Dugout Discussion

Mahrez and Silva on Gameweek 38 radar after benching at Watford

The final pieces of this season’s ‘Pep Roulette’ puzzle are falling into place thanks to Manchester City’s latest line-up.

The Citizens boss has left Riyad Mahrez (£8.6m) and David Silva (£7.4m) on the bench for the Gameweek 37+ trip to Watford, heightening their chances of a Gameweek 38+ outing against Norwich.

For now, owners of the other big names will be much happier with the Tuesday evening team sheet.

It features Raheem Sterling (£11.9m) and Bernardo Silva (£7.6m) either side of Gabriel Jesus (£9.9m) in the front-three, consigning Phil Foden (£5.5m) to a central midfield role.

The Englishman is joined there by Kevin De Bruyne (£10.7m) and Rodrigo (£5.3m).

Joao Cancelo (£5.1m) and Kyle Walker (£5.6m) are the full-backs with Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) and Eric Garcia (£4.5m) handed the centre-back berths.

There is next to no remaining Fantasy interest in the Watford side, with the possible exception of ever-present goalkeeper Ben Foster (£4.9m) or Kiko Femenía (£4.2m) who is, tonight, deployed at left-back.

In their first match without recently sacked manager Nigel Pearson, the Hornets have gone with a 4-3-3 shape featuring Roberto Pereyra (£5.6m) and Ismaïla Sarr (£5.9m) either side of Troy Deeney (£6.2m).

Watford XI: Foster; Femenía, Dawson, Kabasele, Mariappa; Hughes, Doucouré, Cleverley; Pereyra, Deeney, Sarr.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Cancelo, Laporte, Garcia, Walker; De Bruyne, Rodrigo, Foden; B Silva, Jesus, Sterling.

1,914 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Dilva TC 38 looking good.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Subbed on 21 mins

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        lol

      2. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Nonsense.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          It was a joke

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

            JT was a great player but he was such a meme character as well. Slip in the final, Wayne Bridge stuff, full kit w****** and that ridiculous sub to name a few things. Never a dull moment

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pushing your luck a bit.

    3. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      GW38 FH is Mahrez and Dilva (C) locked in. Might just go for those two and 4 from Pool/United and Auba

  2. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling (c), Foden and Jesus in the first match of the day... Come on City... Can’t believe I have their entire front line...

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Should be plenty points today.

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        ban 😉

    2. Skogen89
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden midfield and bernardo on the wing

      1. Messiah Hazard
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Not according to BBC lineups 😉

        1. Marmalade Forest
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          He was pump the other day out wide. Looked like he was set for 0 attacking returns.

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yea sucks, not expecting much more than an assist

  3. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Dilva please come on need you for my BB points

  4. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Keep Mahrez for GW 38

  5. Goat
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which is a better upgrade for GW38+?
    A) Foden -> Mahrez
    B) Jimenez -> Auba

    Cheers all.

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez looks the best bet.

    2. LE CHARO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The one where you remove the player who is likely not to start

      1. Goat
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Well Saka is starting over Foden anyway

  6. Pieters 4 Wood
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jesus not on my team, but wouldn't mind him to score 1 and play 59 min in order to ensure the start in 38+

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Why not 60?

      1. Pieters 4 Wood
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        to get 1p less for my rivals?

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          On i didn't read the not. Sorry. My bad

          1. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Oh*

        2. fusen
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Just hope for a legitimate goal ruled offside and then subbed.

          No points but he'd still be in form

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yeah

  7. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mahrez or Dilva for 38. Let's get this decided now!

    What are everyone's arguments for either?

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Get both

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Get both

    3. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Got Sterling Jesus and Foden currently. Only wanna lose Foden

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Dilva then

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Will decide after this evenings fixture on Mahrez but Dilva for me is a shoe in anyway as long as fit.

    5. End of King Wilson
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's dilva on free kicks and pens

    6. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Both the two of them.

  8. HTL
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Right, so I've got KDB, and Foden is on the bench behind Greenwood.

    One ML rival has Sterling, the other Jesus.

