Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Watford vs Chelsea

Gameweek 26 draws to a conclusion this evening as Watford welcome Chelsea to Vicarage Road.

Although the Hornets boast the league’s worst home defensive record, conceding 25 times in front of their own fans, the arrival of new manager Javi Gracia has hinted at an improvement at the back.

Watford have conceded just one goal in their subsequent two matches across all competitions, though on the downside, they have yet to find the net since the Spaniard was appointed.

But their previous lack of resilience bodes well for the visitors’ Eden Hazard tonight.

The Belgian has served up double-digits in each of his last two road trips, producing a total of three goals and 26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points over visits to Arsenal and Brighton.

Indeed, with four of his five double-figure tallies delivered on the road, Hazard is the ninth top captaincy pick for Gameweek 26, handed the armband by 2.1% of FPL managers and nine of the top 100.

Hazard is joined in a front three by the fit-again Willian, who has collected three lots of 10+ points returns in his last five league starts.

Elsewhere for Antonio Conte’s side, new arrival Olivier Giroud could get the opportunity to play his way into contention among the mid-price frontman.

Costing 8.2 in FPL, the Frenchman is named on the bench in the continued absence of Alvaro Morata.

But the big team news involves Marcos Alonso, who misses his first game of the season for the Blues as a “precautionary” measure. His absence is a major blow, with the top scoring defender owned by over 1.5 million managers.

Victor Moses looks set to play on the left tonight, with Davide Zappacosta on the right and new signing Emerson named on the bench.

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

3,583 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CechYourHead
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Are we going to get an article on navigating the blanks/DGWs?

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully not

  2. istanbul05
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Adrian out or save FT?

    Adrian,
    Otamendi, Jones, Mee,
    Hazard, Salah, Sterling, Lingard,
    Kane, Firmino, Wilson

    Elliot, Choupo Moting, Chilwell, Mbemba.

    Cheers

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Fabianski

    2. Gruu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Great team mate. Save FT for sure

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

    Fabianski (Elliot)
    Vertonghen-Jones-Otamendi-Monreal-Mee
    Salah-Sterling-Pogba-Walcott (Milivojevic)
    Kane-Firmino (Depoitre)
    1ITB

    Any idea how can i get Aubameyang into my team??

    1. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Wait two weeks IMO

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        This

  4. jake0910
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know when Baines is due back?
    I'm debating putting Martina in! Good fixtures and has a game in GW31 too (bonus as i've used my free hit!)

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Baines is expected back soon

  5. Dele
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Gomez >>> ???

    I want Ward but he’s not fit max budget 4.8.

      1. Patch
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        That is a recent report too...

        1. joeydelucchi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          ok thats great news, but whens he back in first team???!!!!

          1. Old Gregg
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            When the manager picks him.

    1. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thinking the same Gomez out, but then Liverpool has game in GW 31 so maybe keeping him.

  6. maratus
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Morning lads!

    DDG Elliot*
    Alonso Kenny* Hegazi (Ogbonna Francis)
    Salah Sterling Shaqiri Lingard Mahrez*
    Kane Firmino Wilson

    1 FT 0.6 ITB

    Starting to prepare for gw31..
    Save this week and then get stoke/watford/pool/everton players?
    Priority could be walcott, stoke def, watword def
    Zouma to expensive for stoke def, so pieters or shawcross?

    Or just downgrade mahrez to doucoures/choupo?

  7. FlockofSeagulls
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Really wanted to captain Sanchez this gw but Salah is so hard to pass on now.

    Not to mention Kane just looking at me saying hey, hey you. Pick me.

    First world problems I guess. 🙂

    1. The EJJ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Stick to Salah

    2. Gruu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      3 days before UCL, maybe only 70 min. But he only need 20 min to brace 😀

  8. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Will Jordan Ayew be moved to a central role? They seem to have been hit with injuries up top.

    Depoitre > Jordan Ayew?
    For free

    Fixtures
    Form

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Andre more likely to play down the middle, or Tammy ... JAyew is more of a 10 headless chicken

  9. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsey over Mkhi right?

