Dugout Discussion

Traore and Moutinho drop to the bench as Gameweek 26 recommences at Molineux

After an interminable wait, Gameweek 26 gets back underway this evening at Molineux.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leicester City, which is only the fourth match to be contested in this round of fixtures, kicks off at 20:00 GMT.

There is no Adama Traore (£5.8m) in the hosts’ starting XI, with the well-owned winger amongst the substitutes for only the second time in the last 23 Gameweeks.

Joao Moutinho (£5.4m) is also on the bench, which brings to an end his run of 21 Premier League starts in a row.

Pedro Neto (£5.0m) and Leander Dendoncker (£4.4m) are the men to come in for that aforementioned pair.

The Athletic’s Wolves correspondent, Tim Spiers, suggests the two unexpected benchings are fitness-related:

The taciturn Nuno Espirito Santo added ahead of kick-off:

[Traore’s shoulder] has not settled down but he’s an option. He is playing the game, also, he’s on the bench.

Normally [Moutinho is a starter] but we have other options and we decided this way.

With Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m) still sidelined, Leicester are unchanged from their 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the beginning of the month.

Brendan Rodgers said of the Nigerian’s fitness:

It’s just too much of a risk for him, he still has that slight pain. But he’s got better as the week’s progressed and we’ll see how he is over the weekend.

Of those on show this evening, Jamie Vardy (£9.8m) is the most popular player in FPL terms – although his ownership is at its lowest since Gameweek 13.

The Leicester striker has only one attacking return to his name since Gameweek 18 and is goalless in almost two months.

Harvey Barnes (£6.0m) has registered three goals and an assist in his last three starts, with his FPL ownership quadrupling since Gameweek 23.

The reverse fixture of tonight’s game ended goalless back in August, with Ricardo Pereira (£6.3m) and Willy Boly (£4.7m) supplementing their clean sheets with maximum bonus points.

Boly has recorded shut-outs in four of his nine Premier League starts this season – Wolves have only one without him.


Wolves XI: Patrício, Coady, Boly, Saïss, Doherty, Dendoncker, Neves, Jonny, Jota, Neto, Jiménez.

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel, Ricardo, Evans, Soyuncu, Chilwell, Choudhury, Tielemans, Maddison, Perez, Vardy, Barnes.

670 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Wizard of Ozil
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    F**k VAR....and I have Soyuncu.
    want to see football played without a computer ruining it.!!!!!!

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      How is that VAR's fault. By the rule, that was offside

    2. michaelington
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      But if the linesman didn’t see that offside then that’s a bad decision. What do you want?

      1. Wizard of Ozil
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Jota shoelace was offside...he was miles away from the goal with no direct input. VAR is bollocks and everyone knows it. Hopefully next season it will be gone....

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          It wont, its here to stay, and I love it

        2. michaelington
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          He passed it back to the corner taker who then crossed it into the box. I think that’s enough input.
          Everyone moaned for technology for years, now it’s here and getting decisions correct, no one wants it. Can’t please everyone I suppose.

          1. runny
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            pretty sure it was Neto they ruled to be offside as he was running back towards his own goal to receive the pass from Jota... the technology (resolution and framerate) isn't good enough to rule on such tight offsides and they were recently told that they should only be overruling clear and obvious errors...

    3. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not VAR's fault they chose a semi-blind linesman 😉

    4. squits
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      100% agree mate. Ruining games. How can we celebrate goals? killing football

      1. LǝgleSs e|even
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        After VAR confirms its a goal?

        1. squits
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          we wait a minute or two to celebrate. Gonna make for weird stadium atmospheres

    5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Good job you don't make the laws then aint it

  2. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Change the rules if you dont like that decision. Not VAR's fault. Executed the rule to the letter

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ok and how do we change it?

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        by adding some margin to the rule regarding offside decisions.

        1. squits
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          This

      2. Plant Based FPLer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        A trailing leg going away from goal seems harsh. Maybe make it the placement of the front foot. Could make to some funny dancing steps between defender and striker.

      3. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Educate players, fans, and coaches on what the rules are

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

      This

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

      We need a rule that all rules and decisions must benefit our own fpl team. Nothing else will keep everyone here happy.

      1. squits
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Not very true mate. many on here want to see football at it's passionate best. We don't get that anymore, irrelevant of fpl. Goal....oh wait...let's wait to celebrate properly until they kick off again...

        1. Eastman
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Managers wanted VAR. Rules are rules and offside is offside however unfair it seems. Can’t really blame the technology. Decision is whether we want it or not.

  3. Party time
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Come on Wolves fans. STFU. Var right call!

    • Jindaljain
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Nowadays VAR destroying many football players career

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Nah just destroying refs' careers

    • DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Damage done everyone will be getting the Willys next week now

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

        It's not Valentine's Day if you don't get some Willy in.

      2. el polako
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Why wait ?
        I'm getting Willy tonight.

