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. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Folks, is Creswell a good option or stay clear ?

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Currently holding him and thinking about moving him on. Hoping for lots of zesty responses to your question 🙂

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Stay clear (cresswell owner)

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Prefer others

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

      Coufal better alternative.

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

      Great option until Feb

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

    I fear Azpilicueta is fast becoming the Ivanovic of this Chelsea team. Just not up to it anymore at RB. He's a CB or nothing in this team now.

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

      Hopefully means they rush James back

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

      Thats why he is not a regular starter anymore

      1. BenDavies
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yep, the decline has been striking though. Don't think we can even have him as a backup RB anymore, just not good enough.

    3. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Worst yet he could be becoming the West Brom Ivanovic of this Chelsea team. He was soooo good back in his day. Glad he's still around.

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

    Chilwell to Zouma is my move this week, methinks.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If James and Chilwell out for a while how will the their def go?

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

        Good point.

        I'm actually thinking of Robertson now. Could do that move with £0.6 to spare.

    2. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Arsenal away, Azpi mere, Emerson...
      Nah

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good replacement. I expect CHE having to target getting goals at set pieces since both Chilwell and James are out

    4. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dallas was my move

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'm losing James for Taylor. 4.5 and on a proper hot streak, Sheff U and Fulham at home incoming.

  4. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Stones too risky pick?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

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

        I don't know, easy to get CS for just 4.8, and if not, you get an autosub. Not bad at that price. If you want to be more secure, you have to pay .8 more for Dias.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not if you don't expect your players to play every week.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yup. If going for him, make sure you have a playing bench player to cover his rotation

    4. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wonder if you could pair Stones effectively with a similar price option somewhere else. Might score more than a cheap squad filler + Robbo or TAA. It's an interesting thought (as I'm trying to sort my defense also)

    5. De Gea is GOAT
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Considering him as well

  5. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Reguilon or Matip as Chilwell replacement? If he’s out of course..

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      IF Chilwell would be out for a few weeks, Chilwell > Coufal would be good to fund Salah Bruno KDB/Son Vardy for gw19, right?

      1. luk46
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I would try to get Dias/Zouma or maybe someone from the 4.5ish bracket

        1. AzzaroMax99
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I have Cresswell, Dias, Dallas, Mitchel & Chilwell.
          That is why I think to buy Reguilon or Matip.

  6. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Until and for the double would you rather play
    A) Cancelo
    B) Ayling

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  7. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Since I've god two free transfers last week I:

    1. Did Vardy to Kane, lost 10 points
    2. Also with that transfer spent money in the bank to improve bench (Brewster, Kilman, Struijk)
    3. Did Lamptey to Dallas last night to avoid the rise, only to get Chilwell injured, leading to probably spending the second free transfer.

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lemony snicket

  8. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What combination do you prefer from gw16 .....Will captain the spurs asset.....irrespective of price.

    A....kane and raphinha

    B....son and adams

    Thanks

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    4. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  9. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Werner involved in celebrations with Thiago Silva.

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      These always make me laugh for some reason

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He truly was, just seen a goal replay.

  10. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best James replacement?

    5.2 to spend

    1. Dallas
    2. Cresswell or Coufal
    3. Stones
    4. Vestergaard

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      1

    2. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I've asked similar below. Vestergard is doing well but I have McCarthy so not keen on double up. Dallas has done well for me but he's not going to get many clean sheets. Same for west ham Def's. I'm swaying towards stones as have cover if he's benched.

      1. TOLV TUMS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Agreed, 3 or 4. You're pretty much never going to get a cleanie with Dallas (owner), and I think cresswell is mixed at best. can't speak to coufal.

  11. Boz
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    So I have Chilwell, James, Lamptey and Mitchell..

    Which 2 to prioritise removing?

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

      I think Chilwell then Lamptey. James I think will be back in GW16.

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Same problem here, slso thinking Chilwell and Lamptey. But big question mark whether James will play both in DGW

      2. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        How do we know at this stage whether Chilwell or James is the most likely to comeback sooner?

    2. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      First two

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Can only be answered when we know how long chilwell is out for

      • DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Wait for news on extent of injuries

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

          Me too mate! Will wait on news but will prioritise chilwell and Mitchell.

          Prob bring in coufal and kwp

          1. Boz
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Was thinking Coufal and Dias!

      • Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Probably James and Chilwell over Mitchell due to their prices. Lamptey might be back in GW16.

