A return to form for Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m) looks hugely encouraging as Fantasy Premier League managers consider their options for Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19.
The playmaker had managed just a single assist in four outings prior to Manchester City’s visit to Chelsea.
But De Bruyne excelled in west London after being moved into an advanced role as a “false nine”.
He scored once and supplied an assist in the 3-1 win. His 13-point haul was just one point short of his best total from 2020/21.
De Bruyne can be found in only 21.6 per cent of squads, far less than the ownership of fellow premium midfielders Son Heung-min (£9.7m), Bruno Fernandes (£11.2m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.6m).
But his weekend performance suggests he will be a key player over the upcoming period.
Man City are among only 12 sides with a fixture in Gameweek 18, while they also play twice in Gameweek 19.
Crucially, all three of those matches are at home.
They entertain Brighton & Hove Albion in Gameweek 18, before welcoming Crystal Palace and Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium in Gameweek 19.
Double up on City attack?
His team-mates Raheem Sterling (£11.4m) and Ilkay Gundogan (£5.4m) provide further in-form options at opposite ends of the price scale.
Sterling’s assist for De Bruyne’s goal means he has blanked just once in Man City’s last six matches.
Gundogan has started the last four matches, scoring on three of those occasions.
Bringing in De Bruyne and doubling up on the Man City attack could prove a powerful tactic as managers seek to take advantage of the rescheduled matches ahead.
Next: FPL experts on the key targets for Gameweeks 18 and 19
Also in this series
Part 2: Think twice before selling Kane and Son
Part 3: FPL experts' Blank and Double Gameweek targets
