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. Your Man With The Hair
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Neto (6m) as first sub a waste of funds? Should i go for a 5m mid and invest the extra cash into first XI?

    Leno
    Stones | Cancelo | Dier
    Bruno | KDB | Son | Saka
    Laca | Kane | Wilson

    (*Neto, Kilman, Fodder)

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

      Yeh go cheaper if he a sub. Cant see any of your other forwards being a rotation risk

      1. Your Man With The Hair
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks, that' what I was thinking, but you just never know!

        Think I'll use funds to do:
        Leno & Dier -> Lloris & Tierney

    2. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Smith rowe 4.4 as a first sub frees up good money and he as good a option as neto in my option

      1. Your Man With The Hair
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I looked at him, but I'm maxed out on Arsenal (Leno/Tierney, Saka, Laca)

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

          How about Darlow instead of Leno, then?

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

    Play this team for a -8, or FH?

    Tierney, Stones
    KDB, Gundogan, Son, Fernandes
    Laca, Kane

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

      Who are you selling. How does it set you up for 19?

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

        And who is coming in for those you sold on the -8

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

        Bench: Mccarthy, Justin, KWP, Bamford

        Selling: Chilwell, DCL > Tierney, Laca

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

    Is Steffen an option at 4.4?

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

      Isnt Ederson back?

    2. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No. Waste of a City spot and unlikely to play

  4. Sid1891
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Long term

    A Justin
    B Dallas

    Thanks

  5. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Worth doing Watkins > Laca? (-4)

    Would mean I have 10 BGW players but is he really good enough to keep for the week after aswell?

    1. AdamJ91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Team would look like this for this GW;

      Cancelo - Dias - Dier - Holding
      KDB - Son - Bruno - Anguissa
      Kane - Laca

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

      Yep, all day long do it

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

      I would. Game against Newcastle next GW isn’t bad either.

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

    On FH:

    a) Cancelo, Dias & Saiss
    b) Cancelo, Stones & AWB
    c) Dias, Stones & AWB

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

      A

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

      b or c. Toss of a coin.

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

      Dias stones maguire an option?

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

        Yep

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

    Rashford or Wilson?

    Can't have both.

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

      Rashford

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

      Rashford

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

        Wish I had the option

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

          Cheers!

          My midfield and attack can be one of the following:

          A:
          Rash
          KDB
          Fernandes
          Son
          -------
          Lacazette
          Wilson
          Kane

          B:
          Saka
          Rash
          KDB
          Fernandes
          Son
          -------
          Laca
          Kane

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

            B all day.

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

              Saka over Wilson?

  8. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo or Gundogan?

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

    FH:

    A) Foden, Maguire, Cancelo (McGoldrick, Saiss, Mitchell)
    B) Wilson, Cancelo, Dias (Saiss, Mitchell, Anguissa)
    C) Gundogan, Maguire, Dias (Wilson, Coady, Mitchell)

    Rest of Team:

    Lloris
    Tierney
    KDB, Fernandes, Son, Saka
    Kane, Lacazette

    Cheers

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

      B probably

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

        Ta. I'm thinking A.

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

    Repost 🙂 (also when are the scout picks?) 🙂

    Rash or Laca?

    A. Rashford+Smith Rowe (3-5-2)
    B. Lacazette+Saka (3-4-3)

    Lloris
    Cancelo, Tierney, Stones
    KDB, Bruno, Son, XXX, XXX
    Kane, Wilson, XXX

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

      B

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

        Yeah just seen your team above so expected that reply 🙂

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

          🙂 I like the 3 x Arsenal this week.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B.

      Pretty much template. Swap Stones for AWB then you are on template exactly.

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

        Isn’t it better to go someone like Rashford and move away from the template then?

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I like the template tbh.

        2. FFSbet.com
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          This is the GW for template,FHers will have 3-4 more good players over average.

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  11. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    % chance Luke Shaw starts ?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      59

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        50*

  12. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I can get this team with my 2 FTs. Save FH?
    I can also get DDG for -4 to get 8 players and set up for the double GW with 14 DGW Players (if all scheduled GW 19 games go ahead)

    Cancelo Dias
    KDB(c) Son Bruno Rashford
    Wood

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

      Do the -4 I reckon and it looks alright.

  13. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    On FH

    A) Lloris, Tierney, Laca

    B) Leno, Dier, Rash

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      Looking at similar ideas to upgrade Laca >> Rash. Saka >> Smith Rowe perhaps. Be interested in other people’s input

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

    Hi mate !

