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.

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

2,017 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Halftime
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If I have Bruno, Son and Salah in midfield already, us it worth swopping KDB? With GW18 in mind is Sterling a better option?

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

      I wouldn't want Sterling over KdB, too much rotation.

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

        Any other mid a good choice for GW18

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

      Thinking of Dias Torres Sterling in FH18, but there are two GWs to observe KDB further

    3. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      On recent form Sterling looks better

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

    Will Robbo rise before deadline?

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

      If TAA is benched tomorrow..

  3. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Klich
    B) Raphinha

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      Most seem to be on B, haven't done any analysis myself besides Raphina looking good on the eye test

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        yep looks better, but Klich got the pens

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

      B

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

      C) Harrison

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        nice one! But I think his minutes may be worrying on the DGW, don't you ?

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

    Thoughts on this 12 point hit. Working towards the big bench boost in 19!

    Mitchell Brewster KDB and Grealish to Robertson Vardy Soucek and Raphinha?

    Martinez
    Coufal Dias Targett Mitchell Taylor
    Salah Son Grealish Son Bruno
    DCL Brewster Bamford

    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      From my history it will not pay off

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn’t do it for a -12

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

      any better ideas boy?

      1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Just aim at getting the best team for the long-term and maybe free hit if it means getting few starters in the blank

    4. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Just do raphinha and robbo moves this week. Still got transfer next week before FH

    5. The Invincibles
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Son in there twice?

  5. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is there a site that can provide halftime statistics for matches? Stats like shots on target etc but mostly shots on target...

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

      whoscored.com

  6. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Magee to whom under 7.5? FH18 and bench boost 19 in mind

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

      Mahrez that is

  7. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I only caught about 5 mins of the City match - how did KDB play? I am debating selling him because City aren't getting big scores anymore

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

      Sell bro, playing really deep again, think funds can be spent better elsewhere.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers! The problem is I don't really have any fires that need putting out truth be told so I am not sure who I would bring in even if I did sell. Maybe Kane for their nice fixtures. Had Son since the start.

    2. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Sell only if you have nothing else to tend to and need the cash

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Don't need the cash and don't really have any fires to put out. Not sure what to do, to be honest

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

          You sure? What's your bench like? I think the bench will be v important next GW

          1. The Big Fella
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah bench is fine too. Soucek came off 2 GWs ago to give me a nice 8 points. Backup keeper is the number 2 for the same team as the playing keeper. Currently got Lamptey and Kilman as other backup players. Kilman will get game time next few GWs (played last game too) but I will be changing him, perhaps to Holding, soon and Lamptey will become Coufal next GW.

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

              Right sounds like you should just roll the FT for now

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

      He’s a strong sell

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Actually I don't really have any fires that need putting out truth be told so I am not sure who I would bring in even if I did sell. Maybe Kane for their nice fixtures. Had Son since the start.

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

    Which one would you go for?

    1) DCL out
    2) Grealish out
    3) 1 and 2 for a hit
    4) Upgrade Kilman and 1/2 for a hit

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

      1

  9. bitars
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best defenders under 4,8 to bring in for the DGW19?

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

      Dallas, Charlie Taylor, Coufals, any more?

    2. The Invincibles
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Coulfal or Balbuena

  10. andres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bobby anyone?

    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Please avoid

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

        Errrr why? Stats are great

    2. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      My rival has him

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

      It's Bobby Time

  11. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Looking for inspiration for my 1st WC team, I checked drafts from Tom freeman, Holly Shand, Andy and Sam.
    Any other inspiring Drafts you saw ?

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I can tell you my team, and you can do the opposite... should work

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Well So far, this is it:
        McCarthy - SOU
        Johnstone - WBA (4.5)
        Justin - LEI
        Dallas - LEE (4.7)
        Zouma - CHE (5.9)
        Coufal - WHU (4.7)
        Taylor - BUR (4.5)
        Salah - LIV
        Soucek - WHU
        Fernandes - MUN (11.0)
        Son - TOT (9.7)
        Raphinha - LEE (5.4)
        Bamford - LEE
        Kane - TOT (11.0)
        Wood - BUR (6.2)

  12. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If Liverpool lose and Villa win both of their games in hand, then Villa would go joint top

  13. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Look at City's 5 fixtures from GW18. In previous years it would be unthinkable to not double up on their attack

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

      Yes, but not stacking up goals at the moment. Maybe dubble up on defense with Cancelo and Dias?

