Dugout Discussion

Alonso benched and Higuain makes league debut as Son returns

Gameweek 24 comes to a conclusion on Wednesday evening as four top-flight matches take place.

Bournemouth v Chelsea and Southampton v Crystal Palace get us underway at 19:45 GMT, with Liverpool v Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur v Watford scheduled to kick off at 20:00 GMT.

Marcos Alonso is benched for the first time in the league this season as Emerson Palmieri – who impressed in the Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg against Spurs – is handed a start at left-back, while Gonzalo Higuaín makes his Premier League bow up front for the Blues.

Eden Hazard is thus deployed on the left flank for Maurizio Sarri’s side, with Pedro getting the nod on the other wing.

The Cherries are without Callum Wilson this evening, with Joshua King leading the line for Eddie Howe’s side.

Ryan Fraser starts as expected, while there are places on the bench for January signings Dominic Solanke and Chris Mepham.

Son Heung-min is back in Spurs’ starting XI and looks set to play just off Fernando Llorente as Mauricio Pochettino once again deploys a wing-back system.

Christian Eriksen is also primed for a more advanced role but Kieran Trippier only makes the bench.

Javi Gracia has made three changes to his side from Watford’s last league outing, with Daryl Janmaat, Craig Cathcart and Will Hughes drafted in.

Virgil van Dijk has recovered from illness to line up at centre-half, with one of Jordan Henderson or Georginio Wijnaldum potentially filling in at right-back after a cursory look at the teamsheet.

Xherdan Shaqiri joins Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino in the Liverpool attack.

Claude Puel has made three alterations to his Leicester City side following the 4-3 defeat to Wolves: Jonny Evans, James Maddison and Marc Albrighton being handed recalls.

The fit-again Vicente Guaita returns between the sticks for Crystal Palace, with Wayne Hennessey named among the substitutes.

The Eagles are otherwise unchanged from the team that lost 4-3 to Liverpool in Gameweek 23.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has named the same eleven players in his starting XI that lined up against Everton, meanwhile.

Bournemouth XI (4-2-3-1): Boruc, Clyne, S Cook, Ake, Smith, Surman, Gosling, Stanislas, Fraser, Brooks, King.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Emerson Palmieri, Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic, Pedro, Higuain, Hazard.

Southampton XI (3-5-2): McCarthy, Bednarek, Stephens, Vestergaard, Valery, Hojbjerg, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Targett, Redmond, Ings.

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita, Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt, Kouyaté, Milivojević, McArthur, Townsend, Ayew, Zaha.

Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Henderson, van Dijk, Matip, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Keita, Shaqiri, Salah, Mane, Firmino.

Leicester City XI (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel, Ricardo, Evans, Maguire, Chilwell, Mendy, Ndidi, Albrighton, Gray, Maddison, Vardy.

Tottenham Hotspur XI (3-4-2-1): Lloris, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Aurier, Winks, Sissoko, Rose, Eriksen, Son, Llorente.

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster, Janmaat, Mariappa, Cathcart, Holebas, Hughes, Capoue, Cleverley, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Deeney.

4,426 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    sudden urge to go maverick and get Bilva & Jesus...

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      for 1 point cameos?

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

        I would bet quite a lot that they don't get 1-point cameos

  2. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    best Wilson replacement?? 7.9 itb

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

      Jimenez/Rashford, template but solid

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        sorry... shouldve said... already have Jimmy and Rashy

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

          Ings/Murray/Rondon or just Niasse

          1. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            no mitro?

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

              nah, don't like their fixtures personally

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

      Rondon

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

    will alonso start again next match vs HUD or will Emerson start again?

  4. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard Anderson > Son Sane for free?

    1. romer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard out can backfire massively... Same dilemma here.

      1. FPL_DON
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        yeah already had it once this season but chelsea look awful

    2. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Without a single doubt

      1. FPL_DON
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        haha thank you mate

  5. KingoftheRunts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    I have 1 ft and a lot of fires to put out.

    Who would you prioritise to move on:

    Trent (inj), Digne (sus), Lovren (not nailed), brooks (yellow flag), camarasa (yellow flag)

    Will wait for news on injuries but who should I provisionally target?

    1. KingoftheRunts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      And just now seen a tomkins yellow too fml

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      digne

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

      definitly prioritize removing Digne. Pereira is a decent long term option for about the same price

    4. romer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Tarkowski, Pereira. Keep brooks

    5. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Digne will essentially play so he can stay

  6. banskt
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    I remember a spreadsheet for blank and double gameweeks. Does anyone has it bookmarked?

