Dugout Discussion
16 September 2016 1818 comments
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A second Friday kick-off of the season and a huge cauldron of a fixture.

When Chelsea meet Liverpool at the Bridge, things are rarely dull. We can normally bank on goals aplenty and for Diego Costa to find a way to court controversy.

Being fair, he’s managed to achieve that every match so far, though he’s also managed to notch either a goal or an assist in each of his four starts – making it easy to forgive his little indiscretions. For now.

Antonio Conte will be looking for more of the same as he puts out a Chelsea line-up that includes a second debut for David Luiz. He steps into the back four with John Terry nursing an ankle injury.

Liverpool are forced into a change of their own – the late revelation that Roberto Firmino would miss out with a “minor” groin injury opens the way for his compatriot Philippe Coutinho to make a return.

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  1. Optimus.
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Bloody nose from Luis in the interview, turn away now if your squeamish at the replay..
    http://m0.joe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10172434/bobrakes.gif

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      10 years, 1 month ago

      😆

      1. Optimus.
        10 years, 1 month ago

        😆 😀

  2. Assisting the assister
    10 years, 1 month ago

    WC time - any thoughts welcome

    Heaton/Jak
    Walker Valencia Smith Amat Evans
    KDB Firmino Bolasie Capoue Antonio
    Tekkers Kun Costa

    Too risky going without Ibra or Arsenal cover?

  3. RᴀᴄɪɴɢTᴏᴀᴅ
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed!
    _

    Ok, so do you guys prefer this front 8.

    Sanchez, Firmino, Antonio, Snod, Capoue
    Aguero, Costa, Lukaku

    It's good right?

    1. RᴀᴄɪɴɢTᴏᴀᴅ
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Kinda agree on Sanchez over KDB! 🙂

    2. Baked baines
      10 years, 1 month ago

      It looks good yes, but I feel Ibra is essential.

      1. RᴀᴄɪɴɢTᴏᴀᴅ
        10 years, 1 month ago

        For what reason?

        1. Mesh
          10 years, 1 month ago

          An average of a goal per game

          1. Baked baines
            10 years, 1 month ago

            This

          2. FF Dirtbag
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Same as costa

  4. PvA
    10 years, 1 month ago

    David Luiz had 3 shots in the game tonight, more than anyone else on the pitch. Showing attacking intent already.

    1. RᴀᴄɪɴɢTᴏᴀᴅ
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He's quality going forward. Wish they would play him in the midfield and drop Kante.

      1. PvA
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure about dropping Kante

        1. RᴀᴄɪɴɢTᴏᴀᴅ
          10 years, 1 month ago

          He's not even close to Chelsea level.

      2. WDT
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Kante is uniquely brilliant. Granted he has a woeful shot but he'd be sorely missed.

        1. RᴀᴄɪɴɢTᴏᴀᴅ
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Brilliant? He had one good season? So I'm guessing Michu is brilliant as well?

          1. DantheManinaPan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Get out. Kante is fantastic at what he does. For Leicester (who now sorely miss him) and for France. He is now an important member of Chelsea's team and definitely in the midfield ahead of David 'mistake' Luiz

          2. WDT
            10 years, 1 month ago

            All I can comment on is what we have seen from him so far, and in that time he has been fantastic. I think there are few players in world football clubs would want over Kante at DM. There are a few absolute elite players but he's up there for me.

            1. RᴀᴄɪɴɢTᴏᴀᴅ
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Elite players? He has been awful in a Chelsea shirt and will flop. One good season = Elite?

              1. WDT
                10 years, 1 month ago

                I said there are a few elite players (who clubs may want over Kante at dm), but he's up there for me regardless. I'm afraid I have to disagree that he's been awful in a Chelsea shirt, he looks the same duracell bunny-terrier he was at Leicester and Euros. Clearly you don't rate him, but I'd wager the vast majority do

          3. Super PVA - Small Spuds
            10 years, 1 month ago

            You're trolling right?

  5. Baked baines
    10 years, 1 month ago

    If Firmino was fit, who from tonight's game would have missed out?!

