Pre-Season

Lampard looks to youth after Chelsea appointment

Frank Lampard’s appointment as Chelsea head coach may be to the advantage of the club’s academy products and perhaps Fantasy managers too.

With Chelsea currently hampered by a two-window transfer ban (subject to appeal), the Blues always looked as if they would have to turn to youth this season to flesh out their squad.

Eden Hazard has already departed for the Bernabeu, while peripheral squad players such as Gary Cahill have also exited the club.

The appointment of Lampard, who worked with Chelsea loanees Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount at Derby County last season, would seem to further the chances of some of the Blues’ hitherto overlooked starlets having a breakthrough year at Stamford Bridge.

Players such as Mount, Tomori and Tammy Abraham are not yet priced up in FPL but given that not a single senior Chelsea player costs more than £7.5m at present, there could be potential Fantasy bargains to be had once Lampard gets his feet under the door.

Speaking at his first press conference after his unveiling, Lampard said of Mount and Tomori:

They were great for me last year, both of them. They come back now with a very clean slate, as does every player – young, old, been on loan, at the club, whatever. The same for Tammy Abraham.

We’ve got young players at a really good age that have the talent, in their own way, can be huge players for this club. Part of my job will be to develop the great young players we have here.

Given the size of Chelsea’s squad, however, Lampard did add that some of the club’s rookies would have to leave on a temporary basis again:

We have a big squad, not everyone will be able to stay. For the development of certain individuals, the path will be chosen – whether it’s with us or on loan. The loan system has worked very well. That’s the next month’s assessment.

The former Chelsea midfielder was quick to stress that he won’t be jettisoning all of his senior players in favour of youth:

On one hand, trying to develop young players, I think that’s really important, but at the same time, I want to work with the experienced players. I want players that, whether you’re 18 years of age or 32 years of age, you feel like Chelsea’s your club.

If we talk about losing Eden Hazard, yes we can understand that. But at the same time, we also have a very strong squad of players and I don’t want to talk down this squad because there is huge talent there. A team that managed to come third last year in the Premier League and managed to win the Europa League. We haven’t been decimated, we haven’t lost players from everywhere, we still have a very strong squad.

One household name that was mentioned was N’Golo Kante (£5.0m), who was repeatedly played to the right of Jorginho (£5.0m) in a central midfield three in 2018/19 – something that didn’t endear Maurizio Sarri to the Chelsea faithful.

Asked whether he knew where Kante’s best position was, Lampard said:

Yeah I do, thankfully [laughs]. I’m not going to sit here and talk about how we’re going to look next season because we start pre-season tomorrow.

I’ve said it before, Kante is one of the greatest midfield players in the world, in the last few years, his performances have been outstanding. My job will be to find the best position to get the best out of him.

I know the qualities, the attributes he has.

We’ll have a full Scout Report on Lampard and his year at Derby County in the days to come.

In the meantime, let us point you in direction of two Hot Topics from Rotation’s Alter Ego and AK for further discussion and analysis of the new Chelsea boss.

867 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Iamgunchy
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys, please thoughts on this team.
    Ryan
    Robbbo vvd coleman trippier
    Kdb siggy felipe Brookes
    Kane aguero
    Sub: kelly romeu wickham 4.0goallie

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Very nice. No weak areas. Bench maybe but who cares !!

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        If you plan Mane or Salah in once they are nailed after any possible rest etc..

    2. Helia
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like it

  2. RichRover
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Agreed, early days yet. Could be a decent punt to play both for week 1 though.

  3. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi all,

    Quick one.

    A.VVD Siggy KDB
    B. Ake Maddison Sterling

    Cheers

    1. MillsAU
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Easy A

    2. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. Helia
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

  4. Crashjct
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pick one:

    A. KDB + Moutinho or McGinn

    B. Siggy + Zaha or Perez

    1. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B with Perez

  5. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone picking a team purely for GW1, bench boosting then WC? I think I might.

