The short answer
Manchester City's first two pre-season matches under Enzo Maresca have produced several useful FPL clues:
- Phil Foden has played centrally in the attacking line.
- Antoine Semenyo has started on the left and combined well with the midfield runners.
- Tijjani Reijnders has repeatedly attacked the inside-right channel.
- Rayan Aït-Nouri has offered attacking width from left-back.
- Erling Haaland and several World Cup returnees have not yet been fully integrated.
These are promising signs, not final Gameweek 1 conclusions.
What Maresca has shown so far
City's first starting XI against Inter used Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo and Savinho behind Divin Mubama. Foden captained the team.
Against the K-League All Stars, City won 3-1. Reijnders created Aït-Nouri's goal before scoring himself from Semenyo's backheel.
| Player | FPL price | Pre-season clue | Current action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Foden | £7.0m | Central attacking role and captain in first friendly | Strong watchlist |
| Antoine Semenyo | £8.5m | Started left, linked play and assisted Reijnders | Monitor alongside Haaland |
| Tijjani Reijnders | £6.0m | Repeated box runs, one goal and one assist | Best budget watchlist |
| Rayan Aït-Nouri | £5.5m | Advanced left-back role and pre-season goal | Defensive watchlist |
| Erling Haaland | £15.5m | Still the main long-term focal point | Premium anchor |
| Elliot Anderson | £6.5m | Expected to compete for midfield and set pieces | Wait for first appearance |
Phil Foden: the value route
Foden is only £7.0m after a quieter 2025/26 campaign. He was left out of England's World Cup squad, giving him a full pre-season under the new manager.
Maresca used him in the advanced central group in the first friendly, with freedom to interchange behind the striker.
FPL positives
- Central attacking role
- Full pre-season
- Strong corner accuracy last season
- Much cheaper than Semenyo
- Can benefit when Haaland returns
Main risk
City have several players for the same attacking spaces, including Rayan Cherki, Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Semenyo.
Verdict: The most attractive City attacker outside Haaland if he starts the final major friendly.
Antoine Semenyo: proven output at a premium price
Semenyo costs £8.5m, making him the most expensive City midfielder.
His backheel assist for Reijnders showed how he can combine from the left, but managers need more than one pre-season return at this price.
FPL positives
- 202 points last season
- Strong goal threat
- Flexible across the front line
- Can attack the box while Haaland occupies defenders
Main risk
At £8.5m, he competes with proven options from other clubs and occupies one of the three City slots.
Verdict: Strong player, but Foden may offer better value.
Tijjani Reijnders: the key budget clue
Reijnders is priced at £6.0m and was City's standout performer against the K-League All Stars.
The official match report highlighted his repeated inside-right runs. He created the opening goal and scored City's second after combining with Semenyo.
Why the role matters
A midfielder regularly entering the box can outperform a deeper player at the same price. Reijnders does not need penalties if the role consistently produces shots and final actions.
Main risk
Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, Rodri and other midfielders can affect his minutes and position.
Verdict: The best budget City watchlist player, but not yet secure enough for blind selection.
Rayan Aït-Nouri: attacking defender upside
Aït-Nouri costs £5.5m and scored the opening goal against the K-League All Stars after arriving in the box.
His FPL case is straightforward:
- Defender classification
- Potential attacking role
- Clean-sheet points
- Favourable early fixtures
- Lower price than City's premium attackers
The risk is rotation with other left-sided defenders and tactical changes when the full squad returns.
Verdict: A strong option if he starts against Atletico Madrid and remains advanced.
Best Manchester City combinations
| Structure | Benefit | Main concern |
|---|---|---|
| Haaland plus Foden | Premium captain plus value midfielder | Foden rotation |
| Haaland plus Aït-Nouri | Attack and defence coverage | Defensive rotation |
| Haaland plus Reijnders | Budget route into attacking midfield | Role can become deeper |
| Haaland, Foden and Aït-Nouri | High upside triple-up | Uses all three City slots |
| No Haaland, Semenyo and Foden | Frees major budget | High rank risk if Haaland starts quickly |
What to watch against Atletico Madrid
City's final tour match should provide better evidence on:
- Foden's position
- Reijnders' box runs
- Aït-Nouri's starting security
- Semenyo's side and minutes
- Haaland's integration
- Elliot Anderson's role
- Set-piece takers
Use OneFPL Team News and OneFPL Fixtures before committing to a City triple-up.
OneFPL verdict
Foden is the best-value attacking watchlist option at £7.0m. Reijnders is the most interesting budget gamble, while Aït-Nouri can become a strong defender if the advanced role continues.
Haaland remains the safest City pick. The rest require one more strong-lineup test.
FAQ
Who is the best Manchester City FPL pick under Maresca?
Haaland remains the safest option. Foden currently offers the best value outside the premium forward.
Is Tijjani Reijnders worth £6.0m?
He can be if his advanced inside-right role continues, but his minutes and position are not yet secure.
Is Rayan Aït-Nouri a good FPL defender?
Yes if he remains first choice and continues to attack the box. Rotation is the main risk.
Should managers triple up on Manchester City?
Only after the final friendlies clarify the starting lineup. Haaland plus one value option is currently safer.
Sources and useful links
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.