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. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kante banned for Fulham game

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Good news for Chelsea going by his form this season

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

        Kante has been great actually. It's not been him at fat, mostly.

        This game he's struggled a lot though.

        1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          His standards are top notch

          He is nowhere near what levels he has previously set. Also think he’s playing in some weird position at time

          Kovacic should be starting every game in my opinion

      2. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Really has fallen from grace hasn’t he

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

    KDB fail really, should have so much more!

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

      Nah, but he should grab another

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

    Martinez 3 points off the bench. I call that a win.

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

    Why did Kev drop in the baps?

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

      Foden did too

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

    Need another goal for Zouma 0 pointer

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

    Who should i partner Robo and Dias in DGW?
    1. Dallas and save one FT
    2. Dallas to stones (enable me to add one player in GW 18)

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

      Coufal

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

        He doesn't have a game in 18

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

    Why isn't Dias on the end of these set pieces smh

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

      Still time yet.

  8. BenDavies
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kante has been awful this season

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

      Been mismanaged for a few seasons now. Needs to play for Maureen to get the best out of him.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kovacic should be starting every game

      The fact he’s been left out for Kante in this form is enough to show lampard hasn’t got a clue what he’s doing

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

      He hasn't. Up until a couple of weeks ago loads were saying how good he's been in comparison to last where he was injured/overused.

      He is struggling today though.

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

      Has he not been bossing the interception a tackle tables?

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        *&

  9. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How is this game still 3-0? City should be crushing Chelsea with these chances

  10. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Damn it Rodri, I would have scored that.

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

      It was a good save tbf

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

        True dat

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

    Ruben Dias goal would be wonderful

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

      Sure would!

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

      destined to never score in the prem

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

        He will !

    3. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      * own goal

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

    Wtf was that Mount 😆

  13. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best trio for DGW19 :

    A) Kane + Vardy + Son
    B) DCL + Vardy + KDB (-4)
    C) Kane + DCL + KDB

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      C

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

      C

  14. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is this good enough or would you FH in GW18?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Lamptey AWB Mitchell
    KDB Bruno Son
    Wood Brewster

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Keep hold of the FH, good side

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You think Brewster Mitchell Lamptey Wood are viable options or simply locking in 0-2 points x4?

  15. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Haha Mendy (City) warming up

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

      unfortunately not much time remaining

      1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Am talking about our City defenders who have not reached 60 minute mark

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

      He was just standing on the sideline with a bib on

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

      So what ?? 60 mins gone.........oh wait you went to soon..........

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

    No chance Chelsea score today. Congrats City defense owners on their CS!

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

      dont jinx them

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

        I'm reverse jinxing the jinx

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

      That's an early shout!

  17. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB currently on 3 BPS

  18. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB on 3 BAPS

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

      Love to see it

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

    Should I play Leon or Forster for dgw ?

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

      *Leno

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

      The Professional

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

    Chelsea are only 3 points ahead of Arsenal.

    They spent 200m in the summer.

    Super Frankie Lampard

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

      Former Derby manager doing his best

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

        Out of his depth

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

      United got pogba and lukaku for 200m and they are on 5th place on table for ages

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

        Excuses. It’s not good enough for United and it wasn’t for Chelsea

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

      and you spent one billion and have won how many titles since red nose left?

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

        Where would Chelsea be if a criminal didn't inject cash into a mid table club? Serious question.

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

          couple of seasons before Roman took over finished second behind Arsenal and ahead of Man U

  21. Pep bites Kun
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    When will Kun get a run - 60?

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

      70.imo

  22. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I can´t comprehend how Man U can be joint first in the league. Haven´t they been kr@p or just lucky? I don´t watch any games so can someone explain this to me 😀

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

      Bruno F

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

      Played well in the last 10. 8 wins 2 draws

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Both

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

      Bruno is the Utd equivalent to Maradona. Carry’s the rest of the team with little support take him out and they would be bang average.

    5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bruno

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

      They aren't joint first, their goal difference is worse.

      1. Woy_is_back
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        potato potata

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          lol agree

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not the end of the season yet John 😉

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

    City dont look like conceding.

  24. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Once again if his teammates could finish their dinner Kev would have an even bigger haul

  25. Caleb's Kitties
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My current gw18 players after doing salah to KDB:

    Dias
    KDB bruno son
    Kane DCL

    Worth using FH to add in DDG, cancelo, holding, rashford, saka, laca (replace DCL)? This lot looks good for a good 20+ 30 pts.

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

      Probably yes. Think I'd want 8 or 9 players to save FH.

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

    Just get Giroud on and lump it up to him.

  27. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is cancelo nailed?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pretty much

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

      He's as nailed as a City player can be. Great form as well.

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

      Yeah, he will play either full back position depending on who Pep needs to rest.

  28. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any sign of mahrez? If he makes a camio I’ll be through in the cup

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If he makes a cameo he blocks my rivals Soucek of the bench, and another’s Coufal!

  29. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    City need to break the bank to get Haaland. Need to get an Aguero replacement in and Gabriel Jesus is not the answer.

  30. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Zouma hattie, please.

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You can buy a Zouma hat at the chelsea club shop