Dugout Discussion

Aguero starts for De Bruyne-less Man City as Sterling shakes off minor injury

Sergio Aguero makes his long-awaited return from injury this evening as Manchester City play host to Arsenal.

Kick-off at the Etihad is at 17:30 BST.

Aguero hasn’t kicked a ball in a competitive match since June but returns to spearhead the City attack in Saturday’s penultimate Premier League match.

The Argentine’s inclusion sees Raheem Sterling, who has shaken off a minor hamstring problem to start, move to a more familiar wide-midfield role.

Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez keep their places but Ferran Torres drops to the bench, with Bernardo Silva replacing the Spaniard.

The other three of Pep Guardiola’s four changes were enforced, with Kevin De Bruyne‘s unavailability having been confirmed on Friday.

Aymeric Laporte or Benjamin Mendy also miss out through injury, with Nathan Ake and Joao Cancelo stepping up to replace their teammates.

As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has made two changes from the side that defeated Sheffield United.

Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah drop to the bench, with Granit Xhaka and Nicolas Pepe returning to the visitors’ starting XI.

Rob Holding had originally been named in the team but picked up an injury in the warm-up and has been replaced by David Luiz.

New signing Thomas Partey is only among the substitutes, along with Alexandre Lacazette.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to lead the line for the Gunners at the Etihad, then.

A red flag for De Bruyne saw the Belgian transferred out by almost 1.4 million Fantasy managers ahead of the Gameweek 5 deadline, making him the most-sold asset of this round of games.

Aubameyang takes second place in the table of Gameweek 5 sales, with over 610,000 FPL bosses losing faith in the Gabon international.

Not one City or Arsenal player was in the top 30 for transfers in.

It’s not often we can say that not a single member of Guardiola’s starting XI is owned by more than 10% of Fantasy managers but that is the case today, with De Bruyne ruled out.

Aguero is a veritable differential as he sits in just 1.4% of squads.


Manchester City XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Ake, Cancelo, Rodrigo, Mahrez, Foden, Bernardo, Sterling, Aguero.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Saka, Xhaka, Ceballos, Willian, Aubameyang, Pepe.

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849 Comments Post a Comment
  1. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Henderson
    WanB. Bailly Maguire. Telles
    Matic(mctominy). VandeBeek
    Greenwood. Fernandez. Pogba
    Rashford

    Someone send this to Solsjkaer

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

      Tbh this team doesn't make much sense

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pogba on the wing?

  2. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ole trying to get himself sacked it seems

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He’s tried for quite some time. Woodward wants a toy boy.

  3. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I'll take 6 points from Foden I guess.

    Only Reece James has failed to return for me from 5 players. Not a bad start to the week and Son (C) still to come as well.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I really don't feel confident with Son(c)

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        You should do, hardly anyone aside from Werner has returned heavily which Son can do

      2. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Why? I'm fairly confident he can beat 7 points.

    2. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah could easily have more. Like a 9m midfielder if playing every game so ok for now

    3. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      no i am not happy with that considering the chances he got

  4. Easy Cheesy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who is getting off TAA this evening and to whom? Chilwell, reguillion, semedo or cheap?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Saiss

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      why would you sell him before next 2 home games. Lol.

      1. Dog and Fox
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He plays in the worst defence inn PL. Liverpool and WBA 13 goals

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          LOOOOOL

      2. Easy Cheesy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I have robbo. Double without vvd and allison too much risk

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

      I am on Chilwell or Reguilón. Already have Semedo.

      1. Easy Cheesy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Are you going to decide tonight? TAA price going to drop this evening

    4. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      keep

    5. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Gotta be Ben C

      1. Easy Cheesy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Probably the best call given he has already played too

  5. Pratik
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Arsenal have played as if they aren’t losing, weird af!

  6. Easy Cheesy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Double liv without allison and now VVD just too risky right?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say so, yeh. Wait for Sutherns to have his say though.

      1. Easy Cheesy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        TAA going to drop so just going to call it this evening I think

  7. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Greenwood not even in the squad. Clearly a problem.

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Covid precautions?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wasn't mentioned. Is Ole blaming him for the 1-6?

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

    i know only 1 assist but pretty happy with Foden. The position he got in and how involved he is, don't think there will be anyone close to his value for 6.5m

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yeah, with the injuries they have right now I suppose we should just keep, should start most games for now

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You can keep him

    1. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Oh boy!

