Dugout Discussion

No Aguero in City’s squad as Mendy makes first start of 2019

There is no evening Premier League game today so the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion takes centre stage.

Kick-off is at 17:30 BST.

This is an audition of sorts for the Fantasy assets on show as their clubs enjoy two fixtures in Gameweek 35, while the Seagulls also have a Double Gameweek 34 before that.

Despite being described as “nearly fit” by his manager on Friday, Sergio Aguero isn’t part of City’s match-day squad at Wembley.

Gabriel Jesus leads the line again, with Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva flanking the Brazilian.

With Oleksandr Zinchenko injured, Benjamin Mendy makes his first start since November.

Glenn Murray is back in Brighton’s starting XI after a benching in midweek, while Anthony Knockaert returns to the right wing.

Full-backs Martin Montoya and Bernardo also return, while Solly March misses out through injury.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Mendy, Laporte, Otamendi, Walker, Gundogan, Bernardo, Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling, Jesus.

Brighton XI: Ryan, Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bernardo, Stephens, Propper, Bissouma, Knockaert, Murray, Jahanbakhsh.

805 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BIG BOY BRUNO
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Has Boruc lost his place?

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, but maybe Begovic has too. Who’s 3rd?

    2. Marvin of all he surveys
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He'll have it back after Begovic's performance today.

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

      He won it back today

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

      Strange one because he’s a lot better then Begovic even at 39. No idea why Begovic came back in.

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

      Begovic is awful. Worst GK “starting” in premier league easily

      1. Marvin of all he surveys
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        It's a shame. He used to be really good.

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

          In Stoke

          1. Marvin of all he surveys
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yep. It's a long time ago now to be fair though.

      2. BIG BOY BRUNO
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks all

      3. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Compared to Hamer?!?

  2. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I will be using the TC in GW35 rather than the BB, so I'm trying to think of ways to make the most of that on my GW34 wildcard.

    So for example, I can happily go heavy on Brighton/Cardiff dross for their DGW34 and bench them thereafter, whereas others will presumably be more reluctant to do so as said dross will weaken their BB in GW35.

    I can also possibly target more premium players for GW35 as my funds will be concentrated on 11 players rather than 15.

    Any other thoughts on how to make the most of the increased flexibility that comes with *not* needing a strong fifteen for GW35?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Same plan, i wildcarded in 32 already. Who are you captaining in 35 as it stands?

      1. sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I'm hoping Kane will suddenly come alive in an attempt to finish top scorer in which case it would probably be him. If not I'm really not sure. You?

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Thinking Jimenez or Kane.

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

      I think the most template for BB35 bench boost is:

      1 GK
      2 DEF
      1 MID

      Which easily goes to

      Ryan
      Valery - Bednarek/Duffy
      Hoj/JWP

      Average points from these bench might be around 20-25points.

      I think TC player on gw35 might give the same amount of points but we need to get this captain plays both games.

      Nothing's wrong with TC in 35 as long as you believe premium players such as Kane, Aguero or Sterling plays both games.

      Maybe TC on Jiminez can be a differential but he need to deliver at least 1 goal and 1 assist to get extra 25 points on TC.

      Just my 2 cents.

  3. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How does this WC34 draft look? BB in 35, TC still to come.

    Ryan, Foster
    Robbo, TAA, Kola, Duffy, Valery
    Sterling, Mane, Son, Camarasa, Hojbjerg
    Kane, Jimenez, Laca

    Other considerations: Bilva, Deeney, JWP, Jota, could also keep Salah instead of getting Mane.

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

      Mmh not sure ...cama and hojbjerg bit much in mid

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Not wrong, but funds dictate that. Some downgrades could be made. Originally didn't have Robbo in the draft, but because I already have him, I thought I might see how it looks.

      2. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Not fully sold on Laca either, for that matter.

  4. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Can Hazard(c) and Luiz master 31 points between them on Monday to get me inside the exclusive 2000 club.

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      **** muster

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

      Unlikely.

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Unlikely but always a chance

    4. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm rooting for it. I have them, too.
      But I'm certainly not holding my breath.

    5. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      cheers everyone.

    6. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard 32, Luiz -2, so unlikely i reckon

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

      It might be pedro & willian starting and Haz will get on if they are chasing the game.

