Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Chelsea vs Watford

The seven-day Gameweek rolls on with a Monday night date under the lights of Stamford Bridge – the new home of the Premier League champions.

While tonight will doubtless witness scenes of celebration, Antonio Conte has given us Fantasy managers little to cheer with his team selection for the clash with Watford.

We were anticipating changes but a total of nine exceeds even our worst fears as a cast of premium assets get relegated to the bench or the stands.

They include the two top scoring defenders – Marcos Alonso and Gary Cahill – as Chelsea legend John Terry earns a run-out.

The Blues most popular player – striker Diego Costa – is also sat on the timber with Friday’s Hawthorns hero, Michy Batshuayi, leading the attack.

There are, however, some exceptions, with Cesar Azpilicueta and most notably, and surprisingly, Eden Hazard, retaining starting roles.

It remains to be seen how this impacts on their prospects for Gameweek 38 but, for now, their owners will be thankful of the possibility for returns in this evening’s clash.

Just what they can produce in such a weakened line-up remains to be seen. Watford certainly arrive in London in no great shakes – losing their last four without a single goal scored, although Chelsea’s teamsheet will surely give them a lift.

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

3,548 Comments Post a Comment
  1. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Hazard, Wellbeck, Gabbi

    to

    A: Pedro, Kane, Origi
    B: Coutinho, Vardy, Llorente
    C: Other options?, Giroud? Costa?

    Got 0.5 in bank so 24.7 spend on these 3

  2. Smoky Johnson
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Willian, Pedro or Fabregas for the last game?

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Fabricass.

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Pedro

  3. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    What would you guys even do with this team for the final week? They all have a decent fixture. I expect the Chelsea lads to play. Perhaps Monreal to somebody?

    Willy
    Alonso, Monreal, Yoshida
    Sanchez, Eriksen, Fabregas, Sane
    Costa, Jesus, Kane

    Pickford, Stephens, Holgate, De Roon 0.8itb 1FT

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Costa to Sturridge.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        I think Costa plays vs Sunderland personally

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 days ago

          The team looks pretty good to me. Yoshi to Bavies?

    2. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Maybe Willy, the rest looks gtg

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Monreal to Brunt. Swansea been to Ibiza this week.

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      3 Chelsea fur a dead rubber the week before an FA Cup final ? The big Italian and Spanish teams rest players before a CL game - Conte is from that genre .... proceed with caution

  4. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    I know there is a few games left this week but with possible rest/rotation for players in GW 38, what player do you feel is going to play and explode?

    Coutinho for me...thoughts?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Coutinho rarely explodes twice in a row. Except with his Mrs.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Hahaha true that....thinking home to Boro in a must win game with Boro players already on the beach, i think he could explode again, maybe even Sturridge

      2. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        nice one

        and true

  5. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Damn Kosc
    very costly double sit out :-/

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      double?

      1. rnrd
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        last week double too
        your avatar suits you perfect 😀

        1. Annie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 4 days ago

          double would suggest a consecutive nature, bird brain 🙂

  6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    I didn't it amusing that people are annoyed with anichebe getting any pts and now getting injured

    It's as if these people have ignored the whole of his career

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Auto complete on steroids...

    2. Little Lukin
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      What didn't you do it?

    3. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Pretty happy with that 1 point

    4. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      It's more than my gabbi 0points and costs less, good move anichebe owners

  7. sminkypinky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank the almighty Fabregas for his moment of brilliance!! That goal kept me in lead of my ml.
    Rival had Azpi and Haz, I had Alonso, Fab and Costa going into yesterday. Was pretty gutted. Now not so much.

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Aye, I was very happy when that goal went in. I still made a mistake doing Zaha to him for a hit though, a net loss of 3 points. But better than it wouldve been

    2. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Just before he came on I was thinking how Hazard + Sane instead of KDB + Fabregas (-4) was looking good. Should still win out but it's closer now.

      1. Pirlø's Pen
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        KDB is gonna mega haul tonight!

        1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 days ago

          From the bench? :S

      2. The Rumour Mill
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        The best call was to have fabregas and sane 😉

        1. andy85wsm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 4 days ago

          Well Hazard was always going to be in my team. If I took him out for Fabregas for a -4 I'd break even (although granted I'd have more to spend elsewhere)

    3. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Congrats. Not a good night for me. Alonso, Hazard, Costa vs Azpi & Fabregas. Now 11 pts behind my rival and GW38 is going to be a nail biting contest.

