Dugout Discussion

Watford v Man City team news: Foden, Gundogan and Grealish return

After some underwhelming Fantasy returns in the first four Gameweek 15 fixtures of the day, there is a real chance for owners of Manchester City players to steal a march on those going without any this evening.

Pep Guardiola’s troops are away at Watford, who are now the only club without a clean sheet in 2021/22.

Kick-off at Vicarage Road is at 17:30 GMT.

There aren’t any real shocks with the two teamsheets, despite Pep Guardiola making five changes from the midweek win over Aston Villa.

Jack Grealish makes his first City start in a month, while Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden are all recalled after missing out through injury or suspension on Wednesday.

Guardiola’s pre-match comments about Foden, released from embargo on Friday evening, did plant a seed of doubt about whether the England international would feature from the off but he’s thrown straight back into the action tonight.

Nathan Ake, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus make way from the starting XI, with the latter’s demotion to the bench perhaps the closest thing to an eyebrow-raising decision from the unpredictable City boss.

Watford’s team news is much more straightforward, with Claudio Ranieri making just the one change from the side that began the 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Wednesday. It’s an expected one, too, as Danny Rose comes in for the injured Adam Masina at left-back.

GAMEWEEK 15 LINE-UPS

Watford XI: Bachmann, Femenia, Troost-Ekong, Cathcart, Rose, Louza, Dennis, Cleverley, Sissoko, Pedro, King.

Subs: Elliot, Ngakia, Morris, Gosling, Fletcher, Tufan, Kabasele, Hernandez, Kucka.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Walker, Gundogan, Rodri, Grealish, Silva, Sterling, Foden.

Subs: Steffen, Carson, Stones, Ake, Jesus, Zinchenko, De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Mahrez.

2,196 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Walter White (WW)
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    That Jota miss could decide people’s season.

    It is so annoying tbh

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

    Massive transfers in for Bernando already and rising in price already,

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

      ...pressed post too early! Q was going to be do we think he is still a great option when KDB is playing?

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

      Yep. It was good while it lasted but thats the end of him as any kind of differential.

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

      Is he nailed with the fixtures congestion...

      So many options

  3. Hutchiniho
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Rank.
    Mane, BSilva, Bruno, Son

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

      Bruno, Son, Bilva, Mane

    2. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      As per realistic options for our teams:-
      Son
      Silva
      Bruno
      Mane

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

        Love that you both have Mane last.
        Guess who I currently have? shakes head
        Wanted to wait and see on Bruno so didn't pull for Silva this weekend. Arkk

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

          Mane to Bruno/Son then?

  4. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Alonso isnt looming great and Chelsea double defence is hurting me

    How is Alonso + Mbeumo to Bernardo + Johnson (Johnson will be 3rd sub) after ESR and Dennis

    Will move to 3-4-3 with the following

    Guaita
    TAA Cancelo James (Livramento) (Johnson)
    Salah Son Jota Bernardo (ESR)
    Vardy Toney (Dennis)

    Yay / Nay ?

  5. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Repost*~Sanchez
    Taa Cancelo Regullion Livra Williams
    Raphinha salah jota gundog sarr*
    Kane Toney pukki

    2 FTs,0.1 ITB.
    Temptation to get Bernardo is strong but I think I’ve to fix my team’s weaknesses rather than chase points
    Sarr + raphinha + Livra—>James + Bowen + gilmour(-4)
    That means even if Gundogan is benched I’ll have pukki vs united at home as a first sub which isn’t the worst case scenario

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

      Sounds like reasonable transfers

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

      But do you really want 4 premium defenders?

      1. Lord of Ings
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I want Reece James,especially now
        He has great fixtures coming up and few people are looking to get rid for some reason.
        He will do really well I feel

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

          Yes, I believe people are just annoyed and are doing rage transfers, not looking forward at all.

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

          I agree and he’s on my team, thinking of ditching Cancelo

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

      I would do those moves.

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

    Antonio > King
    Cornet > Bowen
    Kane > Ronaldo

    -4 ?

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

    42 with Ramsdale, Reguilon, Son and Watkins left.

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

      Not very good

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

        Not earth shattering no but a solid score.

