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. Randaxus
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Without a doubt Cancelo is one of the greatest creative football players on earth, for me he is without a doubt a world class player.

    1. MikeS
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He's a god amongst men

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        He's a sub amongst men in my team

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He's incredible in possession, perfect team for him too.

      The price/deal they got him for was ridiculous!

    3. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      yeah, really underrated i think

    4. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He's a great player without a doubt, but come on his actually attacking returns are far from great in one of the most attacking and highest scoring teams in the world.

      1. Randaxus
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        He literally got 3 assists in one game in the champions league, record assists in a premier league season is 20.

        1. Postman Ty
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Against the mighty Club Brugge... are you serious? One game against a significantly lower class opponent. His numbers in the league are nowhere near more than a handful of other attacking defenders.

          1. Randaxus
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            If you hate him so much don't get him in your team, and watch everyone be a higher rank than you, that is fine by me.

            1. Postman Ty
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Who said I hate him? I literally called him a great player, you're going sensationalist crazy calling him the best in the world because of two good games, one of which was against a team that isn't even in the top 5 leagues and the other against a United who just got spanked 5-0...

              1. Randaxus
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                He is going to get 14 points that game btw I am pretty sure he will get 3 bonus clean sheet and 2 assists.

                1. Postman Ty
                  • 9 Years
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  Does getting 14 points in one game make him the best player in the world? Lmao what are you even on about mate? Just drop it.

                  1. Randaxus
                    • 3 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    I don't have to argue with you, 14 points in one game if proof that I am right.

  2. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    No Cancelo is hurting. Need him on WC. Almost doubled my rank in drop already haha

    1. Randaxus
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I am starting to look at not having Cancelo like not having Trent, it seems like it is just a mistake by default.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah mate. Not had a chance to pick him up yet. Will likely WC over the IB, even though my team seems ok. You agree?

        Sanchez
        TAA • Chilwell • Rüdiger • Livra
        Salah(C) • Jota(v) • Raph
        Kane • Antonio • Toney
        (Foster, White, Sarr, Gilmour)

        1. Randaxus
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          My Team is

          Sanchez
          TAA • Cancelo • Chilwell
          Salah(C) • Son • Jota • Foden • Mbeumo
          Antonio • Toney
          (Steele/Livramento/White/Scarlett)

          103.1M Squad Value 1.7M ITB

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

    5 at the back now essential?

    Taa-james-chilly-cancelo-liv

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      replace Livra with Rudiger, Southampton's good fixtures are ending

      1. MikeS
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yer but 3 chelsea seems to much? ATM I have dier instead of Liv.. he might be worth keeping with the change in fixtures and Conte?

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          in that case the .5 used to upgrade Dier to Reg/Emerson would be worth it

        2. Postman Ty
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Can you have too much of a defence breaking records for clean sheets and goals conceded?

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I have exactly this back 5 but I'm struggling to find space to start Livra. Every week he sits on the bench flexing his points and laughing at me.

      1. MikeS
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Beautiful mate.. I'm just missing Liv (have dier)

    3. mcginnntonic
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      my back 5 lol

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

      Don't think James is as essential as people think. His cameo appearances are super annoying. Chilwell and Cancelo don't get those when they don't play.

      1. Postman Ty
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Your idea of cameo appearances is highly skewed from a lack of context. He's clear first choice now and has only made 2 cameos from returning from injury and a late Euro return.

  4. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Proud Bernardo and Cancelo owner, with Livra on first bench.

    1. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lucky for you

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ok

  5. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    So who benched Cancelo then?

    1. Jon Snow
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I did, and Livra too. Hopefully James or Chilwell sits the full game out

      1. Fodderx4
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Sore 1 mate, i feel your pain as sold James for Chilwell last wekk but got James back for Dias this week.

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

      o/

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Non-owner.

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

      Had on bench until 6.29 pm last night then switched with Antonio - phew……so far

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

    Almost benched Cancelo for Livramento. Glad my lack of faith in United one out in the end

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

      Won*

    2. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Me too but never bench premiums … should benched antonio for livra maybe but… west ham can do something

  7. Kellz86
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    That feeling when you start both Livramento and Cancelo

    Golden

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Livramento’s 6 points hardly anything to write home about.

      Cancelo on for a monster score though.
      Could easily score or get more assists in 2nd half

  8. Louis Van Gaalstones
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Benched Cancelo, gonna need Azpi not to play - which means he's guaranteed a start for once.

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

      Have a word with yourself mate, benched Cancelo v Utd haha, doh

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

      You don't deserve the Cancelo points

      1. Louis Van Gaalstones
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Got 'em though din't I

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

    Remember when people thought United would challenge for the league…

    1. Fodderx4
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Seems ages a go but yeah! Also we all thought Shaw was going to be essential!

      1. dark91
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Shawberto Carlos*

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

      Not only challenge, but a few murmurs about United being the team to beat this season were also heard.

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      They've a squad capable with a real coach. Comedy manager produces comedy performances though.

      1. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        With what players? 36 year old who dont run back? Mediocre midfielders? Only Ddg in anywhere near world class, rest is gash, and a lot of attackers that are talenter but not complete.

    4. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Considering they finished second last season and have since added 3 top quality players, it wasn't an unreasonable prediction.

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

        It was considering Chelsea and Liverpool improved much more considering players returning from injury and Tuchel. Sancho doesn’t even improve the side and Cavani did more for the team than CR7. Varane the only real upgrade

        1. Postman Ty
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Don't act like a half decent manager wouldn't get results from Sancho. He will need time regardless, but Ole is incapable of getting the best out of anyone.

