Dugout Discussion
2 December 2018 1331 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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The west London derby is the first of three matches on a busy Sunday of Premier League football, with kick-off at Stamford Bridge at 12:00 GMT.

Chelsea are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season and are up against a Fulham side who won last weekend for the first time since Gameweek 3.

The big team news concerns the inclusion of Eden Hazard (£11.0m) in Chelsea’s starting XI, with the Belgian having shaken off the ankle knock that forced him to miss the Europa League win over PAOK on Thursday.

A potentially positive omen for Hazard’s owners is that Olivier Giroud (£7.7m) has been chosen to lead the line over Alvaro Morata (£8.8m): the significance there being that all seven of Hazard’s Premier League goals this season have come while the French striker has also been on the pitch.

Hazard was the most-transferred out player of Gameweek 14, having suffered over twice as many sales as any other FPL asset ahead of Friday’s deadline.

Pedro (£6.3m) gets the nod over Willian (£7.4m) on the right flank and the last time the Spanish winger lined up alongside Giroud and Hazard in a front three, Hazard racked up 20 FPL points (in Gameweek 5 versus Cardiff City).

Chelsea are otherwise unchanged from the side that lost to Spurs last weekend, with Ross Barkley (£5.8m) not in the matchday squad after picking up a knock in the win over PAOK.

Fulham are also unexpectedly missing a player through injury, with Andre Schurrle (£5.9m) having “felt a twinge” in the lead-up to this match and rested as a precaution.

Stefan Johansen (£5.1m) comes in to take the German’s place in midfield, though Claudio Ranieri hasn’t otherwise tinkered with Fulham’s starting XI after the 3-2 win over Southampton last Saturday.

Such is the fickle world of FPL, Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.6m) was the most-bought forward of this round after his brace in that Gameweek 13 victory.

Chelsea XI to face Fulham: Kepa, Alonso, Rudiger, Luiz, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Pedro, Hazard, Giroud.

Fulham XI to face Chelsea: Rico, Le Marchand, Odoi, Mawson, Christie, Sessegnon, Chambers, Seri, Johansen, Cairney, Mitrovic.

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  1. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Did tell all of you to stop assuming, before the match had started, that Hazard would haul. Celebrate when they get the points, not before:

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/12/02/crystal-palace-latest-to-benefit-from-the-burnley-effect/?hc_page=5&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comment_19354673

    1. Pacer.
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Haven't you defeated your own point about jumping to conclusions by posting at half time

      Honestly, there are some absolute cretins on here. Not you, obvs...

      1. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Not really. Look at the disappointment around here on Hazard. If people were more rationale and celebrated the points they got rather than assuming that a player has already scored 10/15 pts they would be much happier. Better to be disappointed after the event then disappointed during it and after it. You'll be disappointed for less time that way.

    2. FlockofSeagulls
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Crap first post.

  2. Gobigorgohome
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Should have sold Hazard for Sterling

    1. Lilac Breasted Roller
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah. I went Salah -> Sterling, probably going to bite me in the ass.

      May have to do a Haz -> Salah

  3. Ha.
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Where are muh pointz?

  4. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    That was a load of rubbish.

  5. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen now rank 563 in the world, he doesnt have Alonso, Robertson at all

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      This isn’t chess

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        how about intelligence

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Sure and he’s probably shifted budget further forwards to get in all these scoring mids but doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work or that alonso and robbo won’t score big numbers - they are both good value for money. It’s about playing your own game

      2. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Strategy. Planning future moves. All part and parcel.

      3. Sánchez
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Top chess players often are excellent at poker and as most can't nake big money in chess, many turn to poker to make money. It's all about understanding the statistical probabilities and being able to consider all the possible ooptions and conclude which is the correct choice at each time. I'd imagine having that ability must transfer well into fpl too.

    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      best chess player in history - might imply he is kind of smart.

    3. Feloh
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Magnums** and Calsberg** is defo a combo I'd fancy.

    4. My Name Is Pepu
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      This is all over Twitter, Reddit and now FFS. Pretty sure the guy himself too wouldn't be so hyped up about his team.

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        https://twitter.com/MagnusCarlsen/status/1069002583992385536

        he was on some FPL Scout Cast in Norway

      2. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Some reporter spoiled the City result for him last weekend after his game at the world championships. He was supposed to rewatch the match (had Sterling captain) at the hotel without knowing the result. So think he cares a fair bit.