    2. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yikes. the way pickford tackled him I can kinda see it. Hopefully more of a sprain than a tear

  9. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Well - 13pter needed from Son(c) tomorrow to break even with my hit.

    Cmon big man

    1. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Could easily happen.

      Keep the faith!

  10. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    With no city or arsenal players. That’s a pretty good outcome

  11. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling to snatch the 3 baps?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hope not

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He deserves it with his defensive play towards the end..

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hope so.

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

    Arsenal didn't even try to win. Arteta getting a nice Christmas presence from Abu Dhabi

  13. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling should get the goal bonus?

    Sterling Walker Cancelo all on 28

  14. yakirh
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How many baps for Sterling?

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I reckon all 3

  15. Londongeezaa
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Remember that GW2 Willian bandwagon 🙂

  16. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So VVD is dead for 8 months

  17. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    James and VVd issues in my team. Have 2.4 ITB. Which one to move out first. Also, right move to get Robbo for one of them?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Obvs VVD. Shouldn't need asking.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Out for long? Don't know what the prognosis is, hence asking. If out for long is Robbo the right replacement or should I get a 4.5 like KWP and upgrade midfield?

    2. Londongeezaa
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why would you not get VvD out first? Lol

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Vvd out for 8 months it is sounding like, easy decision.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Did not know that. Hence the question.

        VVD to TAA or Robertson is the question now!

        1. antis0cial
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          With no VVD or Alison you’ve got to worry for pool cs potential. Robbo playing the better of the two of them at present if you feel the need for a pool def.

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Don't know if they are actually needed. Seriously doubt spending 7 or 7.5 on them for sporadic attacking returns,

    4. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you're starting both, I'd take a hit and bring in Robbo+Chilwell/Saiss/Castagne/Digne

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I probably wont. Playing 3 defenders and have this right now:

        VVD James Lamptey Dallas Mitchell

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

    That ManU attack is deadly!

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

      Mata brace

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Deadly dull. This is gonna end a bore draw.

      1. KGFC
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        As a United supporter, I'd take a draw with that starting 11 tbh.

    3. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      😆

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

      somehow Man U are rapdily going backwards lol, it looked like things were working out at the end of last season. Now worse than ever :/

  19. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How to bring Salah in?

    A) KDB + Semedo > Salah, 4.5

    B) KDB, Sterling > Salah, Bale/Puli/Grealish

    1. Londongeezaa
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Removing Sterling to get in Salah not that great a move

  20. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Probably time to sell Liverpool defs.

  21. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    not very happy with Mahrez and Foden. I guess Mahrez needs to go. Can keep Foden though.

  22. Boxwoods
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bruno masterclass incoming.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hope so

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

      that would be nice, dont have him cap. But i'll take anything, open play goal would be sweet

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

    Looks like Cancelo and Sterling 3, Walker 1.

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Would take that.

  24. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Went Pulisic over Rodriguez in my WC team. Didn’t see the CHE game - is he going to repay his anonymity or have I messed up?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't judge on one game where he lacks match sharpness. Werner and Havertz look worth having now unlike a game or two back.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Werner frustrating for everyone but the die hard who kept him. I obv ditched him a couple of weeks ago!

    2. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He played well. Annoying assisting the assister

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Just saw on highlights! Very frustrating!

  25. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Fred brace incoming.

  26. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Gabriel and Ruben Dias good performances for both sides today. Can see plenty CS

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Big if but if Laporte can stay fit, him and Dias will make a good pairing. Shame Rodri doesn't look good enough and Fernandinho's legs have gone.

      1. Naby K8a
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Dias looks a real leader. Should help them hold onto leads

  27. nerd_is_the_werd
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Van De Beek. 😛

  28. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kneejerkers selling Trent and buying Werner. Casuals, casuals everywhere.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, selling a player who has been sh*t and has lost 2 of the main defenders is kneejerking...

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        casual spotted. Imagine wasting transfers on defence. Lol.

        1. BackcountryDave
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          A pro like you should have your team linked...

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I would rather imagine wasting 7.5m for 1-2pts every week.

          1. Niho992
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            he had 1-2 points last season at the start of the season too.

            1. BackcountryDave
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              So what you're saying is that you didn't learn to wait until the scores improve?

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      At this point selling TAA is not a knee jerk.

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bookmarked.

        1. Bennerman
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          NIH0992 making a bid to join Brosstan and Irbox in the popularity/credibility stakes

          1. Niho992
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Casual spotted.

  29. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KDB to Sterling worked out better than Son to Rashford gw2.