Dugout Discussion

Holgate and Sidibe benched as Everton face Palace in Gameweek 26 opener

The first of ten Premier League matches in as many days takes place between Everton and Crystal Palace, with Gameweek 26 getting underway at Goodison Park at 12:30 GMT.

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a blow to owners of Mason Holgate (£4.5m) and Djibril Sidibe (£5.4m), with both of those defenders only among the substitutes.

That is Holgate’s first benching since Gameweek 9, with the budget Fantasy Premier League asset losing his ever-present record under his new manager.

Michael Keane (£5.2m) and Seamus Coleman (£5.3m) come in at centre-half and right-back respectively, with Bernard (£6.4m) ousting Alex Iwobi (£5.6m) on the left flank.

Ancelotti’s other change is an enforced one, with Morgan Schneiderlin (£4.4m) replacing the suspended Fabian Delph (£5.3m).

Richarlison (£8.1m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.1m) again form a two-man strike force for the hosts.

Speaking of his line-up changes, Ancelotti said:

We need more of everything. More quality, more intensity, more pressure, more concentration. It’s not easy to pick the line-up but I want everyone to be involved and the players accept my decisions.

The Palace team news is nice and easy to digest, with the Eagles unchanged from their defeat to Sheffield United last weekend.

Martin Kelly (£4.3m), who lost his place to Joel Ward (£4.3m) in Gameweek 25 anyway, is absent with a minor calf injury.

Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) is between the posts again after his clanger against the Blades, with Roy Hodgson saying:

You don’t drop first-choice goalkeepers because they’ve made one mistake – it can happen to anyone. We’re very happy with him and very happy he’s playing today.

Palace are without a clean sheet since Gameweek 16, which is the longest barren streak in the top flight at present.


Everton XI: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Bernard, Walcott, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita, Ward, Tomkins, Cahill, van Aanholt, Milivojevic, McCarthy, McArthur, Zaha, Ayew, Benteke.

1,580 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What is that sound?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Someone is farting

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Fapping?

  2. BNMC
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Chelsea's fixtures turn green soon. Are their assets worth considering again, especially with how much some of them have fallen in price?

    CHO is now 5.3, if he can stay fit would be a huge bargain.

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I have trust issues with that squad

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

      But he's not that good is he?

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not until they can be consistent. Lost/drew lots of "easy" games this season already.

    4. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I would prefer fleck at .2 cheaper.

  3. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    DCL starting. End of story

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No that’s doesn’t tell the story

  4. FFSbet.com
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Holgate dropped or rested?

    1. BNMC
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Carlo loves changing the backline around.

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Rested for the winter break according to owners

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Mina was rested earlier under Ancelotti, at which time the manager mentioned Holgate would be rotated at another point

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Just rested. He has been out best CB under Ancelotti but the boss has mentioned he will need a rest at some point. Shame it’s this particular fixture

      1. Old Man
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Indeed

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      interesting one, cb don't typically get rested. Must be something in it

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Wrong..

    5. FPL Pillars
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      With those awful fixtures I would get rid whatever

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This

    6. SADIO SANÉ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      rotation rather than rested I think, which is annoying but think he'll be back

  5. ZeBestee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Sidibe has been a disaster for me.

    Whenever I want to take him out I am normally taken back by fixtures. One of the worst acquisition.

    1. Jullepuu
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Same for me. Should have picked Digne or even Holgate over him

      1. ZeBestee
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Holgate was the logical option, cheaper and better than the so called OOP Sidibe. Season is getting worse by the gw.

        1. Jullepuu
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Not really beacuse Ancelotti said that he would rotate the cb's

          1. ZeBestee
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Still cheap and an enabler. Think Holgate has done much better than Mina and Keane so he is going to play many games unless the latter 2 have brilliant perfomances together which I doubt.

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

      Hodgson the oldest manager names a Palace team with an average age of 30 years old

    3. PL Ball
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Watch Everton keep a CS now to rub salt.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, I am still hopeful he will come on for Theo and get the Winner/Assist

  6. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Kun (c)

    Blank or benching incoming

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Noice

  7. Pep Roulette
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Was it a good decision to choose option A on my WC! Feeling regretful now!

