Dugout Discussion

Man City v Chelsea team news: Mount and Dias benched as Foden returns

Double Gameweek 22 continues this Saturday lunchtime as Manchester City play host to Chelsea.

Kick-off at the Etihad is at 12:30 GMT.

This is the first of two scheduled fixtures for Thomas Tuchel’s side in Gameweek 22, with Brighton and Hove Albion next up on Tuesday.

More Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers bought Mason Mount than any other player who has two matches in the current Gameweek but the midfielder, who had completed 90 minutes in each of Chelsea’s last eight Premier League games, is only among the substitutes today.

Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi are also pmitted as Tuchel opts for a slightly surprising front three of Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku.

Pulisic and Ziyech are among five changes from the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, with Marcos Alonso, Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante all returning to the fray.

Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner and Jorginho are benched, while Andreas Christensen has Covid-19.

Pep Guardiola delivered the ominous news that Manchester City had some fresh cases of coronavirus in his pre-match press conference but the damage appears minimal when looking at the teamsheet.

Nathan Ake and Cole Palmer are the two players to miss out (the City website repeating the line that they are “short of full fitness”), while Oleksandr Zinchenko has picked up an injury and is also unavailable.

Ederson, John Stones, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling all come into a strong-looking side after missing the FA Cup win over Swindon Town, whilst Aymeric Laporte is restored to the starting line-up having been an unused substitute against the Robins.

Ruben Dias is surprisingly benched, along with Zack Steffen, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus. The missing Palmer and Ake had also been part of that starting XI at Swindon.

DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 22 LINE-UPS

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Joao Cancelo, De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Sterling, Grealish, Foden.

Subs: Dias, Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus, Steffen, Fernandinho, Mbete-Tabu, McAtee, Lavia, Wilson-Esbrand.

Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga, Sarr, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso, Ziyech, Pulisic, Lukaku.

Subs: Jorginho, Werner, Loftus-Cheek, Bettinelli, Saul, Barkley, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Havertz.

1,053 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    So because Odegaard has Covid they were allowed to apply for a postponement. Without it they wouldn't have been able. The rules are a joke.

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

      I’m so angry right now you wouldn’t believe, not just from an fpl perspective either

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Oh jeezus, it's not that outrageous. Why angry now and not when you first knew about the postponement criteria?

        1. deathcabofdevil
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          He's just salty Spurs didn't get a chance to play against a bunch of 12 year olds.

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

            Look these appearance points make all the difference

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

          Because literally the other day Arteta came out and said he wanted to play it either way

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

            Within that same interview he backtracked. What he was basically saying is that he will prepare for every game as manager but the club may do differently

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

              It’s just lies and pathetic from the PL to bow down to it

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

                What lies?

                Odegaard has covid

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

                  One player….

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

                Where's the lies?

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

                  To say he wants to play it then request postponement because Odegaard has COVID.

                  It’s not lieing literally, but it’s massively misleading is it not?

          2. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            That's your reason? Brilliant

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

              Because those words made it seem worthwhile to punt on Kane (C), so yes - and I bet a lot of managers did too.

    2. deathcabofdevil
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Would've been fine if they sent in 12 false positive reports alongside though.

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        So anyone could then game the system if they've some key players out and say we've a few covid cases.

        And then the next day when it's postponed say they were false positives. Lol

        1. deathcabofdevil
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          It was a subtle dig on Klopp's antics.

          Hate it when you have to explain a joke.

    3. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      And they sent some players on loan aswell

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        That shouldn't come into play. That was their own decision and poor planning and squad management

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

    Ready for?

    Goal - DENNIS
    Assist - NOT KING

    Newcastle 0-1 Watford (3 mins)

    #NEWWAT #FPL

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

      I'm ready for Watford to score like 5 goals this GW if both games happen and to only get one assist from King out of it

    2. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Think Newcastle win with Wood goal

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

      Think that will be a common theme of this GW

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

      How very dare you

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

    This was expected... Once the request went in it felt inevitable, more so since even b4 that the Xhaka red had creators saying as much.

