Dugout Discussion

Hazard deployed as a false nine as both Aguero and Sterling start

Gameweek 27 came to a conclusion earlier this afternoon with two matches held at Old Trafford and the Emirates, so our focus now switches to the EFL Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City.

Kick-off at Wembley is at 16:30 GMT.

Both of these sides blanked in Gameweek 27, of course, as a result of this tie.

Pep Guardiola has made only one change to his starting XI from the side that beat Schalke in midweek, with Oleksandr Zinchenko starting instead of Ilkay Gundogan.

That alteration means that Aymeric Laporte will move back over to centre-back, with Fernandinho pushed forward into his usual central midfield position.

Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling start in a front three with Bernardo Silva again.

Leroy Sane is among the substitutes, though Gabriel Jesus hasn’t recovered from injury to make the bench.

Eden Hazard starts as a central striker in Maurizio Sarri’s usual 4-3-3, with Gonzalo Higuain only among the substitutes.

Marcos Alonso is not part of the match-day squad, so Emerson Palmieri starts at left-back.

Both of these sides return to Premier League action on Wednesday evening: Chelsea face Spurs at Stamford Bridge, while City take on West Ham at the Etihad.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Emerson, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Willian, Hazard, Pedro.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson, Zinchenko, Laporte, Otamendi, Walker, Fernandinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sterling, Aguero.

1,786 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pointless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Er, embarrassing question... anyone seen how Solanke is looking?!

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Nothing embarrassing about coming out mate.

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Had a 1 on 1 with Patricio and should've scored

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Fairly pointless so far this season.

      Don't expect much from 4.7m, out of the team when injuries clear up.

    4. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good. Likely to play a part, even when Brooks and Wilson are back imo, though can't see him starting regularly when that happens, maybe not until next season unless injuries continue for Bournemouth.

      He looks like a weird mixture of sharp and dazed. He sort of tentatively potters around, unsure of exactly what to do still, but eager to take the opportunity to pounce on the all to win possession or get involved with play in some other way. Keen and unpredictable. Not the worst propeties in a striker 🙂

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        on the ball*

      2. Pointless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Ah. Thanks for fulsome analysis!

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          No worries, Pointless. Probably not worth the investment anymore. I only bought him hoping I could get something from GW27 at least. Still an option if you have no better alternatives

  2. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    1FT, 2.7m ITB.

    Fabianksi.
    Doherty, Robbo, Pereira.
    Salah, Pogba, Barnes, Son.
    Lacazette, Rashford, Jimi.

    (Hamer, Felipe, Peltier, AWB).

    How does this sound?
    28: Son to Sterling.
    29: Laca to Higuain.
    30: Rash & AWB to King & Aké (-4).
    31: Pog & Sterling to Haz & Mané (-4).

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Looks sharp.

      I like the making sure you have city coverage and keeping the big hitters from Utd and City until the last moment possible.

      Rashford news could change it all but the general idea is very optimal!

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks haha! Was bracing myself for criticism and being torn to shreds so this is reassuring.

  3. BitchesCallMeDaddy
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Higuan, Anyone?

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I’m sure I’ll have one chelsea. But gonna wait and see who fits team structure best in 30

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      In gw 29 maybe.

  4. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Roberto Firmino leaving Old Trafford on crutches #LFC

    https://twitter.com/JamesPearceEcho/status/1099708633074536448

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Rash > Dstudge -4

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        After playing an hour, Sturridge probably left in an ambulance.

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          😆

  5. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Start Bednarek FUL or Bennett hud? Likely to come in for Rashford, as I'm not sure I want to sell him if it's a short term injury.

    1. shearer9
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I meant which first sub, but same difference.

  6. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    That Jorginho side pass to Kante was a thing of beauty.

  7. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Poor City 2nd GK. Cup matches should have been his.

  8. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bit stuck this week. Have money ITB to swap Laca to Aguero but maybe should wait until after Arsenal play Bou? Can also swap Deu to Hayden this week and do the Aguero switch next...anyone rate Hayden?

