Dugout Discussion

Gameweek 20 team news: Lukaku, Foden and Grealish start as Alonso is benched

Gameweek 20 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) continues with two more matches this evening.

Chelsea v Brighton and Hove Albion is first up at 19:30 GMT, with Brentford v Manchester City getting underway 45 minutes after that.

On the team news front, Thomas Tuchel has made four changes to the Chelsea side that defeated Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Romelu Lukaku, Andreas Christensen, Mateo Kovacic and Cesar Azpilicueta return to the Blues’ line-up, with Trevoh Chalobah, Marcos Alonso and N’Golo Kante dropping to the bench. Thiago Silva misses out altogether after picking up an injury in Gameweek 19.

Kai Havertz is back on the hosts’ bench after his reported recent spell in self-isolation.

Brighton won for the first time in three months on Sunday but Graham Potter has nevertheless made three changes to the starting XI who impressed against Brentford, with injury forcing his hand in one instance.

There is no Leandro Trossard, who has a hamstring problem, while Adam Webster and Enock Mwepu drop to the bench.

Yves Bissouma, Solly March and the fit-again Joel Veltman return to the Seagulls’ starting XI.

Shane Duffy is back among the visitors’ substitutes after missing out on Boxing Day.

In the other match in west London, Pep Guardiola makes four changes to the side that beat Leicester City 6-3 three days ago.

Gabriel Jesus, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden make up the all-new front three, with Nathan Ake coming in for a start at left-back.

Raheem Sterling, Rihad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko all drop to the bench.

Two of Thomas Frank’s three changes are enforced, as Bryan Mbeumo is injured and Christian Norgaard is suspended.

Yoane Wissa, Frank Onyeka and Mads Roerslev are brought into the side, with Sergi Canos only a substitute.

GAMEWEEK 20 LINE-UPS

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Hudson-Odoi, Mount, Pulisic, Lukaku.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Alonso, Kante, Chalobah, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Havertz, Sarr.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI: Sanchez, Lamptey, Veltman, Burn, Cucurella, Bissouma, Lallana, March, Moder, Mac Allister, Maupay.

Subs: Webster, Mwepu, Gross, Alzate, Welbeck, Steele, Duffy, Richards, Ferguson.


Brentford XI: Fernandez, Pinnock, Jansson, Sorensen, Roerslev, Baptiste, Jensen, Onyeka, Thompson, Wissa, Toney.

Subs: Canos, Forss, Ghoddos, Peart-Harris, Bidstrup, Stevens, Cox.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Ake, De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Bernardo, Jesus, Foden, Grealish.

Subs: Sterling, Gundogan, Zinchenko, Steffen, Mahrez, Carson, Mbete-Tabu, Palmer.

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1,967 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Old Bull
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Own Laporte but so does rival. Wanted Cancello to do something

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Both get a tidy clean sheet at the mo

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

    Exact money for James & Bilva > Laporte & Foden 🙂

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

      Easy decision

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

        Some DGW news first would be great.

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Foden won’t play next match (from the start).
      Seems to be developing a rotation does old Pep.
      What the betting Sterling & Mahrez in next game?

      1. _Gunner
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I think Foden will start up front alongside Sterling and Mahrez

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

      Nah. City are not good buys right now. The DGWs are upon us.

  3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I'm glad as I'm hoping to bring Laporte in bur that's rough

  4. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    KdB is nailed in this side when fit right?
    May have to take the plunge and sign

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

      Not certain that now is best time to get him in.

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

    Had bought Laporte in for a hit this week 🙁

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

      Me too. Upsetting.

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

        So was Wellbeck scoring from that minimal chance. Could normally try 15 to 25 times and fail.

  6. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Kdb diminishes every other city midfielder as an FPL asset except for foden lol

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

      Yup, Bilva -> Bowen on the cards.

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

    Where is my Zinc one-pointer for my rival?

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

    Look guys, stop celebrating till after VAR

  9. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Best Alonso replacement?

    a) Laporte
    b) Reguilon/Dier
    c) Semedo/Coady
    d) Castagne

    1. The Frenchie
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I like Castagne idea for the next 3 games

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

      You don't have James?!? James has to go first. Reguilon and Cash imo.

  10. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Don’t want to see Pep ever complain about Fixture congestion, not 1 sub made tonight!

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

      He gives players full rests sometimes

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

      Can rest players v Arsenal.

      1. Huddersfield
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Pep doesn't rest his favourite players vs top4 teams with the race to the title still on.

