MANCHESTER CITY endured a rare trophyless campaign in 2024/25, a comparative disaster for the otherwise golden Pep Guardiola era.
Given the Etihad has been the source of plentiful points in recent years, Dream Team managers will be itching to see how the eight-time Premier League champions react this coming season.
PLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON: OVER £100,000 IN PRIZE MONEY!
As Gameweek 1 draws near, let’s analyse Man City’s top performers, smart selections and potential flops.
Top Performers
Some pundits reckon Erling Haaland (£7.5m) was slightly below par last season which is a measure of the ultra high standards he has set for himself.
The big No9 scored 31 goals in all competitions on his way to 367 points, a total surpassed by just two players in Mohamed Salah (£7.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£6m).
DREAM TEAM SQUAD ANALYSIS
The Norwegian poacher’s tally of 86 shots on target was unmatched (Salah being the only other player to register more than 60) and is evidence of the supreme level of threat he provides.
His chief supplier, Kevin De Bruyne, has moved away but Haaland will surely continue to get plenty of service as the focal point of Guardiola’s side.
While the vast majority of City’s defenders underperformed in 2024/25, Josko Gvardiol (£5.5m) ended up fourth among players in his position.
His total of 270 points was eclipsed by Daniel Munoz (£5.5m), Pedro Porro (£5m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the latter no longer a direct rival.
Gaffers may be hesitant to back the Croatia international now that he has seemingly reverted to centre-back from left-back as the switch has limited his attacking opportunities.
But it’s worth noting that Gvardiol picked up more than his fair share of points from centre-back at the back end of last season – his presence at the heart of the defence upped City’s clean sheet count considerably.
Play Dream Team now!
Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season
Smart Selections
If Rayan Ait-Nouri establishes himself as first-choice left-back then his potential is sky high.
The 24 year-old Algerian amassed 231 points in Wolves colours, just imagine what he could achieve as part of a much stronger team.
A defender in the loosest sense, Ait-Nouri essentially plays as an additional midfielder, such are his technical skills.
He contributed five goals and seven assists last season and is expected to be among the most attack-minded defenders in Dream Team this time around.
There might be a viable option on the opposite side flank too.
Matheus Nunes (£4m) is categorised as a defender this season, having played almost exclusively as a right-back since the turn of the year.
Whether the Portugal international will continue in that role remains to be seen but he will soon be considered a very shrewd selection if he starts a few games in succession.
Elsewhere, Omar Marmoush (£5m) and Rayan Cherki (£5m) could be useful alternatives to Haaland for those with budgetary constraints.
Playing time is a concern as Guardiola’s rotation policy is unpredictable but the pair will probably rack up goal involvements for fun.
Potential Flops
Has Old Father Time caught up with Ilkay Gundogan (£3.5m) and Bernardo Silva (£4.5m)?
Both midfielders were class acts for years and have a history of Dream Team success but selecting them for 2025/26 feels overly optimistic; the same can be said for Jack Grealish (£3.5m).
At the back, Nathan Ake (£3.5m), Manuel Akanji (£3.5m) and John Stones (£4m) all underwhelmed last season for a variety of reasons.
Gaffers will need to see vast improvements before seeing them as viable options.
Between the sticks, might Ederson (£4m) be usurped by James Trafford (£3.5m) at some stage this campaign?
The former Burnley goalkeeper could become a Dream Team gem if that’s the case but it would obviously be a disaster for the gaffers backing the Brazilian.
Open to residents of UK and Rep of Ireland, 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
Dream Team in association with Midnite
BET £10 GET £20 +50 free spins – CLAIM HERE
*18+ New UK customers. Bet £10 on accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0). Get 4x £5 Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
Read the full article here