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17 January 2026 815 comments
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The Manchester derby kicks off Gameweek 22 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

United v City gets underway at 12.30pm GMT.

TEAM NEWS

Both sides have had cup ties since their last Premier League outings but if we’re comparing today’s starting XIs to Gameweek 21, both head coaches have rung the changes.

New interim Manchester United boss Michael Carrick makes four alterations from the 2-2 draw at Burnley.

Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are back from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and straight into Carrick’s first starting XI.

Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko are the high-profile casualties of their recalls. Those two drop to the bench.

The more predictable changes see Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo come in for Ayden Heaven and Manuel Ugarte.

If it is a 4-2-3-1 as many are anticipating, then Patrick Dorgu looks set for another ‘out of position’ run-out on the wing.

As for Manchester City, Antoine Semenyo makes his first Premier League start for his new club.

The winger had lined up in both of City’s cup matches this week but gets his league bow here, replacing Tijjani Reijnders from the Gameweek 21 side.

Rodri for Nico Gonzalez is also a straightforward switch in midfield.

Pep Guardiola has had his hand forced with one change, as Matheus Nunes is not in the squad due to illness. Rico Lewis gets his first Premier League start since August.

LINE-UPS

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Mainoo, Casemiro, Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo.

Subs: Bayindir, Heaven, Malacia, Yoro, J Fletcher, Mount, Ugarte, Cunha, Sesko.

Manchester City XI: Donnarumma, Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Semenyo, Foden, Doku, Haaland.

Subs: Trafford, Bettinelli, Reijnders, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, O’Reilly, McAidoo, Mukasa, Mfuni.

price change predictions
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  1. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    3 goals ruled out for offside and Amad hit the post. Could have been very different had Dalot been sent off but they dominated and deserved the win

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Dalot should never be allowed to set foot on a football pitch again

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 14 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        What did he do?

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 months, 14 days ago

          Studs on the Knee 10mins in and only yellow card shown. Probably the incorrect call

    2. Ignasi M
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Maguire also hit bar. so that's 2 goals, 3 offsides goals, and two woodwork = 7 goals. Man Utd 7-0 City.

  2. Mighty Duck
    • 1 Year
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Arsenal first league win in 20 years, wow.

    1. iFash@FPL
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      DON’T JINX IT NOW, PLEASE!!! 🙂

      1. yousunkmybattleship
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        No way they will bottle it now, guaranteed in the bag

    2. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      6-point lead with 17 games to play

    3. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      22 years

  3. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Peps highline was ridiculous.

    City could have lost by 6 or 7.

    1. MJF
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Did it v Brighton too.

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Pep got it massively wrong. 2-0 flatters them greatly

      1. Ignasi M
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        yeah Man Utd could have easily scored 7.

    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      its like pep came with the set up to play most into united's hand. high line, no midfield, give bruno the time he wants to find the runners inbehind. all with a second string defence. very odd

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        *and after the first half with so many warning signs, he doubles down on it taking off foden for cherki who does even less defensive work.

        1. The Mandalorian
          • 13 Years
          6 months, 14 days ago

          Chetki usually has higher DC than Foden but Foden pressing and build up play is better.

    4. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      It's the other Pep...Ljinders, I reckon he is not as great as he thinks he is with tactics.

  4. Thanos
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Got the 3 points was crucial but the performance speaks so much louder.

  5. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Still want to see the Lima for the Mount goal

  6. ZeBestee
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Any chance one of Gabriel/Timber is completely rested?

    Dorgu first on bench 😛

    1. TheBiffas
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      White did play well in the week

      1. ZeBestee
        • 12 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        Yeah also Gabriel had 3 games in a span of 7 days, if Calafiori is back, then I can see a benching/rest for him

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      White could start but Timber would be LB as Arteta doesn't trust MLS (or will come on anyway!)

      1. ZeBestee
        • 12 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        Cala could be back, but Timber got his rest in the FA cup so I dont see him rested

    3. Ignasi M
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      No. White - Saliba - Gabriel - Timber

      1. Gubby-Allen
        • 4 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        I thought that read as an injury list

  7. ZeBestee
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Biggest issue for City is Rico Lewis, the guy is not a RB, he is a liability and weak. Pep hasn't learnt

    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Biggest issue is cheating

      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        Nah. Brown envelopes all round. 115, what now?

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Pep always poops the bed in big games. Overthinks.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 12 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        I don't think it's Pep issue, rather their backline was a makeshift and inexperienced

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          6 months, 14 days ago

          Rico Lewis over Reijnders??

          1. ZeBestee
            • 12 Years
            6 months, 14 days ago

            I dont expect Reijnders to play at RB

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 17 Years
              6 months, 14 days ago

              sorry, yep, for a second I thought he was in midfield

              1. ZeBestee
                • 12 Years
                6 months, 14 days ago

                Cheers mate

  8. I have no Wirtz
    6 months, 14 days ago

    And there I was wondering whether to start Cherki or Kroupi.

  9. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    I have had
    - Foden only for 6 blanks.
    - Thiago only for 2 blanks.
    - Ekitike only for one assist in 4 games. (Okay let's see today)
    - Dorgu one assist in 3. Second sub today while Stach is out so I will get Andersen only.

