The 2024/25 Premier League fixture list has arrived, and for Manchester City fans, there’s a mix of excitement and trepidation.
While the season promises captivating clashes, the Citizens’ opening run throws down a gauntlet, with several potentially tricky encounters.
This article dives into Manchester City’s initial fixtures and analyzes the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) implications. We’ll identify potential gems to acquire and players to approach with caution in the early stages of the season.
A Demanding Start for City – Man City’s Opening Fixtures
City’s opening five fixtures present a significant challenge. Only three of their first six games boast a favorable Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) of two, highlighting the demanding nature of their early schedule. Let’s dissect their opening matches:
- Matchday 1: A trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea kicks off their campaign.
- Matchday 2: A home clash against newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
- Matchday 3: A visit to West Ham United.
- Matchday 4: A home encounter against Brentford.
- Matchday 5: They welcome Arsenal to the Etihad.
- Matchday 6: They are away to Newcastle.
The Best FPL Assets To Own From Manchester City
Given the challenging nature of Manchester City’s opening fixtures, a crucial question arises for FPL managers: which of their assets, if any, are worth including in your team? Here, we delve into the best strategies to navigate City’s demanding schedule and maximize your FPL points.
Strategy One: Two Defenders and One Midfielder
With a limited three-player quota per club in FPL, our options for Manchester City assets are indeed constrained. Here, we explore two potential strategies for navigating their tough opening fixtures:
At first glance, utilizing two of your precious slots on City defenders and one on a midfielder might seem tempting. However, based on their upcoming schedule and last season’s defensive showing, this approach might not be optimal. Here’s why:
- Defense Under Scrutiny: Last season, City only managed 11 clean sheets and conceded 34 goals, a lower tally than their usual standards considering their defender prices.
- Clean Sheets at a Premium: Given the challenging opening fixtures, clean sheets are likely to be scarce for City defenders early on.
Defenders To Buy From Manchester City
If you’re still keen on including a City defender, prioritize players offering additional avenues for points beyond clean sheets. Here are some potential candidates who might fit the bill:
- Gvardiol: The Croatian impressed last season, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists to his FPL tally.
- Walker: A consistent presence on the flank, Walker offers a threat down the wing with his 5 assists from last season.
Important Note:
While Akanji, Ake, and Dias are listed, their selections would be riskier choices based on their lower attacking returns last season. It’s crucial to consider their guaranteed playing time alongside their potential for goals and assists before making a decision.
You can check out our article: Manchester City FPL Key Stats, Top Performers and Season Review for more details on the stats and performance of Man City players last season.
Strategy 2: Prioritizing Attacking Midfielders and a Forward
This strategy embraces a more attacking approach, potentially sacrificing some defensive stability. It’s important to acknowledge that this might require a significant portion of your FPL budget, depending on the chosen midfielders. However, with City’s attacking prowess, it could be a rewarding approach.
Midfield Gems:
When considering City midfielders for your FPL team, a few names instantly stand out:
- Phil Foden: The reigning Player of the Season, Foden offers a consistent goalscoring threat and creative spark, making him a valuable FPL asset.
- Kevin De Bruyne: De Bruyne remains a midfield maestro. His exceptional passing and ability to create chances make him a top FPL pick, despite his potentially high price tag.
Alternative Options:
While Rodri offers defensive solidity, his attacking contributions are less frequent. Bernardo Silva, although a talented player, might be overshadowed by Foden and De Bruyne in terms of pure FPL points potential.
Balancing Your Budget:
Opting for two premium City midfielders and a forward like Erling Haaland will undoubtedly eat into your budget, potentially impacting other areas of your team.
Recommendation:
Carefully consider the final FPL prices before committing to this strategy. While it offers high-point potential, a more balanced approach with one premium City attacker and strong options from other clubs might be a more sustainable strategy, especially during their challenging opening fixtures.
Strategy 3: One Defender, One Midfielder, One Attacker
This approach prioritizes a balanced team composition, utilizing one City player from each position: defense, midfield, and attack. This strategy allows for flexibility with your remaining budget while ensuring some City representation across the pitch.
Maximizing Value:
Here’s how to optimize this strategy:
- Defense: Focus on a reliable defender who offers guaranteed starts and is likely to be priced affordably (around £5.0m-£5.5m). Gvardiol, with his attacking contributions last season, could be a good fit.
- Midfield: Target a budget-friendly midfielder who is a regular starter and has the potential for goals or assists.
- Attack: Erling Haaland remains a premium choice due to his consistent goalscoring threat. However, keep in mind his likely high price tag.
Benefits:
This strategy offers several advantages:
- Balanced Team: It distributes your resources across the pitch, creating a more well-rounded FPL team.
- Flexibility: The remaining budget allows you to invest in strong players from other clubs.
- City Representation: You still benefit from City’s attacking prowess with Haaland and the potential for defensive points from your chosen defender.
Recommendation:
This balanced approach might be the most prudent strategy, especially considering City’s tough opening fixtures. It offers a good balance between maximizing City’s potential and bolstering your team with strong options from other clubs.
The strategies explored here provide a solid foundation for navigating Manchester City’s challenging opening fixtures. However, remember that FPL is a dynamic game. You may choose alternative approaches like owning just one defender, midfielder, or attacker from City, or even opt to exclude them entirely.
The key lies in remaining adaptable. Stay informed by analyzing player stats, recent form, and fixture difficulty throughout the season. This data-driven approach will allow you to refine your strategy and maximize your FPL points as the season unfolds.
You can check out our article: Manchester City FPL Key Stats, Top Performers and Season Review for more details on the stats and performance of Man City players last season.