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. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Not a lot of points so far

  2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    VVD hero last ditch block.

  3. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Haaland is setting them up today.

    1. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      cleaver

      I feel he will score as Holding has a mistake in him every game,
      without Sailba Arsenal not as tight at the back

  4. AutoFill 2021
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What’s Roberto Di Matteo up to at the moment?!

  5. Fabreghastly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Rodri has got very good at falling over

    1. It's a Wookie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      The Grealish effect

  6. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hauland doing a Kane supplying balls to KDB.

    1. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Draws Arsenal defence with KDb to run onto

  7. Free Hat
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Haaland the new kdb

  8. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB is back in KDB mode!

  9. Babit1967
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Nice one Steele penalty save

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Another one?

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Just seen that too, nice! Was regretting playing him ahead of Raya

    3. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wow - did not realise he was playing thought Sanchez in - dilemma now at week ( a good one)
      as was thinking of transferring out might keep & play with DGW

  10. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Even by Ben White's standards, that has been some sunbed session.

    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ben White Goodman.

    2. Marvin.
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      We call that a scouse tan where I'm from. I'm sure there must be a regional equivalent.

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        London’s Burning

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Clash of Clans

    3. Feanor
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He's a very brown White guy.

  11. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any chance Saka will come on?

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice one.

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      his already on!

  12. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB interests me...

    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      In a pointy kind of way?

  13. AutoFill 2021
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why did I play Chilwell…why do I still have him ffs.

    1. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      yup I still have this mug but nothing I can do as I have had other moves to make. Not sure I am going to be able to get rid of him anytime soon either haha

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      still 45mins

  14. Other Guys
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why are city fans singing “Bruno’s song” came from portugal like cristiano. Unless I’m hearing it wrong.

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Loads of teams sing a song to the follow follow follow tune.

  15. Shultan
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Got the kapa/raya call wrong!

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Raya BAPs even if he concedes!

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Same but with Johnstone / Steele …

  16. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Haaland doing a Jesus...

  17. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Partey is getting bossed in midfield.

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He's been very poor in the last few games IMO

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I agree, couldn’t pass the ball 5 yards last game, lots of fouls and lots of losing possession

  18. mad_beer ✅
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    When does Grealish come off the bench?

    1. DropkickMurphys
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Same time as Martinelli

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

      He's just mugged Saka

      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This

    3. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      lol

  19. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB and Haaland are causing nightmares for Arsenal here

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

      They're Holding on for dear life

  20. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB looking outstanding but Luca Brecel is Belgian of the Day!

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Love Belgian buns__Over 18 of course.

      1. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Buns are nice I heartily agree.

  21. JBG
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    City should be 2-0 at least.

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

      It's coming

    2. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      3 or more

  22. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    You know city wil concede somehow....

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

      Even though I don't think arsenal have had the ball inside the city box, you still think this is ending Big Number to 1

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      anyone 1 - 1

  23. DropkickMurphys
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    When did Arsenal last touch the ball… man

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

      Ramsdale when he picked it out of the net?

      1. DropkickMurphys
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        They are lucky it’s only 1-0 but this match is calling for an Arsenal come back in the second half with City missing so many chances.

        1. It's Fergie Time
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          they need to bring on rami malek for the 2nd half

  24. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Frank Lampard retired yet?

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Precedent has been set for caretaker manager sackings... Watch this space

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

        After Frank loses to Frank....

    2. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He is being retired...

    3. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He really needs to be honest with himself and recognise he is not cut out to be a manager. Getting jobs he shouldn’t be anywhere near.

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yes, let's just remember him as a great player. He can forget about managing and do a bit of punditry.

        1. Bluetiger1
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          sadly - yep

  25. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Just get a shot away Arsenal.

    Playing bloody pathetic.

    1. jacob1989
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ultimate chokers

    2. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Partey wide. But at least it’s a shot

  26. greenybne
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Alright, big decision time! Saved my FH for next week but having massive doubts about not using my TC on Haaland. Would you FH this next week or TC Haaland and FH in 36?

    Raya (Iversen)
    Trips, Estupian, Mee, (Gabriel, Mings)
    Salah, Martinelli, Saka, Mitoma, March
    Haaland, Watkins, (Solanke)

    To this

    Raya (Iversen)
    Trips, Estupian, SHAW, (Gabriel, Mings)
    Salah, GREALISH, KDB Mitoma, March
    Haaland, ISAK, (Solanke)

    1. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wrong time to ask, games on.

  27. jacob1989
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Can't believe I have double chelsea defence with kepa and chillwell and steele on the bench

  28. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Arsenal not laying a glove on City, Ederson clean sheet incoming!

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Will concede 1 sloppy goal. 0 saves. 2 points.

      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Knowsit

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No chance. Normally 62ish mins.

    3. jacob1989
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Once city lead 3 or 4-0, arsenal will score a consolation goal

    4. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I agree can't see arsenal scoring at all! Can't even get the ball

  29. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Where are all my fellow Gakpo, KDB, TAA and March owners!

    1. Hurnt
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No kdb but 3/4

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

        Will 3 assists and a penalty save do?

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      *tips hat

    3. jacob1989
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have none of them!

    4. TheBiffas
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Literally nobody

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

        Literally wrong because I literally have all those players. Literally

        1. TheBiffas
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          You said "fellow" owners, meaning other people with the same combo. A humble bragger AND a smart-arse!

        2. Make FPL Casual Again
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          You literally don't "have all those players" .

          They're not in your house with you, are they now?

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Gakpo owners last week say hi!

    6. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have none of them apart from March on the bench. Does that count?

  30. Shultan
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    City looking good for the treble! Can't see which team can stop them

    1. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      City should be winning the treble every year with their resources.

      1. jacob1989
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        They'll best real Madrid but somehow lose to one of the Milan teams somehow in the final

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

          I'm not seeing it. and Brighton would've given them a better game in the FA Cup Final than United.

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Madrid will do them.