Dugout Discussion

City players missing with COVID-19 revealed as fit-again Ziyech returns

A Manchester City squad hit by injury and illness take on Chelsea in the second of today’s two Premier League fixtures.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 16:30 GMT.

The visitors are missing six of their squad because of COVID-19 positive tests.

The unavailability of Kyle Walker (£6.1m) and Gabriel Jesus (£9.1m) we were already aware of, while social media posts from Ederson (£6.0m) and Tommy Doyle (£4.4m) all but confirmed that they too were among those self-isolating.

Ferran Torres (£6.9m) and Eric Garcia (£4.7m) have reportedly been added to that list, with the latter still struggling with injury, too.

Despite the shortage of options, Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) is still only among the substitutes for this afternoon’s fixture.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen (£4.4m) makes his Premier League debut as Pep Guardiola makes three changes to the City side that beat Newcastle 2-0 in Gameweek 15.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) and Phil Foden (£6.2m) are also recalled, with Ederson, Torres and Nathan Ake (£5.4m) dropping out.

Ake is absent because of “fitness issues”, while Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) misses out because of a tight hamstring.

Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) is on the bench, despite his off-field misdeeds.

Frank Lampard makes five changes to the Chelsea team that drew 1-1 at home to Aston Villa last Monday.

Timo Werner (£9.2m) is recalled, while Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m) makes his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in early December.

Thiago Silva (£5.6m), Kurt Zouma (£5.8m) and Mateo Kovacic (£5.3m) also return to the side.

Reece James (£5.2m) is again absent through injury, while Olivier Giroud (£6.7m), Andreas Christensen (£4.7m), Antonio Rudiger (£4.7m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m) and Jorginho (£4.7m) drop out of the starting XI.


Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Kanté, Kovacic, Mount, Pulisic, Werner, Ziyech.

Manchester City XI: Steffen, Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Foden, Bernardo, Sterling

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2,436 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I just might end up not using any chip in the upcoming blank and DGW. A -8 over the two weeks could suffice.

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm in a similar boat.

      1. FourLokoLeipzig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Same

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It’s what the cool kids are doing.

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

    Only casuals doesnt own KdB

    1. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      May rank says otherwise. Thank you.

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

        You re getting red arrows.

        1. Milk, 1 Šuker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Doubt it.

    2. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lol have him from the start of the season 2019. And dumped him because of corona

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

        Casual detected

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

      79.7%

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

        Are casuals

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

      only casuals use the word casuals

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

        Only casuals get offended by being called a casual*

    5. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Says the non member.

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

    Best defense in the league, City is. Can't believe how badly Chelsea have fallen apart, they were up there before the busy December period

  4. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would be the best replacement for Soucek for GW18?

    Current mid:
    KDB Son Bruno Soucek* Zaha

    1. C'mon the Fylde
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      0.9m itb

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

      Stick with Soucek I think!

  5. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Riedewald to Gundogan worth a hit?
    Gives me an extra player for BGW+ a doubler for the 19 BB...

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No certainty he starts both in the double when their COVID players start returning and Jesus/Aguero are available

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

        covid players and aguero arent midfielders, they're all wingers and defenders. How would Gundo lose his place to them?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Provides Pep with more options assuming Sterling, KDB and Rodrigo are nailed. Still another 3 places for about 7 players to pick from

  6. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    12 pt hit and BB or 4 pt hit and TC?

    Hits are for Fabianski or the West Ham keeper that GW, Rashford, Vardy and Rodrigo

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane Son Forster and DCL out

    2. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Neither. Keep precious chips for next 3-4 dgws

    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      TC

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

      TC on whom?

  7. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gonna move towards a midfield five in DGW19 of

    Salah KDB Bruno Son Grealish

    Can’t wait

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Was popular about 6 GWs ago.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Probably explains my rank

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

      That was the go to weeks and weeks ago!

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Picking players that score consistently isn't a trend.

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That's my mid. Rank has improved dramatically since I switched.

