Dugout Discussion

Alisson and Fabinho return to bolster Liverpool defence as Tuchel recalls Werner

Six successive days of Premier League action comes to an end at Anfield this evening as the 17th and final Double Gameweek 26 fixture takes place.

Liverpool v Chelsea gets underway at 20:15 GMT, as two defences in contrasting form meet on Merseyside.

The Reds kept only their second Premier League clean sheet of the calendar year in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United, ending a run of seven straight blanks for Andrew Robertson (£7.2m).

Chelsea’s backline has been watertight in comparison, with five shut-outs arriving in the seven top-flight fixtures that Thomas Tuchel has overseen.

Antonio Rudiger (£4.6m) and Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.7m) have been a part of all of those clean sheets and both players start this evening.

The respective managers have made two changes apiece for tonight’s encounter.

Alisson (£5.9m) returns from compassionate leave for the hosts, replacing Adrian (£4.2m) between the posts.

The Reds’ faltering backline has been further boosted by the return to fitness of Fabinho (£5.4m), who takes Nat Phillips‘ (£4.0m) place at centre-half.

Diogo Jota (£6.6m), who would have made the matchday squad at Bramall Lane were it not for illness, is among the substitutes.

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) will face his former employers once again as he looks to improve on a sub-par recent record of nine blanks in his last 12 matches.

As for Chelsea, Timo Werner (£9.2m) replaces Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m) in the visitors’ attack.

Jorginho (£4.7m) is in for Mateo Kovacic (£5.3m) in the middle of the park, with Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) again only among the substitutes as Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) continues at left wing-back.


Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Kabak, Robertson, Thiago, Wijnaldum, Jones, Salah, Firmino, Mane. 

Chelsea: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell, Ziyech, Mount, Werner.

1,692 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kaneyonero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Get Jota on

  2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mount is 6.8! Pass.

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

      Perfect Barnes replacement...

      1. Forgetmeknot
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Whisper it...

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes. If you have Barnes. I have Salah Bruno KDB Gundo Raph mid. No space. Or maybe Raph to Mount with a downgrade somewhere. Or maybe not.

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Why get rid of someone who plays in 29? Unless you plan to FH ofc!

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Post 29. That's when Leeds dips and Chelsea rises. But only maybe. Chelsea's value is in defense.

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

          With that midfield you hold. But a lot of us have Barnes who needs to be removed.

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            True. But do you think they score enough to warrant an investment in Mount? I think the value in that team is in defense.

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

      He’s worth it.

      Becoming Chelsea’s talisman already.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He is really talented. That is not what I meant. Don't have any space in my team to include a 6.8 mid!

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

    Looks like 5 pts for Salah over the 2 games. TC fail. Bitterly disappointed

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

      Beats my 3 in his previous DGW. Be content with that

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You still got hope, some of us been fooled by Everton and their alleged forward DCL...

  4. Vamos Los Celeste
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Werner where's my pen?

  5. jimmyharte
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Everyone said Lookman over Mount for this gw too. Many wack calls this week.

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

      Never do what is told here. You should manage your own team, not this site.

  6. Ejaaz11
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Salah blanks I'm through in the cup.

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

      Congrats.

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

      Luckily for you Salah plays alongside clowns.

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

    If only Salah could pass to Salah.

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

      Exactly...was thinking that! He's wasted out on the wing...nutz decision

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

    Anfield was a fortress, now it’s an easy 3 points

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

      Hope you enjoyed your 70 minutes in the Top 4 😛

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

        Game in hand. Still ours

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

      Random year, random teams, random results. * by everything.

      1. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Meh

  9. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Barnes to who?
    A. Mount
    B. Raphinha
    C. Jota

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

      Not c

      1. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Understandable.

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Jesse

      1. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That's a good option too.

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

      Raph.

  10. Londongeezaa
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I could use my WC tonight but still not be happy with my team. Nobody reliable left.

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

      KDB (c) next GW is the play

      1. HollywoodXI
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think he’ll be rested for one of the two games. Just played twice in a few days after his injury.

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I am considering exactly the same. But do you think he plays both?

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

    Mount is a very decent player.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes he is.

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Very inconsistent

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 2 months ago

          His performances are consistent, but he needs to bump the numbers up, it is a numbers game goals and assists are king. Still young ofc

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

        Class and his pressing is unbelievably good.

        Will be an unsung hero for club and country in years to come.

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

          Deceptively fast too.

        2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Excellent work ethic.

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

        Tuchel is getting it together isn't he

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

          To think what Arsenal could have had . . .

