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. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Has Boruc lost his place?

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

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

    2. Marvin Moon
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

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

    3. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      He won it back today

    4. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

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

      1. Marvin Moon
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

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

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          In Stoke

          1. Marvin Moon
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

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

      2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Thanks all

      3. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Compared to Hamer?!?

  2. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

          Thinking Jimenez or Kane.

    2. alifzuhdi
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

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

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

        Not fully sold on Laca either, for that matter.

  4. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

      **** muster

    2. tafrère
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Unlikely.

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Unlikely but always a chance

    4. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

      cheers everyone.

    6. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Hazard 32, Luiz -2, so unlikely i reckon

    7. alifzuhdi
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

      Knockaert to jwp gw35

      1. Schafsalat
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

          Thank you

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      That good ? 🙂

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

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

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

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

  6. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    For the next 3 GWs :

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

  7. Mweene
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Duff and Dunky essential

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      One of them at least

  8. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

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

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      (K)ane

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

      Kane for sure
      Eriksen or son too imo

    4. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 15 days 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
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Cheers

  10. The 5% Team
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

      Salah Doherty jimmy vvd

    2. Schafsalat
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

      Jimmy Robbo

  11. Mo Mané Mo Problems
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    How many minutes are people expecting from Sterling in GW34?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

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

      1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

    Everyone welcome to my Vardy party

    1. tafrère
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

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

      1. DR0GBA
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

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

        1. tafrère
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Can I have some beers though ?

      2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Having him alone probably good enough 🙂

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

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

      1. 2hotty
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Oooooooof ur first on the list then

    3. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Harvey Barnes owner here, am I invited?

      1. MTPockets
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Yep but you have to leave just as it gets interesting

    4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Izquierdo decent shot but comfortably saved

    5. tafrère
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

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

      1. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Yep, I think he's back

      2. Schafsalat
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        He's in my team for now.

        1. tafrère
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

        Good. But kdb a risk with injury...

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Did he go off injured?

          • The Ejiptian King
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

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

        2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Very similar to what I've got in mind.

        3. sk24
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

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

      2. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

          V nice !

        2. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Double arsenal defence ?

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

          1. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Saints FBs are much more appealing.

            1. Richd
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 15 days ago

              Fair enough. Logical !

        3. 2hotty
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Nice that not sold on double saints defence though

        4. Mo Mané Mo Problems
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

          Time for draft 2

      4. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

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

        2. George James
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          What’s his name on here?

          1. Danno - Emre Canada
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Not sure just saw he was in the league.

      5. Tacalabala
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Not been a classic Cup semi....

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Most of them are like that.

      6. tafrère
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

          Nice team

          1. tafrère
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Cheers.

      7. maimar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

          Depends if you use your free transfer in 35.

        2. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          1FT

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            ?

        3. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          2 if saving in 35.

      8. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Elvy, you around?

      9. Red Rock
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

        Chilwell, Fraser, Wilson.

        Adios. It's not been fun.

        1. tafrère
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

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

      11. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

          Looks pretty template outside the mids.

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

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

        2. Baked baines
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

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

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

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

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days 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, 15 days ago

        GW rank 810. Wow.

      16. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

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