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. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    4-4-2 with AWB or 3-4-3 with Wilson?

    Lloris
    Cancelo - Stones - Tierney - _____
    KDB - Fernandes - Son - Saka
    Kane - Laca - _____

    1. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I like the 3-4-3

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

      Wilson

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

      343 with wilson

    4. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      AWB

    5. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      3-4-3. Wilson has a higher ceiling and can get a haul from one or two touches at any moment. AWB needs the United defence to be solid for 90 minutes.

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

    Please RMFHT
    0.3m ITB

    Ramsdale
    Stones, Dier, Tierney. Yedlin
    KDB(c), Bruno, Son, Saka
    Kane(vc), Lacazette

    Vernips, Mitchell, Brewster, Anguissa

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

    I've tried out a million permutations on my FH and I seem to have settled on my optimum line-up. It's a 4-5-1.

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      same

    2. Sean
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This is what I'm on at the moment too

      1. LLoris
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Im thinking if I should turn Cancelo into Wilson or not

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

          Considering the same. Also for Tierney.

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

      Yep

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

      Me too.

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not on FH but I have seen the teams here. Most of them on 3 4 3 or 3 5 2 or 4 4 2 look liked adjustments. 4 5 1 is the way to go.

    6. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I like it. Would have done similar if budget allowed as lots of good midfield options.

    7. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I was but now considering Kane and Laca up front

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

        I had that but decided to have both Rashford and Son in midfield.

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

          Kane Laca Son and Rashford here.

        2. umerlfc
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          And if you can have this with a high TV, then 3-5-2 is the way to go right?

          Darlow
          Cancelo Tierney Stones
          KDB Bruno Son Rash Saka
          Kane Laca

    8. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same

      1. Amans94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lloris
        Tierney Dias Cancelo Shaw
        Saka Bruno KDB Rashford Son
        Kane

        4.0 Brewster Davis Douglas

        Looks good to me!

    9. Xna
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I did the same, actually value Rashford more than Lacca or Wilson at the moment.
      Ended up with

      Darlow (Dubravka) (had the funds, no risk option)
      Cancelo - Stones - Aurier - Tierney
      Saka- KDB - Bruno - Rash - Son
      Kane

      Bench: Mitchell (if playing) fodder fodder

      Still tinkering, but the Lacca sacrifice allowed massive upgrades in mid and back, will wait for Pep conf though, as I am tempted by Sterling a lot. If he plays, I might consider bringing him in for Rash, Stones -> holding , Tierney -> Yedlin and DDG on goal.

      Any eye-openers are welcome 😀

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

    Need help A or B

    A
    Lloris (4.0)
    Cancelo AWB Dier (Mitchell, Douglas)
    KDB Sterling Saka Fernandez Neto
    Kane Wilson (Brewster)

    Or B
    Lloris (4.0)
    Cancelo AWB Dier (Clark, Douglas)
    KDB Gundogan Neto Fernandez (Burke)
    Kane Wilson Lacazette

    Which one guys?.

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      Better balance in A. Midfield too weak in B IMO

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

    RP, On FH

    Dias Holding to Tierney Stones
    Yay or Nay?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Y

  6. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH team
    A) Gundogan and Kane
    B) Son and Wilson

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

      A

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

    AWB or Maguire a better pick on FH?

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      50/50.
      Maguire for the odd chance for goals. Awb for assist and baps potential.
      I’d say Maguire is due a goal, so would probably go for him.

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

    no love for Zaha?

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

      Got a feeling he'll get attaching returns

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

        *attacking

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

          me too, Bellerin is terrible

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

            It's just that it's hard to fit him in

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

      No room. Midfield is 4 big ones and Saka.

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

      Good option. Only don't wanna taken another -4.....

  9. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you get Wilson over Saka if it means Mitchell is your only playing sub?

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

      yes

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers Boom

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

      Yepp

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

      I would.

  10. Big Al Stankovic
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you say cancelo is worth a -4 over Stones?

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

      no

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That's not just a -4 that's also a 0.8 that can be used well elsewhere.

      1. Big Al Stankovic
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. That’s obviously the point. The 0,8 will cost me an -4 in the next two gw.

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

      Yepp

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

        Sorry, wrong post

    4. Sloopy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      no

    5. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers all. Given Laporte still not fit for fight, Stones will definetly play as well.

  11. southernrocker1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A or B, help appreciated.

    A
    Ramsdale
    Fernandez
    Rashford

    B
    Lloris
    Dias
    Saka

    1. southernrocker1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      it's basically Saka v Rashford left for me to decide.

      1. Sloopy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Rashford could be captain material, Saka isn't imo.

  12. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will Aurier play? Might put him in instead of Davies

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

      Much more likely to play than Davies imo

  13. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    who do u rather guys?

    A) lloris tierney smith-rowe

    B) leno holding saka

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

      A

    2. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A for sure.

