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. MoSalad
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is everyone holding transfers until after the FA Cup games?

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

      100%

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

        It’s the sensible decision. Can’t make my mind up either on DCL, might just do Barnes to Lookman and C Gundo.

    2. deshawn7
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Might do Wilson to DCL tonight, 0.2m price swing

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

        Yeah I’m debating DCL but I would be changing BobbyDR so seems a bit backwards.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Haha why wouldn't you?! I doubt people are struggling for money itb. Info > 0.1

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

        Fair point anything can happen before next GW.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Especially when fa cup games are on during the week

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

      Absolutely

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

      Yes

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

    71 with Bamford (c) to go

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

      81 (-4) Bam to go

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

      72 if i started DCL but I didn’t. Antonio captain fail too. Disappointing weekend all round

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

      67 Bamford to go,Antonio (c)

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

      65 with Bamford, Dallas and Mendy to go .... DCL on bench sob sob ...

    5. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      64 with Bam to go... happy with that!

    6. Hazard_18
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      65 with Dallas and Bamford to go

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

    Triple City defence here (benched 2 of them so this week went ok).

    It makes sense to dump one and bring in Gundo and Mee for a hit right? Gundo looking like the best captain next week.

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

      Yeah makes sense.

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

      Doing exact same moves.

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

      I'd wait until the FA Cup is played

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

        Yeah of course

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

      Yes.

  4. Party time
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gündoğan is even better than Kdb this season

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

        Easily.

      2. Kane and Ablett
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Has been since Christmas- don’t look At the price tag just watch him play

      3. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Mate soucek is better than kdb

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

            at what? surely not football you're referring to?

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

              This is rubbish. There were clearly quite a number of games when the false 9 clearly didn't work.

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

                Whoops. Reply fail to Tonyawesome69

              2. Tonyawesome69
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                When they were playing with a false 9, City weren't playing with Foden and Bilva. Both are vital at that strategy, closing down and setting traps. Also I think KDB was slightly hampering Gundos attacking game. This is just based on the eye test.

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

                  So Aguero didn't really work as a central striker ? Lol.

                  1. Tonyawesome69
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 1 month ago

                    What are you talking about?! My comment is based on this season. Aguero hasn't done anything this season! Gundo didn't play this role until this season.

            2. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 1 month ago

                At everything you can possibly think of

          2. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            So much better when City play Gundo without KDB and false 9 instead of recognised striker

        • R.C
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Well thats the league done and dusted

        • KirkhamWesham
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Soucek out Raphinha in?
          Yes or no?

          Preparing for Leeds DGW.

          1. deshawn7
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Will wait to see if his red is rescinded or not

          2. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Yes but wait until closer to the deadline. Raphinha still to play tomorrow but Leeds don't have fa cup midweek

        • Rainer
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          If you're ever feeling stupid, remember adult males thought Man United could win the league this season...

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

            If you're ever feeling stupid, remember adult males thought liverpool could retain the title this season...

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

              If I ever feel stupid I read posts like this from you two and immediately feel better...........

        • JONALDINHO
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          It was obvious this would happen. No Anfield Crowd and missing all senior centre backs. All the constant injuries and niggles are causing fatigue throughout the squad. Just secure top 4 and next year we’ll be back to our best as cliche as it is. Congrats to City well deserved

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

            Nonsense. Got slapped 7 by Villa and Liverpool had full strength. Missing Van Dyk is an excuse for the average team that Liverpool are. Fluke league win last season.

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

              They won the Champions League the season before that.

              Fluke too?

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

                Against Spurs. Come on it's not like you played a big team in the final.

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

                  So all the other games to get to the final don't count then?

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

                    And I'm not a Liverpool fan as you can see from my grav. I'm a QPR fan.

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

                    Just because they reached the final doesn't mean it wasn't luck. Spurs were lucky with the games against City and Ajax. My point being Liverpool are overrated and this season shows it, with or without VVD.

