FPL: Manchester City picks for away game to Newcastle

Manchester City travel to Newcastle United in arguable their toughest game of the Premier League season so far with their opponents looking organised and ready to continue their good form at home in 2022.

Now with a difficult fixture ahead of City, still an expected win I may add, this week has been a difficult choice regarding the maximum three City players for the Fantasy Premier League picks.

City will be looking to go to St James’ Park and dominate as they have in previous seasons, however, I predict a tougher test this time around. Newcastle look much more of a threat going forward than in previous years, largely thanks to the introduction of Eddie Howe and the feel-good factor back in the northeast.

I have toyed with the idea of including Ederson and Ruben Dias with the clean sheet factor being a consideration, however, I believe there will be a goal against us in this one. A consolation at best.

Joao Cancelo was the closest to making the cut but missing out, again, on the clean sheet bonus. His record against the opponents suggests he could be a worthwhile pick in Gameweek 3 though as the Portuguese full-back has delivered double-digit returns in each of the last two visits to St James’ Park.

Going forward, City will have too much I feel with the influence of our midfield being the strength over Newcastle’s supposed weakness. Therefore, my first pick is Ilkay Gundogan, who scored a ten-point haul last week against Bournemouth and ownership of only 2.5 per cent makes the German a standout differential.

His place could have easily gone to the influential Kevin De Bruyne, however, Gundogan has a better point-to-price ratio thus far.

The next choice comes with a stick and that will be Erling Haaland. After much unjust criticism regarding his performance against Bournemouth, where he managed eight touches, the Norwegian is likely to have more of the game this time around.

There will be space for KDB to exploit passes in behind and the striker will take full advantage of it. I’m predicting a brace for him on Sunday; I still warn against the triple captain being used just yet though.

The final option for me has been the toughest as a pick between three players with it all depending on Pep’s choice, his selection always springing a surprise or two. Phil Foden will be my number one, however his surprise half-time exclusion against the Cherries last week leaves me with doubt, while Riyad Mahrez could get his season up and running again.

I’ve gone for Jack Grealish as I feel he will show his pre-season form and early promise with space left by an advancing Kieran Trippier. Mr Gucci himself will be the main man when taking home the three points back to Manchester.

We will wait and see whether these predictions can ring true, hopefully, your team is doing better than mine and you don’t hold me accountable for my previous selections. Let us know who you are choosing.