    I've got Jesus and Sterling both to score, both to have 2 shots on target. Anything else I should bet on (other than Sterling to register 3 assists which isn't a betting thing)

  9. Long ago I drew a walrus
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So the article above states that Bernardo is in the front 3 and Foden in the midfield 3 - where's this info from? Do teamsheets come with a formation or something?

  10. screamer73
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Vardy+KDB to Kane+Dilva for a hit? Have Mahrez.

    Yay or Nay?

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Go for it

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      This is something I'm considering for free.

    3. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB to silva only? Not sure Vardy to Kane for a hit will work out

  11. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is this too bad?

    Bruno, Jesus, Pulisic, DDG to Dilva, Mahrez, Kane & Martinez for -12? 😛

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Gives me this team

      Martinez
      TAA Egan Bardsley
      Salah Sterling Mahrez Dilva(C) Antonio
      Kane Wood

    2. SomewhatPleasing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah go for it. I need all the help I can get.

    3. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I've seen you ask about -8 or -12 almost every week, do you actually go through with any of them? Genuinely curious, because that's a huge amount of hits if so 😛

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Hahaha I haven't. Have gone for -4 in the last two weeks.

        1. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Last 3 weeks 😛

          But they worked out nicely!

        2. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah I think I'm on 4 weeks of hits in a row now, maybe 5. All -4s with one -8. Not calculated exactly but probably on about net -30 from those

      2. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        needs approval before doing it 🙂

        1. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah and after seeing all the reaction I stop myself from doing it! 😛

    4. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Seems pointless. Chances of making a loss seem better than a profit or even breaking even.

    5. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Losing Jesus is madness

    6. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Okay not doing it! 😛

      Cheers everyone!

    7. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It won't get those 12 points back

    8. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Absolutely bonkers

  12. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Top 100K Ownership

    Kdb 50%
    Sterling 20%
    Mahrez 10%
    Jesus 8%
    Dilva 7%
    Foden 6%

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thank you mate
      Hopefully Raz stays quite & Mahrez hauls from bench now 😀

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

    Pep is a beautiful man

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      really isn't

  14. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else with the holy trinity of Sterling - Jesus - KDB?

    Could be a massive score on the cards here

    1. HTL
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2-2-3.

      1. HTL
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Or alternatively, Sterling subbed at half time, 1, Jesus plays the full 90 for 2 points, and KDB misses a penalty for 0 (2 appearance, 1 CS, -3 missed pen).

        (I appreciate none of this will happen).

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      thats's the trinity?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        The three best City assets yes

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          not really

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Umm ok, they are miles ahead of all the other City players in points but... ok

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              yeah

      2. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yes

    3. SomewhatPleasing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden for Sterling here

    4. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have the pleasure of Mahrez and D. Silva lol

    5. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have Sterling Jesus and Foden and expecting a combined score of 10 based on my season since restart

    6. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      hoping KDB

    7. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Got lucky with the semi final loss because Jesus would be playing and Sterling rested, KdB may have started too.

      The loss changes the whole dynamic with no FA Cup final to bridge into the Champions League games.

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Why? FA final is a long way!

      2. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Love how you’ve been talking so authoritatively about City’s team selection and now you’re wrong people are ‘lucky’ 🙂

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Things change quickly.

          I was surprised that David Silva started in the FA Cup semi final.

          I've only been half right for the last few game weeks, it's hard.

    8. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kendall - Harvey - Ball

  15. SAY MY NAME
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So Foden to Silva for a hit went well 😀

  16. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will KDB start next week or should ship him out for DSilva/Mahrez

  17. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    (posted in wrong article)

    People are worrying too much about City players for gw38. 5 days of rest between gw37 and 38 unlike previous gameweeks. In addition, there is no FAC games to worry about. City will go out with a bang to honour Dilva. Sterling, Jesus and KDB will most likely all play. As for Mahrez/Foden/Bilva I am not quite as confident. If Pep decides to rotate it will be to avoid injuries. In that case all players but Dilva is a rotation risk.

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      So which one is it? Go out with a bang or rotate to avoid injuries?