    1. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Still think there are better options for the next two
      Spurs and City up next

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        This

  10. Delhidynamo
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Exact cash for Kun to Kane

    Cokey hokey worth it or give Kun one more game?

    1. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Gotta give one more week I think

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        They're on a 4 day break too, hopefully they are nice and refreshed

        1. Delhidynamo
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Cheers Dan, makes sense

    2. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      My plan was to make that change in GW28 and I will stick with that.

      1. Delhidynamo
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        we all know Kane will score against us, why delay it

  11. fkmzcgp
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    Jones, Alonso, Ogbonna
    Salah, Sterling, Lingard, Son, Shaqiri
    Kane, Aguero

    SUBS: Elliot, Kabasele, Quaner, Long

    2FT and 0ITB.. what would you do?
    Maybe downgrade Lingard to upgrade Quaner to Wilson?? Or upgrade Ogbonna to ??

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Lingz > Mila

      1. maratus
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Mili has horror fixtures, its obv. bench fodder but but..

  12. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Courtois Elliot
    Monreal Jones Maguire Daniels Rangel
    Salah Sterling KDB Walcott RLC*
    Kane Firmino Quaner

    1FT 0ITB

    What should I do???

    1. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Something..

  13. jake0910
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Best defender for 4.4mil?

    Martina, Fernandez, francis, simpson?

    1. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Among them Fernandez looks good, depending on the injury situation I would prefer one of Bardsley/Lowton @ 4.3

    2. pakornk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      went with Francis.

  14. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    2 ft's
    .04 itb
    Pope Adrian
    Alonso Ota Jones Mee gomez
    Shaq Salah Sterling KDB (Carroll)
    Firmino Kane Wilson

    I know there are rotation risks but I have reasonable cover.
    All the players I am looking at have easier fixtures following week.
    I take hits quite a lot but this week I have no clue how to use the fit and carry over 2 ft's
    Advice?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Sell Ota and bank the cash for a rainy day - I sense a rest is in the cards

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, but I will be sick if he wasn't and clean sheet possible.
        I thought Alonso a season keeper too but maybe the way to go.
        I do want Ramsey or Mikhi next week though.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          The problem now is 4 center backs at City and huge fixture congestion - Ota as the first choice will likely play CL midweek games with the other 3 rotated around him ... I simply can’t see any reason for him him getting regular PL starts with Kompany back and midweek CL fixtures

          Jones & Alonso also first choice CL starters with Ota is a huge risk to carry

          1. Lazaretti
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            I think Jones will start in PL and others in CL. If I remember right that was the case in autumn.

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Man U had a few easy CL group games, but it is down to the real knock-out stuff now and Jones has to start those ?

          2. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            There will be rotation all over the place and my main aim is to have good bench cover. Just wanted Ota this weekend

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              This is the problem, I don’t think he will start this weekend with the midweek Basel CL game a few days later ... but good luck 😉

    2. Gruu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Adrian to Hennesay for gw31

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Good idea

  15. jazzy30
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    mini crisis for me:

    Def: Klavan/Ogbonna/jones/otamendi/christense
    Mid: Sterling/Salah/Martial/Walcott/Lingard
    Attack: Kane/Calvert lewin/Firmino

    Have 1 ft and 0.8 itb...suggested tranfers (ready to take a hit if required)!!!

    1. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Klavan first to go then DCL. Any news how long Christensen will be sidelined?

      1. jazzy30
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        no idea mate! even if he is there Chelsea are playing poor..

  16. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Kenny owners...
    A) Are you selling - if so for whom?
    B) Are you playing? Might he start vs CPL
    C) Benching

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Sold already, dead man walking in FPL terms

    2. pjomara
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Selling due to Coleman being back. Have bigger priorities now. possibly for monreal after 2 more games. need to look at bgw and dgw as well as haven't looked at that yet

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

      Benching this week because I wanna save the transfer, but he's on the chopping block for sure

    4. maratus
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on your team alot.
      Everton has game for sure in gw31, so it might even be worth to keep as 5th defender for now and hope he plays gw31.
      If you using freechip in 31, then ofc transfer him out.

