Dugout Discussion

Guardiola wreaks havoc as Sterling, Cancelo and Stones all benched for Man City

Pep Guardiola has dealt Fantasy Premier League arguably the harshest blow of the season so far with his Gameweek 21 team-sheet.

Raheem Sterling (£11.6m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.1m), Joao Cancelo (£6.0m) and John Stones (£5.2m) are all among the substitutes as Manchester City host Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.

Ilkay Gündogan (£5.8m), Phil Foden (£6.3m) and Ruben Dias (£5.9m) hold onto their starting berths amid all the changes.

Gabriel Jesus (£9.1m) returns to Manchester City’s line-up for the first time since the first match of Gameweek 19 while Foden and Ferran Torres (£6.9m) staff the flanks either side of him.

Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) comes in for Stones at centre-back with Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) and Kyle Walker (£6.1m) on the left and right-hand side of defence respectively.

Sheffield United, as ever, line-up in a 3-5-2 formation with John Fleck (£5.6m), John Lundstram (£4.9m) and Oliver Norwood (£4.5m) in midfield while Rhian Brewster (£4.5m) and Oliver Burke (£4.2m) are up-front.

Also of encouragement for the Blades is a return on the bench for Oli McBurnie (£5.6m).

Manchester City are not the only team to rotate this afternoon as Tyrick Mitchell (£3.9m) drops to the bench for Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m) to come in.

Jordan Ayew (£5.6m) and Michy Batshuayi (£5.7m) are paired up-front for Crystal Palace with Wilfried Zaha (£7.2m) dropping back to replace Andros Townsend (£5.6m) on the flanks of midfield.

Ruben Neves (£5.2m) and Adama Traoré (£6.0m) are on the bench for Wolves with João Moutinho (£5.2m) and new signing Willian José (£7.0m) come into the side.

Max Kilman (£4.0m) earns another start in the back-three while Romain Saïss (£5.0m) is not in the matchday squad.

West Bromwich Albion are in 5-4-1 for the meeting with Fulham featuring Robert Snodgrass (£5.7m) and Matheus Pereira (£5.6m) staffing the left and right-hand side of midfield.

And Ivan Cavaleiro (£5.3m) is the fall-guy at Fulham, dropping to the bench so Aleksandar Mitrović (£5.5m) can lead their 3-4-2-1 formation.

Gameweek 21 Line-ups

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita; Van Aanholt, Dann, Kouyaté, Clyne; Zaha, McCarthy, Milivojevic, Eze; Ayew, Batshuayi.

Wolves XI: Patricio; Kilman, Coady, Boly; Semedo, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Hoever; Neto, Willian José, Podence.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Zinchenko, Laporte, Dias, Walker; B Silva, Fernandinho, Gündogan; Torres, Jesus, Foden.

Sheffield United XI: Ramsdale; Ampadu, Egan, Basham; Bogle, Fleck, Norwood, Lundstram, Baldock; Burke, Brewster.

West Bromwich Albion XI: Johnstone; Gibbs, Bartley, O’Shea, Ajayi, Furlong; M Pereira, Gallagher, Livermore, Snodgrass; C Robinson.

Fulham XI: Areola; Adarabioyo, Andersen, Aina; A Robinson, Anguissa, Lemina, De Cordova-Reid; Lookman, Loftus-Cheek; Mitrović.

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1,778 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Wizard of Ozil
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    hello all,
    What are the chances Cancelo will come on as I have Wilson 1st on bench? surely he needs a full game off!!! PRAYING

    1. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depends how the game is going I reckon...surely will want to give Cancelo a full rest if he can.

    2. Random Name
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling, Rodri, Mahrez, Cancelo

      3/4 of those subs will come on. Anyone's guess as to who though

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cancelo has been very attacking. If chasing Sterling, Mahrez, Cancelo will come on. If wining comfortably maybe even none.

    3. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Are you playing 3 at the back? If so, Wilson won't come on for Cancelo.

  2. Random Name
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    DCL bandwagon actually crashed harder than Pukki's lol

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Crashes into Calum Wilson’s steam train

    2. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Worst bandwagon ever

    3. Party time
        3 years, 1 month ago

        The DCL ship never left the Port

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

          Everyone was at the airport waiting

      • All Hail K
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        The guy hasn't scored in 8 games, why did we give so much love?

        1. elchilangles
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          we bought in to the rumour that Everton were gonna be amazing with their full strength team and score tonnes of goals!

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lowton >> Cancelo was fun

    5. OneDennisBergkamp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      nearly did Cancelo (c) Stones (vc)... thank f**k for that then

    6. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A few weeks ago, not even Nostradamus could have predicted that DCL, Cancelo, Gundogan and Barnes would have all been relatively popular captain picks. Just shows how fast this game can move sometimes.

      It could be a week where the big hitters (Salah, Bruno) remind us why they have their premium pricetag.

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

        >It could be a week where the big hitters (Salah, Bruno) remind us why they have their premium pricetag.

        It's going to be exactly that

    7. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I thought Pep essentially saying he fears and respects Sheff Utd meant Cancelo was certain to start as a key player. Turns out it's an opportunity for him to tinker as he loves to do in the CL. Mental note made!

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cancelo’s attacking abilities will be a lot more important away to Burnley than today.

    8. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have RSI due to a few successful GWs, so I'm gonna have to get off the keyboard for a bit. Enjoy the game

    9. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Didn't bother watching the 2nd half, said I'd check the result at 90 min and hope to see DCL and Digne score 12 points between them...

      I'm just after seeing the City line up, I got rid of my safe and boring Emerson and Diaz on my WC lastnight 😆

    10. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have Maguire, holding, Rashford, Bruno and lacazette in that game Is there anyway it can end well for me ?