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I got Brook King and Wilson, newly promoted teams give it a real go first game or two but that should only play into their hands. Will happily take a GW3 WC if needed.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      price are too high for BB(in GW1) this year

      likes of Wan Biss and Fraser made it easy last year

  6. lang25
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Alisson
    Robbo Digne AWB Laporte
    Siggy Salah(c) Zaha Bilva
    King Jota

    Button Pulisic Kelly Greenwood
    0,5 ITB

    thought guys?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Why bother with Pulisic?

      1. Helia
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yep I agree

      2. lang25
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        because i think he'll surprise everyone in the long run , hw bout u

        1. BoxingKanga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          because that's a ton of money on your bench doing SFA

  7. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which one in starting 11?

    A) wilson + dendonkey
    B) DCL + brooks

    Whole team:

    Heaton/pope
    Robbo VVD Digne Walker
    Salah Siggy Dendoney*
    Kane Vardy Wilson*

    4x fodders

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Just downgrade Vardy beef up mid and have 11 not 10 players?

      1. Men in green tights
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        or down grade Kane and get sterling or KDB in middle

    2. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A for me. Although if you don't have any starting bench players, I'd look for an alternative.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      C)King + Yarmalenko ?

    4. Helia
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like the potential of DCL and brooks, and don’t like dendonkey as a starter so b for me.

      1. Helia
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I’d go be and then Vardy to Wilson personally. Like the general look of your team though.

    5. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks all

  8. Helia
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Would you downgrade Fraser to brooks? Would give me some in the kitty to upgrade say vvd to robbo and Coleman to Digne for example?

    Ederson
    TAA vvd Coleman
    Salah kdb siggy Fraser*
    Wilson delefeou DCL

    4.0 El Mohamady Kelly Hayden

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t think it is worth it to do the two moves you mention.

      1. Helia
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Nah? Brooks pretty good player who I expect to keep improving. excellent value at 6.5.... could 1.0 go anywhere else? Or just leave it?

        1. Men in green tights
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          suffers from to many injuries last season , suspect same will happen again so keeping well clear of Brooks

          1. Helia
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            So I take it you would assume the same of de Bruyne then? Or Mané last season?

            1. Men in green tights
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              problem with KDB brought him back to soon ,

          2. Men in green tights
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            saying that just checked he got 7 goals and 6 assists , 9 clean sheets and played just over 2200 minutes last season so not that bad finished with 123 pts

            1. Helia
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Very good young player who proved himself last season. Skilful and plays smart. I think potentially good things to come

  9. gonzalocampos
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    First draft (WC GW 4/5)

    Ryan
    TAA - Robertson - Laporte - Ake
    Sterling - Siggy - Zaha - Salah (C)
    King - Jota/Deulofeu

    Button - Long - Dendoncker - Navarro

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

    Morning all! Would you say De Bruyne is worth the extra 1.5 over Bernardo Silva?

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes. Dont forget he is a man that could get 20 assists in a season...

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Of course. Bernardo Silva isn't a good pick really. He's nailed, but his PPG isn't great for this price

  11. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any triple BOU attack punt here for the first two gameweeks?

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm currently on King, Fraser and Wilson.

      1. 1569Tippins
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Same three for me... all capable of double digit scores, tend to assist each other’s goals and BOU capable of putting 3 and 4 past teams of their day

    2. Helia
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      2 is enough for me with Wilson and one of Fraser/brooks for my final mid spot, but triple could pay off very well.

    3. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Double or triple BOU is my current team last decision.
      Not like it will change over the next few weeks 🙂

    4. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yep. Not planning to keep it for long though. They sit at nice price points to allow easy moves once options emerge

  12. amit1964
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    a littele be diffrent, what do you think about it?

    heaton

    taa robertson vvd

    lucas moura, sigurdsson, zaha , brooks

    aguero king kane

    sub :button, dendoncker ,kelly . rico

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice but the problem is When you want a Salah or Mane it's 3 transers losing a pool defender then Kane or Kun need to go for the mid upgrade.

