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. Boroboy02
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Is Mane likely to rise tonight?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Unlikely but don't rule it out completely.

  2. jia you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    -3 total score on Tuesday night, woke up to 45 from last night, what a difference a day makes. 96, not too bad in the end considering almost half of it was from last night's antics!

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Nice come back, I managed to break the ton all thanks to Eriksen really.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Well done, I had Eriksen over Kane and Sane over Mendy in two of my 451 drafts and that team woulf have killed in funnily enough!

    2. Steve Stiffler
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Niceeeee not a bend end to the DGW to be fair, I ended up on 94

      1. Steve Stiffler
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Lol bad end*

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Yup, cheers, well done yourself, daycent!

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      also considering I had Young, Mendy, Sterling and Kane for a huge percentage of my budget and 6 points in total!

  3. Steve Stiffler
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Best striker for this week under 10.5m, who do you buy? Probably between Firmino and Lacazette?

    1. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy?

      1. Steve Stiffler
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Already have him, looking to get rid of Higuain just

        1. SHOOTER MCGINN
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          I'm in the same boat and looking at Lacazette primarily

  4. Jay_
      5 years, 2 months ago

      It's funny how the most vocal people on here, don't link their teams. It's not a dig at anyone because at least they're helpful, in most cases. It's just that every now and then I'd like to click and check and see if they walk the walk.

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Haha, it is what it is.

        My team is 1190, I put mine on the link in my profile. Dont knoq why more peoppe dont do it though.

        1. Steve Stiffler
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Cash leagues

      2. Boroboy02
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        How do you link your team?

        1. Jay_
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Go to points. Hover over address bar:

            https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/***/event/32

            Where I put the *** will be each individual ID. Copy and paste that onto your 'website' on your 'profile' on here.

        2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Are you looking at me?
          Are You looking at Me?

          Are YOU looking at ME?

          1. Jay_
              5 years, 2 months ago

              😀 You're one my fav's. You remind me of a guy who used to post on here called Pink Fish. Another deep thinker, maybe you're the same guy?

                1. Jay_
                    5 years, 2 months ago

                    It's you! I'm sure she was his grav! P.S what a legend. People can say she was an addict and so on but no one wants to become an addict. Tragedy.

                    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 2 months ago

                      Right on brother. 🙂

            • QueefParkRangers
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Should do a api look up and embed the current OR next to your name. Then u'd avoid 90% of the comments

          2. Boomerang V
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            I thought KDB looked lively and dangerous against Cardiff.

            Maybe he could be a great differential from gw 34 till end of season?

            1. Differential C (Mark)
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              18 crosses, insane stat.

              1. Boomerang V
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Yeah, rotation it’s a concern but maybe Pep wants to give him pace and plays him more often? In the end it’s always a gamble with City

                1. SHOOTER MCGINN
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  I think if KDB is fit KDB plays

          3. Marquis-Cha-Cha
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Am I safe to let it ride this weekend? Already used my FT.

            Fabianski
            TAA / Luiz / Pereira / Robertson
            Fraser / Hazard / Salah / Mili
            Wilson / Vardy

            Boruc / Lascelles / Jimenez / Pogba

            1. GREEN IS GOOD
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah. Looks good

          4. theodosios
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Anyone thinking about Bissouma for DGW34?

          5. waldo666
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            With one FT before WC, a yellow flag for Hayden and 6.6 to play with Tielemans probably the best option?

            1. GREEN IS GOOD
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              I'm doing that move.

          6. acidicleo
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            I was going to take Kane on WC for DGW35.
            But quite concerned about his lack of returns..
            What do people think of him? Is he just unlucky or what?

            1. F_Ivanovic
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              The blank against Palace was the only time he'd blanked against a non top 6 opposition since West Ham in GW9

          7. Ange Ball
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Worth doing Brooks> Hazard cap hazard over Mane and Salah then bench Rondon as my rival has him. Behind by 34pts

            1. Ange Ball
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Brooks >Hazard will be minus 4

          8. FPL failure
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            One week punt for Fabianski. Already have 3 liverpool players and a Chelsea defender:

            A) Schmeichel
            B) Kepa

            1. Ange Ball
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              B

            2. acidicleo
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              A
              Or leave Fab and hope for save points.

          9. BigBillyBass
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Anyone know why Azpilicueta was taken off early tonight?

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Injured or tactical

            2. Postman Ty
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Rest from what I heard.

            3. jia you
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              He plays every game, so just giving him a breather I'd imagine.

          10. jia you
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Can anybody beat this for jam?
            Mendy - 2 no shows
            First sub - 2 no shows
            Second sub - 9 points
            ...or was it just benchwankery on my part 😉

            1. Pierce34
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Get out.

              1. Pierce34
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Though a bit unlucky with Mendy (arguably not unlucky - but premature to get him in my opinion) as a City defender that played twice would've got you more than McTominay. Not that I'm one to talk of course, as I got David Silva instead of City defence, which in hindsight was stupid.

