Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a major update on the fitness of summer signing Savinho following a suspected knee injury.
The 20-year-old made his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, after completing a £21 million move to Manchester City from sister-club ES Troyes last month, following an impressive campaign in La Liga with Girona.
Manchester City started their latest Premier League title defence with three points, courtesy of goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic, as Pep Guardiola’s side bid to win a fifth successive league title.
Haaland broke the deadlock after 18 minutes, before Kovacic secured the win with a sublime effort against his former club in the 84th minute.
Manchester City were without both Rodri and Oscar Bobb for the visit to the capital due to injury, and are facing a third injury problem following Sunday’s win, after Savinho was forced off at half-time due to a knee injury.
The 20-year-old underwent treatment on the pitch during the first-half, and was replaced by Phil Foden ahead of the start of the second-half at Stamford Bridge.
Savinho Injury Update: Return Date Confirmed
Discussing the extent of the injury post-match, Guardiola said: “Some disturbance in the knee. He said he knows perfectly why, he’s had it in the past. Apparently it’s not a big, big problem. He will be ready for, hopefully, next Saturday.”
Manchester City host newly-promoted Ipswich Town in their opening home Premier League match of the new campaign next Saturday afternoon.
The Suffolk-based club have acquired the signatures of both Kalvin Phillips and Liam Delap from the Etihad Stadium this summer, but suffered defeat to Liverpool at Portman Road on Saturday.
Impact of Savinho's Injury on Fantasy Football
Savinho’s (£6.5m) Premier League debut was cut short by a knee injury on Sunday.
A collision towards the end of the first half saw the Brazilian replaced at the break, with Phil Foden (£9.5m) taking over on the right.
Pep Guardiola, however, delivered a positive update in his post-match presser:
“Some disturbance in the knee. He said he knows perfectly why, he’s had it in the past. Apparently, it’s not a big, big problem. He will be ready for, hopefully, next Saturday.” – Pep Guardiola on Savinho
No player created more chances (three) or completed more dribbles (three) than Savinho in the first half, in a lively display that saw him regularly switch sides with Jeremy Doku (£6.5m).
“I know that Savio likes to play on the right, and Doku left. And normally what happens is I have to put Savio right, and Doku left. But I wanted players who go to attack more to the byline; [Doku] right and [Savio] left.”
“The secret is then [when they switched] they decided, I didn’t say anything. In certain points, Doku over there [on the right], I said to Juanma [Lillo], ‘What is he doing?!’ And they changed, and after they started to play good. So that’s why I learn that I have to put the players in positions that maybe they’re comfortable…” – Pep Guardiola
As for Foden, these were his first minutes since Euro ’24. Easing his way back into action, he wasn’t particularly involved, but there’s surely plenty more to come from him in the coming weeks.
Rico Lewis's Impressive Performance
Rico Lewis (£4.5m) impressed in pre-season and was superb again at right-back on Sunday.
The youngster stuck to his defensive duties well but also contributed in attack, often stepping into midfield. He even had the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
Handed an extended break after his Euro ’24 participation, positional rival Kyle Walker (£5.5m) will probably be back soon. However, based on Sunday’s evidence, Lewis should get further opportunities to show his quality.
“In the one-against-ones defensively, he’s unbelievable. Arriving in the final-third, as a full-back, in the inside channel, how many times? In the pockets, he moves like a player few times I’ve seen in my life. He does everything good; one-against-one defensively, blocking shots in the first-half from Nkunku, he’s always ready, he moves inside and outside perfectly. Honestly, Rico is a top, top player. A top player.” – Pep Guardiola on Rico Lewis
Lewis’ forward forays did somewhat limit Josko Gvardiol’s (£6.0m) influence, however.
When Lewis ‘inverted’, the Croat tucked in, restricting him to just 12 touches in the final-third, the fewest he’s managed in a single match since Gameweek 15 of 2023/24.
His owners will at least be content with a clean sheet and six points.
City's Dominant Performance Against Chelsea
Further forward, City weren’t at their fluent best but they still got the job done.
