Is It time to stock up on Chelsea and Manchester City players?

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Written by James Milburn in association with @FPL_updates

In this article we look at two of the big boys of the Premier League. We investigate whether it’s time to load up on premium attacking threats from one of these clubs or is it more tactical to ‘balance the books’ across both teams with their upcoming fixtures.

Both Manchester City & Chelsea play top 6 opposition just four and three times respectively in the next 20 fixtures whereas the other teams face each other six or more times in the exact same timeframe. This could potentially be a huge differential but also a risk for FPL managers.

Interestingly, Chelsea play just two top six sides before Christmas, Man City play two, whereas the rest all play four or more top six sides before Santa comes.

Fixtures:

Over the next five fixtures both teams face one difficult opponent. Particularly noticeable fixtures are Chelsea v Manchester United and Manchester City v Arsenal.

However, Manchester City have the advantage over Chelsea as three of their five fixtures are played at the Etihad Stadium whereas, three of the five games for Chelsea are played away from Stamford Bridge.

Putting the home advantages aside, Chelsea will be keen to improve on their poor form and capitalise on Crystal palaces’ disastrous start to the season and a solid scoreline could improve confidence in the hope to retain the title.

READ MORE: Is Lukaku just a flat-track bully?

Attacking Options:

Chelsea and Man City they have some of the best attackers in the world. The question is whether the premium prices will be worth the risk or will a budget attacker be worthwhile.

Alvaro Morata – With six goals in seven appearances for Chelsea this striker is a one to be watched throughout the season, when fit. Chelsea medics predict he should recover from a hamstring injury in time for the Champions League fixture against Roma on Wednesday October 18. Morata looks good for 20 goals this year and is a cheaper alternative to the likes Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku.

Eden Hazard – The Belgian wizard is now back to full fitness and if he stays this way could be a real big boost to Chelsea and fantasy managers. He has not performed in the league so far so few managers have brought him in yet. There is risk as he has no form for Chelsea yet but a brace over the international break for Belgium and a fixture against Crystal Palace could see him score freely again.

Gabriel Jesus – Possibly the best young player in the league. Jesus has scored 11 goals for City in just 16 games so far. Pep Guardiola has a tendency to his rotate players regularly and Jesus has fallen foul to this policy twice this season, playing only 45 minutes against Everton and not a single minute against Crystal Palace. A cheaper alternative while Sergio Aguero is out, but he cannot match the Argentine’s firepower when he returns.

Raheem Sterling – With Aguero out, Sterling should be nailed on and playing in an advanced position. His five league goals are testament to his ability to get into the box. He’s started the last three league games but with Champions League football around the corner, Bernarndo Silva and Leroy Sane may get a start ahead of the young Englishman.

David Silva – With six assists from his last seven appearances Silva is certainly on form. Silva has been the most consistent performer for the Citizens and has played 75 minutes or more in every league game so far. The safest option for both returns (Silva leads the league with assists so far) and minutes, Silva will get you points.

Defensive Options

Marcos Alonso – The Spaniard is still probably the best option for points despite his heavy price tag. Chelsea have been struggling as late, with four points in their last three games, but once they have a run of wins I can certainly see Alonso chipping in with assists and even a goal or two.

Cesar Azpilicueta – Azpilicueta has given fantasy managers the returns many thought Alonso would provide. He has assisted Morata for four of his goals so far but his compatriot has been ruled out of the Palace game. He may struggle for attacking returns without Morata but Chelsea’s defence has kept three clean sheets in the last five.

Kyle Walker – City’s backline has conceded just two this season and have had four shut-outs in-a-row. Walker has been involved at the other end of the pitch too with two assists in the league.

Nicolas Otamendi – Otamendi has been a dark horse this season, he has seemed to shine alongside John Stones at the back and is always a threat on set plays. Stoke and Burnley make the trip to the Ethiad next and City could make it six clean sheets in six.

READ MORE: How will a missing Mane affect your fantasy team?

Conclusion

Is it time to buy Manchester City and Chelsea players in bulk? Personally, I think it is time. With the fixtures not just in the next 5 games but the next 20 fixtures with Man City playing 4 of the top 6 and Chelsea playing 3 of the top 6 teams. It may be time to play the wild card if you haven’t already but keep an eye on the injuries of top players such as Alvaro Morata and Sergio Aguero. I must point out two must buys for the next few fixtures, them being Eden Hazard & David Silva. If FPL managers can pick up both in the same squad , then you’ll be laughing.