Dugout Discussion

City players missing with COVID-19 revealed as fit-again Ziyech returns

A Manchester City squad hit by injury and illness take on Chelsea in the second of today’s two Premier League fixtures.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 16:30 GMT.

The visitors are missing six of their squad because of COVID-19 positive tests.

The unavailability of Kyle Walker (£6.1m) and Gabriel Jesus (£9.1m) we were already aware of, while social media posts from Ederson (£6.0m) and Tommy Doyle (£4.4m) all but confirmed that they too were among those self-isolating.

Ferran Torres (£6.9m) and Eric Garcia (£4.7m) have reportedly been added to that list, with the latter still struggling with injury, too.

Despite the shortage of options, Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) is still only among the substitutes for this afternoon’s fixture.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen (£4.4m) makes his Premier League debut as Pep Guardiola makes three changes to the City side that beat Newcastle 2-0 in Gameweek 15.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) and Phil Foden (£6.2m) are also recalled, with Ederson, Torres and Nathan Ake (£5.4m) dropping out.

Ake is absent because of “fitness issues”, while Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) misses out because of a tight hamstring.

Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) is on the bench, despite his off-field misdeeds.

Frank Lampard makes five changes to the Chelsea team that drew 1-1 at home to Aston Villa last Monday.

Timo Werner (£9.2m) is recalled, while Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m) makes his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in early December.

Thiago Silva (£5.6m), Kurt Zouma (£5.8m) and Mateo Kovacic (£5.3m) also return to the side.

Reece James (£5.2m) is again absent through injury, while Olivier Giroud (£6.7m), Andreas Christensen (£4.7m), Antonio Rudiger (£4.7m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m) and Jorginho (£4.7m) drop out of the starting XI.


Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Kanté, Kovacic, Mount, Pulisic, Werner, Ziyech.

Manchester City XI: Steffen, Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Foden, Bernardo, Sterling

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2,436 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo on 1 bap

  2. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    You can’t teach that what Werner just did, it’s all natural!

  3. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will Ederson be back for next GW?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will be tight.

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on the symptons.

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

      Maybe

  4. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any sign of mahrez ?

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

    Stones an okay option for the DGW BB if I can’t afford Cancelo/Dias?

    1. Parsnips
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely

    2. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Should be, yeah. Ake and Laporte not in squad. Apparently Laporte has a hamstring issue so cant see him starting either game in the DGW. Ake not good enough to be starting ahead of Stones.

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

        Excellent. Have 1.7 ITB to replace Davis and Mitchell and my BB is gtg

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m doing stones for that reason.

  6. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    https://twitter.com/FFScout/status/1345787709596585986?s=19

    Would (hopefully) take from this that McCarthy is back for the DGW, providing it doesn't stay in his system.

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Very unlikely he plays immediately after contracting Covid, he also has to test negative before he can start so not sure he is back for the DGW.

      1. ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Forster essential for DGW

      2. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Like Salah? Mané? Various others?

        GKs aren't running around as much, so that should benefit them.

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

    KDB need another dagger please.

  8. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Stones and Dias looking a great partnership

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes I my team too.

  9. Monty123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ladies and Gents, is everyone using their FH now or waiting closer to the end of the week in case of postponements?

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

      Not using it 😉

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The latter. There's a lot of decent cheapies for next week, so don't think the odd 0.1m will hurt very much (he says, not settling on a draft yet).

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Funny because my most recent drafts have been exact money. I couldn't afford them if I didn't hit the button early.

      2. Monty123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        True although I just did my first draft, with the obvious players, and all are rising. My TV is 103.8 so not much in it by the end of the week.

    3. Mr. Funny Name
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Waiting

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cup games to be played too

      1. Monty123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That is a very good point, Spurs, City and Utd in action, it's tough to wait it out though. I have a margin of .5 which is easily eaten up.

    5. djman102
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm paying FH insurance (price changes) and waiting.

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

    Reckon Foden starts v a brighton in the BGW?

    1. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      who knows

  11. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Fair play to Lampard for turning Werner into Chelsea era Torres. No mean feat.

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wasnt the right move for him. Leipzig pushed for the move because of the money Chelsea were willing to pay.

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Totally agree. No doubt he would have done well under Klopp.

  12. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    It's soo funny how people's opinion change on a player based on one game. This time yesterday most not considering him for the DGW and now everyone will have him.

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who exactly? KDB is a must for both weeks since the double was announced it was a no brainer

      1. jonnybhoy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Plenty of teams without them. You and I commented on one last night of a guy who wildcarded without him and now seen his new draft 50mins ago with KDB in

        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes true. I’m a gold fish. 😉

  13. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Think I'll hit in Cancelo for James in time for the BGW

  14. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Does Lampard have any tactics or does he just throw in some players and hope they do well?

    1. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nailed it

    2. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Both

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That's also a tactic isn't it?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A lazy one yes

  15. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I need a KDB redcard for him to lose BAPS

  16. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Jammy baps for Cancelo

    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Really?

  17. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Imagine City finding back their goalscoring ability. Their defence is better than ever

  18. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea 3-0 down at home with ball out wide and not a single player in the box, they’ve given up.

  19. MIGHTY JOE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Never in doubt, KDB! Now give us another one!

  20. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB one more ffs

  21. Party time
      3 years, 2 months ago

      All we are sayinggg

      Give us 1 goal!

      1. Iceball
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Goal for Stones ok

    • BENOIT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How rubbish were Newcastle/Wilson earlier?

      Debating Wilson v Lacazette on free hit?

      1. fusen
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        both of them with Kane, otherwise Wilson is more guaranteed minutes

        1. BENOIT
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Surely Laca starts after bagging a brace?

          1. fusen
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            who knows with Arteta, look at the minutes played for Laca so far this season. There is no chance Bruce would choose not to play Wilson for 90.

      2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        that is exactly the move I have just played....

      3. BenDavies
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I like Wilson against Sheffield United. Prefer to get Saka and 2 Arsenal defenders really.

      4. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If money not an issue then Laca clearly a better play.

    • Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Score a goal, Chelsea...

    • Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Get in that box Dias!!

    • TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Another red arrow this week.... for Super Frankie 😉

    • Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Going to try and bring in a Man City defender for next GW
      Every time I do it in the past they then get benched!
      Who is best (also considering price):

      A) Cancelo
      B) Dias
      C) Stones

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A. Can play LB and RB and Pep seems to like him.

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

          Think that's a good point
          Not crazy to imagine Walker being put to the sidelines given his antics too

      2. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        FAC line up will help.

      3. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        C

    • fusen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      City should just take the ball into the corner and keep it there till the whistle...

      My two City defenders have nothing to do with this request :X

      1. Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        4-1 has a nice ring to it

    • Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB so damn dangerous

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lock him up.

      2. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Gotta Lock him up!

    • Lacabacca
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Any professional jinxer willing to spoil City CS?

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I bloody kill them.

      2. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I know it'll be 3-1

      3. The Invincibles
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No point, it's a done deal now. Chelsea look useless.

        1. The Invincibles
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Got you fam 😉

      4. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        @OfficialFPL
        SCOUT: Ruben Dias (£5.8m) has kept 5 clean sheets in his last 5 starts for Man City. Now he, alongside Cancelo and Stones, is on track to get another clean sheet against Chelsea. With Man City playing in the BGW and then having a DGW, is a defender essential for your FPL team?

        #FPL #SCOUT

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

          Well that jinx worked well 🙂

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

        Wow well done all! Some professional stuff indeed.

    • The Invincibles
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling has been concerningly quiet for the last few games. Was eyeing him over KDB as a differential, but am not so keen on that now.