    I had 2 FT for GW18 and I use them to Salah > KdB and Anguissa > Soucek. If Aston Villa was playing, I would have 10 players playing without replacement possibility but now I only have 7 player playing because of Villa postponement. Here is my team :

    Martinez*, (McCarthy)
    Konsa*, Stones, Mitchell (Justin, KWP)
    Grealish*, Son, Fernandes, KdB (Soucek)
    Bamford*, Wilson, Kane

    0.4 itb

    7 player playing because Martinez, Konsa, Grealish and Bamford don't play GW18. I would like to FH but if I do that, I will lose KdB and Soucek I bought with my 2FT and now KdB is 0.2 expensive than when I bought him and Salah is 0.1 cheaper.

    Knowoing that I planed to take Dallas for GM19 but it won't maybe be possible if I lose the profit made with Kdb over Salah's lost, would you keep this team to hold FH or FH and buy De Bruyne and Soucek next week for -4 ?

    Cheers !

  15. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is this team to light in the back, or am I ok?

    Darlow
    Stones Wan-Bissaka Holding
    KDB Bruno Rashford Son Saka
    Kane Lacazette

    Considering downgrading either Saka to Smith Rowe or Lacazette to Wilson to upgrade the back 4

    1. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Darlow may not start?

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

        Might have to go with leno and go Clark over Holding in that case. If not going Wilson over Lacazette

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

      I'm considering a very similar team. Although I have Maguire & Ramsdale rather than Darlow & WB.

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

        alternatively you could ditch Saka, have Wilson and have an even more ropey defence. That's what I'm also considering!!

    3. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dubravka is back, Darlow at risk

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

        Thanks for the heads up, need a starting GK

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

    Brewster or Burke first sub?

    1. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going Burke then Brewster but it's fingers crossed I don't need them.

  17. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hows this FHT looking

    specific questions

    a. Reguilon nailed enough? (Bavies played cup game at weekend)
    b. Worth eeking out £1.3m more to get Rashford instead of Laca (would probably involve going 4-4-2 - Saka to Rash, Laca to Brewster)

    thanks

    DDG
    Reguilon. Stones. Cancelo
    Kdb. Son. Bruno. Saka
    Wilson. Kane. Laca

    4.0. ESR. Yedlin. Mithcell

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

      If you insist on a Spurs defender I'd go Dier.

  18. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Going forward, who would you leave out?

    Kane - shu, LIV, bha, CHE, WBA, mcy

    Grealish - EVE/mcy, bur, sot, WHM, ARS, bha

    Rashford - bur, LIV/ful, SHU, ars, SOT, EVE, wba,

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Grealish

  19. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gundo or Foden?

    1. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gdog

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

        Gund

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

        Cheers! That's how I'm leaning

  20. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    on FH

    a. Laca and Saka
    b. Rashford and ESR
    c. Rashford and Tierney

    1. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      c

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

      sorry scratch C - requires surgery

  21. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Leno + Dias or Ramsdale + Cancelo

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

      A

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

    My midfield and attack can be one of the following:

    A:
    Rash
    KDB
    Fernandes
    Son
    -------
    Lacazette
    Wilson
    Kane

    B:
    Saka
    Rash
    KDB
    Fernandes
    Son
    -------
    Laca
    Kane

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      A is better

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

    Gundo or Cancelo??

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

      Cancelo safe
      Gundo fun risk

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

    Best move here?

    A) McCarthy & Salah -> DDG & Sterling
    B) McCarthy, Mitchell & Salah -> DDG, Dias & Rashford (-4)

    Both give a possible 11 in GW18 and B) gives a better starter in GW18 and an extra DGWer in GW19.

    Cancelo, Dier, Bellerin, Mitchell
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Martinelli
    Wilson

    McCarthy, Forster, Targett, Salah, Bamford, Watkins
    Bank 0.0m, 2FTs

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      i don't like a because sterling might not start

      i don't like b because you are selling mitchell who will play for 3.9m

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

        Yeah would only get Sterling if confirmed fit today.

        Couple of other -4 options below...

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

      Other -4 options instead of Mitchell -> Dias being:

      C) Martinelli -> 7.0 (Foden)
      D) Bamford -> Laca

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        if Martinelli is out injured I would sell him. Not sure on Foden. For me it is just Salah To Rashford and save the second

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          or for the second sell martinelii for gundo / saka / esr

  25. OBAMA
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or Son captain?

    And why?

  26. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Going way to far to punt on Tosun?

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Too*

      1. OBAMA
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yes

  27. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg here?

    Dias, Cancelo, Mitchell
    Sterling, Fernandes, Son
    Kane

  28. Q
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys can you clarify whether you can amend your team on free hit until the deadline? Or is it locked in

  29. OBAMA
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Saka or ESR?

    And why?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      esr, better value. if on fh than saka

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Saka. Better numbers and more owned.

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

      depends what would you do with 0.9

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

    Stones should start right? Thinking going Stones instead of Dias on FH in order to upgrade elsewhere

    1. OBAMA
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd be surprised if he doesn't but I've gone for Dias anyway