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. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Points predicitions for the following players? in brackets is what I think

    Caballero (6)
    Sane (6-8)
    Jesus (9)
    Cech (6)
    Holding (6)

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

      Have a feeling Jesus and Sane will blank. WBA will not be a high scoring game.

      1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        West Brom on the road is not West Brom at home... 5 on the back line or not

    2. Sims
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      U will find out soon enough

    3. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Caballero 6

      Sane 12

      Jesus 5

      Cech 6

      Holding 7

  2. Pinky Blinders
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Got AOA to play in 38. My 5th mid is JWP, who I have been less than impressed with. I can stretch to 7m. Is Pedro the best at that price bracket?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Lallana at the head of a diamond is tempting @ 6.7m.

      1. Lawrø
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Is he?

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          In PC's price bracket. Something to play for. Abundance of possession vs a relegated side. Might start tight and frustrating and he's certainly someone who could open a defence up.

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

      Willian is your man.

  3. Bring the Cavalry
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Using AOA in Gw38, getting rid of a premium defender and bench fodder to bring in Willian, he a definite starter after hazard getting the full game?

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

      Can't see him not starting.

  4. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    GW38 captaincy will be the most important one for me, as I will be playing my TC chip

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Sturridge (TC) is as maverick as it gets

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah was considering him but id have to downgrade hazard to someone like willian or fabregas to afford him

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Sounds good to me (Fabregas)

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      What stopped you from playing it so far?

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Well I was hoping that spurs would keep the pressure on chelsea and take the title race to the final gw so i could TC Kane or Alli but it didnt pan out that way

  5. Viper
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    If I go for Coutinho, I'll have to keep Gabbiadini (or switch to someone like Votes)

    If I go Fabregas, I can bring in the likes of Sturridge/Vardy

    Which would you go for?

    Maybe Gabbiadini is the random last day hattrick scorer!?

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      similar dilema myself

    2. Bring the Cavalry
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I think Austin will start if he comes on as a sub in their next game, Puel said he's hopefully going to be involved in final 2 games

      1. Bring the Cavalry
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I am also in the same situation but can't do much about it

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Giroud would be worth a punt but I have 3 Arsenal

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe Willian & Sturridge?

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        If I didn't go Coutinho, I think Fabregas would be next on my hit list

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Fab and Studge/Vardy for me

  6. Nigawan
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    hazard and Gabbi out for coutinho and Batshuayi ?

    Yay or Nay for -4

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No, I think Costa will start tbh..

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard out for Coutinho is a yes though

      1. Nigawan
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        trying to get rid of Gabbi as he is a risk for me to win my mini H2H league. Origi ?

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          It's not glamorous but I'd prefer Vokes in that price range

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Haz -> Cout will be the FFS move of the week.

      Don't see Batshuyai starting so thats not worth a -4, imo.

    4. Moose™
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Nay nay

  7. Magic Bean
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think it will be Pedro and Willian to start instead of Hazard next week?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah

      1. Magic Bean
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Needed reassurance, cheers.

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I'm selling Hazard on that basis

          1. Magic Bean
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Makes sense, he's the biggest troll of them all though 😆 Loves a goal when you don't have him

            1. Viper
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              He has been the Villain of my season, don't think iv got any of his points

  8. Lav
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    OR update?

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      yes

    2. Moose™
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Updated already. Small green arrow for me. Thanks to Fab.

    3. Magic Bean
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      yes

  9. Moose™
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Who wins for this GW37?

    A. Pickford Vert Monreal Alli Sane + 3 points

    B. Cech Holding Stephens Otamendi Eriksen Gabbi

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Too hard to call.

      I'll guess B

      1. Moose™
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Pretty tight I suppose. Unless Sane or Alli got a brace and most of his def dont get a CS, I stand a good chance for this H2H.

        Fingers crossed!

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B. Q easily.

      1. Moose™
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Really hope Stephens, Holding, Otamendi and Gabbi do not play. 😀

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Err...that's highly unlikely though 🙁

          1. Moose™
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            One or two players do not play will give me a better chance I reckon. Right?

            1. Jafalad
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Looks like they all might show up though. Can't see AW dropping Holding and Stephens must play after missing the last game.

              Likewise with Otamendi with CTY chasing Europe. Gabbi seems the most at risk but unlikely.

              1. Moose™
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                Hopefully Otamendi will be replaced by Kolarov and Gabbi replaced by JRod/Long.

