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

    Rashford or vardy on WC ? Thanks

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      vardy for me

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

        Cheers

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

    Is Sterling gonna play??

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Presser in just over an hour, hopefully we find out then.

      I already have him in my side, so it's a nervy wait for me.

      1. The Onetouchables
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Just tacking onto this...we will discuss in a hour because I have him too. Going for KDB & Sterling with son over having Kane

  3. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH Team.....v poor TV

    Lloris (4.0m)
    Cancelo Stones Shaw (Mitchell Kilman)
    KDB (C) Son (vc) Bruno Saka (Smith-Rowe)
    Kane Lacazette Wilson

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

      Looks good to me.

    2. Bring the Cavalry
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Good team but would rather tierney over saka in a 4-3-3 if you can move sums about to get him

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

    How's this looking on a FH?

    Leno
    Tierney Cancelo Stones DeYedlin
    KdB Fernandes Rashford Son Saka
    Kane (c)

    (Forster, McGoldrick, Brewster, Mitchell)

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

      Dier instead of Yedlin if you can afford it

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

        Downgrade McGoldrick to a non-playing ST and it's doable. Trying to work out if it's too risky having such a weak bench.

  5. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which FH is best?

    A) 3-5-2
    Leno
    Dier - Stones - Dias
    Bruno - Rash - KDB - Son - Saka
    Kane - Wilson

    Playing bench: Mitchell

    B) 3-4-3
    Leno
    AWB - Stones - Dias
    Bruno - KDB - Son - Neto
    Laca - Kane - Wilson

    Playing bench: Mitchell, Kilman and Burke

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

    Panic people, paniiiiic!

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

      Why?

      FH team is easy. Took me 5 mins looking at most transferred in players on FPL website:

      Lloris
      Cancelo Tierney AWB
      KDB Fernandes Son Saka
      Kane Laca Wilson

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

        I'm not the one panicking mate

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

      It's only FPL points ... relax 😆

  7. Genji3lade
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Found a way to keep both Rashford and Laca but it means a non existent bench. Too risky or worth the punt?

    De Gea
    Cancelo Tierney Yedlin
    Smith-Rowe Rashford Bruno Son KDB (c)
    Kane Laca

    (Mitchell, Davis, Douglas) 0.1 ITB

  8. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Worth taking a -4 martinez to DDG? Should get my pts back over the nxt cpl of weeks especially if villa dont have a DGW in gw19 cos of covid.

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

      Considering the same myself, and United fixtures seem good going forward... but some are saying Burnley might score on a set piece, so still thinking

  9. Millie7
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Yedlin - Dias - Holding - Mitchell
    Reidewald - KDB - Bruno - Son

    Robertson + Grealish > Yedlin + KDB for -4 gives me this?

    will be WC next week

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

    Who do you think will get more points total?

    A) Stones and Dier
    B) Dias and Emile Smith Rowe

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

      dias dier

  11. Hect.OR 98th
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What happened to DCL? Just logged on to see he's red flagged. Worth a hit to change to Lacazette?

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

      Hammy

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

      hammy

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

      Hammy, confirmed out by Carlo in presser.

      Get rid

    4. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably not worth a hit because Laca doesn't have a double in 19 - and you may end up even removing him again for 19 to get a DGWer in.

      I'd only take a hit for someone who plays in 18 and then has a double in 19. Although, having said that, I'd consider a Spurs player as they have two fantastic fixtures over 18 & 19

      1. Vlekz
          3 years, 2 months ago

          A hit doesn't look that bad. Laca playing this week makes it a -2.
          Next week it's laca vs new
          DCL vs Aston villa. Again laca looks better on paper for that one too.
          And martial/Cavani are the only options with a gw now and a double next. And well like Jesus they aren't really great options (rotation)

      2. Hect.OR 98th
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        cheers all

    5. Reacher
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A, Laca, Foden, Shaw & Lloris

      or

      B, Rashford, Cancelo, Brewster & DDG

      (If B i would start Yedlin over Brew)

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

        B

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

      On FH
      A) Dias + Zaha + bench
      B) Bench + Gundogan + Lacazette

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

        B

      2. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B)

        do you have another city defender?

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

          Yes Cancelo

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            B then for sure

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

        Look ok?
        Lloris
        Cancelo Tierney Saiss
        KDB Bruno Rashford Gundogan Saka
        Kane Lacazette
        (Areola Bogle Brewster Mitchell)

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          yeah

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            rashford v son is a tough one.

            i fancy rashford to do well, but son's ownership can be a killer

    7. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      pretty settled on free hit

      De Gea
      Cancelo Tierney Dier
      KDB(c) Fernandes Son Foden Saka
      Kane(vc) Lacazette

      Steer Fernandez Brewster Mitchell
      0itb

      any changes?

      Saka to ESR and upgrade bench? Foden to Gundogan and do the same?

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

        Decent. Reckon Foden starts? I prefer Gundo but could be wrong!

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          i fancy foden to start yes. but it's a risk. sterling being out would help. Bernado has also been in good form, so he has plenty of options.

      2. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Federico is a good first sub. I'd be surprised if you needed more than one.

    8. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Start digne or tierney?

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

        Tierney

    9. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Alright so what about this WC18 and BB19 team? 3.1 ITB
      For DGW19 my transfer would be McGoldrick -> Ings OR Rashford -> Salah OR Son -> Salah

      Areola (Martínez)
      Cancelo - AWB - Stones - Holding (Coufal)
      KDB - Bruno - Son - Rashford - Neto
      Wood (Antonio , McGoldrick)

      Ofc I don't have Kane for this GW, but can't have em all.

