Dugout Discussion

Surprise benching for De Bruyne as Sterling and Aguero start

Amid fears of Pep Guardiola rotating members of his front-three for the Gameweek 5 trip to Norwich, he has gone to new levels of pulling the rug from under our feet.

While Sergio Aguero (£12.1m) and Raheem Sterling (£12.3m) both start for Saturday evening’s trip to Carrow Road, it was the presumed nailed-on Kevin de Bruyne (£9.8m) who has fallen foul of ‘Pep Roulette’.

After starting every Premier League match so far this season, the Belgian has dropped to the Manchester City bench, while Guardiola has chosen to deploy a central midfield trio of David Silva (£7.5m), Rodrigo (£5.5m) and Ilkay Gündogan (£5.3m).

While Sterling and Aguero both start this one, their owners may just have one eye on Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) and Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) among the substitutes with the Champions League group stages starting midweek.

With options relatively limited in defence, there were no surprises in the back-four named for this encounter.

Ederson (£6.1m) is supported at the back by Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.6m), Nicolas Otamendi (£5.4m), John Stones (£5.4m) and Kyle Walker (£6.0m).

Just as predicted by manager Daniel Farke in his Friday press conference, Norwich do indeed look very short of options in their own defence.

Ben Godfrey (£4.5m) has come through his groin injury picked up on international duty to feature at centre-back alongside defensive midfielder Ibrahim Amadou (£4.5m).

Their inclusion in the side does mean that at the very least, their fit full-backs are not called into central defensive action.

Jamal Lewis (£4.5m) features on the left with Sam Byram (£4.4m) getting his first start for the Canaries on the right.

Meanwhile, both Teemu Pukki (£7.0m) and Todd Cantwell (£4.8m) retain their places in the first team.

Norwich City XI: Krul; Lewis, Godfrey, Amadou, Byram; McLean, Tettey; Cantwell, Stiepermann, Buendía; Pukki.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Zinchenko, Otamendi, Stones, Walker; D Silva, Gundogan, Rodrigo; Sterling, Aguero, B Silva.

2,005 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Also third captain fail in a row, on a roll.

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      four in a row here

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’m thinking it’s time to pick & stick with a perma captain - probably Mo

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Might be right. I hate playing the game like that, but this ain’t no fun at all.

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      5th wrong choice here

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yes not looking good even had Kane & Mo this week?

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, had Sterling, Salah and Kane, capped Sterling.

  2. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Tempted by a -4 tonight.not my style but have exact cash for

    Greenwood and tielemans
    To
    tammy and cantwell

    Worth the risk?x

    1. Macam Dave
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Defo

    2. SB007
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yup

  3. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Wondering if this Tammy kid is for real...Get him in?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Points are real.

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I like that.

  4. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    There are midweek games for the big teams correct?

    So, daft to make moves / activate WC (not set on if I want to get) already?

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Champions League and Europa League is back his week.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Ok. Will hold it together for now I suppose. No idea what to do anyway :/

  5. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Have Abraham, Son, Rashford and Mane but I capped Sterling. Keep getting things wrong over and over... This game is a nightmare..

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Alright, you can stop trolling now.

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Did you go for Ota in the end?

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yes 😆

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          He could still come good - Pep will surely have them taking lumps out of each other in training for days after that

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Was equally stones' fault that pukki goal

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              He can be an error prone disaster zone on his day

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      After a ban for BS?

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Its obvious satire, ban the people who post stuff like this genuinely

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Rather genuine posts.

        2. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Agree with the last part, but trolling comments are just inane.

    4. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Eff off

  6. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    + Tammy and Cantwell in this gw
    - Sterling (c), AWB and Cantwell on bench

    Thats FPL, cheers.

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      + Mount Pukki returns
      - KDB Barnes Lundstram in for a hit and ZILCHHH, Sterling c over Salah, no CS so far, only Digne left

  7. Murder On Zidanesfloor
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Sterling to kun for free? 2fts

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      no

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I hear you but I dont own Salah and cant trust Sterling with the armband again

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I'll be selling Aguero before Sterling most likely if that counts for anything.

          1. Business Cat
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I was thinking this too.

            But now Sterling + 4.5m striker to Son + Tammy looks mighty tempting

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Have faith

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Don't have a c option next week except kdb

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Sterling isn't an option anymore? He won't keep blanking I'll be C him next week

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Did you also c him vs Brighton?

  8. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pukki on 3 now.
    LOVELY

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Essential

  9. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Well what a majorly painful day of FPL that was?!!

    1 - Double Liverpool defence - DOUBLE FAIL
    2 - KDB benched followed by blank - FAIL
    3 - Sterling blank as captain - DOUBLE FAIL
    4 - Playing Lundstram over Pukki - MEGA FAIL
    5 - Barnes transferred in instead of Abraham - HUGE FAIL
    6 - 23pts with Coleman & McGinn to play - EPIC FAIL
    7 - Possible rage transfers incoming - GOD HELP US...FAIL!!

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Wow thats bad. My sympathies. 35p with Haller to go here.

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Same for me with 1245. Thankfully played Pukki but also had Lundstram. Only Digne left

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Of those - imvho - 1,2,3 & 4 were good decisions so wouldn’t beat yourself up

      On 5 - Tammy had 4 goals from 1.4 XG in two games before today, and even on the eye test I didn’t think he looked super good

      His third goal today though had a bit of the drogbas about it the way he ragdolled Coady

    4. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ouch, guess your not alone though. Onwards and upwards 🙂 !

