Dugout Discussion
26 April 2023 1897 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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The clash between the Premier League’s top two is the headline act from Wednesday’s four Premier League matches.

The action at the Etihad gets underway at 20:00 BST, with Chelsea v Brentford and West Ham United v Liverpool kicking off 15 minutes earlier.

Nottingham Forest v Brighton and Hove Albion is first up at 19:30 BST.

Compared to the Manchester City side that drew with Bayern Munich a week ago, there is only one change: Kyle Walker in for the injured Nathan Ake.

Arsenal’s only alteration sees Granit Xhaka return to fitness and oust Fabio Vieira.

In the West Ham v Liverpool game, there is just one alteration across the two teams.

The Hammers are unchanged from the 4-0 thumping of Bournemouth, while Jurgen Klopp brings in Joel Matip for the injured Ibrahima Konate.

At Stamford Bridge, Cesar Azpilicueta and Raheem Sterling are in for the sidelined Reece James and Kai Havertz.

Opponents Brentford meanwhile recall Yoane Wissa, Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen, Frank Onyeka and Mads Roerslev, as Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade and Aaron Hickey drop to the bench. Christian Norgaard is injured.

The big news from the City Ground is that Jason Steele gets the nod between the posts for visitors Brighton, with Robert Sanchez only a substitute.

Steele for Sanchez is one of three changes Roberto De Zerbi has made from the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, with Levi Colwill and Facundo Buonanotte also coming in for Adam Webster and Danny Welbeck.

Brennan Johnson and Serge Aurier replace Scott McKenna and Remo Freuler in Steve Cooper’s couple of tweaks.

Aurier and substitute Cheikhou Kouyate were, naturally, described as “not quite ready yet” in their manager’s pre-match presser on Monday.

GAMEWEEK 33 LINE-UPS

Nottingham Forest XI: Navas, Aurier, Felipe, Niakhate, N Williams, Mangala, Danilo, Lodi, Gibbs-White, Johnson, Awoniyi.

Subs: Hennessey, Worrall, Lingard, Toffolo, Surridge, Kouyate, Freuler, Dennis, Ayew.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI: Steele, Gross, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinan, Caicedo, Mac Allister, March, Buonanotte, Mitoma, Enciso.

Subs: Sanchez, Webster, Welbeck, Undav, Ayari, Gilmour, Van Hecke, Veltman, Offiah.


Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga, W Fofana, Thiago Silva, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Fernandez, Kovacic, Chilwell, Kante, Gallagher, Sterling.

Subs: Badiashile, Aubameyang, Pulisic, Joao Felix, Loftus-Cheek, Mudryk, Mendy, Ziyech, Madueke.

Brentford XI: Raya, Roerslev, Jorgensen, Pinnock, Mee, Henry, Jensen, Onyeka, Janelt, Toney, Wissa.

Subs: Hickey, Schade, Dasilva, Ghoddos, Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Baptiste, Stevens, Cox.


West Ham United XI: Fabianski, Cresswell, Aguerd, Zouma, Coufal, Soucek, Rice, Benrahma, Paqueta, Bowen, Antonio.

Subs: Areola, Ogbonna, Kehrer, Emerson, Fornals, Lanzini, Downes, Cornet, Ings.

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

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Tsimikas, Carvalho, Thiago, Milner, Elliott, Diaz, Nunez.


Manchester City XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Akanji, Stones, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish, Haaland.

Subs: Phillips, Laporte, Ortega, Alvarez, Gomez, Mahrez, Foden, Palmer, Lewis.

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.

Subs: Tierney, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Kiwior, Trossard, Jorginho, Vieira, Nelson, Turner.



  1. Ange Ball
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Salah Havertz > KDB Jota -4

    Yes or no

    1. Orion
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Keep Salah imo

    2. Steve Stiffler
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      KDBs minutes may be limited with their schedule. Id be getting rid of Havertz in a heartbeat though.

    3. C0YS
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Salah to KDB is a bit of a sideways transfer, Salah is just as capable of hauling, if not more so

  2. Steve Stiffler
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    KDB or Grealish on a WC?

    1. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      KDB easily

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      The smart move maybe working out isn’t going to start vs Real Madrid.

      Mahrez or Foden could be worth a punt.

      1. Steve Stiffler
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah both plays in that tie I think. Top of my ML want to maintain my lead too. damn

  3. Ruinenlust
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Grealish

    Or

    KDB (-4)?

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

    Who to get in for Saka?

    A. KDB FT
    B. Salah -4 (Watkins -> Isak)

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A looks good after tonight

      1. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers yeah he's on fire right now.

