Dugout Discussion

Wednesday’s FPL team news: Vardy and Antonio start, James and Gundogan absent

There are six Gameweek 14 matches taking place this evening, with four kicking off at 19:30 GMT and two getting underway 45 minutes later.

Southampton v Leicester City, Watford v Chelsea, West Ham United v Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley get us started, with Aston Villa v Manchester City and Everton v Liverpool to follow at 20:15 GMT.

Gianni, Toby and Ed will be following the action in the embedded video below and over on our YouTube channel.

As for the team news, it’s Thomas Tuchel who rotates the most – he’s made six changes from the Chelsea side held to a draw by Manchester United last weekend.

The injured Reece James misses out, while Hakim Ziyech, Jorginho, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Thiago Silva drop to the bench.

Andreas Christensen, Christian Pulisic, Saul Niguez, Mason Mount, Cesar Azpilicueta and Kai Havertz are recalled but Romelu Lukaku again has to be content with a place among the substitutes.

Opposite number Claudio Ranieri has made only one alteration from Gameweek 13, with Joao Pedro replacing the benched Cucho Hernandez. That means that Emmanuel Dennis is fit to start despite picking up a knock at Leicester.

Jamie Vardy and Michail Antonio both start their sides’ respective matches despite concerns about a midweek breather.

Leicester are indeed unchanged for their meeting with Southampton, who bring in Kyle Walker-Peters, Nathan Redmond and Nathan Tella for Lyanco, Romain Perraud and Armando Broja.

Antonio isn’t among David Moyes’s two changes; Vladimir Coufal and Jarrod Bowen come in for the injured Aaron Cresswell and the benched Arthur Masuaku.

Pascal Gross and Tariq Lamptey also have to make do with substitute duty at the London Stadium, with Adam Lallana and teenager Jeremy Sarmiento brought into the starting XI.

At Molineux, there are two changes apiece, three of which are enforced through suspensions to Ruben Neves, James Tarkowski and Ashley Westwood. Francisco Trincao drops to the bench as Leander Dendoncker and Adama Traore come in for the hosts, while Nathan Collins and Jack Cork replace their banned colleagues.

As for the later kick-offs, Jurgen Klopp has made only one change for the Merseyside derby: Joel Matip is recalled at the expense of Ibrahima Konate, with the front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota all starting.

Richarlison and Demarai Gray are in for Alex Iwobi and Anthony Gordon for the Toffees.

Jack Grealish and Phil Foden are only among the substitutes for Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa, while Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones miss out altogether and Aymeric Laporte is suspended.

Nathan Ake, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fernandinho come into Pep Guardiola’s starting XI.

Douglas Luiz and Emiliano Buendia replace Jacob Ramsey and Ashley Young in Steven Gerrard’s two alterations.

GAMEWEEK 14 TEAM NEWS

Southampton XI: McCarthy, Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters, Redmond, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Tella, Adams, A.Armstrong.

Subs: Forster, Lyanco, Long, Perraud, Broja, Djenepo, Smallbone, Elyounoussi, Valery

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel, Castagne, Soyuncu, Evans, Thomas, Soumare, Ndidi, Maddison, Lookman, Barnes, Vardy.

Subs: Ward, Albrighton, Iheanacho, Perez, Amartey, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall, Vestergaard, Daka.


Watford XI: Bachmann, Femenia, Cathcart, Troost-Ekong, Masina, Louza, Joao Pedro, Cleverley, Sissoko, King, Dennis.

Subs: Ngakia, Rose, Gosling, Fletcher, Tufan, Kabasele, Hernandez, Kucka, Elliot.

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Christensen, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Saul, Alonso, Pulisic, Mount, Havertz.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Jorginho, Silva, Lukaku, Werner, Barkley, Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech, Sarr.


West Ham United XI: Fabianski, Johnson, Dawson, Zouma, Coufal, Soucek, Rice, Fornals, Benrahma, Bowen, Antonio.

