Dugout Discussion

Alonso benched and Higuain makes league debut as Son returns

Gameweek 24 comes to a conclusion on Wednesday evening as four top-flight matches take place.

Bournemouth v Chelsea and Southampton v Crystal Palace get us underway at 19:45 GMT, with Liverpool v Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur v Watford scheduled to kick off at 20:00 GMT.

Marcos Alonso is benched for the first time in the league this season as Emerson Palmieri – who impressed in the Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg against Spurs – is handed a start at left-back, while Gonzalo Higuaín makes his Premier League bow up front for the Blues.

Eden Hazard is thus deployed on the left flank for Maurizio Sarri’s side, with Pedro getting the nod on the other wing.

The Cherries are without Callum Wilson this evening, with Joshua King leading the line for Eddie Howe’s side.

Ryan Fraser starts as expected, while there are places on the bench for January signings Dominic Solanke and Chris Mepham.

Son Heung-min is back in Spurs’ starting XI and looks set to play just off Fernando Llorente as Mauricio Pochettino once again deploys a wing-back system.

Christian Eriksen is also primed for a more advanced role but Kieran Trippier only makes the bench.

Javi Gracia has made three changes to his side from Watford’s last league outing, with Daryl Janmaat, Craig Cathcart and Will Hughes drafted in.

Virgil van Dijk has recovered from illness to line up at centre-half, with one of Jordan Henderson or Georginio Wijnaldum potentially filling in at right-back after a cursory look at the teamsheet.

Xherdan Shaqiri joins Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino in the Liverpool attack.

Claude Puel has made three alterations to his Leicester City side following the 4-3 defeat to Wolves: Jonny Evans, James Maddison and Marc Albrighton being handed recalls.

The fit-again Vicente Guaita returns between the sticks for Crystal Palace, with Wayne Hennessey named among the substitutes.

The Eagles are otherwise unchanged from the team that lost 4-3 to Liverpool in Gameweek 23.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has named the same eleven players in his starting XI that lined up against Everton, meanwhile.

Bournemouth XI (4-2-3-1): Boruc, Clyne, S Cook, Ake, Smith, Surman, Gosling, Stanislas, Fraser, Brooks, King.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Emerson Palmieri, Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic, Pedro, Higuain, Hazard.

Southampton XI (3-5-2): McCarthy, Bednarek, Stephens, Vestergaard, Valery, Hojbjerg, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Targett, Redmond, Ings.

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita, Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt, Kouyaté, Milivojević, McArthur, Townsend, Ayew, Zaha.

Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Henderson, van Dijk, Matip, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Keita, Shaqiri, Salah, Mane, Firmino.

Leicester City XI (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel, Ricardo, Evans, Maguire, Chilwell, Mendy, Ndidi, Albrighton, Gray, Maddison, Vardy.

Tottenham Hotspur XI (3-4-2-1): Lloris, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Aurier, Winks, Sissoko, Rose, Eriksen, Son, Llorente.

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster, Janmaat, Mariappa, Cathcart, Holebas, Hughes, Capoue, Cleverley, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Deeney.

4,426 Comments Post a Comment
  1. greenybne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Digne, Haz, Pereya to Sané, Son, fodder for -8?

    Would have no Everton but think Son will outscore next Siggy/Rich next week and will save a transfer navigating the blank

    1. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Will definitely pay off long term imo. Just be ready for a Hazard troll if you ditch him.

      1. greenybne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        That’s my worry. I can just do Digne to fodder and Pereya to Son but City double is sooo tempting

        1. BIG TONES
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          It could easily pay off. I just duno if I would pay -8. For -4 yeah definitely

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Risky moves

    3. bitars
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Who is Fodder?

      1. greenybne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Bench fodder. Not an actual player

      2. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Ben Fodder, rarely plays

  2. Merlinsnose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Can someone help?

    If Son is price locked until Feb 2nd does that mean It won’t rise until the 3rd?

    If so, it will save me taking a hit.