  11. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I would never thinks saying that one day but I’m considering using my second wildcard next GW:

    - to be able to get a solid bench and face the match postponed (now it’s really weak..)

    - to replace Chelsea players (James, Alonso, Mount) and Arsenal players (Ramsdale, Saka)

    - to be able using a bench boost on possible DGW22 with maybe 15 players with double games.

    I don’t know if I will do it but what is your thought about that?

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

      Go for it mate, if you think it’s the right course of action

      1. The Frenchie
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yes..

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Don't think you'll go with 15 double gameweekers unless you're prepared to go without any City players

      1. The Frenchie
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I didn’t realize City didn’t get any postponed game so far

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

      It's not a bad idea.

      You really need the doubles confirmed though. Don't want to be drafting a wildcard on 'potential' double fixtures.

      1. The Frenchie
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yes you’r right and DGW fresh news would be more then welcome

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

      I am in similar situation. Did just sell Bernardo for Son. Ramsdale might still be worth keeping, but besides 5 players you mentioned, only Mount I don't have, but I have also Dennis, Salah and Lacazette.

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

      Bench boost is going to be an issue. MCI has Chelsea gw 22 and I am not certain what to do with Cancelo and Foden. At least Foden is rotation risk and everyone has money tied in Cancelo. Pandemic won't be over either and besides match cancellation risk, there is quite big no show risk for individual players.

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

    Can't wait to sack these players from my team:

    Jesus
    Mendy
    James
    Alonso

    Bilva is going too but he's a decent lad so he can stay one more GW

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

      Bear in mind that there arent many clean sheets going around before you get too upset

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

        True! I really don't know who to bring in

  13. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Tough to take that laporte call!

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

      should have seen Kane's

  14. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Man City such squad depth and Jesus is still on the pitch....

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

      Did quite brilliantly there

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

    City 0-1 deserved beaten.
    Chelsea 0-1 unlucky to lose.
    Liverpool 3-3.
    Arsenal 2-0.

    Great showing from Brentford vs the Top 4 at home, need that level vs other teams too...

  16. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    not able to make transfers, games being postponed and some not is bad enough, FPL changing the rules mid season but then add VAR with legitimate goals being given offside, clear penalties not given.

    This is just pure luck at this point. I think at this point many people will be done with FPL. Might as well write this season off, not sure how anyone is enjoying this?

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

      Didums

    2. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Upvoted

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

      I've been less interested lately, but everything you've mentioned has made it more fun for me.

      See you next gameweek.

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

        Apart from the extra free hit decision, but that should benefit us FFS nerds in the long run anyway.

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

      Problem with FPL self-assessments is that it tends to be pure luck when going badly, skill when going well

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

    No subs for city. Wonder how many changes for Arsenal match, Surprised KDB lasted this long

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

      Gundo Mahrez Sterling look “obvious” ins
      Maybe Grealish Jesus Kdb out- can he start 3 games in a week

  18. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Need some magic from Mbuemo here

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

      Where?

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Oops forgot he was crocked

  19. Thanos
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Tired City against a fresh Arsenal.

    Interesting match up!

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

    Same feeling us Bowen and Antonio owners had yesterday

    Sucks

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

    What a performance from Foden!

  22. AIRMILES
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Jesus looked over at Pep after doing that. I think he realises he'll get in trouble.

  23. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is James to Laporte a good move with ARS CHE next 2?
    I don’t want to hold James but double city is appealing

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

      Go for it.

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      With City having Arsenal and Chelsea in their next two as well as only having a single gameweek in 22, I wouldn't do the Laporte move. There will be better replacements for James

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

        Fixtures after the Chelsea game are great and don’t want to make another defender transfer

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

    Lucky Cokey 😉

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

    Jammy Dennis points off the bench thanks to Gundo.

  26. AIRMILES
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Right, I'm done. Catch you kids later.

  27. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    58 pts with Ronaldo(C) to go. Not bad at all

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

      Oh? Thought that was a little below average

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I had 68 with CR (c)to go last gameweek, this week 31(-8) DeGea to go…

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      So 62 all out then?

  28. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    City is so bloody strong it’s crazy.
    Double city defence over double midfield the way to go as the season gets deeper(just like last season they didn’t push much after 1-0/2-0)

  29. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Maybe Pep knows the Arsenal game is getting postponed? Lol

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

      Zinc, Gundo, Mahrez & Sterling in fresh for it.

      Perks of having 60m backups.

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

      😉

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        There it is! Confirmation 😀

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Good point

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

    Maybe Pep doesn't bring subs on due to appearance fees in players contracts as City are so strapped for cash.