Scout Notes

Gündogan the Man City architect as Cancelo plays advanced role again

Burnley 0-2 Man City

  • Goals: Gabriel Jesus (£9.2m), Raheem Sterling (£11.6m)
  • Assists: Bernardo Silva (£7.4m), Ilkay Gündogan (£5.8m)
  • Bonus points: Jesus x3, Gündogan x2, Aymeric Laporte x1 (£6.0m)

GIFT OF THE GAB

Gabriel Jesus (£9.2m) is making a strong case for Pep Guardiola to regularly use a recognised centre-forward again.

Following a period on the sidelines with coronavirus (COVID-19), the Brazilian made just one Premier League start between Gameweeks 14 and 20, in which Manchester City predominantly played around a false-nine option.

However, Jesus has now played 90 minutes in each of the last two Gameweeks and has goals in each of them.

Having grabbed his chance with both hands, he will fancy his chances of earning more regular game-time once again. After all, Guardiola recently reiterated that it would take a sustained period of good form and goal-scoring to get Jesus back in the Manchester City team again.

“There are no doubts about Gabriel. We have been together for a long time. Last game he gave us three points and today he gave us the start. We are delighted with Gabriel all the time. He knows that but his contribution in many ways is fantastic.” – Pep Guardiola

SLOW START

For all the interest in Manchester City’s attacking assets, it took them a little while to work their way up to full steam against Burnley.

Over the first 38 minutes of the game, they had registered just two shots on target and their third-minute opening goal was arguably down to a rare error by Nick Pope (£5.4m).

“We were lucky to score early and after, [in] the first half, we struggled a bit to break the lines. The second half was much better. I want them to do the simple things well. We are trying to do it but today we lost more simple balls than usual. In general, I am satisfied because we had chances to score more goals today. We can do better.” – Pep Guardiola

It was Ilkay Gündogan (£5.8m) who got Manchester City into top gear as Guardiola ushered him to push into the more advanced roles that helped him to four double-figure hauls since Gameweek 13. On Wednesday night, only two colleagues registered more touches in the final third than the German international.

However, as we recently highlighted after the win over Sheffield United, Jesus’ presence in the team does stop Gündogan from shooting as often.

Indeed, against Burnley, he mustered just one effort on goal, his first attempt since the second half against West Bromwich Albion.

Still, with his runs into dangerous areas at Turf Moor, the former Borussia Dortmund man was, at the very least, able to provide an excellent level of creativity.

His passes in the middle of the field, and in the penalty box, were reminiscent of what we have seen Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) produce, helping him to an assist for a Raheem Sterling (£11.6m) goal in the first half.

And in the second half, Gündogan won the ball in the middle of the park and played a defence-splitting De Bruyne-esque pass to put Sterling through on goal only for Pope to produce an incredible save to deny the goal.

Manchester City’s fixtures are about to take a tough turn, with Liverpool (away), Spurs (home) and Arsenal (away) their next three opponents, which might lead to some concerns about Gündogan’s long-term appeal.

It must be said that, if Jesus does re-establish himself in the first-team again, which he is threatening to do, we might see less of the budget midfielder unleashing a healthy glut of shots on goal every game. But if he can maintain the creativity on show against Burnley, he can certainly still offer some value at £5.8m, especially as Manchester City’s penalty-taker in De Bruyne’s absence.

LAPORTE IS LEFT BUT NEVER ON THE TABLE

After keeping their 13th clean sheet of the campaign in the 2-0 win at Burnley, Manchester City’s impressive form at the back requires little analysis.

However, Fantasy managers do face some tough decisions surrounding their Citizens defenders with Liverpool and Tottenham up next.

The last time Guardiola’s men did not keep a clean sheet in the Premier League was their 3-1 win over Chelsea (before a run of six on the bounce).

Meanwhile, Spurs (two), Liverpool (one) are two of only three other sides to score against Manchester City since Gameweek 8.

Considering how he has lined up in each of his last two Premier League starts, owners of João Cancelo (£6.0m) might feel more comfortable starting him in Gameweek 23 compared to those holding John Stones (£5.2m) and Rúben Dias (£6.0m).