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

          I was being sarcastic

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

          Very solid, especially with those 4 to go

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

      44 with Reguilon. Vardy. Williams. Raph. ESR. To go.

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

      Top 25,000 now 2 more pts ill be 1,000

  8. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Guys what are your thoughts on how many games will city midfielders get in the festive period?(next 5)
    I reckon silva Gundogan kdb all get 4/5 games.

  9. Hutchiniho
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Most points through to year end.
    All £3.9 in Tel.
    Raphinha, Bowen or Reguilon?

    1. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Raph

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

    A. Gallagher->Bowen
    B. Cornet-> Bowen

    I am inclining to getting rid of Gallagher as he seems to be playing deep.

    1. AW127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Depends if Cornet is injured or not.

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

        Keep Cornet if not injured?

        1. AW127
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Definitely over Gallagher (although McArthur might be back next week, which could help Gallagher).

  11. Rassi
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Wildcard active. Feels good!

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

      Got a draft yet? I'm thinking about pulling the trigger myself.

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

        I have three drafts. The fixture swings for ManU, WH, Leeds, Watford etc. too tempting.

    2. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I’m on wc, who u going for? I’m tempted by 5 strong mids and forget about the premium forward

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

        Still largely undecided but I am quite sure Bowen will be in.

      2. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yes, it’s tempting, but I think Ronaldo is kind of must have if we’re WCing now.

        United fixtures are great and he’s likely going to be the main man for them.

        But that knocks out a stellar 5 man midfield.

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

          It's just so much budget tied up in a player that you probably won't captain much.

        2. Babit1967
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah I get you, I have a draft with Ronaldo but I need to think am I going to captain him when I have Salah.

          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            True

      3. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        My 5 man MF was: Salah, Jota, Bowen, Mount and Bilva.

        But it left me with Toney, Dennis and Watkins up front and no United players.

        1. Babit1967
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I’ve got Salah Foden Jota Mount and Bowen with King Toney and Watkins the now but it’s a benching headache

          I could move Bowen for Gilmour and bring in Antonio for Toney

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

    So Bilva is defo rising tonight then…

    Got 2FT, who would you lose here to bring in Bowen/Bernardo & king/dennis?

    Sanchez
    TAA - Cancelo - Rudiger - James
    Salah - Son - Jota - ESR
    Toney - Jesus

    Steele - Antonio - Lamptey - Sissoko

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Sissoko & Jesus to Bernardo & Dennis

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

        I do like those moves, Dennis over king?

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          On form yes but he may be off the African Cup of Nations in the New Year.

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

      Definitely Dennis over king

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

    One of the best assists Ive ever seen from Fabian Schar! lol

  14. Zalk
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Having 6 out of the 7 risers tonight dosn't feel all that bad.

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

    A) Cancelo, Gray, Toney: Reguillion, Bernardo, King (-4)
    B) Cancelo, Gallagher: Reguillion, Bernardo

    C) Do something else and forget Bernardo and keep Cancelo instead of going for Reguillion

  16. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Really struggling to choose between Bowen and Mount going forward. Planning to bring in Antonio for Vardy this GW even though the latter has Newcastle.

    Who would you pick? Bowen (double up with antonio) or Mount?

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It’s gotta be Bowen.
      He’s nailed plus cheaper mount will always have the odd rotation
      And also incase you might go to lukaku sometime in the season don’t want all 3 chelsea spots locked.

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks!

        1. dabber7
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I'm bringing in Mount for Leeds at home and Everton at home (16&17) with the intention of replacing him for Bowen for GW18 onwards.

  17. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Alonso + Mbeumo to Bernardo + Johnson (Johnson will be 3rd sub)?

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Looks like Johnson is out for a while with a hammy injury, so I'd rethink the enabler.

  18. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    LMS safety?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers

  19. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Folks, any update after the game about Jesus injury ?

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He’s to be assessed.

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        First Pep said he was injured then he said we have to see if he’s ok for midweek.

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

          Halleluja. The resurrection of Jesus once again!

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

            I have simply had enough of him. Out he went to let Bilva come for Son and make room for CR7.

  20. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on getting Bowen and Sancho for next week?

    Already lost Jota and BSilva trains so trying to catch up with more differential ones

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Bowen yes but I’d wait for Sancho

  21. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ben Johnson nialls when fit?

