Dugout Discussion

Guardiola benches Gundogan, Stones and Cancelo at Leicester

Pep Guardiola has left a raft of important Fantasy Premier League assets on the bench in Gameweek 30.

The chief of those is Ilkay Gündogan (£6.1m), who has missed out on the starting XI in each of the last two matches.

At 35.0% ownership, the German international remains the most-popular Manchester City asset this season although he has just two attacking returns since Gameweek 25.

It looks as if Guardiola has gone for a 4-2-3-1 shape today with Rodrigo (£5.3m) and Fernandinho (£5.4m) in holding roles.

That leaves Gabriel Jesus (£9.2m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.2m) to provide the width in attacking midfield either side of Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) while Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) leads the line following confirmation of his departure from the club at the end of the season.

Naturally, that leaves no space in the team for Phil Foden (£6.1m) and Raheem Sterling (£11.4m), who both sit on the bench.

John Stones (£5.3m) and João Cancelo (£6.1m) both find themselves among the substitutes too as Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) is paired with Ruben Dias (£6.1m) while Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) and Kyle Walker (£6.1m) staff the flanks of the Citizens’ back-four.

Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) makes his fifth successive Premier League start this afternoon, having found the net five times in his last three.

The Nigerian international is up-front with Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) once more as Leicester still continue without Harvey Barnes (£6.7m).

The fact that Iheanacho stays in the team despite Marc Albrighton (£5.2m) and Ayoze Pérez (£6.0m) featuring bodes well.

The former Manchester City man initially came into the side because several injuries to wide players forced Brendan Rodgers to switch to a 3-5-2 system although his form has helped him hold onto a place – worth knowing ahead of some appealing fixtures for Leicester after Gameweek 31.

Gameweek 30 Line-ups

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel; Amartey, Evans, Fofana; Castagne, Tielemans, Ndidi, Albrighton; Pérez; Iheanacho, Vardy.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; B Mendy, Laporte, Dias, Walker; Rodrigo, Fernandinho; Jesus, De Bruyne, Mahrez; Aguero.

Gameweek 30 so far…

Leeds beat Sheffield United as expected on Saturday afternoon although it was largely a result that left Fantasy managers wondering what might have been.

Patrick Bamford (£6.7m) registered a blank while Raphinha (£5.7m) was subjected to another outing characterised by his colleagues missing key chances.

In the end, the Brazilian got one assist, was denied a goal by Phil Jagielka‘s (£3.9m) intervention on Jack Harrison‘s (£5.4m) cross, who was the only Leeds player involved in both goals at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Stuart Dallas (£5.1m) was arguably one of the best players on the pitch but managed only two points in the end.

Not only did he miss two decent chances created by Raphinha, he also missed out on a clean sheet as Sheffield United scored a rare goal.

Ben Osborn‘s (£4.7m) first-half effort was the Blades’ seventh on the road this season.

Provisional bonus points

  • 3 – Jack Harrison, Ben Osborn
  • 1 – Aaron Ramsdale

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646 Comments Post a Comment
  1. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Bamford and Dallas non-owner 😎

    Gündo and Cancelo owner 😎

    1. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      You're on a roll. 😎

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Is your real name Noah?

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Is Noah extremely handsome and talented at FPL?

        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          No but neither are you so I guess not. 😀

          1. fr3d
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 17 days ago

            😆

  2. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Really need to swap out Cancelo to Dias but just feels like such a *argghhh/sigh* transfer.

  3. Avery
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Vardy party!

  4. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Ben Osborn outscores Raphinha, Bamford AND Dallas combined. I love this game hahahaha!!

  5. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Well lets see , Jesus and Aguero together have hardly ever looked a threatening attack pair. Fair enough Pep you have lots to consider pity I have the 3 you sacrificed for this game

  6. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    LMS safety score currently 8

    https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

  7. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    City, Pool, Chelsea, Arsenal and MU all still in Europe = FPL chaos

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      All in the same boat. Luck is what you need.

    2. Fintroy
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Agree, Picking any outfield Man City or Chelsea player is just plain stupidity. As for the rest, i'd avoid Liverpool and Arsenal, as Europe is their only way of champs league next season.....

      Perhaps time to treble up on Spurs and Leicester ??

  8. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Leicester are winning this game

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      1-1 at best.

  9. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Wildcard should be fun. Pulling the trigger out of having a poor squad rather than there being a long list of players I actually want.

    Only locks so far are Kane, Bruno, Son, Shaw and TAA. The other 10 could literally be anyone.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Jota not a lock?

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Probably is tbf

      2. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Jota will rotate

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          And honestly if we get a decent result midweek he may be kept rested for Europe.

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 17 days ago

            As you can see, rested or not, he can haul 😉

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      If you have a child under 10, get them to choose for you. It’s pure luck with those 10. At least you will feel better if they don’t come in and if you do then you have child genius on your hands. 😉

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Agree with you on all but Shaw for me, can just tell I’ll bring him in and he’ll troll me

  10. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Thankful I have a bench.

    1. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      So all these people hoping their bench blanks are talking bollocks

      That’s why I always use playing bench

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Never before but this season has given me no option but to.

  11. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Anyone on here heard of Barstool Sports?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      I know a bird that was good at them. 😎

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Ohhhh, was she hot?!?!

        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          No just filthy dirty. You know the type. 😉

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 17 days ago

            Feel free to elaborate further in the DM’s later on

  12. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    People smacking the WC button now or waiting for the GW to end?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      GW to end

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Already active, why the hell not. Sticking to my guns.

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Looking at my train wreck of a team for 31 I seriously wish I did have one to smack.