Officially, Manchester City used a four-man defence on Wednesday night but when they were in possession, Stones, Dias and Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) spread themselves into a back-three and allowed Cancelo to step into midfield as an auxiliary central midfielder, similar to how he operated in the 5-0 win at West Bromwich Albion.

That led to Cancelo pushing forward and going close to a goal against Burnley, only for Pope to make a save. Crucially, he was replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) in the 63rd minute, helping him bank a clean sheet and all but guarantee a start on Sunday afternoon.

Cancelo’s touch heatmap in Gameweek 22

If Cancelo were to perform a similar role against Liverpool, he could offer attacking threat despite the somewhat diminished clean sheet potential.

Meanwhile, Laporte continues to pose something of a threat to Stones and, to a lesser extent, Dias. This was his second successive Premier League start although this time he played alongside them. Officially, he was handed a left-back role but, as we have already alluded to, Laporte spent a large amount of time acting as a third centre-back at Turf Moor.

Unfortunately, Guardiola is offering up no clues as to how Laporte fits into the Manchester City picture this season either. Rather than clarify his role against Burnley or elaborate on his long-term prospects for starting, he explained Laporte’s Gameweek 22 start was simply as a result of the busy schedule.

“What we have done so far is because everyone has made an incredible contribution and he is no exception. When we see the February schedule we want to run away but the amount of games we have everyone will be so important.” – Pep Guardiola

Burnley XI: Pope; Pieters, Mee, Tarkowski, Lowton; McNeil, Westwood (Benson 81′), Cork (D Stephens 71′), Gudmundsson; Vydra, Rodriguez (Mumbongo 77′).

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Laporte, Dias, Stones, Cancelo (Zinchenko 64′); Gündogan, Rodri, B Silva; Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez.

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2,049 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I dont usually make GK transfers but since Im not planning to WC till GW 30 and my 2 GKs are Johnstone and Mccarthy, Johnstone to Sanchez is a decent move right?

    Team: 2FT, 0.2 ITB
    Mccarthy Johnstone
    Cancelo Stones Robbo Chilwell Coufal
    Salah Gundo Bruno Son Bissouma
    Antonio Watkins DCL

    I'd also have another FT to swap either Robbo or Chilwell (depending on whether Chilwell plays tomorrow)

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

      Yep. I’d say so. Good plan

    2. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would try to get rid of Chilwell if he doesnt start and maybe Robbo before doing the gk move

      1. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I suspect Alonso won't start against a team with fast forwards on the break like Spurs have! Chilwell likely to be back tonight.

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

      I’d wait on GK until DGWs confirmed.

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

    Bench one:

    DCL vs United (A)

    Gundo vs Liverpool (A)

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

      DCL all day

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

      DCL

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL

    4. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL

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

      not Gundo

      Just my opinion...

      MCI is going to want to make a statement this weekend

      Pool can't make the game a race track because their Defense is so make-shift

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

    It’ll be interesting to see if Pickford gets back in. Olsen was extremely good - could be the pick of the 4.5s perhaps

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

      throughout many of the recent seasons i have noticed that Pickford is likely the worst starting gk in the epl.

  4. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Robertson to
    Shaw or Rudiger or Dunk?

    I like Shaw but his fixture next week is far from ideal...

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      same question here, I would say Alonso if hes nailed... Shaw a decent option too

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It's not bad though, Shaw.

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

      rudiger

  5. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who makes way for Son?

    1. Salah
    2. Grealish
    3. Gundo
    4. Soucek
    5. Don't get Son

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      well, form of the recent weeks says 1. Son is just way worse without Kane tho, so I would probably say 5.

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1

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

      4

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

      5

      I have Son and will start him, but I don't expect anything

      He is not only without Kane

      He is also without Erickson, Reguilon, Alli (when he was good)

      Spurs are a very basic team outside of Son, should beat WBA 2-0 or so.

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

    Everyone keeping their double/triple city Def for the next two fixtures?

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      My plan is to play Cancelo, bench Dias

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I will play both Dias and Cancello regardless of fixtures.
      Prob drop one if have triple

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

      I got Dias, Stones and Gundog.
      Just benching stones this week.

  7. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Back to the days where Lingard is actually an FPL option. Owned him throughout the decent run in December few years ago.

