The Gameweek begins with a potential classic. A London derby. A top of the table clash. All against the backdrop of a meeting between Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas-Boas. While the two managers are unlikely to deliver the scenes that the morning’s press have built up, we’re hopeful that their teams can at least provide the goods out on the pitch.
Fantasy managers should have plenty of interest in the outcome, with Paulinho, Christian Eriksen and Roberto Soldado commanding strong ownership in attacking areas for Spurs, while Kyle Walker and Jan Vertonghen’s owners will be looking for fifth clean sheet of the season.
Chelsea’s Fantasy assets have been on the downward spiral since the Gameweek 1 double, although one of Eden Hazard, Frank Lampard and Oscar are still in over 10% of FPL lineups, with Branislav Ivanovic second only to City’s Pablo Zabaleta in terms of popularity.
The team news from the Lane finds the home side unchanged from the starting XI that won the three points at the death in Cardiff. That means another start for Kyle Naughton at left-back, with Danny Rose remaining sidelined. Andros Townsend and Gylfi Sigurdsson retain the roles flanking Soldado, with Erik Lamela again on the bench, along with the in-form Jermain Defoe.
Jose Mourinho is able to call on Ramires in his midfield, despite doubts in the week on his fitness. The Chelsea boss retains David Luiz in defence after the Brazilian started at Swindon in midweek. Fernando Torres also keeps his start from that match, as Gary Cahill and Samuel Eto’o are kept in reserve. There’s also no place for Juan Mata, as Oscar returns to the “number ten” role, with Ramires set to move to the right flank, leaving Mikel and Frank Lampard to take up central midfield positions.
Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open and will remain so right through the three o’clock kick-offs and this evening’s encounter at the Liberty Stadium.