  8. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Predictions for big price changes in the 2017/18 season?

    Thinking of last year when there were huge hikes for Alli, Vardy, Mahrez etc

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      King for one. Alonso?

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        I reckon Zaha might be up a bit too

    2. Colonial
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      That is just guess work!!

    3. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      I don't expect a lot of big raises this year

      J.King
      Trippier
      Rashford

    4. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Sanchez could become 13. Silva could decrease. Alli and Eriksen could be 9.5-10. Lukaku should increase. Alonso should also increase.

      1. XabiAlonso
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Sanchez will be on French fpl

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 days ago

          Let's see.

    5. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Capoue up a mil.

      I'm more interested in who will fall into reach after being too high.

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        You're right. Up a mil to be picked by nobody ever.

    6. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Cleverly should increase loads

    7. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Couthino £9.5 mil

    8. SWANCK
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      To rise:
      King
      Alonso
      Lukaku
      Sane

      Drops:
      DeBruyne
      Aguero
      Sturridge
      Ibra
      Martial

  9. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Alonso to Clyne for a hit?

    1. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Clyne is nailed but he has lilke 0 goal threat (maybe assists) whereas Matip and Lovren have both come very close to goals lately

    2. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Surely Alonso is one of the best defenders to have for 38?

    3. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Go matip thank me later

  10. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Pick one for gw38.
    A) firmino and Barnes​
    B) albrighton and giroud
    C) lallana and llorente
    D) wijnaldum and llorente
    E) siggy and vokes
    F) siggy and llorente

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      B

  11. Smoky Johnson
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Sturridge will score 2 goals vs Boro. Someone bookmark this. I am captaining him.

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Good luck. Can you answer my previous question?

      1. Smoky Johnson
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Answered.

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 days ago

          Thanks. Haven't watched dheepan either.

    2. Colonial
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      He will get a training injury for sure!

    3. ronty
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      will be injured today then

    4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      From the boss of all bosses that means something. I'm going to do the same

  12. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    So last night everyone was making predictions and waiting eagerly for the Chelsea line-up. Some of the predictions were close to spot on. Is anyone predicting that San(c)hez will play tonight? What will the Arsenal defence look like tonight?

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      I think Sanchez will play.
      Monreal Mustafi Holding bellerin.

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Cech
      Mustafi Holding Gabirel
      Gibbs Xhaka Co Bellerin
      Sanchez Giroud Ozil

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Left & rights mixed up...Ramsey will come back in as Coquelin was there for stability away from home

      2. Smoky Johnson
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        No Monreal?

      3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Gabriel won't get a look in...Monreal to CB

      4. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        No Monreal you reckon? Please be wrong!!!

    3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Gibbs - Monreal - Mustafi - Holding - Bellerin

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Cech
      Holding Mustafi Monreal
      Bellerin Xhaka Ramsay Gibbs
      Sanchez Ozil
      Giroud

    5. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Cech
      Holding - Mustafi - Monreal
      Bellerin - Gibbs
      Walcott/Ramsey - Ozil - Sanchez/Welbeck
      Giroud/Welbeck/Perez

      1. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Missed Xhaka in between Bellerin and Gibbs

  13. makaveli123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Amat. First player on my team sheet next season

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Hell be 6.0m next season though so won't be able to classify him as a budget pick.

  14. joeski29
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Final game punt?

    Who are people going for? I'm considering bringing Sturridge in and captaining him for a differential, need someone with something to play for and hoping he has the chance to prove to Klopp he has a future at the club and should be a starter next season

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Either Vokes or Coutinho. Can't afford Sturridge without either taking a -4 or selling either Kane or Jesus.

  15. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Nothing more annoying than spending time on a post to see this

    'Your comment has been marked for review. It'll be published shortly.'

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Using VPN?

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Using colourful language it seems

    2. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Posting without swearing does help stop that 😉

      Try again without the offensive nickname for Bellerin 🙂

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Your post only had 11 words as well so can't have taken that long 🙂

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 4 days ago

          With my limited knowledge of the Ars CMs it took longer than it should have 🙂

      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Your sweary alogirthm is getting better 😉

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 days ago

          Just tested it. It's pretty good.

      3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Hehe I had to take the word you are on about out my dictionary as every time I typed bellerin it auto texted to that word. I got a few posts stopped .

