Dugout Discussion

West Ham v Chelsea team news: James returns, Lukaku and Benrahma subs

The dust of Gameweek 14 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has barely settled but we’re already up and running for Gameweek 15, which gets underway in east London this lunchtime.

A tasty-looking clash between West Ham United and Chelsea kicks off at 12:30 GMT.

Reece James – who rather curiously dropped in price last night – is back for this clash as expected and is one of four changes that Thomas Tuchel has made from the Blues side that unconvincingly beat Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road in midweek.

Thiago Silva, Jorginho and Hakim Ziyech also return, with Christian Pulisic, Saul and Cesar Azpilicueta dropping to the bench and Trevoh Chalobah missing out altogether with a hamstring injury.

Romelu Lukaku is again only a substitute.

Hammers boss David Moyes makes two alterations to the team that drew 1-1 at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday.

Issa Diop and Manuel Lanzini return to the starting line-up, with Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma dropping to the bench. That will see the hosts turn to a wing-back system, a shape Moyes has adopted in the past when up against the big guns.

Aaron Cresswell remains out with a back injury.

GAMEWEEK 15 LINE-UPS

West Ham United XI: Fabianski, Coufal, Dawson, Zouma, Diop, Johnson, Soucek, Rice, Bowen, Lanzini, Antonio

Subs: Areola, Yarmolenko, Fornals, Vlasic, Noble, Benrahma, Masuaku, Kral, Ashby

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Thiago Silva, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Alonso, Mount, Ziyech, Havertz

Subs: Kepa, Lukaku, Pulisic, Werner, Saul, Barkley, Hudson-Odoi, Azpilicueta, Sarr

1,332 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If you were wildcarding today who would be your must haves?

    Double City defender? Bowen?

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

      Mount is essential.

    1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Did you buy him?

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

        yes stats were very good

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

          Not sure which stat you are talking about 😀

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

            are you bling mate? Look at his insane npxg npxa this season, top 5 in the whole league. Maybe stop following the experts and do your own research

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

              blind*

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Sounds like you wanted thoughts on mount

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

          I cant just give everyone the best transfers, more like planting a seed

      • Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Let's see your other posts that failed

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

          lighten up fella

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

            I'm not me when I'm hungry - time for lunch

      • Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Listen to you asking for thoughts...

      • Solanke
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        If we should listen to you who's your next transfer then

      • Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Mount is a good shout. Had him previously for his points. Who's next on your radar for the coming weeks?

    3. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Mount is the ultimate troll. In fact, I’ve owned James, Chalobah, Mount, Alonso and Havertz this season and genuinely don’t have 20 points between them. Swapped Mount for Jota and held Foden, big L.

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

        Yer I got trolled with him last time too

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

        Tis the season to be trolled.

        Fa la la la, la la la la

      3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Why not just keep him and leave him in the side?
        Hokey-kokey transfers with such a player rarely work. The same with Man City players.

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

      Mason > Jota, Bilva and Maddison

      🙂

    5. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I was reading an article last week on The Athletic where Danny Higginbotham was talking about Chelsea's no.10s and he effectively ruled out Ziyech of their best choices because he wasn't convinced by him which I found bizarre. He's so talented and is arguably the most fluid of all of those options since he's comfortable pulling in tight behind the 9 or playing out wide, just needs a bit of luck with fitness

    6. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Fabianski should be saving that at his near post

    7. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Zouma down

    8. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Mount is only a good pick in draft not fantasy

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

        Kinda agree. Unpredictable points.

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 3 months ago

          When nailed and Lukaku is back his numbers will be up there, the season has just been interrupted by lots of injuries and his teeth

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

        Zoma rolls up Havertz

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

        'Keeper's fault there. Just stick your foot through it!!!!

      5. ClassiX
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Havertz not looking good

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

          Damn we only have...
          *looks at bench'
          ... Lukaku to sub on.

          Embarrassment of riches.

          1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Remember when you had Paul Ferlong and Mark Stein and an empty Stamford bridge?

        2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Lukaku will likely get a run out.

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

        Mount just as likely to be rotated as City mids like Foden, etc

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          If you have them rotation type players from big sides - better off just leaving them to start in your fpl team.
          I always avoid them if possible - I have not the patience.

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

        Alisson
        Taa VVD Matip Robbo
        Henderson Fabinho Thiago
        Salah Jota Mane

        Sorry if it’s wrong but this is what I’ve seen is the team for today.

        1. DARE TO BISCAN
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Where did you see it?

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

          I mean that is the obvious team selection, but yeah - "what I've seen" - source?

      8. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        So Mount is gonna triple rise this week, ain't he...

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

          indeed

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

          Yep, bye bye Jota!

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

          Fine by me, less on Bowen.

