Dugout Discussion

Mane, Fabinho and Alisson return for Liverpool as Guardiola benches Jesus

The most-anticipated Premier League fixture of the weekend, and perhaps the calendar year so far, sees reigning champions Liverpool take on current league leaders Manchester City.

Kick-off at Anfield is at 16:30 GMT.

A win for City would take them ten points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the blue half of Manchester also having a game in hand to play on top of that.

Klopp has brought back three of his big guns from illness and injury for this fixture, with Sadio Mane, Alisson and Fabinho returning to the starting XI.

Fabinho will be deployed alongside Jordan Henderson at centre-half, with the Liverpool boss resisting the urge to hand a first start to new recruits Ozan Kabak or Ben Davies – the latter of whom doesn’t even make the matchday squad.

Along with the three returning players above, Curtis Jones is recalled to the hosts’ line-up.

Xherdan Shaqiri, James Milner, Nat Phillips and Caoimhin Kelleher are the men to make way.

Guardiola has made two changes to his City line-up as Oleksandr Zinchenko and Phil Foden start in place of the benched Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus.

The form book points to City in this fixture, with the visitors on a nine-match winning run in the top flight.

Guardiola’s troops have recorded 11 shut-outs in their last 13 matches, too.

Liverpool have won only two of their last eight Premier League games, meanwhile, with many of their key FPL assets in poor form.

Andrew Robertson is on his longest barren run without an attacking return since his debut season at Anfield, while Mohamed Salah – who is still the division’s top goalscorer, lest we forget – hasn’t found the net on Merseyside since Gameweek 13.


Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Henderson, Robertson, Thiago, Wijnaldum, Jones, Salah, Firmino, Mane.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Joao Cancelo, Stones, Dias, Zinchenko, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Gundogan, Mahrez, Sterling, Foden.

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2,350 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Played Gundogan & Lowton over DCL & Targett, 17 points difference ugh

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

      Yeah. Played Martial over DCL.

    2. Max City
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Played Antonio and De Gea over Watkins and Martinez here.. 15 points swing..

  2. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Gundogan you absolute wasteman

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

    Bench of Martinez Ogbonna DCL Stones is hurting

    1. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Wow. Not ideal that.

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

    Gundo owners

  5. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Get Gundagon, he is on pens in the absence of KDB 🙂

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I mean that wasn’t the only attraction. But certainly a large part

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

      He's involved in most of city's attacks. Getting a player in just cos of pens is dumb.

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

      He got me 42 pts during GW 19-23. It's OK.

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

        Right

    4. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Kdding guys, but it felt like he was gonna miss it

    5. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Avoid pen takers then if you hate them missing so much

  6. 2999 - Lady of Legend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Cancelo on pens now please

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

      Might as well be him.

  7. @persecuted_by_mods
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Last minute decision to bench DCL for gundo because of penalties 😛 at least I was a quarter right

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

        Same. Painful.

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

      I’m still in shock at that miss

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Same. Though sat watching it I legitimately said “he’s missing this” before the run up. Just knew

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

          Hate the short run up

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

          It was a great camera angle and makes you realise how big Allison is.

      2. Meinhoff
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He was scared of Alison so he tried to hit the top corner

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

      All we can do is keep lining the ducks up. One week they’ll fall surely

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

        Just choose from the pool of good players. Don't even consider players outside this pool.

        GK: Martinez, Pope
        DF: Dias, Stones, Cancelo, Justin, Cresswell, Coufal, Robertson, Dallas
        MF: Fernandes, Salah, Son, Soucek, Raphinha, Gundogan, Grealish, KDB
        FW: DCL, Kane, Vardy, Watkins, Wilson, Bamford

    • JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Fabinho moves out of the way and Sterling runs into his leg and jumps to the floor. But look let’s all forget about because he’s English and it’s against Liverpool

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

        Cry more

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

          It's amazing he's crying about a missed penalty anyway lmao

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

        Justiced served I also thought it was a dive.

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

        Please be a joke, no one can be this delusional

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

        Obvious penalty. Relax

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

        it was a penalty dont be deluded

      6. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Utter biased rubbish . Oh it's you. To be expected then.

      7. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Come on pal you're the kind of chap Duke Silver is talking about. It was a pen. Accept it and move on.

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

        Are you having a laugh? That's a penalty clear as day.

      9. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I wish there was s "cretinous post" button.

        1. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          It would be worn out in no time.

      10. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        IT is pen, you can dislike what sterling did as much as you want but when he touch Fabs leg then its a case.

    • Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      In the words of our beloved Fudgy, this surely is a week from hell.

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        "Beloved". Quite the opposite.

