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. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Alonso you massive weapon, get in the box where you belong. Tozzzzer.

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      1000 upvotes

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

      Chucky 🙂

    3. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      You could have brought Felipe Andre Gomes

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

      More like get into a jail cell where you belong xD

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

      haha

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

    Just need a Bennett and Doherty Goals to make up for the lost CSs

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I need Doherty Jimenez Hazard Alonso AWB goals

  3. Olivier Bernards watch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    ugh, brought in ings for wilson and he manages to miss a 1 on 1 and get injured in the first 20 mins

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

      Hmmm. Maybe now my picking up of Shane Long (don't ask) will look like a genius maneuver.

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

    Barnes YC for diving.

    Even the English are it!

    1. Marvin Moon
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      English players are amongst the worst.

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

        Zaha is the worst.

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

      Barnes plays for Austria though?

      1. Marvin Moon
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        He is eligible for Austria through his grandparents but was born in England.

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

          Once you play for another country, as a footballer you are categorized as from that nation.

          1. Marvin Moon
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            That's not the point.

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

              In a footballing sense, it is.

              1. Marvin Moon
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 3 months ago

                No it isn't. The OP implied that culturally, English players don't dive. Barnes is an English player.

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

                  He clearly learned his diving ways during those Austrian training camps.

                  1. Marvin Moon
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    Ha ha fair enough I'll accept that.

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

            Please tell that to Declan Rice 🙂

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

              If Barnes plays senior footy for England, then I'll call him English again.

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

                Rice has played for Ireland and will likely play for England too.

              2. Marvin Moon
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 3 months ago

                He was born and raised in England. He may have not even been to Austria before they selected him.

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

      The English are some of the worst. Zaha...

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

      hes not english

      1. Marvin Moon
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        He is.

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

    Burnley and Southampton likely to be a bore fest.

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

      No chance 4-4

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

    Come on Satan hardly any points so far?!?!

    Ings will become Crouch.

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Please do that. Please, please, please do that.

  7. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Kante 2nd on bench...

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

      Why own him???? And not play against HUD?

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

        No 1 overall does

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

        Hes good bench fodder tbf.

  8. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Ings to king on the cards.

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

      K.

  9. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    I am hating Hazard right now.Another blank incoming.

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

      He doesn't have enough desire and leadership IMO. Compare him to Salah who wants to score, wants to do well for his country, wants to do well for his family etc. You don't see that desire from Hazard.

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Good player but not FPLwise

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        wot

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

        lol what

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

        hes the second highest scoring mid in FPL

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

      Did you just buy him? If not surely you have hayed him the last 2 months

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

      hes playing reasonably well. we’re 35 mins in. calm down

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

    Come on Ryan, show me them saves and clean sheet points you sexy man.

  11. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Ban A.Taylor please.

  12. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    In that team, Milivojevic is a bargain. Will, they have a double?

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

      Who is Will?

      1. JJO
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Zaha

      2. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Grammarly plugin put the comma there. it is a question. I mean CPL.

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

    Luiz close

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

    I regret bringing in Siggy over Son already

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

      That was your choice?!

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

        Concerned Son wouldn't start/play because of Poch's comments and also that Newcastle are tight at the back. Logic was that Siggy is playing twice and that he should be on all/most set pieces

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

      Siggurdsson is out after the double.

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

        +1

        1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          +2

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

        +3 - that was always the plan!

  15. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Will TAA play vs WestHam? have doherty coming on

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

      Nope.

      Enjoy.

    2. MTPockets
        5 years, 3 months ago

        klopp said no

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

        Nah he's out injured so you will get the points

    3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Baines off Who killed on.

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

      Chance of Christensen off at 59' for Rudiger?

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        His injury concern (knee) prevented him from starting. Does your rival own Christensen?

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

      Richarlison the mug better score here, cause doubt he’ll get anything vs City....

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

        wolves very good defensively away from home. fewest goals conceded aside from lfc and mcfc

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

        He'll get two points, what more do you want?

      3. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Usual fluke for the second part of the season. Gone for Son!!!

    6. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Who's more essential for next week, Son or Auba?

      1. notlob legin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        both

      2. mdm
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Auba

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

        im getting both in

        1. Bunk Moreland
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Same.

      4. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I might get both of them for a hit, all depends how Kun looks

    7. bialk
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Alonso can't defend.

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

        Most obvious post of the week.

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

        We don’t have him for CS, we have him for.....er, hold on....

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          yes, he can, with Emerson we conceded 4 against Bournemouth.

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

        nor can kola, mendy, shaw, digne etc...not uncommon

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

        He’s keeping a midfielder busy marking him

    8. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Has anyone noticed world no. 3 currently has digne captain?

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

        Noob

        1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Noob x2

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

        No one.

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

        Bench wonk gone wrong

      4. Vinyl78LP
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        No doubt Digne wont show v City and Salah will bag a VC Hattie - that's how those top guys roll.

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

      Poor Baines 🙁

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

        World #3 hope of a VC gone.

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

        World number 3 crying somewhere.

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

        World no. 3 rage quits and becomes a buddhist monk

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

      Just so excited that Hazard will be going out of my team this week.

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

        I was excited when I got him out last week for Son lol

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

          Humble 🙂

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

          Yeah, basically annihilated my season. Only got him in GW21 for the first time all season for the home game against Southampton. Points when I never owned, blanks when I owned. It's why I usually never bother with him every season. Fell into the trap with all this Sarri crap.

      2. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        This . Want to do it right now.

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

        I'm hoping to turn him and Rashford into Son and Auba.

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Don't sell Rash

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

          Nice, he'll turn into Mane for me.

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

        He's still going out. Some points at least.

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

          This

    11. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      God sake Hazard

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

      Alonso kicking corner flag

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

        +baps?

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

          💡

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

        As part of a goal celebration?

    13. Delph & Safety
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Any assist for the palace pen?

      PvA owner here

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

        Likely none.

    14. TAT
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Next GW, would it be a bad idea to do Laporte/Richa > 4.8 defender/Son for a hit?

      1. Bunk Moreland
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        It would not.

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

          It looks an interesting move, but it's the hit to take out Laporte that worries me slightly. Then again, Ive taken only a few -4 all season.

      2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Good idea

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

          Would the -4 worry you? If I'd had two free transfers, it'd be a no brainer.

          1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            Rich and Laporte will have blank in gw 27. Son seem like must have. Just pick the right defender.

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

              Yeah, they do. Chelsea probably not the best fixture for City either.

              Finding the right defender is difficult of course. Can't see that many options for 4.8 and less.

    15. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Richa injured?

      1. Ross From Friends
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        no..calm down

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

        He’ll be fine

    16. Fpl Old Guard
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      My siggy captain isn’t going to plan!

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

        wow lol

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

      Rich down.

      1. MTPockets
          5 years, 3 months ago

          better take him off just in case