New Signings – Fantasy Premier League 2015/16. Sterling
Manchester City have been relatively busy over the last couple of weeks bringing in Fabian Delph & Patrick Roberts, although it remains to be seen if they join the likes of Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell on the list of players who have ruined their careers by moving to the Etihad. One player who is highly unlikely to join that list is Raheem Sterling. Having had their first two bids rebuffed by Liverpool they finally got their man, breaking the transfer record for an English player in the process. In all likelihood there will be another couple of arrivals at The Ethiad but even if there’s not, the arrival of Sterling and his hippy crack has significantly improved the City squad.
Raheem Sterling
Manchester City
Age: 20
Signed From: Liverpool
Fee: £49m
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It has been suggested that young Raheem would have been better served staying at Liverpool for at least one more season because this would have helped his development as he was assured of playing every week, unless he was feeling tired! However City have not spent £49m on him for him to sit on the bench and therefore I expect him to play a significant role over the coming months as City endeavour to reclaim the title. Despite what some might say, they haven’t signed him just because he’s English, the lad can play.
Having signed for Liverpool back in 2010 at just 16 years of age, he came to the attention of the masses in the 2012/13 season making 24 league appearances, scoring twice and picking up six assists. The following season saw him link up to devastating effect with Messrs Suarez and Sturridge, finishing the season with nine goals and seven assists. Much was expected of him last season, but like his teammates he struggled without Suarez and endured a rather disappointing season. However he still finished the season seven goals and 10 assists and was probably Liverpool’s best player over the course of the season.
There’s no denying that at £49m Sterling is overpriced but he has improved season on season, the problem he faces now is that he’ll be expected to do it every week. So where will he fit in at The Etihad? At Liverpool he played everywhere from right wing-back to centre forward so he’s certainly versatile and while he’s unlikely to be played as a wing-back at City his arrival undoubtedly provides Pellegrini with options. With more arrivals likely at the Etihad I expect City to play a 4-2-3-1 system this season with Sterling on the right of the 3, cutting in to support Aguero. Although he could also play in a more central role closer to Aguero.
As I’ve stated above I expect Sterling to be a regular in the City side with his dribbling and pace complimenting the vision and technique of David Silva and the firepower of Sergio Aguero. This should see him improve on the seven goals and 10 assists in registered last season, and with a starting price of just £9.0m he could very well offer some early season value.
Finally, it’s worth noting that young Raheem’s City career got off to a great start this morning scoring inside three minutes of his debut. It was a typical Sterling goal as he ran onto a pass behind the defence before slotting past the keeper, I suspect we’ll see plenty more over the coming weeks and months!
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Actually really happy with this team!
Can easily go 2 4.5 keepers and uograde Alde to a 5.5 or Caz to Wally but I’m happy with this up until I use my first wildcard. Will look at spending in defence then I think.
Thoughts?
Mr Bean,
I agree, I like that squad also. It is of course assuming J-Rod gets the league minutes he should get but I think he’ll be alright for that.
All the top teams covered in attack so well done. All your defenders look like they will be starters as well.
Really like this team, strong all over and a great midfield.
Morning everyone,
Patrick YNMA
I missed you the other day when you first joined the site so I thought I’d say hello.
Welcome to the site mate, hope you enjoy it. You’ll get to know everyone if you stick around long enough. And don’t worry, nothing is ever taken too seriously around here.
And to clear up “J-Rod” is the shortened term we have here for Jay Rodriguez of Southampton.
Thank you. Having a good time already.
Ah, Rodriguez. Southampton I’m quite sure. That makes sense haha
Cheers
JRod
Azpi
Zaba
Shrek
Donkey
Pikey
Rambo
Bugeyes
Any more nicknames we use?
The Ginger Messi
He is a star.
Hendo
Tekkers
The little S*** elle wants to hurt
#evilelle
I assume everyone is going without Kun for the 1st few GW ?
I think that’s the way everyone has settled on.
Silvers
Until last night, no I was going with him. I’m undecided now. May go Silva & Sterling with Rooney being upgraded and Silva or Sterling being downgraded to accommodate Kun for GW4. Still up in the air though.
Thoughts on not using Hazard and someone like Ki in favour of two 8.5 mil mids? Is it not worth missing out on Hazard? Also, Aguero is pretty much a must have isn’t he? My Benteke and Costa may not cut it..
Patrick YNWA
If both fit and playing I’d say have Hazard and Aguero usually at the expense of all else. My concern is over Aguero starting the season of slowly but I haven’t written him off completely from my team.
Hazard hasn’t moved since first selected if that tells you anything!
It does, to be honest. I thought two solid players might be better than Hazard and and cheaper one, but I guess not. Especially if Hazard scores similarly to last year!
I share the same concerns about Aguero. I’ll fit him in, but replace him with Rooney or someone if he doesn’t end up playing. Also, if one includes Hazard, does that mean no Sanchez?
So far yes…. will change my mind 326235 before seasons starts though
Very far away from such a decision mate.
He’s In there at the moment. As is Haz and Sterlo. And Milno and Harto and Cedrico.
guys,
who are manu defenders nailed on to start? tough call ? ?
lampard9211
I’d think Darmian is the most secure.
LvG said he was brought as back up to Valencia…
PP
No I’m sure he’ll be first choice – at least competing with Valencia, but not back-up.
Read earlier that LvG said that McNair played out of position as a fullback cause Valencia was injured and Darmian was brought in to be 2nd choice.
WOuld be f-ing pathetic. Valencia sucks as a defender.
Dont shoot the messenger Raz
http://www.espnfc.com/manchester-united/story/2529589/matteo-darmian-back-up-for-antonio-valencia-at-united
PP
Thanks for that. I’m surprised but that may be just to get Valencia performing as Steve Nicol mentions.
Interesting reading for those with Darmian though.
DDG I would think. Horrible for FPL having 2 people for each position at United.
Only people I think are nailed on starters is Rooney and DDG (if he stays)
Need a vote Caz or Ozil
Ozil maybe since his higher up and picked up form end of the season last season
Caz is competing with Ramsey and Wilshere and Co for the midfield spot
Tough call though
I personally think Caz will be better if he stays fit played excellent so far pre season and has been the engine for all attacking movements. been attacking far more that Ozil past seasons also so i believe he will out score him point wise.
+1
For the reason Rogue mentions.
ALso, Caz is on set pieces and penalty strikes right?
Oh ya forgot about that… change my mind to Caz
Thoughts on these 2?
A
Ruddy/Rudd
Ward/Huth?Yoshida/Mings/Turner
Hazard/Milner/Walcott/Sterling/Depay
Aguero/JRod/Graham
OR
B
Courtois/Hennessey
Ward/Huth/Cedric/Turner/Alderweireld
Hazard/Milner/Walcott/Cabaye/Anya
Aguero/Deeney/Rooney
PP
I like B better but with a replacement for Turner – not sure he’ll play. Bassong and Martin I think it will be.
Thanks GP.
Turner was a 4m filler… untill someone appears.
Was thinking of Turner and Alder out for Mings and Richards. That way have all starters, cheap but starters
I’m liking the look of team B but possibly leave Aguero out untill GW3 – GW4 he will most likely miss GW1 because of the Copa America but should be back to full standards at the above weeks. also don’t think turner is dead set to start.
Thanks Rogue.
Might look at replacing Aguero and Turner with revelant people and keep 0.5m in the kitty. GW3 get them back and by then a 4m def could have appeared.
Thing is would Pelly rest his best weapon against Chelsea? and if he does play him surely he will want him to get a run in the 1st game?
Ivan and Kane in for Aguero and Turner, leaves me with 0.5m in the bank