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Indeed, 2 x massive reds in a row hopefully still be in the top million by end of this week?!! As you say onwards and upwards!! Team actually looks great on the surface but then i thought the same just a few hours ago...let the games commence i guess?!!

    5. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I also have Coleman and McGinn to play, don't think a brace for each is too much to ask for.

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        We can only live in hope!! Good luck!!

        1. Superkitten
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          44 points with Haller to go. Don't know whether to celebrate or not!

          1. Krafty Werks
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I'd be over the Harvest Moon with that, go on treat yourself...have a little dance!!

  10. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    WC or not to?

    Pope
    Robbo Laporte Coleman Montoya Lundstram
    Salah Sterling KDB
    Rashford Haller

    Dendo Cantwell Wickham

    - Need a formation change
    - Not the best of fixtures coming this week
    - Want to get Son Abraham Mane before further rises
    - Otamendi should lose his place
    - Montoya did not play today
    - Rashford needs to go to.

  11. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pep should've started with KDB to get an early lrad, he's needed to unlock those buses

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Won the league without him Last season though

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        There's ofc Laporte missing as well

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Fair

  12. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Week on week the template wc changes so much. Surely those with it left need to keep hold of it until the premiership settles down.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Everyone will have that settled team.

      1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        That's fair. Isn't that better than having a two week old template though?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          My GW3 template team did ok this week.
          2 FTs to freshen up.

          1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            That's true. Interesting to see how quick people are to transfer out some of the early wc forwards though.

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Might sell Aguero this week and get 2 new ones.

              1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Tammy and Haller?

  13. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Cantwell's fine I guess. How about Abraham though? Did not watch the game. Is he injured?

  14. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    No matter how often Jimenez scored last season I could never bring myself to captain him. Always played safe. Pukki is now in that territory.

  15. BARIO MALOTELLI
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    For all you Kane owners one rly important question... are you transfering him out... i am in real dilemma

    1. kitier katba
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      yes

      1. BARIO MALOTELLI
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        For who if i may ask ?

        1. kitier katba
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          looking at Auba

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Abso-fecking-lutely

      1. BARIO MALOTELLI
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        He is having some nice fixtures but i think there are players that can outscore him like mane aguero

    3. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'm getting rid.

      1. BARIO MALOTELLI
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        For who are you upgrading your mid or just aguero or auba

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Not sure yet, putting more money into midfield for sure though.

          1. BARIO MALOTELLI
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Ye sounds good goodbluck

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, was going Auba but Tammy seem irresistible

      1. BARIO MALOTELLI
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yea tammy is an option for sure... but i just did kane and azpi to aguero and aurier fck it hope kane gets injured trololo

    5. NWA
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. The last 2 GW and 2 spurs games convinced me to play with mid priced strikers.
      Also to trust Son over Kane for Spurs attacking returns.
      So, I will transfer him out and bring in Son

  16. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I dont deserve pukki or cantwell, I'm a terrible manager for benching them

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Could I buy Cantwell from you for £4,6? You'll get Guendozi in return

      1. NWA
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Guendozi might surprise you...

    2. BARIO MALOTELLI
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I benched cantwell also it hurts bro

    3. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      None of us deserve Pukki.

      1. Garlana
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Lol great comment

  17. Murder On Zidanesfloor
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    And ofcourse, cantwell and pukki will blank next week

  18. MITHRRANDIRR
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Watching the third Norwich goal... Stones falls over in front of Pukki instead of spreading himself bigger. This Man City defence is shambles. Mistakes everywhere.

  19. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Being 65 point's behind someone so early in the season is quite depressing.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      134 behind 1st

  20. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pukki is the real deal.

    Pukki 12 - Abraham 14

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      He's very impressive. Great movement and finishing, always finds a yard.

  21. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else thinking Barnes -> Abraham? Or is it best to hold at least till after Liverpool?

    Worried I'm going to get priced out if I wait 🙁

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      This is the reason i feel like wildcarding.

      Son Abraham Mane all will rise fast

  22. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I have 2 FT and I'm still tempted to do Dendo to Cant for -4 on top of my planned moves because he's ridiculous value and would give me the option to actually want to play 5 in midfield. Would leave me with 0 ITB, madness?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Might sell Cantwell soon

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I suppose you're planning to upgrade to a better 5th mid, I'm just looking for a rotation option that scores more than Dendo at the moment.

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Its a difficult one, since there's a strong case for playing three up front at this point, in which case he is too expensive for a 5th mid. But could be good as 4th mid, though.

  23. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    After seeing Abraham last game, I'm not surprised he bagged a hattrick. Great player and has been consistently been putting great numbers up in the Championship.

    Chelsea's attacking style will benefit him too

  24. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pukki-Abraham-Haller frontline the way to go?

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Pukki Abraham Wilson if i were to WC

  25. New Post
  26. rodragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else had gotten David silva this week?

    1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  27. SUPER MOKH
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hard to believe Ansu Fati is just 16

  28. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    whats going on with Lamela? Is he actually an option?

    1. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lamela: anomaly

      Could be amazing
      Could not be amazing

  29. FPL Forward Thinker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Salah: 9 point total today.

    Aguero, Sterling, De Bruyne: 9 point total today

    Let’s all sell Salah !!!! Hahahahahaha

  30. Phlajo
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Kane and McGinn to Abraham and Son before prices rise tonight?

    Will cost me -4

    Won't have funds to do the transfers later if both rise