Dugout Discussion

Mount, Pulisic and Ings benched as Boxing Day rotation strikes

There are six Premier League matches kicking off simultaneously at 15:00 GMT this afternoon.

Aston Villa v Norwich City, Bournemouth v Arsenal, Chelsea v Southampton, Crystal Palace v West Ham United, Everton v Burnley and Sheffield United v Watford are the half-dozen fixtures in question, with two more games to follow later this evening.

The headline team news perhaps comes from Stamford Bridge, where there are benchings for Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Danny Ings.

Frank Lampard has seemingly stuck with a 3-4-3 for the visit of Southampton, with Fikayo Tomori again lining up at centre-half.

Marcos Alonso, the suspended Mateo Kovacic and Mount drop out of the team that defeated Spurs, with Jorginho, Emerson and Callum Hudson-Odoi promoted to the starting XI.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s alterations both come in attack, with Ings and the injured Shane Long replaced by Che Adams and Michael Obafemi.

Bjorn Engels, Frederic Guilbert, the injured John McGinn and Conor Hourihane make way for Aston Villa, with Ahmed El Mohamady, Ezri Konsa, Marvelous Nakamba and Trezeguet recalled.

Norwich City are unchanged.

At the Vitality Stadium, Jack Simpson, Callum Wilson and the fit-again Steve Cook replace the suspended Diego Rico, the injured Simon Francis and the benched Philip Billing.

Mikel Arteta makes three changes from the side that started the goalless draw at Everton.

Sokratis returns from suspension and replaces the banned Calum Chambers, while Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil oust Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe from the starting XI.

Mamadou Sakho returns from suspension for Crystal Palace, with Cheikhou Kouyate moving back into midfield and James McCarthy dropping to the bench.

Max Meyer replaces Christian Benteke in attack.

Neither Lukasz Fabianski nor David Martin have recovered from injuries, so the much-maligned Roberto starts between the posts for West Ham.

Pablo Zabaleta replaces the suspended Ryan Fredericks at right-back in the Hammers’ only other change.

Carlo Ancelotti makes two changes for his first match in charge.

Seamus Coleman and Bernard start, with Tom Davies and the injured Alex Iwobi dropping out.

Robbie Brady replaces the suspended Jeff Hendrick for Burnley, while Jay Rodriguez is in for the benched Ashley Barnes.

There is one change apiece for Sheffield United and Watford: John Fleck is back from suspension and replaces Luke Freeman for the hosts, while Nathaniel Chalobah is in for the banned Abdoulaye Doucoure for the Hornets.


Aston Villa XI: Heaton, El Mohamady, Hause, Konsa, Targett, Nakamba, Douglas Luiz, Grealish, El Ghazi, Wesley, Trezeguet.

Norwich City XI: Krul, Aarons, Zimmermann, Hanley, Byram, Tettey, Trybull, Buendía, McLean, Cantwell, Pukki.

Bournemouth XI: Ramsdale, S. Cook, Mepham, Simpson, Stacey, L. Cook, Lerma, Gosling, Fraser, C. Wilson, King.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Maitland-Niles, David Luiz, Sokratis, Saka, Xhaka, Torreira, Nelson, Özil, Aubameyang, Lacazette

Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga, Rüdiger, Zouma, Tomori, Azpilicueta, Kanté, Jorginho, Emerson, Willian, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham.

Southampton XI: McCarthy, Soares, Bednarek, Stephens, Bertrand, Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Højbjerg, Redmond, Adams, Obafemi.

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita, Kelly, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt, Milivojevic, Kouyaté, McArthur, Meyer, Ayew, Zaha.

West Ham XI: Roberto, Zabaleta, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Snodgrass, Noble, Rice, Fornals, Antonio, Haller.

Everton XI: Pickford, Coleman, Mina, Holgate, Digne, Sidibé, Sigurdsson, Delph, Bernard, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Burnley XI: Pope, Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor, Brady, Cork, Westwood, McNeil, Rodriguez, Wood.

Sheffield Utd XI: Henderson, Basham, Egan, O’Connell, Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens, McBurnie, McGoldrick.

Watford XI: Foster, Mariappa, Kabasele, Cathcart, Femenía, Capoue, Chalobah, Hughes, Sarr, Deeney, Deulofeu.

1,485 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Regin
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Y so less goals? How has richarlison looked?

  2. Arse Craic
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Baldock assist

  3. @ocprodigy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Baldock assist for anyone who has him

  4. WVA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    HT Saint's

  5. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Not checked the points but Baldock must be outscoring Lund recently.

    1. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Thats the word on the street.

  6. Tasty Jerk
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Baldock assist baby!

  7. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Does Everton look like scoring folks?

  8. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Baldcock essential?

    Involved in 5 goals in last 8 pl games

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nope

    2. Duka
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes with man city and liverpool away next he is absolutely essential, get him in asap.

    3. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      *dock

  9. L'Aeroplanino
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Baldock = Doherty 2.0

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

    Do referees' decisions affected by players protesting really?

