Dugout Discussion
15 May 2017 3548 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

The seven-day Gameweek rolls on with a Monday night date under the lights of Stamford Bridge – the new home of the Premier League champions.

While tonight will doubtless witness scenes of celebration, Antonio Conte has given us Fantasy managers little to cheer with his team selection for the clash with Watford.

We were anticipating changes but a total of nine exceeds even our worst fears as a cast of premium assets get relegated to the bench or the stands.

They include the two top scoring defenders – Marcos Alonso and Gary Cahill – as Chelsea legend John Terry earns a run-out.

The Blues most popular player – striker Diego Costa – is also sat on the timber with Friday’s Hawthorns hero, Michy Batshuayi, leading the attack.

There are, however, some exceptions, with Cesar Azpilicueta and most notably, and surprisingly, Eden Hazard, retaining starting roles.

It remains to be seen how this impacts on their prospects for Gameweek 38 but, for now, their owners will be thankful of the possibility for returns in this evening’s clash.

Just what they can produce in such a weakened line-up remains to be seen. Watford certainly arrive in London in no great shakes – losing their last four without a single goal scored, although Chelsea’s teamsheet will surely give them a lift.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Points predicitions for the following players? in brackets is what I think

    Caballero (6)
    Sane (6-8)
    Jesus (9)
    Cech (6)
    Holding (6)

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Have a feeling Jesus and Sane will blank. WBA will not be a high scoring game.

      1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        West Brom on the road is not West Brom at home... 5 on the back line or not

    2. Sims
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      U will find out soon enough

    3. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Caballero 6

      Sane 12

      Jesus 5

      Cech 6

      Holding 7

  2. Pinky Blinders
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Got AOA to play in 38. My 5th mid is JWP, who I have been less than impressed with. I can stretch to 7m. Is Pedro the best at that price bracket?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Lallana at the head of a diamond is tempting @ 6.7m.

      1. Lawrø
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Is he?

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          In PC's price bracket. Something to play for. Abundance of possession vs a relegated side. Might start tight and frustrating and he's certainly someone who could open a defence up.

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Willian is your man.

  3. Bring the Cavalry
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Using AOA in Gw38, getting rid of a premium defender and bench fodder to bring in Willian, he a definite starter after hazard getting the full game?

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Can't see him not starting.

  4. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    GW38 captaincy will be the most important one for me, as I will be playing my TC chip

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sturridge (TC) is as maverick as it gets

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah was considering him but id have to downgrade hazard to someone like willian or fabregas to afford him

        1. Viper
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Sounds good to me (Fabregas)

    2. Fred54
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      What stopped you from playing it so far?

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Well I was hoping that spurs would keep the pressure on chelsea and take the title race to the final gw so i could TC Kane or Alli but it didnt pan out that way

  5. Viper
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    If I go for Coutinho, I'll have to keep Gabbiadini (or switch to someone like Votes)

    If I go Fabregas, I can bring in the likes of Sturridge/Vardy

    Which would you go for?

    Maybe Gabbiadini is the random last day hattrick scorer!?

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      similar dilema myself

    2. Bring the Cavalry
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think Austin will start if he comes on as a sub in their next game, Puel said he's hopefully going to be involved in final 2 games

      1. Bring the Cavalry
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I am also in the same situation but can't do much about it

        1. Viper
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Giroud would be worth a punt but I have 3 Arsenal

    3. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe Willian & Sturridge?

      1. Viper
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        If I didn't go Coutinho, I think Fabregas would be next on my hit list

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Fab and Studge/Vardy for me

  6. Nigawan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    hazard and Gabbi out for coutinho and Batshuayi ?

    Yay or Nay for -4

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No, I think Costa will start tbh..

    2. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard out for Coutinho is a yes though

      1. Nigawan
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        trying to get rid of Gabbi as he is a risk for me to win my mini H2H league. Origi ?

        1. Viper
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          It's not glamorous but I'd prefer Vokes in that price range

    3. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Haz -> Cout will be the FFS move of the week.

      Don't see Batshuyai starting so thats not worth a -4, imo.

    4. Moose™
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nay nay

  7. Magic Bean
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Do we think it will be Pedro and Willian to start instead of Hazard next week?

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah

      1. Magic Bean
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Needed reassurance, cheers.

        1. Viper
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I'm selling Hazard on that basis

          1. Magic Bean
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Makes sense, he's the biggest troll of them all though 😆 Loves a goal when you don't have him

            1. Viper
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              He has been the Villain of my season, don't think iv got any of his points

  8. Lav
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    OR update?

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      yes

    2. Moose™
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Updated already. Small green arrow for me. Thanks to Fab.

    3. Magic Bean
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      yes

  9. Moose™
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who wins for this GW37?

    A. Pickford Vert Monreal Alli Sane + 3 points

    B. Cech Holding Stephens Otamendi Eriksen Gabbi

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Too hard to call.

      I'll guess B

      1. Moose™
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Pretty tight I suppose. Unless Sane or Alli got a brace and most of his def dont get a CS, I stand a good chance for this H2H.

        Fingers crossed!

