Dugout Discussion

Gundogan back in City starting XI as Guardiola names strong side for Villa

After weeks of starting XI rotation around cup competitions home and abroad, Manchester City are back at something approaching full strength this evening.

The champions-elect take on Aston Villa in their delayed Gameweek 32 fixture, with kick-off in the Midlands at 20:15 BST.

Ilkay Gundogan has embodied that week-to-week uncertainty, having been benched in three successive league matches between Gameweeks 28 and 31.

The German is back in a Premier League starting XI this evening, along with Ruben Dias and a number of other high-profile, well-owned City assets.

Pep Guardiola has reacted to Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Chelsea by making eight alterations, although the likelihood is that he would have rung most of those changes anyway.

Gundogan, Ederson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden return to the team after benchings at Wembley.

Ruben Dias, Rodri and Gabriel Jesus are the only survivors from the side that started the last match.

Kevin De Bruyne is not involved after limping off with an ankle injury on Saturday, with Sergio Aguero also absent once again.

The Villa team news is more straightforward, with Dean Smith making only one change to his starting XI.

It’s an enforced one, too, with Trezeguet out for the season after knee surgery and replaced by teenage midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

This is the youngster’s first league start at Villa Park.

Jack Grealish is once again absent with a shin injury.


Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Nakamba, Luiz, Traore, McGinn, Ramsey, Watkins.

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Zinchenko, Silva, Rodri, Gundogan, Mahrez, Jesus, Foden.

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659 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why are villa losing at home

    Thought they had more european cups than city

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Coz ur mom

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Still reeling from not being invited

  2. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all,

    Any idea where to start with this mess? 2x Free Transfers.

    Mendy, Kane, Lacazette, Masuaku, Forster.

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd prioritise getting rid of Lacazette.

      Can see Mendy and Forster starting at the weekend. After that it's anyone's guess though.

      1. Heiro
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Laca definitely done? He's only 75%.

        But a hammy is a hammy. Never a week turn around.

        1. Duke Silver ☑
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Apparently he's out of the Everton game and as you said hammys don't heal too quickly.

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

    Mendy + Vydra -> Sanchez + Watkins??

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes but I am looking at lloris & vydra to Sanchez & Watkins

  4. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy lost place or just rested (which i dont get as he hadnt played the semi final the previous weekend)

    1. Heiro
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Read somewhere that he did the same when Kepa played Barnsley. He played following prem fixture.

      I'm in the same boat though. No playing backup now Forster benched.

      1. Netters2018
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I dont really want to use a transfer this week, is it worth taking a risk that mendy plays? I dont have a spare keeper for gw33 as areola has no fixture.

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Mendy will play me thinks

  5. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Laca, Kane, Stones to Watkins, Vardy, Digne for -4?

    Yay or nay?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Have Nacho btw

    2. JBG
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure about Digne and Kane is most likely back GW34.

      1. BrockLanders
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        So late in the season now. Need to live a bit dangerously

      2. Reece’s Pieces
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        As a Digne owner I can confirm he is frustrating for his price

  6. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which looks best?

    Stones and Son to Maddison and Robbo
    Stones and Son to Trent and Jota(boring asf)/ Siggurdson

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Probably second one

    2. JBG
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      TAA and Siggy(if you can afford that punt). Imo.

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      See how Maddy performs tomorrow

  7. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Superleague side misses a late penalty and holds a 2:1 lead against Villa tonight.

    I would love to see that tweet tonight

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ederson puts gloss on victory with late penalty

  8. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Come on City, take some weak shots at Emi!

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      +6

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not watching but noticed he only has 1 save. Ftw

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Only oen save from Emiliano can save the GW now

  9. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    William Jose could be a beautiful one week wonder.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      not worth the value of a free transfer

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      More like one goal wonder

  10. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mahrez wastes gund assist

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No one ownes Gundo anymore

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Apart from 2,170 managers in the top 10k

        Or the 2 million managers overall

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Suprised. 1 goal in the last 10 games.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Ownership declining every week

            But from gargantuan peak levels

  11. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this 4 pt hit

    Cancelo and Davis out Watkins and Holding in?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Holding might rise tonight, after which I can't afford the move.