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks so much. Cheers!

  7. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea had 7 shots on target tonight. The same against Hudds would likely produce a few goals. I think Haz is worth keeping one more game.

  8. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Wow. Chelsea defending looked bad.

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

    This has to have been one of the strangest gameweeks for years.
    What looked like a comfortable 60 plus even 70 plus turned into a lucky to get 40 points week across the board.

    It is weeks like these that the bookies can upgrade that car and house.

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      spot on.

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I'm happy with 66 and back in the top 9k after a rough patch.

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

        Well done fantastic score this week equivalent to a 80 plus on usual gameweek.
        I assume you had Aubameyang or Aguero?

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Aubameyang

  10. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    So, worst game week ever for everyone?

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

      58. An auba captain away from glory.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Well that's much better than I did.
        Luckily I wasn't around to watch this evening unfold, but I was expecting more from Lloris, Robertson, Hazard, Salah (c) and Wilson than 8 points.

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

          Midweek game weeks seem to throw up these weird occasions.

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            It's a shame, as I love a full midweek fixture list.
            Makes losing Hazard less painful though.
            Just need to weight up what to do with Wilson - is FPL accurate with a Feb 23rd return date - did Howe actually say something conclusive?

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No, just for me! 21 points 🙁

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Crikey, that's tough, only got 32 myself.
        Richarlison, and Jimenez my only returns

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Prob not the worst GW in the end to have a complete shocker! Digne and Trippier both coming off the bench to block Rondon's 8 points hurt! At least short gap to next GW for us mate to forget 🙂

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            This is true, onward and upward

      2. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        😮 I think we're level pegging. I finally caught you. But will I ever get into the lead?! Haha

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Oh oh I'm sorry, my mistake. I AM in in front of you. ANd I think taken the lead

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Unlucky mate. Midfield is where the value is, they said...

            1. jia you
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Nice one, onwards and upwards!

    3. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      57(-4)

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Seems a good score this week - well done.

    4. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      everyone scored bad... so its not actually that 'bad'

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I guess it's a victory for Auba captainers.

    5. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      55.
      Auba © saved gw

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Good choice, do you not own Salah, or just took a gamble?

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Own Salah.
          Auba Home to Cardiff was enticing so took the gamble 🙂

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Fair play to you - well done.

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Hard luck mate 🙂

    6. Perthite
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Can't remember one much worse

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        In 8 years? That's saying something.

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

      Nope I got 22 points once a number of years ago.
      Doubt I will ever beat that.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I could give you some advice 🙂

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I got 18 points once last season and 21 this GW. My two absolute shockers!

  11. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking of doing Digne out // Doherty in

    Seem GTG for GW25 mates?

    Ederson
    Robertson, TAA, Doherty
    Sane, Pogba, Salah, Hazard, Son
    Rashford, Jimenez

    Guaita, Bissaka, Bednarek, Kamara

    Cheers!

    1. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      V nice

  12. YouReds
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Best defender up to 4.6m?

    (Not AWB)

    1. romer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Tarkowski

  13. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Which option is better for after the Blank GW27?

    A) Dsilva - Auba - Jota

    Or

    B) Sane - Lacazette - Richarlison

    1. romer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A with son for dilva

  14. Regin
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    who to get rid for sane?
    Pogba or Martial? Is Pogba injury serious?

  15. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Rondon or Llorente ?

    1. Bobby
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      This question sums up this season.

    2. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Rondon

  16. Amey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard to Sane Or Sterling ??

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers mate 🙂
        Sorry, but please read the team below & if I go Sane o can easily do Siggy to Son next gw.
        So ...
        What do you think ??

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          This actually sounds good, but I'm going Sterling

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Okay.
            Thank you mate 🙂

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Team is
      Fabs,hamer
      Robbo, Doherty,Digne,AWB,Kiko
      Salah,siggy,pogba,Jota,Hazard
      Auba,Rash,kamara
      1FT, 1.4m itb

      If I go sane I can easily do Siggy to Son next gw

    3. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Sane

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you mate 🙂
        Will possibly do it before price changes.

  17. MASTER ROSHI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed
    Haz and Pereyra > Son and Sane for 2FT?

    Fab
    Robbo AWB Doherty
    Salah Haz Pogba Pereyra Richa
    Jimi Rashford
    (Rico Arnie Digne Pereira)
    thanks!