    2. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B. Q easily.

      1. Moose™
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Really hope Stephens, Holding, Otamendi and Gabbi do not play. 😀

        1. Jafalad
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Err...that's highly unlikely though 🙁

          1. Moose™
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            One or two players do not play will give me a better chance I reckon. Right?

            1. Jafalad
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Looks like they all might show up though. Can't see AW dropping Holding and Stephens must play after missing the last game.

              Likewise with Otamendi with CTY chasing Europe. Gabbi seems the most at risk but unlikely.

              1. Moose™
                • 13 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Hopefully Otamendi will be replaced by Kolarov and Gabbi replaced by JRod/Long.

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Tut tut tut

    2. Pinky Blinders
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      LOL, I was at the Lane earlier this season and saw a guy doing the same during half time by one of the concession stands.

  10. Viper
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    It looks like I'll be 5/6 points ahead of ML rival. The player he has that I'm most worried about is Pedro. I'm trying to keep him at bay but also push for a certain OR

    Should I go with my gut & go Fabregas or play it safe with Pedro. Pedro is a differential in his own right isn't he?

    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Go Fab. Far more influential and more likely to play with Kante being protected.

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      If you're set on going there I'd hedge my bets and get on Pedro.

    3. Magic Bean
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I would go Pedro in that case, but I'm a slightly conservative player.

  11. 824545201
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Alonso and King to Ake and Coutinho for free?

    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hmm...isn't Alonso more likely to start now?

    2. Magic Bean
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I reckon Alonso plays

    3. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Wouldn't sell either. I'd try another route to get a Liverpool player in.

    4. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't be losing Alonso

  12. Jafalad
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    KGB, Alli, Sanchez, Ozileyes.

    Which one should I lose for Coutinho?

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Ozileyes 1000000%

      1. Jafalad
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Nice. Thinking Coutinho and Fabulous could be worth a hit. Cheers.

      2. Jafalad
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Million %? You'll have Doosra choking in his cornflakes. 😉

        1. Viper
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          🙂

          He's just the most dispensable imo

          1. Jafalad
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Agreed 😉

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Ozil.

      1. Jafalad
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks. EVR may put up some resistance.

  13. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Early days but thoughts welcome, start:

    A) Cech (EVE)
    B) Willy (wat)

    1) Bavies (hul)
    2) Yoshida/Stephens (STK)

    Of the teams, I own Monreal.

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Cech & Yoshida

    2. Magic Bean
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A1

    3. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Cech and Bavies.

    4. Moose™
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I would Willy and Bavies.

    5. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A
      2

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers all, nice early mix!

    6. RedMarks 赤的
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A2

  14. Atom&Humber
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Started this week 55 points behind my ML leader, currently 41 behind.

    He's got Walker and alli left.
    Compared to my ddg holding monreal kompany Stephens and Kane.
    Hoping to make up some serious ground here.

    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      You score a further 24 points.

      He scores a further 7.

      24 behind going into the last round. Good luck.

      1. Atom&Humber
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        He has jesus(c) whereas I have san(c)hez. But yeah hopefully got enough differentials tbh so it can go either way.
        How's your season been?

        1. Jafalad
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Awful. Worst season ever. Might even fail to score 2000 points for the first time. Worst thing is I have no idea what went wrong. Let down by too many players which just goes to show how fickle this game really is.

          1. Atom&Humber
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            I know how you feel, my worst season to date found my self around about 2 million half way through, had a strong finish to the season but been a disappointing season. Made too many rash decisions I think when I should have been patient.

            1. Jafalad
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Same here. Tonight is a big night and determines whether I can make the top 250k.

              Keeping Kun and ignoring Sanchez sunk me I feel.

              1. Jafalad
                • 15 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                ...plus countless captaincy fails. 🙁

                1. Atom&Humber
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  Currently on 1945, but I'm more concerned with my ML because we're playing for money. My turning point was getting rid of Sanchez before West Ham ....
                  I got him back straight after but the damage had been done

          2. Get up ya bum
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Ditto jafalad 🙁

  15. zizoo10
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    capoue been in my team since gw1, and even stayed for my bb team this week. oh how i love you etienne.

    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nice faith. Booted him in the WC cull last week. Missed out on all his points. 🙁

    2. Hakchak
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nice, he would have been my 5th midfielder too, great ststs

  16. nick_pkt_12
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Cech
    Bertrand, Kompany, Alonso
    King, Eriksen(VC), Sane, Fabregas
    Lukaku, Kane(C), Jesus

    Jaku, Jagielka, Zaha, Robertson

    Lukaku + King>

    A. Vardy, Sturridge, Giroud
    B. Firmino, Mahrez, Willian, keep King?

    Suggestions? (Person I am trying to catch has Coutinho so thats a no go for me.

    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Gru
      Keep King

      1. nick_pkt_12
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I can also drop Zaha and go 5 in the midfield for another Midfield?