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

        Give up the CS and hope that Rashford and Laca get at least two attacking returns each

      2. The Senate
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        all 5 scoring?

    11. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I remember looking at Wilson as a replacement for Kane. Of course I ended up going for DCL. So typical of my luck...

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

      2. OneDennisBergkamp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        with hindsight yes, but still make the correct decision at the time

      3. Rik Waller
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I was even considering brining Callum in and capping him as a differential. Just can't catch a break...

      4. HashAttack
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He scored 12 in the reverse EVE fixture, 13 this time ... He scored 12 in the reverse fixture v CRY

        He's my bus VC at the moment, not sure if I will C him

    12. The Gravless Wonder
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ferran Torres [ C ]

    13. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Great opportunity for Sheffield Utd to reduce the difference to only 30 points between the two teams.

    14. OneDennisBergkamp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      who's gonna win the the Royal Rumble?

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Charles has the loudest farts but Harry's are more tight and direct

        1. OneDennisBergkamp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Harrys not a Royal anymore is he?

      2. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Who’s favourite ?

        1. OneDennisBergkamp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Daniel Bryan i think is fav

          zzzzzzzz

      3. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Bryan.

    15. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      FPL Twitter/FFS hype trains have been working out the past few weeks (Antonio, Cancelo (C)) so I suppose DCL was well overdue. Plus Gandhi 😉

    16. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Well well, Pep and COVID are competing

    17. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would absolutely love another Gundo haul! Getting one captaincy right would just ease the pain a bunch.

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

        I have captained him and have only had 6 captain returns all season

        1. sminkypinky
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Great! 😀

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

          I've had 4 captain blanks all season, let's see who "wins".

      2. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yis pls. My RSI will get real bad from bragging rights and celebrating after Cancelo cap last week and Gundo this week. Just wish I'd gone Stones for his haul!

        1. sminkypinky
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Now you’re just greedy! 😉

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Gib da points!

      3. Salan
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        In my ML, still a lot of competitors don't have Gundo. It's lovely if Gundo have another 10+ points today.

    18. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Erm what do we do with Digne/DCL now?

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

        Did you bring em in just for one game?

      2. Dr Van Nostrand
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I'm giving them Leeds and then out if nothing

      3. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Keep them for at least another game. I brought DCL in as a place holder for Vardy/Kane. He was only ever getting 2 games for me. I don't like Digne as an option at all. Everton don't get clean sheets and Rodriguez takes the set pieces. Chilwell is a better option for me at a similar price.

    19. Earwicker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It is so important to have a playing bench if you have 3 City.

    20. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      So I should've gone Gundo over Sterling a couple of weeks ago... Geez.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Of course

    21. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Seems quite obvious that the 3 subs that will come on no matter what the score is will be Mahrez, Sterling and Cancelo.

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Sterling doesn't tend to come off the bench.

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Why?

        1. gooberman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Dunno. Just a hunch I guess.

      3. ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Maybe some random injury to one of their defenders

      4. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Rodri could be one

        1. gooberman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah. I think it will be 3 out of Sterling, Mahrez, Rodri or Cancelo. I'm just wondering what is the best scenario to reduce the likelyhood of Cancelo coming on. Normally defenders don't tend to come on unless there is an injury but it's a bit different with Cancelo because of what he can offer going forward.

    22. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo back in pivot?

      I fear the Gundo cappers less if so

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No

      2. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I’m not fearing Gundo with that lineup, could be wrong of course

    23. sovietrockettes
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Transferred Wilson out for Watkins this week!

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Good move. Hope it pays off

      2. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He could have scored 3, every positive etc etc

    24. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone doing worse than Digne, DCL, Sterling (C), Cancelo, Stones and Mitchell?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No I’d say that’s the worst.

      2. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Das bad. Who's your VC?

        1. Gudjohnsen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Salah

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Aw, shame you'll get Sterling's 1pt then 🙁

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

        DCL, cancelo, stones and Mitchell here

      4. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        DCL, Cancelo (C) and Stones here. Not quite as bad but almost.

      5. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        DCL vc, Cancelo c.

        Originally Gundogan c was the plan. Oh well.

      6. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Sympathy. Serious sympathy.

      7. Earwicker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        That's just not unlucky...that's art.

    25. Greek Shamrocks
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Should have left it on GUNDO! Oh well. Hope Cancelo stays on the bench.

    26. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      After that Everton game and seeing the City line up, the rest of today's matches are dead to me. No interest. Back tomorrow.

    27. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not often I captain a 5.5 million player but reckon Gündo will do the business

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks Milner

      2. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Reckon he will play the same role today?

    28. Chhana
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling (C), Cancelo (V), Stones.... Wilson First sub

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        🙁

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        One of the oldest rules is never cap and vc players from the same team.

      3. Chhana
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        chances of all 3 city's coming off the bench

        1. Eh, just one more thing ...
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Think you’re safe ... reckon only 2 of 3 will come on.

    29. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pep has form in wreaking havoc in the so called easy games.

    30. MoSalad
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Just got in to see all my City players benched, Cancelo, Stones & Sterling you love to see it! Pep roulette at its finest glad I still have a Covid strength bench.

    31. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Guy Ted on the FPL Breakfast Club brought in Digne, James and DCL for a -8

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        God why?

        1. gooberman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Madness. He will probably argue that it was also with the Leeds fixture in mind but the -8 just cancels out some of the points they may get so not the best move.

        2. Gross Blank Point
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I'm watching it now, knowing what has happened, with a kind of Schadenfreude as I only brought in Digne!
          Cancelo Stones is a kick in the, eh, stones for me though lol!