    2. amit1964
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      ok thanks

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looks nice actually. I suspect heavy hitters in midfield will beat the heavy hitters up front though

  13. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Reverted back to a Kane draft, thoughts on this bunch:

    Ederson
    Robertson / TAA / VVD / Coleman
    Sterling / Siggy / Brooks / James
    Kane / King
    (Button, ASmith, Noble, Greenwood)

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Who is James? Maddison?
      Bit better bench than most

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        punt on Daniel James if he gets on ok during preseason

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

      James is one I'm looking at too.
      Saw a video yesterday saying OGS is looking for him on RW

  14. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone check out two 4.5 rotationing defenders yet.
    I like EL Mohamady but not sure who to pair him with?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Watford and Brighton rotate amazingly well all season.

      Dunk + Cathcart for safety, Dunk + Kiko for a bit more of a risk

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Also, Villa have a right-back they bought in January who has returned from loan who is big competition for Elmo.

  15. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone sitting with cash ITB?

    I can see some areas that could be improved, but I'd rather hold back and give it a few weeks before committing the funds. It's almost a case of accepting you won't get it perfect, but you give yourself the best chance to adapt.

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      that's my plan as well...past 2 season I begun with 1M ITB, don't know if I'll be able to do it now

      But ideal situation is 1M ITB and formation of 442, for maximum flexibility that is

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      0.5m

  16. pokern1nja09
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    2nd draft RMT:
    Ryan
    Robbo taa Laporte digne
    Salah sterling siggy perez
    King deeney
    (Button, dendoncker, nkietiah, kelly)

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      better than the Kane draft I reckon.I still prefer Wilson over King, but that's a personal preference.

  17. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    As pretty much everyone is going big at the back, small up front. I’ve tried something a bit different with a normal old style big up top draft... Thoughts? Will be a nice differential? Especially with penalty potential/VAR?

    Ryan
    TAA - Walker - Digne - Cathcart
    Salah - Perez - Pereya
    Kane - Aguero - King

    4.0 - Dendoncker - Targett - Hayden

    0.5 ITB

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      2/10

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      could work. Prefer Sterling over Kun.

      Just Swap them.

      1. GoonerByron
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        The reason I done it is because I prefer Kun to Sterling 😉

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          cool

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            PS: I might copy you(but Sterling over Kun)

            1. GoonerByron
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Which one to have of Kane/Sterling/Kun was my biggest pick, everything else pretty much set.. So thought I’d try and fit two of them. May go back to one for more balance but hard to not have both Kane and 1 City!

              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                yeah, thing is I reckon I want Son over Kane. The 4.5m def playing each week is a big sacrifice from a livp def.

                Might just stick with what I have.

                1. GoonerByron
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Son suspended for first 2 games though, right?

                  Think Alli might be a decent option again this season at 8.5?

                  1. Christina.
                    • 14 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    I mean when he is back. He makes everything tick in that Spurs side.

  18. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    would you start the season with this?

    Ryan (Button)
    Robertson-TAA-Digne-Laporte (Aarons)
    Salah-B.Silva-Zaha (Dendoncker-Stephens)
    Kane-King-Deulofeu

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Good team

      1. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers mate

    2. Reds
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Quite similar to my team below, so I have to say I like it......hahaha

      1. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Good luck then 🙂

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sig over Bilva (rotation and big assist the assisted) and possibly Heaton over Ryan for me, but looks good.

      1. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I need City assets and can't get KDB or Sterling

        1. antis0cial
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Not necessarily. Scary going without but if he’s going to get outscored by someone of the same price, it’s no use having him just to have a city asset?

          1. Bavarian
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Good point, thank you...

    4. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure about Bernardo. I would go for Fraser given the opening fixtures

      1. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        well noted, thanks mate...

  19. Reds
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    First RMT. Going for a 5-3-2. Thank you.

    Lloris,
    Robertson, VVD, Laporte, Walker, Digne
    Salah, Siggy, Zaha,
    Kane, King

    Reserves: Button, Dendoncker, D Stephens, Wickham

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Had Kane but not so sure, he might go crazy vs villa but spurs have a tough one, I might jump into Son when he's back

      1. Reds
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Was thinking Kane can be swapped to Kun with 2 transfers, be it to downgrade Lloris, Walker or Siggy......

