Dugout Discussion

Grealish benched as United stick with five-man defence for Manchester derby

The Manchester derby is the first of five matches taking place on a slightly quieter-than-usual Saturday afternoon of Premier League football.

The omission of Jack Grealish from the City starting XI is perhaps the headline team news from the lunchtime clash at Old Trafford, with the benchings of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez rather more predictable given their relative lack of involvement on the domestic front over the last couple of months.

Ilkay Gundogan replaces the former Villa man in one of two changes that Pep Guardiola has made from Gameweek 10, with John Stones in for the suspended Aymeric Laporte his other alteration.

Kyle Walker is fit to start after taking a knock to his foot in midweek.

Raphael Varane‘s hamstring injury rules him out of the visit of United’s cross-city rivals, with Eric Bailly taking his place.

Victor Lindelof was a minor concern for this clash with a knock but is fit to take his place alongside Bailly and Harry Maguire in a three-man central defence, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seemingly opting for the same 3-4-1-2 – or, given the likelihood of them sitting back, 5-3-2 – set-up he has favoured in his side’s last two competitive matches.

The Norwegian had hinted at a few other injury doubts without naming names in his pre-match press conference and the Red Devils are indeed without another one of their starters from the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Edinson Cavani is the man to miss out, with Mason Greenwood starting in his stead.

Aside from those two enforced alterations, United are otherwise unchanged from last week.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most selected player in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for this encounter but his 31% ownership figure has to be taken with a pinch of salt, given the number of ‘ghost teams’ in FPL that tend to be drifting along three months into a campaign.

Among the top 10k, Ronaldo is the only United player with an ‘effective ownership’ (EO) above 1% for this fixture.

It’s Phil Foden and Joao Cancelo who are the most popular picks among the leading 10,000 managers, each boasting an EO of just over 62%.

GAMEWEEK 11 LINE-UPS

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Fernandes, McTominay, Fred, Greenwood, Ronaldo.

Subs: Henderson, Martial, Rashford, Lingard, Dalot, Sancho, Telles, Matic, Van de Beek.

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Cancelo, Silva, Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne, Jesus, Foden.

Subs: Steffen, Carson, Ake, Sterling, Grealish, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Palmer.

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1,531 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    0-5

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Don't be silly.

      They'll get 2.

      2-4

  2. Tasty Jerk
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    No Grealish? should of escaped Wards pocket by now 😀

  3. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ronaldo EO above 1% or 100% in the top 10k?

    1. Arsenel
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It means 1%, amongst United players only as they are so lowly owned.

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

    Not getting the negativity around United lining up 3-5-2. It's not an issue when Conte does it, but when Ole tries it he's parking the bus and showing a lack of courage. It's almost as if they know City are the superior team and their biggest rival put five past their back four a couple of weeks ago.

    If you're starting point is that Ole is clueless then any formation he uses is the wrong one.

    1. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Agree with this, cut the guy some slack.

    2. Bollard
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I reckon Utd are going to get a result today - can feel it in my bones as a Cancelo owner and Livra bencher 🙂

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        A draw?

        It's 5 seasons i think since they beat City at home.

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          My bad.

          Got that wrong.

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It’s just quite funny that Ole has been building towards a 4231 his entire time in charge and spent 75 mill on the likes of Sancho. He’s now changed to a system which doesn’t suit the squad whatsoever

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Eh? It suits the squad perfectly. The laughable thing is how little 4-2-3-1 suits the squad despite the clear attempt to buy towards it.

        Only Sancho left out of this system

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          What? How on earth does it suit the squad? They had too many attackers in the first place, nevermind now. 2 attacking spots for Ronaldo, Cavani, Rashford, Sancho, Greenwood, Martial, Lingard. Not to mention lacking in quality centre backs and attacking wingbacks

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Despite all of that they have no CF who likes to play alone and recieve crosses.
            The defender crisis is amusing as its only beaten by the midfield crisis.

            1. Bubz
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Yeah it’s just a mess all round really

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

        It's not the long-term solution that's for sure. But in context, I think it's the way to go now. They were conceding goals and he had to address the issue.

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I agree, something had to be done. But it does feel a bit desperate

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Even so, I can't see any other choice that would have made difference.

            1. Bubz
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Well the other choice would be to actually get the team to play with intensity and purpose in his preferred system. Doesn’t seem capable of that

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Correct. To continue conceding goals and not to react would have been the most stupid possible thing to do. And let's remember that some of their attackers are not getting any younger. So they need to sell likes of Lingard and improve where they have issues.

      3. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I would put Sancho as a right wingback, and move Wan Bisaka inside to be right centre-back

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

    Best 4.5M GK for upcoming fixtures?

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      McCarthy looks a decent bet at the moment and good fixtures

    2. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe Palace GK

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Guaita

    4. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Guaita

  6. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else bench White & Sarr? Bet they both score….