  14. Hullesian
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    a) Gondogan
    b) Foden

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

      A

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

      A

  15. makisss99
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Last thoughts on fh team:
    A 3-4-3
    Lloris,Cancelo,Tierney,AWB
    KDB,Bruno,Son,Saka
    Kane,Laca,Wilson

    B 4-4-2
    Lloris,Cancelo,Dias,Tierney,AWB
    KDB,Bruno,Son,Saka
    Kane,Laca

    So the question is Dias or Wilson?

  16. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one:

    1. Lloris + AWB
    2. DDG + Reguillon

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

      I’m on 2 at the moment a little concerned with regs game time but rested in the cup and see him more likely for attacking returns.

    2. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ddg and reg are both rotation risks. Unlikely, but still enough to create uncertainty.

  17. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one for the next few weeks? Don't need the extra cash from the upgrade to Laca.

    a) Wilson
    b) Lacazette

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

    (C)ancelo anyone? Surely he's due a haul 🙂

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

      I dont trust pep to even play him

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

        This unfortunately

  19. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi, I have taken -4 hit to field this team of 9 players. Can I leave as is, or should I take use the Free Hit (I have all my chips in place FYI)? Thanks

    Leno
    Stones, Cancelo
    KDB(c), Bruno, Son, Zaha
    Williams, Brewster

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don't bother free hitting, but another hit would tempt me considering one of your starters is Brewster.

      1. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hi mate, yeah, was thinking similar too, cheers n g'luck.

  20. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone (besides me) having Smith Rowe in their starting 11?

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

      In a power-midfield it's got to be Saka as my 5th.

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

      I have him too.

      Think he’s an absolute steal at £4.4m.

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

      Yep!

    4. boombaba
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am

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

        Starting 11

        DDG
        Dier Dias Holding
        KDB Son Smith-Rowe Bruno Rashford
        Laca Kane

        Fodder

    5. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. Don't think any of Gundo / Saka and co are much better (or even if they are better at all) and saves a bit of cash.

      Lets me make my other 6 attackers premium or borderline premium.

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

        True. And watching some of the highlights, i really like his Kevin-esque position on the field, included in everything

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

      Been thinking about it. Basically I can have Maguire and Smith Rowe or Holding and Saka. Leaning towards the latter

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

    Cap Son or KdB?

    1. Sloopy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KdB. Feel Fulham could make it difficult for spurs to score (more then one). Imo MCY could score more against BHA.

  22. JamieC180
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Current FH team:

    Leno
    Cancelo, Stones, Tuanzebe
    Son, Rashford, Bruno, Saka, KDB
    Wilson, Kane
    (Forster, Mitchell, 3.8, 4.3)

    OK? I'm happy to punt on Tuanzebe - good form, both Bailly and Lindelof serious injury doubts, and enables me in other areas.

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

    Watkins should.be fine next gw right ?

  24. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    No love for Mahrez, Kun or Jesus? Surely City will score 5 goals

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

      Kun is out. Others are too risky.

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

      pep rotation headache central

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

    Mids template this week is likely

    KDB Bruno Son Saka

    If i go for Gundogan instead of Saka, is it a risk...?

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

      Perfectly fine differential. Mant have 3 Citizens already.

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

      a risk would be going for Ashley Westwood

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

    Can someone help me out please?
    Which team is better?
    A)
    Lloris (£4.0m)
    Cancelo, Stones, Shaw (Mitchell, £3.8m)
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Saka (Smith-rowe)
    Kane, Lacazette, Wilson

    B)
    Leno (£4.0m)
    Cancelo, Stones, Dier, Maguire (Mitchell)
    Bruno, Son, KDB, Rashford, Saka
    Kane (£4.3m x2)

  27. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH comes down to Rashford ,Wilson v Lacazette,Gundogan.

    It’s tough.

    1. JamieC180
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The prior are several furlongs better imo

  28. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB capt and gtg?

    Lloris
    Tierney Stones Cancelo
    KDB Son Bruno Saka
    Wilson Kane Laca
    (4.0, Burke, Kilman, Mitchell)

    1. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Any rotation and/or covid postponement and your bench is garbage

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Decent enough. An extra mil to get a good bench which is stupid

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. Looks good.

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good, TS. Bench is fine given Burke scored in FA Cup, Mitchell has been playing recently and Kilman may get something.

      I am similar to you but with ESR over Saka due to money

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Actually I am 0.1m short of this team but not sure where to find 0.1m from!

        DDG
        Tierney -- Cancelo -- Stones
        KDB (c) -- Bruno -- Son -- Saka
        Wilson -- Laca -- Kane

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Hmmmm, Stones to Lindelof or Shaw?

  29. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I realize this is close/boring but:

    A. Cancelo & Darlow
    B. Dias & Leno

    have Stones either way, have no other ARS/NEW defense

  30. lindeg
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Calm down now, i'm taking a chance and going without kane and bruno on FH.

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

      My hero

    2. Oldie99
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      where else you spending the money? Sterling, Zaha?

      1. lindeg
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        laca and rash, mainly - low team value