Dugout Discussion

Sane in for Mahrez while Hazard is named on the Chelsea bench

Two Premier League matches overlap one another this afternoon, with Manchester City and Chelsea enjoying enticing-looking home fixtures and carrying the hopes of legions of Fantasy managers after a somewhat underwhelming set of results for many FPL bosses on Saturday.

The action kicks off at 15:00 GMT, with Southampton – without a goal in five Premier League matches – the visitors to the Etihad.

Manchester City have won all five of their home league games this season, scoring at a rate of 3.6 goals per fixture at Eastlands in 2018/19.

Nine of Sergio Aguero‘s (£11.3m) ten attacking returns this season (five goals, four assists) have come at the Etihad. The Argentinean striker leads the line for City again this afternoon in his 11th straight league start of 2018/19.

Benjamin Mendy‘s (£6.4m) rate of 7.6 points per match is the best among FPL defenders this season and the French left-back hasn’t failed to record an assist, clean sheet and/or bonus in his seven Premier League appearances of this campaign.

Ederson (£5.8m) and Aymeric Laporte (£5.9m), meanwhile, come into this fixture off the back of recording six straight FPL clean sheets.

Pep Guardiola has made only one change from the side that beat Spurs last Monday, with Leroy Sane (£9.2m) replacing Riyad Mahrez (£8.7m). Raheem Sterling (£11.1m) will, presumably, move across to the right flank to accommodate Sane’s re-introduction.

Nicolas Otamendi (£6.1m) and Ilkay Gundogan (£5.4m) are not quite fit enough for a place on the bench, meanwhile.

Mark Hughes has made three changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Newcastle United last weekend, with Shane Long (£4.8m), James Ward-Prowse (£5.1m) and the fit-again Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (£4.5m) replacing Charlie Austin (£5.5m), Mohamed Elyounoussi (£6.2m) and Oriel Romeu (£4.3m).

In the 16:00 kick-off, Chelsea take on Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have dropped points in their last two home Premier League fixtures but are nevertheless still unbeaten in the top flight this season.

The 44% of FPL managers hoping for a start for Eden Hazard (£11.3m), whose minutes were in doubt ahead of the visit of Roy Hodgson’s side, were left disappointed when the Belgian was named only among the Chelsea substitutes for this encounter.

The Blues, indeed, are unchanged from the side that started the win over Burnley in Gameweek 11, with Ross Barkley (£5.9m) again lining up in the centre of midfield.

Roy Hodgson has made one change to his Crystal Palace side from the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, meanwhile: Max Meyer (£5.6m) replaces Jordan Ayew (£5.8m).

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy, Fernandinho, Silva, Sane, Sterling, Bernardo, Aguero.

Southampton XI: McCarthy, Soares, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand, Lemina, Hojbjerg, Ward-Prowse, Ings, Long, Redmond.

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Alonso, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Kante, Jorginho, Barkley, Pedro, Morata, Willian.

Crystal Palace XI: Hennessey, Van Aanholt, Tomkins, Sakho, Wan-Bissaka, Townsend, Milivojevic, McArthur, Kouyate, Meyer, Zaha.

 

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5,272 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    How is a goal and 2 assists a c fail?

    Yeah, Sterling did better, but Haz still a good c this week.

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I don't think Haz is a good captain at all.

      Sergio was decent though.

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Has??

    3. Numb
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      He hasn’t come on yet

    4. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      My bad.

    5. Ross From Friends
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      What on earth are you on about? Hazard is sitting on the bench lol

    6. Not again Shirley
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard was always a terrible choice this week. Why captain a player that, by his managers own admission, is only going to play max 40 minutes.

  2. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Why did Arsenal choose yesterday to learn how to defend.. Spewing.

    1. Lemongrab
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Lol same. Was expecting a goalfest

  3. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Mark on 101 points

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Unbelievable, Jeff.

    2. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I remembering sniggering at his -8 fail the other week. The egg is well and truly on my face.

    3. Bird Raymond
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Thought he'd lost the plot a few weeks back. The cream always rises to the top!

  4. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    80 post BAPS with Hazard Mitro left, what a week 😎

    1. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      92 with Luiz still on yeah good

    2. Superflymonk
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      76 with Hazard left. Shouldn't have sold jimenez but so effin glad!

  5. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Need this Chelsea CS wiped out asap...

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      nooooo, all my hope for the gw rests on my double Che defense now

    2. Superflymonk
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      That makes two of us

  6. SirStevieG
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    I hope Aguero tells Sane to take a hike next time there's a free kick situation like it was earlier, selfish thing then gets a late goal. Get stuffed.

    1. BoleynWin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Do you like salt with everything you eat? Just be happy it’s swings & roundabouts each week

  7. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Well, Mitrovic can still save my GW xD

  8. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Well done Sterling cappers

  9. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Some big movers and shakers this week

  10. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Mark really is the real deal. For me, none of the other FPL pundits come close.