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He was great but it's one game.

    2. PastaFasul
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I actually like what he does for Antonio, WH attack was pretty Route 1 until Lingard showed up. Antonio is a beast for any defender but with Lingard flitting about for the knockdowns it distracts the opponent a bit.

  8. kobewan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best replacement for Chillwell?

    A. AWB
    B. Maguire
    C. Justin
    D. Rudiger
    E. Digne
    F. Silva

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You have Shaw?

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

        Nope, My defenders Dias, Stones, Cresswell, Chillwell & Mitchell

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I would have Shaw as an option and if you did I would suggest him, otherwise AWB out of that lot.

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

            thank you

    2. Avery
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  9. Joggers Nipple
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Morning,

    A- Save yes or no? (Was thinking about subbing a MC def but Lpool so gash happy to play them)

    Only decision i see-
    B- Bench DCL (mun) or Soucek (ful)?

    Martinez
    Dias Shaw Cancelo
    Gundo Salah Son Fernades Soucek
    Bamford Antonio

    Forster DCL Coufal Mitchell 1FT 4.5M ITB

    Thanks for any thoughts

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah, pretty easy save there I reckon, bench DCL.

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

  10. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    % Chance Reece James starts?

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      25%

  11. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    which one to play:

    1. Dallas (CRY)
    2. Gundogan (liv)
    3. DCL (mun)

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo

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

      Dallas

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      2

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

      2

    5. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yesterday I d say 1 but today i feel 2 is your choice

    6. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      2

  12. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    is it worth to bring in Soucek (for Maddy) for the next 2 fixtures. Its a free transfer now but might cost me a -4 for the DGW to replace him with someone with better fixtures.

    Martinez
    Coufal Dier Cancelo (Dallas Mitchell)
    Son Sterling Bruno Gundo Maddy*
    Bam Antonio (DCL)

    thoughts?

  13. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dont get why so many are benching DCL. Have people suddenly forgotten that this is a united side that lost to the bottom of the table club just a week ago? The 9-0 win was impressive but mostly due to the red cards and the clean sheet was very jammy considering the ruled out goal.

    I do rate United's attacking assets but defensively I dont see their appeal tbh

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

      worst case scenario, benchers will miss his 1 goal or 9 pointer.

      As long as they are playing decent players, it shouldnt be an issue

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Think it’s a question of perming 2 from Antonio Bamford Wilson DCL for many - either that or someone like Gundo Soucek or Raph

      It’s a curious week where the form non prime players have really good fixtures.

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

      Don't get why people are asking this question in so many different ways. Plenty of us have the funds to create a strong front eight. DCL away to United is naturally likely to be low in priority. Tough benching decisions have to be made. I agree with you that Utd's backline is prone to errors but when there are better options available in the side why not go for them instead?

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

      I keep getting hammered by folks in my ML with ManU defenders even though their CSs are dubious at best. The points still hurt...shield up if the VAR keeps falling in their favor right or wrong.

  14. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any ideas? 2FT, 4.7m ITB.

    Mendy (Forster)
    Robertson Dias Cancelo (Coufal, Kilman)
    Salah Bruno Grealish Gundo (Bissouma)
    DCL Bamford Antonio

    Planning on building to BB26 with FT. Considering Forster to Sanchez, Kilman/Coufal to Dallas/Justin and Bissouma to Raphinha/Saka.

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

      I really like Raph and he has a great fixture this week

      I have an almost identical set up and plan but already have Barnes in place so went Justin narrowly over getting Dallas back in

      1. JasonG123
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Do you prefer buying Dallas/Justin (meaning I bench Robbo or Dias) or buying Raphinha (meaning I bench DCL)?

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

          Raph I think - Leeds look back on song and he’s central to them.

          All good options really. Not wholly convinced by my Justin choice. He’ll play next week but will likely be bench afterwards.

  15. hshepherd
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Planning to bring in Son(c) for Lookman, but will give me a benching headache. I need to bench one out of this lot, who would you choose?
    Salah Son(c) Fernandes Soucek Gundogan
    Bamford Antonio DCL

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

      Would avoid

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

        I have 2FTs this week and don't plan on making any other moves, so will have 2FTs next week too. While it creates the headache, I want Son vs WBA and feel he will score more than DCL for example

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would be exact same front 8 as me, currently benching DCL

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

    Change anything at all in my team or burn a transfer?