      4. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Very consistent

      5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lampards son doing his dad proud

    3. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How I'm lining up for the weekend:
      Martinez
      Cancelo, Stones, Coufal
      Bruno, Salah, Gundo, Raphinha
      DCL, Bamford, Kane
      (Pope; Mee, Kilman, Barnes)

      Barnes > Mount -- or -- Save FT

    4. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      12 DGW players and BB,Dias the only goal scorer...need Salah(C) to do something

      1. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Same here. Desperate for a goal from Mo. This is a cursed gw.
        3 players tonight, Kane, DCL and Salah..... what a return so far from 2 premium and a mid priced asset. 31.3 million of my budget for little return. Think I'm losing my touch at this game.
        Still, back in the saddle for next week and here we go again..

    5. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Had Mount most of last season, proper hidden gem. Never understood why he’s not that popular on fantasy

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

        Played 8 a lot last year, like him as a 10 with pens much more

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Points matter, not real life performances. Goals and assists wise he is being outshone by cheaper/lesser players

        • Groot the Leveller
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'm thinking about him for next season

      3. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        How are ml motm decided if you both end up on the same points?

        Hits taken?
        Transfers made?
        Something else?

        1. Steve Chance
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Trannies

          1. jason_ni
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            What if that's the same lol.. we both have 6 each. And both have took 1 hit..
            Suppose I find out in few hours.

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

        Moved house so just logged in and catching up on the action today..... What a disappointment!!!
        Plus it was basically DCL vs richarlison in my cup match which went well!

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

          Congrats on the house move. More exciting than any premier league game this year.

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

            Cheers!
            Ha yeah it is....been living "alternatively" for the last 3 years and this is back in a house so a bit of readjustment needed!

        2. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I needed 14 going into tonight to break a ton from
          Son, dcl, salah and kane (tc)
          Thought it was a cert.. have got 12 so far!

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

            Ooof! Good luck!

      5. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You'd think DAZN would have fixed their broken record/lagging adverts at this point no? Mad.

        Anyway.

        Time to sell Mo now isn't it?

      6. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The state of the star players for DGW26!!

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

          Crazy.... One here, was so close to ings to richarlison too!

      7. estheblessed
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Looks like I'm gonna end up bang on 100 points. Is that good for BB or nah?

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

          Stop.

          1. estheblessed
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Hammer time!

      8. King Carlos
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If you had lets say 400 million to buy 2 cbs to liverpool... who would they be? I'd buy napoli's koulibaly and psg's marquinhos...

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Eric Dier and Maguire, then I'd pocket the 399 million left over

          • LAMELA_AND_CONSUELA
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Upamecano and Kounde or Koulibaly

        2. Naby K8a
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Get me on. This Spanish fella is playing against us

        3. Free Hat
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Mane also very abysmal for several weeks.
          Even a broken clock is right twice a day, but looking at those premiums strange to see them struggling sooo many weeks.

          Like seeing Space Jam where aliens take away players talents...

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

            Players are being asked to play every three days ; with heavy workloads . . it's just not sustainable. Its why Pep has a squad of 16 first team players and rotates them A LOT.

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

              Exactly. This year it is a war of atirition. And such war will be won by those who have greater resources. So in PL meandry City

            2. Free Hat
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I fully understand fatigue. But thats almost the same for all the teams out there. And some with less quality than Liv.
              Their basic like passing, controls, dribbling is just totally missing.
              I get one or two games. But how many is it in a row...?

            3. MightyGar
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Which is all when and good for winning the league, but when will he stop and consider us poor FPL players?

        4. Groot the Leveller
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          After watching Leicester beat villa in gw 25, I enjoyed their performance so much I brought Vardy, Pereira and Barnes, for hits. It was a dgw so time to attack it.
          7 pts for all of them, (-12).
          Sigh

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

          Do you reckon Aurier will start against CRY?

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

            Yes

        6. Hazardous1983
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Start rafinha or bruno

        7. Hazardous1983
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          start rudiger dallas or targett

          1. Mr. O'Connell
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Rudiger. Chelsea won't concede again this season.

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

          They draw the line at Werners elbow...

          1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Who knows anymore

            They seem to be making it up as they go along

          2. Steve Chance
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            They draw it wherever they want. It's a joke.

            1. jason_ni
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yes.. its always been the same, the placement of the lines are decided by a human.
              Hence open to interpretation, when to freeze frame ie prone to human error.

              Yet people keep going on, oh var, its infallible, its technology, you can't dispute it.

              1. Steve Chance
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                We sing from the same hymn sheet on this!

          3. Marvin of all he surveys
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Even as a Liverpool fan that decision makes me angry.

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

            Looked pretty obvious in real time to me.

        9. Messiah Hazard
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          If Mount had GW29, he would be my transfer in for Barnes

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

            Only reason I'm not pulling the trigger. Apart from City he has good fixtures until end of season too

          2. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I will FH 29. I guess I will get him now. Why not?

        10. Drumandbaines123
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Mount bandwagon confirmed with that goal? Looks like lots might jump ship from Barnes now.

        11. FFSbet.com
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Barnes > Gundo(C) FT ?

          1. Royal5
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Not sure about Gundo after kdb returned. Looked useless imo