        1. My Name Is Pepu
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Aye you know what I meant.

    5. Styles_X
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      link to the team, please?

    6. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Doesn't have King. Scandalous.

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Or Cech.

        1. OPTA FPL
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Why Cech?

          1. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Really mate?

            1. OPTA FPL
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 4 months ago

              yup I dunno

              1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 4 months ago

                He should have Cech mate.

          2. Brosstan
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Its his mate.

          3. Fitzy.
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Jarv just Cech mated you 😉

    7. Lilac Breasted Roller
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      It's amazing he kept with fpl during the tournament

    8. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      There was someone last season that finished in the top 1k without owning Salah all season

      1. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        He had Salah in his Free Hit team 😉

    9. french holiday
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      can we invite him in a episode of scoutcast?
      mods and cons u listening?

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I suggested it before but...

    10. Styles_X
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      OMG HE FINISHED 2K LAST SEASON!

  6. My Name Is Pepu
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    People expecting a hatty because Fulham conceded two against Southampton.

    Exactly, that was Southampton, this is Chelsea. The approach towards both the games would obviously be the different, especially from a defensive POV.

    1. mrwinner
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      when will people learn that Ranieri is a master tactician and knows how to thwart the threat of key men such as Hazard. he did the same at Leicester, there's no real shock here for me

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah he's had to leave his position to try and find space. Ranieri deliberately crowded the space he likes to operate in.

        1. mrwinner
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          exactly. Hazard has had a few attempted assists but he's been nowhere near the goal and I don't believe he's even had a shot yet

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            You’d be wrong again

  7. Dele
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Wildcard activated, I guess it’s ok to get rid of Hazard yeah to enable Aubameyang?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      meh.

      rather focus on kane/alli/sane

    2. My Name Is Pepu
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Load up on the mids IMO instead of a Kane/Auba double up. Just one of them will suffice.

      1. Dele
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Good shout... current mid is Sterling, Sane, Hazard, Anderson

  8. Klein
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    How is alonso looking guys?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      amazing hair
      questionable football

    2. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      getting forward but crosses generally off the mark

    3. My Name Is Pepu
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Getting forward but isn't getting chances to put a shot away.

    4. J T
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Getting lots of the ball but just keeps losing it, poor so far.

    5. Amey
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Lost

    6. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Touch has been heavy. Should have taken a free that luiz skied.
      Getting forward but not looking very threatening so far.

    7. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not his best game

  9. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Surprised to see Hazard start after not even being on the bench on Thursday but glad to see him blanking thus far

    1. J T
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      He hasn’t travelled to any of our Europa games, he was never injured

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Ah OK, that's a bit weird ain't it?

      2. Begbie.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        He played away to Bate.

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      He doesn’t do Europa

  10. IRBOX ⚽
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone would think football matches are 45 minutes duration based on the half time hero comments on here during every match. Just awful.

    1. Marvin.
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      They usually start after 10 minutes.

    2. mrwinner
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      the thing is that Hazard is unlikely to play the full 90 so for him it is more like 20-25 mins left in the match. chances of a haul now are extremely slim I'm afraid for anyone who owns him

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks Sarri. 90 minutes incoming

    3. Pacer.
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      This place is sadly almost unreadable on matchday isn't it. It's such a shame

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        There is a solution....

        1. Pacer.
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Of course. But I love the game so sometimes still want to attempt to find some decent live material to read

  11. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Hazard no goals since gw8

    Gosh that is a long long time ago now

    1. Dele
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Today is the last straw plenty of other options.

  12. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    What are people talking about regarding Alonso?? This is how he always looks. Hes not that good technically. But he has excellent stamina which allows him to partake on overlaps all game long and means Chelsea dont have to play a left sided winger. Hes essential and will always get into great attacking positions which inevitable lead to goals. Moreso in the second half when Fulham gets tired while he keeps going.

    1. J T
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Nailed it

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Makes me laugh when people call him expensive when he has more points than any striker at any price

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        In fact only Sterling has more points

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Looks even worse than usual then

    4. Ady87
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Perfect summary. Season keeper.

    5. Marvin.
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Points per price he must be one of the best ever FPL players mustn't he?

    6. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      This, but he’s looking even worse today. Will probably pop up with a goal and 15 pts.

    7. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard also looks good. His price dropping is annoying if he doesn't deliver. Alonso has cs potential also. Yet, many players have been meh and certainly to ditched after 45 mins and essential after 2nd half.

    8. IRBOX ⚽
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      All true, however, his technique with volleys and free kicks is world class

  13. balint84
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Hazard+Schürrle to David Silva+Martial?

