Dugout Discussion

Sterling, Silva and Bernardo benched as Guardiola rotates heavily

Double Gameweek 32 comes to a head on Wednesday evening with three Premier League matches that all kick off at 19:45 BST.

Crystal Palace are the visitors to Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium, while Manchester City and Chelsea host Cardiff City and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively.

The headline team news at the Etihad sees Pep Guardiola make seven changes, with Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and David Silva among the players to drop to the bench.

Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gündogan are also among the substitutes, while Nicolas Otamendi drops out of the match-day squad.

Guardiola had previously ruled Sergio Aguero out of tonight’s match, so it is no shock to see Gabriel Jesus leading the line for City.

Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez will flank the Brazilian, while there is a first Premier League start of the season for Phil Foden.

Fernandinho, John Stones and Danilo are also recalled.

Neil Warnock has made only one change, with Harry Arter being replaced in the starting XI by Joe Ralls.

Maurizio Sarri has matched Guardiola in making seven alterations.

Eden Hazard returns to the Chelsea starting XI following his benching at Cardiff on Sunday, while there is a full Premier League debut for Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Gonzalo Higuain makes way for Olivier Giroud, while Emerson Palmieri replaces the injured Marcos Alonso.

N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen are recalled as Willian, Pedro, Ross Barkley, Mateo Kovacic and Antonio Rudiger drop out.

Chris Hughton has made four changes, the most eye-catching of which sees the fit-again Florin Andone replace Glenn Murray up front.

Solly March, Bruno and Gaetan Bong all start at the expense of Anthony Knockaert, Martin Montoya and Bernardo.

Son Heung-min returns to the Spurs starting XI, replacing Lucas Moura in the Lilywhites’ attack.

Ben Davies is preferred to Davinson Sanchez in Mauricio Pochettino’s only other change.

Roy Hodgson has brought Cheikhou Kouyate, James McArthur and Martin Kelly into his starting XI and benched Scott Dann, Max Meyer and Andros Townsend.

That means Jeffrey Schlupp will move even further upfield on the left of a front three, with Wilfried Zaha switching to the right flank.

Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Luiz, Emerson, Kante, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi, Giroud, Hazard.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI: Ryan, Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong, Bissouma, Stephens, Propper, March, Andone, Jahanbakhsh.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Zinchenko, Stones, Laporte, Danilo, Fernandinho, Foden, De Bruyne, Sane, Mahrez, Jesus.

Cardiff City XI: Etheridge, Peltier, Morrison, Manga, Bennett, Gunnarsson, Ralls, Camarasa, Murphy, Hoilett, Niasse.

Tottenham Hotspur XI: Lloris, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies, Trippier, Sissoko, Eriksen, Rose, Alli, Son, Kane.

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita, Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Kelly, Van Aanholt, Kouyate, Milivojevic, McArthur, Zaha, Batshuayi, Schlupp.

3,638 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    You just got to love DGWs

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A lot of us will be in the same boat though, so the impact isn't as severe

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

      Once we get to the other side of BGW33 all the hype will build back up for 35 only to be let down again 😀

  2. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Niasse in 90+ with winner. You read it here first.

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

      there's a good reason we haven't read it anywhere else ...

  3. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    you know Syd. Exasperated by intro of chips!

  4. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Tonight is set up to be an emotional one...more than most!

  5. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Couple of Kane & Schlupp goals could be golden 😉

  6. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Casuals are the losers, that’s why they are all on here complaining about the fact their dgw players didn’t all start twice 😀

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

    The baldest of bald frauds strikers again.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      *stinker

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

    I like the look of that Chelsea XI I have to say. Much more dynamic

  9. Fpl Old Guard
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    does anyone know any good sites to get streams for the spurs game? I used to use Reddit but no longer any good......

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

      Search twitter?

    2. Big Ping
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Totalsportek

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

    Playing Sky Sports. Bring in who tonight?

    1) Sane

    2) Jesus

    3) KDB

    ???????