      There aren't any other 4.2m defenders 🙁

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Same problem - but what about Burn at £4.0 ? Better chane of cs against Sheffield than Holding against Everton if starting

        1. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          sorry, just saw he's £4.2 as well

          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Burn won't play I need assured starter

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure I like those moves. EVE isn't an amazing fixture for Holding & West Brom will surely have a right pop at Villa. Defense has improved, though not sure ow much...

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Hm.... you are right. But Watkins is a must have. No blanks and juicy double upcoming

        1. Ginola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Watkins must have?

    3. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Heard Luiz is nearing back in training, holding may not start forever

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks

  12. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mahrez even more predictable than Robben with that cut in on to his left foot.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      his time to miss a penalty me thinks tonight

  13. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Auba and Laca miss out Friday

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Martinelliiiiiii

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Nketiah?

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Maybe. I looked at him but seems like he could be on his way out of Arsenal.

          However Arteta did sub him on for Lacazette so...

          It feels like a short term/risky punt as Auba back soon, Martinelli can play there, Balogan can play there etc.

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sadly you can't even buy Balogan on FPL. C'mon towers, get your act together!

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ffs need a Laca replacement

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Nacho, Watkins, Cavani or Vardy.

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          A few good options. Already own Nacho.

  14. MOZIL
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Will Jota starts next game?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not impressed as a new owner in the last game

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Think he's at risk but you have to start him vs. NEW.

      Liverpool looked a lot worse after he was subbed off.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Why Bobby plays is beyond me

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          True

  15. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    If DCL is out.. For -8, should I do:

    DCL+Dias+Lucas for Nketiah+TAA+Greenwood?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure it's worth 8. Good transfers though.

  16. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Feels like nothing has happened in this 2nd half apart from the Cash red. So boring.

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Called it on the last page, this will end 2-1.

  17. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Just checked now horrible gameweek for me.

    Took a -12 so I am at 41 -12 = 29.

    Dropped 30% according to fpl to 730k ish. I have had 4 '1 pointer's' barely managed a starting eleven from the 15.

    Badly need Maddison and Iheanacho to fire tomorrow.

  18. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Money no object.

    Who you replacing Laca, Kane with?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Kane probably stays on my bench & hopefully back for SHU in GW34.

    2. fusen
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have no idea, I already have Kane and Iheanacho so there basically isn't a single striker I like the look of.

      Maybe thinking Wood who has form and some fixtures or just getting Bamford back to be ready for their fixture swing

      The striker options this season have been woeful

    3. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Cavani possibly looks like the best of a bad bunch

  19. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is there any news on when Grealish is back?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Haven't heard anything

    2. fusen
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Dean Smith "maybe next week"

      Well, at least that's what he's said every weekend for the last month

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        He is on the grass and progressing. Smith is terrible at injury updates

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      When he's pain free.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks all

  20. McPollolocco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mahrez out for?

    a) Pulisic
    b) Havertz
    c) Rodriguez??

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like Havertz

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Been pondering him but CL sandwiches GW 34

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Keep if you can. Nice explosive differential

  21. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    City 12 shots... 3 on target. I was expecting lots of saves for Emi, hence why I started him ahead of Areola.

    1. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      City don't shoot.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        They are clinical

  22. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Son to Greenwood an obvious one this week? If United get dgw 35, Greenwood could have 4 games over the span 33-35, while Son has just two.

    1. fusen
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Would you not want Son back for Sheffield?

      1. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I could spend two free transfers to sell and get back.

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Definitely

      Why would you ever want Son against Sheffield United, what could he possibly do in that game

      1. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thank you for this condescending comment.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Asking if it’s “obvious” to transfer out pretty much the top scorer in the game before SHU is going to ellicit feedback dude

          1. Nanoelektronicar
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            It wasn't a statement, "It is an obvious one, I am doing it, let's all go for it, bandwagon, choo choo", but four games for Greenwood over Son's two certainly has an appeal even with that Sheffiled game. And besides, maybe I have two free transfers and nice team, and I want to swap 🙂 (I don't actually, I have Mendy, sigh).

