Dugout Discussion

Man City v Villa team news: Rashford over Watkins, Savinho benched

22 April 2025 764 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
Share:

Double Gameweek 33 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) continues with a huge match in the chase for Champions League qualification, so here’s the Manchester City and Aston Villa team news.

Pep Guardiola makes two changes from the side that won at Everton. Savinho (£6.2m) and Nico Gonzalez (£6.0m) make way for Mateo Kovacic (£5.4m) and James McAtee (£4.6m).

This means that Kevin De Bruyne (£9.4m) and Omar Marmoush (£7.7m) keep their place and winger Jeremy Doku (£6.2m) remains on the bench. Just like Saturday’s unused Phil Foden (£9.1m).

Both sides have a Wembley weekend after this, taking part in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Therefore, Villa continue to showcase their new squad depth by making five lineup changes, aiming for a sixth successive league win.

Marcus Rashford (£6.7m) takes the spot of weekend hero Ollie Watkins (£8.9m), with Marco Asensio (£6.2m) and John McGinn (£5.2m) also on the sidelines. Lucas Digne (£4.5m) replaces Ian Maatsen (£4.5m) at left-back, plus Pau Torres (£4.2m) enters proceedings.

As always, Morgan Rogers (£5.7m) is starting. He hauled against his former club in Gameweek 17’s reverse meeting, a 2-1 Villa win.

GAMEWEEK 33 LINE-UPS

Manchester City XI: Ortega; Nunes, Ruben, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Gundogan; Bernardo, De Bruyne, McAtee; Marmoush

Subs: Carson, Grealish, Doku, Nico, Akanji, Savinho, Khusanov, Foden, Lewis

Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne; Kamara, Onana, Tielemans; Rogers, Rashford, Ramsey

Subs: Olsen, Maatsen, A Garcia, Disasi, McGinn, Barkley, Malen, Asensio, Watkins

FPL team previews – Liverpool: Best players, predicted XI + more

FPL Marc Broadcaster, writer and overthinker. Hoping that ‘differential potential’ will catch on.

764 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. SalahFingers
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    I have 8 players and 2 FT for next BGW. Who is best to get rid of here?

    Sels 4.0
    Konate Aina [Gvardiol Kiwior Munoz]
    Salah Mbeumo Kluivert [Saka Rogers]
    Isak Wood [Marmoush]

    Who to get rid of? I assume Munoz. I can't tell with the others. I'm hoping Aina is fit. Maybe it's best to run with 9 and keep the transfer for later.

    Open Controls
    1. Nightcrawler
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      saka for sure. his next gw is sandwiched between psg ties then has pool and newcastle.

      Open Controls
      1. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        That's a good shout, but I need someone to replace him. Maybe Bowen? His fixtures look great.

        lol.. maybe J Murphy and use the money elsewhere.

        Open Controls
    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      I would keep Marmoush and Rogers then it’s a coin toss between Kiwior and Munoz.

      Alternatively play with 10 and save the hit for another time. Not sure worth a hit for a defender unless maybe RAN or Sessegnon.

      Open Controls
      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Actually take a hit. as you have Aina. Maybe Munoz out for RAN.

        Open Controls
        1. SalahFingers
          • 8 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          Yeah. RAN was probably who I was gonna do Munoz to.

          Only a point doing a hit if I'm getting decent players in. Saka is fine, but has PSG and their season is over, so he'll probably not play full games in the league at the mo. Munoz is bad at the moment because his team is just not doing well right now.

          I don't see many other places to take a hit. I could do Kiwior, Aina I suppose. I'll have a look around. Thanks for the options.

          Open Controls
      2. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        I was thinking of keeping the man city and villa players since their fixtures look pretty decent.

        No point getting rid of Kiwior before Munoz I think. Palace have tough fixtures and are a bit shaky at the moment.

        Thanks

        Open Controls
  2. JBG
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    I wonder if Cunha try even harder these last few matches, might sound silly, but with a potential move to MU. He might try to impress them and basically "play for a new contract".