    4. Wally711
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Play 1

      1) Neto vs (TOT)
      2) Soucek vs (BRI)

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        2

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

        2. Brighton are weak.

      3. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        2

      4. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        2

    5. Hazardous1983
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Start soucek or podence

      1. Wally711
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Same dilemma above lol

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Souchef the key ingredient

      3. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Same answer as above Soucek

    6. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Who would you replace James with:
      A) Coufal
      B) Vestergard
      C) Stones

      Currently have Dier, Lamptey, Taylor, Dallas.
      I know James will probably be back after the arsenal game but I think he's a risk now he's carrying this injury so want rid.

      1. Maeki2
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        A

    7. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      1FT 0itb
      Chilwell* Robertson Vestergaard Cresswell 3.9*

      Chilwell + 3.9 >> Two GW18 starting defenders up to 9.9M

      Something to consider is I already have three Villa players, and I will wait for FT to replace 3.9.

    8. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What happened to Chilwell? Hammy? Or did it look like something else?

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Rolled his ankle

        1. Dreaming of glory
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Could easily make it back then so all the Chilwell to who is a bit too soon

          1. Ozzy smith
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Agreed. He was able to try and run it off, that in itself is a positive on the grand scheme of ankle inversion injuries imo.

            1. TOLV TUMS
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Probably two weeks tops

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

              Both Chilwell and James are important for my DGW19 plans. Will not sell before I have more information.

    9. dshv
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Chilwell to who for a hit ?

      1. jimmy.floyd
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        TAA

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        May as well wait for news if for a hit.

        1. TOLV TUMS
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          THIS

    10. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Best City defender?

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Dias/Cancelo

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          This

    11. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      0.1 short of Chilwell to Robbo/Trent...

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Who would you choose?

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Robbo

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

            Trent will outscore Robbo from now on I think

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

      Everyone will have Robbo now

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Or Trent

        1. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Who is better?

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Apples and oranges.
            Take your pick. I’m deciding which one to get in this week then I might go KDB,Dias > the other one and Son the following week for free and double up .

            1. waltzingmatildas
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Tempting!

      2. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Doubt it

      3. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Not everyone will have money itb/2FTs to upgrade Chilwell to Robbo. Already seen a few posts considering stones and Zouma

      4. TOLV TUMS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        13% Trent, 19% Robbo

    13. Mweene
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I bought James this week for double Chelsea defence... looks like I'm starting the next GW with 0.

      Already sold James for Dallas.

      Chilwell to Matip? Is he nailed when fit and is he too injury prone?

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

        too injruy prone

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'm in the same boat as you with the 2 CHE defs. I have some money itb to bring in Robbo and Dallas as replacements. I think Matip is a transfer waiting to happen with his injury record

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

      The only going Chilly to dier I guess.

    15. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      All depends if its ligs or not but the fact Chilwell was able to play on for a bit suggests its not a long lay off he has 5 days as it is

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Need a change so he's out for me.

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          As a James owner too it will depend on what transpires but one will go for me

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            TAA time.

    16. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What do you reckon to this gw15 wc?
      Mccarthy johnstone
      Robbo dias dallas coufal ctaylor
      Salah kdb Bruno raphina soucek
      DCL Bamford adams

      Will probably do kdb to son gw16

    17. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Eeek. I’ve got Chilwell, James and Lamptey.

      Who to move on first? Chilwell to Matip?

      1. Maeki2
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He walked of the pitch, he can be ready for next game

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Not watching the game, thanks. Probably not too serious then.

      2. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Not Matip

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Ha true, probably another injury risk.

      3. TOLV TUMS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Lamptey

    18. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Do we know how long Reece James will be out for yet?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I think at least GW14-15

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

      A) matip + dias
      Or,
      B) Lowton + Robbo

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        B

    20. AlpoShearer
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      James and Chilwell to Robbo and Dias -4?
      Have only 1 playing def atm

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes

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

        Looks decent

      3. jimmy.floyd
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Good moves

      4. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes

      5. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes

      6. AlpoShearer
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers all

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

      I s Reguillon nailed on?

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

        Wouldn’t be surprised if Bavies takes another game off of him over Xmas - Spurs fullbacks after all...

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

        Yes

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

        Someone around these parts used to say "if the question needs to be asked whether X is nailed, the answer is always no"

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

          True

    22. umerlfc
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Chilwell out means 102 all out for me
      My first SGW century of FPL

      Wouldn't be possible if I hadn't done Mitchell - > Dallas to upgrade my bench keeping an eye on DGW19