Dugout Discussion

Mahrez and Wilson benched as Guardiola opts for Torres over Aguero up front

The Premier League action on Boxing Day concludes with two matches that kick off simultaneously at 20:00 GMT.

Manchester City take on Newcastle United at the Etihad, while Everton are the visitors to Bramall Lane for a clash against Sheffield United.

After all the talk and worry over whether Pep Guardiola would roll out some seasonal rotation for tonight’s fixture, the City boss has made only one alteration from the starting XI that defeated Southampton in their last Premier League outing.

It’s an enforced one at that as Nathan Ake comes in to replace Kyle Walker, who has tested positive for coronavirus.

Gabriel Jesus also returned a positive COVID-19 test result ahead of this match and, like Walker, is currently self-isolating.

Sergio Aguero is again only among the substitutes, with Ferran Torres given the nod to lead the line for the hosts.

There are four changes for Newcastle from their 1-1 draw with Fulham, the most notable of which sees Callum Wilson benched.

Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett also make way from Steve Bruce’s line-up, with the latter two not in the matchday squad.

Matty Longstaff, Fabian Schar, Isaac Hayden and Jacob Murphy are the players handed recalls.

Bruce said of Wilson’s benching ahead of kick-off:

He has got a knock as well, so he’s not quite 100%. He’s played four games in 12 days, so it’s important to look after him a bit.

Over in South Yorkshire, there are two changes made by Chris Wilder from Gameweek 14.

John Lundstram is banned and John Fleck drops to the bench, with Oliver Burke and Ben Osborn handed starts.

That means that Rhian Brewster gets another run-out in attack for the visitors.

Carlo Ancelotti, who has promised rotation in the Gameweek 16 match against Manchester City, goes full strength at Bramall Lane – or at least, as full strength as he can amid the glut of injuries at the club.

His only change to the starting XI from last weekend is enforced, with Richarlison missing out with a concussion and replaced by Anthony Gordon out wide.

James Rodriguez remains out.


Sheffield United XI: Ramsdale, Basham, Egan, Robinson, Baldock, Osborn, Ampadu, Stevens, McGoldrick, Brewster, Burke.

Everton XI: Pickford, Holgate, Keane, Mina, Godfrey, Doucoure, Davies, Sigurdsson, Gordon, Iwobi, Calvert-Lewin.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Ake, Gundogan, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Torres, Sterling.

Newcastle United XI: Darlow, Yedlin, Schar, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie, Hayden, M Longstaff, Murphy, Almiron, Joelinton.

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2,017 Comments Post a Comment
  1. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Let's goooo!

  2. Begbie.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Pulisic and Mitchell > Martinelli and TAA? (-4)

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Like it

    2. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn’t pick Martinelli if you paid me 1m

      1. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Then you are already a multi millionaire, or a fool.

      2. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        You couldn’t even sell you butt for £1 and you’ve tried..

  3. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    come on KDB

  4. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which Arsenal players to monitor and possibly bring in for FH 18?

    1. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      None

    2. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Saka & Martinelli - maybe Holding as a cheapo def

    3. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’ll probably get Auba Martinelli and Saka for FH18

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Holding 4.4m bargain

  5. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    KDB owes me a mega-haul.

  6. TheDragon
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    KDB 20 pointer... one time!

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I will be ok with just 18.

  7. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Will there be time for 'Agguueerrooo' again?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I miss this 🙁

      Remember captaining him v Newcastle when he scored 4!

      1. KAALI_DAAL
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Had him captain against QPR that evening.

        Beat that!

        1. Jindaljain
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Rasoi ma kaun tha?

          1. KAALI_DAAL
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Hehehe

      2. Bram
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        5*

      3. Bram
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Kevin you useless ginger TART

  8. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you consider Saka/Martinelli on WC? FH18 & BB19

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would not at this stage, FH18 squad maybe

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No. Traps. Don’t be deceived, Arsenal are trash....

    3. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Saka probably no because he's played all season so there's room to say that today was a fluke.

      Martinelli tempts me because he's fresh and we've seen flashes last season of how good he can be plus he's more of a striker than Saka is so generally a bigger goal threat.

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Was looking at Saka a couple of weeks ago but the non-DGW put me off.

    5. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      One game. Don't let them reel you in

      Saka may become a decent pick but, for me, now isn't the time

    6. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes and also Holding

    7. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers everyone

  9. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    If KDB does well here

    And gets hooked off midway thru 2nd half

    Might be tempted to stick with him

  10. Londongeezaa
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    No KDB here.

    Behind the sofa I go.

  11. Salan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    It's time for KDB to deliver.

    1. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Its always time for him to deliver.

  12. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Grealish, Watkins -> Son, Davis, for free?

    Will have to start Wilson (LIV), if I make the above move.

    1. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not for me. I don't like the idea of selling two starters and getting a guy who doesn't play back.

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

  13. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    KDB>>> Son
    DCL>>> Vardy

    Exact cash
    Have Salah Bruno Robbo

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes and Yes

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    3. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      0.1 off but same thinking.

