Dugout Discussion

Mahrez and Wilson benched as Guardiola opts for Torres over Aguero up front

The Premier League action on Boxing Day concludes with two matches that kick off simultaneously at 20:00 GMT.

Manchester City take on Newcastle United at the Etihad, while Everton are the visitors to Bramall Lane for a clash against Sheffield United.

After all the talk and worry over whether Pep Guardiola would roll out some seasonal rotation for tonight’s fixture, the City boss has made only one alteration from the starting XI that defeated Southampton in their last Premier League outing.

It’s an enforced one at that as Nathan Ake comes in to replace Kyle Walker, who has tested positive for coronavirus.

Gabriel Jesus also returned a positive COVID-19 test result ahead of this match and, like Walker, is currently self-isolating.

Sergio Aguero is again only among the substitutes, with Ferran Torres given the nod to lead the line for the hosts.

There are four changes for Newcastle from their 1-1 draw with Fulham, the most notable of which sees Callum Wilson benched.

Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett also make way from Steve Bruce’s line-up, with the latter two not in the matchday squad.

Matty Longstaff, Fabian Schar, Isaac Hayden and Jacob Murphy are the players handed recalls.

Bruce said of Wilson’s benching ahead of kick-off:

He has got a knock as well, so he’s not quite 100%. He’s played four games in 12 days, so it’s important to look after him a bit.

Over in South Yorkshire, there are two changes made by Chris Wilder from Gameweek 14.

John Lundstram is banned and John Fleck drops to the bench, with Oliver Burke and Ben Osborn handed starts.

That means that Rhian Brewster gets another run-out in attack for the visitors.

Carlo Ancelotti, who has promised rotation in the Gameweek 16 match against Manchester City, goes full strength at Bramall Lane – or at least, as full strength as he can amid the glut of injuries at the club.

His only change to the starting XI from last weekend is enforced, with Richarlison missing out with a concussion and replaced by Anthony Gordon out wide.

James Rodriguez remains out.


Sheffield United XI: Ramsdale, Basham, Egan, Robinson, Baldock, Osborn, Ampadu, Stevens, McGoldrick, Brewster, Burke.

Everton XI: Pickford, Holgate, Keane, Mina, Godfrey, Doucoure, Davies, Sigurdsson, Gordon, Iwobi, Calvert-Lewin.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Ake, Gundogan, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Torres, Sterling.

Newcastle United XI: Darlow, Yedlin, Schar, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie, Hayden, M Longstaff, Murphy, Almiron, Joelinton.

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2,017 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Am I the only one with 10 players played?

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

      Yea probably

      1. FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        How many players played on avg

    2. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I could easily have joined you given I have no bench but got lucky *so far* that everyone has played.

    3. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Average is 6.5.

      1. FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Pretty low

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

      I’ve only had 3 play Chil, DCL and Grealish.

      Kane, Bam, Son, (S)alah, Soucek, TAA, Dallas and Fab left.

  2. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Brought in Stones for Chilwell and I am now tempted to keep him at 4.7 for the bgw. Seems to be building a solid partnership with Dias. Citeh defender below 5 mill and starting seems a no brainer to me.

    Makes sense?

    1. LSK
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I did the same. Might as well keep for the foreseeable unless he loses his place.

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Is he only 4.7..that's a bargain..

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        He's 4.9

  3. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Unfortunately Kev, I'm sorry to say this but...

    https://youtu.be/0_Mf-lGTVZE

  4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Not sure i can stomach watching kdb like this. Not even playing at walking pace even with the ball in space

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Looks like someone has space jammed his talent away

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Its City in general. They have no crowd to force them into action and seem stuck in first gear particularly versus block teams

      • BeWater
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Just ambles around playing little one twos with his back to goal.

    2. JELLYFISH
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Best replacement option for Konsa?

      Thinking Dallas, Dier irvTaylor?

      1. FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Depends on whether you'll FH 18

        1. JELLYFISH
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yes FH18

      2. GoonSquad
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Dier, no blank week upcoming.

    3. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looking like a save FT?

      McCarthy
      Cresswell | Dallas | Taylor
      Salah | Bruno | Son | Grealish
      Kane | DCL | Bamford

      Steer | Soucek | Targett | Mitchell

      0ITB

      Thanks

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Great team

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks Fudgy, I may sell Grealish or DCL to get a Pool defender soon

          1. Fudgy
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Ye DCL can probs go

          2. AlternativeB
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            But not before DGW?

      2. Mweene
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        We have exactly the same squad apart from I have Chilwell and Coufal instead of Creswell and Mitchell and 0.7 in the bank

        1. Mweene
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Sorry and Targett instead of Taylor. Think I’m doing Targett to Balbuena this week to prepare for DGW.

          1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Yes just looked, you have much better team value

    4. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Glad not be burnt this evening as a non city Chelsea everton arsenal owner...

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

      This week has been a diaster again. Not only that but my decision to FH in 19 is looking pretty silly rn because I'm almost forced into keeping KDB for the next couple now.

      1. FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'm on the same strategy and I kinda think I want KDB differential haul when he is lowly owned.

