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.

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1,652 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I it worth doing raphinha to barnes for a -4?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on if you need players for 29, if you're FH then I'd do it.

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      GW26 alone yes, in the grand scheme of 26-29 you know best your team

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

      Yes it could well be

    5. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is raphina you're 8th attacker? Because if so then no... even if he isn't your 8th attacker, i probably wouldn't be too keen on it. Raphina has been very good.

  2. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Was Maddison injured??

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tweets

    2. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Could be a reoccurrence of his hip injury, taken off as a precaution. Keep an eye on it.

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        How bad has it been previously?

  3. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you bb McCarthy, Dallas, Raphinha, Bamford and a 5.5m defender, maybe Maguire?

    1. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Similar(ish) situation but not going to have any DGW players on the bench without taking a hit. McCarthy, Strujik, Raphina and Ings for me.

      I'm using one of the chips so it depends how I feel about TC chip I think.

      1. mr messi
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If I dont bb I’m considering tc’ing DCL/Salah/Bruno

    2. JJO
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      5 bench players?
      Yeah i would take that

      1. mr messi
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Oops, miscounted!

  4. Londongeezaa
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling may have his critics but he’s returned in 4 out of the last 5 games for me.

    Pretty pleased as an owner.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You have to just hold with Sterling. I don't like him as a captain option as hard to call his hauls, but if you don't fiddle he's been a great asset now for weeks.

    2. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      he's an ok pick but i still rather the other premiums instead - especially when it comes to the DGW's upcoming when he's more likely to be rotated than said other premiums

  5. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Asking for a first opinion here now during the break.

    Next week, who would you start?
    A) Bamford (AVL)
    B) Raphinha (AVL)
    C) Burn (WBA)

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

      B

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ABC in that order

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you have the BB, play it here

      If not... Reluctantly, B

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

        Think 30 makes more sense if you’re Leeds heavy and no FH. Most 29 teams are also good for 30

      2. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Used it last week to decent effect. TC this week 🙂

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raph

      Villa look rocky to me and all those set pieces. Very happy to start him next week

      WBA attack looks to be on the up

    5. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks both. Currently have that.

      Now I'm likely not getting Son (Have Salah & Barnes who were the potential fall guys), I could alternatively do:

      Burn > [6.9m] DGWer for a -4 and play them.

      Obviously, losing a 29-er in the future, but maybe someone like Reguilon worth a think.

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

        Wouldn’t go near Spurs defence

        Had Reg for yonks when Spurs were actually good - they always find a way to concede

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Haha true. Digne has a double, and may double again in 28.

          I did just sell him on WC actually, but god DGW. Shame he doesn't have a 29 fixture.

        2. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          (Just don't trust Everton defence!)

  6. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A Dias goal followed by a cleanie and 3 bapulars would be most welcome this wonderful afternoon..

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

      Wishful
      Dias is terrible at attacking

    2. JJO
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Or just goal conceded 🙂

  7. Lemongrab
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish owners, if we don't get a definitive answer as to whether he plays Vs Leeds what are you doing? V. Frustrating timing

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Selling

      1. Forgetmeknot
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He’s out

    2. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m keeping as I want to bring in Martinez for Areola this week. If Grealish misses both games, I will have Lowton coming off the bench for me.

      With Maddison injured, Barnes is less appealing and he has tough fixtures too.

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Selling for Barnes. Pretty simple for me. Grealish Ings Bamford > Barnes DCL Kane -8

  8. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Whats the latest wity maddison?

    Got him on wc in prep for BB next week. Cant be wasting transfers moving DGWers out with 3 leeds already in

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      His hips don't lie

  9. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pope, Johnstone
    Cancelo, Stones, Digne, Lowton, Dallas
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Raphinha, Soucek
    Antonio, Bamford, Ings

    1FT £0.1m ITB

    What should I do here guys?

    1. BooYaKasha
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      WC

      1. tabby98
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You think? I was hoping to hold it until gw 30 maybe

    2. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Antonio to Watkins

  10. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play BB with Areola + Raphinha + Vestergaard + Struijk?

  11. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Rmwct:

    Martinez / 3.9
    Digne / Reguilon / Stones / White / Struik
    Bruno / Salah / Son / Gundo / Raphi
    Kane / DCL / Watkins

    1. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      3.9/10

      1. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I.e. you need a Leicester mid/fwd.

        1. trinzoo
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Dont like their double + without maddy they might struggle. Punt on triple spurs for the double. I have 8 players for gw29 already.

    2. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Struijk worries me - I'd find the money for an upgrade to a nailed defender. If he drops back out it leaves you struggling for 29.

      1. Marcin the Pole
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I also would not be doubling on Spurs - get a mid price option in for Son and spread those funds.

  12. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you bench boost with this lot or just use the TC on Kane/Son/DCL?

    Sanchez/White/Dallas/Raphina

    1. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      BB. Its not the ideal bench but u just have to get BB out of the way and probably wont get a better opportunity

    2. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Seems as good a time as any to use the BB to me. What you have to assess is will a better opportunity come along? I would say probably not.

