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Rob Holding had originally been named in the team but picked up an injury in the warm-up and has been replaced by David Luiz.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. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Mitchell to TAA (have Robbo)?
    B) Podence to Grealish (have no Villa and have Jimenez) ?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save

  2. No Totti No Party
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Will Grealish rise tonight ?

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

      Looks likely

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

      Probably

  3. AnfieldLad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Assuming VVD our for the season would the WC this:

    McCarthy*
    TAA* Robbo Semedo Shaw* Ferguson*
    Salah Son Podence* Soucek Bisoumma
    Werner DCL Mitrovic*

    * are players I’d ditch - probably ditch Soucek/Biss too as I’d upgrade the midfield

    1. Arn De Gothia
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      hes out 7-8 month so yes

  4. Johan Queef
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Big entry into rough with the smooth already...Adams and Werner out. What a night after watching the Merseyside derby as a Liverpool fan too.

    Right now, I hate football.

    1. Belli2007
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yep. Same two out for me too. This game...........

    2. Zombiesmurffi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same here. I wonder what next.

    3. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You may not be alone. Lots of ppl took werner out having lost patience

    4. Johan Queef
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Misery loves company guys. I feel for you all equally but it's nice to know I'm not alone.

      It wasn't a bad move. My annoyance is that I did it early for price changes which is against my style. If I'd have waited, I would likely have held Werner to deal with KDB.

  5. Pointless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I’ve not seen any of today’s action. Was Werner as good as the score line suggests? Presumably moved to central striker?

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

      Yes he's great. All depends on the service he gets though, Chelsea didn't look that impressive today.

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

      Both his goals were fantastic. I'd say he's now worth his 8.4m

      1. Rojo's Modern Life
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        But that's not his price

    3. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He was very good but he played against a team very similar to the way a lot of Bundesliga teams play so still not sure of him against tighter defences in PL.

  6. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How did Pulisic look today? Still looking good at 8.3? Assuming he is a bit rusty

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

      Keep for me

    2. Rash
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      But rusty today but will make a mockery of that price imo

      1. Rojo's Modern Life
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Mockery

  7. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hopefully Sterling (C) gets the 3 Baps!

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Should o

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

    Yx

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ny

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

        Lol. A mispost!

  9. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I think my start this this season has traumatized me. I don’t even feel sad or cry myself to sleep anymore. Werner and Foden out for -8. So what!

  10. Urchin
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Aguero ban incoming for manhandling assistant ref?

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

      yes thats a clear double Red

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

      doubt it, but I guess if the media make enough of a fuss of the incident who knows.

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

    Aguero should be punished with 5-6 games at least.

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

      Rule is 6 games for man-handling right

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

        What of woman-handling?

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

    Surely the FA can intervene and hand a 3 match ban for Pickford.

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He didn’t touch the assistant ref as well did he?

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

      With that yardstick Kepa should be forced into retirement

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

      as Liverpool fan i hope he wont be punished. Everton would love that ofc.

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

      no because everyone and their dog saw the incident.

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

      They should, but doubt it.

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Why should they?

        No intent. Eye on ball. Attacking player gets clattered by goalie. That’s football.

        It’s unfortunate that the media’s darling got injured.

        Move on.

    6. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He should be in jail.

  13. Hiddenpaw
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I’ve got 2FTs this week what would you fix?
    Martinez (Steer)
    TAA Robbo Castange Lamptey Mitchell
    Salah Sterling Barnes Podence Trossard
    Jimi DCL Brewster
    Any help appreciated.

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

      Now Liverpool has Sheffield United that doesnt score so not the right time to lose double defence. See how Jimi plays. Maybe downgrade him and upgrade Podence

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

    Where's greenwood?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Iceland

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Covid isolation?

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

        He got covid?

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

      Ole isn't that clueless to think James is better, so must be injury/covid.

  15. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who is the best reece James replacement to add to this defence. Money is no object

    Was going to double up with robbo but guess that's off rhe agenda now if vvd out.

