FPL

FPL team guide 2021/22 – Manchester City: Best players, stats and more

Our team-by-team guide to the new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season continues with this preview of Manchester City.

After a slow start to the 2020/21 campaign, the Citizens won the Premier League title at a canter and finished 14 points ahead of second-placed Manchester United.

City will undoubtedly finish in the upper echelons of the table this season too, though selecting their FPL assets that will gain the most minutes is a much trickier prediction.

FPL price reveal and launch reaction from three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser 1

The Gundo-wagon

Cancelo finally delivers big haul as Gündogan shines in KDB's absence 2

Ilkay Gundogan (£7.5m) was one of last season’s most profitable bandwagons, having ended the campaign as City’s top league scorer (13).

He was pivotal to the run which smoothed City’s path to the title, as Guardiola’s outfit won 15 consecutive games from Gameweek 14.

That came after a 1-1 home draw with West Brom, in which the German midfielder also netted.

But Guardiola put the winning run that followed down to a return to Man City’s principles.

“After that game I had a feeling this isn’t a team I can recognise. I didn’t like what I saw. We could have won at Tottenham (GW9) and West Bromwich but I didn’t like [the way we played]. We talked with Juanma [Lillo], Rodolfo [Borrell], Manel [Estiarte], Txiki [Begiristain] and I said we have to come back to our first principle.

“We started to rebuild and reconstruct the team from that point. We had success in the past and [we had to] come back on our positional play, move the ball quicker, do more passes, stay more in position, run less with the ball.” – Guardiola speaking on February 12

Speaking to BT Sport in March, Guardiola added:

We adjusted something, to put more players in front of the box. But especially it was the day after the West Brom game (that we changed), when we drew 1-1 at home.

Those adjustments particularly benefitted Gundogan, who scored 10 times between Gameweek 14 and Gameweek 25.

However, another tactical tweak from Guardiola – along with a policy of heavy rotation – saw the Germany international become much less influential in the final third from Gameweek 26 onwards.

Above: a comparison of Gundogan’s xG shot maps

As can be seen from the above map comparison of the xG of Gundogan’s shots, the midfielder’s license to get into the box was somewhat revoked in the latter part of the season.

It must be said that he started all games in the first period (GW13 – GW25) versus six starts in the second period (GW26 – GW38).

With that in mind, Gundogan had 26 efforts in the box over those 13 starts while managing just six between GW26 and GW38. His xG also tailed off significantly, from 7.01 to 1.81.

Home alone

De Bruyne goes off with injury and Holeš emerges as budget enabler

This downturn in Gundogan’s numbers coincided with the return of Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) to the Man City XI.

That’s not to say that De Bruyne suddenly made his team-mate a bad Fantasy asset, it just saw Guardiola make another system change.

The Spaniard operated with a veritable ‘front four’ of De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez (£9.0m), Phil Foden (£8.0m) and Bernardo Silva (£7.0m), the Belgian occasionally operating as the nominal spearhead of the attack – something we may see more of in 2021/22 considering that Sergio Aguero has departed and a like-for-like replacement still hasn’t arrived.

That saw Gundogan move into a double-pivot midfield slot, alongside Rodri (£5.5m) or Fernandinho (£5.0m), rather than his previous position in Guardiola’s 4-3-3 – in which De Bruyne also featured before suffering a hamstring injury in late January.

Now £2.0m more expensive than last season’s starting price, Gundogan’s viability as an FPL pick will come down to Guardiola’s set-up once more.

Whether or not De Bruyne will be available for City’s Gameweek 1 opener at Spurs is anyone’s guess, after the Belgian admitted he played through torn ankle ligaments in his country’s EURO 2020 quarter-final defeat to Italy.

“For me personally it has been four or five weird weeks. But I especially want to thank the medical staff. It was a miracle that I played today because there was definitely damage to my ankle – a tear in my ligaments. But I felt responsibility to play for my country today. Too bad I couldn’t do more.” – De Bruyne speaking on July 2

His potential absence could also have knock-on effects for other City attackers. We can only hope for an official update ahead of Gameweek 1.

De Bruyne managed 18 attacking returns last season, in a campaign interrupted by injury and Champions League prioritisation.

That compared to a ludicrous 36 goals and assists combined in 2019/20, where the Belgian started at £9.5m before being hiked to £11.5m for 2020/21.

Despite a less than stellar Fantasy season, De Bruyne has earned another price increase to £12.0m this time around.

The underlying statistics, rather than the tangible FPL returns, point to the reason why: the premium midfielder had the best rate of both shots and chances created among Man City assets in 2020/21.

418 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone watching Bra Ger, is it just me or does the #10 Kruse look really overweight for a pro footballer?

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      he is 33

      1. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Is that an excuse?

        Hes still a pro player. There are plenty in epl similar or older that aren't carrying the extra weight like him.

