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Dugout Discussion February 15

Tuchel explains decision to bench Mendy as Chelsea rotation continues

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Chelsea face Newcastle United in the second of two Premier League matches to take place on Monday evening.

Kick-off in west London is at 20:00 GMT.

Having rotated frequently since his appointment, Thomas Tuchel has sprung another surprise with his teamsheet tonight.

Edouard Mendy (£5.1m) is the latest high-profile name to face bench duty, with Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.7m) given another chance to impress his new manager.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Tuchel explained his decision:

Four of the five most-owned Chelsea players in Fantasy Premier League are among the substitutes this evening, with Timo Werner (£9.2m) the only one to start.

In related news, none of the back five – including goalkeeper Mendy – that Frank Lampard favoured for much of 2020/21 makes Tuchel’s starting XI this evening.

Thiago Silva (£5.6m) is still missing because of injury, with Ben Chilwell (£5.9m), Reece James (£5.0m) and Kurt Zouma (£5.4m) among the replacements.

Tammy Abraham (£7.2m) starts ahead of Olivier Giroud (£6.7m) up front, meanwhile.

Steve Bruce makes four changes to the Newcastle side that beat Southampton in Gameweek 23.

All four are enforced, with Javier Manquillo (£4.2m), Callum Wilson (£6.6m) and Fabian Schar (£4.9m) injured and Jeff Hendrick (£4.5m) suspended.

In come Ciaran Clark (£4.5m), Jamaal Lascelles (£4.2m), Dwight Gayle (£5.9m) and Emil Krafth (£4.2m)into Bruce’s starting XI.

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Alonso, Abraham, Werner.

Newcastle United XI: Darlow, Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis, Hayden, Shelvey, Willock, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Gayle.

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1,321 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Chrisitis
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McGoldrick with some good stats there
    Kane looking like a great pick

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    1. Mweene
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Good stats maybe but terrible finishing.

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    2. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane should haul. West Ham been clinging onto these clean sheets

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    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      McxGoldrick

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    4. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I've got him coming off the bench for Antonio, frustrating game to watch

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  2. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Does 103 pts after the regular amount of games in a DGW count as a true century? No chips played either.

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    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely

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    2. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep definitely

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

      Subtlety subtle.

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

    how many dgw players do you have for gw25? would bamford and raphina be enough?

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    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Four at the moment

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

        impressive. who do you have ?? still have wc ??

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

      It’ll be on the lower side for sure.

      At least double Leeds + Ings will be popular.

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    3. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Currently bam and alioski but might bring in ings for dcl

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    4. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Certainly wouldn’t want a Leeds defender. Bamford, Raphina and Ings the targets

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      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Dallas count as a defender?

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        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          -1 this week says it all

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          1. Pat Bonner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            12 points last week says it all

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            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Lol worst defence in the league but ok if you trust that. I prefer my defence not to look like Swiss cheese

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              1. Pat Bonner
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Swiss cheese lol

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            2. Utopsis
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Haha this - clean sheets are not the primary reason for owning Dallas

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      2. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Do you count Dallas is that, OOP

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

      thanks all

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    6. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bamford and Raphinha currently

      Will probably buy a Leeds def too. Contemplating Ings, but I guess I prefer going straight to Kane

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

      Dallas, raph, bam and ings.
      No hits and planning to wc in 26

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    8. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Two at the moment, but not even going to play one of them despite the double.

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  4. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Moyes the 'dinosaur' is in the top 4

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    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He was favourite to be first manager sacked this season! Really pleased he’s done well

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      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yeah same, I've always stuck up for him (but then again I always big up big Sam because I find him funny)

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

    1) Antonio -> Ings, Ings and Messlier -> Kane and fodder next GW
    2) Antonio and Messlier -> Kane and fodder this GW (play Martinez instead of Messlier)

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    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ings is up against Meslier. Only one of them getting returns in the second game...

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      1. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hedging?

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

    Oh Timo, Alonso assist wasted.