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

    Ryan/foster
    Vvd/kola/dunk/Valery/Doherty
    Salah/eriksen/b Silva/ knockaert/hojbjerg
    Auba/kane/Jimmy

    Thoughts would be very appreciated.for this WC team thanks ! 🙂

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

      Knockaert to jwp gw35

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

        jwp might rise soon, just in case you have 0 ITB. Otherwise...yeah why not :). I'm not keeping Salah but he will no doubt punish me for selling...

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

          Thank you

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

      That good ? 🙂

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

      Some nice differentials from most on here, are you leading or chasing?

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

        Hello. Leading a poor mini league . Just interested in getting the most points 🙂

  6. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    For the next 3 GWs :

    A. TAA (CHE, car, HUD)
    B. Vertonghen (HUD, mci, BHA, WHU)

  7. Mweene
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Duff and Dunky essential

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

      One of them at least

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

    WC squad below leaving 1m in bank ( quite a lot of value in Doherty). Camarasa to JWP in week 35.

    Anything you would change or is it looking OK?

    Foster Ryan
    Doherty Valery Duffy Kolasinac Robertson
    Sterling Son Mané Doucouré Camarasa
    Kane Lacazette Jimenéz

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'd change it to look like mine if it was mine, but this looks ok.

      Not sure I trust Doherty though.

  9. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who to get from spurs for upcoming GW 34 &35 ?

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      (K)ane

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Mixed opinions, TV might be a factor in whether Kane is worth it. I'm tempted by Trippier + Son

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

      Kane for sure
      Eriksen or son too imo

    4. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm on Kane definitely, Eriksen probably and no idea who for the third. I will almost certainly have three Spurs though.

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

      Cheers

  10. The 5% Team
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How many players are you keeping from your original team when on WC?
    I am only keeping Sterling and changing 14 others 😮

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

      Salah Doherty jimmy vvd

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

      Keeping VVD and Jimmy (mostly because I've value tied up in them and will want them back afterwards).

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Jimmy Robbo

  11. Mo Mané Mo Problems
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How many minutes are people expecting from Sterling in GW34?

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

      Depends on CL. Palace already beat them once this season.

      1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Of course. If they are 2-0 up after 60 mins on Tuesday then maybe Raheem will come off. If they have basically won the tie thereafter, he’ll probably be rested for the return, or play reduced minutes.

        I can’t see him playing 540 minutes in the next 18 days (including 90 from today).

  12. 2hotty
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Everyone welcome to my Vardy party

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

      Can I come even if I didn't captained him lmao ?

      1. DR0GBA
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        you can come but you have to sit in the corner and think about your captaincy decisions

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

          Can I have some beers though ?

      2. BIG BOY BRUNO
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Having him alone probably good enough 🙂

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'l bring the Charlie. It's not free though.

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

        Oooooooof ur first on the list then

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

      Harvey Barnes owner here, am I invited?

      1. MTPockets
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yep but you have to leave just as it gets interesting

    4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Izquierdo decent shot but comfortably saved

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

      Anyone considering Holebas for the DGW35 ? Is he back on the team for sure ?

      1. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yep, I think he's back

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

        He's in my team for now.

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

          I'm considering using my FT to do Duffy -> Holebas in GW34.

          Nobody mentioning him. He has 10 attackings returns this season in 24 games played. And Watford have amazing fixtures.

    6. yer old da
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Rate my low team value WC34/BB35 team:

      Ryan, Foster
      Trippier, TAA, Kolasinac, Duffy, Valery
      Mane, KDB, Eriksen, Jota, JWP
      Kane, Lacazette, Jiminez

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

        Good. But kdb a risk with injury...

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Did he go off injured?

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

            Isn't Champions League before then anyway? We'll have a better idea after that.

        2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Very similar to what I've got in mind.

        3. sk24
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Same as mine except Trippier - Doherty and Laca - Auba so I like it

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

        The Scouts have been cruel about Cardiff this year. But I honestly dunno who half these Brighton players are.

        Brighton are just Cardiff Mk2 😉

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

          Agreed, nothing between them points wise.

          But yeah Cardiff are awful and Brighton are great... Glenn Murray potentially the difference

      3. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Loving this BB draft now.

        Leno - Foster
        Trippier - Kolasinac - Bertrand - Valery - Bennett
        Sala - Sterling - SOn - Deulofeu - JWP
        Kane - Jimenez - Deeney

        Thoughts please? 🙂

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

          V nice !