    Not a 'I own Deu' brag by the way. He was the first and only player stuck on my bench this week and I don't fancy his upcoming fixtures

  9. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Etheridge
    TAA, Robertson, Bednarek, Lascelles
    Salah (C), Hazard, Son, Pogba
    Rashford, Barnes

    Bench: Hamer, F.Anderson, Luiz, Kamara 1 Ft, 1 itb

    GTG?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Would be dead scared with no City

      1. Gudjohnsen
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Which one though?

        1. Gudjohnsen
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Hazard to Sterling or Aguero for a hit?

      2. XabiAlonso
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Could be a lottery who plays

  10. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Help is needed please

    For next GW and going forward towards GW31 (when I’m not doing FH but fielding a full XI with FTs and a max of 3 (-4) hits)

    What is the better option for this team

    Dubravka Schmeichel

    Robertson Cathcart Bamba Rice Shaw

    Son Pogba Richarlison Brooks Anderson

    Rashford Jimenez Firmino

    Son > Mane

    or

    Cathcart > Schär/Yedlin

    Already thinking of doing Firmino & Rashford > Aguero (c) & Rondon (-4)

    Any ideas would be welcomed and appreciated

  11. grooveymatt65
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who to captain this week out of sterling, salah or aubameyang?

     🙂

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sell Auba for a hit.. and captain the anyone else anyone!!

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Jimenez!

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This has crossed my mind a few times already

      2. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Salah... don't know how I read that question.

    3. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Salah

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I actually think I'm going Doherty.

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        That’s actually a great captain differential. I like it

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks, I have Sterling, Salah and Auba but worried about rotation for Raheem otherwise it'd be on him. Anyone playing either Hudds or Fulham from now on has to be considered as a Captain option, they're dire and I don't have Jimi and Doh is so close to hauling, so often.

          1. Richd
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah great chance of a CS and always attacking threat.

            I don’t think I can do it but maybe I’ll make him my VC after Kun 🙂

    5. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I’m going Kun

      Out of those 3 I’d go Raheem.

    6. grooveymatt65
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks guys might go salah!

  12. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Are there pressers tomo and Tuesday?

    Will we get anything more on rashford??

    Hard to know what to do with him...thanks

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Tbh I don't think OGS will tell us wether Rash is fit or not

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Should be press conferences tomorrow and Tuesday.

    3. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I’m wondering if it’s a blessing to offload him ahead of the blanks.

      Price could drop a bit too if we get lucky.

  13. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any news on Rashford?

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ogs said ankle like balloon....

  14. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Begs the question as to why Chelsea could not play this way 2 weeks ago.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Alonso started.

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sarri did the Auba-Kun hokey cokey

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ross Barkley over Kovacic...clearly 😉

  15. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is Higuain banned from playing the final or something? All that fuss about no striker and Chelsea are back to Haz in false 9.

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He's on the bench.

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Played this way when they beat City last

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Must be tactical

  16. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    If you have all chips left and currently have 4 players for GW31 what’s the thoughts on when to FH etc?
    I thought trying to spend transfers from now to 31 on players playing in 31 (could then end up with 10) but with Rashford and Firmino prob out its hard not to want agureo etc..thoughts?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      GW31 might be similar to this week.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        In that some cheap players with good fixtures will score a ton of points?

    2. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      4 is plenty.

      Just be aggressive with hits as they can pay off over multi weeks.

  17. akhilrajau
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Kamara ->
    A.Barnes
    B.Rondon
    This is planning for gw 31 & 33

    Suggest

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Rondon might not play in 33.

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This

        It’s the only thing stopping the majority going crazy on Toon assets

      2. akhilrajau
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thx so Barnes is better right. If so I can plan for Ritchie or any one on mid . What u think?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Don't rate Ritchie tbh.