Subs: Masuaku, Yarmolenko, Lanzini, Vlasic, Areola, Noble, Perkins, Diop, Kral.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI: Sanchez, Veltman, Webster, Dunk, Cucurella, Bissouma, Lallana, Moder, Trossard, Sarmiento, Maupay.

Subs: Mac Allister, Mwepu, Lamptey, March, Steele, Duffy, Locadia, Burn, Gross.


Wolverhampton Wanderers XI: Sa, Semedo, Kilman, Coady, Saiss, Ait-Nouri, Moutinho, Dendoncker, Traore, Jimenez, Hwang.

Subs: Moulden, Ruddy, Hoever, Trincao, Silva, Cundle, Bueno, Campbell

Burnley XI: Pope, Lowton, Collins, Mee, Taylor, Gudmundsson, Cork, Brownhill, Wood, McNeil, Cornet.

Subs: Hennessey, Norris, Roberts, Lennon, Rodriguez, Pieters, Vydra, Long, Thomas


Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Mings, Konsa, Targett, Luiz, Nakamba, McGinn, Bailey, Buendia, Watkins.

Subs: Steer, Hause, A. Young, J. Ramsey, Chukwuemeka, A. Ramsey, Philogene-Bidace, Archer, Davis.

Man City XI: Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Ake, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Sterling, Mahrez, Jesus.

Subs: Steffen, Carson, Grealish, Foden, Mbete, Palmer, McAtee, Lavia, Wilson-Esbrand.


Everton XI: Pickford, Keane, Allan, Richarlison, Gray, Digne, Townsend, Doucoure, Godfrey, Coleman, Rondon.

Subs: Begovic, Kenny, Delph, Iwobi, Tosun, Gordon, Gbamin, Branthwaite, Dobbin.

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Fabinho, Van Dijk, Thiago, Mane, Salah, Henderson, Jota, Robertson, Matip, Alexander-Arnold.

Subs: Kelleher, Konate, Milner, Oxdale-Chamberlain, Minamino, Tsimikas, Origi, Williams, Morton.

2,748 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which combo you rather Kane+Mbeumo or King+Son

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

      king son for sure

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

      I prefer Kane , but I think King+Son better the other combo.

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Kane needs better help than Mbuemo.

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

    jimineze really got two blanks against norwich and burnley...

    so this means when i sell him this week he gets a brace against liverpool

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep, that's how it works

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Approx 7 weeks

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

    A. Buy King or Dennis?

    B. Sell Saka or Mbeumo for Jota?

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

      I'm buying King, Dennis is leaving for AFCON so don't want to change again soon.
      B) Mbeumo surely. Saka can easily go on a spree if fit

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        When does Dennis leave?

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Approx 7 weeks

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

          Liverpool are hopeful of having Salah, Mane & Keita for the Chelsea game on the 2nd of Jan so around that weekend for Dennis too.

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

      Denis and Mbeumo

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        This

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

      King and Mbeumo

  4. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Right thats it, Antonio has got to go.

    Antonio & Gallagher to King & Bilva?

    Double down on Watford with King & Dennis (I'm I really saying that?)

    2FT 0itb

    Guaita
    TAA – James – Cancelo – Regi
    Salah – Jota – Gallagher – ESR
    Antonio – CR7

    Bench: Foster – Bowen – Dennis - Livra

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

    I know full well that Dennis' current output of 12 goal involvements in 13 games is unsustainable, however, at 5.3 even a decreased output ft. the price rises + the upcoming fixtures make me a buyer.

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Join the club.

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

        I feel very late but also just early enough before I suspect a string of price rises.

    2. daitheboot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Me too. No point over thinking the Afcon piece as easy to bench or swap and Watford will be rubbish again in 4 or 5 gameweeks.

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

        exactly. can make the trade when that occurs.

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

      Yeah, he looks good. Is making me think a bit of Hwang - 4 goals in last 6 shots on target is pretty mad conversion levels!

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

      I’ve had him since GW5 so served as a good differential up until now!

  6. derdourily
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Dennis or king and why ?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I got Dennis cause he was cheaper and hauling. Thinking I'll get both now.

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

        Do not get 2 Watford strikers

  7. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Has Maddison looked any good or have his points been lucky?!