    4. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Just did Bamford>Nacho because he was rising. No other players I want are probably rising today. Maybe I'l hit tomorrow.

  13. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Gundo and Cancelo benched - hope Leicester scores two goals

  14. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Cancelo and Stones owners waiting to cheer a Leicester goal. 😀

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Mr Wolves fan, would you say Semedo is worth the extra money over Coady?

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Not a Wolves fan but not a chance.

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          Thought as much, maybe if they scored more but seems he’s got nobody to assist. Coady at least can get a return from set piece

      2. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Could prove to be but I'd rather pick Coady for the price and potential.

    2. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Atleast two goals

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Mr Wolves fan, would you say Neto is worth a slot in midfield?

  15. Mile Plankton
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Dear Pep, feck you very much.

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      😀

    2. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      +100

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      The Pep roulette is getting much easier to predict to be honest

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        I think you are spot on. I own Sterling and Cancelo and they seem to miss the same fixtures.

  16. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Salah and KDB with 50% Top 10k EO combined. That’s a differential

    1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      I’m surprised that many STILL own Salah, surely blind faith or fear by this point now

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Isn’t he winning the golden boot?

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          Yes, and I enjoyed 16 of his 17 goals I think.
          Sold him when he had blanked a few times in a row

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 17 days ago

            Yea but their fixtures are improving now.

            1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 17 days ago

              Their fixtures were good before, Fulham at home, Sheffield United away etc

      2. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Guessing fixtures and not many other options. Price isn’t a big deal this year with the lack of big hitters

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Shame Salah is playing like his Chelsea form.

  17. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Sensible suggestion by Shearer. Rather than immediate concussion substistuons, instead have a temporary substitute whilst the possibly concussed player is assessed properly by medics.

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      The "assessment" could last forever though, so it would be impossible to regulate. If you apply an arbitrary time limit then you would be in the same situation as now

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Clearly it would be sensible to set a time limit on. If they're still being assessed after 10 mins or so, it's clear you can't tell they're alright. The sub becomes permanent.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Far from sensible, sounds like utter sillyness of an idea. Making the sub play then go back off the bench ?

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Why is it stupid? Rugby has blood substitutions which are temporary & after 15 mins off, if not back on, its permanent.

        A concussion is still an injury like a wound is, just less visible.

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          If someone has a concussion scare then they should sit out the rest of the game at a minimum, doubt they can be accurately assessed in under 10 minutes anyway. Temporary subs are just illogical to me, if the sub comes on let them play the game out

      2. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Have to agree, sounds like a garbage idea

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          Why so

  18. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Rudiger Stones Struijk triple up 8)

  19. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Need rid of all City players at this point. Might keep Dias but think even he will face rotation soon

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Or have 3 and accept the rotation with a bench

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Nooo thank you

    2. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Moved out stones this gw but for rudiger

  20. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Chances of Gundogan or Cancelo coming on?

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Gundo likely. Cancelo no

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Thanks, really hope Gundogan to come on, not because I want his points but because had I not sold Pereira he would have come on for Gundogan!

      2. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        If Mendy has a stinker never say never

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      I doubt either come on , expect Foden on if losing

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Wouldn't write off a Mendy substitution. He's previously been subbed on ~70 minutes a few times.

  21. JabariParkersEyelid
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    For those on wildcard, is 0 city a viable option you're considering?

    I like the overall look of every draft I do more without any of them except maybe Dias who I have held for about half the season.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Yep leaning towards none, maybe Dias

  22. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    It looks like Pep has decided this is a game he is prepared to sacrifice. Nothing wrong but if I was to take a bet has to be Leicester win

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      This City team is more than adequate to beat Leicester

  23. Forgetmeknot
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Bit late could someone please point me in the direction of the stones cancelo gundo support meeting

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Owned all 3 a few weeks but thankfully not in your scenario

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Yes, but first you must agree not to mention Pep's name at the meetings.

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Hi my name is Joe Sepp

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Welcome. Tell us about yourself.......

      1. Forgetmeknot
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Roulette is my poison

  24. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Best captain for 31?

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Sadly, the Gundo benching today has made him the default pick for the herd. Over 100 EO, blah blah. Meh.

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      City attacker who doesn’t start UCL

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Gundo and DCL

  25. Bushwhacker
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Where all the Raphinha captains gone?

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Still here. And I'd do it again.

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Waiting for the Kane 2 pointer 🙂

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Me too. Maybe 1.

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Still here. Captain didn't blank. Not sure why you're all loud about it when you were considering Watkins to Bamford for a hit. Check your noggin.

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        And I didn’t. Sorry I thought this was the standard post game average result post.

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          And I have White coming off my bench.

  26. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Shout out people helping me make the decision to bench Gundo and Stones.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      My pleasure

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      What difference does it make if you did or not, stones 100% won’t come on

  27. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Be thankful you don't have this team. Nothing from James and Mendy and all 3 City players are benched and all 3 subs are injured. 😀

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        That's kinda wow! And really feel for the guy!

        Whilst walking away sniggering.

        FPL brings out the worst emotions in all of us.

        I'm guilty as charged.

    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Poor guy...especially when he reads your post and it makes him feel even worse

  28. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    So, Big Sam in, Southgate out?

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Would you notice?

  29. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Gundog will come on for 1pt cameo. Pfft

  30. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Are we looking at Kun (c) vs Leeds if he is rested in the CL game?

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      No

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Don’t even go there...

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        It could be fun! And the ultimate differential!

        (3mins later...)

        Ok, ok, I've talked myself out of it.

        Maybe. 🙂