The Dugout Discussion – Saturday

The Gameweek continues with four three o’clock kick-offs to follow on from City’s victory at the Etihad, before Sunderland host Man United later this evening.

Fantasy managers will be firmly focused on Liverpool’s meeting with Crystal Palace, with many backing either Luis Suarez or Daniel Sturridge with the armband, anticipating goals and a heavy defeat for the visitors.

We start the team news round-up at Anfield, then, to find that Brendan Rodgers makes just one change to the lineup that won at Sunderland. Raheem Sterling is drafted in on the right-flank with Jordan Henderson shifting to a central midfield role to replace the suspended Lucas. The formation is not yet clear – having played 3-4-1-2 at the Stadium of Light, that could be the case again, although Rodgers could also revert to a regular four-man defence with Victor Moses moving to the left flank and Jose Enrique returning to a full-back role.

Once again, Ian Holloway rings the changes for opponents Palace. Damien Delaney is fit to return, while Stuart O’Keefe, Jason Puncheon and Cameron Jerome all earn starts. Kagisho Dikgacoi, Barry Bannan, Danny Gabidon and Dwight Gayle make way.

Martin Jol makes a string of changes to his lineup to face Stoke at the Cottage. In come Philippe Senderos, Georgios Karagounis, Damien Duff and Bryan Ruiz as the injured Scott Parker misses out, along with Alex Kacaniklic, Kieran Richardson and Darren Bent. Mark Hughes also makes changes for the visitors as Stephen Ireland and Matt Etherington earn starts in place of Charlie Adam and Kenwyne Jones. That would indicate that Marko Arnautovic will lead the attack for the Potters.

Cardiff are unchanged for the visit of Newcastle, as Malky Mackay keeps faith with the starting XI that won three points at Fulham, leaving match winner Jordon Mutch benched. As expected, the Magpies tweak their starting lineup following Monday night’s disappointing first half at Goodison. Alan Pardew makes the decision that Hatem Ben Arfa owners were dreading: the Frenchman gets dropped to the bench as his compatriot Yohan Cabaye earns a start, along with Papiss Cisse with Vurnon Anita out of the matchday squad. Not surprisingly, Mike Williamson starts in central defence with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa dropping out.

Finally, at the KC stadium, the Tigers make just one change with Stephen Quinn benefiting from Robbie Brady’s absence following an hernia operation. Opponents Villa make two alterations – Ashley Westwood and Gabby Agbonlahor return to the lineup following injury as Yacouba Sylla and Nathan Baker drop out. That suggests a change of shape with Paul Lambert perhaps converting his 3-5-2 to a more standard 4-3-3.

The Dugout Discussion chatroom remains open to capture you real-time reactions during the afternoon’s matches and throughout United’s tea-time visit to Sunderland.