Dugout Discussion

Mahrez and Sterling benched as Guardiola names unchanged City team

Manchester City v Arsenal gets the final Gameweek before the September international break underway.

Kick-off at the Etihad is at 12:30 BST and you can follow the fantasy action on our live Matchcast.

A manager naming an unchanged side after a 5-0 win wouldn’t come as a shock in most instances but where Pep Guardiola is involved, it’s almost more of a surprise than when he makes multiple alterations.

The City head coach has indeed stuck with the same starting XI that demolished Norwich City 5-0 last weekend, so that means substitute roles for Riyad Mahrez (£9.0m) and Raheem Sterling (£11.0m).

Jack Grealish (£8.0m) makes it three Premier League starts from three following his summer move from Aston Villa, with Ferran Torres (£7.0m) also keeping up his 100% record.

Torres may well be leading the line again this afternoon, with Gabriel Jesus (£8.5m) turning in an excellent performance down the right flank against the Canaries in Gameweek 2.

Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) misses out with an ankle injury, as previously disclosed by Guardiola.

The Arsenal team news is bamboozling in its own right.

Head coach Mikel Arteta makes four changes following the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat by Chelsea a week ago, with Martin Odegaard (£5.5m) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£9.9m) brought into the side after starring in the EFL Cup in midweek.

Calum Chambers (£4.4m) is also recalled but the biggest surprise is the involvement of Sead Kolasinac (£4.4m), in for his first Premier League start since Gameweek 2 of last season.

Bukayo Saka (£6.3m) and Kieran Tierney (£4.9m) have shrugged off minor injuries to feature.

Pablo Mari (£4.5m), Albert Sambi Lokonga (£5.0m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£5.4m) drop to the bench, while Nicolas Pepe (£7.3m) is absent because of illness.

Ben White (£4.4m) still isn’t involved following his own spell in self-isolation.

LINE-UPS

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Laporte, Joao Cancelo, Silva, Rodri, Gundogan, Jesus, Torres, Grealish.

Subs: Stones, Ake, Sterling, Zinchenko, Steffen, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Doyle, Palmer.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Cedric, Chambers, Holding, Kolasinac, Tierney, Odegaard, Smith-Rowe, Xhaka, Saka, Aubameyang.

Subs: Lacazette, Maitland-Niles, Tavares, Pablo Mari, Sambi Lokonga, Elneny, Ramsdale, Okonkwo, Martinelli

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1,532 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Quick everyone buy Norwich assets! They’re playing Arsenal next.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Pukki in

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Not a bad idea haha

      2. Tabasco
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Do it then

    2. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Forget Ronaldo, all about Kane > Pukki (C) for next GW

  2. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Just logged in...Arsenal doing Arsenal things.

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

      It’s just annoying now though because they actually keep conceding a bunch of goals and players hauling against them

  3. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Spurs defenders, pick one:

    A. Tanganga
    B. Sanchez
    C. Dier

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

      A

  4. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Jesus is such a good diff

    1. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      He looks good on the right.

  5. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Pukki party ?

  6. dark91
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Wow just learned that this would be the 3rd time Arsenal haven't scored in their first 3 games. After 1904 and 1953

    Arteta writing history there

  7. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Arsenal fixtures turn now get them in

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      This is why I sold White rather than Tsimikas. More of a priority 😆

      1. Gunneryank
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Exact same! Glad i wasn't alone.

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Thank god I have 2 FT. Will get three Arsenal in. Mini WC!

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

    The only threat to City defensive assets is an early subbing.

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      And a bored Ederson

  9. Rankbajin
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    So,my decision to stick with Mahrez rather than take a -4 feels a bit short sighted.
    WC in week 4 a cert now. Question is whether to keep a Man City player in the squad.
    Cant really cope with Mahrez Pep roulette at 9m but thinking Gundog or Torres might be worth it ?

    .

    1. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Just don't do it. When foden and KDB are back no-one is safe

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Let's see who hauls in the second half first.

    3. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Sure you're not over-reacting?

      Mahrez not being in the City team today doesn't seem like an automatic WC.

      I'd just sell him and not bring in a City player right now until they have a settled side or Grealish is pushed up into the old Sterling role

      1. Rankbajin
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I could FT him out for Son.
        Last weeks move (Toney down to Dennis) freed up the cash for that.
        But with Tsimakis on the bench (and a generally weak defense tbh in Pinnock, Coufal, TAA & Amartey) also want to switch harrison for Benrhama .
        looking at options I can switch things around and upgrade DCL to Lukaku .