        It's a pretty apt name for him though:-D

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 4 days ago

          I thought it was a very apt name for him

    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Hehe. Especially if it is a long post. Been there a few times, despite not using what I would consider offensive language.

  16. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    What do you reckon Mbappés FPL price tag would be?

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      9.5

    2. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      10

    3. ronty
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      same as Jesus

    4. A.T
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      8.5

  17. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    36 points off the top 100. A Jesus(C) hat trick assisted by Sane and Sanchez benching tonight would be very much welcomed.

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Great scoring this season

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Cheers KOL

    2. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Like the Sanchez benching part

    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Great show, Bubz, although I cannot concur with your wish tonight.

    4. SWANCK
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Nice going Bub, a Jesus(c) hat trick would go down nicely indeed!

  18. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Early thoughts on how to finish the season?

    Would love two punts.

    2ft, 0itb.

    Cech
    Alonso / Monreal / Yoshida
    Sanchez / Hazard / Alli / Sane / King
    Kane / Jesus

    Pickford / Stephens / Holgate / Anichebe.

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Get some pool in, but it will be a risk - its a good XI

    2. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Hazard to Coutinho/Fabregas/Willian
      Yoshida to Spurs/Terry

  19. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    I can't believe I am up on the trade after selling Coutinho this week for a hit.

  20. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Unlikely but is there a scout cast planned before Sunday?

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      There's one on tonight going off the tweets

  21. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Pick one
    A) hazard,siggy, llorente
    B) hazard, albrighton, giroud
    C) sanchez,siggy,barnes

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      A

    2. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      C

    3. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      C

  22. DundeeRailway1
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Having a good season so far - OR 11,770 and leading my ML by 34 points. I have Jesus (c) and has Sanchez (c) - big night tonight.

  23. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Have you ever rumbled a rival on here discussing your ML or even your team?!

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Nope, I like to feel none of them use it....If they had rumbled me it hasn't helped 😉

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      That's why I don't join any cups on here no more. Rivals can find me by the current rank that is shown. One of the very few things I don't like about this site. They shouldn't show link or rank imo

  24. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Wait... Is Koscielny out tonight?

    I'd kept him on the assumption he'd miss Stoke, they'd concede anyway, then he'd have a guaranteed clean against Sunderland...

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Looks that way.

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Looks like it going from what he said

    3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Looks like it - Wenger said yesterday he was struggling now he's said he's prepared to miss it

    4. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Literally what is the point in fantasy football. Disaster.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        You can look at all the stats you want..watch as many games as you like. It helps yes but ultimately this game is down to the luck of the draw. Either you get it or you don't. It's out your control

  25. Il Papera
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    My thinking is all will play vs Sunderland. They could put 7 past them with a strong team and Conte will want his players sharp. Two weeks would be a long time without a game. The Black Cats make the best possible warm up opposition.

  26. boogle
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    How does this look for 2FT?

    Haz + Holgate > Cout + Matip

    Caballero
    Cahill Vert Monreal Matip
    Sanchez Eriksen Coutinho Pedro
    Kane Jesus

    Pickford King Stephens Anichebe

  27. Babit1967
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    How does this GW38 team look? battling out for the mini league and 4 pts behind but have bench boost to play

    Bench boost team.

    Jakupovic Cabellero

    Mawson Yoshida Alonso Koscielny Kompany

    King Alli Hazard Sanchez T.Carroll

    Gabbi Kane Jesus

    Gabbi/Hazard out Coutinho and either Sturridge/Giroud in could potentially be my moves at a -4 but knowing my luck Hazard will play and bag a brace..

  28. greghammer95
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Josh King to be a 7.0m forward next year? Perfect Third Striker material... What if Aguero goes though and leaves Jesus as the main man, that'd be grand.

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Jesus will be 10.0 or 11.0 next year I reckon.

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        No more than 10.5. He's been good when he's played but too small a dataset.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Is he a one season wonder though? There is nothing to suggest that he is this good given past seasons.

      1. SWANCK
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 days ago

        Have you even watched him play?

    3. SWANCK
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 days ago

      Do you think King will stay at Bournemouth?
      Be nice to have him back at United tbh

  29. Yome
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Man Utd have been offered the chance to buy Real attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, according to Sky sources.

  30. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 days ago

    Buzzing for my trio of Koscielny, Sanchez and Jesus returning about 1 point between them and 20 minutes of playing time tonight.