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Go out with a bang. Maintain good form. My point is the minutes being played tonight is irrelevant. Could have stated that more clearly

    2. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      the truth is no-one knows, it's Pep, and that's the only thing we know for sure

  18. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Backed Foden, Jesus and Sterling hattricks and 2+ goals. Gonna be rich.

  19. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    For next week:
    A) Pieters, TAA, Tarkowski
    B) Pieters, Long, D. Silva (-4)

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

  20. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I'm screwed tonight, as a non captaining Sterling owner... that's my lot.

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably best not to watch. I've only got KDB so not even arsed if he does anything.

      1. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        add in the fact that im 3rd in cash league, 2nd has Jesus(C), KDB no Sterling, 4th has Sterling(C), Kdb, Jesus lol

        I really need a Jesus and KDB blank, while Sterling somehow hauls, from Foden!

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez owner here.. I'm pretending there's no game tnite

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        🙁

    3. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am afraid KdB can hurt is tonight.

  21. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would KDB + Foden to Mahrez + Dilva for free be crazy?

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      could be genius in my opinion. Foden out is a definite.

      Silva could be a better pick than KDB as he normally makes KDB play deeper

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        What if Foden scores a brace tonight?

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Fodens our for sure no matter what happens tonight. If he is in midfield his threat is severely nullified, and that couple with rotation makes it even worse. Get what you pay for I guess

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldnt be getting rid of KDB as very confident he will start next week

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Although Dilva arguably just as good. Foden out should be good also

        1. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          early captain thoughts for next week Bubz? you getting in David Silva?

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            It's a tough one, Im on free hit so have the luxury of picking him but Im actually quite happy with my KDB, Sterling, Jesus triple. As for captain I honestly have no idea yet haven't thought about it yet

            1. Rinseboy
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              yeah fair enough! would love a free hit this week. all the best mate

    3. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not crazy at all. Good logic there.

    4. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you kept KDB all this while then surely keep now as he will start GW38

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Just hoping he atarts next week.

    5. Baganuva Hatty
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think for free it's a good move unless you have any other fires? I'm tempted to do the same but for a -4....I also want about 4 other players I can't get in!
      Kane, Antonio, Mane & Salah

    6. CBonci
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am actually considering the same moves Weasel, but mine would be for a -4. Also, I need to sort out my 2nd keeper as I am BB in 38. A -8 doesn't seem too logical. But I want to shoot for a higher finish so why not?

  22. End of King Wilson
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Random thought but anyone here think this is city's champs league team?

    1. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, absolutely!

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nah Mahrez will be in it, he’s too lethal

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Pep doesn't rate Mahrez that highly. Going by team selections over a period of time in must win games.

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

      Kiko and Dawson to channel their inner Marcelo and Ramos

    4. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Feel like Gundogan starts over Foden and then Mahrez over Bilva

      1. End of King Wilson
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah good shout, wonder if pep go 3-2-5 instead of his usual 2-2-6 for Madrid

    5. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Far from it..Jesus, mahrez gundogan, Mendy all missing

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Jesus?

  23. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mahrez 7 goals in 9 games v Watford. Get off my bench!

  24. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martinez
    Pieters Mendy TAA
    Salah Bruno Martial Silva Mahrez
    Ings Kane

    Martin Branthwaite Lamptey Nketiah

    Got 1.3m left, any ideas where to upgrade?

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Are you on a FH?

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Aye

  25. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is that mean mahrez over sterling for 38+

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez will come in for Foden

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez and Dilva for Bilva and Foden most probably

  26. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Vardy to Jesus
    B) Willian to DSilva
    C) both for -4pts

    Cheers guys

  27. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling dropped for 38 then?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Doubt it

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nobody knows

    3. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Very possible. He wants Sterling in games like Real Madrid for his work rate.

  28. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Forgot City beat Watford 8-0 this season and 6-0 in FA Cup Final last year.

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      7-0 now?

    2. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Due a close game then

  29. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who is going to play as part of the front three in today’s line up - Foden or Bilva ?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Lol

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Flashscore has it as Bilva though

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It’s surely Bilva

  30. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    C'moon Kevin!!!