    1. Supersonic
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Sturridge I'd say

      1. Alonso's Ball
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Agreed

    2. keeney
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Still think Firmino but after today's performance probably Sturridge. Think Firmino, Coutinho and Sturridge will rotate and each Miss one game every 3

      1. Baked baines
        10 years, 1 month ago

        This is going to be a headache with Liverpool offensive players.

        1. keeney
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Mane best bet for game time in my eyes, I'd hate to own Firmino through bad fixtures just for klopp to rest him at home to Sunderland

          1. Supersonic
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah I hope he doesn't rest him! Best three cout firm and mane

    3. Marty
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Sturbridge

  6. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    One more time cmon guys. Wildcard this lot or not?

    Foster
    Valencia, Evans, Walker
    Lamela, Hazard, Redmond, Sanchez
    Ibrahimovic, Lukaku, Rondon

    subs: Heaton --- Capoue, Pieters, Amat --- 2 FT, 1.6 ITB

    A) Rondon, Sanchez & Hazard -> Aguero, Mane & Antonio (-4)
    B) Rondon & Sanchez -> Aguero & Snodgrass
    C) Wildcard

    1. Baked baines
      10 years, 1 month ago

      That team has WC written all over it!!!

  7. Emiliano Sala
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What's happening ?!?!?!
    Matic gets bonus but costa no ?!?!?!
    Impossible

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 1 month ago

      3 - Henderson (37)
      2 - Coutinho (31)
      1 - Lovren (30).

    2. Puzzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      It's Costa. Needs two goals to get bonus. The BPS system hates him for some reason.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Just understood

        Getting mad !
        Wtf
        Forward scores and no bonus !

      2. PvA
        10 years, 1 month ago

        He hates the BPS not the other way round

      3. Supersonic
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Because he had one attempt on goal and scored. did f all else in the game. If he had contributed in any way whatsoever then he would've got a bonus point but hardly got a touch

  8. Jamie_GAWA
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Haz to Mané?

    Got Costa and 2ft

    Yay or Nay?

    1. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I would

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Do u need to keep 2 for Kun in next week?

      1. Jamie_GAWA
        10 years, 1 month ago

        If Aguero drops to 12.9 then I can do both my moves for free, otherwise I'll take a -4 to get him in which is no biggie

        1. brianutd-why always we? 20
          10 years, 1 month ago

          He won't drop now

    3. Rich_20
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  9. FDMS All Starz
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What are the chances of kun and gray dropping tonight?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Slim for both.

    2. Puzzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Gray looks like dropping, doubt Aguero will.

    3. EspanYOLO
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Gray has a high chance I think.

      I'm very close to transferring out, just can't decide who..

  10. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Best midfielder for 6.3 or under?

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Snodgrass

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Or Bolasie

      1. The Iron Tulip
        10 years, 1 month ago

        This I rekon

    3. Les Bleus
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Bolasie IMO.

    4. Lecky Legs FC
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Pereya

    5. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers guys. I think Bolasie gets the vote

  11. TokyoRisingSun
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Jeez Costa has fewer BPS for this match than Matic? That's painful..

    1. PvA
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Hahahah

      1. PvA
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Not laughing at you if you have him btw, he's just so bad at the bps

  12. Flynny
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry...bottomed

    ..Can I have I view on the better wildcard team please....

    A
    Heaton jaku
    Valencia williams Evans holebas amat
    Firmino Antonio CAZORLA  bolasie capoue
    Kun ibra COSTA

    B
    Heaton jaku
    Valencia williams Evans holebas amat
    Firmino Antonio HAZARD  bolasie capoue
    Kun ibra BENTEKE

    Both use exact cash...comments appreciated

    1. Le King
      10 years, 1 month ago

      tough one but A

  13. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Top of the FFS league and 6th world wide Triple Captained Iheanacho this week !

    What a Maverick move, LAD !

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/287475/event/5

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Ballsy

    2. the axolotl
      10 years, 1 month ago

      i think at this stage, it's almost impossible that you'll stay there for long, so why not take a punt, and it's a good punt imo. lad indeed

    3. brianutd-why always we? 20
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Daft lad keep triple capt for DGW

    4. PvA
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Might as well go for it innit

      Live up the 15 mins of fame

  14. Kalou
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Options for hazard?
    A.keep
    B.swap for Sanchez(already have Ozil)
    C.swap to a Liverpool mid?

