Though the strength in depth of Man City’s expensively-assembled squad makes many of Roberto Mancini’s players a source of Fantasy frustration, eleven starts in the past twelve games suggest otherwise in the case of David Silva. With Mancini’s preference for three defensive midfielders in the City starting XI, the Spaniard offers the creative flair, supplying the preferred front pairing of Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli.

With City just three points off the Premier League summit right now, a run of fixtures over the New Year that reads (whm, EVE, new, AVL, Blp, ars) give Mancini the chance to firmly establish their top-four credentials and help satisfy owner Sheikh Monsour’s thirst for Champions League qualification. If the team continue to play with a defensive solidity that has seen Joe Hart keep 8 clean sheets already this season, they certainly have the quality in the final third of the field to make a difference; with Silva’s remarkable pace and nimble feet at the heart of their attacking moves, expect the Spanish international to pop up with an assist or two and perhaps make the score sheet.

Priced at £8.5million on the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, Silva owners would naturally insist on a decent return from their investment and with a slightly underwhelming return of 51 points so far this season, his acquisition might be questioned. However, with midfield big-hitters Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, Frank Lampard and Rafael Van der Vaart all still fighting their way back from injuries, Mikel Arteta suspended and Tim Cahill set to depart for the Asia Cup at the end of the month, Silva’s time to prove himself as a weighty asset could well be nigh.

Silva’s low FPL ownership of just 2.1% is one of the player’s most appealing attributes. With Gareth Bale, Nani, Florent Malouda and Samir Nasri apparently all the rage this Christmas, David Silva could be the key “differential” to aid your Fantasy Team. Though it just depends whether you’re the kind of person who can tolerate a snood…