1.  Aguero

Underlying stats ranking:  –  Fixture ease 1 DGW36      points in last 3 starts:  10

Aguero isn’t number 1 because of underlying or actual stats its a play on the DGW36, the fixtures to the end of the season and his total quality as a player.  He also plays further up the field than Tevez which in my mind makes him the best option.  My number 1 City pick for the DGW36 where its essential you have some exposure in my mind.  Injuries seem to have cleared up and should start.

2.  RVP

Underlying stats ranking:  1  Fixture ease 7    points in last 3 starts:  33

You should never doubt such quality.  Went through a dodgy period in underlying stats but kept the returns coming and now the underlying stats and the returns  have come back.  I personally wont be selling him for Aguero but home to Chelsea may tempt the desperate

3. Tevez

Underlying stats ranking:  –  Fixture ease 1 DGW     points in last 3 starts: 12 

The double game week and the fantastic fixtures make City coverage essential in my mind irrespective of the lack of stats.  To add to that Tevez failed against West Ham and is playing behind Aguero so Aguero is the number 1 pick for me from City.   However if you want a cheaper version then Tevez is the answer.  Has  rotation risk given that Aguero has had rest recently but should play enough to warrant selection in your fantasy premier league team.  Has historically this season shown the ability to score well against poor sides.

4.  Lukaku

Underlying stats ranking: 9 Fixture ease 13 DGW     points in last 3 starts: 25

Another DGW selection although its one hard game away to City and 1 easier game home to Wigan.   Despite a great run of returns the underlying stats have strangely dropped off and he isn’t in the last 6 game top 10 either in gameweeks.  However like RVP his shots in the box and his OT% is very high.  Not great fixtures but still worth a DGW play.

5.  Carroll

Underlying stats ranking: 5  Fixture ease 4      points in last 3 starts:  13

Has been showing improving stats and returns for a while and now West Ham have some great fixtures to the end of the season, starting with the shambles that is his former Newcastle team and finishing with the defensive shambles that is Reading.  Way over priced for a West Ham player but still worth selection

6.  Benteke

Underlying stats ranking: 2  Fixture ease 15     points in last 3 starts:  21

Of the 3 fixtures the Chelsea home game is the tricky one with Wigan and Norwich away.  In great form and has produced great stats and returns all season.  Only ranked  this low due to the DGW.

7.  Ba

Underlying stats ranking: 3  Fixture ease 11 DGW     points in last 3 starts:  13

Only rotation means he is this low in the rankings.  Stats have held up despite the rotation.  Chelsea have 2 hard DGW games home to Spurs and away to Utd.  With Ba not being able to play in the Europa on Thursday he should be guaranteed 1 game but its hard to see him playing both

Some fixture Punts

Here’s only 1  players not figuring significantly in the underlying stats tables but who has good fixtures

Kone

Underlying stats ranking:   – Fixture ease 2  DGW   points in last 3 starts:  6.

Stats and returns have dropped off but the DGW fixtures are good and its a gamble of that over form.

Budget options under £5.1m

 Weiman –  14 points in his last 3 and consistently starting

 Vaz Te –  10 points in his last 3 and consistently starting with good fixtures to come

 McManaman – DGW.  Started last week and scored although sub in 2 previous.  Bit of a gametime risk but showed good form last week

Ruiz – The Berba injury puts a cloud over his position but Fulham have reasonable fixtures.  Only an assist prospect though and returns are slim with 5 in his last 3

Anichebe – Seems to have nailed the starting spot with Jelavic out of form.  No returns in his last 3 though and difficult fixtures to come