Dugout Discussion

Alonso returns for Chelsea as Sarri tweaks his defence

Marcos Alonso (£6.5m) has returned to the Chelsea starting XI ahead of the Gameweek 25 meeting with Huddersfield Town at Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Rüdiger (£6.0m) drops to the bench to allow Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) his first start since Gameweek 15.

Gonzalo Higuain (£9.5m) leads the line once again, flanked by Eden Hazard (£10.9m) and Willian (£7.2m).

Those interested in the Double Gameweek players on offer at Everton will be pleased to know that Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.4m) and Richarlison (£6.8m) both start in their favoured positions of central and left attacking midfield respectively.

Vicente Guaita (£4.2m) is back in goal again for Crystal Palace after missing out on Gameweek 23 and returning in Gameweek 24.

Christian Benteke (£6.3m) is the chosen replacement for the suspended Wilfried Zaha (£6.7m), with new signing Michy Batshuayi (£6.5m) named among the substitutes.

Chris Hughton looks to have gone with 4-3-3 for Brighton once again, with Jurgen Locadia (£5.3m) and Solly March (£5.0m) flanking Glenn Murray (£6.3m).

Daryl Janmaat (£4.9m) gets a second consecutive start at right-back for Watford, while Ken Sema (£4.6m) features from the beginning for the first time since Gameweek 23.

As expected, Gerard Deulofeu (£5.5m) and Troy Deeney (£6.0m) are the strike pairing for the Hornets.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.5m) is on the bench for Burnley as Dwight McNeil (£4.4m) makes a sixth consecutive start on the Clarets’ left wing.

Southampton come to Turf Moor with Nathan Redmond (£5.3m) and Danny Ings (£5.5m) leading the line, while Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (£4.4m) misses out.

That means a first Premier League start for Callum Slattery (£4.5m) alongside Oriol Romeu (£4.3m) in central midfield.

Brighton XI: Ryan; Bong, Dunk, Duffy, Montoya; Groß, Stephens, Pröpper; Locadia, Murray, March.

Watford XI: Foster, Janmaat, Cathcart, Mariappa, Holebas, Hughes, Cleverley, Capoue, Sema, Deeney, Deulofeu.

Burnley XI: Heaton; Taylor, Mee, Tarkowski, Bardsley; McNeil, Westwood, Cork, Hendrick; Wood, Barnes.

Southampton XI: McCarthy; Bednarek, Stephens, Vestergaard; Ward-Prowse, Slattery, Romeu, Targett; Armstrong; Redmond, Ings.

Chelsea XI: Kepa; Alonso, D Luiz, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Barkley, Jorginho, Kanté; Hazard, Higuain, Willian.

Huddersfield XI: Lössl; Löwe, Schindler, Kongolo, Smith; Bacuna, Billing, Mooy; Mbenza, Kachunga, Diakhaby.

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita; Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt; Townsend, McArthur, Milivojevic, Schlupp; Ayew, Benteke.

Fulham XI: Rico; Odoi, Le Marchand, Ream; Christie, Chambers, Seri, Bryan; Cairney, Mitrovic, Babel.

Everton XI: Pickford; Coleman, Zouma, Keane, Baines; Davies, André Gomes; Walcott, Sigurdsson, Richarlison; Tosun.

Wolves XI: Rui Patrício; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Dendoncker, Rúben Neves, João Moutinho, Jonny; Jiménez, Jota.

2,058 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Enlightener
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    To all those who specialize in hindsight commentary, congratulations. You are special! So very special. It's amazing the insight you have..........after things happen. Unbelievable!!!!! You truly are amazing. Now stfu and go sit and spin for a while.

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      hazard seller?

      1. Tcheco
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Definitely

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      It's not hindsight if you said it before the game. Selling Haz before HUD was as stupid as drowning your head in acid...

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Even if you sold him for Son?

        1. The Train Driver
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, especially given Son was tired and Spurs have a lot of injuries.

    3. Werder Bremner
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Well this is a ridiculous top post

      Just chill and enjoy whatever points you get. I kept Hazard, I eventually got points so I'm happy, those who transferred probably get points too

      Absolutely no need to be so aggressive to folks playing what is after all only a game

  2. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    For the next GW only: Richarlison or Sane?

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

      richardlison rising tonight

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

    Puncheon not nailed now with Mooy return?

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      He was always Puncheon above his weight.

      1. Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        and rushing to the loo in one particular game

      2. Duffy Dunk
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Noice!

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      How can he be nailed when he’s on the bench?

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

    AWB CS gone Bingo...

    What min will Fulham score in?

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      74th.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      63 mins

    3. Mysterion
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      70

      Next week at home to United

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

      wtf?

    5. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      78

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

    Penalty wasnt even close to being inside... Another great decision by the FPL referees.

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      FPL referee = Mark

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

      And the tackle on Haz that wasn't given? 😉

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

        Wouldnt have happened if the score wasnt 2-0, irrelevant.