  18. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    What to do here? Had an absolute nightmare of a week and gonna be on 34pts or so and fall out of top 100k..

    Patricio
    Trippier - Robbo - Digne**
    Salah - Sane - Hazard - Martial**
    Rashford - Ings - Jimenez

    Fabs - Deulofeu - AWB - TAA**

    2FT, 0.0ITB

    Looking to drop Hazard, Digne, Martial and maybe Ings. Thoughts?

  19. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Sane or Sterling better (C) option then Salah for gw25, right?

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I think so. Probably Sane TC for me

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

          Triple captain?!

          1. MTPockets
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Need to use it at some point. Him or Aguero/Sterling if I get one of them

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

                Very risky considering city's form

        2. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Both could play one game like Salah,but I would go for a city midfielder

        3. DR0GBA
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          going for Sterling or Sane as captain just because of how bad Everton and Arsenal are defensively

      • Ray In Bruges.
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        So it's crisis mode now (and I'm a Chelsea fan to boot :'()

        Fabianski (Patricio)
        Alonso AWB Shaw Digne (Doherty)
        Salah Fraser Hazard Richarlison (Stephens)
        Rashford Auba Jimenez

        1FT, 0.5ITB

        Should I WC this team?

        1. The Train Driver
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Team looks good except not many DGW players...

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

        Why does Hazard have to play Huddersfield next? Would have already removed him from my team.

        1. DR0GBA
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          just pretend it's Liverpool or City next 😉

      • WrightnBright
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Current Dgwers Sané & Rich, thinking:

        This week - Haz & Firmino > Son, Aguero

        Next week - Aguero > Aubameyang
        Maybe Rich > Jota

        Sound good?

      • windowview
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Fernandinho or Gundogan as third city cover?

        1. GREEN IS GOOD
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          No

      • Flynny
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Hi all..... any advice on what to do here please.....1.1mitb....1ft

        Ederson fab
        Robbo doherty lindelof awb bednarek
        Salah hazard sane pogba richi
        Rash jiminez kamara

        A.....save ft
        B...Hazard to sterling
        C....something else

        Thanks

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 2 months ago

            I'd do B but wait on other injury news first.

        2. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Total Captain score check... 420...

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Any good?

            1. Chucky
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              😉

              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                Overall points is the better one.

                1. Chucky
                  • 10 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  🙁 not doing too well

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

          Anyone tempted to drop city/pool assets and spread the wealth with differentials. Not sure they’re all justifying their price tags. Risky though I suppose

          1. Foozeball
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Salah and Sane have literally just blanked one game after some very good scores previously

        4. windowview
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Mental to double up on Agüero and Jesús for the double gw?

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

            One or both will start could be genius or could be a waste if single gameweek players outscore them.

          2. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Would be an option if Mendy was back. Can’t see both playing without dropping Sané and Sterling.

        5. UnitednationsXI
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Hazard >> Son or Sterling?

          Already have Sane...

          Sterling is slightly better cpt shout though

          1. DR0GBA
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            I went Sterling.. looking to get Son in to help fund Auba in 26/27

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

          So tempted to WC, but at the same time I want to save it for the DGWs :/

          Foster
          VVD - Robertson - Doherty - AWB
          Salah - Hazard - Sane - Pogba* - Camarasa*
          Rashford

          Fab*, Calvert-Lewin, Wilson*, Digne*
          1FT, 0.8 ITB

          5 injured players and am stuck with Hazard whose team can't score and calvert-lewin who is no longer starting

          Should I WC now or try to ride this mess out?

          1. Yank Revolution
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            I dont think a WC is necessary- a hit or two can sort out any issues.

          2. MASTER ROSHI
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Wilson > Jiminez and if pogba is injured for a while then Pogba > Son

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

          Patricio
          Robertson - AWB - Doherty
          Sane - Pogba (v) - Salah (c) - Hazard - Anderson
          Jiminez - Rashford
          _____________________________________
          Button: AWB, TAA, Kamara

          2FT'S, 2.3 ITB

          Hazard + Anderson >> Sterling + Son?

          Yay or nay?

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

            ignore the captain and vice captain symbols 🙂

          2. CRO KLOPP
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Good moves,but not if Pogba is out long term

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

              cheers cro, i reckon pogba will be just fine