        Tempted by the following...but will see how the scores go today
        Schmeichel ( Ward)
        TAA, James, ( one of Pinnock, Tanganga, Duffy)
        Fernandes, Salah, Benrahma, Doucoure (Bissouma)
        Antonio, Lukaku,Dennis

  10. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Oh bugger it's only halftime....going to be a long 2nd half

    1. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Elneny on for Auba I expect. Just try not to concede in the second half.

  11. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    I’ve never hated an Arsenal player being an Arsenal fan, but I genuinely hate Xhaka, he never ever learns. Just awful man.

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

      Still a few days left to do what should have been done a few years ago.

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        He was given a new contract!! I despise him. Wenger’s biggest mistake was buying that guy.

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

          Anyone can make mistakes buying players. Keeping after the armband and a new contract are both worse decisions.

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            It’s tragic. I don’t know how anyone with football IQ, especially people paid at the highest level, could keep persisting with this guy.

      2. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Jose to come in with a half price offer now

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      He is an idiot sometimes but at least he has the heart to put in a full blooded tackle, the rest look like scared u16s - also it’s not his fault the defence is beyond shite, I’d be frustrated too

  12. Gunneryank
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    This is actually going worse than i expected. I'm impressed.

  13. Glad He Ate Her
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    What's the process?

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

    Amazon Prime with Arsenal this season too.

    'All or Nothing' might need a name change.

    1. Glad He Ate Her
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Nothing or Nothing

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        😀

    2. Did you see that throw-in?
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      It's the right title by the look of it.

    3. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe they're playing to the narrative arc. Start bad, overcome adversity, and finish the season breaking out of the relegation zone. Classic TV.

    4. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Maul and nothing

    5. grooveymatt65
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      they should call it:

      "thanks for nothing"

  15. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    I said on here last night I didn’t understand why people were selling white because of the good fixtures to come

    I’d like to apologise for that comment

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Muahaha

    2. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You are forgiven. Well said.

  16. Modest Bob
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Antonio >Jesus + Salah>Torres fir a -4 hit and to release funds?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Relax

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

      Madness

      1. Modest Bob
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Bro I finished top 10k in the 2018/19 season I know what I am talking about. My team linked if you want to check.

        1. Modest Bob
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Ignore the injury plagued season of 2017/18

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

          Irrelevant, this would be a bad move

    3. BIGREDDOG
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes. Now.

    4. Shaw must go on
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No

    5. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You're not planning on brining in Ronaldo?

  17. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    The old FPL curse when you take Gundogan out.

  18. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    the FDR for Arsenal needs to be updated..

    1. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Is there a neon green bright enough?

      1. seewhyaxe
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        😀

  19. BIGREDDOG
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Guys I'm sad about Mahrez

  20. FourLokoLeipzig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Arsenal have the perfect fixtures for a new manager bounce (bit like when Ole took over at United)

    1. TAT
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Arteta won't get the sack.

  21. Glad He Ate Her
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Who's the PK taker for city? Ederson?

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Kdb but today probably Gundo

  22. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Pep to go easy on Arteta to save his job?

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Was just thinking this. Will Pep show mercy? Tell them to score one more and play keep away?

      1. Glad He Ate Her
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Are they gonna let his players sub in for Arsenal?

  23. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Bet Arteta wishes he was still bringing Pep his morning coffee!

  24. WHUFCSmith23
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    If Arsenal lose to Norwich, that's Arteta done isn't it? There has been no sign of improvement, direction, style etc

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah he can't survive that, he can just about get away with today

      • Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Oh if they lose to Norwich almost certainly

      • TAT
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        He won't get the sack. The board have full confidence in him.

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Arsenal need Big Sam

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        It really has come to that level of decline, hasn’t it?

    3. MikeS
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Xhaka is a disgrace, absolutely terrible signing and a dirty player. A liability

    4. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Need Ings to score today so his price goes up tonight(98 on FPL Stats atm) so we can all sell him after!!! Haha

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Should go up regardless

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              2 years, 7 months ago

              Wait, he's nowhere near the amount you're saying?

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  2 years, 7 months ago

                  You're looking at Mings lmao

                  1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    2 years, 7 months ago

                    Doh!!!! Hahaha sorry guys so I was!!! Hahaha

                    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      2 years, 7 months ago

                      Silly me!!!!

                  2. Joey Tribbiani
                    • 3 Years
                    2 years, 7 months ago

                    hahaha

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            So have I worked out Pep Roulette here:

            He doesn't make any changes to the starting line up for the first time ever (nearly).
            So next GW he'll make 11, right? Riggghhhtt???

            1. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              Nah only 8

            2. HollywoodXI
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              Mahrez is nailed when he leaves City.

          3. MikeS
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Wenger IN

          4. Forza Papac
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Who's off before 60 for City then?