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

      Could it become more interesting with A real forward, like Kun, back to convert all the chances city create?

    3. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yup, this year its KDB to Son....

  14. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Che + Robbo vs DCL + Zouma

    The first one is better till my BB19 team (FH18)
    the second one seems better after the DGW19

    Which one should I choose?

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Look at the long term

  15. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Barnes the best mid option up to 6.7 or go Bowen or Raphina. Keeping 19 in mind.

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

      Barnes is a bit under the radar but those West Ham fixtures for 19 and the fact Leeds score so many goals I think I’d still put Bowen and raphinha ahead of him

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        this, vardy/maddison better options for dgw, i cant see barnes playing both games in gw19

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks folks

  16. icanseethroughyou
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Repost.

    Martinez, Forster
    Zouma, Justin, KWP, Dias, Lamptey
    Grealish, Salah, Fernandes, Bissouma, Jota
    Vardy Bamford Welbeck

    In a bit of a dilemma on how to tackle GW18/19. My first thought was to FH 18 and build a squad towards GW19. But now I’m having a crisis of confide thinking the riches on offer in GW18 aren’t worthy of losing a FH chip.

    That said, to field the side below in GW18 and then FH in GW19 I would need to make 5 transfers in the next 3 game weeks (16,17,18) which would cost me -8 points. I’d have no options from the bench. Is it worth it?

    Martinez, Forster
    Dias, Lamptey, Keane (Zouma, Justin)
    Grealish, Salah, KDB, Saka, Bissouma (Salah)
    Kane, Wilson, Welbeck

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

      Re: your second team, playing 9 or 10 might be better than taking a - 4 or - 8. Think carefully about whether you want those players in your team from 20 onwards.

      For example, you know you will want Bruno back, so that's your GW20 trasnfer gone. Is Wilson really worth the - 4 for one week? Not sure, a 2-pointer could be on the cards. Same logic holds for Keane, I think Jimenez might be back for that one which makes Wolves a whole different proposition. And you would want KWP and Bamford back I'm sure.

      My plan is to get 9 out (maybe 10 if Kilman plays) in GW18 with no hits and run with it. I had 10 when Martinez didn't play couple weeks ago and nearly all other keepers got 1/2 pts.

  17. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    DCL and Grealish to Son and Adams for -8 or DCL and KDB for Son and Kane for -8?

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

      Not for -8

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

      Tricky one that. I prefer the 2nd one as you’ll get your 8 points back tho then you’re praying KDB doesn’t find his mojo again

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

        How willl we feel if both Kane and Son let us down tomorrow by blanking for the 2nd consecutive week? Won’t happen against Ful, we Think, but feel that my Top players from different teams have dissapointed again and again against easy opposition this season.....

  18. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which would you rather bring in this week? I am almost certainly playing FH18 and BB in 19:

    A) Kane: FUL, LEE, {FH}, shu
    B) Vardy +0.9m: cry, new, {FH}, SOU, CHE

    Rest of the team for GW19 will be:
    Martinez, McCarthy
    Robbo, Dias, Coufal, KWP, Taylor
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Raphinha, Soucek
    XXXX, Bamford, Adams

    Cheers

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

      Im going Vardy (or Martial). Our teams almost the same for DGW19:

      Martinez Johnstone
      Robbo James Chilwell Coufal Balbuena
      Salah Bruno Son Raphina Soucek
      Vardy Bamford Adams

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

        Thanks mate. Will have to decide. Objectively I prefer Kane to Vardy but it’s that extra game and the flexibility of cash that could sway it

  19. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I guess Kane (C) with no Salah wasn't good last week.

    But this week KDB (C) and no Salah is just bad decision making.

    Only myself to blame.

    Will probably go down from 400k to 1.3m in just 2 gameweeks.

    We move on.

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Keep you chin up, things get better

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

        Cheers mate.