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          My have to pay for some Willy. Dangerous business

      3. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Nobody will notice that

    • RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      The baby is going to be 1 year old before the celebration!

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

        🙁

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Should have shipped it seems. Blinded by GW28. He’s in horrible form

          1. JBG
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Indeed.. So salty that I didn't didge him after that pen miss. But gotta keep him now cause of those fixtures.

          2. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I hope you're wrong mate

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Me too

      2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Ship to Jimmy the obvious move for Jim non owners

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

        Another baby coming

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

          Doesn't need many shots....

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

      Jimmy and vardy = 0-0 of course

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Lovely. But they will both score as I own neither. Will get Jimmy next GW if he doesn't get injured.

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

          Need Vardy brace

    • Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It was a right call.
      Foot not armpit !!!

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        The armpit ones are hard to swallow.

        Literally.

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

          Yep

    • Party time
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Jeez! Just look at that Schmeichel comical dive for the Boly goal. Dived like he got shot

        1. Plant Based FPLer
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Sounds like you're describing Pickford. Schmeichel's wasn't too bad. He could've come out with his arms up and more or less force a downward shot, then having to only look for the ball going down to his left or right.

      • Man City face 2 year euro hiatus
        Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        UEFA have announced this evening that Manchester City are to face a 2 year ban from European competition and €30m fine, over serious breaches of the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations.

        The decision is likely to be subject of a City appeal at Court of Arbitration for Sport.

        If upheld - assuming City finish their Premier League campaign in the top 4 - the team placed 5th looks set to claim a Champions League slot.

        https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/newsid=2638659.html

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Good news. Hopefully CAS uphold UEFA's decision.

        2. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Name of the HT should be:

          Lol @ Baldy !!

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Why? He isn’t the one in charge of their financial outgoings and business negotiations

        3. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Independent reporting that City could also face a premierleague points reduction also.
          https://twitter.com/Independent/status/1228419389898338306

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

            Wow

          2. BobbyDoesNotLook
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Pool PL champions announced tomorrow?

        4. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          TSPARKES10 in heaven!

        5. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          https://twitter.com/city_xtra/status/1228412081319403523?s=21

          A Premier League points deduction is now seen as ‘highly likely’ for Manchester City, as their punishment for “serious breaches” of Uefa Financial Fair Play also represents a breach of the domestic competition’s regulations.

        6. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Predictions : Pep > Juvé, Poch > City 🙂

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Agreed

        7. Babit1967
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Should go for PSG and Rangers next

        8. noquarternt
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          They’ll appeal and get off

          1. squits
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Interesting yeah? If you think about it ffp is a very flawed system.

            1. Syd.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              This has been the view of many in the game for quite a while.

              There is a lot of mileage left in this one and it could ultimately end up with FFP being scrapped.

          2. The Train Driver
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Lol @ blaming others for their own mistakes. Stop cheating and take the consequences...

            1. Syd.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Obviously you didn’t read the article

        9. Mikeharbrw
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          City with an attacking manager who doesnt rotate as much as pep and with no european football as a distraction?

          Aguero, sterling and kdb triple up next season please 🙂

        10. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          My gut instinct is they'll appeal and UEFA will reduce their ban to one year with no meaningful points deductions (by that I mean they won't lose a top 4 spot, not that that will matter given the ban). Mind you, appeals often take a long time so any ban might kick in for the 21/22 season. But Pep will leave and the whole project will struggle to recover.

          1. Dr Van Nostrand
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I agree this seems the most likely outcome. Bans tend to be reduced by half. Completely overturning the ban would be highly unusual

        11. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          FPL Manchester City pricing algorithm for 2020/21 season =

          Current price x 1.2

          Aguero - £14.5m
          Sterling - £14.0m
          De Bruyne - £13.0m
          Mahrez - £10.5m
          Laporte - £7.5m, etc...

        12. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I wonder by how much they overstated their sponsorship revenue, and from which Sponsor/s

          They seem to have really rubbed UEFA up the wrong way here - must have been some serious aggro between them during the investigation

          Two year champs league bans, points deductions... UEFA want them annihilated

      • Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Come on Vardy!!! Ffs

      • have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I have 18-1 bet on Rose scoring vs Arsenal. Watch Rose score for VAR to rule it out

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Try to avoid betting, there's more to life than spending your sorrows away. It starts as a one off, then weekly, then daily. Becomes an addiction and destroys yourself and those around you.

          1. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            This.

            Heroin is a much better investment.

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Try to avoid heroin, there's more to life than smoking your sorrows away. It starts as a one off, then weekly, then daily. Becomes an addiction and destroys yourself and those around you.

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

                FPL ?

                1. goriuanx
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Try to.. too late. We're screwed.

