee dilemma left.
    Darlow
    Stones, Dias, Tierney,
    Smith-Rowe, KDB, Son, Fernandes, Rashford,
    Kane Lacazette

    A) Keep
    B) Smith Rowe & Dias > Saka and Saiss or Shaw
    C) Darlow, Smith-Rowe & Dias > DDG, Saka and Fernandez

  5. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best option on FH?

    A. Saiss
    B. Stones
    C. Maguire

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Clean sheet potential probably Stones, Attacking returns probably Saiss, Maguire in the middle. It depends on the rest of your team.

    2. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B. the most likely to score 6pts

    4. KINGS
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

  6. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Afternoon all do we think reguilon will play?
    Have him at the moment on Fh but a little worried.

  7. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which is the most nailed 4.3 Newcastle defender? Yedlin? Manquilo? Is there any reason to select Clark over them?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yedlin at that price point.
      Clark is marginally better but prob not worth downgrading elsewhere to raise the 0.2

      1. SomeoneKnows
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks! Then its settled, Yedlin & Brewster on bench for my FH team

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lascelles 4.2 but so fragile...

  8. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Final decisions time on FH!

    A) AWB, Saka, Laca
    B) Shaw, Rashford, (Brewster)

    In A) either Wilson or Saka will have to be benched - If so who?!

    Lloris
    XXXX, Cancelo, Tierney
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Gundogan, XXXX
    Kane, Wilson, XXXX
    (Steer) ( , Yedlin, Mitchell)

    Cheers and GL all!

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You have faith in United doing the business vs BUR?

        I feel slightly uncomfortable with both options in different ways - going all in on Utd or ARS atm feels wrong!

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You could do Gündogan over Saka in A?

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It’s too hard to call between Laca and Rash for me

  9. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Latest Leeds update that most of you have probably seen anyway:

    https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-southampton-brighton-latest-19606703

    I've got Meslier and Bamford. I'm keeping regardless of no Southampton. They've got Brighton too in the DGW

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      got bamford dallas and sold adams to rodrigo in gw17 in prep for the dwg

  10. Railwayman
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is it a big risk to play this week with 7 players? Most of them would be the big hitters and double City defense. I don't want to use my chips in this week, rather take a punch this week and recover afterwards. What are your plans ?

    1. Maarrrr17
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Im probably gonna take a -8 to put 10 out (including brewster) , then probably a -4 for 10 dgw next week.
      No FH or other chips played i dont think

    2. MGMT
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you get captain right, you will be okay

  11. Villa Velour
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg? FH.

    Lloris;
    Cancelo, Stones, AWB, Holding;
    Bruno, Rash, KdB, Son;
    Kane, Wilson.

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks neat

  12. Alli
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    This FH team GTG?

    Leno
    AWB - Stones - Holding - Clark
    KDB - Bruno - Son - Rashford
    Kane - Lacazette

    Forster - Brewster - Burke - Douglas

  13. ChelseaGuy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Darlow Dias Holding
    B) DDG Stones Dier

  14. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not quite convinced on the Manchester United love right now at either end of the pitch.

    Burnley don't concede many, especially at home and especially on current form. And I'm not sure United are organised enough at the back to be able to defend against the Burnley set piece threat.

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This but I can't afford Sterling, so going for double city defence and Rashford Bruno double up.

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        My thinking is I'm not going well (around the 1m mark) and I want to differentiate myself from the template as much as possible for one week only. It does rely on hoping Fernandes and Rashford fail though which is a big risk!

        I will have to suck up other highly-owned players with good fixtures like Son and Kane, but United in this one fixture - for me a bit of a risk.

        Looks like we're hoping for opposite things so good luck to you!

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Burnley won't score

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Seems unlikely but that I can't stop thinking about that
        Istanbul Basaksehir Ba goal

      2. Rbyrne95
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think this on one hand whilst thinking Burnley ariel threat and United conceded 2 against SU & WB. Constant deliberation.