                1. jia you
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  tbf, if Mendy had have avoided his nightclub antics he would have played last night imo and scored well

                2. jia you
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  ...should have gone with one of my Kaneless drafts in the end, the one with PVA & Eriksen in it! But there was always going to be that hindsight factor when you make numerous drafts!

                  1. Pierce34
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 2 months ago

                    Yeah I know what you mean. At least I only made one other draft (with Kane) and the team I went with narrowly outscored it thanks to Azpilicueta mainly,

                    What's going to happen now is I'll get Eriksen on my wildcard and he'll get rotated or underperform like last year for me.

          11. acidicleo
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Just for one week punt before WC..

            A) King
            B) Rondon
            C) Zaha

            Already have Vardy and Wilson.

            1. FPL failure
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              C

            2. Duka
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              c

            3. acidicleo
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              cheers both

            4. elchilangles
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              A

          12. Iceball
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Are you planning to keep any SGW players on WC? I think I will go all in on DGW players before BB35. Why would Mane outscore a good player with 2 games? Fixture for the big teams not good enough?

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

              Mane and TAA only IMO.

            2. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Because anything can happen in football? Often SGW'ers outscore DGW'ers. Woul only go without pool if ya chasing.

          13. Duka
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            what to do in gw 33? wc and bb left

            playing team atm:

            Fabianski/Hamer
            Kola Luiz Robertson
            McNeil Hazard Higuain

            1) Mane + 1 other for -4
            2) Mane + 3 other for full squad -12 and lose around 1mil team value
            3) Something in between?
            4) Activate wc and go full risk mode

          14. Niho992
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Those who have plan to bring Kane on WC in GW 34 are you scared of him being benched vs Huddersfield before Man City game in UCL ?

            And dont like fact deadline is on friday in that GW.

            1. Pep's Money Laundry
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              I this one of the reason to ho for kane over the other spurs attacking players
              He is very rarely rested hence why Im getting him. Plus spurs have a top 4 battle going on

              1. Pep's Money Laundry
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                *go

              2. Niho992
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                I know but he was rested already this season vs Leicester away which is more though than Hudd at home...

          15. DV8R
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Keep Fabianski or ditch for a -4?

            1. waldo666
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Keep.

            2. acidicleo
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              keep

          16. waldo666
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Ever changing season goals, managed to jump up roughly 90k places this week but still way off the pace at 190k OR. Had hoped a few weeks ago to jump into the top 50k but looks like a pipe dream from here, with WC and TC still in play what's a reasonable target do you think, top 100k?

            1. waldo666
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Forgot BB which also still in play.

            2. Jay_
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Same rank here and still believe 50k is possible.

                1. waldo666
                  • 13 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  I hope so Jay, would be happy with that after what's been a pretty ordinary season. GL, hope we can push up there!

            3. Depldax
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Just home pissed from a work night 🙂 is 95 good. For a free hit? Im hoping it is

              1. GREEN IS GOOD
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Good enough

            4. Puyol Pants Up
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Deulofeu or Redmond for WC 34?

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

                Delo if you have to choose. Im going with Delo and JWP.

              2. DV8R
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                I'd say JWP if you want to go for a Saints mid

                1. Puyol Pants Up
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Yeah, I should rephrase the question to 'Deulo or Saints mid'

                  I personally think Redmond is a much better option than JWP anyways.

              3. mikess
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                How come Deulofeu keeps getting a mention when the other Watford kids showed their potential and Gray showed great link up play once he'd replaced Deulofeu

                1. mikess
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Mids not kids

              4. tafrère
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                I'm considering JWP. Deulofeu game time worries me, and Doucouré could be a good alternative.

                1. Puyol Pants Up
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Think his game time has something to do with the FA cup, but i'm not so sure.

            5. No Luck
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              1. Maddison + Rondon
              or
              2. Kolasinac + Auba/Laca

              What do you guys think, 2 probably the more explosive right? But 1 has such good fixtures.

              1. Duka
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                2

              2. Postman Ty
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                I'm pretty excited about Rondon this week, think there will be goals in that game. And Auba/Laca both look good options, I'm happier with Auba given his recent rest. Pretty confident Arsenal will concede so Kolasinac isn't a great option for me.

                1. No Luck
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Cheers guys, it's a tough one! Might have to flip a coin but I'll wait on injury news to see if I can be swayed that way.

            6. Postman Ty
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Alright how's this FH team looking, anything that stands out?

              Kepa
              Luiz - TAA - Chilwell
              Salah - Hazard - Mane - Brooks
              Aubameyang - Vardy - Rondon

              1. mikess
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                I can't justify Aubameyang over Lacazette myself. I'd punt on Wilson or King for his penalties

                1. Postman Ty
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  I've done it just because I think he's more secure for the start really. The issue with King and Wilson is exactly that, either could be on pens.

                  1. mikess
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 2 months ago

                    King is on pens I thought. I wouldn't say Aubameyang is more secure for a start. Lacazette looked sharp last game, can't see him getting dropped so leaves LW for Aubameyang imo

                    1. Postman Ty
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 2 months ago

                      King and Wilson have flip flopped on them. It's loosely based on who wins it I believe. I think Auba is because of his rest today, and he's clearly their best player. You're right likely on the wing but that's where he's been most of the season and he's been getting plenty of goals and assists.