    Current defenders:

    Taa. Saiss. James. Lamptey. Mitchell

    Thanks

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

      same question but instead of TAA i have Dunne(fodder)
      Absolutely no idea who to get even though money is no issue

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

        I have the exact same defence as you.

        Tempted by Robbo?

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

      Chilwell. I was impressed by how attacking he was.

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Reguilon

    4. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Chilwell

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

        Chill and reguillon defo 2 of the leading candidates.

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

      Chilwell automatic

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

      Chilwell

    7. TKC07
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      PVA (if he plays this GW). Fixtures look great.

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

        Interesting option

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

    Micah is terrible

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

    What was the point of signing Van de Beek? Why not play him??

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

      So arsenal don't get him probably

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’ve heard it was a big misunderstanding

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Rio wanted some beak from Amsterdam and Ed Woodward got confused

    3. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Panic buy to appease the fans

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

        Yeah but a better option than most..

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

      i mean obviously he hasn't been sharp enough in training to warrant a start.

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

    Dont have Liverpool defenders as of now, should i still be tempted by Robbo? Need to ship out Reece James

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think that’s a reasonable switch. He’s going to get a lot of attacking returns so fewer clean sheets won’t hurt as much

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

      even with VVD out I'm still tempted to get him, he is just so attacking this year. I'll wait to see how Alisson is progressing before making the move, Matip/Gomez is still a decent defensive partnership.

    3. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He’ll still get plenty of returns offensively and cs here and there. With so many budget players up top go for it

  19. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How was Sterling today? Thought Aguero might negatively impact him

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

      I thought he was sharp, on and off the ball

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He was ok but not great. I wouldn’t be bringing him in, or any City players for that matter. I own him and captained him and feel like I got away with that

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Next 4 are difficult imo. After that with KDB back and a more settled team I might bring in 1/2. For now cityless is probably best

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

      I got him in this week. Could have more returns. Looked good

  20. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    These Adams bench points are really getting on my nerves

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

      And my Digne bench points! Played Brewster over him, haha

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

    £14.95 Umm? A.Yes B. No

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

      The smart kids are definitely on option b.

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

        Yeah but I want to see a Wilson Hat-trick

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

    A) Robertson + Soucek
    B) Grealish + Bellerin

    I have TAA already.

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B as you have TAA

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

      B

    3. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    4. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B easy

  23. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    With VVD out for rest of season is TAA/Robbo worth 1-1.5m over any of Digne Chilwell Reguilon Semedo Castagne or Telles

    Honestly dont think si

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have the double up and save my ft, will keep for Sheffield and then move one out with 2ft

    2. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I don't think so either. 1.5 can be the difference between DCL and Mitrovic.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Or Barnes and Rodriguez in my case

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

      I know he pulled out today but Rob Holding was going to play. Might just put the money away from defence.

  24. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    (1) McCarthy to Martinez
    (2) Mahrez to Hames
    (3) both for a hit
    I can't see McCarthy getting more than 1-2 points in the coming games.

  25. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    United need Poch

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

      Can't blame Ole for the board not signing the players he wanted but yes i would like Poch at United

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah but he is tactically inept. That is nowhere near his strongest line up even with injuries.

  26. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How was Pulisic today..?

  27. Freund88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Own TAA and Robbo

    If VVD is out a long time, do I have to get rid of at least one? And, if so, which one?

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

      U don't really need to. So many good midprice mids and forwards.

    2. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      TAA out for me. Robbo looks in form, sharing some of the set pieces too this season and more importantly 0.5 cheaper. One can even make a case for going without either.

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

      I'm keeping them. They're essentially two of Liverpool's most offensive players. Any clean sheets are a bonus.

    4. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you really need to then TAA but if not then don’t fret

  28. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Need to get KdB, VvD and Richarlison out. Have two FTs and would like to beat price drops. How late can I leave it?

  29. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    West Ham CS tomorrow is would be nice

  30. onceuponatyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    ASM is gonna murder Maguire here.