        1. OverTinker
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          May be thats why he was allowed by the club to go to Olympics 😀

          1. jason_ni
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Could be it!

  2. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Nice first half hat-trick from Richarlison at the Olympics.

    1. Dogs Of War
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      As an Evertonian it makes me nervous. Go away Real Madrid!!

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

    What happened to the fixture ticker? How do I get it back to 5 games with +/- options?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Not loading for me

  4. Muller Reus Corner
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How does my first draft look?
    Sanchez, Bachmann,
    TAA, Chilwell, Digne, Ayling, 4m
    Salah, Bruno, Buendia, Raphinha, 4.5m
    Watkins, Iheanacho, Toney

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Draft looks like 90% of the others, template and boring

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        That's good, isn't it?

  5. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    oi oi, 2-0!

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Which game?

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Australia v Argentina

  6. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Will we even hit 5 million players this season?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Next question.

        1. R.C
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          See up

  7. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this Salah+Son draft

    Bachmann
    Digne Coufal Lamptey
    Salah Son Havertz Raphinha
    Cavani Nacho Watkins

    4.0 ESR Stones 4.5 def

    1. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Too much money on bench

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        is it? Just ESR Lamptey 4.5def on bench if I change the players

        1. Brehmeren
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Since you are not going to bench any of your front 7 for ESR I would downgrade him and spend the 1m in defence.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Not utlising the Bruno cash properly

    3. Nay08
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      not sure cavani will alway play.
      daka is a striker too right if I'm not mistaken? so need to watch that to nacho first.
      at 5.5 I prefer shaw or digne rather than stones

    4. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I like it.

      Could downgrade one defender to get TAA instead of Coufal/Stones/Digne.

    5. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Cavani choice great for the start. He’s going to bang a ton of goals in the first few games for United.

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

      In a normal year, I would agree that it is bench heavy, However, I expect this season to be similar to last, with players regularly dropping out with Covid or being rested (many teams seem to be getting stronger back up options in every position). So my current plan is to have at least two decent bench options and possibly even 3 (although I appreciate this requires some team sacrifices).

  8. Nay08
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    hi guys need some suggestion for the best:
    1) 4.0 Defender
    which means the player has the best chances of getting minutes. maybe like Mitchell last year.

    2) 4.5 Defender
    which means the player can be a safe 2 pointer from the bench if needed. a chance to get some goals/assists will be a great bonus.

    those players will mostly be my 2nd and 3rb sub anyway but just want to maximize chances of getting point a little bit if somehow they are needed to come in.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      As of now, go with Lowton-Bardsley combo.

      Hoever, Manquillo, Williams for shortlist.

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Omobamidele is another option if Norwich chooses to ever install a 3atb.

    2. Nay08
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      damn number 2 was meant to be 4.5 Midfielder lol dumb me.

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        4.5 mid I am undecided, Gilmour currently.

  9. Kristobal
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts of Diogo Jota?

    Very much a rotation player or a gem?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      prefer Robbo/Trent

    2. Nay08
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      if Firmino get an extended holiday because copa America. Jota might play first couple games. but I still prefer trent/robbo

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        They have been experimenting Ox as no.9

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

          Pretty sure that is because they had no options for that game. Jota only came back to training the day after their match.

          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Nope they've been practising like that for a bit

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

              Well they couldn't practice with Firmino or Jota seeing as they were on holiday...

              1. R.C
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                I meant experimenting. Where's else will Ox play? They don't have back up for everyone in the front 3 so makes sense

  10. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    If you had to pick one between TAA and Son, surely you'd pick Son right?

    Considering he's on corners, free kicks and will score loads

    1. Nay08
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      umm not apple to apple comparison so hard to choose if without another option of pairing

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Depends what you do with the other 2.5M obviously. Money no object well probably Son yeah, but 2.5M is the difference between a Gilmour/Brownhill > Raphina/Barnes/Buendia ect ect

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yes.

    4. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      TAA for me.

  11. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hendo going to be #1 this season? Or will De Gea get some playing time?

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

      Apparently he's going to be first choice but surely if he makes a couple errors there will be pressure on Ole to play De Gea. I much prefer Shaw for 0.5 more anyway and don't fancy a United defensive double up.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I might double up then with AWB and Hendo.

  12. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    You think Emi can get close to 186 points like last time? Not bad returns for a 5.5...

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'm going Emi unless Henderson nails that spot down...

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No, loads of good fortune in there, sometime keepers have these runs they just save everything, Same as de gea was at a time

    3. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Villa's style is perfectly suited to keeper points. I think he'll be the top keeper again.

  13. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Jiménez averaged 187 pts a full season under Nuno. Surely Kane will do well as Nuno makes him the focal point of attack.

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Son*

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Kane will do well no matter what

  14. farmerfat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is it a bad idea benching Raphinha in gw1?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Not unheard of. Some are playing Lamptey over him.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Depends

      Low chance of backfiring, probably wont get more than 5-6pts

    3. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think Leeds have a very good chance at winning of Old Trafford. Their goal involvement is so split that double figure hauls are rare, but I think he'll probably get something.

