The Dugout Discussion – Manchester City vs Swansea City

We make our way to the Etihad in the first of two Sunday fixtures now as Manchester City entertain a resurgent Swansea City in the 1.30pm kick-off.

All eyes are on new boy Gabriel Jesus, who is handed his first home start by Pep Guardiola after bagging a goal and assist in the midweek demolition of West Ham United.

The Brazilian was the most transferred in player for Gameweek 24, with 192,298 Fantasy Premier League managers scrambling for his services.

Sergio Aguero is benched yet again, with his 19% FPL owners now desperately seeking alternatives. Pep also keeps faith in Willy Caballero after City grabbed a first clean sheet in five on Wednesday.

The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, with goals in back-to-back Gameweeks, Raheem Sterling (a goal or assist in six of the last eight) and Leroy Sane (three goals and an assist in four appearances in all competitions) are also in fine form, yet City’s blank Gameweek 26 and potential blank Gameweek 28 has curbed our short-term enthusiasm.

Swansea, meanwhile, roll up on the back of three wins in four, with Gylfi Sigurdsson returning to form with two goals and a pair of assists over that period.

At present, Paul Clement’s men are one of just six sides that will definitely play in both Gameweek 26 and 28.

While Siggy is the obvious pick, Fernando Llorente (seven goals in 11 Gameweeks) and the budget defender Alfie Mawson, with two goals in four, are also on our radars as we look to navigate the upcoming blanks.