Dugout Discussion
5 February 2018 3583 comments
Mark Mark
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Gameweek 26 draws to a conclusion this evening as Watford welcome Chelsea to Vicarage Road.

Although the Hornets boast the league’s worst home defensive record, conceding 25 times in front of their own fans, the arrival of new manager Javi Gracia has hinted at an improvement at the back.

Watford have conceded just one goal in their subsequent two matches across all competitions, though on the downside, they have yet to find the net since the Spaniard was appointed.

But their previous lack of resilience bodes well for the visitors’ Eden Hazard tonight.

The Belgian has served up double-digits in each of his last two road trips, producing a total of three goals and 26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points over visits to Arsenal and Brighton.

Indeed, with four of his five double-figure tallies delivered on the road, Hazard is the ninth top captaincy pick for Gameweek 26, handed the armband by 2.1% of FPL managers and nine of the top 100.

Hazard is joined in a front three by the fit-again Willian, who has collected three lots of 10+ points returns in his last five league starts.

Elsewhere for Antonio Conte’s side, new arrival Olivier Giroud could get the opportunity to play his way into contention among the mid-price frontman.

Costing 8.2 in FPL, the Frenchman is named on the bench in the continued absence of Alvaro Morata.

But the big team news involves Marcos Alonso, who misses his first game of the season for the Blues as a “precautionary” measure. His absence is a major blow, with the top scoring defender owned by over 1.5 million managers.

Victor Moses looks set to play on the left tonight, with Davide Zappacosta on the right and new signing Emerson named on the bench.

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

  1. Harper_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Oh, Kabasele isn't playing either? fml 0 points from 4 of my defenders 😆

  2. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    A new manager would surely play Fabregas every game. Bandwagon.

    1. RÏɠBY
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      giroud
      willian/hazard/pedro
      fab

      that would make sense to me, no?

      1. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        4-1-1-1?

      2. CloudSky
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thats 5 guys that cant backtrack. I know Kante can cover a lot but probably not that much.

      3. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I meant as a #10 in a different formation.

  3. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    What happened to Alonso?

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Knock.

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Getting no luck with this Chelsea defence. Had Christensen for the last three weeks too.

    2. RÏɠBY
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      conte wants his p45

    3. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Rested

  4. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Will Alonso start the game in 7 days time? If so I'm keeping.

    If not I will sell him for a cheaper defender and upgrade my midfield.

    1. SB007
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Worst back line score in around a decade for me: 3 points from 4 players - anyone score lower?

      1. Alex_thekid
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        1 point

      2. Coot
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Have 0 from my three. But none of them played. Have vertonghen and zeegelaar on the bench

      3. DNML
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Cresswell Stones Alonso Mee Hunemeier

      4. Kellz86
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Pickford 0, Kabelase 0, Ogbonna 1, Robertson 1 with Kenny 0 coming in for Kabelase. so 2pts

      5. Meltens
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yup, 1 point from all five xD
        Alonso, Jones, Monreal (came of at half time for 1pt), Chillwell and Gomez.

        You just have to laugh, only fielded 8 players this week, still got 54 points 🙂

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He will. He can predict the future.

    3. TOPCAT1960
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Sanjeevb....check out the overall leader ....he beats that including subs

    4. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Crystal ball?

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Elliot, Alonso, Jones, Laporte here.

        Sold otamendi and Christiansen for Alonso and Laporte -4

        1. Yozzer
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Its just been one of them gws sadly

    5. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      If precautionary as reported then would expect he should be fine

  5. wbm
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Any more info on Alonso not playing than it being "precautionary"?

    1. Kellz86
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds like it's code for a rest. Alonso has been a busy boy this season. Just my two cents, haven't seen any injury news.

  6. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    No Alonso means I get Fernandez 10 points lmao

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      jammy donut

    2. janowsc
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nice

    3. BUZZBOMB ♡
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I got Gross 13 for Jones. Only Mee's 1 for Alonso this time around...

      Ups and downs. Its tough...Even Scout Picks have them both and Hazard.

  7. Sims
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    barca will destroy this chelsea team

    1. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      So will United & City.

  8. Fred54
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    How will Alonso fare under new manager Tony Pulis?

    1. Limbo
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I believe Glen Roder is looking for a role in top football. Shoe in?