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

          Can anyone do better (well worse) than 32 points on the bench?

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

            Not possible

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

              Haha, why would I lie? Martinez/Kilman/DCL/Stones

          2. deshawn7
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Had 33 three GW ago. Areola 10 Watkins 6 Soucek 15 ESR 2

          3. Kane and Ablett
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Just the 27 for me ..... I’ll try and stick to the template next time but still on 66 so far

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

            No. Only 20 for me.

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

          Selling Salah is justified now?

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

            Still scored.

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

              Dodgy penalty.

              Obviously he gets points but with Kane and Vardy back I'd like to use cash up front too. Lots of value in midfield to be had.

        • GROBARI
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Thiago is so slow for Klopps football,VVD is 50% of this team. TAA and Robertson out of form. Lot of injuries. CL spot is now questionable for them

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

          Benched Foden lol

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

            Ouch

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

          Allisson Blunderland.

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

            Haha snap Hazz (see below)

            1. Here's Tom with the We…
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              You mean both of you are watching sky.

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

                Sssshhh

                1. Here's Tom with the We…
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 1 month ago

                  Lol

                  Fair play! Haha

        • Milk, 1 Šuker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Alisson Blunderland. Not a bad team name.

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

            😮

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

            Very clever.

        • Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Chances of Abraham Coming on?

          Fpl cup opponenet with Gundigan 1st sub!

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

            Pretty good I would think.

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

              Awesome!

          2. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 1 month ago

              High with giroud and Werner both starting

          3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Allison blunderland 😆

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

              Haha.

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

              I see what you did there

              1. Here's Tom with the We…
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                You see what sky sports did you mean?

          4. pjomara
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            To add to my woes as a Liverpool fan, I benched Foden

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

              Same here brother

          5. DAZZ
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Welcome to my team Gundo! 5GW’s too late but we move

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

              You love to see it!

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

            Gundogan and Foden both get 3bps 🙂

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

            Gundo (C) locked in for just about everyone?

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

              Nick Pope (c) for me

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

            Will Robbo & TAA ever become great again?

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

            Great game for Foden. & no complaints here with Gundo, Salah, Cancelo playing, Stones benched!

          10. jammie26
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            As a Gundo owner am I being greedy reflecting on his penalty miss instead of enjoying his brace.

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

              Yeah... It was against Pool, wouldve been normal to expect nothing from him

          11. Leonard hatred
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I'm gonna keep Foden over switching him out for Gungo.

            Foden is such a good footballer - hoping he gets a lot of minutes towards the end of the season as pep preps him for a more important role next season.

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

            My front 7:
            10, 13, 7, 7, 9, 12, 2

            Guess which one I captained

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Antoniooooo

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

                Antonio then ?

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

                  Yup

              • Saka Punch
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Lol

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

                Antonio?

              • Mario Balofail
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Surely 13;)

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

                  I wish

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

              Foden or Gundo max BAPs

              1. Here's Tom with the We…
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Both

            3. Saka Punch
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Foden over Cancelo on gw25 WC? Thinking Dias Foden and Gundo as the trio

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

                Foden will still frustrate many a time

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

                  As will Cancelo mind

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

              Trent wasn't at the races and obviously Allison helped them out.

              Could have been 5 - 0.

              Never a penalty for Salah in my view.

              Foden was great.

            5. FC Hakkebøf
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Best city trio?

              A) Sterling, Gundogan, Cancelo
              B) Gundogan, Cancelo, Diaz
              C) Foden, Cancelo, Diaz
              D) Sterling, Foden, Cancelo

              Currently own Sterling, Foden and Cancelo. 2 FT to do some changes. Nothing else pressing.

              1. FC Hakkebøf
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                E) Foden, Gundogan, Cancelo

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

                Firstly it's Dias
                Secondly that's a headache
                Third, leave as is.

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

              47 with Bamford and Dallas to go.Anyone with less points?