Dugout Discussion

Chelsea trip to Watford largely unaffected by festive rotation

The final game of a bumper Boxing Day Fantasy Premier League schedule is largely unaffected by Christmas rotation.

There had been fears that Marcos Alonso (£6.9m) might lose his place as Chelsea travel to Watford but he has been named in the starting line-up.

In fact, Blues manager Maurizio Sarri has made no changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Leicester just days previously, keeping faith with his key men.

It means another stint on the bench for Olivier Giroud (£7.7m) with Eden Hazard (£11.0m) leading the line as false-nine once again, flanked by Willian (£7.3m) and Pedro (£6.3m).

Even the midfield trio of Jorginho (£4.8m), N’Golo Kanté (£4.9m) and Matteo Kovacic (£5.8m) was left undisturbed by Sarri, despite a few options for rotation.

Meanwhile, Javi Gracia has kept faith in the front two who punished West Ham in Gameweek 18, Troy Deeney (£5.8m) and Gerard Deulofeu (£5.4m) leading a Watford side lined up in a 4-4-2 formation.

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster; Holebas, Kabasele, Cathcart, Kiko Femenia; Pereyra, Capoue, Doucouré, Sema; Deeney, Deulofeu.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso, Luiz, Rudiger, Azpilicueta; Kovacic, Kanté, Jorginho; Pedro, Willian; Hazard.

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2,303 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Did Kaba just break his shoulder? Or the goalpost?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Heavy hit, back/shoulder. Sitting up, hopefully nothing too bad.

  2. A.T
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    The match is free to watch on sky 1 if you've got it.

  3. Kaneyonero
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    No goal no 3 baps

  4. banskt
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Digne's 17 point on bench. Any chance of Ings not playing tomorrow?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Hope he plays now.

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Username checks out! 🙂

    2. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      less than slim

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Only if he had a dodgy turkey.

      1. LǝgleSs e|even
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Hunt down Martials chef..! Quick!

    4. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Hope not

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Put some laxatives in his Deliveroo.

    6. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Zero chance. Why did you bench Digne though ?

      1. Teddy Brewski
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I did the same. Own Robertson, Alonso and Doherty

      2. banskt
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Played Wan-Bissaka, Robertson and Doherty. Never imagined 2 goals from him.

  5. The Enlightener
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Man. That had to really hurt.

  6. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Pereyra being overlooked?

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      No

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      His stats are ridiculously good, yet something draws me more towards Deulofeu

    3. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Got him on one of my Draft Kings teams. Am I allowed to reference said Kings around these parts?

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

      By most. I think he'll be my 5th MF to replace Snodgrass

    5. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Got him on WC this week.

  7. M♤rvin
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Son is killing me. When does he bugger off to the Asia games?

    1. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      After he bags another 30 or more pts. Long way to go mate.. 19th Jan

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      soon, just grit your teeth slightly longer

    3. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      after his next 4 goals (WOL, Cardiff)

      Cardiff conceded 40 shots vs Palace today

      1. LǝgleSs e|even
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Palace unlucky..

      2. ChelseaGuy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        40?

    4. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Just get him in already..got 3 more games to go

  8. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Kola or Digne?

    1. M♤rvin
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Vitamin D yo.

    2. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Digne

  9. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    So, was it last match for Rashford today?

    Orpossible that he’ll get another game, despite Solskjær saying his preferred front 3 of Martial, Sanchez and Lukaku is back soon?

    Guess Rashford and Lingard will make way

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Think he will still start next GW, after that who knows. He did do well today

    2. The Train Driver
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      When did Ole say that?

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        See tweet here

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Solskjaer did not call them his “preferred front 3”

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        No, maby I interpreted wrong, Tweet said:
        Solskjaer: "Hopefully the front three with Romelu (Lukaku), Alexis (Sanchez) and Anthony (Martial) [will be back soon]."

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Solskjaer on Alexis Sánchez: “He is touch and go for Bournemouth but he will definitely be involved at Newcastle."

  10. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Weird changes from Emery today. Does he have an issue with Laca or something? Joke sub. Again.

    1. Jon Snow
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Laca looked annoyed too, threw his gloves when he sat down

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Why's he wearing gloves? The loser.

  11. puhd
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    My goodness, brought in Martial for a hit, and have Wilson coming off the bench for him. Also have Lindelof and for some reason his assist was not given.

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I bought in Martial for a hit also. Was between him, Lingard and Pogba. Yet again I chose wrong.

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      But for the future: Solskjær said Martial, Sanchez and Lukaku is his preferred front 3 when back.