  15. Slim25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this FH team?

    Darlow
    Tierney, Cancelo, AWB
    Bruno, KDB (C), Son, Foden, Saka
    Laca, Kane

    Cheers!

  16. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Stones or Gundogan? (last City spot)

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones

    2. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      City defender for me

    3. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m on Gundogan at the moment one of the most in form players in the game

  17. Peekay
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to transfer in on a FH.
    a) Rashford (v Burnley)
    b) Lacazette(v Crystal palace)?

  18. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone ever done a wild card on a phone? Bloody laborious task.

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I always do everything on my phone

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can’t imagine how you visualise things

    2. WALOR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's murder - you can't get to a laptop?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’ve never had a computer. So I always use my wife’s. But she’s working flat out at the moment so I’m not even allowed to enter her office let alone use the computer.

    3. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah I hate it. I always break out the laptop for planning decisions.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Don’t mind a simple transfer, but I need the ticker, notes, FPL stats etc all laid out for me.

  19. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any thoughts on this draft please?

    De gea
    Tierney reguilon cancelo
    Kdb (c) Bruno Gündogan son
    Kane(v) Wilson Lacazette

    Button Esr Fernández Mitchell
    Cheers good luck

  20. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    AWB or Maguire a better FH option?

  21. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Good afternoon all. Anything to change here?

    Darlow 4.0
    Tierney Stones Cancelo Kilman Mitchell
    KDB Saka Bruno Son Burke
    Laca Wilson Kane

  22. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one on fh

    A. Ddg cancelo esr
    B. Leno awb gundogan

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  23. Yozzer
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one fellas ?

    A Raphinha to Saka
    B 3.9 def to Holding

    I presume Leeds and Southampton is a non dgw19 now

    1. Saka_me_sideways
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A, but only because Saka is more exciting than holding.

      1. Yozzer
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you

  24. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone on Foden? seems like he is buzzing right now

    1. Saka_me_sideways
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      High risk, high reward.
      Can see the attraction for a one week FH punt

    2. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes and even better pick if Sterling is out

  25. Saka_me_sideways
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Please help guys, I’m having a melt down over who to play out of:

    A: Wilson
    B: Gundogan

    ???

    Wilson probably the “obvious” pick but Newcastle are average at best.

    1. Villa Velour
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is this for a FH?

      1. Saka_me_sideways
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes

        1. Villa Velour
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'd avoid having value on bench then. I like both picks.

          1. Saka_me_sideways
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah I get what you mean, but I wouldn’t mind a semi decent first sub just in case.
            Also really happy with the other 10 starters so nothing to spend it on.

            1. Villa Velour
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah up to you mate. It's just on a FH, imo, you should be getting the most value out of the 11 players you can and then play fodders on bench.

              1. Saka_me_sideways
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Lloris
                Maguire / Teirney / Cancelo
                KDB / Son / Bruno / Saka
                Kane / Laca

                That’s the other 10, for context... feel like it would be spending money for the sake of it.
                Really appreciate your thoughts tho.

                1. Villa Velour
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Yeah that's a strong team, I see what you mean. Only thing I'd consider is double City defence over Gundo.

                  1. Saka_me_sideways
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Thanks.
                    Did think that in a 4-4-2... feels a bit odd on a FH though, attack is more fun to own.

    2. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gundo imo

      1. Saka_me_sideways
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

  26. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start ESR (have Tierney and Laca) or Wilson?

  27. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best 4.9m defender?

    Already have Stones and I'm unsure about whether Shaw will start. Someone help pls?

  28. FPL Bond @ Twitter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any WC template team for GW 18 that works for 19 as well?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sure

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Give Let'sTalkFPL latest video a watch, Andy's content is good.

  29. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bowen or Barnes on WC ? Have soucek and vardy. Thanks

  30. FPLMarc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Torn between:

    - Saka or Gundogan
    - Lacazette or Wilson

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Saka & Laca

    2. Saka_me_sideways
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tough one, but surely A gives you money to spend elsewhere?... therefore that one.

      1. ChelseaGuy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A?

        1. Saka_me_sideways
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes

    3. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Saka Laca