Dugout Discussion

De Bruyne and Gundogan benched as Sterling misses Man City’s Fulham trip

Pep Guardiola took his rotation policy to a whole new level for Manchester City’s Gameweek 28 trip to Fulham.

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m), Ilkay Gundogan (£6.2m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.1m) are all on the bench tonight where they are joined by Phil Foden (£6.1m).

After missing Manchester City’s second Double Gameweek 27 match against Southampton, Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) is absent from the matchday squad entirely tonight.

There are fewer rotation casualties in defence as it looks as if Guardiola has switched to a rather unprecedented back-three.

Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) joins Ruben Dias (£6.1m) and John Stones (£5.3m) in the team while Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) and João Cancelo (£6.2m) are set for full-back roles.

Even more intriguing is that Gabriel Jesus (£9.2m) and Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) start together for the first time since March 2020.

While that prospect sounds dangerous on paper, it will be interesting to see how the two players gel at Craven Cottage considering they have 15 minutes on the pitch at the same time this season.

Meanwhile, Fulham have seemingly set up to defend tonight, André-Franck Zambo Anguissa (£4.5m) coming in for Josh Maja (£5.5m) to join Mario Lemina (£4.5m) and Harrison Reed (£4.4m) in the central-midfield trio.

Gameweek 28 Line-ups

Fulham XI: Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Tete; Lemina, Reed, Anguissa; Lookman, Cavaleiro, Loftus-Cheek.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Laporte, Dias, Stones; Mendy, Rodrigo, B Silva, Cancelo; Torres; Jesus, Aguero.

Gameweek 28 so far…

Despite Everton suffering yet another home defeat this season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.7m) finally rewarded his patient owners with his 14th goal of the campaign.

It was his first since Gameweek 23 while the in-form Richarlison (£8.0m) blanked for the second successive match after getting four goals in the previous four.

Burnley’s Chris Wood (£6.2m) got his first away goal since Gameweek 2 and has now netted in back-to-back league games for the first time in 2020/21.

That ensured more frustration for owners of Everton defensive assets, of which Lucas Digne (£6.2m) is the most popular (10.1%).

The Toffees have now conceded at least twice in four of their last seven league matches.

Meanwhile, first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (£4.8m) was forced off in the first half to be replaced by João Virgínia (£4.3m).

Provisional bonus points

  • 3 – Dwight McNeil
  • 2 – Chris Wood
  • 1 – Tom Davies

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1,094 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bennerman
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Half-time City sub? Maybe even two, if Pep's really angry?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No chance unfortunately

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

      As is till 55/60.

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

      Pep may not make any subs at all

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

        This

  2. JohnnyRev7
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    There's so many shiite ideas/concepts that start on here that gain traction through Chinese whispers. Then they become Gospel and eventually set in stone.

    Most of them are bollox.

    Play your own game boys and girls.

    And good luck!

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Like what?

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

        Stating that someone has a 'ceiling', and that you know that ceiling, is one.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Isn’t that just based on a players historical best score? Kinda makes sense if they’ve played a lot of games

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

            No player has a ceiling, though, do they? They could get any amount of points.

      2. Says
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        attacker 'coverage'

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

          I would add defensive coverage, but I can't be arsed to get into a discussion about it, so now's the time to destroy me in a reply.

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

            The idea that you have to captain a certain player if you buy him, or there is no point.

            Plain wrong.

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

              Talking about them Bruno sellers from last week.

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

      Areola (C) next week

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

      Your team is the template mate

    4. Tanglebrain
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Well said there

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

        Johnny

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

      Ideas are bad. Very bad.

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

        Let's check the ideas imminent table to see what myth is due next

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

    Should have started areola ahead of forster...

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

      Decision may be made for you.

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

        True

  4. A. PRISE
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Torres should be playing for a League 2 side

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

    With Areola on my bench, I’m pretty sure I know how this finishes 🙄

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I started McCarthy like a clown aswell. Sods law he starts.

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

    Kun limping trying to summon his goal.

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

      He's permanently limping nowadays.