    1. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 1 month ago

      C

  15. Lecky Legs FC
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Early days I know but which one would you choose for GW 6? (Note im not making changes until next Friday)

    A)Nolito & Costa > Aguero & Pereya
    B)Nolito & Ibra > Aguero & Mane

    1. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B but losing Ibra could be costly

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      What if Nolito and Ibra score a brace each? It's certainly possible

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I'm seeing how this GW unfolds but I make any hasty decisions I need to bring Kun back for GW 6 will be costly if I don't.

  16. Jamie_GAWA
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else think getting the inform striker with good fixtures and form like Kane,Lukaku,Costa or any other strikers round that price will do better than Ibra if your not gonna captain him?

    1. Ibracadabra
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I think Sunday will be an important test. More the "eye" test than anything else.

      If Manchester United can score 2+ and Ibra is involved on the road especially after losing last week at home and on the road in the Europa League, I will feel more confident in their form, especially if they boss it. For stretches against both Southampton and Bournemouth they did. They did not against Hull or Man City.

      Look at how City are playing, Liverpool on the counter, and even CHE a few weeks ago against Burnley (they absolutely bossed that game), those are the types of attacking teams you want to invest in, in my opinion.

  17. Chucky
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Costa 0 Baps and Haz (C) fail 🙁 🙁 Only a Diomande Hattie can save my GW now 🙁

    1. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Haz captain? Crazy.

    2. Puzzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Exactly why I'm probably never going to captain someone on a friday unless it's madness not to.

    3. PvA
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Only 1 game mate. If you had 6 players that played then it's cause for concern

      1. Chucky
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Ty for your kind and encouraging words. 🙂

  18. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Hello lads. How did everyone do then? Any Conte around?

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      10 years, 1 month ago

      2 points from Hazard yourself ?

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Same. Ask TFF to add me back.

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          10 years, 1 month ago

          What happened ?

          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            10 years, 1 month ago

            To the contes.

            1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Message sent

    2. Twelve years a slave
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Have you pushed the button yet, you asked yesterday, i now say 100% you have little choice.
      May do the same

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Not wildcarding. Don't need to. 2FTs

        1. Twelve years a slave
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Hazard and Negredo?

          1. C0YS
            10 years, 1 month ago

            I'm actually about to transfer out those very 2 players myself

          2. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Negredo and one of the big guns.

  19. Mesut...
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Better front 6?

    A)
    Hazard - Ozil - Payet
    Lukaku - Ibrahimovic - Defoe

    or

    B)
    De Bruyne - Ozil - Payet - Bolasie
    Costa - Ibrahimovic

    Thanks 🙂

    1. Baked baines
      10 years, 1 month ago

      This just for next week or for when Kun is back?!

  20. Sarri-ball
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Klopp say anything about firminho?

    If be ok worth -4

    Rondon/hazard to lukaku/firminho.

    Before a gw8 wildcard

    1. Puzzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He said it wasn't serious.

      1. Sarri-ball
        10 years, 1 month ago

        That's good news so can be fit for hull hopefulky

  21. Just Been On Loan
    10 years, 1 month ago

    If Sanchez puts in a shift tomorrow, Eden's fate is sealed. Following moves for a -4, thoughts?

    Hazard > Firmino
    Barkley > Snodgrass (and play Capoue for next few weeks)
    Benteke > Aguero

    Foster / Pickford
    Baines / Shaw / McAuley / Amat / Love
    HAZ / Sanchez / Antonio / BARKLEY / Capoue
    Defoe / Ibra / BENTEKE

    1. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good, prefer mane to firmino myself

      1. Just Been On Loan
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Probably agree with you, love watching him play, but not sure I can find the extra 0.5m

  22. Jamie_GAWA
    10 years, 1 month ago

    How did Mané play?

    Did he look dangerous?

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      10 years, 1 month ago

      It's cot time Jamie

      1. Jamie_GAWA
        10 years, 1 month ago

        What do you mean?

        1. brianutd-why always we? 20
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Time for bed its late or are you youthful still?

