Pep’s Differentials
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Since the arrival of Pep Guadiola at Manchester City the Spaniard’s influence is already being seen in his new clubs passing game. Pep likes his teams to play out from the back and use his goalkeeper as an extra defender to pass to, rather than speculative ball up the pitch and lose possession.
This culminated in shipping England number one Joe Hart to Italian outfit Torino on loan and bringing in Claudio Bravo (£5.5m) from his old team Barcelona. Bravo is better with his feet says the former Bayern boss, and its true. In the derby victory over Manchester United, Bravo had 15 touches outside the box, a sweeper keeper if there ever was one.
While he was culpable for United’s goal and his heavy touch almost (and properly should have) gave José Mourinho’s side a penalty for a challenge on Wayne Rooney, Pep was happy. Why? Because he knows there may be a chance of the odd mistake but he started to see his new team play his way and that it was a chance worth taking. Bravo got moves started from the back, it allowed defenders an out ball and dragged United’s attacking players out of position and allowed City’s midfield to control the game.
If this continues it could be worth considering some City midfielders for your Fantasy team. Especially with City’s next two fixtures looking very winable against Bournemouth and Swansea. We look at some premium and cheaper options for your consideration.
Kevin De Bruyne — £10.5m — 9.5%
The Belgian was top class in the derby, finishing with a goal, assist and three bonus points. He is top of Manchester City’s overall ICT chart and looks to be getting better by the game. Pricey, but if KDB can stay injury free he could end up being one of the highest scoring midfielder’s this season.
David Silva — £8.9m — 3.4%
While only having picked 11pts so far this season Silva still looks quality. Annoyingly he seems to be the player who starts the move put doesn’t get the points. Its early days yet and once Agüero is back he will be providing more assists for his team mate again no doubt. He has a small knock and is rated at 25% chance of playing this weekend so would be worth holding off. Liverpool’s Sadio Mané is the same price, which may be a wiser move.
Raheem Sterling — £8.3–15.8%
What a change from last season for Sterling. He looks a player reborn under his new coach. Two goals, two assists and three points bonus points in his first four games has convinced almost 16% of managers to get the winger into their team. Can be a little quiet sometimes, the Manchester derby for example, and maybe doesn’t have that killer finishing of someone like Roberto Firmino (£8.4m) against Leicester say. But Sterling looks like a starter in a City team that will score lots of goals and should be a solid pick unless Leroy Sané (£7.8m) takes a chance off the bench and also takes Sterling’s place.
Ilkay Gündogan -£5.4m -0.6%
Had a promising return from injury during City’s comfortable 4–0 victory over Gladbach. If he gets into the starting eleven and stays fit he has differential wrote all over him. So cheap! Now you could get someone like Xhaka or Dier for that price but they are just not as interesting as this guy. We will be keeping an eye on his progress.