    2. C0YS
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Most people on here have been saying Salah, I went with KDB a few weeks ago and so far no regrets

      1. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers. well played, great scoring from him recently.

    3. g40steve
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sweet for free got too many fires -8 fit me 🙁

      1. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Think i should go A for free?

        1. g40steve
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Yes no brainer

    4. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd probably prefer B for this week

      1. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        If i could get Salah without the hit i'd probably just get him, not so sure now.

  5. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Repost. Struggling here a bit trying to decide. What would be your moves?

    A. James & Chilwell > Trent & Estupinan (bench Saka)

    B. James & Saka > Robertson & Gakpo

    1. C0YS
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Option A, except maybe get Dalot instead of Estupinan?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I really like the 3 homes games for Brighton

        1. C0YS
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I do too, which is why I tripled up on BRI a few weeks ago with Estupinan. He’s been disappointing so far…I’ll continue with him, but only because he’s already in my team. Not sure I’d get him in hindsight

  6. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Guy who just jumped to third in my ML captained Gakpo.

    Guy he overtook captained Martinelli.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Congrats on winning your ML

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        No joke… Except #2 is still annoyingly breathing down my neck 20 points down. Isak (me) vs. Botman (her) tomorrow.

  7. YouReds
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Lovely 10 pointer from Steele. Does he keep his spot you think?

    1. Under my Cucurella
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Strange one, cos he also conceded 3, so feels like it could go either way

  8. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which looks best?
    A. Trent Salah Isak (-4)
    B. Stones Salah Jota (-4)
    C. Trippier Salah Isak

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. Under my Cucurella
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  9. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you do raya to Ederson for a -4 or play Raya?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raya

      City don't do clean sheets. 2x2 for Ederson barely covers the hit.

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Forest don't score away from home usually, so it should be a good chance of a 6+ pointer for Raya - don't think it's worth a hit for '2 pointer' Ederson

    3. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Stick with Raya

    4. NotsoSpursy
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raya easy

  10. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Andreas and Neco on my bench last week.
    Steele and Stones this week.
    Anyone done worse?

    1. El Presidente
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have Raya, Harrison, Henry and Bueno. 29 pts

  11. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How did Robertson look tonight? Poor man’s Trent or is he the out ball when Liverpool attack while Trent tucks into midfield?

    1. :
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Assisting for fun again.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Worth 6.8m for attacking returns alone?

        1. :
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          He's due (a cleanie).

          1. Yes Ndidi
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Due a benching too, maybe?

    2. NotsoSpursy
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Great pick

  12. dabber7
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Dias, Watkins, Willock > Trippier, KDB, Solanke (who would be benched) for a -8?

    Y
    N

    Cheers

    1. C0YS
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nah, wouldn’t take hits for transfers involving Trippier/bench player.

      1. dabber7
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks mate, my thinking was that Willock and Watkins will be on my bench for the forseeable and that KDB will likely score more than Dias over the rest of the season but it's a fair point that you make.

  13. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Are the bonus points a bit generous for penalty saves in FPL? Steele getting max bonus when his team loses and concedes 3 goals feels a bit weird. Didn't see the game so not sure how good he played though.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He made 3 saves too which helps

    2. El Presidente
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      BHA best player by far

    3. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      They are generous for everything that's already rewarded in the normal scoring

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      From what I saw he regained some late on to get back there.

  14. NotsoSpursy
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    For -4

    Watkins -> jota
    White -> stones

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      yup

    2. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No brainer, although I'd consider Isak over Jota if you don't have him.

  15. :
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Sam Greenwood & Lyle Taylor absolutely essential this GW to facilitate the Salah, Haaland, KDB, TAA, Rashford freehitmium.

    1. El Presidente
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      + Jota

      1. :
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Nah, something's got to give somewhere and they claim his spot unfortunately.

  16. g40steve
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Ake & Bruno stinking up team?

    A, Kepa > DeGea & Ake > Stones/Akanji -4

    B Chilwell > Coufal, Ake > Dalot, Bruno > KDB -8 no city defenders

    1. Heiro
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably A at the moment but if Bruno's out, thats gonna hurt

      1. g40steve
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yes, could play Raya vs Forest

        Then Chilwell > Shaw/Dalot & Ake > Stones/Akanji

        1. _Ninja_
          • 15 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Think I'd just do that, play Raya and get Stones and either Shaw or Dalot is fine.

          1. g40steve
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Cheers -8 too much to recover from?

            1. _Ninja_
              • 15 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Just seen below about KDB asking to be subbed due to niggles in his legs.

