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. dark91
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    How do Grealish owners feel about his returns today?

    1. Steirish
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Glad he didn't get a yellow

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

      Have to look long term with City assets. Torres walked away with nothing after 5-0 va Norwich. The points will be spread out.

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

        Totally agree

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

    Why is Salah being sold?

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

      Blanked

    2. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I sold him for Son this morning as I'm planning to WC over the IB, not sure if that's the reason others have done it!

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Red fixture

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

    Link to Mark’s podcast?

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

      Cueing up already? Keep me a spot.

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

        Is it on YouTube or where?

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

        What, we playing as snooker?

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Crazy he sold Torres while he was starting. His GW1 instinct was right!

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

    Likeliness of Arsenal getting relegated?

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

      0%

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

      50/50

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

    Arsenal bottom of the league and played a game more than 18 other teams 😮

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

    All things considered, a good result for Arsenal.

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Genuinely is, city wasteful

      • Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, this mathematically possible to stay up. Just.

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

          *still

    2. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Villa vs brent lineup delayed on sofascore

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

        last-minute covid tests?

    3. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Anyone else not captain Antonio??

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

        Yeh, could be a disaster but I’ve gone with Son

      2. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Many

      3. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Vardy(c) here

      4. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Magnus Carlsen

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

          Who he captain?

      5. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Bruno here

      6. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Got it on Kane, Antonio VC

      7. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Bamford

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

      Torres going up tonight probably, doh

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

      Mahrez passing the eye-test!

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

        I'm deleting him tf off my team

    6. rozzo
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Just look at the Arsenal back line though.

      Chambers and Holding are barely Premier league level.

      It's not about players out of form.

      Their defence on paper is about the same standard as Norwich.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Holding looked really good today

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

          But it's a massive step down from Adams, Campbell, Koscielny etc

          He might well be decent for Southampton or Palace but this is Arsenal.

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

      I’ll take an assist from Mahrez as a leaving present.

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Could’ve had 2 more

        1. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          If sterling can finish more than tap ins

      2. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Same. Good riddance. Genuinely could have had a goal and 2 assists in the time he was on tho.

    8. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Fat Sam slowly lowers his plate of chips and starts putting on his shoes.

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        he's got a pino in the fridge and a frosted pint glass ready to go so he can celebrate in style after he gets the call

      2. Plant Based FPLer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        The start to your novel about the 21/22 season. I'll buy a copy, sounds good.

      3. Bennerman
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I did enjoy this image. He would do it very slowly and methodically

    9. boc610
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      only brendan would stop a hotstreak in its tracks like Iheanacho's. his per minute strike rate was one of the highest in europe. and just because of a formation change??I don't get it

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Very harsh dropping him. Should have at least waited for a poor performance.

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        He’s straight into my team as soon as he starts again

        Price drops making it even easier

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

        Agreed, madness

      4. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Yep, it's a real waste

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

        Apparently, it's because they don't have the midfield to sustainably win when playing 3-5-2

        But he really has to realize Perez/Albrighton + Barnes will be weaker than Iheanacho + 1 more CB

        He has to realize it eventually, right?

        ...right?

    10. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Finally… Torres haul.
      Now for Vardy (c) party…

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Finally? It’s GW 3 lol

        1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          He’s had enough chances! 😆

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        What happens when KDB and Foden are back?

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Meant for HRYSZKO

          Congrats on the haul 🙂

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

      Cancelo owners must be gutted with the meagre 6 points after watching that game!

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Sold him this week. His attacking numbers very poor in the first two games.

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

          Check them after today’s game.

          1. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            But with no involvement. Same as last season!

    12. Kodap
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Grealish owners, moving to F Torres or keeping? Seems like Torres is playing up front and £1m cheaper

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        For how long though?

        1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Until Kane comes

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

        He's so cheap u can wait a while. Right now Ronaldo is the one I want

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

          If Ronaldo doesn't get 60% ownership instantly then i dont understand life.

          Messi and Ronaldo are alien footballers. Age doesnt mean anything, he is a must in anyone that isn't a bots team. Cant afford him? Find money.

          1. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            😆

      3. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        It’s Torres this gw

        Could be Grealish next gw

    13. factorxtaz
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Do I keep mahrez?

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

        Too expensive, I Will sell.

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        You do, yes

    14. rupopo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I did Torres to Benrama this week. Ouch

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

        Could still work

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

          Wow imagine if benny out scores Torres

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

        Ooops

      3. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Gundo to Benny here

    15. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Mark on MOTD challenge right?

      He’s in for shock.

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

        The minute he sees the running order, he'll know he's effed it.

    16. Marvin Moon
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I feel sorry for Arsenal fans. As a Liverpool fan I suffered through the dark days in the early 90's and 2010's. We never finished lower than 8th though. Christ knows where this Arsenal team might end up.

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

        Early 90s - did you not win the league in 1990?

        1. Marvin Moon
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Yes. Then finished 8th in 94.

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

        Nothing has changed in 20 years. Except their diabolical spending of late

        1. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          A lot has changed in 20 years. Top 4 has gone from being taken from granted to an impossible task

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

        Arsenal will still finish 8th or above. 2 of the 3 games theyve lost were against european and england chanpions. The line up vs brentford has like 3 first team players. Its bad but still expect a top half finish from them

      4. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Arsenal will do OK. With or without Arteta. GW 4 comeback 😉

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

        We're used to the club being what it is by now. The only question is how bad it will get. I won't rule out the possibility of this team being relegated.

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

        I don't.

        Cried Wenger out for years, club has crumbled.

        Funny really.

        1. Marvin Moon
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Fair comment.

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

      Took a Gundo price drop but was worth it after his man of mtch performance today

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Could have been so much more. Created a lot, and almost grabbed a second.

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

      Goals made: 0
      Goals conceded: 9

      It’s going to be a long season.

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

      Arsenal gone from 1st to 20th.

    20. squ1rrel
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Gundo -> Benrahma not good for me

      1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Same move here could still be golden

    21. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Had A planned for next week but have exact money for B. Too knee jerk or a better move?

      A: Ings > DCL
      B: Ings Son > Lukaku Torres (-4)

      Sanchez Steer
      TAA Shaw Dier White Amartey
      Salah Bruno Son Benrahma Gilmour
      Ings Antonio Oba

    22. Red Red Robins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Tempted to sue WC, Ronaldo, Mount and Torres in - and tidy up defence
      Worth it or wait until GW 7?

      Id be doing a -4 to get Ronnie in and Fernandes out anyway

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

        I love the idea of suing your wildcard.

        Would have taken legal action many a time over the years

        1. Red Red Robins
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Dammit!!! hahaha

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

      A) Gray + Coufal
      B) Sarr + Ayling

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

        B

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

      Just came to say...

      TORRRRRRRRRRESSSSSS!!!!

    25. Warbling Wendy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Did Mark transfer out Torres and Mahrez?

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

        Yeah

      2. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Mahrez made sense. Too costly for uncertain starts. Torres though. Stoopid