    4. Squib
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have had it for several weeks and is finally paying off

  8. thehodge
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Went against the curve this week and played my WC to save me playing my FH until later in the season. Paid off big time, love you KDB x

  9. Bram
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB Stones Cancelo Dier Kane covid cancellation absolutely destroyed me last week and didn't even qualify for Cup.

    Still need a City CS and more attacking returns before the pain subsides but it's easing ..........

  10. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I’ve been burned so many times this season it’s ridiculous. Went with Mane over Salah for Fulham and Spurs and as soon as I sell he hauls twice. Keep KDB through all the blanks and decided this week to switch to Mane and get KDB next week for a hit. All of a sudden he starts finishing his chances in the hardest game of the lot. So annoying this game

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, it's difficult game. I've analyzed and I think I am doing my best decisions on the bus team. After that all goes south

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

    Brighton likely give us chances like Chelsea do, but Crystal Palace & Everton are probably going to be a bit less obliging.

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Agree

  12. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    C'mon KDB. Put me past 100 before Salah enters the pitch!

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wow congrats, link team?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Awesome - nice team and setup

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks!

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Terrible bench but what a beautiful team.............what are you plans for GW19.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Kane + Lewis out for Vardy + City defense.

        Bench has been playing and giving me steady 1 or 2 points in case of no shows! Do not want my bench to do more.

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

    McCarthy confirmed out by Ralph

    1. HollywoodXI
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Source?

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just the game I want Forster for!

      😐

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Runs to check how much is the back up keeper

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        4.0 Forster on my bench. If he hauls I will be disappointed

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Excellent if he plays the double

    4. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ML rival gets jammy Martinez 3 pointer off the bench. Booooo

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

      Any news about Adams?

    6. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Fraser it's your time to shine.

    7. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who is Ralph? We can't trust random guys on twitter called Ralph.

  14. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cheers lads, I've opened a beer. A FPL manager must equipment 😉

    Join me for a pint.

    Cheers, love ya all

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

    McCarthy defo out for pool game

  16. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hate to see Kante being misused this badly

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How come?

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Far too much involvement in the final third

  17. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB quadruple captain in DGW?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Naaah.

    2. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      sextuple no?

  18. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any fears if TC KDB tht he is rested for one of the 2 games in 19?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      They want to win no?

      1. McSauce
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        agreed but I always worry about that on a double with 2 easier games

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      None but I think I still prefer Salah in the double

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He plays both games. They have had a week of before this game and he won’t play in the fa cup either. Just the carabo cup on Wednesday. He is too important.

  19. Bobadoba
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Repost.

    For double gameweek:

    Son and Grealish out for Kdb and Soucek?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

      1. Bobadoba
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

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

      Or Gundogan instead of Soucek?

  20. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Top 4 predictions:

    City Liverpool United and Leicester?

    Do Spurs and Chelsea have any chance?

    1. Benjustjamin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Swap spurs with leicester

  21. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    City City City why did you have to wake up like this. Back to the lab...

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Forster becomes an option for the double GW then a BB is a must. I have him and Martinez as my keepers.

    Excellent opportunity which has to be taken

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

      McCarthy will be back before the DGW.

  23. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy Covid.

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

      Official?

      1. Bram
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yup Saints twitter

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Argh

  24. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Should have started Forster over Mendy...

  25. Booked4Dissent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea have got too much skillage on the pitch not to get a consolation goal. Prey not tho...

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

      Too bad they have enough cluelessness on the touch line to counteract the skill

  26. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Back to DGW19, and I know this sounds preposterous - if one were to bench either Grealish or Watkins......would you bench Grealish because he’s on 4 yellows and could then only play just the first game?

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

      Or transfer him out for the likes of Maddison Raphinha Soucek?

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

      I guess Forster can come in for Fabianski. Schmickles

  27. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Shocking how Lampard didn't follow the template that got him draws at Spurs and United. Came out to play and getting ripped apart on the counter

  28. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'm looking forward to my Forster haul vs.

    *checks*

    Liverpool?

    F**k.

    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Milner penalty save

  29. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hopefully McCarthy recovers for the DGW

  30. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Nooooooo McCarthy Covid confirmed

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2 points missed anyway