Dugout Discussion

Hazard deployed as a false nine as both Aguero and Sterling start

Gameweek 27 came to a conclusion earlier this afternoon with two matches held at Old Trafford and the Emirates, so our focus now switches to the EFL Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City.

Kick-off at Wembley is at 16:30 GMT.

Both of these sides blanked in Gameweek 27, of course, as a result of this tie.

Pep Guardiola has made only one change to his starting XI from the side that beat Schalke in midweek, with Oleksandr Zinchenko starting instead of Ilkay Gundogan.

That alteration means that Aymeric Laporte will move back over to centre-back, with Fernandinho pushed forward into his usual central midfield position.

Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling start in a front three with Bernardo Silva again.

Leroy Sane is among the substitutes, though Gabriel Jesus hasn’t recovered from injury to make the bench.

Eden Hazard starts as a central striker in Maurizio Sarri’s usual 4-3-3, with Gonzalo Higuain only among the substitutes.

Marcos Alonso is not part of the match-day squad, so Emerson Palmieri starts at left-back.

Both of these sides return to Premier League action on Wednesday evening: Chelsea face Spurs at Stamford Bridge, while City take on West Ham at the Etihad.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Emerson, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Willian, Hazard, Pedro.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson, Zinchenko, Laporte, Otamendi, Walker, Fernandinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sterling, Aguero.

1,786 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fantasy Premington
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Price not an issue but for next 3 games and the blanks:

    A) Rondon
    B) Barnes
    C) King

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 2 months ago

        B because Newcastle's 33 game unknown

    2. Ross From Friends
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I don't understand, how did Sarri not tell the ref he wants kepa off? Isn't it manager's word against the player's?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I'm not sure why Azpilicueta didn't back up his manager and tell Kepa to come off.

        1. Ross From Friends
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          No but when the ref came and asked, DO YOU WANT HIM OFF? he obviously fine let him stay...I don't think the player can refuse to come off?

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            I think Sarri has been the bigger man and not forced the issue. Many people in the same position would've have cut off their nose to spite their face and forced a stand off or left the stadium.

            1. MTPockets
                5 years, 2 months ago

                True. I would have lost the plot

          2. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Sarri's lost the dressing room.

        2. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          If the player won’t come off there isn’t anything the ref can do and he has to continue the game with the player on the pitch

          1. Ross From Friends
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Really? Is that actually how it works? wth

        3. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          He told them - that's why no. 1 was on the board.

          1. Ross From Friends
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            So if your name is on the board, you can stay on? in what universe? whaaaat i've seen it all now

            1. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              You asked if Sarri didn't tell the ref. He has instructed the fourth official. Kepa making all kinds of gestures. Sarri never goes back on his instructions. I didn't say he can stay on, I simply answered your question.

              1. Ross From Friends
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                So basically he told the 4th official he wants him off and he just didn't come off? damn. been watching footy for 20 years and never seen anything like this!

      2. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Waiting for @angry_rantman upload 😮

      3. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Are we at all likely to find out if Jesus is fit to start on Wednesday?

        If he is, I think I'll save FT

        If he isn't I think I'm doing Rashford Anderson to Aguero Fraser (-4)...

        (Full team linked)

        1. fr3d
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          I heard he’s much much better

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers - source?

        2. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          What happened to ignoring city assets? Haha

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Don't know if I can 😆

            Are you definitely going w/o?

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Well, for the immediate, i think i have to keep Auba as he looks certain to start against Bournemouth, but this game is no fun as it is already, so not adding more stress tonit by always having to guess City players starting.

      4. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        The manager tells the refs he want to sub a player. They signal for the sub to be made. What are the ref's options here? Can he book him once and twice for delaying the game? Should have solved the issue.

        1. TAT
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Ref told to reporter Jan Åge Fjørtoft after the match that there was nothing he could do.

        2. MTPockets
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah but then they wouldn't have had a GK

            1. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Sub an outfield player instead. No problem.

          • rokonto
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Totally agree...

          • Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            I assumed he was going to book Kepa and then Kepa would have had to trudge off or get sent off. All a bit strange.

          • EMBOLOFAN
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            ref has to get on with game

        3. Mo Mané Mo Problems
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Might bench Rash.

          Captain Arnie. Time to be bold.

          1. Sun Jihai
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Vs. City and after not starting last match? Brave!

            1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah will probably get scared and just C Salah with everyone else.

            2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Also reckon he was being rested for City.

              He can’t manage too many fixtures in succession.

