Dugout Discussion

Gundogan fit to start as De Bruyne returns to City XI and Foden drops to bench

After missing out on Manchester City’s win over Everton in midweek, Ilkay Gundogan (£6.1m) has made a swift return from a groin injury and makes Pep Guardiola’s starting XI this afternoon.

Arsenal are the latest team attempting to stop City’s 17-game unbeaten run, with kick-off at the Emirates at 16:30 GMT.

Gundogan featured prominently in both the transfers in and out columns in the run-up to Gameweek 24: 365,022 Fantasy Premier League managers recruited the German after his huge haul against Spurs, with 244,409 of us moving the in-form midfielder on – no doubt influenced by the yellow flag that appeared next to his name following his no-show on Merseyside.

There is other noteworthy team news from the City camp, with Gundogan one of five players who are recalled.

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) makes his first start in over a month, with John Stones (£5.2m), Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) and Fernandinho (£5.4m) also back in Guardiola’s line-up.

Phil Foden (£6.1m) drops to the bench despite scoring at Goodison Park, with Gabriel Jesus (£9.2m), Kyle Walker (£6.1m), Rodri (£5.3m) and Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) also making way from the team that took to the pitch at kick-off on Wednesday.

Sergio Aguero (£10.3m), who has not played for City since the beginning of January, is also among the substitutes for the visitors.

Having named the same team in his last two competitive matches, Mikel Arteta also makes five changes to his starting XI.

Kieran Tierney (£5.2m), Rob Holding (£4.5m), Nicolas Pepe, Pablo Marí (£4.4m) and Mohamed Elneny (£4.2m) return, with Cedric Soares (£4.6m), David Luiz (£5.4m), Gabriel (£5.0m), Emile Smith Rowe (£4.3m) and Dani Ceballos (£4.7m) dropping to the bench.

LINE-UPS

Arsenal XI: Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Pablo Mari, Tierney, Elneny, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Pepe, Aubameyang.

Man City XI: Ederson, Joao Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, Gundogan, Mahrez, De Bruyne, Sterling.

DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 25 SO FAR…

Gundogan fit to start as De Bruyne returns to City XI and Foden drops to bench 1

Second-place Leicester City warmed up for their Gameweek 26 double-header with a win over Aston Villa on Sunday, a match that was notable for injuries to two well-owned FPL midfielders.

Harvey Barnes (£6.8m) recorded his second successive double-digit haul with a goal and an assist in the Foxes’ victory, which took his total to 10 attacking returns in 11 Gameweeks.

James Maddison (£7.3m) is in similarly fine form and opened the scoring at Villa Park – his 12th goal or assist in his last 14 appearances.

But the England midfielder hobbled from the field of play just after the hour-mark, having twice needed treatment from the visitors’ physios.

Missing altogether was Jack Grealish (£7.7m), who was sidelined with a reported shin problem.

While some reports suggest the Villa talisman may be absent for several weeks, manager Dean Smith said he was “hopeful” of the player’s return against Leeds.

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

1,652 Comments Post a Comment
  1. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Tierney deserves far better than Arsenal

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

    We were better without Kev

    Remarkable

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

      Strange but true. Maybe KDB's style and range of passing is more suited to playing with a natural number 9 who makes runs in behind and gets on the end of deep crosses.

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

        This. They need an out and out finisher like Haaland to complete the team

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

        It’s slowing many things down. Kdb controlling the tempo and limiting need for likes of gundo getting forward as much

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

      They did win the PL without him so maybe there is something there...

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

    Is it me or kdb comes back and city go back to tika taka from the start of the season

    When he’s out they were free flowing and ruthless

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

      It’s you.

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Agree. They won the league without him with 98 points. Not even top 3 City player.

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

        Thanks NIHO992. Lots of people of unaware of that stat. I usually post a link. Kdb had about 5 goal involvements that season. Sterling 30+. Last few games also proved they can live without him.

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

      See above.

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

      Dynamics change a bit depending on personnel. There were more tika taka when he was out though. He crosses more or plays long passes. I enjoyed watching them more without Kdb.

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

        Amazing player but from what I see there is a shift in style when he comes in

        He controls the tempo which is not a bad thing but it’s very slow. Also limits the need for gundo to make runs or seek spaces as kdb performs that job

        Maybe it’s too early to say but I can’t but think city start of the season were winning scoring one and two goals with kdb

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

          Even if quality players are missing it can be a net positive for the team sometimes if it changes the approach. It applies not only to KDB, but also Aguero. At the start of the season most people were saying City wouldn't win the league without him, yet they've arguably been better without a striker at all.

  4. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Arsenal goal incoming...

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

    Arsenal playing well here

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

    Arsenal dominating now, City need to take KDB off

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

      I'll be glad if gundo who's taken off

  7. money face bandwagon
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    dias n sterling owner here. i should wish for arsenal to score right

    1. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ??????!

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Plenty with double City. So yes.

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

      Yeah - City defence EO is over 100%

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

      No, Dias will get 2/3 baps if it stays 1-0 I think

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

    If Salah/Bruno/Kane/City could get a DGW with 2 of Leeds, Southampton, Palace, Newcastle, Sheffield or West Brom it would make things so much easier. Every other team is extremely solid at the back this year

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

      Salah (C) with SHU away? The fact they have Chelsea aswell is a bonus.

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

        If Fabinho and Hendo are fit i might go for it. If not I don’t want to go near him

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

        Prefer Bruno with Palace and Chelsea.

        Palace more likely to crumble and Bruno in better form.