      2. Hakchak
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This

        1. nick_pkt_12
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          bring in who as a 5th mid? Willian, wait to see if Firmino is fit, or bring in Alli (person who I am trying to catch has Alli and Cout)

    2. Aubaaaaa
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Wait for more news of Firmino. How many points behind? Should try to get players who are assured of starts. Sturridge and Giroud not assured. I think Vardy is a good option. Yes and keep king.

  17. Aubaaaaa
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Which pool defender?
    A. Matip (lots of chances during corner)
    B. Clyne

    1. Hakchak
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A tip and gamble for the goal over one week

    2. The Owl
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B much more likely attacking returns

    3. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A.
      Clyne going forward is awful

  18. Pierce34
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Are there not many Fabregas and Azpilicueta owners in the top 1k and top 10k? I only lost about 90 places after today when I expected much more, with only Hazard.

    1. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think most have Alonso. I was expecting a much worse drop also,

  19. leocarter27
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best Hazard replacement? Got 10.8 to spend.

    1. The Owl
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      KDB, Sane or Fabregas

  20. Scratch
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    As tempting as Coutinho is I don't think I could trust a Pool player with the armband.

    Thinking of doing Hazard & Gabb -> Pedro and Vardy. Hazard should be rested and I think Willian has played every round of the cup so his Sunderland minutes will also be limited. Pedro could be a great captaincy shout.

  21. davies
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Can afford any defender... Worth getting one for -4?

    (Currently playing Alonso, Gibbs & ...)

    1. davies
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Davies not Gibbs (he's benched)

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Who are the other defenders on your bench?

        It is difficult to get enough returns out of a defender as a one week punt for a hit.

        1. davies
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Alonso Bavies *** (Gibbs Stephens)

    2. aroyalshark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Is a defender worth a -4 for 1 gw? Considering they get 4 points for a cs they would probably have to be >90% to get a clean sheet to make it +ev

      1. Pierce34
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        If you can count on a team not scoring, it's Middlesbrough. But then again the last week of the year always has some crazy results. Maybe it finishes 5-4 or something 😀

    3. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not in gw38,

  22. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A) Hazard to Coutinho and Gabbi to Giroud
    B) Something else

  23. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A) Hazard to Coutinho and Gabbi to Giroud
    B) Hazard to Sane and Gabbi to Giroud
    C) Hazard to Sane and Gabbi to Giroud and King to Fabregas/Pedro (-4)
    D) Something else

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      why would you even consider losing the king?

      A or B

      im doing A I think

    2. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

    3. The Owl
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

  24. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pick one for gw38
    A) firmino and Barnes​
    B) albrighton and giroud
    C) lallana and llorente
    D) wijnaldum and llorente
    E) siggy and vokes
    F) siggy and llorente

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      F

    2. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'd go F as well, but it's unfortunate that they have nothing to play for.

    3. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      F out of those but you can probably do something better depending on full team

    4. hawkeyes
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

  25. The Owl
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Help appreciated on transfers:

    a) Hazard & Gabbi - Fab and Sturridge
    b) Hazard & Gabbi - Fab and Vardy
    c) Hazard & Gabbi - Pedro and Vardy
    d) Hazard to Coutinho

    1. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      What about Willian? 🙂

  26. E25
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on taking a -4 to play AOA?
    Would be Haz + Anichebe to something like
    A) Cout + Llorente (or other up to 7.8)
    B) Pedro + Studge

    Other option is just Haz->Cout

    1. Stupendous
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      As boring as it sounds I'd probably avoid the hit and just do Hazard to Coutinho.

      1. E25
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        That's what my head is saying lol. Will see how the rest of this GW goes I guess before decided whether to gamble

  27. @fpl_phenom
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A: siggy and Sturridge
    B: Coutinho and Giroud

    A more nailed on
    B more potential

    1. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      That's close. Would be tempted for B if chasing, bigger ceiling like you say

    2. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      That doesn't make sense though, A isn't more nailed. (unless I missed news about Firmino being out next week too?)

      I'd probably go B in any case.

  28. bigbudgie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Morning all!

    How about this:

    Hazard, JWP and Benteke > Willian Fabregas and Sturridge -8, play AOA

    Cabellero

    Alonso Stephens
    Alli Sanchez Willian Fabregas King
    Kane Sturridge Jesus

    (Pickford Vertonghan Yoshida Chambers)

    Silly?

    1. Stupendous
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Looks excellent imo

      1. Stupendous
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Vertonghen on bench could hurt though if hull don't bother showing up

        1. bigbudgie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers, yep but I'm tempered by the fact that main rival(s) don't have a Spurs defender

    2. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      -8 for Willian and Fabregas is a bit too knee-jerky.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I've desperately wanted Fabregas for ages now, nothing knee jerky about that.

    3. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Like the Sturridge pick. Chelsea lineup for 38 a roll of the dice perhaps, but who's to say Willian and Fab won't smash it

  29. Caleb's Kitties
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A. Hazard/jwp to fabregas/coutinho -4

    B. Hazard/benteke to fabregas/sturridge (could also stretch to vardy or costa) -4

    Cech
    Alonso vertonghen bailly
    Sanchez hazard alli sane
    Kane(C) jesus benteke
    Pickford yoshida jwp holgate
    1FT 0.0ITB