          2. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            There’s bold and then there’s senseless

          3. fedolefan
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            I captained Arnie this week. Why captain against City away? Better fixtures around.

        4. CelticBhoy1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Is it worth getting in Lacazette for Rashford, despite Arsenal's tough fixtures following GW 28?

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Too late now, the ship has sailed.

            1. CelticBhoy1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Fair

        5. Sif
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Play Foster or Fabs?

          Two awful fixtures.
          Gamble on Liverpool without Firminho or a very tired City.

        6. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          I would C Sterling, but i think he will start from bench vs WHU, so Salah then...

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Should I be brave and get Captain Kane in to play vs Caballero 😉

            1. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Sorry, started to think loud... Salah looks a little fatigued.

              1. Niho992
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                yeah i know...

        7. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          What chance of Bissaka missing United game and back next weekend?

          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Solskaer not expecting him to be fit.

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Palace?

              1. GreennRed
                • 12 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Sorry. Meant to reply to Justlookin below.

          2. Party time
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Hamstring. Atleast 2 weeks if not serious

          3. 1justlookin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Just catching up, is Rashford a big doubt for rhe midweek game now?

            1. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              He is a serious doubt imo.

            2. EMBOLOFAN
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              dunno yet

          4. AzzaroMax99
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Anyone for Leicester worth buying(Vardy or mids)? I have Pereira.

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

            Pep Guardiola believes Man City will "suffer" in the other competitions after his side suffered two injuries in their EFL Cup final win over Chelsea. #MCFC

            1. Niho992
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              What happened with Fernandinho ?

              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Looked like a groin injury.

            2. Jayv807
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Who got injured?

          6. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Three nice watches on show, Zabas for me 😉

          7. MafioSol
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Evening Guys,
            Early thoughts on whether or not Sterling and/or Sane will play this midweek? GW28.
            Cheers. M

          8. Azathoth
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Where do u expect more goals
            a) Liv - Wat
            or
            b) CP - MU?

            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              A

            2. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Think I'm getting Zaha for Rashford.

          9. Ross From Friends
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Is anyone keeping Auba for BOU?

            1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              If I had of course. He’ll haul, big time.

              1. Ross From Friends
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                He is the reason I dropped from 15k to 130k ... in a month lol

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

              Yes

            3. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Of course, he just had a rest and is likely to start, why sell now ?

              1. Ross From Friends
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Just frustrated...was my C today too...single-handedly moved me out of the top 50k

                1. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Mine too

            4. Jayv807
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Yes, think he will start against Bournemouth and I have other issues to sort first.

              1. Ross From Friends
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                cheers

            5. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Only those who own should 😉

              1. Ross From Friends
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                cheers

          10. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Sarri seems quite chilled out in the post match interview

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Showing wisdom and composure. Classy.

              1. Hotdogs for Tea
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Very

            2. trikster102
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              I'm not convinced about what he's saying about Kepa.

              1. Hotdogs for Tea
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Me nether, but that’s not the point, he dealt with the questions very well with plausible answers, very good replies

          11. Lazaretti
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Initial plan was to C Aguero. Now i think it might be wise to pick Salah instead. Though Salah & Liverpool form is worrying.

            1. Ross From Friends
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              do u think Kun will start? after playing 120 minutes?? doubtful

              1. Nomar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Who replaces him?

                1. Ross From Friends
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Is jesus injured?

                  1. Kiwivillan
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 2 months ago

                    Worse. Crucified

          12. Party time
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Caballero would've won chelsea that trophy. A very good penalty save record

              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                That's the amazing thing... he used to be at Man City, may even know their preferred penalty style. He also has a very good penalty saving record.

              2. fedolefan
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Chelsea need to score penalties as well.

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

              Laporte and Fernandinho will be a few "weeks out" according to Pep Guardiola. He's expecting them to both miss the second leg against Schalke. #MCFC

              1. Niho992
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                lucky for them City have great fixtures in the league now.

              2. Baps hunter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Time to ditch Kun perhaps

              3. EMBOLOFAN
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                lol at me keeping laporte

              4. fedolefan
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Lol @ me. Don't know if Danilo will play even with these injuries. But I'll roll the dice a couple more weeks now.

            • New Post
            • Niho992
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Really dont know who to bring instead Rash. I would Arnie, but they have City now, and there is risk of his injury.

              King have 2 though fixtures
              and im not fan of attackers of Burnley and Newcastle(barnes,rondon)

            • C'mon the Fylde
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              I have a free hit and triple captain to use.
              I'm strengthening by backup players for the blanks.

              Would you do Suarez for Maddison?