    Thanks

    1. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      i hope

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Correct

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Although he won't rise on the 3rd either. His count will reset to zero

    3. MTPockets
        5 years, 4 months ago

        fplstatistics says "02 Feb 03:50 PM, GMT". Assuming that's correct then yes

      • Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Yes.

        From 3.50pm on Saturday, Son will need roughly 40k+ net transfer in to rise.

      • Merlinsnose
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks all

    4. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      "Sarri says Hudson-Odoi was not on the bench because there was only space for three wingers in the matchday squad, and the 18-year-old played a full game three days ago"

      Just admit you don't rate him man.

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

      Digne, Anderson, Wilson, Auba > 4.6def, Son, Llorente, Aguero (c) -8?

      Already have Sterling/Rich

      Aguero > Auba transfer reversed next week

    6. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      "Emerson Palmieri

      Tried to get forward, however didn't half too much of an impact in the first half. Defensively he had a difficult night, as well, with Bournemouth having a lot of space on his side.

      That was the same in the second half as the third goal was down his side and the Cherries got in behind easily. 4"

      https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/fixtures-results/chelsea-player-ratings-bournemouth-luiz-15757202

      Sarri has said before that Alonso's physicality is important to Chelsea vs certain opposition. Huddersfield certainly more of a physical threat than Bournemouth.

      One last hurrah and blank from Alonso for old times sake 😎

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I’m gonna play Alonso for sure v hudds

      2. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I've got a feeling he has one big score in him. Hudds can be that game changing 21 pointer.

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          21 without the 2.

          1. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Sorry, meant 2/1 pointer. Depending on whether Hudds score once or twice.

      3. A.T
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        You've swayed me you old devil.

    7. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      What to do with this lot? 2 FTs

      Hugo
      Laporte Robbo AWB
      Sterling Salah Richo Fanny
      Auba Rashy Jimmy

      Button Jonny Gunn Digne

      A) Auba to Kun and Digne to Zouma/ anyone else
      B) Fanny to Son and Digne to 3.8
      C) anything better?

      1. Rostah
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Have you used your bench boost yet? If you haven't I don't like a 3.8 being brought in for Digne. Maybe a mini-wildcard with Fanny to Son, Digne to Bednarek + Button to Boruc?

        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Cheers rostah...

    8. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Any suggestions on what to do? 0FT and 0.6m ITB.
      Should I take a hit?

      Fabianski button
      Robertson Digne Doherty TAA AWB
      Salah Eriksen Pogba Richarlison camarasa
      Jimenez rashford aubameyang

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Nice front 3. Maybe upgrade Digne to a dgw player an Eriksen to Son or Sane.

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Should I consider aguero?

          1. FF Dirtbag
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            For a hit?

    9. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Park Life used to be feeding the ducks and Frisbee

      Now it's don't stab me..

      1. MTPockets
          5 years, 4 months ago

          In the war...

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Since 9/11

        • Volley127
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          All the people...

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            So many sheeple.

      2. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Anderson to

        A) Sane
        B) Son
        C) Jota, obviously extra money to maybe do Firmino > Auba, Kamara, Jimenez(currently have 352), or Bennett > Robbo
        D) Save

        1. greenybne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Son

      3. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        If Pogba has a strain he will miss a few GWs.

        Yeah TV is nice but it’s almost the end of the season. I’ll be moving him to Sane or KDB to add to Sterling

        Should Pogba not be injured maybe just Digne to Laporte and double at the back with Ederson.

        We keep saying we need more info. We still need more !

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          GW27 is a long time away, very much doubt I'll be moving him on

        2. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          agreed...use first half of season to build value, second half that's way less important. If Pogba is out for multiple games, I will transfer him out

        3. BIG TONES
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Not sure we can judge the severity of a muscle strain until scan results come back. He could be fine to play for all we know.

          Not to wish injury on anyone, but I kind of hope he misses out so I can get a City mid in his place.

          1. Richd
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            If it’s a strain he won’t play this weekend for sure. But yeah we need more info.

            1. BIG TONES
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Yeah he's definitely gone for this weekend if it's any kind of strain, true.