        My initial draft was Ryan/Kun instead of Lloris/Kane

        1. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I would go kane over kun so then stick with your plan.
          I think kane will score more than kun, it's just those explosions that makes you feel you need a huge couch

  20. Pirlø's Pen
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any opinions on this lot? I believe it is quite a safe approach.

    Ryan
    Robertson Alexander-Arnold Laporte Digne Coleman
    Salah Sterling Sigurdsson Zaha
    King

    Button Dendoncker Wickham Greenwood

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think I need a Leicester player

    2. Reds
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What if King dont play?

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        indeed...my only issue with this formation (benching or small injury and you're kinda forced into a FT)

        1. Reds
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I went with Kane instead of Sterling, bcos of the danger of the 4-5-1. Otherwise I think your team is broadly similar to mine.

  21. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Please RMT, woke up dreaming of it.

    Gunn 4.0
    Vvd robbo Coleman kelly 4.0
    Siggy Salah Raz Fraser 4.5
    King Vardy 4.5

    Thanks and have good day

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Kelly every week? Ouch.

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Fraser->Brooks and reinvest the 1m saving

      2. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        That's my only concern, I might go brooks and upgrade kelly

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Digne over coleman

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            spend 0.5m on Kelly and 0.5m on coleman upgrades.

            thank me later

            1. Peter Ouch
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I thank you now mate

            2. Peter Ouch
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              So it can go this way.

              A brooks digne
              B zaha coleman

              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                yep

              2. St Pauli Walnuts
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                A

  22. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Think I’ve nailed it, welcome any thoughts or ideas

    Heaton / Ryan
    Robbo TAA Digne Ake (Kelly)
    Salah Sterling KDB Grealish (Hayden)
    Jota King (4.5)

    1. Nick.P
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Like it...thin I prefer Bernardo and Laporte over Kdb and ake

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I reckon City will get Ake. Which could be great as cheap way in but I'd expect Laporte to start nearly every game and then rotation with Ake/Stones and maybe Otamendi.

    3. gaurava1216
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nail in the coffin with Grealish... Ake week in/week out... KDB at this stage and then Jota LOL

  23. UpAndAway
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone with Salah, Sterling and Kane?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      lots probably. cost is one Livp def less.

  24. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How’s this looking:
    Allison
    Walker, Laporte, Digne, TAA
    Salah, Maddison, Sigurdsson, Noble
    Aguero, King
    Bench: Woodman, Greenwood, Capoue, Prodl

    Cheers

  25. POLSKA GOLA
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Until now I was set to start 4 at the back but I have a feeling that 7-6.5M midfield is where a some real gems could emerge.
    How is this for a 3-4-3? A bit uninspiring, isn’t it?
    Issues I can see are - just one ManCity player, two BOU forwards. Anything else?

    1. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Team is:
      Ryan/Krul
      Robbo/VVD/Coleman/Dunk/Kelly
      Salah/Sterling/Zaha/Perez/Dendoncker
      Wilson/King/Deulofeu

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Upgrading Dunk to a premium and downgrading Deu to a fodder should work out better for the first 6 gameweeks judging by fixtures. 4-4-2

  26. KujaliaFC
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who between Kovačić or Kante will Lampard deploy in a more attacking role?

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Mateo

      1. KujaliaFC
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        If he plays in the role that Lampard did back in the day (also similar to Aaron Ramsey's role at the Arsenal), he'd be quite attractive at 5.5, no?

        1. Zladan
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Absolutely, but it’s a wait and see really to see how Lamps sets out.

  27. brano164
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pickford, Button
    Robbo, TAA, Digne, Aarons, Kelly
    Salah, Bilva, Siggy, McArthur, Hojbjerg
    Aguero, King, Greenwood

    Thoughts?
    Its not a final decision, but im not satisfite with midfield at all