Dugout Discussion

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

22 April 2025 764 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
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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
    1 year, 1 month 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.

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    1. Nightcrawler
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

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      1. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 1 month 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.

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    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 1 month 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.

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      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

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

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        1. SalahFingers
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 1 month 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.

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      2. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 1 month 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

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  2. JBG
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 1 month 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".

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    1. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month 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.

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    2. FantasyTony
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    3. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

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      1. JBG
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    4. WVA
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

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  3. Mighty Duck
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 1 month ago

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

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  4. Nightcrawler
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 1 month 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

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    1. JBG
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month 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.

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      1. Nightcrawler
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 1 month 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

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    2. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Try owning Foden!

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      1. Nightcrawler
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

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

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  5. FantasyTony
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Oooooo I’d take that with a Rashford goal somehow

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  6. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Pep fielding the uncles tonight.

    KDB, Gundo, BSilva, Kovacic

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

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    1. Nightcrawler
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 1 month 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

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    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

      Although a 1-0 KdB strike is tempting.

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  7. theshazly
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    FH active, any comments ?

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

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    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Nice. GL.

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    2. AllArnaut
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 1 month 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

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      1. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Didn't start last game and still got 6.

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        1. AllArnaut
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

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

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          1. WVA
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 1 month ago

            Nope

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      2. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 1 month 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.

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        1. AllArnaut
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

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

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          1. Utopsis
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 1 month 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.

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            1. AllArnaut
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 1 month 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

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              1. AllArnaut
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 2 Years
                1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    3. WVA
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Monitor Schar and Sess knocks

      You don’t want Wood?

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  8. WVA
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    McAtee and Onana goals tonight

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  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Only have 2 players tonight 🙁

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  10. boc610
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 1 month 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

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    1. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    2. riot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      fair

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  11. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    That bald fraud dropping Savinho again.

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    1. boc610
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Did you see him v everton?

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  12. V-2 Schneiderlin
    • 15 Years
    1 year, 1 month 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!

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    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      R.I.P

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      1. V-2 Schneiderlin
        • 15 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        ha!

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    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Beat Saka captainers at least

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  13. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    All my players starting, please bag a goal each.

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    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Marmoush(C) Gvardiol Dias Rashford Rogers Konsa

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      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Big night !!!!

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    2. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      KDB(C) needs to save my GW

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    3. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Good games from KdB and Watkins would be sweet

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  14. Haa-lala-land
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

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

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  15. Gizzachance
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month 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

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  16. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    I take 0:0

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    1. JBG
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    2. Salarrivederci
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

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  17. F4L
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

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

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  18. F4L
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

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

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  19. HelmutCool
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Rashford post...

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  20. F4L
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    rashford hits post

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  21. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Rashford off the post after 13 seconds

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  22. JBG
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Rashford G almost immediately, post and out

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  23. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Well...

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  24. Sir Michael Taker
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month 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

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    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Man City is where all good English talent goes to die

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  25. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    1. Kaneyonero
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Not enough 4-4 with 2 each

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    2. Sir Michael Taker
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

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

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  26. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Bugger, nearly a perfect start there!

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  27. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    1. Salarrivederci
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      An OG then assisted by Marmoush 😉

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  28. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Vila off to a good start

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    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Ermmm...

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  29. HelmutCool
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Silva G

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  30. F4L
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

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

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    1. Silecro
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Probably not since Silva wasnt intended target

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