DREAM TEAM managers can have no complaints about Manchester City’s attack this season.
Erling Haaland (£8.1m) is comfortably the game’s top performer again this term with Phil Foden (£5.1m) and Julian Alvarez (£4.3m) also among the top eight.
And there’s plenty of points to be had if gaffers catch Jeremy Doku (£4.3m) and Bernardo Silva (£4m) at the right moments too.
In defence, however, there are huge question marks.
Pep Guardiola’s conceded three goals at home to Tottenham on Sunday to register their third consecutive draw in the Premier League.
In fact, the treble winners have conceded ten goals in their last four outings in all competitions.
More broadly, City have kept just three clean sheets in 17 fixtures since the start of September – certainly not a record that tallies with the general perception of the reigning champions.
John Stones (£4.4m) has been absent for the majority of the campaign through injury and perhaps that’s been a factor but given the experience and quality of the regularly-selected individuals at the back, it’s still a surprise Guardiola’s men have conceded as many goals as they have of late.
Naturally, this has translated to severely underwhelming returns in the realm of Dream Team.
Ederson (£3.4m) has registered four points since the start of Gameweek 12 and now finds himself sixth in the goalkeeper rankings.
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This is notable because the Brazilian is by far and away the most-selected asset in his position with an ownership of 21.6%.
Similarly, Kyle Walker (£3.4m) is the second-most popular defender right now with the rapid right-back featuring in 33.3% of teams – he too has mustered just four points across his last four outings.
The England international’s total of 74 points puts him joint-15th among defenders – a clear disparity between his performance and his popularity.
Both Ruben Dias (£3.9m) and Nathan Ake (£3.7m) are among the top ten most-selected players in their position as well and yet they have just 58 points each to show for their efforts – 31 defenders have more at this stage.
Simply put, Ederson and his defenders aren’t worth the investment on current form but will the schedule facilitate an reversal of fortunes soon?
City travel to Villa Park to face the Premier League’s top scorers in midweek – a tough test – but they face a friendly double header of Luton and Red Star Belgrade in Gameweek 15.
After that, it’s Crystal Palace, Everton, Sheffield United and Huddersfield – a favourable run that extends into the new year.
There’s every chance Walker and company will replenish their points in the coming weeks but surely the best strategy is to back to Haaland and the attacking assets.
Dream Team bosses who own both Ederson and Walker have a decision to make this week: stick or twist?
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Nick Elliott