          1. akhilrajau
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Ok will check other options like Hayden, almiron or Maddison from Lester

  18. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Son to Mane(c) worth a hit?

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Not for me

  19. Adriano
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any news on Jesus? Aguero looks set for his 65 mins on Tuesday

  20. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How did Rashford look in the second half, still an injury concern ?

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Very much an injury concern I'd say

      1. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers Flynny, any comments from Ole after the match ?

  21. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Where are my weaknesses?
    Suarez is 1...

    Etheridge
    Doherty Robertson Pereira
    Jota Son Salah Pogba Suarez
    Aguero Jiminez

    Button, AWB, Shaw, Rashford

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Pride and Sloth

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Depends on your chip strategy. Suarez and Button are the only weaknessess regardless of strategy imo

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Suarez is the #1 waste of money

      I have Jota too...he really hasn't worked out.

      Etheridge is OK. Cardiff have been OK defensively...Watford was a blip. However I'd move for Heaton ahead of GW31/33

      1. C'mon the Fylde
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I have a free hit and triple captain left, so I'm planning now

  22. Arctic_Orangutans
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sky sports post;

    Weird old week all 3 captains blank but returns on all my other players, currently 83rd.

    How did we all do sky lads?

  23. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How's she looking for next weekend? Subs OK? Barnes (Burnley) to start?

    Guaita
    Doherty Kola Robertson Pereira
    Salah Mane Pogba Son
    Aguero (c) Rashford

    Fab Barnes Cam AWB

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Looks about okay. g2g

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Solskjaer on rashford

    Solskjaer on Rashford possibly playing Wednesday: 'If he plays I'll be maybe surprised.' #mufc

    https://twitter.com/samuelluckhurst/status/1099716575144407040?s=19

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I WILL be MAYBE surprised 😆 So clear

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        If this was Pep: 'i don't know but he is much much better'

    2. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Keep or get rid??

    3. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You know what I think I’m gonna offload for Barnes or Rondon.

      Free up some cash and build for 31

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I was gonna hasten getting either Arnie or King but their immediate fixtures are real bad.

    4. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Even harder to ignore Barnes if Rash is out.

  25. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Next weekend sorted, used one my 2 FT to get some cash.

    Ings->Solanke

    Etheridge
    Robertson Shaw Doherty Bennett
    Salah(c) Sane Son Pogba Redmond
    Aubameyang

    Fabianski Solanke Deeney AwB(i)

    1.4m ITB, 1FT left.

    Good luck, all

  26. Miro
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Looking for a quick tips lads.

    Leading my money league about 100 points currently. Holding 2FTs now but struggling to make next move because I’ve used the wildcard.

    Whats the best strategy here? Load up on 31&33 players, FH 32? Then take hits for 35.

  27. BitchesCallMeDaddy
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    thoughts? kthx

    Etheridge
    Lindelöf Laporte Doherty
    Sterling Salah Son Pogba
    Rondon Jiménez

    Boruc Hayden AWB Targett

    1.1ITB

    1. BitchesCallMeDaddy
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero (c)

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      kthx made me 🙂

  28. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    35 all out .. season over 🙁

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Lol. 27 here, and not wholly dissatisfied. It's all relative

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      37(-4) here assuming Robertson's 2 baps are final.

      I think that might even be above average and a slight green arrow

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Oo I forgot Robbo's baps. Up to 29 for me then. Excellent

  29. FPLGeezer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    If Rashord is unavailable midweek time to consider shipping. He's risen 0.4 since I brought him?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I’m thinking of shipping made 0.8 on him. Will probably go by 31 anyway

      1. FPLGeezer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah that was my original plan but may move earlier seem to be alot of options under £7m

  30. zotter
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Gtg or burn Rashford for free (to Barnes )?

    Alisson
    Vvd. Digne. Doherty
    Salah c. Son. Pogba. Almiron
    Rashford. Aguero. Jiminez

    Speroni. Anderson. Diop. Awb