Fantasy Premier League: Which City players to pick?

Picking a consistent City performer comes with its challenges given the rotation policy of Pep Guardiola as he manages a squad in all competitions. Especially as there are many selection issues City fans will be waiting for the opening game against West Ham.

The centre-back pairing remains to be seen with Dias and Laporte likely favourites, Cancelo starting in front of Walker or on the left, and who is going to make up the front three. Only, Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri are nailed on to start the majority of the games.

However, those three mainstays won’t be featuring in my opening picks for Fantasy Premier League, so who is going to be pictured in the graphic of the players chosen.

Joao Cancelo – The Portuguese full-back is a key favourite and his attacking threat on either flank has allowed him to score and regularly assist. He played 36 PL matches last season and that consistency will be key, even if City sign Marc Cucurella or not.

He scored 201 points and any repeat will serve any fantasy team, being second in the defender ranks to Trent Alexander Arnold.

His defensive ability and attacking threat combined make him the best full-back in the squad whether he fits in front of Walker on the right or makes the left side his own.

Kyle Walker is a cheaper option at 5.0m and should John Stones partner Ruben Dias in the centre back position then he will prove a popular option.

Jack Grealish – There are many choices within midfield that offer an exciting opportunity for many fantasy experts. Excluding De Bruyne out of the mix, Foden, Mahrez and Bernardo all offer good opportunities to score points within the opening six fixtures should they play.

But it is Super Jack I’m going for as a greater responsibility will fall on his shoulders from Pep now Raheem Sterling has left to join Chelsea. Should rumours regarding an exit for Bernardo then the  Birmingham-born Gucci man could also be trusted in midfield or included within the front three.

City fans will be hoping for a better delivery this year after he admitted to difficulties adjusting to life in his first year in Manchester, with three goals and three assists. A return of 86 points last year has set his price at £7.0m with his inclusion allowing for a splurge on a marquee player like De Bruyne or Haaland.

Erling Haaland – That market player is my final pick as the striker comes with big expectations as all eyes will be on the Norwegian. He is now the favourite to win the Premier League Golden Boot for the league’s top scorer with anything over 25 goals expected.

That means City’s new number nine will certain to hit 150+points for any fantasy team providing he remains injury-free; a recent muscular injury record may cause him problems but any rotation from Pep may help his cause.

£11.5m is a snip in my opinion.

Come the end of pre-season, we may have a greater idea of the first eleven for the first three fixtures and see whether these picks will be good for a points return.

We would like to hear your choices in the comments section or send us your picks with a message on social media.