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

    Starting to doubt wether Kane is worth a -4 now. Spurs look absolute pants.

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

      I will be very surprised if you don't bring him in

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

        Played better in second half.

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

      We were ok today, Kane could have had 1 or 2 - I think we’ll batter someone next week but that’s just my gut

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

    Gundo broken

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would you say that if he took a better first touch and buried the decent chance he got?

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

    Cannot fit in Gundo in my FH team. 0.6M short. Have to settle for Pereira/Ghazi/Shaw/Targett.
    Any of these over Gundo? Have Ederson and Cancelo.

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

      Get Gundo ahead of defence - much much higher ceiling. City defence only average value despite all those 6 pointers

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

      You're FH'ing this week?

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

        Yes. Have 7 starters for 29. Will deadend into 29. WC 30/31.No Kane Son and Leicester in original team, Dont fancy a WC either.

        Pretty unpopular strategy. But fits my team.

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

      In current form I'd get Gundogan & maybe downgrade Cancelo, since he may even sit one game out.

      Decent options under his price point.

      Not sure if you've got another City player though. Would still want three.

      (Keep Ederson as he'll get two games)

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

        Fair Enough. Cancelo to Targett/Shaw/Semedo with Gundo in works fine.

        Cheers.

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

      Traore, am also FH-ing

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

        Cant stretch to 5.9. Dont fancy Villa without Traore. Although fixtures are too good attacking wise.

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

          Well, WBA Pereira or FUL Lookman, I might go for

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

    Anyone keeping Grealish? Looks like he’ll be back v. soon

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Smith says he is hoping he is back for Leeds?!?!

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

        He should be back for the Sheffield game at the very least

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

      Getting him in on a wc.. playing in bgw29 as well

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

      https://twitter.com/FFScout/status/1363535143730823174?s=20

      Smith doesn't know. He's just being optimistic. And according to what Villa fans say about how their club handles injury news, that could mean he's out for a while

      Maybe wait for a more definitive prognosis from the medical team, if we ever get that

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

    Poor quality from Pepe Saka and Xhaka ruining Arsenal's attacks

  14. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Arsenal are going to score aren’t they

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

      No

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

    Saka is some player

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

      I love him but his final ball has been poor today

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

      Auditioning for a move to City

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

        Seems quite likely that Pep would love him

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pepe is not.

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

    Still waiting for some points this week. Mee comfortably my highest scoring player with 5 atm.

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

      At least you’ve had a player return. I’m 10/10 for blanks right now after using WC

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

    KDB is a glorified Thiago. Just points fingers, sticks thumbs up and makes idea passes. Give me Soucek any day of the week.

    1. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Omg

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

      Nobody is gonna take that bait mate

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

    On a WC

    Sterling or KDB?
    Gundo or Foden (or Diaz)

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

      Gundo and whoever is rested midweek

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

      KDB
      Gundo

  19. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you sacrifice from these to get Kane -4?
    Sterling, Son, Bruno, Salah? (Maybe Sterling to Foden)

  20. Kai
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    TC DCL yea or nay?

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

      If Allan is fit it’s a possibility

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

    I think Cancelo is a potential sell. His attacking threat seems to have dropped off a cliff over several games now. Never anywhere near the bonus pts either.

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

      Attacking potential is overblown here

      1 goal and 2 assists. That’s pretty bad

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

      Sold for Shaw on WC. All fart no poo and will get rotated too

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

      If you got him at 5.5 or less, why on earth would you sell? City defensively are miles and miles ahead of the rest.

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

      Yea he's an expensive option at this point and he doesn't inspire me with attacking return potential really

      Might go Stones Gundo Kdb

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

      Agree. can't find the transfer, though.

    6. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      6 shots in the last 4 games, what are you talking about? They haven't the easiest of fixtures either. I expect him to get something next GW especially if he's benched for UCL.

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

      No way, on wc maybe but don’t waste a transfer on him

      Who are you going to get that scores more points between now and the end of the season?

  22. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Raz out on the wing waving about. Probably getting his DGW rest within this game.

  23. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Selling Maddy will cost me -8 for next GW. Does that warrant WC??

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

      why on earth are you selling Maddison?

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

        Injured no??

  24. Saka_me_sideways
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    7 and a half games into my wildcard gw and still waiting for my first return...

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

      Lowton my only one so far!

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

        I may as well of signed Titus bramble and Emily heskey

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

    I’ve never really despised an arsenal player being an arsenal fan, but I genuinely can’t stand Granit Xhaka. Wish he would go away man 🙁

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

      Should never have played again after his hissy fit.

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

        Yeah, threw the shirt to the floor, never apologised. Got a red card against Burnley who didn’t have a shot on goal and beat us, never apologised to the team.

        Gabriel after his red card against Southampton said sorry straight away. Xhaka has an ego and thinks he’s class, when he makes 1/2 dodgy passes to gift potential goals every single game.

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

    Saka and Tierney Arsenal's main threat. Expecting an Arsenal goal second half .

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

    That it Kev, keep a low profile like Kane and then next week Boom!

  28. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you switch grealish to maddison ?

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

      Grealish to anyone.

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

      Neither is fit

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Went off injured so not atm

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

      Barnes

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

    Areola and lowton points like absolute gold dust in this rancid game week

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

      Pope my only return so far. Gutted my rival has Barnes.

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

    Guess the Sterling > son plan needs a rethink now?

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

      You are swayed by one goal? Sterling owner here but I wouldn't change plans on one goal or previous weeks returns for that matter.

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

        Not yet. Just a thought so far. One more goal and the swaying will begin.