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    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hard chance that . . better header from Alonso and that was in

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  7. abaalan
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    When will the GW26 doubles be confirmed? Prior to 25 deadline?

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  8. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Alonso puts it on a plate for Werner. Hasn’t scored for over 1000 minutes now in the prem - not since November. Incredible

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  9. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Just seen Mendy benched. World #1 had him!

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    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      His insane luck is over

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

        You’ll catch him yet!!

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        1. Fudgy
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Very possible with how poor his previous years rankings are

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      2. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yep.

        Dias benched
        Bamford robbed of pen
        Mee (c) injured and unavailable vs Fulham
        Mendy benched

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    2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably has Martinez on the bench

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      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He actually doesn't but Coufal is coming off bench for Antonio

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  10. Bushwhacker
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I swear Almiron is a Gerry Anderson puppet.

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  11. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    when are we predicting DGW fixtures to be announced? is tomorrow realistic?

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  12. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one.
    A. Antonio
    B. Son
    C. DCL

    Currently on Son

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    1. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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  13. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Currently have Bednerak and Bamford for next week. 2FTs, would only like to use one. Who would you bring in? I’m thinking Dallas?

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    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't start Bednarek.

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    2. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raph, Dallas and Ings would all be astute acquisitions

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    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raphinha

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  14. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Keep Bednarek for next gw or swap for Dallas??

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    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      100% Dallas. I would do it for a hit.

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      1. Ch0udini
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Keep Bednarek, selling doubles never feels good.
        You may get Dallas for some other defender if you like him that much.

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  15. In Bale We Trust
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do we reckon lads, is Werner a true flop a la Morata or is this just a season of settling in and we’ll see the true Werner emerge next season?

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    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He just isn't getting accustomed to life in england both on or off the pitch. He will go back to Germany and start banging them in. Reminds me of Soldado tbh.

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      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No, he'll stay and start banging them into under Tuchel. Lampard wasted him, already looks a far better player.

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

    Giroud G
    No assist

    Alonso close by...

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    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso is such a baller

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

      I hope nobody still own Werner

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      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Only dead teams

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        1. Nerdlinger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Ahem!

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

        I even ditched him in draft team, for no one. Blank jersey is now in Werner's place. Timo still not being picked up

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      3. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Do you?

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    3. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Werner assist surely? How many times have goalkeepers pushed crosses to strikers and assists been given?

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  17. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any chance Dias doesn't start/play vs Everton? Me thinks not, but have Cresswell first sub. Would be so jammy

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

      Slim. Laporte starting 3 in a row would be unusual.

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      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Unusual? Thought he was the ever present guy before getting injured.

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

          Until Kane destroyed him maybe. Dias & Stones have been great.

          Unusual last season, no. Currently, I think it would be.

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    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hoping this too.

      Dallas -1 coming in for Antonio
      Barnes 12 would come in for Dias...

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  18. Old Bull
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Under normal circumstances Gundo’s haul this week if you had him as Captain would be fantastic. But it sounds unlikely he will play against Everton, and that feels hugely disappointing. Anyone else greedy like me?

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    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I 100% agree. It's ruined my week massively tbh. Was set for a huge haul.

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      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You have 127 right now? How has it massively ruined your week. You should be banned for even insinuating such.

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        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          you should be banned for that username

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          1. Threat Level Midnight
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Cute, are you his missus?

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            1. SADIO SANÉ
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I wish

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        2. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He's a jammy get and still sees the downsides in everything.

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          1. Fudgy
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            What's jammy about my week?

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            1. Threat Level Midnight
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yes, I don't see anything jammy. Just good decisions really.

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              1. Fudgy
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Thanks

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

      Absolutely!

      19 will be a fail in my book.

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      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I like the mentality

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    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can never complain about 19pts as captain

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

        Watch me

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

      Everyone who captained him

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    5. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A bit yeah

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    6. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Personally if i'd had 38 points from my captain I'd be delighted. But then I am doing awful and get everything wrong.