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              I didn’t say it was a statement though - I said it was a question... Which it was tbf

              To be clear - I (personally, imho) think it’s an absolutely shockingly terrible idea, akin to calling A-A with 2-7 offsuit after the flop

              But the turn & river could come up 3-8-J-7-7, stranger things have happened (doesn’t mean it wasn’t an absolutely shockingly bad call though)

              I said the same to Fusen 10 days ago when he was advocating Moura over Son before Son scored against Man Utd - Som is no ordinary player

              Greenwood is a great pick though with a lot going for him

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep

      But Spurs went from utterly horrendous to not at all bad in the second half and Bale Kane Son could do some serious damage in 34

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Depends on Kane news. No place for Greenwood for now

  23. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Mendy GK likely to start GW33?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would guess yes but it's just a guess - all I can offer.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yes imo but hope people panic and sell

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I don't think so.

    3. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      The question also is, even if he starts, is he worth keeping? 1 good fixture in the next 5 left and when they get a clean he's only getting 6 as he makes no save pts. I'm not sure if he's worth keeping anymore especially with rotation risk

  24. GE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Predicted minutes for these players?

    1) Vydra
    2) Mendy
    3) Forster
    4) Jota

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1) 65
      2) 90
      3) 90
      4) 20

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      80
      90
      0
      20

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      20
      90
      0
      30

  25. VTown
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi I'm currently 68th overall and need some advice.

    Mendy Forster
    Rudiger Coady Holding TAA Dias
    Salah Bruno Lingard Jota Son
    Kane Nacho Vydra

    Have 2 FT.
    Thinking Mendy to maybe Patricio
    Dias to??
    Or Son to Greenwood for 1 week?

    Otherwise start planning for the doubles?

    Thanks

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Dias is nailed on with Stones out.

      Mendy will play

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      My advice is take no advice

      1. Tinfoil Deathstar
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Team looks great, which isn't surprising given you are sat at OR 68! Son to Greenwood makes sense if you can buy him back ok.

  26. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Current defence is Dias, Reguilon, Alonso, Shaw, Burn. Looking to take a -4 to get Trent and Holding in for GW33.

    Which combination should make way:

    A) Dias + Reguillon (most obvious as both don't play, but Regs has Sheff Utd fixture in GW34)
    B) Dias + Alonso (good chance that Alonso won't start vs West Ham)
    C) Reguillon + Alonso (Dias might be the best long-term hold out of all three)

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B for me. Alonso not justifying his premium

  27. aborg
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Unbelievable...1 point from my two City players. Was Happy that Gundo and Stones both started, now wishing Stones did not even start as I would have gotten Watkins off the bench, instead I ended up with munis points !

    No way to reach my ML rival if things keep going like this !

  28. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    This match should have ended at HT.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Should have been cancelled so I get auto-sub instead of 1 + -2

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I was so happy when I saw Dias and Gundogan start.

  29. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts about Sigurdsson? I would like EVE attacking cover, but worried about his minutes.
    Cant stretch to Jrod, DCL is injured, and Richa is having 5 blanks in a row..

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Richa or no one for me

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Everton attacking cover is somewhat of an oxymoron these days

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'm blinded by a potential DGW without a blank. Please talk me out of it

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Don't do it.

          1. Silecro
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Thanks man, I needed that.

        2. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Possible DGW35 fixtures are crap you don't want to fill your team with Everton, Palace and Southapton players. Likewis, BGW36 should be easy to navigate with the template players

  30. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    After a string of green arrows from OR rank 2.4M to 11K , team is in tatters and my season is crashing like the ESL Left in the dust by wild carders, only option is to play catch up to try to fix sad state of defense. What to do with this lot:

    Stones** Dallas AWB Konsa Rüdiger

    Stones + AWB -> TAA + Holding -4 pts seems the only option here, no ?

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sounds good, I could only stretch to TAA and £3.9m. Yours sounds better. Keep up the good work

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        txs, I'll go ahead before price rises tonight