    2. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes looked very good. Shame about Firmino.

    3. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Looked decent, I've seen better performances from him

    4. Jamie_GAWA
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks lads

    5. djenzio
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He did a job and worked his socks off. Without Firm we didn't create as much going forward and our touches in the box were very low.

  23. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I should of had a plan to bring back Aguero.

    Looks like I'll be playing Capoue as my 4th Mid now.

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Good alternative, be different he's got form

      1. El Cube
        10 years, 1 month ago

        and fixture too

    2. El Cube
      10 years, 1 month ago

      My plan too. Having two 4.5 MF and Capoue as the 4th MF so that I can have Ibra / Lukaku / Agüero upfront.

      As long as our DF pick is good enough (at least 4 decent nailed defender) I assume we wont have any major problem since we can ocassionally opt for 4-3-3.

      Thoughts?

  24. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    The dream is Aguero to drop.

    Wildcard go!

    1. Supersonic
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Drop aguero drop! Fingers crossed but doubt it unfortunately

    2. djenzio
      10 years, 1 month ago

      too late for that, his flag will lift tomorrow and no one will sell him

      1. asquishypotato
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I'm hoping for people to be daft tonight or a late surge tomorrow. That late surge could be crucial.

      2. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 1 month ago

        His flag will lift on wed night after cup game but still doubt he'll drop

    3. Swan - Villa Proud
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Sadly, i feel that will remain a dream

  25. Alonso's Ball
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Getting to Kun-ch time (sorry)

    What is the general consensus; Transfer now - or wait until later in the week?

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Wait as there may be injuries that assist the transfer value. Eg Ibrahimovic or an expensive mid

    2. Konig Luther
      10 years, 1 month ago

      don't buy him now. don't buy him now.

      1. Supersonic
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Trade kun out people! Make his price drop for us haha.. Agreed with the above wait till after the weekend to see what happens with injuries

    3. El Cube
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Im going to wait another week

  26. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who is more likely to drop? Aguero or Negredo?

    1. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero appears closer but once the flag is removed after tomorrow I, not holding much hope

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Flag removed on wed after cup game?

    2. 1NVINCIBLES
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Negredo. People are starting to buy back Aguero (up from -98.6 to -98.4 in the last hour).

  27. stachman
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Missed the game but can see a lot of comments about ditching Haz... Was he really so bad? When did he drop from essential to useless? Things are happening a bit too fast for my age...

    1. Just Been On Loan
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He was barely involved, but Chelsea on the whole looked poor. Concern over their fixtures compared to Arsenal's and Liverpool's is what's driving people away (myself included at the moment...)

    2. djenzio
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He was poor last game too. I think with so many other options coming good he is too expensive to hold

    3. Dr Dream
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Poor. Looked like last season for most of the game. Woke up in the last ten minutes or so.

  28. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Gray + Hazard + Stones ----> Aguero + Mane + Holebas worth a -8?

    I'm taking a -4 anyway, but the extra points allow me to get Mane over another mid for £8.5 or less, which I think is worth it long term, both value and points wise

  29. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    10 years, 1 month ago

    WC team so far;

    Hazard has got to go for me. I've watched the majority of Chelsea games and he hasn't been that involved in the attacks. He was very wide tonight and was deep on occasions. Need a big hitter in the midfield, don't think Payet or Ozil is the way to go - Sanchez is in. Bolasie pick doesn't seem right at the moment but think he's the best pick at that price.

    Thoughts?

    Foster / Jaku
    Baines / Valencia / Stones / Amat / Kingsley
    Sanchez / Firmino / Antonio / Bolasie / Capoue
    Aguero / Costa / Benteke

    1. djenzio
      10 years, 1 month ago

      defence is far too risky

      d/g Bolasie and get another 4.5 in

    2. FF Dirtbag
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Really not sure about Kingsley and Amat double up. But it does give some dosh.

    3. Daniyal
      10 years, 1 month ago

      seems fine but do feel the midfield is a bit unreliable except sanchez
      firminio antonio bolasie capoue
      all could go down in performance real soon

  30. Don Rogers FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Can anyone tell me when the Gray hearing is?