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

          Owners will be disappointed

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

        Please not another Rancid Saturday of fpl

      10. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Can't be sticking with double Chelsea defence if they persist with Jorginho. Just another Thiago, looks good, but one or two howlers every game.

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

          3rd best player in the world in 2021 apparently...

        2. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Thiago has been superb for Liverpool the last few weeks by the way.

          1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            And still set up Adam Armstrong better than any Southampton player when they played recently.

            That's the point, they do well at creating lots of chances but they take such risks that opposition are gifted big chances.

        3. DARE TO BISCAN
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Silva?

      11. Randaxus
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        My midfield is Salah Jota Gundogan Cornet it is differential but I am feeling confident.

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

          cornet gang

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

          Salah and Jota aren't differential lol.

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

            I was saying differential because of Gundogan and Cornet they are low owned.

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

        3 games for Alonso no clean sheets...

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

          Yep.. should have got reg

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

            Or walker.. might switch to walker as I have dier

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

          Feel it's been bad luck these past few games. Silly errors

      13. Podge
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Mount to Gundogan last week could be my worst transfer ever

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

          Chin up mate.. we've all been there. Frustrating tho!

        2. Lord of Ings
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Let’s hope Gundogan gets a brace now

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

        Would you be tempted by:

        Son and vardy to
        Mount and Ronaldo (fitness contingent)

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

          Was gonna ask the same. Could massively backfire but looks good on paper

      15. Flair
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Balon D' Jorginho in full flow.

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

          Salah got 7th because the judges don't have eyes.

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

        From the outside it appears like clean sheets are drying up but Chelsea are only conceding goals from explicit individual errors. The 2 noticeable issues however is that R. James combines a lot better with Chilwell. Chilwell’s extra athleticism over Alonso helps stretch the pitch and creates more big switch opportunities for width/space on both sides. Mason Mount being back has also disrupted corner and set piece responsibility for R.James. I expect the clean sheets to return but offensively looking a little less potent re: Chelsea wing backs

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

          Guaranteed we will dump Alonso then he will start scoring

        2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Good points. Chelsea will likely tighten up defensively now for future games. Tuchel will be raging at them as he is a perfectionist at the best of times. Over a large number of gameweeks the Chelsea double up the back or even treble up will do well.

        3. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Exactly. Also with Mount and Ziyech (and no Lukaku up top) the plays a lot more from the inside with fast combinations and 2 on 1s looking for the frontal strike.

      17. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        That's a really poor pen to give way Mendy.... why didn't he kicked the ball??? Poor.

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

          Horrendous error. Just stick your foot through it. Absolutely shocking...deserves to be dropped!!!

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

            Lol steady on

      18. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Really need both Rudiger & James to score to make the double up worth it, yet again

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          I think they could yet as the hammers have to go for it now. Should mean corners for Rudgier to attack and space for James/Alonso on the wings.

      19. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Time to take Mount seriously ?

        Mount has been involved in 8 goals in his last 4 pl starts (5 goals 3 assists)

        Red hot form and great run of fixtures

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

          Pressure is mounting to make the move..

          1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            The Sun/Mirror will be searching for you on Linkedin...

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

              Lol

              1. HurriKane
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 3 months ago

                No mason about and just get him ehh?

        2. Danstoke82
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          I’m seriously considering it. Gallagher may need to go to bring him in.

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

          Raph to Mount already done

      20. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Looks like I’ve cursed the Chelsea defense with my double up.
        Sorry all

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

          You utter **** 😉

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

          My rival in draft has T Silva and Mount, and I have Rudi, Alonso, and James. Needless to say this first half was rough.

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

          I have James Rudiger and Alonso and then Silva scores 😀

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

          Me too - I bought James in GW 12 and Alonso in GW 14. They were destined to blank.

      21. I Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Alonso over Reguilon hasn't gone well at all.

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

          This >:(

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

          The chances we take. Spurs are poor anyways

        3. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Got both, maybe I should've avoided Alonso. I think Reguilon will be benched tomorrow though

          1. Lord of Ings
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Benched for what?
            Sessegnon hasn’t looked good at all whenever he’s played

            1. Cok3y5murf
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 3 months ago

              Sessegnon is suspended for their midweek fixture which is a must-win game. So Reguilon might have to start that one

      22. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Chelsea face Leeds, Everton, Wolves, and Brighton in next 5 matches. Should be at least 3 clean sheets in that one would think but silly shite will make it like 1 won't it

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

          Defo keeping the double up

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

          I honestly think they might just keep conceding stupid goals

      23. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        just tuned into the score. Another double Chelsea clean sheet fail, no attacking returns and another haul for that annoying fecker Mount. Great first half.

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

        I’m still fuming that Antonio didn’t take the penalty.

        I’ve double downed on the error of keeping him in the name of patience and stats. It’s really not worked but with good fixtures on horizon it’s now hard to move on

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

          He'd have probs missed anyway

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

            This