    1. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      prefer Siggy to Martial

    2. yakirh
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Martial ?

    3. balint84
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I have Rich and don't want another Everton like Siggy
      Martial played limited gametime, so can play more next week against Arsenal

    4. ceerus
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Sane + Anderson

      1. balint84
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Sane will rested, anderson don't need I have Arnie, no double est ham thanks

  14. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Also Hazard will get a brace in the second half. Keep your hopes up!

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Brace on his leg after the injury returns more likely at the moment

    2. fr3d
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Lol

    3. mrwinner
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      in 25 the minutes he's likely to get? unlikely - he's currently 8/1 at half-time to score a brace on bet365

  15. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    All these Hazard moaners. Are you watching the game? He’s on the brink of smashing it every time he picks up the ball. Scary not owning him.

    Chelsea just need to be more direct or play with a higher tempo. Fulham there for the taking.

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Agreed. Even if he blanks i'm keeping. A blank wouldn't reflect his performance today.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Wolves next and they only play with Neves and Moutinho in the middle. I can’t see how they’ll adapt to stopping him.

        1. Smurf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Neves will be suspended too.

        2. diesel001
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Neves banned? Gibbs-White will man mark him

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Ha, forgot about this. Thanks, food for thought.

      2. DAZZ
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        1 assist in 6 games.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah I agree. Horrible watching him when not owning. Same as Sane yesterday. Could explode at any minute.

    3. Lazaretti
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Problem was that in first 30 mins he touched ball once.

    4. Qubit
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I dunno, he still seems like the ultimate FPL troll to me sadly.

  16. Old Gregg
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Got Fab in Goal already From west Ham.
    On WC would you go Arnie or Anderson or both?.

    1. Ady87
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      There is a case for both. I’ve got Arnie but on a WC I couldn’t pick.

    2. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Arnie

      Plenty of midfield options

    3. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Flip looked really good last game. Wouldnt mind a double up.

  17. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Many minutes for hazard?
    Off on 70

  18. Maarrrr17
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Sorry if it's been covered, but why no schurle?

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hammy went

      1. Maarrrr17
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Slight hamstring concern.

      1. Maarrrr17
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Ta

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Injury

  19. Richd
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    If hazard blanks you can move on without feeling guilt.

    If he scores you can knee slide into the patio doors like in Home Alone 2.

    Everyone’s a winner guys. Smile. Work tomorrow.

    1. Old Gregg
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

    2. Old Gregg
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Lol

  20. Rocky FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A) Lloris, Son/Alli, Aguero
    B) Fab, Sane, Kane

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. ceerus
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      b 100%

    3. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B

    4. Ady87
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Probably B.

    5. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B!!

  21. mrwinner
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    I feel like this forum would be a lot less salty if everyone just came to the realisation that Sterling is an FPL god and should have him in their teams (and make him captain more times than not), but no - people try and be clever and go with someone like Hazard

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Nice grav.

    2. Ady87
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I’ve got both.

      People were sleeping on Sterling the season before last when he finished the season scoring in almost every game and then continued all pre-season. Long may his ownership stay under 20%.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Perhaps it is that simple, but imagine Hazard in the City team? Hazard is miles better than Sterling.

  22. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Ozil AWOL

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      That’s a blow for Spurs

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        8–)

  23. TomSaints
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    First captain blank of the season on the line... made worse by fact I am 100% sure I vc Sterling and not hazard.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Does Sané(c) count as a success? If so, I’ve yet to blank also.

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        No

  24. french holiday
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    who ever hauls in the north london derby will be my captain next gw

  25. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    No zil

    1. Marvin.
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Nice

  26. DAZZ
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    2 changes for Fulham. Sessegnon and Johansen off

  27. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Reckon mitro will grab something here

    Chelsea look lazy

  28. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Mane > ???

    a, D Silva
    b, B Silva

    already have Salah & Robbo.

    Thoughts?

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

  29. Tshelby
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Give Martial another chance or all ready time to get rid?

    1. mrwinner
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      keeping for Arsenal as have other more pressing issues (Kane)

    2. french holiday
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      he should start next game against arsenal at home and depending on how spurs fare vs the arsenal defence especially on the left hand side, may keep him

    3. dino412
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      ManU fixtures look too good to get rid of in my view. Upset he didn't start yesterday though which makes me think no ManU players are worth it.

  30. DAZZ
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Thats not a foul, Rudiger out muscled