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

    Another quality half of football.

  8. tambourineman
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sheffield United finally confirm that Chris Wilder has left by mutual consent
    https://twitter.com/SheffieldUnited/status/1370838496517234691?s=20

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

      Sad!

      1. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Why sad bottom of league

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

      Not good for Sheff Utd IMO

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

      Really odd. It’s far too late, if they were going to do this it should’ve been done when someone could come in a have a significant say it changing the play. Who wants to come in and manage a team back through the Championship?

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He may have walked himself. Rebuilding a team and bringing them back up is a massive task, and mentally it's so draining. I think maybe Wilder will take a break.

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

          Yeah suspect that might be the case.

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

        There are many coaches in League 1 for example...

    4. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shame, wonder why he didn’t go sooner if he was to leave. Strange one

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

        There was some kind of fallout?

  9. Bushwhacker
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    When even a fully rested City team is awful ... blimey.

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

    City look a bit confused with this formation
    Half-time change incoming

  11. SB007
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am I the only one to have captained Vardy this week - surely it’s nailed on?

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

      Magnus Carlson has so you are in good company

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes but no Maddison or Barnes to give him the ball and space

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

    For GW29 Aina-4 worth a shout?

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

      Shhhhhh my differential

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

        If bamford out very tempted

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

        Lookman has looked ok also

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

    Feel like I’m wasting my mornings, afternoons and evenings watching most of these games. Borefest

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

      Your fpl Link is broken?

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

        It’s very old from last season

        I tried updating on my phone but it doesn’t seem to work anymore

        Either it’s my phone or the site or a combination sadly. Need to get my laptop repaired but nothings open

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

      totally this, I'm finding myself switching attention to something else more and more

    3. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It's not healthy tbh. Limit yourself to a few games.

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

      Too much asked of the players this year. They’ve screwed the pooch big time.

    5. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not healthy. But lockdown without watching football would be even worse.

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

    You’ve got to feel sorry for Chris Wilder and is his departure from the club..

    1. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why he’s not good enough

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

        Really? He didn’t exactly have billions of pounds of funding and Ronaldo, Messi type players did he?!!

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Couldn’t adapt. They were lucky last year and a bit unlucky this.

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

        Adapt with what? He has McGoldrick, McBurnie type players who can’t finish their dinner let alone score a goal. He has had a league 2 squad for years which he did really well with.

        1. Party time
            3 years, 1 month ago

            But he had cash to buy a striker. Guess who he bought?
            Brewster...

          • Bushwhacker
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Should’ve built the team around Brewster and Mousset and learned to attack.

      2. Party time
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Feel sorry my arse

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

        I am not surprised this is 0-0 at halftime.

        Pep leaving out KDB, Mahrez, Sterling, Gundo and Foden results in a weak team. Bilva is the only creative player out there, and the only above average one.

        I can only assume from here on out he considers the league over already.

        1. Not again Shirley
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          And he would be right. May as well keep players fresh for the other competitions. Makes sense to be fair. No one will remember in future years how many points City won the league by. It’s almost an irrelevance and as they have pretty much won it why would he risk playing his main players all the time. This year is a decent chance for them to win Champions League.

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

            yeah, agree, makes it time to re-asses what (if any) city players are worth having from now on though.

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

              *reassess

      4. mr messi
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        All these footballers with perfectly groomed hair when barbers are supposed to be shut! They should be setting an example.

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

          Comparing yourself and a millionare who can hire a permanent barber for him alone.

          1. mr messi
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            But they are breaking the law if they do.

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

          Probably got their own stylist on site

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

          totally this

        4. Well you know, Triffic
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          They use Peps barber.

        5. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I dont understand how Arsenal, for example, played in Europe 3 days ago and then nobody is forced to self isolate?

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

            They couldn't play otherwise without the bubble and neutral venues etc.

        6. Says
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          The club probably has an isolated barber sorted out for the team in general

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

            Still illegal

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

            Pretty obviously the case. Stupid comment from the original poster.

