Dugout Discussion

Grealish benched as United stick with five-man defence for Manchester derby

The Manchester derby is the first of five matches taking place on a slightly quieter-than-usual Saturday afternoon of Premier League football.

The omission of Jack Grealish from the City starting XI is perhaps the headline team news from the lunchtime clash at Old Trafford, with the benchings of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez rather more predictable given their relative lack of involvement on the domestic front over the last couple of months.

Ilkay Gundogan replaces the former Villa man in one of two changes that Pep Guardiola has made from Gameweek 10, with John Stones in for the suspended Aymeric Laporte his other alteration.

Kyle Walker is fit to start after taking a knock to his foot in midweek.

Raphael Varane‘s hamstring injury rules him out of the visit of United’s cross-city rivals, with Eric Bailly taking his place.

Victor Lindelof was a minor concern for this clash with a knock but is fit to take his place alongside Bailly and Harry Maguire in a three-man central defence, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seemingly opting for the same 3-4-1-2 – or, given the likelihood of them sitting back, 5-3-2 – set-up he has favoured in his side’s last two competitive matches.

The Norwegian had hinted at a few other injury doubts without naming names in his pre-match press conference and the Red Devils are indeed without another one of their starters from the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Edinson Cavani is the man to miss out, with Mason Greenwood starting in his stead.

Aside from those two enforced alterations, United are otherwise unchanged from last week.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most selected player in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for this encounter but his 31% ownership figure has to be taken with a pinch of salt, given the number of ‘ghost teams’ in FPL that tend to be drifting along three months into a campaign.

Among the top 10k, Ronaldo is the only United player with an ‘effective ownership’ (EO) above 1% for this fixture.

It’s Phil Foden and Joao Cancelo who are the most popular picks among the leading 10,000 managers, each boasting an EO of just over 62%.

GAMEWEEK 11 LINE-UPS

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Fernandes, McTominay, Fred, Greenwood, Ronaldo.

Subs: Henderson, Martial, Rashford, Lingard, Dalot, Sancho, Telles, Matic, Van de Beek.

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Cancelo, Silva, Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne, Jesus, Foden.

Subs: Steffen, Carson, Ake, Sterling, Grealish, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Palmer.

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1,531 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tasty Jerk
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Going to be on Chilwell watch it looks like as Chelsea is the live TV choice game today - (while struggling to find a decent Palace v Wolves source) :/

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I did the sideways Rudiger to James this week - got the pair of wingbacks. He's hopin'

      1. Tasty Jerk
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Good luck! I went Chilwell over James, just know that will backfire 😀

  2. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is trent worth the money? Chelsea fullbacks, cancelo, livra is doing more than enough.

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      You can have them all

      1. jackruet
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        But i want son too

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          You can have them with Son

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Yes, my team is linked for example.

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      no mid/striker under 10mil is worth it over Trent etc, just play 4/5 back

    3. HTL
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      One of each is probably sufficient, otherwise you’re making budget decisions elsewhere. That said, seems no real point to premium strikers at the moment

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        One premium + Salah and Son is still affordable, but it's close.

    4. HVT
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I think I'd compare him (and those mentioned) to mids/forwards more than those Defs

    5. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Rudiger/Chillwell/TAA/Cancelo/Livramento FTW

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I have James over Rudiger and also Son.

    6. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Trent is worth it if Pool keep cleansheets. Improvement is needed in that regard. He's nailed on. Bar Mendy and Rudiger there's a doubt with Chelsea defenders, however small. Livra won't do his points but pound for points prob better.

    7. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Trent + Cancelo + Chilwell/James with Livra on the bench. Easy.

      1. HTL
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I’d be tempted to have one Chelsea and perhaps Ben White as the fourth defender. Guess it comes down to how often you want 4/5 at the back, and Tuchel rotation

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          That's what I meant. Chilwell or James, not both. I have Livra and White on my bench. 3-4-3.

    8. The Frenchie
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I’m not owing Trent since GW6 and I will definitely keep like that. Current defense:

      Cancelo / Chilwell / James (Duffy / Livramento)

  3. F4L
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Pep not using any subs today as well, I think he's found his preferred eleven...

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      And he wants 5.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Tbf, in total control.

