Dugout Discussion

The Dugout Discussion – Liverpool vs Chelsea

With an international break looming, we need to cherish this weekend’s action. Fortunately, on paper, the Gameweek looks to have plenty to offer us – beginning at Anfield for Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho’s side draw up on Merseyside sitting on the Premier League summit to find a faltering Liverpool outfit struggling for a foothold.

Brendan Rodgers men have just two wins in their last seven – a run that has prompted Fantasy managers to turn their backs on the men in red: even Raheem Sterling’s star has faded badly in recent weeks.

Sterling will have the opportunity to show his worth, going up against Chelsea’s cast of midfield heavyweights – Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Oscar. Meanwhile, up front, Fantasy managers will be monitoring Diego Costa’s sharpness. Once an “essential” asset, Costa’s recent injury woes have seen enthusiasm dampened – goals today would quickly reverse that.

The early kick-off is followed by a quartet of matches, before Chelsea’s title rivals, City, pay visit to Loftus Road.

Stick around to discuss the day’s action as it unfolds and keep one eye on our Twitter feed for all the lineup news.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

1,791 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Podge
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Good refereeing 🙂

  2. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Owen is a moron he deserves to be elbowed because he stood there.

  3. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Hazard puts so much spin on his shots, Mignolet struggled to hold the tame one just now. I watched a highlight reel of all his goals last season and most of his goals had a touch from the keeper.

    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Mignolet struggles to catch a cold.

      1. Bartowski
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I'm not sure that saying someone has a strong immune system is actually an insult...

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          🙂

        2. isacki: full casual
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          😆

        3. Obi Wan Elokobi
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Fair play.

    2. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Some people shoot... real finishers place. Quality.

  4. JJO
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Fakung idiot this ref

  5. Punty
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    HOW IS THAT A YELLOW FOR STERLING AND NOT A FREEKICK FOR STERLING? OMG

    1. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      ramires red but chelsea free kick (the most)

  6. Pigvig
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Benched sterling. Did I win?

    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      nope

      1. Pigvig
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Damn

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Depends on who you played instead. Still on 4 points.

      1. Pigvig
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        All the others

    3. Thick Of It
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Man I loved that Bigwig character.

      1. Pigvig
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        One of my favourite books and the most horrific cartoons of all time

  7. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Costa is a great 1pt differential these days.

    1. Saint & Reevesy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      That's early.

    2. johnbarnes
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      too early for smugness mate.

    3. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Thats a nice shirt Tony

    4. Pigvig
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Fingers crossed though. I'm the only one in the morningtop four of my ml without costa. The only one with Aguero as well.

  8. Celt Abroad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Sterling booked for getting punched in the face.

    1. Willis.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      😆

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Elbowed in the face

      Ref is poor

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        He obstructed Ramires. That's what he got booked for. Ramires had his arms up running. Unintentional. Common sense imo.

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          You don't run with your elbow in that position

    3. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      It was more like a finger

  9. Randy_Marsh
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Hazard would frightening if you didn't own him. You can see clearly in this match why I'd choose him over Fab

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Nothing but to abuse him and get less pts

    2. rozzo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      not really, his finishing has been average all season, just like owning Andros Townsend

  10. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Quick quick quick let's have an in-game interview with Daniel

    Daniel what are your exact thoughts right now about Chelsea's performance

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      We are gonna kill Liverpool in second half

      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I actually agree, Liverpool are playing a suicidal game. No defensive midfield cover.

  11. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    BT Commentator says the forearm smash was deserved by Sterling for blocking Ramires path

    1. stephenl15
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      BT Commentator..... As in Michael Owen??

      1. Messiah Hazard
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Yup

    2. Punty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      He should be fired at the spot

  12. Surfreak
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Planning ahead for GW13, save next weeks transfer then do this for free.
    Pelle &Bertrand > Bony & Cresswell
    Thoughts?

    1. Saint & Reevesy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Nah

      1. Surfreak
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Saints fixtures look bleak and both will drop with all the incoming sales?

        1. Saint & Reevesy
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Pelle is fixture proof.

          Saints defence isn't lucky, the whole team defends, don't be surprised if they go ok against 'the big teams'.......

  13. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    If only Hazard had an end product...

    1. Darth
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      You can sense he is close, just needs to better with his shooting.

      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Yup. Frustrating.

  14. Darth
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    This match has made me want Hazard even more, and I'm a Fabregas owner.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      He's difficult to afford with Di Maria and Sanchez. It may involve downgrading Costa to get him...