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

      Back when Michu was hot FPL property wasn't it?

  10. Fodderx4
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else got a backline of Cancello Trent James and Chilwell?
    Could be pretty tasy this week!

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

      Just James, TAA and Chilwell here.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yup o/

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Benched Livra though, only other player I could of benched would of been Raphinha

    3. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes. + Livramento, played 5 at the back.

      1. Fodderx4
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Tasty that! Think i'll go with that next week.

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

      Yes.

      Expect to be let down by Trent and/or Chelsea somehow though.

      I do plan of playing a back five (+ Livramento) next week though...

      1. Fodderx4
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        It's the future bro!

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

      I have this defence

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

    Cancelo lucky with his assists but also unlucky to not have scored with the amount of shots he’s taking

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Needs to keep then below 100ft height to have a chance of scoring.

    2. Fodderx4
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Don't think this is the end of his haul either, just need Foden to get in on the act but he has been unlucky not to get a few assists.

  12. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Finally Cancelo pays off.

    1. Fodderx4
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Was always coming, never even considered selling him. I got James for Dias.

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Same

  13. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Wish Cancelo would save his assists for the PL

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

      He did..

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Huh? He’s got TWO

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      /jk

      Just rehashing half of the comments on here from midweek 🙂

  14. davies
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Can only afford one… who to prioritise?

    A) Cancelo
    B) Jota

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

      Cancelo

    2. Fodderx4
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

  15. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I guess city conceding in 3 of 4 pl games should have been ignored

    Utd really have fallen off a cliff and look terrible

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

      Still a top defence

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

      Definitely - goals conceded (or scored) in isolation over tiny samples can be hugely misleading

      City have the best defence in the league this season (by some distance) in terms of the quality of chances they concede

      Anything else is just variance/noise & can’t be relied upon to continue over longer runs

      1. Postman Ty
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        At what point do you stop focusing solely on xG or chances conceded and consider actual goals conceded?

  16. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Roy Keane 😀

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

      He has been broken. Nothing left to say

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

    Give Roy Keane the Utd job

    Please give it Roy, I think he’d be amazing - exactly what these lunatics need to whip em into shape

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

      *But they have to televise his team talks

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Won’t happen the lazy players are in charge not the manager

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        The lazy players won’t play under Roy

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

    Cancelo has a goal in him in the 2nd half still

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

      He will actually quadruple return in a game before all’s said & done

      Probably 7.0/7.5 next year

  19. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Sancho must be very IQ for joining Ole’s Utd. That or money talks

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      91 million 5 year contract, he’s doing fine.

      1. Naby K8a
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Football wise it’s a shocking move. You don’t join under this manager for supposedly trying to boost England chances

    2. dark91
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      "Very IQ"?!!!

      1. Naby K8a
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Very Low

  20. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Roy Keane reckons 4 or 5 with these clowns in goal & defence 🙂

  21. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Rival has got got Livramento off the bench twice (9 + 6) for Azpi, and is now due to get Cancelo off the bench for him this week.

    Elite squad management?
    *distressed smile*

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      The reason you have a strong bench is so you can go for rotation-risk high upside players.

      Livra has come on 4 times for me. Azpi (2), Jota, and TAA? I think we’re the four. Azpi again this week maybe?

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

        Trouble is, it is more often than not not worth the risk due to cameos.

        What should happen is a minimum minutes played rule so that cameos don't affect it, that way we would see more diverse teams with stronger benches.

  22. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Can only laugh really that my City 'premium' defenders have been so worthless in games against Burnley, Brighton & Palace, and then conspire to haul away to Utd when I sell/bench them.

    This season.

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I benched them , your starters havent played yet though so could be ok in the end

  23. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Imo that mistakes’ on Shaw not DDG

    1. Ligdon
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      My thoughts exactly, surely the defender cant let the ball fly past them in the box like that

    2. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      For sure Shaw's fault. But De Gea should have saved it anyways. That being said he is easily forgiven after the other 5 or 6 top saves immediately prior.

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

    5-0 win for City and it will move Arsenal ahead of Utd and up to 5th

  25. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Roy Keane: I give up.

    They need him to go down to the dressing room and give them a proper slap.

  26. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Mehhh if united scored cancelo might not get a mega haul if you started someone like Livra over him.

    Hopefully Ronaldo bags 1!

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Huh? He has two assists, even if he concedes it’s still a great score

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yes I know. But I started Livra over him so if cancelo end on 9-11 points it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Worried if he gets more returns and keeps a cleanie...

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

    Think of how many will have sold Cancelo for James or Chilwell this week

  28. Ligdon
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Cancelo is a joke at anything under 7m. Literally there most creative asset and shoots for fun !

    1. SteJ
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I guess an argument against said price is he wont play every week.

    2. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      2 assists in 10 games prior says otherwise.

  29. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    First time benching Cancelo after so many blanks and poor performances =[

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Same. Really annoying after benching Livra's points for his uselessness vs Palace last week.

  30. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Watched a lot of Man Utd games and to me it seems:

    1) They need a mobile / agile defensive midfielder to replace Fred
    2) In competitive games (i.e., against teams where there is a challenge for Man Utd), Ronaldo and Fernandes cannot play together. Ronaldo, in particular, seems better suited to the CL than the PL.