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Tut tut tut

    2. Pinky Blinders
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      LOL, I was at the Lane earlier this season and saw a guy doing the same during half time by one of the concession stands.

  10. Viper
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    It looks like I'll be 5/6 points ahead of ML rival. The player he has that I'm most worried about is Pedro. I'm trying to keep him at bay but also push for a certain OR

    Should I go with my gut & go Fabregas or play it safe with Pedro. Pedro is a differential in his own right isn't he?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Go Fab. Far more influential and more likely to play with Kante being protected.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      If you're set on going there I'd hedge my bets and get on Pedro.

    3. Magic Bean
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I would go Pedro in that case, but I'm a slightly conservative player.

  11. 824545201
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Alonso and King to Ake and Coutinho for free?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hmm...isn't Alonso more likely to start now?

    2. Magic Bean
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I reckon Alonso plays

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn't sell either. I'd try another route to get a Liverpool player in.

    4. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't be losing Alonso

  12. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    KGB, Alli, Sanchez, Ozileyes.

    Which one should I lose for Coutinho?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ozileyes 1000000%

      1. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Nice. Thinking Coutinho and Fabulous could be worth a hit. Cheers.

      2. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Million %? You'll have Doosra choking in his cornflakes. 😉

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          🙂

          He's just the most dispensable imo

          1. Jafalad
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Agreed 😉

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ozil.

      1. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. EVR may put up some resistance.

  13. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Early days but thoughts welcome, start:

    A) Cech (EVE)
    B) Willy (wat)

    1) Bavies (hul)
    2) Yoshida/Stephens (STK)

    Of the teams, I own Monreal.

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Cech & Yoshida

    2. Magic Bean
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A1

    3. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Cech and Bavies.

    4. Moose™
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I would Willy and Bavies.

    5. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A
      2

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers all, nice early mix!

    6. RedMarks 赤的
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A2

  14. Atom&Humber
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Started this week 55 points behind my ML leader, currently 41 behind.

    He's got Walker and alli left.
    Compared to my ddg holding monreal kompany Stephens and Kane.
    Hoping to make up some serious ground here.

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      You score a further 24 points.

      He scores a further 7.

      24 behind going into the last round. Good luck.

      1. Atom&Humber
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        He has jesus(c) whereas I have san(c)hez. But yeah hopefully got enough differentials tbh so it can go either way.
        How's your season been?

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Awful. Worst season ever. Might even fail to score 2000 points for the first time. Worst thing is I have no idea what went wrong. Let down by too many players which just goes to show how fickle this game really is.

          1. Atom&Humber
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            I know how you feel, my worst season to date found my self around about 2 million half way through, had a strong finish to the season but been a disappointing season. Made too many rash decisions I think when I should have been patient.

            1. Jafalad
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Same here. Tonight is a big night and determines whether I can make the top 250k.

              Keeping Kun and ignoring Sanchez sunk me I feel.

              1. Jafalad
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                ...plus countless captaincy fails. 🙁

                1. Atom&Humber
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 1 month ago

                  Currently on 1945, but I'm more concerned with my ML because we're playing for money. My turning point was getting rid of Sanchez before West Ham ....
                  I got him back straight after but the damage had been done

          2. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Ditto jafalad 🙁

  15. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    capoue been in my team since gw1, and even stayed for my bb team this week. oh how i love you etienne.

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Nice faith. Booted him in the WC cull last week. Missed out on all his points. 🙁

    2. Hakchak
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Nice, he would have been my 5th midfielder too, great ststs

  16. nick_pkt_12
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Cech
    Bertrand, Kompany, Alonso
    King, Eriksen(VC), Sane, Fabregas
    Lukaku, Kane(C), Jesus

    Jaku, Jagielka, Zaha, Robertson

    Lukaku + King>

    A. Vardy, Sturridge, Giroud
    B. Firmino, Mahrez, Willian, keep King?

    Suggestions? (Person I am trying to catch has Coutinho so thats a no go for me.

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Gru
      Keep King

      1. nick_pkt_12
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I can also drop Zaha and go 5 in the midfield for another Midfield?

      2. Hakchak
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        This

        1. nick_pkt_12
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          bring in who as a 5th mid? Willian, wait to see if Firmino is fit, or bring in Alli (person who I am trying to catch has Alli and Cout)

    2. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wait for more news of Firmino. How many points behind? Should try to get players who are assured of starts. Sturridge and Giroud not assured. I think Vardy is a good option. Yes and keep king.

