Dugout Discussion

Aguero and Mahrez benched as Guardiola rotates again

Sergio Aguero (£12.2m) owners once again find themselves burned by Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy as he is named on the bench for Gameweek 9.

It represents the second successive away match that the Argentinian has been selected among the substitutes with Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) chosen to lead the line at Crystal Palace.

Joining him on the bench is Riyad Mahrez (£8.7m), further frustrating those who signed the Algerian international ahead of Gameweek 8.

Against Wolves he was substituted in the 59th minute and this week misses out on a place in the starting line-up for the first time since Gameweek 5.

Those invested in Raheem Sterling (£12.1m) and Kevin de Bruyne (£10.0m) will be much happier ahead of the game as both of them feature in the first XI.

The England international continues his run of matches without a benching to three, while his Belgian colleague is back in the team after missing Gameweek 8 with an injury.

As Guardiola had promised before the international, it has proved not to be too serious and, after a pretty abject start to Gameweek 9, de Bruyne’s owners will be quietly hopeful of attacking returns.

Meanwhile, Guardiola appears to have shaken things up at the back by naming both Fernandinho (£5.2m) and Rodrigo (£5.5m), defensive midfielders by trade, in the two centre-back positions.

Nicolas Otamendi (£5.6m) has come in for some serious criticism of late and finds himself not even in the matchday squad.

Crystal Palace line up in a 4-4-2 formation with Wilfried Zaha (£6.7m) leading the line with Jordan Ayew (£5.1m).

Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) is missing from the squad, which may encourage those invested in the Manchester City attack, as Wayne Hennessey (£4.4m) comes in for him.

Crystal Palace XI: Hennessey; van Aanholt, Cahill, Tomkins, Ward; McArthur, Milivojevic, Kouyaté, Schlupp; Zaha, Ayew.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Mendy, Rodrigo, Fernandinho, Cancelo; De Bruyne, D Silva, Gundogan; Sterling, Jesus, B Silva.

1,433 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Stoic
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Good news for KDB owners.
    Ref has him captained

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Not even yellow...

  2. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Warning !!!!

    Guys dont captain Sterling(AVL) next gw.

    Ive captained him 3 times and he blanked in all. He'll be my captain next gw

    1. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Please consider someone else

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Kun captain

    3. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No he dint. He just got an assist this gw.

      1. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        I guess he didn't captain him this week then?

  3. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Best alternative to livefpl? Not working for me

  4. HNI
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is it ok to gesture explicit like jesus did to referee now without any punishment? Its ridiculous

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Refs nowadays have no spine. Likes of Collina would murder these players just by looking at them

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      You want aguero on?

  5. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Shall I hold on to otamendi ?

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

      You are a true friend. He will be grateful.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Haha that's what I'm hoping

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

      If you have a good bench for the next two yes

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Think he'd dropped for good ?

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          He's not even dropped today...

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Thinking same myself
      Cam do something like
      Otamendi King >> Jimenez 4.7m Defender (-4)

  6. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Man City going to keep a CS because Otamendi is not playing

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

      Pep is superstitious so wouldn't surprise me if Otamendi doesn't play again lol

  7. Ode
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    When do we get a new wildcard?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      After the GW19 deadline.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Still got mine 😉

  8. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Those who sold KDB in GW8 the real winners so far.

    1. Ode
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Apart from that kung fu kick he has looked good imo

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      What if they sold for Son

  9. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Why is Kelly missing?

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

      I think he is on his old mothers door step....

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Because Tomkins, Sakho, and Cahill are all better than him

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Apparently he felt his groin

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

          Maybe. That doesn't change the above, he was always at best 3rd choice.

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Groin injury.

  10. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    There's a lot of value in Silva

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

      B? D?

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Owned him last 4 he’s pretty frustrating will sell after next week if not week after

  11. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Probably the worst back to back weeks since I ve been playing that game

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Probably for me as well

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

      Same here. Wasted the WC too to make it worse.

  12. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Keep calm WC is for mid-long term ... 😀

  13. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    How was Mount today?

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

      Good chances to score.

      1. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Story of my life today it seems. Thanks!

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

      Should have scored.

      Won’t catch the eye like CHO but will be in better positions.

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Had better but I’m not that choosy these days

    4. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Very enjoyable, thanks for asking!

  14. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Ota/Pukki OUT

    Rico/Vardy IN...

    that's the kinda crap I'm dealing with this season.

    I didn't bloody do it... Decided no, no save a transfer, il be okay for this wk... 21 bloody points so far...