      1. maratus
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I would say monitor and save transfers.

  17. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Does anybody have any information on Bardsley/Lowton situation?

    My plan was to get Bardsley in but that injury ruined everything. I really don't know which one is the real guy atm by the way. Lowton started to the season and played every minute until his injury. Then Bardsley took it over and played every minute until his injury even after Lowton recovered. If Bardsley's injury is serious, apparently Lowton will continue. But if he is available for Swansea game, what do you think will happen? Was that 45-min performance against City good enough to take over the RB position again?

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say you are best to look elsewhere - too many uncertainties. I have Pope and I'll change keepers for gw31. Then I will most likely get Ward if fixtures are kind (should be 4.6 by then).

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        But I'd say Lowton will play this weekend.

      2. Runaway
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Waiting for the Ward is another option indeed.

        1. joeydelucchi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          when is the legend that is Ward back peeps? any ideas?

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

      45 minutes is never enough time to 'take' the position.

      We'll know more once we have news on Bardsley from Dyce via presser, etc.

      You'll have to wait I'm afraid.

  18. Salah'd n Sauce
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Didn't get to see last night's game.... Have the Chelsea players chucked it or were Watford just the far better team?

    On a different note... How is everyones OR doing... I'm sitting at 119K which isn't brilliant. A high of 80K isn't much better.

    How's your OR looking?

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

      13k.

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

        My high was 3.5k.

    2. adam28193
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      was sitting in the 1 mil a few weeks back up to 44k now which ill take considering!

      1. Salah'd n Sauce
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        That's a tremendous shift. Good going!!

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

      Watford were the better team. Although helped by Chelsea going one man down

      OR 6K.

      1. Salah'd n Sauce
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Wasn't sure if it was a Conte revolt in full swing.

        Well done to Watford then.

    4. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      1400, it's been a rollercoaster of emotions

      1. Salah'd n Sauce
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Haha. In true Vinnie Jones style "Its been emotional"

    5. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hoping that still having all chips in my sky rocket will help when the time is right.

  19. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    early morning breakfast reading for those who didn't catch the latest monkey muses yesterday

    http://hindumonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/five-things-weve-learnt-from-premier.html

  20. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any Cech owners here? He is doubtful, calf injury.

    Source: Daily Fail

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Class

  21. LC1
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Kenny or Chilwell to Mee?

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

      Kenny

    2. pakornk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      kenny

    3. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kenny

  22. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Alonso?

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

      I you could read the comments yourselves, or you could wait for me to tell you that all we know is that it was a precautionary rest and he may ne ready next week.

  23. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    What's the best strategy for BGW/DGW for those who ALREADY used the FH chip?

  24. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who will you transfer out first as there team defence not keeping CS?? & for who??

    A. Azpi
    B. Otamendi

    1. pakornk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Probably Azpi. At least Man City look like they're winning games.

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Azpi probably needs one more game (WBA home) then it might be time to cash in

    3. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Might as well keep both for these two decent home games

  25. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Very little movement this week. Basically Salah captain and everyone else played like potatos.

    Not sure whether to kneejerk any transfers.

    Vardy
    Azpi
    Stones
    Son

    Those four are immediate concerns, worth holding?

    1. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Why's Vardy a concern?

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        City away - although I'm aware he's done well there in the past

  26. kimking
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    On my WC now:

    Would Gross --> Arnie (when fit) justify Ederson and Ayew instead of DDG and Wilson? Using Gross until Arnie fit.

    1. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No imo and once Arnie returns WHU fixtures are garbage

  27. MartialMatas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Save this week?

    DDG Adrian
    Otamendi Jones Bauer Ogbonna Kenny
    Salah Mane Sterling Lingard Ibe
    Kane Kun Ulloa

    1ft £0.1m itb

  28. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Why is Mahrez still red?

    1. joeydelucchi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      idk mate, im praying hes back in training

    2. boc610
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      why wouldn't he be? he's still MIA