      1. thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not keen personally. See,s youre making sacrifices to get a BB squad - and I feel you'll lose out on both scores. McGoldrick & Wood are poor picks IMO. Neto doesn';t have a double in 19 (I do like him though), same with Holding. I wouldn't want to be stuck with 2 playing keepers either - one of them whom you're almost never gunna play (Areola).

        I'd sack those bench players off, put more cash into your starting XI and just play TC (KDB/Bruno) in 19 instead.

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I am with you see below. Any thoughts on my WC line up?

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

        Just need Parker to tell us Areola is alright!

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

        Well, somehow on the same boat, looks fine but not keen on Wood and McGoldrick. Are you BB DGW19? Mine is here:

        DDG (Martinez)
        Cancelo Stones Holding (Justin Coufal)
        KDB Bruno Son Smith-Rowe Rashford
        Lacazette (Bamford Rodrigo)

        Playing 10 out for GBW18 and BB DGW19 after Laca Son/Rash > Salah Antonio. Thoughts?

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

          Looks good, but no Kane obviously. And there's always the issue of wasting WC early

          1. Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Kane agree, just one week he will go for DGW in any scenarios anyway. I won't say waste WC, use WC early yes but not waste as it will save me many hit points and give better line up for DGW plus a saved FH. But thx I know what you meant.

    10. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A -8 with this team
      Stones Taylor
      Kdb Rashford Fernandes son
      Kane

      Or this team with -4

      Stones Taylor Mitchell
      Kdb Fernandes son
      Kane

    11. There's Always One!
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hi all. I had 2 FTs this week. I used one to get soucek in before his price rise.

      Now im thinking of Free Hitting. If I do does my Soucek transfer get scrapped?

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

        yes

        1. There's Always One!
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Feck. Such a crap rule

          1. Tommy J
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Probably almost impossible to program otherwise

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

              easy to program, just FPL towers like to make some strange decisions

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

      Ok to lose all value and do Dallas to Stones this week? Keeping in mind Leeds' DGW does not happen. Wont be able to afford him back. Or should I wait till next GW to move Ampadu out for Stones and still have Dallas in the team?

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

        i would keep Dallas all season

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

          Coming from one of my all time favourite players, I will have to consider this for sure.

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

            haha 🙂

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

      So heres my thinking, i want to pick a squad with players that will play incase of a Covid surprise.

      Unsure on Darlow now Dubruvka is back, but really wanted Darlow...
      Mitchell & Lascelles should play so if any Covid surprises they can jump in...
      Rashford i am actually unsure on, i think Burnley will do better than people are saying...

      Darlow / 4.0

      Tierney / Stones / Cancelo / (Mitchell / Lascelles)

      Rashford / De Bruyne / Fernandes / Son / Saka

      Lacazette / Kane / (4.3)

      Can i get some feedback on my notes and team please 🙂

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

        Its a great team. But like you said, GK the only grey area.

    14. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What's the situation with Taylor? Any updates?

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

        50/50 i would say, he is training and Dyce said looking ok or something, i think he is back this week or the double

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

      Have double City defense+Tierney. DDG in goal.
      Now FH comes down to if I wanna get Spurs defender also (442) or Wilson (343)
      A) Spurs defender, Dier/Regulion
      B) Wilson

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

        B or go 352 with Gundo, drop a city defender for a Spurs defender

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

      Any change Cavani starts?

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

        i would say yes a chance for sure

    17. Cak Juris
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A. Lacazette - Neto
      B. Rashford - Saka

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

        B

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

        ouch
        looking at including all 4
        B the better combo

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

          I have rashford, can’t afford lacazette (not sure what the hell happened to my team value!) so going with just Kane. Who would you chose between Sake and Neto?

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

            I don’t know that’s why I’m sacrificing Wilson and playing both
            Probably Saka but have liked Neto all week and don’t like waiting for last game

    18. Footieboot
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What would be best from the moves below? Navigating without FH

      Martinez - Forster
      Stones - Dier - Coufal - Justin - Mitchell
      Salah - KDB - Son - Grealish - ESR
      Kane - DCL - Bamford

      2FT - Currently 7 Players active for GW18

      a) Salah --> Bruno - bank 1 ft to have 2 ft and more info to plan the dgw
      b) Salah + Justin --> Bruno + Dias - Better GW18 and Dias is great for DGW as well but will require a -8 next GW to get Salah back and have to sacrifice both Son and Kane to do that

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

      That Leeds Southampton postponement is a real pain

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Confirmed ?

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

        has it happened? thought it was just rumours?

    20. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      % chance of a start:

      A) Reguilon
      B) Tierney

      A is rotating with Davies, B played 120 mins midweek...

      1. Genji3lade
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can't comment on Regulion but would be confident Tierney starts given Arsenal play Palace last on Thursday

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

      Thinking forward, how do you fancy Vardy's chance of playing both in DGW19?

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

        99% he does

      2. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        good

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

        He has to, being my replacement for Kane.

      4. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Very high chance

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

      For one week only:

      a) Dier
      b) AWB
      c) Maguire

      3 votes and it's a done deal.

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

        A for me, although i have C

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

      Is Mitchell alone enough bench?

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

        not for me, covid is too mad

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

        Risky, in these covid days

      3. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        i think you need at least 1 nailed player on the bench.