    2. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      no really, I honestly expected double digits from kdb, was torn between him and Salah for the armband, but since I've been let down by every man city asset i bought this year from sterling to mahrez to kdb, i went with the safer Salah

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

        Capping a mid that has only scored 2 goals this season, and both from penalties, instead of a goal scoring machine like Salah (13 already), it's just not good fpl stuff lmao.

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

      Most have KdB VC. Not a bad decision.

  20. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Kdb to Son really worth it for the next 2 if FH18?
    Not actually sure what I’d do with the extra 2m
    Could go Grealish to Rashford I guess
    Team linked

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

      Makes more sense with FH?

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

        Was leaning that way, just not sure the Fulham game for spurs is all that great

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

          Son has Fulham and Leeds whilst kdb has Everton and Chelsea so def prefer son short term and longer term

    2. Phlajo
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I like it if you do both.. especially due to Rashford DGW19

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

        I mean I’d want Grealish back but probably can wait
        Would be for a hit if doing gw16.
        You think the Fulham game for Spurs is easy? Could see 1-0 type

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

          I think Son is very likely to match or outperform Kdb. I'm owner of both myself.

          I think Rashford will outperform Grealish by a fair margin from now until GW19. So If you plan to FH 18, I'd say it's good moves.

          I wouldn't do KdB to Son without Grealish to Rash though.

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

            Makes sense
            Other option is keep Grealish and Adams to martial
            Rashford probably better

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

              Yeah, until today I wanted to upgrade Watkins to Martial myself.. But Martial was horrendous and Ole should really give Cavani starts by now.

              Rashford seems to be the better player right now, and is more nailed

  21. Phlajo
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish+Zouma to Rashford+R.James for free?

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

    Thoughts on this WC draft

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Taylor Stones Robertson Chilwell Coufal
    Salah Fernandes Son Raphinha Anguissa
    Kane Rodrigo Bamford

    0.0 ITB
    Sadly cant get adams
    Thx

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

      Think you can skip Chilwell or get James. Also not sure about triple Leeds attack.

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

    Thoughts on triple Pool?

    Would you have TAA or Firmino along Robo and Salah?

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

      Expect lots of goals or clean sheets?
      Probably TAA if you can find decent forwards.

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

        Could stick with Vardy DCL Bamford for now and do Kilman Grealish to Raphinha TAA -4

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

      Both seem good options.. depends on your other players

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

        Have really flexible team with Grealish DCL that I can put as well as cam upgrade the 4th def

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

          I'd go with Firmino then

    3. DameCorp
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Salah, Robbo and Matip owner here.

      Will move Matip on after GW19.

  24. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chilwell (1) / James (1) / Grealish (2)
    TO
    Robertson (?) / Cancelo (7) / Raphina (?) [-4]

    One point of breaking even already, but a bit gutted given how Cancelo should have walked away with more.

  25. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is it worth it to go KDB to Bruno for the next 2 if I am planning to build around GW18? means I will need to spend another transfer to get KDB and then another one to get Bruno back. Seems like a waste but then again KDB is not inspiring any freaking confidence right now.

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

      Yea but like you said, doesn't seem ideal to waste 2 FTs, especially for releasing a player like KDB

    2. Releasebreaks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      if building for gw18, waist of transfers

  26. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    do you reckon Martial will start the next game? Was going to bring him in for Watkins but I'm thinking Cavani is a big threat to him now

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

      Probably

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

      OGS said he will continue like this, coming in from the bench to get used to the league etc. Could start tho with next game just 2 days away

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

    Another meh week thanks to the idiots that play around Grealish.
    Oh well done kdb ur great aren't u pal u need world class players around u to do a simple assist ah but yes itethe best in the league tho okay cheers

  28. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Captain hindsight here, but should have done KDB and Struijk to Raphina and Robertson. That was dreadful from KDB. Now it's just an obvious move to sell and Raphinha and Robertson might not even play in GW16.

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

      You were never, ever going to sell KDB before a home game vs Newcastle. If you had the opportunity another 100 times, you will keep KDB 100 times.

  29. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Most likely Salah is hooked early tomorrow.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe. Already got half a rest. A half might be all he needs!

  30. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone a fan of bringing in Vardy over Kane?