    Open Controls
    1. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      He's on form and so is his team (5 wins in a row). I see 4 out of their last 5 games as not bad (maybe 3 if you consider Brighton too strong). I reckon he'll still do well to end of season.

      Open Controls
    2. FantasyTony
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Maybe he'll play really well in the hopes a better team comes looking for him.

      Open Controls
    3. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      IDK, Cunha is a pretty big troll, not sure I trust him.

      Open Controls
      1. JBG
        • 7 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Feels like there are plenty of "trolls" this season tbh

        Open Controls
    4. WVA
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Lol surely he’ll want to impress someone better than United, not really a step up

      Open Controls
  3. Mighty Duck
    • 1 Year
    10 months, 18 days ago

    I'm not an egoistic man. Just need a hattrick from Rashford and a big juicy flop for Marmoush, Gvardiol, KDB, and Watkins.

    Open Controls
  4. Nightcrawler
    • 6 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    asensio has turned into a shocking pick

    when he's on the pitch he seems like the most likely to score points, then misses two penalties, sitters vs newcastle, team mates wasting his assists, and now gets benched

    Open Controls
    1. JBG
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Considered him myself on FH, but don't know what happened to his spot in the team. I know he's been in and out, but he seem to play and score/assist almost everytime he was on the pitch.

      Open Controls
      1. Nightcrawler
        • 6 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        just being rotated cuz of lack of rogers level fitness. he passed the eye test and i thought 100 mins of him in a dgw and a start vs soton was enough to make him a good differential

        the annoying bit is he's had the chances i expected just messed up the finishing

        Open Controls
    2. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Try owning Foden!

      Open Controls
      1. Nightcrawler
        • 6 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        at least foden is easy to sell! if villa get another dgw thats more torture

        Open Controls
  5. FantasyTony
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Is a nil-all with Marmoush full baps too much ask?

    Open Controls
    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Oooooo I’d take that with a Rashford goal somehow

      Open Controls
  6. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Pep fielding the uncles tonight.

    KDB, Gundo, BSilva, Kovacic

    Pep has dropped the wingers and packed the midfield for a bore draw.

    Open Controls
    1. Nightcrawler
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      pep expected villa to go heavy in the midfield, which they have. lets see how it pans out. villa team have much more energy. maye the wingers vs tired legs

      Open Controls
    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Wouldn’t be surprised to see Villa’s athleticism win off.

      Although a 1-0 KdB strike is tempting.

      Open Controls
  7. theshazly
    • 2 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    FH active, any comments ?

    Sels ( Verbruggen )
    Schar Sessgnon TAA ( RAN / Husjen )
    Salah Barnes Kluivert Elanga ( Palmer )
    SL Isak (c) Cunha

    Open Controls
    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Nice. GL.

      Open Controls
    2. AllArnaut
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Good. Does Trent start though? I’ve got him in atm but feels wrong. Slot saying he only wanted to give him 20 mins but had to give him 27 with added time

      Open Controls
      1. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Didn't start last game and still got 6.

        Open Controls
        1. AllArnaut
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          If you knew he wasn’t going to start would you still put him in?

          Open Controls
          1. WVA
            • 9 Years
            10 months, 18 days ago

            Nope

            Open Controls
      2. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        This is literally THE definitive game of their season. He's not saving Trent for any games after this, and you can be sure Trent is knocking on his door begging to start this.

        Open Controls
        1. AllArnaut
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          If you were Trent would you want to start or finish the definitive game?

          Open Controls
          1. Utopsis
            • 6 Years
            10 months, 18 days ago

            I'll assuming you're not trolling - you absolutely want to start every big game, why on earth would you want to come off the bench instead of start as a footballer? Also, a multitude of things could happen during the game that means you don't come in as planned.

