Fantasy Premier League tips? We’re spewing ’em, so gather round and take heed of three potential Manchester City bargains.
This summer’s big news regarding the reigning champions is that star midfielder Yaya Touré, last season’s top performer in his category by some distance, is staying put.
With free kicks, penalties and long range stunners all in his repertoire, we wouldn’t bet against the Ivorian doing it all over again.
However, he doesn’t come cheap – £11m not cheap, to be precise – so do consult our City-flavoured Fantasy Premier League tips if you’re looking for something a little more affordable…
Samir Nasri – £8.5m
That may strike as a reasonably princely sum for a midfielder, but hear us out.
Nasri should be refreshed and motivated having been excluded from France’s World Cup squad, while the injury to Alvaro Negredo opens up the possibility of him playing just off the striker.
You can have David Silva for £0.5m more, but a) he’s prone to picking up injuries, and b) who’s to say he won’t be drained from Spain’s demoralising World Cup group stage exit?
Aleksandar Kolarov – £6m
Arguably the finest crosser of a ball in the Premier League, and with a thunderous shot to boot, Kolarov’s potential for assists and goals is utterly priceless as a defender.
Manuel Pellegrini generally rotated him with Gaël Clichy last season, with Kolarov tending to start home games and Clichy away.
However, Kolarov being handed the captaincy in the recent friendly against Plzen could be an indicator that he’s viewed as a senior figure in the squad going into the new season.
If rotation persists, check fans’ projected starting XIs on City message boards in the build-up to games. They’re usually right.
Edin Džeko – £8.5m
If the Bosnian forward picks up where he left off last season then he’s an absolute must at that price.
With Negredo injured and Sergio Agüero’s fitness unreliable, don’t be surprised to see Džeko starting the season as City’s first-choice striker.
Stay tuned for more club-specific Fantasy Premier League tips!