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd BB this

  13. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    With -4 could set up with this team? Is this good enough? Tarkowski probably not worth further hit to remove

    Martinez
    Cancelo Tarkowski Shaw
    Sterling Bruno Gundogan Barnes
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Pope Raphinha Dallas Coufal

  14. Im New Here
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Haven't been watching - is Gundo playing deeper with the return of KDB? Gundo owners going to hold?

    1. Lemongrab
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Still making runs in to the box. Could have had one but heavy touch let him down. Going nowhere for me.

      1. Im New Here
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks Lemongrab (I always found him really disturbing)

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sterling also had air shot for assist early on

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Of the 5 attackers his average position is in their half behind the front 3.

  15. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Whats the FFS cup qualification score looking like atm??

    1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Oh yes you’d love to see it

  16. Defochibe
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or vardy?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

    2. Im New Here
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane for me given DGW26 fixtures and Leicester goals coming from midfield currently

    3. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane.

    4. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am going both. Kane if one.

  17. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Cancelo starts in the UCL, Can he start both in 26?

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No chance

    2. A. PRISE
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No chance

  18. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Evening guys.....which 2 FTs would you do to replace Ings and Grealish......
    A, Kane and Lookman.
    ,B, DCL and Barnes.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  19. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or Son if you could not afford both?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

    2. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son for more flexibility - I feel they are correlated in the long run

  20. moz_1983
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Got rid of Sterling, Richarlison, and Antonio on my WC this week. I also have Barnes first on my bench with Foden starting instead, who will inevitably come on for 5 mins.

    Bad times.

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Think long term. You've probably put yourself into a better position for 26, 29, etc with the WC.

  21. FPLMarc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy
    Dias - Targett - Dallas - Lowton
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Grealish - Gundogan
    DCL - Bamford - Antonio

    2 FT, plus unused WC/BB/TC

    Original plan was to get Kane (tc) & Brewster for Bamford & Antonio. Then, with Grealish hurt, get Kane (tc) & 6m mid for Grealish & Antonio.

    Now, Grealish mightn't be injured and Kane is rapidly losing all appeal, never mind as triple captain.

    What to do? Other names include Vardy, Barnes and Sterling

  22. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can City hold that cleansheet?
    (not so confident)

  23. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    100% of City's goals have come in matches when they've played 90 mins or more #fact

    1. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'll need some proof

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thats not true.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        They have played 5aside training games and scored goals

    3. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wow. Super funny.

  24. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB crosshot and skyshot already today

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

      Off target again

  25. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Keep pissing away BPS, Zinchenko!

  26. mezza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Zinchenko more attacking than Cancelo

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bigger BAPs magnet too.

    2. dark91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Has to do with the opponent

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah this too. Arsenal's left side has far more threat.

        Zinchenko has all the time in the world on his wing.

  27. Here's Tom with the We…
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you lose to get Kane?

    A Salah
    B Bruno
    C Son -4
    D Don’t bother with Kane

    1. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah

    2. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      D

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Never Bruno.

    4. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks all. Think it’s between A and D, for me

  28. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I heard Dean Smith’s interview live and based on his words, Grealish will miss the Leeds game max and return for the following game against Sheffield.

    Villa have a double fixture in GW29 and could also have one for GW28.

    I shall leave it to you wise people on what to do with Grealish

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I was going to do grealish to Barnes but will try to wait until more news then

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The real winners for the DGW will be those who show a bit of patience and don’t chase this weeks points.

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Leicester got 2 great fixtures

          1. Vazza
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Really?? Arsenal and Burnley are tough defences to breakdown

            1. Stranger Mings
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Ok good point maybe not ‘great’ but I can see them winning both

              1. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Without their tallisman Maddison?

                Don’t listen to me mate as I’m terrible at this game.

                Evidence: I didn’t own Bamford and Raphina for their mega hauls against Wolves this week.

                1. Vazza
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  And have Bruno as captain for the Newcastle game later..

                  1. Stranger Mings
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Perhaps if grealish misses only 1 game I may go go DCL & kane

                2. Stranger Mings
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Ok I will reconsider if Maddison out

  29. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gameweek hanging on Arsenal not scoring now.

  30. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do people loading up on Leicester not think Europa League will affect them? Not sure they have the squad to cope compared to Spurs or Utd

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

      They've been in the Europa League throughout this season. They're second in EPL at the moment

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

        When the Europa League was on earlier they were struggling though and they could still rotate as the teams weren’t as good

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe, maybe not. They took off players earlier when they were drawing last time.

      I reckon they must be prioritising the league because they have a fantastic shot at qualifying for UCL. Will only get that from Europa League if they were to win the thing.

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 2 months ago

        They have a better squad than most tbf, could do with a striker instead of nachos though

      • Marcin the Pole
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        We have more depth than people think, plus a very young squad capable of playing a lot of matches. I'm not overly concerned.