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

    LMS safety score currently 15

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Ohh forgot this one ... will need a miracle for me to survie

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Just make it

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

      Was a bit nervous before the game because I took a -4 but seems sure to go through with 36 (-4) after bonus. Great work as always with the LMS league!

  16. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling sub soon surely, looks knackered

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Lol

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

      Night off for the starters vs Atalanta.

    3. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      You said 7 hours ago...
      "former sterling owner, I went Kun and very happy I did!"

      LOOOL. He he he

  17. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    time to sell kun ?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Nah imo

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      If that’s how you feel when he gets benched then obviously

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

      Depends on midweek.

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

        What does it depend on in midweek?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Wait for the pressers

        2. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah TM what depends on ?

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

          Injuries.

        4. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          If he gets injured?

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

            So if he gets a bad injury then it's probably time to sell?

            God bless FFS. You don't get this level of advice anywhere else. 😀

        5. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Midweek car crashes need to be considered with Kun now too.

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely not

    5. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      next 2 I would say he's the best city option

    6. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I'm captaining at home to Villa.

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

      Yes. He will likely to be benched once every 3 PL games imo with Jesus taking his starts well (even though hes a level below Kun in terms of quality). Thats too much for someone at his price.

  18. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    I cant comprehend how a ref stood 3 foot away from KDB doesnt give a card for that. KDB kicked a player in the face...
    the mind boggles

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yup

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      It wasn't intentional but it's a yellow at a minimum.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        for sure accidentally, you see KDBs face when he relaised what he had done, he pooped himself. But its so dangerous/reckless such a high leg. And the ref is stood right there he has no excuse. I dont get it, are they taking bungs or something?

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

          Ref has KDB(c)

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Do you guys not play football or what, never intentional. Get over it.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        it doesnt matter if its intentional. It was reckless and could easily lead to kicking someone in the face. You dont understand that? Clearly a KDB owner, but delusional as well?

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Yawn. You lot are so wrapped in cotton wool it's unbelievable. Everyones fine.

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Doesn't need to be intentional to be a card offence.

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      KDB is a nice guy.

      If it was MiliVojevic refree wouldve give defo yc

  19. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Afraid non Mane owner

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      It’s Salah’s turn to haul

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

      AWB will handle him 😀

  20. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    really hope Sterling gets rested midweek so I can get him in for AVL only for him to be randomly benched again

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      😀

  21. Superflymonk
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Peach of a pass from sterling! There's an fpl manager on Twitter who opted to captain sterling. I thought it was a bad move. Now I see why he's ranked 2000ish.

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Don’t judge a players ability by their GW8 rank in a single season

      1. Superflymonk
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        I'm not judging him by a single gw, he's been captaining the right players this season. He times his captains to near perfection. And that made a huge difference in rank.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Loads of people captained Sterling.

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

      What a dumb post. Hundreds of thousands capped Sterling.

      1. Superflymonk
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Hundreds of thousands is a tiny fraction of 7 mill. So what is your point exactly?

  22. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Would really like to break 30 points

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      It’s going to be touch and go

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        I swear last season it was hard to score less than 50 points in a week

      2. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Pebble dashing

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

      Would really like to break 10 points

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I'll be on 50 if Aguero doesn't come on. These waiting games are worse than the benchings....

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Cameo inbound

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          I've already prepared myself for it 🙁

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Need a miracle for me

  23. DMP
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    How was Macginn today?

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Please don’t say that was ruled out for a foul on the keeper?

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

          Yep exactly that. VAR screwing villa over again. No way that was a foul.

          1. Rainer
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Joke!

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

            Glad to see refs and VAR clamping down on the dirty Villa types. 😉

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

        :/ Unlucky.

    1. Superflymonk
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Grealish is where the party's at now.

  24. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Rate these players in order that they need removing:

    A) Cantwell
    B) AWB
    C) Pukki
    D) Otamendi

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      BACD

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      DBCA

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      BCDA

  25. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    We think Aguero will come on?

    1. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      You never know

    2. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      we hope

  26. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Please de Bruyne, I'm tired of mediocrity, get me points

  27. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    A) pukki to vardy
    B) cantwell to madison

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

      Tough. A

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      If you are currently having to play both Pukki and Cantwell then do B - Cantwell has no hope of points (I’m in exactly the same boat)

    3. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      b

  28. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    That Norwich defence is looking tasty isn't it? Ooh some nice bargains in there.

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Norwich, Bournemouth and Chelsea was the obvious back 3 this week in hindsight

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Is it?

      1. Surfeit of Lampteys
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Well it's Man United next so maybe aye

    3. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Lol

  29. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Aguero to come on? Haha

  30. Ribus
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Any news on Otamendi?