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

                    Lol

          2. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I know I only made three bets this season

          3. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Agreed. Have struggled with betting myself

            1. Yank Revolution
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Dont spend the Bubbles Depo profits!

            2. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Get some help if you feel you can't control it. There's a lot of anonymous help avenues too. Feel free to email me if you want someone to talk to 🙂

              1. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Cheers mate. I actually ended up just signing up for gamstop which self excludes you from all betting sites. Playing fpl helps channel it in a healthier way also

                1. Steve Chance
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Good luck. I really wish you well.

                2. have you seen cyan
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Quitting online poker was a great call I made, I adore poker but online is a mugs game. I won’t go to a casino anyway so it’s only with mates these days on the rare occasion. I still maintain it’s the best game in existence though, FPL close second tho

          4. Steve Chance
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            'Never seen a bookie on a bike' is the old saying. As true today as it ever was. Just look at the directors' remuneration at the big bookmakers to see who's winning.

          5. DAZZ
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Bit extreme that Berb. Not everyone that gambles becomes an addict. If it’s in moderation, a few small bets is harmless, and fun. Same with alcohol, a few nice cold beers is fine, as long as your not drinking 8 pints every night.

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

              A lot don’t become addicts no but a lot become guilty of putting on too many bets. Like I always end up putting on more bets then I intend when I see odds

      • enrico.palazzo
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Am I wrong here. The call was passed backwards... how is that offside???

        1. enrico.palazzo
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Ball *

        2. lindeg
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          The receiver was in offside position when the pass was played

        3. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          You can be offside from a corner kick. i.e. even though the ball goes backwards

          1. Steve Chance
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Err... No you can't. Not from the corner kick itself.

        4. Salarrivederci
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          And if the player comes from an offside position before the ball is passed, then that is an offside.

        5. enrico.palazzo
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Playing semi pro for years. I always thought a backwards pass could never be offside

          1. lindeg
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            really? happens quite often on short corner kicks

          2. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Still playing?

      • Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Disappointed Vardy hasn't scored yet, I took so long to get him in and now I'm being punished for now showing some patience in keeping him 🙁

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          He's a second half kind of guy

      • Woy_is_back
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Jimmy & Vardy ffs. Get it done you muppets!

        1. Gudjohnsen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Both overrated on here

      • rokonto
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Doherty injury and VAR was nearly 6 minutes but ref adds on 3 mins!!!
        WTF!!!!

        1. Salarrivederci
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          It is Valentines man..

          Mike Dean has to get back to Birkenhead.

      • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Mike Dean caught saying he doesn't know why it was ruled offside as he goes down the tunnel

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

          Refs hate VAR they truly do

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

        LMS safety score currently 5.

      • Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        How bad is the weather forecast? I know that amber warning means probably cancellation, but how about yellow?

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Norwich is virtually the last place the storm will reach tomorrow

          1. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            A slight breeze is all it’ll take to make Salah go down though.

      • LǝgleSs e|even
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        City banned = Pep leaving for sure

        1. 1zverGGadeM
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Poch or Allegri next for them imo..

          1. 1zverGGadeM
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Even Tuchel or Nagelsman could get a chance, why not?

      • Daddymac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Boly hand ball v Man City would have been ruled out by VAR now he gets one ruled by VAR for a heel being offside.

      • FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        VAR strikes again lol

      • have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        VAR officials have over taken traffic wardens for most hated? They will probably reach war crimes level of despise soon

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Eichmann never robbed me of FPL points though...

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

            Someone will probably call us out for this but LOL

      • Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        GET TRAORE ON NOW!

      • lindeg
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        seriously cant understand why people are moaning about offside calls on var, the rule is the simplest of all, regardless of how significant the offside was

        they will implement it differently next season, but to keep it consistent, everything will be called this season

        wouldnt be surprised if some of you on here will be moaning about an allowed goal that was actually marginally offside next year

        damned if you do, damned if you dont

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Soooo resistant to change that happens to improve the game, get calls right. Its stunning. The "old way" sucked, people...

        2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          People moaning about VAR because it effects their fpl team are idiots. End of

        3. LǝgleSs e|even
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          boomers

        4. Eastman
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I agree.

      • Zilla
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        City's CL news is huge, can't believe it actually happened.

        1. Eastman
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          It won’t

          1. Zilla
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            They will appeal and all but idk have a feeling it will go through

          2. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Nowhere to hide for City now. The have very little time left to appeal. They have to do it way before end of the season so they cannot drag it out.

            Tik tok.

        2. Gudjohnsen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Will believe it when it happens.

        3. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Gonna go all out for the CL this season now
          Makes City assets even more unviable in FPL now due to extra rotation

      • FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Wolves are a mean machine.

      • waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Pereira looking very good

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          And boly

      • BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Saiss took FK from 20m.

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Moutinho benched so set pieces are up in the air tonight

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

            I like Mout, great bench fodder and you never mind playing him

      • Gudjohnsen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        How's Jimenez looking?

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          With eyes

        2. JBG
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Dropping deep way too often for my liking and missed a sitter in the 1st half.