Dugout Discussion

Injured James and Antonio miss out as Lampard benches Havertz and Giroud

The final Premier League fixture before Christmas is a London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Bringing Gameweek 14 to a close, Chelsea v West Ham United kicks off at 20:00 GMT.

The Blues will be without Reece James (£5.3m), with the widespread media reports that hinted at his possible, injury-enforced absence proving to be accurate.

The long-serving Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.6m) comes in at right-back and is one of three changes that Frank Lampard has made from Gameweek 13, with Jorginho (£4.8m) and Tammy Abraham (£8.2m) replacing the benched Kai Havertz (£8.2m) and Olivier Giroud (£6.7m).

Speaking of those last two changes ahead of kick-off, Lampard said:

It’s just a rotation and looking at different attributes of players against the opposition.

With Tammy, some energy in the team from the front. Oli’s been fantastic and can come in from the bench.

With Kai, similarly. I’ve got midfield players who are competing, I have to have a good level of competition. Nothing against Kai, he’s finding his feet and he will find his feet.

There is still no Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m) in the Chelsea squad despite the Moroccan returning to training at the back-end of last week but another recent absentee, Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m), is on the bench.

West Ham have their own injury problems, with Michail Antonio (£6.2m) absent yet again because of a hamstring problem.

David Moyes said of the forward ahead of the match:

He’s getting closer but not ready for the game. He’s a big miss for us, undoubtedly, but hopefully, we’ll get him back soon.

Manuel Lanzini (£6.4m) misses out with a similar issue.

Fabian Balbuena (£4.5m) has recovered from a minor groin problem to start, at least, with the Paraguayan ousting Issa Diop (£4.3m) from the Hammers’ starting XI.

Mark Noble (£4.6m) also makes his first start in the Premier League since September as Moyes looks to bolster his midfield for this tricky away trip.

Said Benrahma (£6.0m) is the man to make way to accommodate the West Ham skipper.


Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Jorginho, Kante, Mount, Werner, Abraham, Pulisic.

West Ham XI: Fabianski, Coufal, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Bowen, Noble, Fornals, Haller.

Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 14

1,979 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Stupid question but can I take a -4 and then decide to WC later in the week and not lose the -4?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah wipes it.

    2. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    3. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    4. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You lose all transfers if you activate wc

    5. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks all. Just checking. I’ll take the hit and then decide later in the week then. Cheers

    1. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I didn't watch the game but Lee Mason isn't even fit enough to manage a football match. Standards in the UK to be a referee is just so low.

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He besmirched his sterling reputation?

      Nuno was 100% spot on

  2. MrCloppity
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts please?

    Chilwell & Mount - Out

    Robertson & Klich - in

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I like it, Raphinha over Klich if possible

      1. MrCloppity
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Iv gone Klich because he takes Penalties

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        mmh klich has pens

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  3. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How is this for WC in GW16?

    Mendy Steer
    Cancelo Justin Dallas Taylor Coufal
    Salah KdB Son Soucek Romeu
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Ideally would love to have city attacker also but first want to see them play something for a change.

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      *Sorry have Bruno in my team not KdB.

    2. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dias over Cancelo

    3. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno hot
      KDB not

  4. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    keep watkins one more week or sell for adams ?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If Adams is part of a dgw19 plan and you have nothing else to do, sure.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        yes and will depend on chilwell. cheers.

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

    Some trolls want me banned yet I'm probably the most popular person on the forum. I get lots of messages daily telling me they love my insight into FPL. I have multiple top 10k finishes in my portfolio and I talk the talk.

    1. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You really talk. Like a lot. Popular seems exaggerated.

      1. sminkypinky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Actually this post reminds me of Trump. Donald is that you?

        1. Ibralicious
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          😀

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is this a parody account?

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No fudgy = forum dead

    4. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Haven't seen you around the last 7 years

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        You didn't pay much attention

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

      Attention seeker spotted

    6. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You talk crap.

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

      These humblebrag posts are getting less and less humble by the day

    8. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I actually think you’re alright, but was shocked to see your GOOD rank to moaning ratio. Mate you’re doing well!

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks. The issue is I am fully focused on my mini league and not my rank and I'm far behind.

        1. Gudjohnsen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I agree wirh you Fudgy mini leagues are the most important.

    9. michaelington
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      How old are you? Genuinely interested.

    10. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Since when has 400k been considered a good rank? This sounds to me a lot like Trump gloating about his successful businesses. Definitely notice a similar pattern of superiority complex here 😀

      1. Ibralicious
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        "successful businesses" because the man has defaulted more businesses than the number of Chelsea managers in the past decade

      2. sminkypinky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Snap. Check above.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Funny how Trump is now a synonym for narcissism

    11. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Trolls always get more attention, but you know that.

    12. Oi! Shadders!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Three words: narcissistic personality disorder.

  6. sminkypinky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Tranny done. Team sit up nicely with no injuries thus far with 1ft left. Time to take a break and start planning for a chill christmas with the family.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      happy xmas

      1. sminkypinky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        You too mate!

