As Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers prepare for gameweek three, several Manchester City players are attracting significant attention. The upcoming fixtures, particularly against promoted teams, are influencing decisions for many FPL participants.
One of the primary considerations for managers is whether to use a Wildcard or Free Hit chip. A Wildcard allows for rapid adjustments to a squad, boosting team value, and enabling investment in teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, who have favourable home fixtures against Coventry and Hull respectively in the coming weeks. The Free Hit chip offers an alternative, providing flexibility to navigate challenging fixtures such as the one between Arsenal and Chelsea, while also considering players from teams like Brighton, Newcastle, and Brentford.
Key Manchester City Assets for Gameweek Three
Erling Haaland (£15.5m) remains a central figure for FPL managers. With a substantial ownership percentage, he is a popular choice for the captain’s armband, especially for those considering using their Triple Captain chip. His performance against Coventry is anticipated, given Coventry‘s defensive vulnerabilities and Manchester City‘s recent strong showing. Haaland had a clear midweek break before Saturday’s match at Etihad Stadium. While City also have home games against Ipswich in gameweek seven and Hull in gameweek 16, these fixtures coincide with periods of heavy Champions League congestion.
Midfield options from Manchester City are also prominent. Rayan Cherki (£7.7m) has emerged as a top priority for gameweek three, experiencing two price rises and becoming the most-bought player this week. His impressive recent outing has positioned him as a leading midfield selection. Despite not starting in gameweek one, his two goals and two assists across the first two gameweeks have made him one of the most transferred-in players. However, questions regarding his long-term role at Manchester City persist.
Phil Foden (£7.0m) is another player under consideration. He has demonstrated stronger underlying expected data compared to Cherki over the initial two games. Foden‘s ability to deliver significant points hauls, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Enzo Maresca‘s preferred defensive lineup, suggests he could be a valuable addition alongside Haaland and Cherki, particularly for those using a Free Hit chip. Foden has been involved in a total of five big chances, which is more than both Haaland and Cherki.
In defence, Josko Gvardiol (£5.6m) is highlighted as the best option among Manchester City‘s defenders.
Wider FPL Player Considerations
Beyond Manchester City, other players are also being evaluated. Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m), captain of Manchester United, is considered an ideal FPL asset due to his talismanic role, involvement in set-pieces, and consistent availability. He is seen as a stronger option than Cole Palmer (£9.6m) or Bukayo Saka (£9.5m), though he is also considerably more expensive. The decision to switch to Palmer or Saka might depend on captaincy plans, as these players offer alternative armband options.
For goalkeepers, Konstantinos Tzolakis (£4.6m) of Hull City leads the standings with 20 points, having secured two clean sheets, six bonus points, and two save points. He faces an Aston Villa side that has shown a league-low number of shots and shots in the box, suggesting potential for further returns.
Defensive options include Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) of Liverpool, who offers potential for points from both defensive solidity and aerial threat from set-pieces against Ipswich. Nathan Collins (£5.5m) of Brentford also presents a strong aerial threat, with five headed shots from set-pieces, more than any other defender in FPL. Maxim De Cuyper (£4.7m) of Brighton & Hove Albion, listed as a defender but playing in a winger role, has already contributed a goal and an assist in gameweek one.
Midfielders like Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.9m) of Nottingham Forest, now on penalty duties, faces a Tottenham Hotspur side that has conceded multiple goals in their opening matches. Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) of Liverpool, who handles dead-ball duties, is set to play against an Ipswich team that has conceded a high number of big chances.
In the forward line, Alexander Isak (£9.0m) of Liverpool, who scored his first goal of the season recently, is expected to perform well against Ipswich‘s defence. Igor Thiago (£8.0m) of Brentford, despite not scoring yet, has been a threatening forward, with three big chances and seven shots in the box.
Navigating Early Season Decisions
FPL managers are advised to resist making hasty conclusions based on just two gameweeks. While early results provide information, they do not offer all the answers. For instance, a player blanking in two gameweeks does not automatically make them a poor asset, as demonstrated by Bruno Fernandes and Erling Haaland, who both delivered significant points after an initial blank. Similarly, a single large points haul, such as Cherki‘s, does not always justify immediate team restructuring or taking a points hit.
It is important to assess a player’s role, expected minutes, underlying threat, and upcoming fixtures rather than solely focusing on points totals. The impact of new signings, such as Daniel Munoz (£5.4m), Bradley Barcola (£8.0m), and Jack Grealish (£6.5m), is also being monitored, with advice to wait at least a week before bringing them into a squad.
The FPL gameweek three deadline is set for Friday.
Source: bbc.co.uk