      1. Thick Of It
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Think I could get rid of Pelle for some cheap 3rd striker to fit Haz in but his inconsistancy is so frustrating to watch

        Haz/ Di Maria/ Sanchez

        Costa/ aguero

        is doable, it is just a case of where the sacrifices are made

  15. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Cahill is pretty good on the ball for a CB

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      not as good as king kolo

  16. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    We talk about Skrtel and Shawcross getting away with a load of things in the box from corners but Ramires gets away with so many elbows.

    1. RÏɠBY
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      he's not a spider 🙂

  17. Would an idiot do that?
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Mourinho needs to get Demba Ba on second half

    1. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      😆

    2. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Bemba Da*

  18. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Hazard clearly is in a free role - drifting left, right and centre.

    1. Darth
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Trying to get away from Glen Johnson's pocket.

      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I never thought I would read this 😆

      2. Bobbydhino - ⚒ Saint Slav…
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Glen Johnson lost his pocket a couple years ago.

    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      yup

      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Ramires deeper to pick up Sterling, he's almost at right back at times. Hazard popping up wherever he can cause damage. Liverpool can't cope with his movement.

    3. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Why can't he shoot 🙁

  19. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Costa lost it at half time

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Slight exaggeration

      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Typical bemba

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          yup.

    2. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      All he wants to do is fight today.

  20. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Costa & Skrtel are the best of buddies

  21. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Looks like Costa and Skrtel haven't got over their international battle

  22. RyanC
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Genuinely think Hazard will still finish the season as the top scoring midfielder. He's only a haul away from the top, and a few away from cementing his place there.

    What a flop.

    1. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Yesterday on TFPL I was having the Hazard v Fab discussion and I reckoned he was slightly better for his goal theat. We'll see how he fares against Fabregas but one goal is basically two assists, if not more.

    2. Randy_Marsh
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      This

  23. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    I expect a good skrtle vs Costa next Half!! I want to see a fight!

  24. Randy_Marsh
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    This has been Hazards best performance in the league this year, imagine if he could shoot though.

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Aye. Typical dazzling performance, but without returns. Eden Hazard in a nutshell.

  25. TeamSteam
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    I can honestly say that this has been one of the worst refereeing performances i have ever seen. This Taylor is completely clueless. On the other hand, i can hand on heart say that i hate everything about CSKA London. Shaite club if i ever saw one.

    1. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Very good refereeing so far

      1. TeamSteam
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Unless youre trolling, youre an idiot.

    2. Captain Shirokov
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      u mad?

      1. TeamSteam
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        How can you not be with a referee so poor? I can easily count four blatant yellows that he missed,.

    3. Bobbydhino - ⚒ Saint Slav…
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      You sound bitter.

      1. TeamSteam
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Im really not, but this refereeing is putting an unnecessary edge on the game. The bookings im talking about arent all Chelski either, thought Henderson shoulda been booked too.

  26. Owd Big 'Ed
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Always thought this was going to be a tough gameweek for me. Got a Sterling assist but just need a Costa goal, Fabregas assist which would be lovely.

    Need to get Sanchez, Di Maria or Hazard in my team somehow.

  27. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Why is there only white referees in the PL?

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      does it matter?

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Just curious

    2. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Uriah Rennie = god

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        yeah he was

    3. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Why are there no ginger referees in the PL?

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I think that could be a coincidence

    4. AlCapwnUK
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      doesn't matter much, but it is the same argument that faces all aspects of the running of the game apart from the actual players. Why are there so few black referees and managers? There are plenty of black fans, black players, and more recently black pundits.

      Probably leave it there though, it is a Saturday and all

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I'm not looking to argue with anyone, it just suddenly hit me and seems weird.

  28. rickardinho
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    That was a clear punch to the face from Ramires on Sterling. So dirty

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Clearly not a punch

      1. TeamSteam
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        He does this week in week out, yet he gets away with it time and time again. How Sterling ended up with the yellow in that situation is beyind anything sane.

        1. Bobbydhino - ⚒ Saint Slav…
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          He blocked Ramires path..lose the attachment mate.

          1. TeamSteam
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            So Sterling should just evaporate into thin air? And Ramires should be allowed to pave way with his skinny arms face height every time he runs at someone? Yeah?

            1. Bobbydhino - ⚒ Saint Slav…
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              Its the way the rules are written.

  29. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Costa winning the aerial dual big time.

    He has been a bit off since coming back.
    Maybe he isnt 100%

    A concern for Chelsea anyway

    1. AlCapwnUK
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      at least he has the international break off, give those hamstrings some time to recover. If he isn't firing on all cylinders when the PL kicks off again, he might have to go (from my team)

  30. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Frustrating Hazard

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      the usual then.