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

      KDB

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

      jesus! then sane, kdb last choice

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

        Isn't KDB a better bet on Sky? Not sure as don't play it any more

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

    Make FHers are the real winners

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

      *Kane!

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, just not the ones who played it this week

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Umm he’s got 2 points thus far.

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

        Yeah but it's the score he's on by the end of the night that matters. I can see him comfortably outscoring Rashford, higuian and the like, maybe even Jimenez

        1. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I hope so (owner)

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

            I'm not but I think your luck could be in!

          2. Naboo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Kane or Aguero captain?

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

      This aged well.

  12. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    What a LOL to all of us ! 😀

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

      Exactly, sterling tcers and cappers must be worried.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        He won’t come on if the game is won imo

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

    Was hoping to come back from 41 points so far
    But Sterling (C) Dilva and Higuain all on the bench.
    Always next season I suppose 🙂

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You would imagine they’ll come of bench, two or three

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Higuain, Sterling and Silva record off the bench is phenominal..........I have no idea if this is true but I'm half glass full kinda guy...

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

      oh what!! damn it 🙁

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

      Yes hauls from bench I like it

  14. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    All in the same boat fellas. Ffs move on

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

    Just logged in. how are we looking.. Pls tell me sterling (c) starts.. Haz, Stones, Higuan, Luiz and Kane my other starters.

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He’s benched

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Two out of five?

  16. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Triple Sterling feels...rough.

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      At least you did it on a DGW I TC'd him v Bournemouth a few weeks back

  17. Red Rock
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Schlupp in a front three TICK
    Hazard and Hudson-Odoi starting TICK
    Same starting TICK
    Kane got his scoring boots on TICK

    Aside from the standard Aguero and Sterling benched, this evening may go very well!

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

      Some tasty differentials there.

  18. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How Eurovision 😀

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Amazing stadium though

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

      They'll wheel out a giant laser in a minute that writes "f%&k off Arsenal" on the moon

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

        It'll create a divet just large enough for Kane to turn his ankle in opening seconds.

  19. AccountAnt80
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is this some sort of sick joke?

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

    It feels like Sky wish they were showing the Spurs game.

  21. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Stadium looks fantastic.

  22. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    So, for aside, who do you want to be the first scorer in the new spurs stadium?

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

      Anyone from Palace!

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

      Benteke for the LOLs

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

        Love it when such also rans are part of history. Benteke would be great!

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

      Sir Harold!

    4. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Kane. Double hat trick

    5. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      set up for a trippier wonder free kick to then disappear into mediocrity again

    6. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Mili peno

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

      Schlupp

    8. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Luka freekick!

    9. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sonny

    10. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Miloli

    11. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Van Aanholt or Batshuayi

    12. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Schlupp

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

    Higuain on bench about as much chance of scoring as on pitch. Ship him off to MLS retirement league

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

    Is this the fat go compare singer?

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

      I believe it is

    2. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure how Kane kept a straight face while he was belting out ‘Spurs are the greatest team the world has ever seen’... what a load of rubbish

  25. Superflymonk
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I think the best team for those who wildcarded was just to pick the most in-form players regardless of whether they play dgw. Ignoring players like Vardy and Tielemans as well as Lacazette was a mistake. That's what i'll do for dgw 35. A lot of sgw players have good games and I won't overstock my team with dgw players half of whom will just start once.

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

      I agree, yet come 35 I'll have a team for off City, Spurs, maybe even Arsenal.

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Capt Hindsight and Capt Obvious rolled into one 😀

  26. Modest Bob
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    My gw rank is close to my overall finishing position last season 🙁 Howon harry lad needs a hatty minimum!

  27. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Roy keane would've walked off the pitch by now

    . Embarrassing scenes with all this singing when top 4 is at stake

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

    Rusty Jesus

  29. M'arvin
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Another terrific crowd at the Empyhad.

    1. M'arvin
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      *Emptyhad

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

      Will be announced as a sell out still 😆

  30. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Obviously nothing has happened yet but if Kane explodes I say well done to those who went with him. My team looked pants with him in so I avoided. GL all!