      Lindgard and Rashford subs again then

      1. Legendary!
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Pls can you share the quote?

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          See tweet here

          1. Legendary!
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Where? There’s no link

  12. Chrisirwin01
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Any ideas on what to do with my front line of Lacazette and Jesus? Current team below:

    1FT. £0 itb

    GK: Lloris & Hart.
    Def: Doherty, Jonny, WanB, TAA & Dunk. Mid: Sane, Eriksen, Hazard, Richarlison & Torreira
    Fwd: Jesus, Lacazette & Rashford

    A) Nothing. Wait one more GW for 2FTs and then swap both out.

    B) 1FT. Lacazette >> Vardy

    C) 1FT. Lacazette >> Any striker (but who?)

    D) -4. Lacazette & Jesus >> Vardy & Ings

    E) Any ideas?

  13. Claudio555
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Chances Sterling start next game? Is he a must sell now? If so, who to buy; Pogba or Hazard?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I went Pog. Sterling likely to haul now.

    2. alastair
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Surely a case of form is temporary class is permanent

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        You would imagine he maybe be rested for the tougher games to follow and Mahrez comes in but who knows I’ve done Sterling to Pogba so with my luck Sterling will play and haul!!! Haha

  14. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Wipe that Chelsea CS, please

    1. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      This...

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Just get back behind that sofa

  15. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Sane and Snodgrass out to:

    1) Pogba and Lingard
    2) Pogba and Pereyra

    Cheers

    1. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B

  16. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Any help here guys?

    Which one to have?

    A) Eriksen (already own Kane)
    B) Pogba

  17. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Digne or Pereira?

    1. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      A

  18. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Kabasele hits the post? Sold him few weeks ago

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      😆

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      No points for hitting the post /Former Alonso owner

  19. gonzalocampos
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hazard & Hojbjerg to Pogba and Son for a -4?

    My midfield would be:
    Salah - Richarlidson - Anderson - Pogba - Son

    1. bialk
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Hazard out for a hit? No.

  20. Teddy Brewski
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Gutted that I have Digne points on my bench......

    Obviously should have played him with hindsight but don’t think I would do anything different next time. Am I mad?

    GW18 team:
    Fabianski
    Alonso Robertson Doherty
    Salah Sane Anderson Richarlison
    Kane Mitrovic Ings
    Subs: Patricio Digne AWB Gibbs-White

    Still a small chance I suppose that Anderson or Ings get a rest and I get lucky but doubtful

    1. mdm
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I played him over Doh, but was not an easy decision. Paid off nicely though..

  21. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Lol @ phsysios making it look like he broke his back when its nothing.

    1. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      He's down again mate, on the pitch big hit.

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      lol @ physios sending him back on when hes injured

  22. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Son price rise likely tonight?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Very.

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    3. M♤rvin
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah. I'm eying up Anderson to Son.

    4. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Mega likely

  23. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Just A coincidence that City collaoses when the 2 big stars Aguero and KDB came back?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      It's because Fernandinho isn't there.

      1. SHOOTER MCGINN
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        When's he back?

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      More to do with no Fernandinho & sides attacking their shaky backline.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. But its no coincidence that it happened as D. Silva got injured.

  24. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    RIP Kaba.. looks like Holebas is nailed for next few gws

  25. VinMar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Too late to get Son? How many more games is he gonna play?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      3 more Prem games.

  26. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling & Fraser —> Pogba & Son?
    Would also allow Chambers -> Digne but -4 and bench headache.

    Fabianski
    Alonso Robertson Doherty
    Anderson Sterling Richarlison Fraser
    Kane Auba Rashford

    AWB, Masuaku, Chambers

  27. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Defence looks horrific this week.

    Play which 3 ?

    Or play 2 and sell A B or C > Digne (FT)?

    1. [A] Lovren (ARS mci bha)
    2. [B] Kolasinac (liv FUL whu)
    3. [C] Doherty (tot CPL mci)
    4. Chambers (HUD)
    5. Wan-Bissaka (CHE)

    (Pondering Lovren out, with a view to Robbo in GW22. I've a bit of value in Doherty so not overly keen to lose him)

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B out

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Just cause the defence sucks?!

        1. DV8R
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah pretty much

          1. Legomané
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Ha! Cheers 🙂

  28. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Is Kiko nailed? Bringing him on WC.

  29. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Whichever geezer boasted about selling Son to Pogba for a hit immediately after 6-2, congratulations, you've made 0 points

  30. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Dropping City assets outright seems a bit rash, but what about "downgrading" Sterling to Sané? Or Bilva or Dilva? Opens up funds and provides a little bit of cover, at least?

    On 2FTs, and could have Pogba/Sané (or any number of combos) instead of Sterling/Fraser.