    2. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You do trannies??? More power to you dude.

      1. sminkypinky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I don’t discriminate.

        1. FER FUSCH AKE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          This early in the week, don't you think you should wait a little bit longer, until you have more info about the potential trannies??

          1. sminkypinky
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            My team is in good shape. Feeling confident. 🙂

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

      what transfer out of interest?

      1. sminkypinky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Lamptey -> Dallas

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

          nice

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

    Would you play Dier or Decordova Reid?

  8. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Chilwell Cresswell Robertson
    Bowen KDB Bruno Salah
    DCL Bamford Watkins
    Steer Lamptey Anguissa Mitchell

    2 FT

    A. Bowen & Chilwell to Raphinha & TAA
    B. Bowen, Chilwell & DCL to Son Dier/Dallas & Adams (-4)
    C. Anguissa & Chilwell to Raphinha & Dias (benching headache)

  9. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which two to take out?

    James, Chillwell, Lampety, Konsa, Balbuena

    Who to replace them with? Nothing in the bank.

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lamptey, James

  10. MattysFantasyFooty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Whose the best player leading up to and for DGW19, any other mentions under 6.4??

    Bowen
    Soucek
    Raphina

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I like Raphinha

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Raphinha's caught my attention, Soucek still good value too

  11. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Currently have 7 players for BGW18 and 6 players (including Anguissa) for DGW19, what do you think is the best strategy?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      build towards 18 fh 19

    2. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      what dude above said.

  12. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Some monster scores this GW, happy with my rise to the lofty heights of 250k.

    Have 2FT to play with before I WC, any suggestions?

    2FT - 0.8m ITB - WC available

    McCarthy (Button)
    Chilwell Zouma Taylor (Justin Mitchell)
    Bruno Salah (C) KDB Grealish (Bissouma)
    DCL Adams Bamford

    1. Neo-Viper
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Feel. you need on of them Liverpool defence this week Robbo or TAA.

      I am in the similar boat.
      2 Freebies and WC left.
      what do you reckon?

      McCarthy
      Dier Chilwell Justin
      Grealish Pulisic Salah Bruno
      DCL Bamford Kane
      Button Souchek Coufal Mitchel

      Thinking Chilwell Pulisic to Robbo and Klich/JWP

  13. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hi chaps, hope we all had a decent GW, 85 pts here and gone from 3.1m to 1.9m! DESPERATE to keep this going now, so next moves important:

    Martinez
    James* - Dallas - Chillwell*
    Grealish - Salah - KDB - Son - Bruno
    DCL - Bamford
    ______________________________
    Forster: Brewster: Mitchell: Dunne

    2FT’s, 0.0 ITB

    Would love Robertson in there but would mean ditching Grealish or KDB this GW for a hit and don’t want to do either of those out until after next GW.

    So, who do you reckon to bring in for James & Chillwell. Think my defence needs a shake up so maybe gonna remove both.

    Could afford both Cancelo & Dias for exact funds?

    Or Dias & Taylor plus 1m spare?

    Just looking for ideas what to do here, really appreciate any help guys, thanks!

  14. Uncle John from Jamaica
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chaps how did was Chilwell injury?

    Thinking about Chilwell and R James to Dias & Cancello for free?

    1. Uncle John from Jamaica
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sorry how "bad"

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Haha contemplating the same moves above!

      2. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Typical 'awkward' twist. Could be fine for next GW or could be a niggling one. He seems to have been close to an injury last couple of games.

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good players but not great DGW prep if going that way.

  15. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell -> Dias before rise and be done with it? Already got Zouma so been considering losing one of them for a City defender anyway.

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      In that case sounds sound

    2. Pukkipartyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Im thinking same. And have Zouma too.

      Just wondering is it Dias, Cancelo or Stones...

  16. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Sorry bottomed

    Do I get away with this team in gw14?

    Martinez
    Coufal, Robertson, Dallas
    Salah (C), Son (VC), Bruno, Zaha, Grealish
    DCL, Bamford

    Subs: Forster, Chilwell, R.James, Brewster

    1. AlternativeB
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good

  17. AlternativeB
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Up to 40k Rank now. Going somewhere! (I think). Did 2 early FTs this week (KDB+Lamptey -> Dallas+Salah). Got 0itb
    Now it looks like this

    Martinez
    Chilwell*, Dias, Creswell (Mitchell, Dallas)
    Son, Bruno, Salah, Grealish, (Bissouma)
    Vardy, Watkins , DCL

    Question. What is the best chip strategy?

    A. Steadily work towards GW19. Play 7ish players in GW18, and do BB in GW19? (one chip)
    B. Just do what i feel comes naturally the next GWs, THEN WC GW17, FH GW18, BB GW19? (3 chips)
    C. Like A, just with WC GW 17 (get some City players KDB cap. Out for Salah in GW 19. + BB) (2 chips)
    D. None of the above

    1. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Have you already played your first wildcard

      1. AlternativeB
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        yes

    2. Pitch Perfect
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm currently seeing who has a DGW19 and which of them I'd like to keep for the 3 to 4 games after. If I wanna keep them then it makes sense to get them in proper and not as a FH. So A bit perhaps use the FH in GW18 if team looks very ropey by that point.

