One concern with Silva is that he may be more vulnerable to Pep-roulette than the others. Additionally his role within the starting eleven varies as well, but this could see him starting on the wing for the initial games as there is speculation that Agüero & Jesus will be rested. Meaning Sterling will be CF for the first few games. Silva scored 154 last term & could easily build on that this year.

Kevin De Bruyne had a successful FPL season in 17/18 scoring 209 but injury ruled him out for most of last year, so there are questions over his fitness. Sterling is the premium option in the last two seasons scoring 228 & 234.

I have used stats from the 17/18 season for KDB as he was ruled out for most of the last campaign. Starting from budget to premium, average touches in opponents final third; 20.1, 46.9 & 38.7. Average goals & assists per game; 0.2 & 0.2, 0.4 & 0.2, 0.3 & 0.5. Sterling is offensively the most dominant, this can be seen in goal attempt averages 0.7, 2.5 & 2.3. 1.8 inside the box in comparison to 0.6 from KDB & Silva. Big chances created 0.2, 0.1, 0.6 & Sterling scoring 0.4. 

In conclusion Silva is a gamble due to uncertainty of his role within the starting 11. If KDB can regain his fitness & form for the coming season he could be a serious bargain, averaging better minutes per attempt than Sterling 60.8, 32.8 & 36.1. The big difference being the stats/eye test show the majority of KDB’s chances are coming from outside the box, where as Sterling will have bigger chances from closer range. Currently Sterling & one of Walker or Laporte for me until I get more information on fitness & team shape/formation building up to the new season. Ideally I’d triple up but squad balance maybe compromised.

Pages: 12