        4. tucaoneo
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          I got him at 7.9. If I sell him I can't get anyone I like lol.

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Like Jota?

            1. tucaoneo
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              I already have 3 wolves. True story.

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

          If nothing very few options unless you have cash

      4. BigBillyBass
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Ward-Prowse looking like a very good budget midfield option

        1. FredrikH
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          So does Moutinho, Jota and Brooks.

          1. BigBillyBass
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            This is true

        2. BIG TONES
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          My rival has him. Also owns Brooks and Kante the jammy kent!

          1. BigBillyBass
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Ouch

      5. BIG TONES
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Sarri has no idea. The whole Jorginho playing deep experiment needs to end. Kante is the best DM in the world and he's got him playing out of position. Madness!

        1. Halftime
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          He keeps talking above offensive and defensive phases, I hope there's more to his tactical knowledge than that.

          1. BIG TONES
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            He is very inflexible in his tactics. Second half of the season and everyone has figured them out. Crowd Jorginho to stifle their build up play and hit them on the counter when said player is nowhere to be seen on the defensive side of the play. Bournemouth don't score those counter attack goals if Kante is in the deep mid position. Simples.

      6. Andy Mac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Got 2 FT. 1.3 itb

        Considering:
        Hazard > Son (or wait for pogba news?)
        Digne > who?
        Camarasa > Jota

        Team is:
        Etheridge - Guaita
        Digne - Shaw - Doherty - WB - Bednerak
        Salah - Hazard - Sane - Pogba - Camarasa
        Aguero - Rash - Jimenez

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

        What happened to scout cast tonight?

        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Tomorrow night

        2. MTPockets
            5 years, 4 months ago

            tomorrow

          • FPLGeezer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks lads

        3. Taegugk Warrior
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Sane or sterling for TC..?

          1. BIG TONES
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Sterling out of those two, but I would hold the chip for now.

            1. The Train Driver
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Why Sterling? Played 90 min while Sané was subbed earlier and wasn't that good either...

              1. BIG TONES
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Scores more points more frequently.

          2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Sane

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

          Any Wilson injury news?

          1. The Big Fella
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            He's injured

          2. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            out for al least a month after minor surgery

        5. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Haz going to drop tonight?

          On -102 FPL stats

          but

          - 65% FPL Fix

          1. FPL_DON
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Possible

          2. MTPockets
              5 years, 4 months ago

              May do. Annoying as waiting on Pogba news means won't be able to afford Sterling

            • TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Expect a drop.

            • Phil's Stamps
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Cheers all. Thought I'd made up my mind on avoiding Haz to Sane, but 4-0, come on.

          3. DR0GBA
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Fabianski
            Robbo Luiz AWB
            Hazard Sane Salah Pogba Rich
            Rashford Ings

            Woodman Kola Digne Kamara
            2FT, £1M ITB

            A) Hazard > Sterling
            B) Hazard + Ings > Jota + Aguero
            C) Hazard + Kamara > 5.1m + Aguero
            D) Hazard + Ings + Digne > Jota + Aguero + Doherty (-4)

            Clearly want to sell Hazard..

            1. BIG TONES
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Probably A, then roll 1 FT

              1. DR0GBA
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                getting Aguero helps getting Auba in 26 or 27

            2. Phil's Stamps
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              A, although D is a nice all-in-one patch.

          4. The Train Driver
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Do we think Alonso should be back in starting XI. Was thinking Alonso > Laporte but that HUD fixture looks so juicy if he's playing and he would be eager to prove himself... Decisions decisions...

            1. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              He is better than Emerson

            2. Rostah
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              If Alonso does remain benched who would come on from your bench? If I had Alonso I'd probably hold him for that fixture. But then again I played Digne over Mitrovic because he was playing HUD so what do I know!

              1. The Train Driver
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Bennet and Kolasinac!

                1. Rostah
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  I'd start Alonso, maybe Bennter 1st sub? Everton have been relatively uninspiring lately so a Wolves CS isn't out of the question.