  14. Begbie.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Dias is due a goal tbf... 😉

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      18 pointer incoming

      1. Begbie.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Talk it into existence mate 🙂

  15. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How does Salah + Davis > Kane + Podence for free sound?

    Gives me -

    Martinez
    Dias - Dier - Taylor
    KDB - Bruno - Grealish - Son - Podence
    Kane - Bamford

    Button - Wilson - KWP - Mitchell

    I’m building towards BGW and will FH in DGW 19. Plan is to get sterling and Clark for Bruno and KWP to have a full XI in BGW.

    Thoughts? 🙂

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sounds risky.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Why?

        Coz I loose Salah?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Davis is due vs Chelsea.

          1. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            😛

    2. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Isn't neto a better option than podence?

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No $$

    3. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not for me. Why don't you build towards DGW 19 and FH 18 instead? That way you get to keep guys like Salah long term.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Nah...

        I want an ideal DGW team which I get with FH and I get an ideal BGW team without any hits.

        Salah straight back in gw 21. Will have him with FH as well. Am I missing out that much?

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          It's Salah. He can haul in any game. But if you are chasing, it's woth the risk maybe.

          1. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I get Kane for FUL,LEE though

            Both equally explosive.

            Still have memories of Kane back to back hattricks during the busy period from a few years ago. Had similar easy fixtures.

      2. FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        If one has more players with a fixture in 18 then his strategy seems viable. No need to take a -16 just to field a full dgw 11.

    4. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      On the same strategy but will lose Grealish for son. I'll sell salah the week he won't be having a dgw.

      Will have to play 10 instead of the 11.

    5. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Risky. One of the very reasons I planned to FH in BGW18. Didn't want to sell Salah and Bruno fo Son, DCL and co.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Something’s gotta give though

  16. doppelganger
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What do you think about Zaha+Grealish - Bruno+Martinelli for free?

    Meslier Steer
    Cancelo Coufal Kwp Justin Targett
    Salah Kdb Zaha Grealish Soucek
    Kane Dcl Bamford

  17. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is this the day where Brewster scores?

    1. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is Pickford in goals?

    2. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No

    3. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No

    4. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Brewster will score, first on my bench having started Wilson who will come on for a one pointer and block him

  18. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    AVL 25 pts with 2 games in hand, assuming they won both they are 2nd in the league! Big assumption though ...

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Any believe Mings got sent off for me. Disgusted with that.

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        *Can’t believe

      2. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It was soft, he should avoid Zaha.

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      They deserve CL football at this rate

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        CHE next!

  19. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2 FT, 0.7 ITB

    Martinez ¦ Forster
    Coufal Taylor Holding
    Salah KdB Bruno Grealish Soucek
    Vardy Watkins
    ¦ Wilson Ayling Lascelles

    Don't want to waste a transfer, help maybe?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Need 18/19 plans.

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No chips

    2. Dr Mulholland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wilson to Bamford?

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'm doing it for sure

  20. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Newcastle gonna score

  21. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Wish we had a natural striker up front

    1. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think firmino is not that bad.

  22. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    No kdb or city, putting on call the midwife

  23. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On WC

    chiwell kdb dcl to

    Robertson/arnold vardy and which misfield to 8.5 ?

  24. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    KDB and Lamptey -> Son and Robertson ( have Trent and Kane) looks good right??

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think Lamptey will play next one

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah he probs will I really like Lamptey deserves a move but it’s time to go!

    2. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah good moves but maybe too much money in defence with TAA and Robbo?

      1. Begbie.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        But that's just personal preference. I'd prefer to have as heavy hitting a midfield as possible but TAA and Robbo double up is definitely a good option.

  25. Henning
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have both Vestergaard and Lamptey.
    Plan is to freehit gw 18 and maby bb gw 19.
    Any suggestions what defender to get?

    Have Coufal Taa and Justin.

    1. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dallas

  26. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Somehow projected red arrow despite having only had Martinez and Bruno play so far (KDB and DCL just now too)...

  27. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Considering the two day turnaround between matches, if you had to bring in one of these this gw, who would you get?

    A. Taylor ( SHU)
    B. Thiago Silva ( AVL)

    Will most likely bring the other guy next gw.

    1. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A.

      Burnley are one of those teams that don't really rotate their defence.

      Silva is old and probably will be rested.

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Slightly worried that Pieters might get a game instead of Taylor

  28. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Team;

    Mccarthy
    Chiwell taylor coufal dias douglas
    Son soucek kdb salah bruno
    Dcl bamford davis

    ON WC

    Chiwell kdb dcl -> robertson grealish vardy ??

    More ideas please have 1 day to decide

  29. UshFPL
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Don't see why Pep is keeping Cancelo narrow here, they need to make the pitch bigger. Poor so far from City

    1. Nimby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      That goal is why he's playing there.

    2. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      That's why! Sorry Pep. Little bit annoyed that wasn't Sterling G Cancelo A but we'll take it

  30. Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I am gonna BB GW19.

    Is it good to have 12 players with doule fixtures + Son, Dias and Dier?