51.6%-owned forward Erling Haaland (£15.0m) put the champions ahead, before Mateo Kovacic (£5.5m) – who excelled in the ‘Rodri’ role – sealed the win with a fine late strike.
Haaland’s opener was assisted by Bernardo Silva (£6.5m), who has now created six goals in his last seven Premier League games, dating back to Gameweek 34.
“I had the feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage. Always he felt tired but with the Euros not being there, he is rested and feels good. The goal was magnificent. These are numbers like Messi and Ronaldo, that controlled everything in the last decade. His numbers are that level. To do that in this country is unbelievable.” – Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland
Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea ended in a 2-0 defeat, but they were a match for City for large parts.
Just one shot separated the sides, with the Blues surprisingly posting a superior xG (1.23/0.82).
Chelsea started in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Enzo Fernandez (£5.0m) in the ’10’ role, Cole Palmer (£10.4m) on the right and Christopher Nkunku (£6.5m) on the left.
Nkunku made some dangerous runs in behind but could not consistently get the better of Lewis. Still, it was a surprise to see him subbed off early, with Pedro Neto (£6.5m) taking his place on 58 minutes.
As for Palmer, he was quiet, failing to register a single shot in the box.
Instead, Nicolas Jackson (£7.5m) had a goal chalked off by VAR and Neto would have scored on his debut had it not been for Lewis’ goal-line clearance.
“I thought our performance was good. We don’t like to lose but I thought the performance was there. We competed against the best team in the world and we competed for large parts at the same level and in some moments were even better. We created chances and I think the big difference between us and them was especially in the box and the way they managed the ball in the last parts of the game but they are masters at that. Overall, I think our performance was quite good.
“I think today we were better than the last game, against Inter Milan, and I think that this is the most important thing – to improve game-by-game. For me, it is very clear that we are improving and the direction is the right direction. I said the other day that I didn’t expect the team to already be this [far] ahead so the direction is a good one and I don’t have any doubt that day by day we are getting better and we are going to have days where we win games and we will be happier.” – Enzo Maresca
Other Premier League Matches
Eberechi Eze (£7.0m) saw his superb free-kick ruled out on Sunday after the referee blew his whistle for what he thought was a foul – a decision he later apologised for.
It proved to be a key turning point, with Bryan Mbeumo (£7.0m) putting Brentford ahead shortly after.
Eze continued to cause Thomas Frank’s side problems, however, racking up seven shots.
If Odsonne Edouard (£5.5m) had timed his run better, he’d have bagged an assist.
Overall, Palace generally played okay but they lacked an end product, with Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m) understandably rusty having only recently returned from the Olympics.
Meanwhile, it’s now five assists in 14 matches for Daniel Munoz (£5.0m) under Oliver Glasner, having forced Palace’s equaliser at the Gtech.
As for Brentford, Ivan Toney (£7.5m) was not in the matchday squad amid “transfer interest” but it didn’t seem to matter, with Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa (£6.0m) both finding the net.
With new boy Igor Thiago (£6.0m) – earmarked as Toney’s replacement – ruled out until late 2024, Mbeumo could potentially become Brentford’s key attacker for their nice run in Gameweeks 6-13.
If Toney isn’t around, he might even be on penalties.