                  1. The Train Driver
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 4 months ago

                    That's what I'm on now. Cheers!

            3. MTPockets
                5 years, 4 months ago

                There's patience and then there's the patience of waiting for an Alonso haul

              • BIG TONES
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Think Emerson will get another go, would be silly to drop him after one game.

            4. FPL_DON
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Hazard Anderson > Son Sane for free? Means holding Digne but don't rate cities defence

            5. Kane Train
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Aubameyang > Aguero. Yay or nay?

              1. FPL_DON
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                not for me

                1. FPL Daniel
                  • 14 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Y

              2. waldo666
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                I reckon I'll make that move and then straight back to Auba after the double.

            6. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Ok now difficult question.

              Is Sterling worht the extra money compared with Sane?

              1. FPL_DON
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                not imo

                1. FPL Daniel
                  • 14 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  I am 50:50 atm

                  1. FPL_DON
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 4 months ago

                    cant see it myself mate im bringing in sane

              2. CRO KLOPP
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Would you feel confident to captain Sterling outside of dgwk

              3. Rostah
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Not currently, but if he snaps into form then definitely. With a DGW this week I see no reason to move Sterling out though. If he can start looking sharp again over these 2 fixtures I'll keep him. If he remains disinterested though thats another story!

            7. Colonel Shoe 肝池
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              tonight was a disaster

              1. Baps hunter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Yes, but for everyone.

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

              Is Begovic injured or Boruc is the preferred keeper?

              1. Rainer
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Begovic dropped last GW.

                Boruc's place to lose now.

              2. Kane Train
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Bournemouth came out mid week saying they prefer Boruc and that begovic is welcome to look for a new club

            9. The Big Fella
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              So, GW has finished. Which players are you bringing in for the DGW? I am 50-50 about whether I want Son or Siggy/Rich (probably Siggy) for this week. If I bring in Everton I will sell after the DGW for Son anyway.

              1. MTPockets
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Sterling or Aguero for Auba or Hazard

                • 1569Tippins
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  I'm going all in... Sterling - Sane - Aguero - Sigurdsson - Richarlison - Pickford

                  1. CRO KLOPP
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 4 months ago

                    That's the spirit

                    1. 1569Tippins
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      5 years, 4 months ago

                      Love DGW's ... the ceiling on them is absolutely massive

                      1. CRO KLOPP
                        • 6 Years
                        5 years, 4 months ago

                        What's your plan for 27?

              2. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Do I make some moves here lads? Maybe dotch this Digne clown? Thanks! 0.9 it , 2FT

                Rui,Fab
                Shaw,Robbo,Digne*,Bennett,WB
                Rich,Sane,Pogba,Salah,Billing*
                Auba,Jimenez,Rash

                1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  ditch*

                2. romer
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Digne to tarkowski and pogba to KDB if pogba rolled out

                  1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    5 years, 4 months ago

                    Pogba injured?

              3. The Big Fella
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Do we expect Llorente to keep starting as a striker?

                1. FPL_DON
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  cant see him playing this weekend

                2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
                  • 15 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Given the injuries it is likely.

                3. CRO KLOPP
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Well, I would be surprised if he starts as CB

                4. SADIO SANÉ
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  probably yeah

              4. MASTER ROSHI
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Haz and Pereyra > Son and Sane for 2FT?

                Fab
                Robbo AWB Doherty
                Salah Haz Pogba Pereyra Richa
                Jimi Rashford
                (Rico Arnie Digne Pereira)

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

                Digne to tarkowski - no blanks and good fixtures
                Haz to sterling - seems surreal with hud at home...

                1. CRO KLOPP
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  I'm doing Digne to Tarkowski

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

                Morning guys,
                What a pathetic turn of events 😀
                Thank God I Captained Auba.
                So, I need some suggestions.
                I have Hazard & No city Player's.
                So what to do ?? 1 FT available.
                Cheers guys.

                1. Yank Revolution
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Hit needed for Kun in and/or Sterling or Sane I'd say (Haz out)