                      1. mikess
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 2 months ago

                        King has 6 to Wilson 2 on penalties. Not sure it's that clear cut. Aubameyang is a fantastic player but too risky for me especially if you feel Lacazette will start

                        1. Postman Ty
                          • 9 Years
                          5 years, 2 months ago

                          Ah that's good to know then, cheers. I know in the early gameweeks that was a direct quote from one of the players about who wins it, but definitely could have changed since. King seems to be first choice when a third party wins it I suppose.
                          I've never liked Lacazette, although he's been in great form recently. I don't trust Emery at all.
                          You'll pull it back I'm sure, this is the time for the experienced to shine.

                    2. Postman Ty
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 2 months ago

                      Jeez nice ranks by the way!

                      1. mikess
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 2 months ago

                        Thanks. Was until this gameweek. I had a stinker

            7. Sz21
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Fabianski.
              AWB, TAA, VVD, Pereira.
              Felipe, Haz, Salah (c), Tielemans.
              Vardy, Wilson.
              Bednarek.
              1ft, 0.1m. WC next GW.

              1. Felipe-> Fraser/Pedro/Ramsey. Anybody else in contention?(7.2m)
              2. Anything worth a hit or even a different move?

            8. tafrère
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              95 pts collected this Gameweek : not 100% satisfied since I went for the wrong Spurs midfielder (Alli), when almost all the other options I considered scored (Mili, Son). But three green arrows in a row it is, up from 15k to 10k in the overall ranking. Can't complain, the « chip season » is making its effect, even if I want more. Hoping for the next 3-4 Gameweeks to be at least as good as the previous three. My goal is to be well inside the top 10k by GW37. Team for GW33 is looking good imo ; but any opinion is welcomed guys, as usual.

              Kepa
              Luiz TAA Pereira
              Salah (C) Mané Hazard Richarlison
              Vardy Wilson King

              0FT £0.5

              1. waldo666
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                GTG

                1. tafrère
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Hazard and Mané good alternative captains ? Who are you chosing yourself for the armband ?

                  1. waldo666
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 2 months ago

                    Currently on Salah and likely to stay but I definitely had Hazard under consideration, Mane a good option as well.

            9. Francescoli
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              I have 11 players playing and 1 FT (0.4itb).

              Thinking of going Fabianski to Schmeichel. Thoughts?

              Fabianski
              Robertson Pereira D.Luiz AWB
              Salah (c) Mané Hazard
              Higuain Barnes Rondon

              Button, Rice, Puncheon, Pogba

              1. mikess
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                I'd be more tempted to punt on Vardy over Higuian and hope Fabs score save points

                1. Francescoli
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Higuain rested and should be fresh to go right?

                  1. mikess
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 2 months ago

                    Not so sure you could call it a rest but I may be wrong. Their changes all performed well, don't think Sarri will revert much back

            10. NATSTER
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              I have two issues with just 1 FT.
              1) My GK are Etheridge & Boruc. One has blank GK and another was dropped to bench in the last match.

              2) I have to start one of Diop (Che) or Puncheon (LEI) or Bednarek (LIV)

              Is Boruc completely dropped to second-choice now? Which one should I handle first?
              A) Boruc -> Leno
              B) Diop -> Kolasinac

              1. jia you
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                A and play Diop

              2. mikess
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                A as Boruc is dropped

              3. NATSTER
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Thanks.

            11. jia you
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              1701 OR with no WC or chips to play, thoughts on what kind of disadvantage I'm at and where should I realistically aim to finish?

              1. Differential C (Mark)
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Staying in that OR is probably most realistic.
                Try to win the whole thing though!

                1. jia you
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  🙂

              2. mikess
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Top 1k easily

                1. jia you
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Cheers guys, perhaps some over exaggerate the fact that I've no wildcard left like its the end of the world on here! Top 5k looks achievable imo, without a wc, with a few well timed hits involved of course imo.

                  1. Ziyech on the Bench
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 2 months ago

                    Well done man

            12. Differential C (Mark)
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Top scorer - Azpilicueta, 16pts!
              Top w*nker - Young, -1, f*** off xD

              1. _Ninja_
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Same. Red arrow with 87

                1. Differential C (Mark)
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Ouch, red arrows are painful on a chip. Sympathies.

              2. jia you
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Yeah Young was so very disappointing and Kane + Sterling for me also, 96 but could have been so much more!

                1. Differential C (Mark)
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Got into 100 club, but yeah, Kane was a major letdown, especially since he's not so highly owned either! Disappointing.

            13. tafrère
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Best cheap mids for WC GW34 in your opinion ?

              Jota ? Deulo ? JWP ? Or even Doucouré ?

              1. Differential C (Mark)
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                JWP and Doucoure the top picks imo.
                Redmond if youre thinking of going Uber differential!
                Will Hughes an interesting shout to

              2. Tsparkes10
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                I like Jota especially as he got me a nice 11 points this week