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

          Double arsenal defence ?

          Why Bertrand when saints defenders are so cheap.. apart from him ?

          1. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Saints FBs are much more appealing.

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

              Fair enough. Logical !

        3. 2hotty
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Nice that not sold on double saints defence though

        4. Mo Mané Mo Problems
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Not beyond the realms of possibilities that Sterling/Son cameo in GW34. And if Spurs are hammering Huddersfield, then is Son going to come on? Decent bench to fall back on though.

          1. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Fully prepared for a Sterling no show. SOn will play imo.

            Will have the bench prepared for that.

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

          Time for draft 2

      4. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I see no1 in the world is on here, great week for him, sitting pretty with all chips left and a great week, top work mate!

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

          There’s plenty of people from the world on here !

        2. George James
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          What’s his name on here?

          1. Danno - Emre Canada
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Not sure just saw he was in the league.

      5. Tacalabala
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Not been a classic Cup semi....

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Most of them are like that.

      6. tafrère
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        WC Team draft, any opinions welcomed :

        Foster Ryan
        Vertonghen Kolasinac Doherty Duffy Valery
        Sterling Mané Son Doucouré JWP
        Aguero Lacazette Jimenez

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

          Looks good. Any particular reason why Vertonghen? I'm trying to choose a Spurs defender and I'm really not sure which one to pick....

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

            He's the only one I can afford. I'd prefer Trippier but he's too expensive. Could downgrade JWP to Camarasa though and upgrade Verty...

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

              Oh ok, fair enough. Quite frankly, I'd probably keep Vertonghen in that case. I'm currently on Rose...even cheaper ;-). But quite sure I'll change that before deadline.

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

          Nice team

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

            Cheers.

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

        I am WC in GW 34
        BB in GW 35
        Do i get 2 FT in GW 36?

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Depends if you use your free transfer in 35.

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

          1FT

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

            ?

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

          2 if saving in 35.

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

        Elvy, you around?

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

        Which combo?

        A) Deeney, Robertson, Laporte
        B) Lacazette, TAA, Valery

        Ryan Foster
        XXX Kolasinac Doherty Duffy XXX
        Sterling Mane Son XXX JWP
        Kane Jiminez XXX

      10. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Chilwell, Fraser, Wilson.

        Adios. It's not been fun.

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

          Wilson missed two big chances... Feel you. But cheer up little soldier!

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

        Here goes nothing, just need a bit of luck!

        Rate my WC fell free to rip it up or give me pointers as going blind 🙂

        Ryan, Foster
        Laporte, Kola, TAA, Duffy, Doherty
        KDB, Mané, Eriksen, Son, Camarasa
        Kane, Laca, Jimmy

        0.1 in the bank.

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

          Looks pretty template outside the mids.

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

            Everyone has 6-8 the same just maxing out the extras?

        2. Baked baines
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Couldn't be sure of Laca getting a guarantee start, same with KDB also.

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

            Same can be said about Ster, Kun etc
            Laca has easy run to the end of season no top six.

      12. Baked baines
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Is triple Brighton at the back for the next two DGWs just ridiculous. Was thinking triple for this GW and than taken Duffy/Dunk out for GW35

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

          I was thinking the same. But not sure I'll go through with it to be honest. They haven't been keeping many clean sheets lately...

      13. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        WC draft:
        Ryan, Foster
        Robbo, Duffy, Kola, Bennett, Valery
        Sterling, Mane, JWP, -----, -----
        Kane, Jim, Laca

        1) Bilva, Jota
        2) Son, Camarasa

      14. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        You can see the fatigue taking hold of City ...

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

          Sane, Kun, Fena, Mahrez, Stones etc all havent started. They have big enough squad to cope I believe. But of course they will be tested, that's is why I say Pool have a fantastic chance of winning it after putting themselves in that position.

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            That’s the point, they surely have to use their full squad and that doesn’t bode well for FPL

        2. Critical Observer
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Good thing they could change 7 starters for the next match and not miss a beat

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            There would be a few on here who would miss a beat if they made 7 changes for the next PL game 😉

            1. Critical Observer
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Solid point, take an upvote. I failed to contextualize my comment to cater for the fpl-viewpoint.

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

        GW rank 810. Wow.

      16. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        What differentials are you going for in your wildcard? I have Vardy, triple Spurs attack and double cardiff defence.