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    7. Ch0udini
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm happy with his 19, not asking for more. The only thing that can prove me wrong is Sterling haul vs Everton, that matches or outscore Gundo.

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    8. Old Bull
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It’s weird because I play to win our head to head league more than the classic league, so I’ve already beaten this weeks opponent. But I still want more!

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

      Would you feel better if you imagine that score being splitted across 2 games like 10pts and 9pts?

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      1. Old Bull
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Just tried that approach.........no.

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  19. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news if Antonio back for spurs game ?cheers

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

      Fact he was close enough for a fitness test is a good sign for a few days time. Fact he felt it again in training beforehand isn’t.

      Wait and see but Moyes won’t give much away.

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      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ok cheers I am getting rid of Bowen this week and keeping Antonio in the hope he plays !

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  20. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea's total EO is 11.76% 😀

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

      It means I can celebrate my own team. I'm thankful...

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    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Well, I have Rudiger starting.....

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    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mendy, Chilwell, James, Zouma all benched helps I suppose

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  21. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Even Lateriser got rid of Werner in the end. Flogging a dead horse gets exhausting.

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    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Isn’t he ranked dead last this season?

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      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I see you're back spewing

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  22. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any idea how much the average jumped up in the top 10k after the west ham game?

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    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I still went down even though I had Coufal

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  23. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Those 8 points Newcastle have over Fulham........

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    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not judging you, but how come you have Pope on the bench given that he has a double gameweek? Same goes for Lookman. Did you miss the deadline?

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      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, you missed all this on Saturday.

        I bought in Pope in for Forster and Shaw in for Holding, as well as Lookman late on Friday night.

        I put Pope in at keeper, and Shaw in defence. Instead of saving it at that point I decided that it would be a good idea to Bench Boost too.

        I thought I saved it all after pressing Bench boost, so I then went into my front room to practice a bit of piano before going to bed.

        Woke up Saturday morning and had things to do so never bothered to check my team until after the deadline passed.

        I was mortified to realise I’d obviously not saved my team changes and so was stuck with that clown McCarthy in goal and no bench boost to bail me out.

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        1. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Oh man, that is quite the story. Surprised you are taking it so well, respect for that. You did all the right moves though. Shame that is how it panned out. Good luck next week mate, hope you get a major haul from someone you weren't expecting it from in your team 🙂

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          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks man.

            I was so gutted on Saturday afternoon, but I can’t do anything about it, so just got to laugh at my ineptitude.

            In fairness, I try to put it into perspective, though, stormbringer.

            Considering some of the horrible real life Covid-19 situations people are facing right now, me messing up my fantasy team this week really is nothing in comparison.

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            1. Stormbringer22
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              True gent you are. We need more people like you on this forum!

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

    Antonio to Ings worth a hit?

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    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes it is.

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  25. Greek Shamrocks
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1 sub, 1 less chance for Chilly to come on!

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  26. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ah man, only got one Burnley defender and it’s Ben Mee. Hoping Fulham continue their form from the Everton game!

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    1. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Oh man I almost upvoted this, but then I remembered I have Mee....and Pope!

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      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ha, thanks for the thought!

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  27. ReadyGestedeCook
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    RMT 4 BB GW26:

    Martinez Johnstone
    Shaw Cancelo Pieters Dias Dunk
    Bruno Salah Gundo Raphinha Son
    Maja Kane(c) DCL

    11 Very Likely DGWers (95-99%) 1 Possible DGWer and 3 SGWers

    Can get there by WC or a -12.

    Thoughts please?

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    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Timo goal

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

      Why Maja? Doesn't make sense not to have bench full of DGWs as well if BB

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      1. ReadyGestedeCook
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Fulham fan here... Also if I pull the WC this week I get Maja against SHU GW25 and his SGW is vs CPL which both look decent

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

    Werner g no a

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

    Werner G
    No assist

    This is not a drill!

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    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Haha. That last sentence is one of the best in FFS.

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  30. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wow, Chelsea look insane under tuchel

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