    I haven’t noticed him but just seen he’s had a few decent hauls recently!

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looked good tonight. Defensive error for his goal vs Watford & McCarthy leaving his near post open has me sceptical though.

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

        McCarthy was at fault for both goals, the same against Norwich, those two were even easier.

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Norwich ones were awful!

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

            That was made worse by the fact that they were Norwich's only threats on goal.
            He does also struggle with the ball at his feet.

    2. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looked really good.
      That Newcastle fixture coming up looks tasty!

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

      Gots Skills and showin off

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

      Didn't see him tonight but he's quality when he's on his game. Worth a punt definitely.

  8. MountainBeach
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lads,

    Coady and Jimenez to Alonso and Toney? Still have 0.3 ITB

  9. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best striker under 6.6? Already have Dennis.

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      King 🙂

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

      Pukki.

  10. Viper
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I'm debating beyween King & Dennis and looking at Dennis's returns it really shouldn't be a debate. We really do overthink these things don't we 😆

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

      If Dennis was the more expensive one then it would be more of a debate for me.

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

      I have had him for 2 weeks, Ill put up with a cheap striker problem in January

  11. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Repost
    Would you buy:-
    A)cornet
    B)Maddison

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

      B

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

      B

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

    Might save FT, wait another week on King vs Dennis & start Livramento...

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

      Same here. Wanna ship Hwang and waiting to see Duffy minutes plus hopefully more nailed 11s as Euro games finish for a few months.

  13. Viper
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Will Dennis miss the Newcastle & Norwich fixtures January 15th & 21st?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If selected for Nigeria, yes.

    2. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      100%, at the very least if Nigeria progress to the knock out phases.

  14. SIDHU_MOOSE_WALA
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Defender max 4,6m? White/Tomiyasu?

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

      Johnson, Lamptey, Tavares.

  15. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Allan & Antonio > Dennis & Gundo for free?

    Yes or No

    Cheers

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

      Sorry Gundo flagged maybe Bernado then?

  16. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to drop for Dennis?

    Kane
    Wilson
    Antonio

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      None this week? Especially if you can just bench Antonio, then see after that...

      1. Moose™
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Antonio have good fixtures going forward. But, his form kinda worrying

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah Antonio can easily go. Kane after Norwich isn't ideal and he could free up a lot of cash.

          1. Moose™
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            What about this for free?

            Mbeumo + Antonio > Jota + Dennis

            2FT

            1. Rainer
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Can't question that, looks a big upgrade.

    2. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Wilson's fixtures are set to turn sour soon and Antonio's becoming more favourable.

      1. Moose™
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah. This week would be his last week I guess. Need to get Jota in for Mbeumo

    3. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Wilson, you probably want to trade him with his fixtures about to turn. Maybe?

  17. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    If Duffy had played 6 more minutes, he'd of got a CS correct?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes and probably 3 bps too

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

        Yeh, that's slightly frustrating, however, he was my second sub and is very unlikely to get on.
        Technically he also played 60 minutes with the stoppage time included.

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

      Yes.

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

        Yeh, cheers. I was 99% sure it was.

  18. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who is the best city mid to own in the medium to long term?

    Still foden?

    Thanks

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

      That's the golden question... 😆

    2. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd be tempted by Bilva I think. Performing well and getting consistent minutes.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Bilva may be due a rest at weekend

        I don't want to bring him in for the Watford game on that basis....

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

      Good question. I'm avoiding all bar Cancelo. Rotation risks plus too much attacking talent splitting the returns. Might be a more settled 11 for a few months as they topped CL group

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

      Bernardo most consistent

  19. Kay317
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best Gallagher replacement?
    Wasn't happy with what I saw last night, he was way too deep. Have 7.5mil itb after sale.

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

      This is the reason why I haven't owned him and went Mbeumo many weeks ago.
      Not that, that has necessarily worked but yes, don't like the role from an FPL perspective.

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

        I'd go City.

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

      Maddison.