      2. F4L
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        imo that shouldn't happen, unfair advantage to the big sides with better squads

  4. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Mark wildcarded just for Foden and he's blanked twice lol

    1. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Foden Isn't salah

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Did people not see how Foden got his points vs Brighton? Unparalleled luck!

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        He does seem to get strangely attached to some players. One Lukaku goal, takes a -8 for him. One Foden haul, wildcards for him...

    3. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Nobody is bigger than the team and all that. except Salah though.

  5. Willesden Mariner
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    FPL Vicky Pollard Family, your CanCHelo is a beauty! Italians will be celebrating LOL. Just need Azpi to stay on the bench for my Dias autosub.

  6. FFFoxy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    oh Jesus and not meaning Gabriel. Cancelo and liv on bench. Playing James, Chilwell & Tierney. Hoping Tierney doesn't start or come on

  7. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is it worth finding the funds to do Dias > Cancelo over the IB or not worth it because it would take 2ft’s and probably will have other fires to put out?

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I will do the same move. Dias offers nothing apart from CS and occassional bonus points.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I agree, only thing maybe that Dias offers is slightly more starting security with all the fixtures coming up, and due to the fact he’s had a rest and Cancelo hasnt but other then that he falls behind

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I feel like Cancelo is slightly more nailed on than Dias now. Things have changed.

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            It’s honestly taken me by surprise, to have gone from benched in the UCL final to starting every league game so far he just may well be. Maybe after losing Mendy has Pep now has put extra emphasis on Cancelo and Zinchenko is just not going to have that much of a role

            1. ZeBestee
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Yes. He is arguably their best player this season ahead of Bernardo.

    2. im1974
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not worth it. Cancelo had his haul today

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Third one so far. Smashing it in Champions league as well. He's gonna keep hauling

      2. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I’ve never been fully convinced with Cancelo, he seems to get better returns in the UCL. But the thing is he’s taking so many shots now (rarely any on target) and is getting lucky assists, albeit he gets forward enough to get the assists, I’m starting to think he’s getting harder to ignore

  8. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    For all Man City dominance and Cancelo class, it was 2 lucky goals to win it today.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      They could have got out of first gear if they wanted to and scored a few more.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I wish they had!

    2. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It was a bit like that in Liverpool game, 3-4 goals were ruthless exploitation of a bad bounce / touch.

      But the better teams tend to be lucky (funny that!) and united can’t lace the boots of either teams

  9. Spg76
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    TalkSPORT man of the match David de Gea lol

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      6-0 with a mortal keeper

  10. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Son + Kane duo is too much?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      £22.5m

  11. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I'll take the 6 Dias points for Grealish no show as a nice parting gift from Grealish.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      You benched Dias away at Utd?

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        It made sense based on the other options I have this week. Plus City haven't looked THAT great defensively either. Almost transferred him out too

  12. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Havertz this is your last chance, do your owners proud you b*llend of a footballer.

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      😆 …. This

    2. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I own him. No way he scores.

  13. Forgetmeknot
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Getting azpi on wc over Rudiger in 7/8 has been a stinker

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I transferred Azpi in for Rudiger when he got injured in the IB.
      Since then he’s got 1 CS and missed 3 games. Woof.

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Tbf, he was as "safe" as Rudiger during that time. Don't beat yourself up about it.

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Completely made sense. Safe as a CB with occasional WB games.
        His injury kinda messed it up.
        All his missed games led to Livra points to me too.

        I’m in no rush to sell him - have plenty of depth. But he might become TAA soon anyway.

  14. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Not watching United on a Saturday anymore. Putting me in bad form for the day again 😆

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      All I can do is laugh , follow cricket

    2. HTL
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Any day ending in Y

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

    Got a feeling Chelsea will concede today (I say this as a double Chelsea defence owner). Would be peak FPL that when people are going in on the Chelsea defence double up and triple up they concede.

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Looking for attack points as well

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      As long as James the wing backs get the attacking points I am fine with it.

    3. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If you got James & Chilly you will get attacking points

  16. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is 20 from my bench boost so far any good? Would have been gutted if I didn’t play it

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Once it's a genuine bench yeah.

      Cancelo wouldn't count for example...