  17. SomeoneKnows
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How is this for a FH34 team?

    Ederson
    TAA, Shaw, Estupinan
    Salah, Rashford, KDB, Mitoma, March
    Jota, Haaland

    (Iversen, 3.8, 4.0, 4.0)

    1. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      GTG

  18. Heiro
    • 16 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi all,

    Really struggling here but need to best rises.

    Kane/Watkins/Saka --> Jota/Isak/Salah -4

    Gives me:

    Steele
    Zouma Trippier Botman Estu
    Salah Mitoma Rashford Mahrez
    Haaland Jota Isak

    Other option is Dalot Salah Jota

    1. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Do it!

      1. Heiro
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Which one? Bank on Double Newcastle?

        1. dabber7
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Isak one, -4.

  19. sirmorbach
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Friends, thoughts for DGW34?

    Steele
    Trippier, Gabriel, Mee
    Salah, Grealish, Rashford, Mitoma
    Haaland, Isak, Watkins

    Raya, Chilwell, Ødegaard, Burn

    A. Chilwell to TAA
    B. Chilwell to TAA, Øde to March (- 4)
    C. Chilwell to Shaw/Estupiñán/Robbo, Watkins to Jota (- 4)
    D. Chilwell to TAA, Burn/Mee to Shaw/Estupiñán (- 4)
    E. Chilwell to TAA, Raya to DDG (- 4)

    Thank you very much indeed!

    1. Heiro
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      C with Ribbon Jota

      1. Under my Cucurella
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Agree

        1. sirmorbach
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Thank you!!

      2. sirmorbach
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Many thanks!!

  20. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    With KDB & Halaand who best third city player ?
    Stones
    Ederson

    1. Heiro
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Stones for me

    2. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, Stones I think now.

    3. Under my Cucurella
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Stones

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers

  21. Kevin and Perry go
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Such a persons coming such a persons coming. Aubamyangs coming. i couldn’t give a flying bumbaclot.

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      It's just enough

      1. Kevin and Perry go
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Sorry wolf.

  22. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Roll?

    DDG
    TAA Shaw Estupinan Trippier
    Salah Rashford Grealish March
    Haaland Isak

    Raya Olise Pinnock Ings

    1. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely

      1. Under my Cucurella
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Jinx

    2. Under my Cucurella
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely

  23. Ser Davos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    All set to auto-pilot the likes of Saka/Gabriel out

    BUT

    Chelsea (H) is actually a very, very plum fixture...

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe the best fixture at the moment!

  24. KDB's "niggles"
    dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Perhaps sensible to wait for City press conference before bringing KDB in - has to at least be some doubt he starts both games in double

    https://twitter.com/SamLee/status/1651344436696170497?s=20

    Guardiola says De Bruyne has some 'niggles in his legs' and asked to be substituted

    1. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Interesting. Thanks for the heads up.

  25. Under my Cucurella
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A: TAA Toney (10 doublers)
    B: Robbo Jota (-4) (11 doublers)

    Gakpo other Pool player

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. sirmorbach
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  26. Heiro
    • 16 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who's the best defender pick under 5.3 for GW34?

    Shaw? Akanji? Dalot?

    1. C0YS
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Shaw followed by Dalot

      1. sandman58
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I would reverse that
        Dalot for sure as Shaw is less effective playing left centre back

  27. Yes Ndidi
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Raya Stones Robbo
    vs
    DDG TAA Dalot
    on FH

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      DDG TAA Dalot

      1. Kevin and Perry go
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Agree with opti.

  28. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you start Trippier ahead of any of the 10 double week players?

    Raya
    TAA Shaw Estupinan
    Salah Grealish Rashford March Mitoma
    Haaland Jota

    Kepa Trippier Botman Greemwood

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nope

  29. C0YS
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who would you rather have as your 3rd City player moving forward?

    1) Grealish
    B) Stones

    Currently have Haaland and KDB

    1. Kevin and Perry go
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Walker

      1. C0YS
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Why Walker? Seems like he’s not nailed + 0 goal involvements this campaign?

        1. OptimusBlack
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          No walker for sure

        2. Kevin and Perry go
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Cause he’s fast as fook

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I really want to know this

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If you got Grealish so who start 11 for u ?

  30. Eleven Hag
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Kane + Trippier + 9DGWs + No Liverpool

    Who should I get, who should I sell and who should I bench plz?(2 FTs, 0.5itb)

    Ederson
    Espu Shaw Trippier
    Bruno Rashford Mitoma March Grealish
    Haaland (c) Kane
    - Watkins Schar Chillwell

    1. Kevin and Perry go
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You have a luxury transfer.