        1. E25
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          This.

    3. Ruinenlust
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Chelsea should have had another penalty straight after not given

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

        Wouldnt have happened if the first wasnt given, how do people not get this?

  6. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Nowhere close to beinh a penalty. Azpi got tackled way outside the box.

    1. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      just the way Huddersfield luck has gone this season

    2. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      cope

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      He did get clipped, albeit barely. It was right outside the box, not far out.

      Think it was the wrong call honestly, but glad for Chelsea nevertheless.

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

        It was over a yard outside..

    4. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      they should have had a 2nd pen right after thst wasnt given. welcome to football

    5. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      This is where luck comes into football and FPL.

      Earlier this season, City drew with Wolves because Boly scored a handball goal. Two points lost right there.

      The sooner VAR comes in the better. Start to remove some luck from the game.

  7. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Come on Richa do something !

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I’d take him being involved in a goal celebration right now...

  8. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    haz was always going to score after i sold lol

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

      very surprised he scores vs the worst PL team history and bottom in the league at home

      1. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        this

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      With the next fuxture and blank you’d of got rid anyway surely?

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

    Neves off
    Saiss on

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Derailing

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

      "Knock"

  10. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Who's on PENS for Wolves ?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Jimenez probably now.

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Jimi now that Neves is off

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

      Jimmy now.

    4. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      steve bull

    5. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Hopefully Jimmy Nez

    6. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Was Neves, but he's coming off. Think Jimenez is next in line.

    7. Numb
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      JIMINEZ

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

        😮

    8. QUEN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Neves usually. Although jim has taken before

    9. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Jiminez on pens, Jota wth the assists.

  11. SEXY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Eden is in the mood

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      And yet he isn’t that much

      1. SEXY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        He's simmering, on the verge of exploding

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Lmao

    2. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      For dancing, romancing ...

  12. makaveli123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Heaton, 4.8m bargain

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Tarkowski too.

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Timing

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

      Thanks for jinxing ****

  13. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Lol, Hazard suddenly cares.

    1. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Probably has to do with Huddersfield being in town.

  14. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Has there been a better bargain than Jimenez this season?

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

      Nope.

      Doherty 4.4m running him close.

      Boruc 3.9m could finish the season in the mix.

    2. Dannyb
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      AWB

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Fraser

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      AWB. So rare to find a 4.0 defender who plays and gets points.

    5. Differentiator
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Alexis Sanchez

    6. Kno
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      awb and the bournemouth lads are up there, doherty as well I guess.

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

      I owned jimenz when he was cheap and he did nothing for me. Now his too pricey to bring back

    8. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      never owned him but fraser also ridiculous

    9. Liberate HK - antichinazi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      $5.5 Fraser

    10. Podge
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Less than 18ppm lots above that. Etheridge is on 22

      1. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        keepers not comparable at all and you know it

    11. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      All good shouts there, lads and lasses.

    12. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Ryan sessegnon

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

    6 mins til Christensen off...

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Woah, so 2017.

  16. Numb
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    REDMOND,

  17. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Redmond G

  18. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Redmond goal

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

    Hazard owner, still sell him after this gw?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      For sure, why wouldn’t you?

    2. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      def

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

      One pen in the easiest fixture of the season?

      1. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        54 mins in, hes playing well. the reason to sell wod be fixtures

    4. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Nah, he scored a penalty so he's essential again now

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Haha 🙂

    5. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      .Ur wish . Could keep him next week anyway unless u need the cash.U could get more news on gw31 blank.

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

    Redmond!

  21. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Heaton beaten

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Heaten

      1. tiger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Who's Heaten?

        1. Sim Simma
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          A beaten Heaton 🙂

          1. tiger
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            😀

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 3 months ago

              😉

        2. Fred54
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          A ate a few hours ago.

  22. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Redmond 1st on Bench.. Pogba better not play

  23. Gaffa914
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Bednarek assist

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Scenes!

    2. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Are you for Real ?

    3. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      2nd on bench. First is Lindelof.

    4. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Great.

      Played him last week for first time ever. Now he does this as last man on my bench!

  24. The Wise Owl
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    It's Heaton up at the Southampton game.

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

    Bednarek assist 😮

    1. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      OMG

    2. Numb
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      On my bench 🙁

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

        Pogba day off tomorrow?

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

      Wow, actually played the turd this week.

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Me too, thought between him, kola and bennett..suprised i got it right for once

        1. fedolefan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          I played him over Jonny and Kola.

  26. Liberate HK - antichinazi
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    When will Watford concede? I've got Foster

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Honestly don't think they will.

  27. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Bednarek my last sub

  28. Monkey Hanger
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Ralphy Rabbithutch should be manager of the month.

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Early days

  29. aborg
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    FFS.... can coach just play DCL. He has the fresher legs and that’s why I got him in for dgw!

  30. Top 210 Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Red and bed both on my bench ffs