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. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Wtf gundogan was free ...

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

      was difficult to get it to him from there

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

      He was free there Fudgy well spotted.

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

    Bernardo bald patch being exposed

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

    Can I just say , city look absolutely crap without cancelo

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

      Only 2 shots in 40 minutes. So crap

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

        Dull game, made worse by a really dull commentator.

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

      He's very creative you're correct Fudgy.

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

        Pukki I’m loving it, keep up the good work

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

          #positivity4fudgy

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

      Without Cancelo the team does not work

      Sterling, Jesus, and Mahrez need to be sold this summer to make room for excellent players

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

    Ramsdale can't even hold that cross lol.

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

      He’s so ropey. Due a few howlers after midweek.

  5. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Stones would have nailed that!

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

    Batshauyi miss open goal

  7. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bring Cancelo and Sterling on at half-time....PEP PLEAAAASE

    1. Belli2007
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I need Sterling on as my captain , my VC is DCL!!!

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

    Cancelo, Stones and Mitchell. 3 clean sheets down the drain

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

      Ouchy

    2. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      This.
      I also have Wilson 1st on my bench to rub it in. I’m playing 3 at the back so will not get those points

  9. 7_Dan_7
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Gundo set pieces are delicious

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pretty amazing, so frustrating no one on the end of them..

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Jesus is horrible at set pieces

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

      So flat and pacey, keeper can't get anywhere near them

  10. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Batsman joins the contest

  11. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How much did they pay for Torres? He’s pretty average at best

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

      20 mil

  12. TheBiffas
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why did I cap cancelo

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

      17 points last week

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Because you’re a sheep

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

        Gündo captainers are sheep

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

      Points chasing

    4. Mr Arsenal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Because you knew you’d get min 12pts, possibly 20+ if he did anything.

      If he had started...

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

    I hope Sheffield score not only to wipe Dias clean sheet but so Pep realises he’s a knob for resting Stones and Cancelo.

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You hope? Can’t see it

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

    City triple up.
    Strong bench options.
    Can't have the former without the latter.

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

      They will all be subbed in so it's useless.

    2. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’ve got Coufal coming in.....hopefully!!

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

    Would love Jesus scoring one more to set up a trap.

  16. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    City won’t score another one. They created absolutely nothing this half.

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

      They did score a goal in this half though.

      1. Mr Arsenal
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Their only chance.

        They will settle for 1-0. It’s their new philosophy.

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

          Very new - adopted some time since scoring 5 on Tuesday?

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

      Penalty

    3. RedAlpha10
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cancelo will come on and then they will create

  17. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is it as bad as the score line suggest?

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

      Man City? They’re winning? What teams thrash sheff united?

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

        They’ve conceded more than 3 on 4 occasions...

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

          They don’t get thrashed though, nor is the game finished yet. Winning 1-0 at half time, controlling the game.

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

            They’ve concede more than THREE goals on FOUR occasions

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

              Once actually

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

      City scored the one clear chance they created.

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

      City all possession but no incision

  18. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Come on Burke, get more points while sitting on my bench

  19. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    This is the week Soucek scores a hat-trick to crush the non-believers, isn’t it?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No, this week people are expecting him to do something so be will blank, then next week is benched and will haul

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

      Worried Gundo capper.

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He's blanked. The sooner we accept it the easier it is. Just want that delicious CS point.

        1. HonestBlatter
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          that 1 pointer is now under radar....59min sub out

          1. Mr. O'Connell
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            3 points would be my 2nd best captain return in 10 weeks. Pray for Gundo CS point.

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

              Who is your captain next gmwk?

              1. HonestBlatter
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Salah (TC)

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

        He’s got into good positions and on dead balls, so it could be worse

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

      City's done nothing apart from a lucky tap in. Cancelo and Sterling will be subbed in for sure.

    4. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      5 players + (C)

      Currently on -1 for the week HAHA

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

        How is that possible?

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Took a big hit?

        2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Wow that's awesome

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

        Johnstone save point could be the highlight of my GW

        1. Il Capitano
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          That's the one

        2. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 1 month ago

            45 mins later "Johnstone -1 point could be the highlight of my week"

          • JohnnyRev7
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Nice save.

        3. mezza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          So frustrating as a triple City defence owner. I predicted a 1-0 but I'll only get 1 clean sheet out of it.

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

          Guarantee Pep cameo’s all my bench players cheers!

        5. Mr Arsenal
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          We need a Sheffield goal to liven up this bore fest.

        6. HonestBlatter
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          This was the last gameweek I can play...Pep didn't me again..-4 to have three City incl. captain was my suicide

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

          So,City players were not good last gmwk,WBA was bad?

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

            WBA are by a distance the worst defensively in the league.

            Sheffield United have a structured back 5 which does frustrate teams.

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 1 month ago

                This, rarely do they get totally smashed, can't recall a match where all 11 players haven't worked their socks off too

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

                I agree

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

            Pep loves rotating his team and for the most part it makes sense to use his full squad and give players a rest etc keep them fresh
            but his changes today seem a bit extreme imo, he won 5 nil took gundo and foden off early but sterling and Mahrez needed game time and confidence and dropping/resting both seems like poor management imo again.

            I get they have Liverpool coming up next weekend and he will want his best available 11 and Jesus needs game time but to drop 5 players from that game just sends them back to the heavy possession with no incision as such.

            If they end up dropping points here he has no else to blame but himself.

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

              Tbf this is the easiest game of the season

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

              He's doing a good job keeping his players who deserve to play every week happy tbh, you'd think more world class players like Sane would want to move elsewhere.

            3. Team Bobcat
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              He is looking ahead knowing well that away to Burnley next is a tricky assignment followed by Liv a few days later.

              This was his only chance to give players a rest as will need his strongest team for the next two.

              Makes sense now..

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

            Oh my. Just checked in. Disaster so far from my guys. Guess it was coming after som good weeks. Il hope for some luck to limitate damage