Fantasy Premier League: 5 GW16 Transfer Ins to Break the Template

3) Ilkay Gundogan (7.3m, MID, Manchester City, 3.9% TSB)
Fixtures: WOL(H), LEE(H), NEW(A), LEI(A), BRE(A), ARS(A)

Despite not making the ‘Template’ teams, I’ve opted to avoid going with Bernardo Silva (23% TSB and rising) and Phil Foden (injury doubt). Ilkay Gundogan seems a good midfield option to tap into with some very favorable fixtures for Manchester City up on the horizon.

The German midfielder tends to make late runs into the box thus getting into areas to get high-quality shots away. And even though there’s some suggestion that his goal threat diminishes with Kevin De Bruyne on the pitch, the Belgian’s lack of fitness means this shouldn’t weigh too heavily in our thinking.

Over the last 4 gameweeks, he has a very high xG value of 1.81, had 8 shots in the box, 1 from the six-yard box and 19 penalty area touches and 3 “big chances” — level with Bowen, Silva and greater than Foden over this time frame.

Rotation remains a risk with all Pep outfield players during this congested period but with benches going deep, having this high-reward midfield punt could prove a shrewd move for Fantasy Premier League teams and managers.