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. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need a City penalty here, will settle for that

  2. abhirup780
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    FFS Reid...how can u miss that!!!!

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

    Why is foden playing so wide?

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

      No Sterling

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

      That’s his position.

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

      City's wingers always play very wide

    4. Sterling Malory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      So many strange comments and questions this afternoon

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

        Haha sorry I'll rephrase this. I didnt think he was a left winger, but he is playing there.

        1. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          That's been his season judging by the position maps

  4. Yes Ndidi
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bobby Reid first on the bench today, after letting me down in the DGW. Trouble is, it looks like he'll stay there.

  5. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Oh FFS, ML rival getting DCR off the bench!

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

      lol decordova is one word

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

        Its hyphenated

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

    I'd take 3 points from gundogan as my captain at this point ffs

    1. The Habib Beyes
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lol its 20mins in and you've whined about this at least twice. Quit being such a baby

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

      Dude, enough, seriously. Damn, you must dry up women quicker than a hairdryer in a sandstorm.

      1. The VAR Team
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Wow

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

      seriously, i thought you said you quit for the season, why are you still here

    4. Sterling Malory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      What we're you expecting at this point?

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

        At least a hatty I reckon

    5. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      stay strong fudgy, us gundo captainers are in this together

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

        Very popular cap choice

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

      I think he looks ok

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

      Its unlikely he'll get 1.5 points

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

    Kilman CS needs to go with autosubs...

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

    Zero sympathy for anyone who has started Cancelo and/or Stones.

    Was obvious there would be rotation.

    And DCL? Obviously Everton would struggle at home to Newcastle.

    What a difference a week makes huh. One week everything is so obvious to everyone on here and the next it couldn't be further from the truth.

    Every Man City player is at risk of being benched at any time. WBA/shu are equally easy fixtures. Everyone got lucky last week and unlucky this week, nothing more.

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

      Logic? So if you owned Cancelo or Stones, you won't start them this game?

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

      Wasn’t obvious, sit down armchair pundit

    3. Forgetmeknot
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      As a cancelo stones and DCL owner I’ll accept that.

      Still think it will score more over last he and the next 2 than most other combos.

    4. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Rein it in lad. These comments offer nothing and are the worst to read

    5. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      team link please so we can see your genius

    6. DickFranDyke
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Got enough bait on that hook

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

        The idea that these are just bait comments is so tired

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

          Well,you fell for it.

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

            What are you 6?

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

      Oh dear, pipe down ya noob

    8. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      What an absolute melt you are

    9. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ha ha thanks for the no sympathy vote .. can we see your linked team so we can have a laugh as well?
      Thankfully I may have Lewis coming in with 11 anyhow, so it’s happy days anyhow .

    10. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’m not that bothered I’ve got 40 points from cancelo and Stones the last 2 weeks

      I’d be annoyed if I brought one or either in this week

      Probably swap stones for Dias for safety

    11. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Oh shut up. “No sympathy for anyone who has City players because Pep rotates his team!” is a stupid take.

    12. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Own Stones and Cancelo. Have to assume there'll be rotation but a little annoying to see both.

      Brought in DCL this week. Was always going to be a gamble but felt like the right move on balance. May still pay off in next couple of GWs (if I haven't shipped by then).

      Captained Gundo given high chance of starting (and don't trust Son without Kane). Safe, boring choice.

      All in all can't complain. Hardly acts of god.

  9. Patrick Bateman
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Percentage chance the following comes on off the bench for citeh:
    A) Stones
    B) Cancelo

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

      B higher than A imo

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

      5%
      45%

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

      Stones, no. Cancelo, I think so

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

      A) 15%

      B) 0%

      Why would Cancelo come on if they're winning?

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

        Rest, tight schedule, rotation, general Pep trolling

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

    Ffs I've captained a defensive midfielder

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

      You really don’t know anything about football

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

      Better than me putting the armband on DCL.

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

      Gundo reverting back to type, but hey I capt a bench player so..

    4. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ignore and move on guys, ignore and move on

    5. Sterling Malory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Clown

    6. squits
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He is in the box now

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

      *yawn* Fudgy needs his own forum page so he can monologue away

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

        I’ve never known such a sad soul

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

    So it seems like the City defence bonanza is over. It was good while it lasted but the Stones and Cancelo benchings is evidence that neither are nailed so will have to be sold. Only Ederson then is a guaranteed route into City clean sheets.

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

      Dias is the best pick for me

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

        Why just because he has escaped today? Every chance he will be the one for the chop next week.

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

          Not just that he’s the best defender from the 3 of them and has the partnership with Stones. Laporte compliments him too and give the lefty cb balance

          He’s not immune to rotation but he’s the best defender for me that works in every combo along with taking charge at the back

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

    I spent ages agonising over goalkeepers knowing I’d pick the wrong one.

    At least West Brom went early!

  13. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Jesus hogging the spots Gundog recently been finding himself

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

      They’re almost side by side. Just depends who it falls to it seems

  14. Tabasco
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Got in Stones & DCL this week; own Cancelo and Sterling (C). Let's go boys! Hold the line, buy the dip, ride to the moon!

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

      Haha that's the spirit!

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

    PVA playing is making Zaha useless.

    1. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      PVA playing is (making Zaha) useless.

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

        Yeah true that too.

  16. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    weak from gundo

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

      Careful you’ll end up morphing into sad clown fudgy

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

        Haha

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

    I only just noticed that Mitchell lost his spot - F this GW!

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      that really hurt on top of the stones and cancelo benchings for me mate

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

      Yeah,so bad

    3. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nah, he'll be back, PVA is due to another defensive disasterclass

  18. stevep69
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Not worth bothering with City. Such a rotation risk. I’ve had fingers burnt before but did I learn?...

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      We will never learn I guess... it’s lovely when they start though

    2. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      They're a rotation risk, but comparatively many of there players will outscore those in other teams. You've got to take the rough with the smooth and accept its part of the deal.

      Good luck going no City.

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

    Sterling to Mané?
    At least I know Mané starts.

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

    Its not the benchings that kill but the subbings on and 1 pointers. If Cancelo and Stones dont come on then at least I then have Salah (c) and Cresswell and Soucek to play with some hope of points.

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

      Also hoping that stones will get his place back next gw

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

    Difficult week. Depends on Salah, Bruno and Son now.

  22. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    We really need a Gundog penalty here

  23. The VAR Team
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Gundo playing advanced or CDM?

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sweeper

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

      Advanced, behind Jesus.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yep

  24. squits
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The city mids are rotating lots

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

    Any chance Sterling stays on the bench?

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

      Depends on how City get on - if it remains 1-0 or worse I think he comes on

  26. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Imagine if Kane starts

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

      He won’t though

    2. GoonerSteve
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Is that even possible?

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

      got rid for a hit.....for DCL so yeah wouldnt surprise me

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      His ankles are so swollen they can't scan etc until next week

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

      ive started him on the team lol

    6. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Back for Chelsea Wednesday at the very best

  27. Party time
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Allardyce is a fat fraud.

      Glad wba will get relegated. Shouldn’t have sacked Bilic

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

        Cheers mate

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

        They sacked him after a draw in Etihad. They deserve all of this

    • ZimZalabim
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Last GW started with a bang with multiple double digit scorers and ended with the heavy hitters all blanking.

      So maybe this will be the opposite ? fingers crossed poor start and then big hitters come good

    • AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Man City average positions

      Foden
      Jesus
      Gundogan most advanced 3

    • Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Adams to DCL went well. Casual move and i deserve it.

      Last time i sold him he hauled vs Chelsea and he will haul tonight again