    A. Traore & Stevens
    B. Moura & Egan

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Easily

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        What do you think T? Stevens worth the 0.6m over Egan?

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A better

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers mate! I feel better now!

  8. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Right, match underway, let's go...oh I have no players in todays games.

    Fun times...

  9. SomeoneKnows
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Chosing Fernandez over Lascelles is a no brainier right? or is there some hidden information about them?

    1. Old Man
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think the extra is worth it - it gaimed me 3 extra oints last week and he does have a goal threat too. (looks like he might go up tonight)

    2. BNMC
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Lascelles is more nailed because he's club captain, but Fernandez hasn't been dropped in ages and he has a lot better attacking threat.

  10. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Holgate losing his place. Who out first, Lund or Holgate?

    1. BNMC
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Holgate's fixtures ahead are trash

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He hasn’t lost his place.. Jesus

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Holgate hasn't lost his place

  11. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Digne free kick saved

  12. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Started B.Williams over G.Cahill

    Cmon Everton!

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I wish Ole starts Williams too!

    2. ZeBestee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You may still need Cahill's points.

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd hope for a Cahill cleanie in your case.

  13. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Everton are so good! No team has more points over the last 10 fixtures (excluding Liverpool)

  14. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Someone get Guaita some sunglasses or least a cap!

  15. FPL Pillars
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I miss having Digne in my team but those fixtures no chance he comes in anytime soon

    1. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He’s in mine.
      Arsenal,United,Chelsea don’t really instill fear.

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        You forgot Liverpool after those

        1. The 12th Man
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          No I didn’t.
          That’s the only fixture I wouldn’t want any Everton

          1. FPL Pillars
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yes that’s fair enough if you own him already mate

  16. Bobby Digital
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    No Holgate 😮

    1. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probably benched due to lack of central midfield options.
      He can cover there if needed.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Was planning to get rid this GW anyway.

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Carrier pigeon?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        🙂

  17. BNMC
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    As a Barca supporter it pleases me to see Digne, Mina, and Gomes (before his injury) doing well for Everton.

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Everton will be playing them in Europe before too long

      1. Left Wingers Utd
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        lolololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololol

        1. The 12th Man
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Pre season friendly

        2. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Top 6 for sure and with Ancelotti at the helm the only way is up. No team has more points than Everton over the past 10 fixtures aside from Liverpool

          1. Left Wingers Utd
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Their fixtures have been ridiculously easy. See how many they've got at the end of the season! 😉

            1. BNMC
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              And then the last 5 are good.

  18. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    zaha with a new barnet

  19. The Final Boss
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Dcl playing???heard injured in warn up..

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He’s fine

      1. The Final Boss
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate..

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He is playing yes, he ran it off

      1. The Final Boss
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      playing and no signs of any injury at all

      1. The Final Boss
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate

  20. DAZZ
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Holgate benched, unlucky Irbox

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Just me? That’s why we have a bench genius

  21. ZeBestee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Red for MacCarthy?

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Should have started Pope 😐

      1. ZeBestee
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Haha, McCarthy.

  22. Bobby Digital
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Red card in my eyes

    1. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That would have been harsh.

  23. Woy_is_back
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Could have been red

  24. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A Mili Yellow today and he misses Gameweeks 27 and 28...That would be a nice winter break for him.

  25. Bun Rab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    PVA post.

  26. ZeBestee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Sidibe 》PVA with those fixtures?

    1. BNMC
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A bit too expensive and inconsistent

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No. Just, no. So many opther better options.

  27. FPL Pillars
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Someone was asking about PVA earlier. Nice FPL asset 🙂

  28. BNMC
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Seems like the Watford hype has died down

  29. Brosstan
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Holgate dropped for sure, rested before winter break makes 0 sense. WHo to replace him with?

    1. BNMC
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      This isn't dropping. Carlo always changes the defense.

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You don’t know much about Ancelotti and his rotation policy of central defenders. He even mentioned it 4-5 weeks ago when Mina was rested

  30. lazff
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Looking for a replacement in the back line for Kelly, have 5.3 to work witj,will dalot get game time in maybe a rw role??

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I wish he would but I highly doubt it unfortunately