            1. mr messi
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Not a stupid comment. It’s against the law and the government have said they are breaking the law.

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

                Agreed. The above comment is stupid, if we're going to start throwing insults around.

                (Above you I mean, Messi)

            2. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Yours is the stupid comment. It’s illegal

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

            Nah

            There was something in the papers about how the Newcastle boys were doing it illegally and then one of them posted his haircut live on social media. Could have been Joelinton

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

          Here it is

          Joelinton being fined for his haircut

          https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-55932505

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

        Fulham are impressive.

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

          Sure are

          Over 200 minutes and counting against Liverpool, Spurs and City for one goal down. They really need to sign up their loanees full time next season.

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

        I got laughed at for suggesting to get rid of Digne this week lol I wish I did!!! He’s definitely gone now!

        1. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          You're still going to get laughed at when he has a DGW in 2 weeks.

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

            You obviously haven’t been paying attention lol. DGW means nothing!

            1. Egg noodle
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              DGW with Rodriguez in the mix. We'll see.

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

                We shall. But you know that DGW has blinded us on so many occasions.

                1. Egg noodle
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 1 month ago

                  I completely agree that DGWs can be completely useless. For for example, I got lucky with Stones in a DGW earlier in the season. I would never get rid of a player before their DGW, personally.

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

                    Honestly I don’t think I usually would either but I’ve been frustrated by Evertons defence and after Digne giving me 0 points last GW then 1 today “against Burnley at home” his times up.

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

          Even if double confirmed in week 30?

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

            Yep. I have absolutely no confidence in Evertons defence. If you haven’t realised it this season already, DGW has blinded us from making the right decisions

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

        Since this match is boring, let me ask a more boring question.

        Does anyone own BOTH an Alexa Echo device AND a Blink camera setup?

        I am trying to see if motion detected by Blink can audio notify via an Alexa device...

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

          ok that was the last straw, I fell asleep

      8. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        All that hoo ha about Cancelo and guess who's leading the baps. It's Dias.

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

          I was trying to work that one out myself

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

          Cancelo goal and assist yet to be added though

          1. Egg noodle
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Haha

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

          Hahah. I got rid of Cancelo as soon as this GW commenced. This is the last week for him in my squad even if he hauls for me today.

      9. Isca Extremadura
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        They literally get their asses wiped, personal
        in house groomers etc

      10. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Who gets subbed off? I'm thinking Laporte for Kdb / Gundo.

        Aguero also another candidate, although he may sacrifice Jesus if he wants to play him in the cl.

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

          Maybe even Mendy

          1. Well you know, Triffic
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Mendy still gives them the overlap and width. The 3 CB's is a bit much against Fulham.

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

          Aguero guaranteed. Torres has been awful. Mendy's a good shout too.

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

          Probably another game Pep makes no subs lol

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

        Thank you for Lundstram, Chris Wilder!

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

          Keeping Lundstramon the bench was the first mistake he did. Next manager coming in and hopefully Lundstram would be back on the radar.

          1. FPL Theorist
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Are you being serious? Lundstram has played 1738 minutes, 0 G, 2 A. Can't blame it on being benched.

      12. EWH2020
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Fulham will stuff Leeds and we will all laugh about the time we ruined our squads just so that we could hold 3x Leeds players for a blank game week and lock in 6 points. Then spending -4 to get rid of them

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

          Fulham look good and solid at the back so defenders like Aina could be gold

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

          Took the minus 4 last week in expectation 🙂

      13. Isca Extremadura
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

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

          I agree.

        2. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Well said.

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

          This

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

        Cancelo continues being the nearly man

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

          He's just a tease.

      15. acidicleo
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Is it better to buy for GW29..

        A) Raphinha or
        B) Fulham defender

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

          Raph

      16. OleBall
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        What does Dias do for bps? seems to do well every week without doing anything lol

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

          Pass, pass, pass

      17. Says
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Glad Parker stuck with that formal anorak

      18. Isca Extremadura
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Maybe BP’s stand for Barber points !!