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Posted by villans82 Follow them on Twitter
4.5 defenders . . . Likely going to transfer Quansah out, given my defense of Gvardiol, Robinson, Quansah, Barco, and Faes almost certainly depends on Quansah starting. Curious about folks' take -- here's mine:TL;DR: Move Quansah out. Probably move in someone from Aston Villa or Newcastle. I lean Konsa. The nosebleed version:- Quansah. Likely to rotate, at best, and if your bench, as is mine, looks like Barco + Faes, well, it probably makes sense to make a move soon rather than later. The reason: if you wait and see on Quansah, he's going to drop to 4.4, and then you're stuck with a 4.0. Would rather hold serve with another 4.5- ManU defenders. Lisandro or Mazraoui make some sense. Mazraoui, though, could lose his spot to Luke Shaw. I've read that Dalot might be a transfer target for Real Madrid, which would open things up and make Mazraoui a nice add. I sort of like ManU's defense this year -- two years ago, they had the most CS in the league, and maybe they'll figure it out. That said, they have a rough stretch upcoming: Brighton (A), Liv (H), Southhampton (A), Crystal P (A), Tot (H), Aston Villa (A). So, basically only one game that looks like it could be a good shot at a clean sheet. No gracias.- Newcastle guys. Between Hall, Livramento, and Hall, there are some good options, but (1) Trippier is likely to make the squad, if he doesn't leave, which will impact either Hall or Livra (or both); and (2) Guehi could be on the way (which would impact Burn). I don't like the look of their fixtures in the near term: Bou (A), Tot (H), Wolves (A), Fulham (A), MCI (H), Everton (A). Lots of away games, with Spurs and MCI thrown in. Ugh.- Aston Villa. Don't love these guys as options, individually, but after Arsenal in week 2, they have some nice fixtures: Leicester (A), Everton (H), Wolves (H), Ipswich (A), and MUN (H). I like their chances of a clean sheet in 2-3 of those matches. Not sure whom to chose, and don't love Arsenal this coming week.- Brighton. Boy, they like to score, and their defenders do get somewhat involved, but their opponents are up and down: MUN (H), Ars (A), Ips (H), NFO (H), Che (A), Spurs (H) is an uneven patch -- up and down. Probably a no. - Rico Lewis, ManCity. Nice fixtures, but I'm not convinced that he's nailed, and I don't want to deal with another defensive transfer before week 6 or so. - Crystal Palace. I'm already on Henderson, and their defense isn't good enough for a double-up. That said, could roll the dice on Guehi, with a move to Newcastle as upside.- Everton. Sieve-like defense with several folks out. Wait and see.- Chelsea. Nice run of fixtures: Wolves (A), Palace (H), Bournemouth (A), West Ham (A), Brighton (H), NFO (H). Fofana and Colwill stand out at 4.5, if they stay in the lineup.
Youve gone very far down the rabbit hole trying to replace one rotation risk with a bunch of conjecture and rumor. I think you need to find a solid starter. It’s Anderson, Dunk, Konsa or Burn
Yes, for sure it's down the rabbit hole, though I hope you didn't mean that as a pejorative. I just thought it'd be helpful to others, who have suggested the above and other options. Wanted to share my thinking. As for the specifics:- Anderson -- already have Henderson, so no. Don't want to double up, not only so that I can spread risk but also to avoid blocking a 3rd Palace player. - Dunk -- Brighton's fixtures are tough -- tougher than Villa. That defense isn't as good as Aston Villa. - Burn -- if Guehi arrives, he's a risk. Like him a lot otherwise.
I’m happy with the palace double up, fixtures are good.Sounds like you want Konsa, solid choice
Love your thinking there mate. I’m on the same boat with HendersonTAA, Porro, Quansah*, Barco*, B Johnson*I have shortlisted these players as potential replacements for Q:Rico LewisMazraoui/MartinezGuehi (hoping that he gets his transfer)
I like it, Vazza. - Rico. If I had a fourth defender whom I liked, I'd probably go with Lewis, on the idea that if he doesn't play, he likely doesn't play the entire game, and I'd fall back on my 4th defender in a 3 man backline.- ManU. Fixtures are rough, and I'm not sure whether either of those guys are nailed. - Guehi. Agreed. I've been thinking about him, too, as the alternative to Konsa, whom I'm not thrilled about.
I’m going to print this out and put it on the fridge!
What happened with crystal palace. Everyone was banking on them and defense
They played a good side away from home. Guehi leaving is a disaster for them defensively.
They all laugh when I try to pick Flekken and they choose Henderson. Next we know, Henderson concede more than Flekken .. lol hahaha
Cool kids have both
0.5 can go a long wayyy... Between not starting Dewsbury Hall to Dzoboslai or Nkunku... 🙂
Nkunku is going to be great. Anyone expecting returns vs city is on the pipe
Look at the rotation though.