    3. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Agree on Gallagher deepness. And lack of Mili wasn’t beneficial like it should have been either.
      I just swapped for Bernardo. And if Bernardo is rested v Watford, I have the mighty Dennis coming in

  20. Alcapaul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do Raphinha to Bilva or wait a week and get Foden? I'd need the second transfer to free up funds for Foden.

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Same position as me

      I plan to wait and get foden

      Raph can easily return v brenford at weekend

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

        easily?

    2. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd keep Raph for Brentford at home then bring in either Foden or Bilva.

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

        Bilva chance of a rest versus Watford, IMO.

  21. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Save FT?

    Ramsdale
    Trent • Cancelo • Dias • Alonso
    Salah • Son • Foden • Jota
    Antonio • Toney
    (Foster / White / Brownhill / Davis)

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

      Looks good. I'd be tempted to, yeah.

    2. The Reptile
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Similar team to mine - I'm going Antonio to Watkins I think but not sure if I should do it now or wait a couple of days

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

      Yes

  22. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Guys,

    How did Sanchez get up to 23 BPS? Did he create a big chance or something?

  23. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1 FT 0 itb

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James Livra
    Salah Son Jota Raphinha
    Antonio Wilson
    (4.0 Jimenez Luiz Johnson)

    A) Jimenez to Watkins ( bench Antonio)
    B) Jimenez to Dennis/King
    C) save ft
    B)

  24. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I don’t think it’s worth bringing Lukaku in before the blank GW’s if have a a double up CHE at the back, too many transfers to make

  25. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So hard not to sell Antonio. Really testing me. He could’ve had a couple of assists today.

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      right - it just hasn't been breaking for him (or WH really)

      certainly other teams have figured out how to quell the counter-break too.

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Do you have him in your squad?

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

      But he hasn't, akin to Mbeumo woodwork scenario. Not as sharp as early in the season. Could be fatigued a bit? Used to get injured more and a few weeks out recovered him in previous seasons. 8 blanks in 10 games. Sell him.

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Who would you get for 7.8 or less? Not many options…
        (Already have Dennis)

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

          Wilson. But Pukki, Toney, Watkins to consider too.

  26. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which combo do you like better going forward?

    A) Sancho/Foden + Dennis
    B) Bowen/Saka + Watkins

    Can play 4 at the back so Dennis doesn't necessarily have to start. B gives me a benching headache but that might not be a bad thing over the Xmas period.

  27. Boberella
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Since I’ve owned Dennis (Gw5) I’ve benched 48 of his points and I only got his 10 pts last week cos the spurs game was cancelled. Might just play him every week regardless of fixtures.

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ouch

  28. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    i don't like quick decisions but choosing King or Dennis tonight males sense to get the rise.

    points say Dennis
    underlying stats say King

    hmmmmmm

    1. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Dennis.
      He’s scoring against anyone. King on pens though is a plus for him. People saying about AFCON, but that’s ages away and wouldn’t factor in any decisions for me. Benching a 5.3 fwd for a couple of weeks in jan isn’t a worry.

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        AFCON is not something I'm worrying about - it's immediate returns.
        Dennis being cheaper makes up for pens just about for me I think.

        1. Boberella
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Agree. If I didn’t have either I would definitely go Dennis without hesitation.

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

          As someone on the next page says, Kings stats/points without his 3 goals vs Everton aren’t that good.

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

      King's PL history says pick Dennis.

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

      I'm annoyingly 0.1m off Antonio + Brownhill to King + Bilva/Gundo.

      Honestly think King is better if you can afford him due to the penalties, better stats and reduced YC risk. Dennis looks good as well though, just a bit wary his 3 goals recently have come from 4 shots on target, 1 big chance. King has had 4 big chances in the same period.

  29. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Being neutral,do you guys see Gundogan start vs Watford or just a bench appearance at best?

    1. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      We’ll, he’s flagged, so without knowing anything about his injury it’s impossible to know. I’d fit, I would imagine he plays as he’s had a rest now.

      1. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        *If fit

  30. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone who watched the game, how did Coufal look vs. Johnson?

    Projecting forward to West Ham's favourable fixtures and 4.0 defender piques my interest.