    Kept one single Spud in my team, zero Gooners, might gain some green from this.

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

      So basically, they don’t have the balls to say “No, man up and play”

      1. deathcabofdevil
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yes. Just like how United, Liverpool, Leicester didn't have the balls throughout December. Stop acting like this is happening for the first time.

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          First time a game has been postponed because a club have a few on International duty, a suspension and a few knocks with 1 covid case though.

          1. Van der Faart
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            And decided to loan out 2 players as well. Bad squad management and they've been allowed to postpone.

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              It's not meant to be as subjective as you'd like it to be

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

            Leicester vs Everton was 1 covid case, and it was Soumare

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

            12+ players out.

            Only way spurs was going to win this game. Can see why your crying.

            1. fplgaruda
              • 2 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              I bet he got triple spurs and kane (c)

              1. Van der Faart
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 2 months ago

                Have Kane only actually but good try. 10/10 for effort

            2. Van der Faart
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              I'm not crying. Just think it's pathetic that its off when they knew AFCON was happening they still decided to loan out players as well.

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

                Everton - Leicester got called off for exactly the same reason so they did the right thing imo

            3. HaveYassineChikhaoui
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Giving them a chance to gen Son back in time, should be thanking us...

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

            Nah it's not

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

          Maybe - but at some point you’d expect it to change, everyone knows it’s not viable to continue to call off games just because a club requests it.

          At this rate this season won’t finish until 2023

      2. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Two awkward sexist phrases in one utterance. Well done 😆

        1. BIGREDDOG
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Oh gosh.

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

          Hahahaa

    2. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Xhaka postponed Arsenal game
      What a hero.

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

        And it means a possible TGW for Spurs maybe? That would be interesting. They'll start sticking games in on top of cup rounds soon enough.

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

    Cmon Dennis do me a favour and bag me a hattrick son!!

    1. threeputt
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Son not playing

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

    I felt there'd be some SGW players in the "double" gameweek 22 dream team, but I didn't imagine Cancelo there vs Chelsea

    What a start

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

      It's nearly impossible to see it going to anyone but Salah but if not for him I'd say Cancelo would have to be up there for player of the season

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

        TAA has put his name up there too, to be fair

        Rodri as well

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

    Kevin DeBruyne,Bernardo Silva and İlkay Gundogan are football geniuses.

  7. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    How are Arsenal not being docked points or fined for failing to field a team, so unprofessional of them

    1. deathcabofdevil
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      By that logic, United should be on 20th position with negative points.

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

      Because no other team has been docked points. Premier League are the problem not Arsenal et al.

      They should never have postponed the first game

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

        Boro docked 3 pts....resulted in relegation...get your facts right

    3. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      They proposed to postponement.
      The PL executives who should be fined for approving it.

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

      Leicester, liverpool and Newcastle as well
      Dont forget to add Leeds PL table pts

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

      Spurs were the first of the big six to collapse and complain

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Spurs had 10+Covid cases and the training ground was shut.

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

          It's not a competition mate.

    6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Just came out of hibernation?

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

      Yoy must own 3 spurs players

    8. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Oh just stop it.

    9. HaveYassineChikhaoui
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      This is rich considering we suffered at the start of the season and nobody bat an eyelid when these measures weren't in place.

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

      As a Broja owner no Neves is good but no Marcal is not so good

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

    Oh look a hot topic on the north london derby.

  9. T.Henry14
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son -----> KDB, very proud.

    1. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Well done
      Chance your password now

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

      nc one

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Well played. I done Son to Maddison Thursday night like an idiot

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

        Don't blame yourself.Too many information around,price rises,dgw for Leicester.Move on.

  10. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry if discussed been out but any news on Ronaldo?

    1. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Will know 2 hours from now. Patient

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Ok cheers

    2. Genovoze
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Injured. Elanga - Cavani - Greenwood start upfront..

      1. fplgaruda
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Chuckle

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

        Source?