I don’t even like rotating keepers..Wham HSou HLei HManure HWham H againWolves HForest AIpswich HWolves AFulham HEverton AGive me all the points
Vote on my Quansah replacement. For context, my keeper is Henderson and other defenders are Porro, GabbyXL, Robinson and a 4.0. And I have 0.5 ITB.1. 4.5 Villa defender. I'd have him sub against Arsenal, and then they have a good run of fixtures.2. Cucurella. He looked so solid (BPS?), and they have a nice run of fixtures too.3. One of Burn or Livramento if the latter is nailed. I thought the latter looked the best of his partners.4. Munoz. Just double up on Palace defence.5. Dunk. Or any other Brighton lad.
Wow okay, I just saw the write-up posted by the gentlemen top of the page.
Yours is better2, 4, 1 in that order, need to decide if you want to hold that .5. I’d be tempted to go Konsa and hold since it’s the 4th defCucurella is absolutely one to own for FPL. Hate him as a defender.
In case you didn’t see it in previous thread, shoot me an email at the below address and I’ll explain [email protected]
Over my head, all good though 😉
We think you’re good, hence the message.
- Robinson
Sorry, you already have him. Konsa/Cucu.
If you have the extra 0.5, I like Munoz of that list. He's way up the field, playing in the box, regardless of the Palace double up. Cucu is good, but I don't know that I'd pay the extra 0.5 for him. So I'd go 4,1, 2.
Is price changes in 45mins time?
Would have happened at half past, had there been any
Oh thanks for that! Will keep an eye from tomorrow onwards!
The transfer interest for Toney is from Saudi Arabia apparently, but it just dawned on me that Man City have no backup anymore for Haaland after Alvarez was sold, so a move to City would make a lot of sense especially with Haalands injury recordthat would really throw a spanner in the works for Haaland owners though, 15m for a player that could miss some easy games and be taken off early in other ones, as a non owner i hope that happens. 😆
Eze has been linked with MCI and is far more likely to go there. People were wondering if he waved goodbye to his fans after last game, but I haven't seen it yet. MCI is not after Toney, Arsenal was linked earlier imo.
I'm just speculating, Toney to City would make sense in a lot of ways, I mean they did buy Kalvin Phillips not long ago so anything is possible lol, as for Eze I hope he doesn't go there, he could turn into another Grealish, having his best years wasted on the bench
Relatively good source says the release clause for Eze has expired. If so, Parish won't be selling for anything remotely viable at this stage of the window.
New season goalsTop 1K (Hall of Shame)Top 100 (Timor Leste)Will need to up my game and the second one looks the more challenging
I’ll take your Timor Leste and raise you Christmas Island!
Only discovered too late that I could have applied for Antarctica.
any updates on Quansah ? depressing to see a HT sub.. should i remove him ?
no
i assume its due to tactical reason then
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has delivered a positive injury update on Savinho after the debutant was forced off in the opening day win at Chelsea.
The Brazil international was handed a start with Jack Grealish only fit enough for the bench and Phil Foden also among the subs having only recently returned to training. But the latter was called upon at half time with Savinho having picked up an injury.
The 20-year-old had a bright 45 minutes, having a hand in Erling Haaland's goal that had established City's 1-0 lead. But he picked up a knee problem late in the half and received lengthy treatment on the turf before limping to the sidelines. He returned to the fold but couldn't carry on after the break.
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But Guardiola was upbeat on Savinho's condition after the game. “Some distributing in the knee. He said he knows perfectly why, had it in the past,” said the City chief. “He has to solve it and it’s a question of a lack of preparation, a lack of training sessions. Apparently it’s not a big, big problem. Will be ready for hopefully next Saturday.”
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On the winger's performance in general, Guardiola added: “We expect always the best. Today, the first game is a coin toss. How is the team, how does he feel? I don’t know. The first game… 80% of of the games in pre-season was academy players.
“But the first impact has been really good. It’s not always about how you perform in the first game in England, at Stamford Bridge. Performing that well, sends me a message that he is mature and has a good personality to become a top, top player. That is incredible news for us.”
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