    4. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      just don't see the risk in starting him.

    5. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

  15. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    which 5 looks stronger

    A) Sanchez, Digne, Buendia and Wilson

    B) Henderson, Lamptey, Grealish and Toney

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B with Buendia over Grealish

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      which 4 sorry

  16. Budgies
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How's this?

    Sanchez, Martinez
    Shaw, TAA, Coufal, Fofana, Aarons
    Jota, Bruno, Mahrez, Buendia, Saka
    Iheancho, Watkins, Toney

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No Kane, no...

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Heh. Actually no one's got Kane - except me. I've knocked up a 'with Bruno' draft and a 'with Kane' version.

        NKNG - mostly template picks. But ...

        Aarons has terrible opening fixtures. Not sure how nailed Saka, Mahrez and Jota are. Would be horrible if you're forced to start Aarons when Canaries concede 9.

  17. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Ticker down for me....

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

      For all of us

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Good to know

  18. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    New team without Liverpool players...

    Sanchez
    Digne, Castagne, Shaw, Creswell
    Son, Bruno, Smith-Rowe
    Kane, Cavani, Toney

    Foster, Harrison, Manquillo, Gilmour

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      tinkering gone too far 😀

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Haha probably!

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I just added my third Pool player 😀

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Last week I had 3 of them too. Who knows next week!

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Maybe you will have 3 Brighton and 2 Watford.

          1. Amartey Partey
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Ooooo now you’re giving me ideas!

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      And here I am with 3 pool.

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I’ve got a funny feeling Norwich are going to shock them. They will probably smash Burnley at Anfield though.

  19. One Man
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    With De bruyne expected not to return right away. Will Gundogon become a better option to start with ?

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

      If De Bruyne is out Gundo does become a viable option imo.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Risky to pick any City players in GW1... Unless it's Ederson.

    3. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Probably

  20. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    The ticker is down and I’m having a panic attack

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Ticker as in your heart?

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Working like trickle down economics.

  21. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Mane for the first 2 GWs and then switch to Bruno (or Son). Bad idea?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Not really, can work

    2. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Why drop Bruno?

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I don't think I will ever trust Mane again after I TC'd him for a 3 pointer. I have never recovered. 😀

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Oh god, did you have to remind me 🙁 🙁 🙁

  22. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I've nailed down the best team and I am not sharing my draft!

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      C'mon, don't be bashful...

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      pretty much template then

    3. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I give it 30 mins until it’s posted

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        31 till it’s shredded then 🙂

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I will find you at 4,098,324 OR after GW1.

    5. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      You shared it an hour ago.

  23. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez 4
    TAA Digne Shaw (Lamp/Ayling)
    Salah Bruno Rafa ESR 4.5
    DCL Nacho Watkins

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Shaw might not start GW1

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      It’s fine, template except esr, just make shaw AWB if he’s not playing

  24. mattyb09
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I'm as aware of his lack of efficiency as anyone...But is Jesus at 8.5 as the main striker on the best team in the Prem not great value?
    He and Mahrez are in my lineup at the moment.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Not if Pep doesn't pick him.

      1. mattyb09
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Are you thinking Ferran up top?

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Could be, or Raz, or Riyad, or Kev. Pep likes his fluid False 9 gig.

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

            Or Foden, Bilva, Gundo :p

          2. mattyb09
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            True. Might be a bit risky to start with anyone but KDB in attack until we figure out what this lineup will look like.
            One or two of Mahrez, Foden, Ferran and Jesus will explode this year in my opinion.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      gametime concerns

    3. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      He isn't the main striker though is he. Aguero was out majority of last season and Jesus got 115 points. Try again.

  25. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Good to go?

    Bachmann
    Robbo, Coufal, Lamptey
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Harrison
    Watkins, Antonio, Toney

    Foster, Ayling, Brownhill, Manquillo

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

      G2G . My only concern would be thin bench.

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I can downgrade coufal to fofana and upgrade 4.0 def to someone 4.5

        1. Haa-lala-land
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          You're starting XI all look nailed first teamers for their clubs. None of them appear rotation risks. Perhaps a full bench wouldn't be necessary here. Ayling and brownhill nailed too.

          1. Haa-lala-land
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Your*

  26. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Digne is a private joke but if I decided to spread Bruno cash think this gives plenty of bang for buck.

    Don’t see any risk in ESR Tierney Mahrez Lamptey 🙂

    Bachmann Foster
    TAA / Digne / Tierney / Lamptey /Omo
    Mo / Son / Mahrez/Sancho / Grealish / ESR
    Nacho / Watkins / Obafemi

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      How much is Sancho?

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

    H2H league : 3 CITY ( GD-GS-GA ) . Code : tcdgk1

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      What is that?