    1. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Nailed

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Coufal can easily replace.

        1. How I met your Mata
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Could he not play on the left?

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Masuaku scored the winner.

  22. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    How is this a Gundogan assist?
    Really?
    Two deflections by Watford defenders before Bilva scores ?!

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Seems it was only 1.

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

        Even one is should invalidate the assist by the rules right?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          After review, the assist for Man City’s second goal is awarded to Ilkay Gundogan. Bernardo Silva was deemed to have kept possession of the ball despite the touch from William Troost-Ekong.

  23. HODARI
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    RMT WC - too basic?

    Sanchez
    TAA James Cancelo
    Salah Jota Foden Saka
    Ronaldo Dennis Antonio

    Carson Bissouma Livramento Williams

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

      Antonio, still?

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

    Be interested to know peoples thoughts on who are the best punts for next few weeks? Lowish ownership....

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      What are your thoughts?

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

        De bruyne
        Watkins
        Bowen
        Rashford

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Sounds about right.
          Bowen won't be low next GW compared to this one.

    2. BROOKLYN GOONER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Did a one-week punt on Watkins for this week, ahead of wildcard. Thinking about getting both Watford forwards—good fixtures, and helps fund Ronaldo for his great fixtures.

  25. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Watching todays game its not Bilva you want. Its Grealish and Foden...

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah it’s foden.
      Silva got the points but if foden even gets 80% of the number of starts bilva gets
      He’s easily gonna out score silva over the course of the season.

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

        Grealish as well. If he had some rhythm and not just coming back from injury today he would have scored 2 goals comfortably. Got into great positions.

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

      Bilva is the only one I can afford

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

      Ssshhh

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

      Why not both?

    5. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If Foden doesn’t play midweek im looking to get him.

    6. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Only issue with Grealish is a lack of conviction with his shooting which is something he's kind of always had, a lot of efforts straight at the keeper or easily off target

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

    Kane to Ronaldo next week?

  27. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsdale or De Gea and why?

    Thanks 😉

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Rambo, looks more likely to get save points and CS.

  28. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    On wildcard so many good mids to choose from, Foden, Bilva, Mount, Bowen, Jota and obv Salah is in there, time to move to the 3-5-2 perhaps?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Can play 451

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

      I feel like the biggest decision on WC is Ronaldo or no Ronaldo. Looking at how many times I would captain him over Salah is pushing me to no Ronaldo. There are so many good mid options that open up if you go King, Antonio and a 4.5 up top.

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

        I have been changing my team towards "5-5-1" where last mid is ESR and forward line will be CR7, Dennis, Broja. If I want to play ESR, I have to bench either Reguillon or Alonso. Dennis is good enough 2nd sub and Broja will be 3rd. So I don't see big issue with having Ronaldo, since it basically costs only Son.

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

          Ramsdale / Foster
          TAA, Cancelo, James, Alonso, Reguillon
          Salah, Jota, Bilva, Gundo, ESR
          CR7, Dennis, Broja

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

            On WC I would probably downgrade Alonso to get Foden for Gundo. Fitting Son here doesn't look easy.

    3. AW127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'm on 4-3-3 but that is more to do with my woeful team structure. I would say a midfield of Salah, Jota, MCI midfielder and Bowen is good but wouldn't want 2 MCI midfielders and don't like anyone below Bowen's price. I would say 4-4-2 is the best, and gives you more flexibility to change, especially given players like Gilmour are much better enablers than someone like Gelhardt.

    4. camarozz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      That's wat I'm thinking.. Think il sell Rudiger keep James and go 352. Which two up top is the problem.

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        4-5-1 might work but I fancy King in there with either Antonio or Watkins so like the 2 up there

  29. AW127
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Trossard --> B Silva
    Raphinha --> Bissouma
    Semedo --> Reguilon
    (-4)

    Is this hit worth it? I would be able to do Gallagher --> Bowen (as I'd planned previously) in GW18 still, but I'd be blocked from getting Jota.

  30. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Okay, Jesus > Dennis & Sissoko > Bernardo for free?

    1. AW127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      too sideways

    2. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It's a no brainer, Dennis big improvement over Sissoko on the bench. Bernardo over Jesus - no question.