            Open Controls
            1. AllArnaut
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              10 months, 18 days ago

              You assuming right. Start the game and come off at half time or come on at half time and finish the game on the pitch to win the league, I’d rather finish it

              Open Controls
              1. AllArnaut
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 2 Years
                10 months, 18 days ago

                And the multitude of things, he can come on for any midfielder so loads of options

                Open Controls
    3. WVA
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Monitor Schar and Sess knocks

      You don’t want Wood?

      Open Controls
  8. WVA
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    McAtee and Onana goals tonight

    Open Controls
  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Only have 2 players tonight 🙁

    Open Controls
  10. boc610
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Foden should have been going for a ballon dor after last season . Its not like he was injured either. The drop off in form since the euros is incredible

    Open Controls
    1. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      3 kids under 6 at 24 cant help,but maybe 225k a week wages makes you less hungry

      Open Controls
    2. riot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      fair

      Open Controls
  11. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    That bald fraud dropping Savinho again.

    Open Controls
    1. boc610
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Did you see him v everton?

      Open Controls
  12. V-2 Schneiderlin
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    as a Salah captainer I will not be taking calls or answering questions at this difficult time... enjoy the rest of the gameweek everyone!

    Open Controls
    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      R.I.P

      Open Controls
      1. V-2 Schneiderlin
        • 15 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        ha!

        Open Controls
    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Beat Saka captainers at least

      Open Controls
  13. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    All my players starting, please bag a goal each.

    Open Controls
    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Marmoush(C) Gvardiol Dias Rashford Rogers Konsa

      Open Controls
      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Big night !!!!

        Open Controls
    2. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      KDB(C) needs to save my GW

      Open Controls
    3. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Good games from KdB and Watkins would be sweet

      Open Controls
  14. Haa-lala-land
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Aston Villa normally win these types of games 1-0 in the 75th minute

    Open Controls
  15. Gizzachance
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Fh? People going down be triple new attack?

    Which 3 are people going for?

    Had Isak Murphy livra

    On fh may change it up
    Isak
    Barnes
    Tripps

    Open Controls
  16. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    I take 0:0

    Open Controls
    1. JBG
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Think you might have dyscalculia, because you meant to write 3-0

      Open Controls
    2. Salarrivederci
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      I'd like a 1-0 Marmoush G Dias A

      Open Controls
  17. F4L
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    please bernardo dont be playing on the wing. kdb false 9 pleasee

    Open Controls
  18. F4L
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    yay same set up as vs palace for city. hope it works again

    Open Controls
  19. HelmutCool
    • 3 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Rashford post...

    Open Controls
  20. F4L
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    rashford hits post

    Open Controls
  21. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Rashford off the post after 13 seconds

    Open Controls
  22. JBG
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Rashford G almost immediately, post and out

    Open Controls
  23. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Well...

    Open Controls
  24. Sir Michael Taker
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Quite the fall from grace for the leagues player of the season Phillip Foden. I think last season broke him, wasn't up to it in the Euros and hes not turned up at all this season bar a couple of games

    Open Controls
    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      He was just never that good, got well overhyped for scoring a few bangers and statpadding against relegation fodder

      Open Controls
    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Man City is where all good English talent goes to die

      Open Controls
  25. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Finish 2-2 with goals from Rodgers, Konsa, Gvardiol and Marmoush too much to ask for?

    Open Controls
    1. Kaneyonero
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Not enough 4-4 with 2 each

      Open Controls
    2. Sir Michael Taker
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      I can see goals. Still not convinced by Citys backline and Villa were on fire at the weekend.

      Open Controls
  26. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Bugger, nearly a perfect start there!

    Open Controls
  27. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    I have a feeling this is going to be 0 - 1 Cash winner

    Open Controls
    1. Salarrivederci
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      An OG then assisted by Marmoush 😉

      Open Controls
  28. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Vila off to a good start

    Open Controls
    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Ermmm...

      Open Controls
  29. HelmutCool
    • 3 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Silva G

    Open Controls
  30. F4L
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    NOOOO they're not gonna give Marmoush the assist will they 🙁

    Open Controls
    1. Silecro
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Probably not since Silva wasnt intended target

      Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.