    Martínez
    Stones Cancelo Justin
    Soucek Grealish Salah Son Fernandes
    Martial Watkins
    Mccarthy Coufal fodders 2.2

  17. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Stones or DCL?

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

      Dom

  18. villian-ty
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench

    Salah, Son, Grealish, Gundo, Bruno
    Bamford, Antonio DCL

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCl or Son depending how spurs play tonight

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Can’t bench son against West Brom

        1. Cojones of Destiny
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          of course you can if spurs look like sh8t tonight, not trying to be smart and all but everyone jumped on Mo prior to this gw and I just didnt feel it so it was the right move

    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tough choice but DCL

  19. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, need Robbo replacements? Any suggestions.....

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      hard to say wo seeing your other defs

      1. FPL ElasticO
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cancelo / Stones / Coufal / Targett

        1. Cojones of Destiny
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I d keep, waste of FT , you have enough headake who to start next gw

  20. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    tough decision to make, play two:
    a. DCL
    b. Soucek
    c. Gundo
    d. Shaw

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      CD

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bc

      1. Cojones of Destiny
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        arise Sir Template!

  21. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Robertson replacements??

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw, Dallas or azpi

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      awb (before price rise today)

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

      Justin

  22. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why are people shipping out Sterling? Doesn't he have a DGW in 24?

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

      Too expensive, and wont play both games in the dgw anyway

    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Where’s double 24 official?! Heard nothing concrete about it.

  23. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Are there any updates on any future double gameweeks for the likes of City Villa Leeds Everton Fulham Tottenham?!

    I’ve seen comments about it but all contradicting one another.

    Trying to chase but also be moves ahead.

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      nothing concrete so far

  24. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which transfer would you prioritize this gw?

    a. Robertson > Justin
    b. Sterling > Grealish/ Maddison
    c. Both for -4

    Tempted by C as both would be long term moves.

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B with Grealish

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

        Cheers. Not worth a hit to get in Justin as well? He keeps raking in the points. Big rank killer.

        1. Cojones of Destiny
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          yes his points keep hurting but think I ll get him on WC, believe we all have enough headake with who to play, up to you though mate

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

            Cheers mate, something to ponder. Any idea if Lei have a dgw coming up?

            1. Cojones of Destiny
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Ben is the best answer to this Q;)

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

                Will stalk big ben, cheers

  25. kobewan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    was not able to watch the Leicester v. Fulham match but how did Barnes play?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I didnt watch it either but my gut says he did ok.

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      6.4 according to Sofascore which is pretty low

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Had one good opportunity to score. Mostly anonymous. Fulham defended well. They conceded few chances Leicester were just clinical.

  26. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 2 from these please.....

    A - Gundogan
    B - Stones
    C - Dallas
    D - Cresswell
    E - Bamford

    Martinez
    Cancelo
    Bruno Grealish Salah Son
    DCL Antonio

    McCarthy ? ? Mitchell

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cd

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cant play only 2 defs!

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I'm sticking with cd.

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      AB

  27. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    BB is sooo tempting for next gw 😉

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah, if I could bench m entire squad I would.

  28. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Dallas cresswell shaw
    Barnes salah sterling foden bruno
    Antonio bam

    Subs steer rudiger dcl stones

    Gtg? Should be selling salah for son(c)

  29. Tambling5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Fixtures v form really hard to judge atm. City, Everton, Leicester bottom of ticker. City, Everton Villa extra fixtures looming. Having had a balanced squad all season, I somehow have ended up with ESR and Mitchell effectively makeweights and only 0.1 in the bank.
    Team is
    Martinez (Forster); Cancelo, Stones, Digne, Justin, Mitchell
    Salah, Sterling, Bruno, Grealish, ESR
    DCL, Bamford, Antonio
    Wondering if Digne, Mitch to Rudi and Shaw for a -4 was a reasonable start, as single FTs will change squad so slowly.

  30. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one
    Mahrez Salah son Fernandes soucek
    Wilson DCL Bamford

    1. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez