Last Monday’s Manchester derby afforded Sergio Aguero the perfect platform to serve Fantasy managers a reminder of his capabilities. Emerging from the bench late on, the Argentine weaved his way through the hosts’ backline before thrashing the ball past David De Gea as United’s stuttering bid for the title continued:
Having helped clinch the league with virtually the last kick of the previous season, Aguero was firmly in many a manager’s plans heading into the 2012/13 campaign. A knee problem sustained on the opening day at home to Southampton saw almost 500,000 jump off the bandwagon by the time September arrived and while Aguero returned to the first-team fold by Gameweek 5, he’s yet to find the consistency that harvested 23 goals, nine assists and 30 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus points in a devastating debut campaign.
Granted, Aguero has failed to mirror his own high standards thus far but has, nevertheless, delivered 10 goals and three assists from just 18 starts and, as he edges back towards full fitness following a recent knee problem, is clearly in the mood to deliver again. While United remain in pole position to wrestle the title back from Roberto Mancini’s side, the remaining fixtures hand City the chance to rack up the points and at the very least cement second spot behind their rivals.
After a FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea this weekend, City entertain Wigan at the Etihad next Wednesday, while West Ham, Norwich and West Brom have all still to pay visit – the Baggies clash is yet to be rescheduled, meaning City still have a double Gameweek to follow. Bearing in mind they also have trips to Swansea and Reading, it’s a fair assumption that Fantasy managers will be eyeing up City’s main assets with some anticipation.
Now down to 10.9 in FPL (9.9 in the Sky Sports game), Aguero has less than 5% ownership in FPL at present and, similar to David Silva, approaches the last few fixtures as a real differential. Providing he’s 100% fit, the Argentine is surely set to start every match from here on in as Mancini attempts to save face in what has been a disappointing defence of the title. Ironically, if United sew up the title soon, owners of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney may choose to freshen up their front three if Sir Alex Ferguson decides to rotate up top – a move to Aguero seems a strong tactic for the remaining matches, then, as the City forward looks to finish the season with a flourish once again.