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Chilwell, rudiger, Trent
        Salah Mbuemo Saka Raph
        Antonio Jimmy Kane

        Was genuine mate he doesn’t get in ahead of the above

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Very tidy.

    3. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Well done. I opted against doing BB this week after pondering on it for days. 9 points from McCarthy sitting on there so far. We'll see how the rest of it goes and whether it turns out to be a good decision or not.

    4. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I got 25 for my bench in GW2 so you're doing good.

  17. F4L
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Now time for Mbeumo/Toney to reward their owners 😎

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Regardless of the outcome, I'm sure 2ney will rise in price...

  18. Postman Ty
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What the actual f is wrong with Paul Scholes? Talking about how far away United are from City and Pool but then says they're not far off Chelsea?! This after saying Chelsea has the worst defence in the top 4?!

    Champions of Europe, top of the league, fewest goals conceded in the league, most clean sheets in the league, record for fewest goals ever conceded in a Champions League campaign.

    This man has a potato for a brain.

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

      Gingers for you bud

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Likely 5 points clear of Man City too.

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lets not discuss Scholes' antics

    4. Pinturicchio10
        2 years, 4 months ago

        High on nail polish

        1. Walter White (WW)
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          😆

    5. DMP
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No Mount or Azpi. Time to get rid for Jota. Glad i have Gallagher, Smith Rowe and Livra on my bench tough.

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

      Really need mbeumo and Toney to do something today

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, have the double up as well but the jury is still out.

    7. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Really which I'd pulled trigger on Ronaldo > Kane

      1. tbos83
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        *wish

      2. Jässi
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Ronaldo will be gold when their fixtures turn alongside with a new manager bounce (if/when it happens).

    8. Jässi
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Do you think it is possible now that Azpilicueta will not play a minute? Cancelo waiting first on bench with 14 points... Last time I will bench Cancelo, I swear!

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Possible but not a certainty. You're in for a tense 2 hours

      2. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Haha same here mate. I'm hoping for a no Azpi show.

      3. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Chelsea don't tend to make defender subs. He'll be back in CD against tougher opposition, I reckon.

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Cheers for the words Andy. Fantastic season till now.

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          With their injury situation wouldn't bet on it.

      4. Jässi
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers all. Fingers crossed

    9. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Utd great comedy value

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        How can you confuse comedy with tragedy?

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, it definitely isn't this, I'm laughing

      2. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Great way to fall asleep watching them

    10. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      United have broken Roy Keane.

      A new low!

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Made by United. Broken by United. The irony of life.

    11. Lucky_2010
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      tuchel seem to started azpili playing ucl but benching him for pl at the moment

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Think it was all timing with his injury. They have such great depth. Wouldn’t surprise me if he’s back first choice in the prem post IB.

    12. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Clock change has put me in a tricky dilemma. Stay up till midnight watching the 3pm kick offs knowing I'll be woken up at 7am and probably a couple of times in the night by my daughter or bed now and get up at 6am for the match of the day challenge. What would you do?

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        My little dude gets my up around 6 every day so I’d do the match of the day.
        But probably mix it up a bit depending on if there are fixtures I’d want to see in full especially.

      2. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Hire nanny?

        1. RogDog_jimmy
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Haha. Nanny’s are expensive!

          I’m west coast US so games start here at 4.30am on Sats. Perfect with a 1 year old. I’m basically up chilling with him watching games till lunch time.

          1. fish&chips
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Haha that's cool. I'm trying to get my daughter into watching the highlights when I wake up. Most games are overnight for me here

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Not in Cambodia they're not.

            1. fish&chips
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Have one during the week already. Can't farm my daughter out full time 🙂

    13. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Was at the game.United were clueless. City majestic. Ole can't hold on much longer. Only for De gea it would have ended 6 nil.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Something has to change, but not certain that getting OGS sacked now would change anything. They have too many attackers and lack talent in midfield. It can't be solved before January transfer window.

    14. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Football For All
      @FootballlForAll
      · 1h
      BREAKING: Eddie Howe to Newcastle is now looking uncertain after he failed to secure a deal for his backroom staff to follow him to the club.

      Guess the potless Toon board can't afford them.

    15. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Knew my patience with Brewster would pay off

    16. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Goal Norwich … Normann