      1. AlternativeB
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'm not sure if i even consider doing a FH in GW19. So many players playing, so think BB is probably the best option

    3. Pitch Perfect
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Benefit of FH in GW18 is being able to load up on city for BHA and not worrying as much about pep roulette.

      1. AlternativeB
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        true

        1. Riverside Red
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I'm proposing to FH GW18 and BB GW 19 and keeping my WC for later...suggest you consider this strategy

  18. pug_chops
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best Def up to 4.6 (particularly for GW 15 and 19)?
    A) Dallas
    B) Coufal

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’d say Dallas

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      w ham for me

      1. pug_chops
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Hmmm, still undecided

  19. Kingtekkerz
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Injury news on James and Chilwell?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Gives us a second mate.

  20. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Were these decent moves going forward?
    Bruno, mcginn, r James
    To
    Salah, burke, robbo for -4.

    Had exact cash so had to move early.
    Not sure if I regret selling bruno, but mo is looking essential.

  21. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell not flagged? He expected back this weekend?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      😆

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      0,1% imo

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

      He’s flagged- refresh your screen

  22. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Dier
    B) Cresswell ( Already have Coufal )

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      dier

      b nicer for dgw obviously

  23. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell just tweeted: "Back to winning ways. Hopefully injury is not so bad."

    A good sign he won't be out for long, looked like a twisted ankle so could heal quite rapidly I believe

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lampard says he expects Ben Chilwell to be "doubtful" to face Arsenal.

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Scan tomorrow

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      that would be nice (for him and us owners 🙂 )

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think you're reading into that tweet just a 'little' too much

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Not much to go on. Not ruled out for next gw is a great indication

    4. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Any news on James?

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        The boss adds he hopes Reece James' injury is not too bad and he can still be involved in this busy Christmas period.

        1. R.C
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Cheers

  24. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is my best move here James > Dier? Would go for Stones but don't fancy getting done over by pep roulette again?

    Martinez (Meslier)
    Coufal - Dallas - James (Lamptey & Taylor)
    Salah - KDB - Bruno - Soucek (Burke)
    DCL - Kane - Bamford

    0.3m itb

  25. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Well not the last day of the GW I’d hoped for with Soucek and Coufal, but can be no complaints about 87 points!

    Finally moving up a bit, after an awful and then stagnant start - 500k.

    Onwards and (hopefully) upwards! 🙂

    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd expected at least a slight return from Chilwell or Coufal to push me towards my first ever century-mark. But alas, stuck on 97 points. 🙁 Onwards and upwards as you say!

    2. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Glad you've had a better week...It makes a change to your normal tales of woe

  26. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Double Chelsea defence tonight.

    Problem is that it's the attacking wingbacks.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      hard lines

    2. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      How was Chilli injured

  27. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    For the DGW.... which option?

    A) x2 LEE attack + x2 WHU defence

    B) 1x LEE/WHU attack + 1x LEE/WHU defence

  28. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    5 Possible Triple captains for DGW26 (if their teams advance to FA cups QFS)
    1)Kane vs BUR(H) / SOU(H)
    2)Son vs BUR(H) / SOU(H)
    3)Salah vs SHU(A) / CHE(H)
    4)KDB vs WHU(H) / WOL(H)
    5)Bruno vs CHE(A) / CRY(A)
    *Bonus pick:
    Bamford vs AVL(H) / FUL(A)

    Any of them possibly outscoring GW19 Salah vs MUN(H) / BUR(H) ?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Idk maybe Salah

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah 2 at home can't be outscored

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        1 goal Vs ManUtd and 1 goal Vs Burnley in his 3 years on the PL is worrying though...

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      what s with a dgw 26 ??

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        There's a dgw for those who will qualify to Fa cup quarterfinals. Those teams will blank later in gw29

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          oh thanks. still a way to go then.

        2. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Every chance some of the top teams rest players for FA cup

  29. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Scored 101 this week so don’t mind taking -4 if it’s considered good planning

    Would you do James to Dias, Mitchell to Dallas and Wilson to Adams -4?
    Currently have 0.5itb 2FT
    Question- is it worth paying more for a City defender? Want nailed on so not interested in Stones

    Dallas is rising and Mitchell close to a drop
    Other defenders; Robbo Coufal Taylor

    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not worth bringing in a City defender unless you're playing GW 18 without FH or not building for a GW 19 double. That being said, I like your moves on a whole, and I think Adams over Wilson justifiies the hit, so go for it.

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks. I only have 4/5 players for 18 and yes planning on BB dgw19. Still enough time to play Dias for a few and move on if there’s a good option