    I wish he would make a few more appearances on the scoutcast. My season has really suffered from not hearing his insights and arguments and reasoning.

    It's clear that the dullards are dead this season. You need to be bold and brave and different... and then stick to your plan this season.

    1. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Oh, hi Mark.

    2. Patch
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I actually somewhat agree with you.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        He was bottom of mods and cons after gameweek 2. What a turnaround.

      2. Amsterhammer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah same.

    3. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I got Sterling in as well. No praise for me? 🙁

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Not really. Aguero, Salah, Hazard would have served you well so far - probably to a Top 10k rank with the right (c) choices. Yes he has done well, but he also had a nightmare week a few GWs ago IIRC.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        He has recovered his season by being brave, getting ahead of the curve and by taking lots of hits. This is the season to be aggressive.

    5. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Disagree. Everyone captains Salah/Aguero every week, with the odd sterling C and has Maddison, Richarlison, mendy, Alonso, Robertson. The game is boring this year.

    6. Football Heaven
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      But isn’t it mark that’s having a poor season?

    7. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Don't forget to lube your throat.

    8. Kavorka
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      what a comeback

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        I know. Especially after not having Aguero for Huddersfield.

    9. Yes Don
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      nice to have heroes

    10. Superflymonk
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Speaking of dullards, Joe not having the best of gameweeks

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Aye. Me and Joe having a very similar gameweek.

    11. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Dullard approach has done extremely well this season.

    12. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      You'd marry the guy if you could

    13. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Link please

  11. 1zverGGadeM
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Any chance for Hamer to block my McCarthy come in from the bench, lol?

  12. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Sterling sparing my Mane(c) blushes

  13. FPLGeezer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Salute to the Sterling captainers and those who own him and Kun!

    Brought Mendy in for a hit with success which hasn't been a success whenu original plan a couple weeks ago was to get Yedlin in for fixtures.

    So looking ahead to the bih fixture turn in gw16 who are the best players to focus on? Kane, Laca, Trippier etc?

    1. Teror
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I'm going to downgrade Salah to Mane and look at getting a Laca or Obamayang

      1. FPLGeezer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Yep that's what I'm thinking. Issue is easiest upgrade is Arnautovic or downgrade Kun too. Success is a big move up. Best front line could be Arnautovic, Laca and Kane with Has & Mane if possible

    2. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers

  14. Patch
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    #Patch #Prediction

    Billing to score tomorrow.

    Nuff Said

  15. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    After an absolutely shocking two weeks that saw me drop and drop, a Sterling captain and 90 point return this week. Thank you very much.

    1. Crouching Tiger
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Exactly the same story here.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Well done pal

  16. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Getting rid of Sané for -4 on Fri night has completely ruined my day!!!!

  17. My Name Is Pepu
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    I QUIT

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I’m thinking of just making a team with players I like and then just leaving it. Game is so boring this year

      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Maybe Masterchef is more your thing?

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          Who knows

  18. Teror
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    I'm really glad I chose to captain Sterling over Salah.

  19. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Only Casuals and part-timers have Sterling... not too worried about it...

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Ok

    2. Agger
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Or the wise.
      I have him as captain. He's essential.

    3. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Lol this guy. Captain Sterling for me, call me what you like, cheers mate 😀

    4. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      true Chuck

    5. Salah4Ever
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Those words are only said after EPIC FAILS

    6. Ross From Friends
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah....you're right...gonna enjoy my 21 points for now though!

  20. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Thank you Sane , kept Mendy anon.....

  21. Paulie Walnuts
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Mitro, Fraser, Madison

    To

    Success, sterling, hojeberg

    -8?

    1. SPorting
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Definitely

  22. Agger
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    99 points.
    I have OCD so this annoys the hell out of me 😉

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      The irony that you are annoyed

    2. Hughes the Daddy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Donate 49 to me to make it an even 50.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      You dont have OCD or you wouldnt have made such a dumb comment about it.

  23. Feanor
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Vote on who I should replace Mitrovic with

    A)rnaoutovic
    W)ilson

    1. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Sterling

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      A

  24. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone with any playing Southampton defenders?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Ings 🙂

  25. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Every one of Sterling’s 7% ownership post on this website apparently.

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Haha, lol

    2. Hughes the Daddy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Most have forgotten what FPL is hopefully.

  26. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Sterling to Salah or Mane (and yes, I am being serious).

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Depends if it is long term or not

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Long-term. Thinking Salah as one of 3 captaincy options - Aguero, Salah, Hazard. Covers them nicely.

  27. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Please Hazard in for 40 minutes as promised Sarri!!!

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      A Hazard G would be nice along with an Alonso CS

  28. Football Heaven
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Imagine owning hoedt...

  29. Flying Dutchman
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Was so happy yesterday captaining Arnie. Aguero and Sterling ruined it for me ugh

  30. AnfieldLad
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    This City team the best ever seen in the Prem?