      1. Fred54
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Might as well get Joe Kinnear as assistant!

        1. Limbo
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Dream team

    2. Majestic Chanka
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Actually reckon Pulis would do quite well, Alonso would be the Spanish Chris Brunt!

  9. SB007
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Worst back line score in around a decade for me: 3 points from 4 players - anyone score lower?

    1. scootadee
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      yep, 2
      alonso jones stones 0
      vvd ogbonna 1

  10. Schliegs
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Mike Dean loves to be the centre of attention doesn't he

    1. janowsc
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Seems to be a new ref trend and linesman...

    2. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He's biggest pri*k since Howard Webb

      1. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Webb followed orders.

        1. Schliegs
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          All those big calls tonight have been pretty over exaggerated. Both of those yellows could've been barely a free kick.

        2. Yozzer
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yer and that's how he somehow got the ' best ref in England ' tag. Made a right mess of the euro final

  11. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Conte must be stupid as he keeps using Hazard as a false 9. Has it ever worked?

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      unbelievable how much he is wasted there. imagine messi playing as centre forward

      1. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Kinda like Aguero playing CF?

        1. Sims
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          sure, except messi not playing cf is 100 times better than aguero playing cf

          1. Deulofail
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            No, imagine messi playing as centre forward...

    2. Jayv807
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      So frustrating

  12. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    After this gw the time has come for Chelsea defenders, its been a fun ride

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Don’t jump the gun

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      They will be fine next week with Ancelotti as new manager until end of season?

  13. Sobbo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I played a 3-4-3 but only 2 of my defenders have played this week. My 4th midfielder didn’t play either. Will I get the points from my 5th midfielder to make a 2-4-3 formation or will I only get 2-3-3 and lose out big time?

    1. SB007
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I think you will lose out as starting position was 3 defenders

    2. Stockport Hatter
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Has to be minimum of 3 defs so you'll get zero from 1 definitely

    3. OldBenKenobi
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You have to have minimum 3 defenders therefore you will be getting 0 points for one of them

    4. Rash
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Your mid will come on

    5. Jayv807
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      3 defenders minimum have to play.

    6. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      All subs count obviously.

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

      Thank you. So I should get milov’s points of the bench and just one zero in defence?

    8. Sobbo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      *off

  14. SB007
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    and taken me out of the cup!!!

  15. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Fantastic by Watford. Dunno how you measure work rate and closing down but I bet that was right up there with the best of them this season.

    1. RÏɠBY
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      good point
      they've had a real go.. having deeney in the team makes ALL the difference

      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Watch Doucoure in the second half. Just concentrate on him alone when the ball is anywhere near him. His movement is a fantastic and relentless.

  16. OLB
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    No Alonso, no Rudiger, and Chelsea leak and look so poor.

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thats because Christensen is missing and Baka had a horror show. Nothing to do with Alonso. Rudiger, maybe.

  17. Bun Rab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Carries on like this and Chelsea will take another beating.

  18. Patch
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Wowsers saw a Watford goal, loaded the app and saw Richarlison pop up...oh wait just a yellow card

    First time in months that I benched him, very glad I did unless he scores!

  19. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Conte must have lured Giroud with the promise of the 4th Placed Trophy

    1. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He knew it was his one weakness..

      1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Good one.

  20. Pompel
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    If Alonso is out against WBA , Chelsea's next two after are ManU and ManC away.... surely got to sell for Burnely defender

    1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I have heard from a few places Alonso is not serious. And that they could rest him against "easy" opposition.

      1. Pompel
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Will wait until deadline for sure, or until GW27 even

  21. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    No Alonso

    Robertson 1st Sub

    Janmaat 2nd Sub

    1. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I get zeeglaar so just waiting for Chelsea goal or his red

      1. JurgenRodgers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Hopefully they can hold on for you ...

        1. Yozzer
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks mate. My only scoring player was salah this week who I didn't captain so I'm not that confident 😆

  22. Tazah
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I have a feeling conte is trying to get fired.... Any logical man would have brought on giroud after that performance

    1. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Of course he is. Who can blame him. Big pay day and back to that beautiful Italy..we would all do the same...i would anyway

      1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        This

    2. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You're a man down in midfield and you bring on a striker? How do you contest the midfield then? Who gets the ball to Giroud?