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

          Why do you hate him so much, I enjoy his posts gives me a laugh

          1. FFSbet.com
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            This

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

          True

        3. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          He’s so obviously a troll that it’s funny. Think you’re probably in the minority if you actually despise him

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            He is also a proven liar.

        4. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          He makes this place a fun place

    • FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tired of Justin and Coufal with 50% EO...

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

        I benched Coufal and won't get him, never had bench points

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

          who did you bench him for?

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

            Cancelo Mee Dallas

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

              yeh but which one did you specifically choose over Coufal?

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

                Oh sorry, I used one of my free transfers to bring in Mee which meant benching Coufal

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

                  thats fair enough though, you made the right choice who to play i think, it what it is.

        2. Max City
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          My bench:
          Martinez Watkins Dallas Coufal.. 24 points already

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

            who did you play over them?

    • DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not watching the game but extremely worried with the Man City and Liverpool game. Currently hiding behind the sofa hoping Gundogan does not haul do you think he will?

      Rival Gundogan C
      Me Bruno C

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

        Your favourite type of post

        1. DRIZ ✅
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Sorry steve?

    • Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      54,928 managers captained Gundo.

    • JustPark
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Well played, McDonald.

    • Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I wonder if Cancelo will get a shot at penalties.

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

        KdB is not far from returning.

      2. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He should. All the others are awful

    • Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nice little pattern forming for Sterling. Scores one game, blanks the next. Just in time for the DGW(C)

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

        He actually missed a game so technically that's not a blank.

    • Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Feels good to finally get Justin

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

        You brought him in for Wol LIV Avl ARS?

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

        ? He not got DGW

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

        Why would you play the transfer before the FA Cup games play out?

    • Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundogan pls score second half you eejit

    • Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gw from hell...

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

        Season*

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

        18 from 8, c Bamford still to come - 2 first players on the bench have 19

        1. Max City
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          my first 2 have 18

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

        can't say the same tbh. Martinez, Justin, Bruno, DCL and Son have got me in the 60's. Surprised there's anyone who doesn't have all 5 of those players

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

      Fantasy football is a game of luck. Everyone with the same pool of players. Just luck whether you play, bench or captain them. Don't let anyone think they're better than anyone else at this game. Just depends if you're luckier than others.

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

        How do you explain managers with good finishes year-after-year?

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 1 month ago

            With like 6 million years surely some will just get lucky every year, isn't that statistically likely?

            Not saying it's pure luck or anything but your argument isn't the best

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Players*** not years

              • Cruyff Turn
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                My actual argument about this:

                Your total points over every gw is a matter of luck, your total points over a season is a matter of consistency and skill.

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

            Worryingly some people think there is a large skill element

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

            There's surely skill involved. Many managers have performed well consistently. But I agree about the luck factor.

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

            Except people consistently finish with a strong rank.

            It must also be judgement as well as luck across seasons.

          • DGW Sane TC Fail....
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Luck does play a part, but you have to be knowledgeable about football to get a decent rank.

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

              Well said

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

              Or just come on here the day before deadline

          • WVA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Skill will get you into the top 100k by the end of the season (used to be 10k) the rest is all luck.

            1. Guru Mediation
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Spot on

          • Guru Mediation
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            It's a game of luck, but there is skill involved too. 60% luck, 40% skill.

            Winning FPL requires massive amounts of luck though

          • Isco Disco
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            THIS is so true! I said this few posts above.
            FPL is truly a game of luck with little knowledge of football needed.
            Even a 12 yr old can win the FPL if he's lucky

            1. Guru Mediation
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Yes, but skill gives you a better chance of a high rank. Evidenced by the managers who consistently get high ranks

        2. Bury94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Ederson is gonna be on pens at this rate

        3. Del Griffith
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Honestly lads, FPL is hilarious, almost every game week disaster strikes in the most unpredictable ways, it's comedy gold!!

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

            2020/1
            Keeps on giving

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

          Firmino and Mane looking sharper than Salah?

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

            Isn't that always the case?

          2. Max City
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            like always

        5. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Need a Salah goal to save the GW

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

          Ederson to take the next one?

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

            Why not? Keep hearing he is the best penalty taker in the squad.

        7. HuttonDressedasLahm
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Played Gundogan, Sterling, Soucek
          Benched Konsa, Coufal

          Don’t own, Spurs, DCL, Justin,

          Season over

        8. Duke Silver ☑
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Can see Liverpool nicking this. City are so passive. It's like some mental block they have when playing at Anfield.

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

          I'm currently on 24 points : D

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

            Beating (by less) my 28
            Would have been on 38
            Thanks Gundogan

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

            Had one of those weeks before.
            Don’t change anything following week will be great

        10. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Different GW, same crap!