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah. You might get the next call

  11. Sailboats
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    McGoldrick is due a goal surely

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Good player, actually really good player, but allergic to scoring.

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

      This guy cant hits a barns door

      Im sorry he's a horrendous finisher. Decent hold up and movement though

  12. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chelsea aren't playing well

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ironically Southampton seem to have Lamps number like Lamps had Mou’s.

  13. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Baldock on fireee

  14. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Why did I captain Abraham 😐

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Because, like me, you are not very clever.

      Group hug.

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        It would just be better to copy someone elses team.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          There were no obvious candidates this week unless you owned kane.

          Good luck for 2nd half

          1. Nightcrawler
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I own kane but didnt c him

            No obvious candidates

    2. Pumpkinhead
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wait for the game to be over at least

    3. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Second half Brace incoming

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        These thibgs never happen 😀

    4. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Same.

  15. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Happy with that resolute defensive performance. Tightened the central areas and gave them the freedom of the wings., Kept it compact and hit them on the counter with pace. Game plan all good so far!
    Helps that no matter how much time we afford time and space to Azpilicueta, he can't cross the ball to save his life today

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      They needed James and/or Alonso.

      1. ChelseaGuy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        James

      2. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Lampard outwits Mou only to be outwited by Raphl.

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      An Ings-less victory on the road would truly be an achievement (and Chelsea hasnt lost 2 home games in a row in 8 years!)

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

      And 2 marking Abraham -my C of course- not giving him anything

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I snitched to Ralph that you captained Tammy. Of course he had to do something about that.

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

          😉

  16. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best Tammy replacement next few weeks?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jimmy

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I might try Firmino

    3. Dele
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’m asking myself this, Greenwood and spread the cash elsewhere?

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Need a starter surely?

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ingsy

    5. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kane probably

    6. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Trying to decide between Jimmy and Ings.

    7. Rash
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Whoever scores this week

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

      Jimmy or Ings

  17. TheDragon
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is it actually possible to get a green arrow or is it a myth?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Green Arrows? What are those?

      1. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        That superhero from 'murica?

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Myth

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      could be 7 reds in a row for me!

    4. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      The secret is a really, really bad OR.

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

    Well Pukki was a fail... like seriously

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

      Calma still one half left. Villa defence could capitulate anytime

  19. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Wish I captained Alli not Rashford 🙁

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      why?

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        If rather take the guaranteed points

        1. Pumpkinhead
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          obviously but thats not how this works.

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      How about Abraham 🙁

    3. Pumpkinhead
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rashford hasn't even played yet jfc

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

      Would be happy with 7 for rash as a rash captainer

  20. Dele
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Sidibé OOP wetting my appetite

    1. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Isn't he playing RB? Is he nailed or Coleman likely to get some mins?

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

      Looks so threatening going forward. Already had a goal scoring chance saved brilliantly by pope

  21. Waynoo
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Well my punt on Zaha captain looks as pathetic as his performances since I bought him.He's going next GW

    1. Dele
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      First out the door for me, along with Tammy.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Getting rid on my WC. Who are you getting? I'm thinking Martial or Grealish.

      1. Waynoo
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Tempted by Grealish as well

  22. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Tammy Cap fail 🙁

    1. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      yas

    2. Dele
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He’s regressed massively, no wonder Lamps said they’re looking for a striker in Jan.

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Did he?

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hes not looked good but could easily get 1 in the second half

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Same was said about Alli at half time.

      Ffs wait till the match is over

  23. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pick 2 on WC

    A) Rico
    B) Webster
    C) Kiko
    D) Holgate
    E) Kelly

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Holgate Rico

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Who's your keeper?
      Rico
      Webster
      Kelly

      1. manu4life99
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Ramsdale

  24. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Lundstram captainers, assemble. We're in for a disappointing second half...

    1. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

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

    Late to the party....
    Aurier assist & Alli goal was amazing 😀
    Alli © so thankfully he returned

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I changed to KDB last minute, congrats mate!

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

        Thanks bro
        KDB will return too IMO

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Aurier, Alli, (K)ane here. Now hoping for a Palace CS to look at some green arrows!

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

        Wow
        Great for you

  26. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chelsea are going to sign a big name forward in January who’ll get prices at 9m+, aren’t they?

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Higuain 2.0

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

      Will be rotation frenzy though.
      I'd avoid in that case

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Werner is the target

    4. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Can they get a ‘big name’ though

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

      I thought they might try sign Laca, but dont think so now Arteta is there

  27. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on the following players:

    1) Rico...expected to come back to team next gw or remove him on WC? Bou could stick to the 3atb

    2) is Kiko nailed? Who is he competing with?

    3) is Holgate nailed? Who is he competing with?

    1. Pumpkinhead
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      nah

    2. BrutalLogiC
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Got Holgate this week, plays this week over Rico, not sure going forward

  28. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How has Cantwell looked? I gave up and started him over Maddison 🙁

  29. LSP
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Emerson getting destroyed on the leftside

  30. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Don't really know why I kept 2FT for this week have absolutely no idea what to do with rotation incoming