      3. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks but Gutted

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

      He has been in oxygen chamber, but it is not doing miracles. Without him MU at least has a chance to win!

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I was hoping maybe on the bench

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

    Laporte not blanked in 7GW’s, very impressive

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Wow that is impressive

  12. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I got slaughtered on here for having a go at Newcastle when they got their fixture postponed after ASM and Wilson got injured. But I knew that that set the precedent for the other teams to follow.

    So save your faux outrage against Leicester, Liverpool and now Arsenal. If you want to blame someone, blame EPL who have well and truly messed this up.

    Won't be long until crowd attendances drop, what's the point in travelling to a game if there's a chance that it gets postponed because the star striker has a little niggle that morning?

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

      Do you think the United game is going to be postponed?

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

      Agree. It's a pisstake for everyone but the PL have set the rules. If they want teams to stop abusing it, have a meeting with the clubs & change the rules.

      Can't blame any team for giving it a go when others have got away with it on the same basis.

      1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        This is a new level.

        Not saying it's been okay until now but now it is well and truly over

  13. No_Mo_Salah?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo bench and Kane (C)... ouch!

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

    Can I get a Calvert Lewin brace please.

    1. mdm
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

      No you can have a hattie

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

        4 you say?

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

      That would be a delight … but more likely the only brace he ends up with will be encasing his leg.

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

    Stupidly put on FFS Matchday Live video.

    Usual FFS technical difficulties/muted contributors.

    They're really quite bad at this aren't they?

    1. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Lol

    2. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Same as Burning question streaming then

    3. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Seems to be working fine for me!

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

        FPL Linn was muted for first 5 mins. I gave up after that

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I take that back!

          I joined late, yeah there's a problem with her audio, apparently they're getting it fixed...

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Mind you, she's quick on the old keyboard, I'll say that much!!!

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

    So who is having a big bet on Watford at 10/3? Newcastle are at 4/5, easy win for super Watford

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

      Not so sure it'll be that straightforward but yeah the price on a Watford win surprised me, Everton at evens too

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        5/4 with some bookies...

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

    Seems to be a new virus going around …. Main symptoms are paranoia, saltiness and exaggeration … apparently North London is a hotspot …

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      😆

  18. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Not only benched kdb but cancelo too lol

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

      Why would you don’t that?

      1. BIGREDDOG
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Why won’t you not don’t!?

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

      Ouch!

    3. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      What the...

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

      If I had your team, my decision to BB would have been right

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

    Unpopular opinion.

    Newcastle are going to beat Watford and Dennis won’t score.

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

      I’ll take a 4-3 Newcastle win with Dennis blank and king Hattie.

      1. BIGREDDOG
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        As would I! I would love nothing more than for King to outscore Dennis. Dennis has been more annoying than ESR 😀

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

        THISS

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

      I think Newcastle will win but I’m done writing off Dennis

      1. BIGREDDOG
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I’ve just said Dennis 3 times in quick succession. Hoping he doesn’t pop up behind me in the mirror with a wicked grin and the match ball in his hands

  20. Goodfeathers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Score predictions for the 3pm kicks offs?

    1. BIGREDDOG
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Newcastle 2-1 Watford
      Norwich 0-2 Everton
      Wolves 1-0 Southampton

  21. TKC07
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I think its high time for premier league to modify the covid rules going forward.

    At any stage team shouldn't be allowed to have more than 'n' number of pending games postponed due to COVID..

  22. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Why are you lot still here?

    Games dead.

    Pack up go home.

    Find something else to do

  23. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    30m for Wood 🙄

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

    Keane OG 🙂

  25. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Keane OG

  26. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    2 nil norwich

  27. No_Mo_Salah?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks Keane. Worth the wait!

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

    Ok Lamptey over Keane paid off in a way I guess

  29. BeaversWithAttitude
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ward-Prowse free kick phenom. What a strike!