      1. Sims
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        not just a striker but also one thats slow, kill any chance of a quick counter

        1. Tazah
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Hazard has been killing any chance of a counter..... Every time he gets it he slows it down.... Look out for it in the second half

      2. Tazah
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        If you're watching the match you would easily notice there's no one holding up the ball once they take it forward.... It's coming right back at them every time

      3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Go four at the back and shift luiz into midfield

        1. Tazah
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Exactly what I was thinking

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He can see those millions of pounds in sight

    4. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Criticising the board, whining since the summer about not getting Llorente who would have made them world beaters apparently, criticising Abromovich for not spending when they've spent 250 mill since winning the title... What makes you think he's trying to get fired? What would he have to gain apart from a fat payoff and the rest of the season off before watching the World Cup and planning for the Italian national team who he's linked with taking charge of again 🙂

    5. Toffeeman (A retired FPL ma…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You so right & G-Rude! Emperor Roman will sack him with a 1 year severance pay unless they win UCL. That has been his pattern since Mou left Chelsea 1st time.

  23. Alan The Llama
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is Rooney wearing a toupee?

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Transplant

      1. Alan The Llama
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        And a bad dye job

    2. Monkey Hanger
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Pubic mat.

    3. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Townsend was, yesterday.

    4. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Toupée or not toupée, that's the question

  24. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Mariappa creeping into BAP territory!!!!!!

    1. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      3rd sub for second consecutive GW :-X
      Ogbonna 1 pointer incoming

  25. Monkey Hanger
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Have Hazard captain in this. And was going to give him the armband again against WBA. But even on Chelsea's performance with 11 men, am now seriously thinking of going Alexis or KDB for him.

    Any suggestions?

    1. Catastrophe
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      KDB great form and seems to be getting more chances last few

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      KDB best choice

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

      The problem with KDB is that there are 3 City matches before GW28.

      1. Monkey Hanger
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        You holding?

      2. Tazah
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Struggling aren't you mark.... I'm with you man

      3. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I warned you Mark with Hazard 😉 to go with him again. Wow.

      4. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        NBC reporting today that "exhausted" KDB and the team are being given time off. It's the whole team but interesting that Pep specifically mentions KDB and he is interviewed.

        1. Rash
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          KDB said himself he's suffering from fatigue

  26. umerlfc
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    The relegation battle is crazy this season
    The bottom 10 teams seperated by just 7 points

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      And most of them capable of playing well for a few games.

  27. CostaCoffee
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Embarrassing 1st half really, don’t know how Conte is still starting Baka and why Giroud isn’t playing

    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Interesting that the goal came down Cahill's side again. The area Bournemouth targeted.

      He's not going to make the WC at this rate.

      1. Rash
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Oh he will.. only defender with much experience despite being rubbish

      2. CostaCoffee
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I’d pick Maguire over him any day

      3. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        The way England work - even when non Englishman are in charge - is that there are favourites who get in regardless of form or even if they aren't playing for their club. It's always been that way.

  28. Vlad Tepes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think Ward will play next game for Burnley? Good price for him now and Burnley have nice fixtures, or should I go with Lowton?

    1. Merlinsnose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      That’s my dilemma.

      Taylor is playing well and so Ward may have a fight to get back in.

      It’s a good punt if it comes off though, as long as you are prepared to bench for a few more weeks.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Hopefully one more pricedrop,-96 now

        1. Merlinsnose
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Well if it drops again, I’m going to risk it for a biscuit.

          Should be in first team over the next three games I think.

          A good rest of the season investment I think.

          What do you think?

  29. OldBenKenobi
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Would you hold Willian knowing the fixtures get tough soon and likely to drop in value

    1. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nope

    2. Merlinsnose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I’m going to see how he does against WBA. Would like to see how he gets on in a full game.

      I need to either ship him or Alonso for Mkhi at some point.

    3. Chirsbom
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Would not wait to see if he gets better if there are other viable options..

  30. 1569Tippins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Which is best??

    A) Bavies and Crouch TO Hegarzi and Wilson -4

    B) Bavies and Crouch TO Dawson and Wilson -4

    C) Bavies, Lingard and Crouch TO Smalling, Gros and WIilson -8

    D) Something else (Open to suggestions)

    Pickford - Adrian
    Alonso - Otamendi - Cedric - Dunk - BAVIES
    Sterling - KDB - Salah - Cook - LINGARD
    Kane - Firmino - CROUCH

    Thanks all!

    1. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      D