    6. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Raphinha very popular pick on here. Feels like it is going to end in tears when a player is hyped up that much.

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        His underlying stats say otherwise. Has been very unlucky not to get a couple of goals / assists in the last few matches.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Sounds like Tariq Lamptey again.....

      2. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I got him a few weeks ago and haven’t been overly impressed. I’ll take his points v United and hopefully a couple of price rises but will likely move on after the DGW.

      3. GoonSquad
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Watched him for a few weeks, gets in good attacking positions....not a great finisher, but for 5.4m he's the most attacking under 6.0m on the most attacking team.

        1. space mercenary
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Podence?

    7. Rash
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Kdb replacements for the double in mind and to free up some cash?

      Salah son kdb bruno soucek
      DCL Bamford brewster

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Rashford?

        1. GoonSquad
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Probably Grealish, don't like ManU double up as much. Maybe punt on Maddison for a couple weeks.

      2. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Got similar front8.

        Raphinha, Rashford and possibly Mane

    8. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A KDB to Mane
      B KDB Wilson to Zaha Kane (-4)

      Have Son and Salah. Going without FH in GW18.

      1. Tree House
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Think I shall go for A

    9. Dirty Harry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish + KDB > Son + Rashford (-4)
      (Have Kane and Bruno)

      1. jimmy.floyd
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yes

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

      Would u bring in TAA or Robbo?

      1. michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Robbo

      2. acidicleo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Robbo

    11. michudagawd
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      KDB + DCL ➡ Son + Kane for a hit is mighty tempting now.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        If both Son and Kane blank tomorrow, you’ll regret. Wait and see

        1. Mweene
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Have you seen Spurs fixtures after that?

          1. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Well, we have all seen city’s fixtures for many weeks

        2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          More like if they get injured, even if they blank tomorrow it has little bearing of next game against Fulham imo

      2. jimmy.floyd
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Do it tomorrow

    12. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      With the team below, would you build up to FH in GW 18 or 19?

      Martinez, Steer
      Zouma Taylor Lamptey Balbuena Mitchell
      Salah Bruno KDB Son Grealish
      DCL Bamford Brewster

    13. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Kane on -60%...

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Oh dear....punishment served tomorrow?

    14. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      waiting for the next group of wise men on here to say how great KDB's stats are and how they are holding him for his next 3 pointer

      1. TRIPOS TOPPER
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I owned him for 5 GW this season and he blanked in 4

        1. GoonSquad
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Wrong gameweeks

    15. Tabbara
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thoughts on this WC draft

      McCarthy Johnstone
      Taylor Dias Robertson Balbuena Coufal
      Salah Fernandes Son Raphinha Soucek
      Kane Rodrigo Bamford

      0.3 ITB
      Sadly cant get adams
      Thx

      1. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Stones over Dias maybe? its what im considering to free up cash which is so tight if doing bb! Keepers are a problem right? lotto I guess

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

      KDB no goals from open play this season

      1. Mweene
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yet people still bought him at that price.

    17. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      El Ghazi has killed Grealish just like last season

      So pissing off

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Watkins killed him today

    18. MoeZe3bi
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Who is a better pick Dier or Stones?
      Defense is
      Chilwell-Zouma-Taylor-Coufal

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

      What do we make of Werner? Benched for Villa game?

      1. TRIPOS TOPPER
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        he's not a viable option

        whether he is benched in the diff between 0, 1 or 2 points

        it may do a favour as your bench player probably has better chance of a return

    20. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wheres the gw16 WC discussion boys? *shrugs*

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

        Starts tomorrow after the games.

        1. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          hmm ok ta, we need to get ahead tho bro, guessing ppl with wc left isnt very many. This is te most difficult wc bb tc dicission I can remember. need to converse.

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Most peopel already setting up well for the blank/double

        1. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Hmm is that so, just me struggling then lol.

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

            Most teams will do well with free transfers for either 18 or 19 and then FH in the other. Should be hard to be caught right in the middle. But WC could be an option too ofc

    21. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Which one from DCL and Grealish would you out this week and who would you get?

      Both got tough fixtures and no DGW.

      Could do DCL Grealish to Kane Soucek -4?

    22. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Meslier or McCarthy?

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Mac

        1. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          cheers

    23. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2FT, and planning for DGW19 (FH18):

      1. Grealish DCL >> Fernandes Wood or Adams (initial DGW19 plan)
      2. KDB >> Fernandes (save 1FT)
      3. KDB DCL >> Fernandes Kane
      4. KDB DCL >> Fernandes Vardy

      Cheers

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        4

      2. Neves say Neves
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        4

    24. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Do we think Johnstone for WBA goes up tonight?

    25. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      KDB to Soucek sounds and looks so stupid on fpl transfer page,still I am going for it

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I likely will in a hit to get Kane

    26. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wish I had KDB so I could sell him again for some good player lol

    27. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      KDB to
      A) Son (do DCL to Martial for DGW)
      B) Mane (keep DCL)
      C) Rashford (do DCL to Martial for DGW)
      D) Bowen (do DCL to Vardy for DGW)

      1. LSK
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        A