    1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Have benched white for livra and sold sarr for esr.

    2. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      As an Arsenal fan I think it’s very unlikely both do something here…

      1. The Sociologist
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I have also benched both.

    3. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Actually playing Sarr, last chance saloon for him this match!

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        He’s been in my saloon for too many weeks now, quietly getting hammered on free cocktails….

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Where is this saloon with free cocktails you speak of?

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Check my link….

        2. Tasty Jerk
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          hehe - yeah, had too many "lock in's" and happy hours. Just got a feeling he will score against Arsenal today, if not then he is getting barred!!

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            I’m calling the rozzers to come arrest him and throw him in the slammer for theft

    4. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Played Sarr, selling after IB. Livra bench

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I've benched Sarr ahead of selling him for Son. Benched Antonio and Livramento. My squad is such that whoever is on the bench has a decent chance of returning.

  7. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Play up you absolute melts!

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Butter?

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Nutella always

  8. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    1-4 coming up.

  9. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Kane and Son both rising this week after blanks, crazy game!

    It seems the masses are playing fixtures more and more than form

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It's cuz of Conte

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Quite possibly, but historically that wouldn’t be enough for a player to rise, the masses used to be reactionary to actual hauls

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      New coach effect mass hysteria?

  10. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Cancelo haul needed, Foden feel free to as well

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Cancelo is going to have a monster game today I think

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Nope

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yep

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Even if it’s not today, it’ll be next GW, or the GW after that

        Statistically it’s coming for Cancelo, no two ways about it

        Same with TAA

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          And Lowton…..ah, wait, he had his last GW 😎

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            I feel better about starting those two when I see the individuals comprising the United midfield and back 3.

  11. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    On this WC setup at the moment.

    Sanchez ¦ Steele
    TAA Dias James Reguilon Livramento
    Salah Son Cornet Gallagher Mbeumo
    Kane Hwang Davis

    0.0 ITB

    Had exact money, so activated it.

    1. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Nice! Not sold on Hwang though

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Spurs game will give a lot of answers i think. I'd prefer just one of Kane/Son and get in the likes of Jota and Foden in midfield with the money.

  12. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I'm thinking there is more pressure on ManCity in this game with Liverpool and Chelsea winning week in week out.

  13. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Can see a Shaw haul today…….

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      …..don’t talk dog chocolate you idiot.

    2. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      As long as Cancelo also gets something thats fine.

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Can see a couple of well taken OG’s

  14. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    as long as City concede i will be happy 🙂

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

    The top 5 cm in the league? Not necessarily fpl wise

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Top 5 centimetre?

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

        Yeah

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

        Did you get your sense of humour out of a cereal box?

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Penguins

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Nope, I have got no sense of humour.

  16. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ronaldo and Cancelo both to score too much to ask for?

  17. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Not so sure about United’s new 532 tactics. Anyone could’ve beaten that Spurs side and the 3-0 definitely flattered United. Were very poor against Atlanta midweek too. Don’t see how they’ll get at City. At least in previous years they had Rashford running in behind. No outlet in this side. Ronaldo / Greenwood won’t do much defensively too

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Rashford will get about 30 minutes?

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        What about the first 60?

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

      The situation United currently find themselves in means not conceding has to be the priority

  18. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    ESR or Hwang?

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

    Imagine thinking Foden would get rested lmfao

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He’s their most important player at the moment

  20. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling being totally disrespected at City now. Was so good in the Euros then totally dropped by Pep.

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Hasn’t been good for City for a long time

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Hasn’t deserved game time, off the boil is an understatement.

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He’s been a dumpster fire for nearly two years now, not good enough for city

    4. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He hasn't performed

  21. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A nil nil would be great but I feel this will be a high scoring game. 3-3 or 3-2

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Think it will be the opposite. 0-1 City

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

    With the two left-footers in Foden and Bernardo starting on the left of City midfield that would suggest Cancelo will be tucking in alongside Rodri?

  23. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    And here we go.

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

    Waaaaakkee me up, when Ronaldo’s hauled

    1. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Don't leave me hanging on like a yo-yo

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Do you want to sleep for weeks?

  25. alfast1c
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Let's go!

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

      Lmfao

  26. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Player for player, City better in 10 of the 11 positions, Ronaldo only exception. Can see Sterling having a feast.

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Cancelo owner since GW2, enjoy the points!

  27. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    The last post always gives me chills whenever i hear it played in a full stadium. To hear the entire stadium go silent for the time it’s played to then come roaring back to life following it. Goosebumps everytime. Lest we forget

  28. Original Sin
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Match started? I see foden 0 minutes in FPL site.

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

      He got rested

  29. tangtastic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    still 0-0

    utd performing above expectations so far

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

      Give it a few more mins

  30. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    1-1 Fred and rodri please