  10. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Cunha > Bruno exact money. Would give me:

    Verbruggen • Dubravka
    Gabriel • Guehi • Konate • Mukiele • Dorgu
    Saka • Foden • Bruno F • Enzo • Wilson
    Haaland • Ekitike • Thiago

    1. Under my Cucurella
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Yes

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        cheers!

    2. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Do it. Cunha isn't nailed and will be sharing minutes with others

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        I think Cunha plays LW most of the time. Dorgu today to have more threat on the counter, but I get your point.

  11. Bigbars
    • 15 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Yes it was an improved performance, but my cynical hat is on and could it be that they were so embarrassed being dumped from the cup that they all stepped up, yet the media will push a narrative about carrick's super performance, but only results will show that.. one game lads... need to push on and replicate this more for people to believe the corner has been turned.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Good players in the right positions. Sensible and solid 4231 from which to counter attack. It’s not rocket science.

      1. FFS ManU
        • 3 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        Yes, better tactics and probably better motivation of the players. Mainoo's performance showed that Amorim was mistaken to make so little use of him.

        1. Bigbars
          • 15 Years
          6 months, 14 days ago

          sometimes the commentators dont do themselves any favours... mainoo's legs have gone, he'll be going off soon, this was around 55mins.... oh look, he played the entire game.

          Let's hope it wasnt the motivation of the derby game and they can kick on next week... Plus it'll also mix up the FPL template a tad too.

  12. Udogie-style
    • 2 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    If I've got Cherki first bench and Dorgu second bench, playing 3-4-3, do I get Dorgu on if one of my defenders don't play? Chances are low but I need some sort of hope!

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      yup

    2. iFash@FPL
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Yes.

      1. Udogie-style
        • 2 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        Cheers guys! At least a small sliver of hope remains haha

  13. Ignasi M
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Wow. City were lucky to not lose that game at least 6-1.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Not at it at all today.

    2. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      2-0 is not much better.

  14. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    I think Foden is still a sell despite Wolves. He's sharing minutes with Cherki now. Feels like owning Woltemade / Wissa. Might just get Bruno F this week despite ARS next weekend

  15. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Dorgu owners holding for now?

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Looked great today
      Easy bench next GW and then play thereafter

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        (though given his hauls against Newcastle and Man City you probably want to start him next GW lol)

  16. Saka White Rice
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    How many casuals will do Foden to Bruno tonight?

    1. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      122

    2. iFash@FPL
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Not only casuals mate!

  17. PogChamp
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Never considered playing Dorgu and is 3rd on my bench. At least I never sold him.

  18. adstomko
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Such a shame Saka & Palmer are *potentially* not worth owning against Haaland, to make the game even more interesting

  19. All Hail K
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    The only thing I've done right so far is having left Semenyo on the bench.

  20. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Foden and cherki owners.....guess we have to keep for wolves???

    1. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Exactly. You know how FF works. You rage transfer them all out, then bring them all back in after the Wolves haul.

  21. ZeBestee
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Cunha to Bruno is on cards, even with Arsenal away next. Bruno is too good.

  22. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Any chance I get Dorgu off the bench?

    Roefs
    Gabriel | Senesi | Andersen
    Saka | Foden | Rogers | Rice | Bruno
    Haaland | Thiago

    Dubravka | El Kroupi | Gudmundsson | Dorgu

    Thanks

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      No

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        Nvm team too good I don’t who to start each week

        1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
          • 9 Years
          6 months, 14 days ago

          *know

    2. ZeBestee
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Lol, close to zero

    3. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      Tell you what I’m half tempted to do Foden to Bruno and just let that team run for the whole season as it is

    4. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      He's pretty deep mate unfortunately.

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        It’s cool, I’m used to it now with having El Kroupi on it a few gameweeks

        1. All Hail K
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          6 months, 14 days ago

          Still a lot of football to go.

    5. fedolefan
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      You get 5 City off your bench.

    6. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      You basically need to kidnap Gabriel and Senesi. Good luck

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 14 days ago

        And Gundmundsson lol

    7. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      We've gone from 2 different in the 11 to 5 with the subs

      But it's actually 7 differences!

      Unless that is Bruno F that you have sneaked in?

      8 different players

      From the same teams??

  23. sirmorbach
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    A. Cunha to Bruno
    B. Cunha to Mbeumo
    C. Keep Cunha

    1. ZeBestee
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      A easy.

  24. All Hail K
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Like to know how many people tried the cheeky ManC quadruple up.

  25. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    Chalobah underestimated here, advices to bench, 2 defcons again, so far 1 bap, 2nd best def in the game only 2 points behind Gabriel.

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 14 days ago

      But of course, Fab yet to plsyv

    2. JBG
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 13 days ago

      Chelsea CSs are a mistery... they concede so many chances and shots on target, but yet keep a CS. Brentford should've had a least 1 goal yesterday.

  26. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    6 months, 14 days ago

    One of my lowest ever scores. 25 all out. Wonderful.