  17. Aubaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Which pool defender?
    A. Matip (lots of chances during corner)
    B. Clyne

    1. Hakchak
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A tip and gamble for the goal over one week

    2. The Owl
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B much more likely attacking returns

    3. E25
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A.
      Clyne going forward is awful

  18. Pierce34
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Are there not many Fabregas and Azpilicueta owners in the top 1k and top 10k? I only lost about 90 places after today when I expected much more, with only Hazard.

    1. E25
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I think most have Alonso. I was expecting a much worse drop also,

  19. leocarter27
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Best Hazard replacement? Got 10.8 to spend.

    1. The Owl
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      KDB, Sane or Fabregas

  20. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    As tempting as Coutinho is I don't think I could trust a Pool player with the armband.

    Thinking of doing Hazard & Gabb -> Pedro and Vardy. Hazard should be rested and I think Willian has played every round of the cup so his Sunderland minutes will also be limited. Pedro could be a great captaincy shout.

  21. davies
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Can afford any defender... Worth getting one for -4?

    (Currently playing Alonso, Gibbs & ...)

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Davies not Gibbs (he's benched)

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Who are the other defenders on your bench?

        It is difficult to get enough returns out of a defender as a one week punt for a hit.

        1. davies
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Alonso Bavies *** (Gibbs Stephens)

    2. aroyalshark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Is a defender worth a -4 for 1 gw? Considering they get 4 points for a cs they would probably have to be >90% to get a clean sheet to make it +ev

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        If you can count on a team not scoring, it's Middlesbrough. But then again the last week of the year always has some crazy results. Maybe it finishes 5-4 or something 😀

    3. E25
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not in gw38,

  22. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    A) Hazard to Coutinho and Gabbi to Giroud
    B) Something else

  23. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    A) Hazard to Coutinho and Gabbi to Giroud
    B) Hazard to Sane and Gabbi to Giroud
    C) Hazard to Sane and Gabbi to Giroud and King to Fabregas/Pedro (-4)
    D) Something else

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      why would you even consider losing the king?

      A or B

      im doing A I think

    2. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. The Owl
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A

  24. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month 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. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      F

    2. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'd go F as well, but it's unfortunate that they have nothing to play for.

    3. E25
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      F out of those but you can probably do something better depending on full team

    4. hawkeyes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B

  25. The Owl
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Help appreciated on transfers:

    a) Hazard & Gabbi - Fab and Sturridge
    b) Hazard & Gabbi - Fab and Vardy
    c) Hazard & Gabbi - Pedro and Vardy
    d) Hazard to Coutinho

    1. E25
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      What about Willian? 🙂

  26. E25
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on taking a -4 to play AOA?
    Would be Haz + Anichebe to something like
    A) Cout + Llorente (or other up to 7.8)
    B) Pedro + Studge

    Other option is just Haz->Cout

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      As boring as it sounds I'd probably avoid the hit and just do Hazard to Coutinho.

      1. E25
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        That's what my head is saying lol. Will see how the rest of this GW goes I guess before decided whether to gamble

  27. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    A: siggy and Sturridge
    B: Coutinho and Giroud

    A more nailed on
    B more potential

    1. E25
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      That's close. Would be tempted for B if chasing, bigger ceiling like you say

    2. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      That doesn't make sense though, A isn't more nailed. (unless I missed news about Firmino being out next week too?)

      I'd probably go B in any case.

  28. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Morning all!

    How about this:

    Hazard, JWP and Benteke > Willian Fabregas and Sturridge -8, play AOA

    Cabellero

    Alonso Stephens
    Alli Sanchez Willian Fabregas King
    Kane Sturridge Jesus

    (Pickford Vertonghan Yoshida Chambers)

    Silly?

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Looks excellent imo

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Vertonghen on bench could hurt though if hull don't bother showing up

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers, yep but I'm tempered by the fact that main rival(s) don't have a Spurs defender

    2. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      -8 for Willian and Fabregas is a bit too knee-jerky.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I've desperately wanted Fabregas for ages now, nothing knee jerky about that.

    3. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Like the Sturridge pick. Chelsea lineup for 38 a roll of the dice perhaps, but who's to say Willian and Fab won't smash it

  29. Caleb's Kitties
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    A. Hazard/jwp to fabregas/coutinho -4

    B. Hazard/benteke to fabregas/sturridge (could also stretch to vardy or costa) -4

    Cech
    Alonso vertonghen bailly
    Sanchez hazard alli sane
    Kane(C) jesus benteke
    Pickford yoshida jwp holgate
    1FT 0.0ITB