Dugout Discussion

Abraham absent from Chelsea squad as Mount and Ighalo start on the bench

Tammy Abraham (£7.7m) is missing from the Chelsea side named to face Manchester United on Monday evening.

The centre-forward came into Gameweek 26 as an injury doubt but has failed the fitness test over the weekend.

Michy Batshuayi (£6.6m) leads the Chelsea line in Abraham’s place, flanked by Pedro (£6.8m) and Willian (£7.1m).

“Tammy Abraham is the same injury that has frustratingly come from Arsenal, played against Leicester, and now out. We will see how that develops for the games ahead.” – Frank Lampard

Meanwhile, Mason Mount (£6.1m) finds himself among the substitutes as Frank Lampard goes for a midfield trio of Mateo Kovacic (£5.3m), Jorginho (£4.9m) and N’Golo Kanté (£5.0m).

In the red corner, Odion Ighalo (£6.5m) has managed to make the bench after signing on loan from China.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI certainly looks experimental in nature with Eric Bailly (£4.9m) coming in to make his first start of the campaign as part of a back-three with Harry Maguire (£5.2m) and Luke Shaw (£5.4m).

That has allowed Brandon Williams (£4.1m) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m) to push on as wing-backs while Bruno Fernandes (£8.0m) makes his secnod start in a row since joining from Sporting.

Chelsea XI: Caballero; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, R James; Kovacic, Jorginho, Kante; Pedro, Batshuayi, Willian.

Man United XI: De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Bailly; Williams, Matic, Fred, Wan-Bissaka; James, Martial, B Fernandes.

1,067 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is it mad that I watch this game and don't see why we can't challenge for 4th/5th. Both ain't been great

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not mad at all

      All the other teams have european commitments

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You won’t score enough goals, unfortunately.

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        True but with our defence atm 2 or so has been enough. Only won 2 games by more than 2 goals this year so worked so far. Brickkk wall

        1. thomashl
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          When you start playing in europe as well your squad won’t manage. Look at how burnley did. Sorry. I like the blades though!

    3. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Worst quality pl outside top 3 in many years, and you have a good team.

      Why not?

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Of course not, you're where you are on merit.

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

      Your strikers are garbo, need to score some more goals.

    6. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Other teams - ie Wolves and Spurs need to drop off too for The Blades to challenge. Would be saying very little about the quality of the PL if Sheff Utd finished 4th or 5th .

  2. Third Eye Vision
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Listening to Gary Neville, it seems he’s not smart enough to grasp the argument that the VAR offside lines may not be accurate due to the lack of accuracy in selecting the exact moment when the ball leaves the foot. The other commentator just gave up trying to discuss it.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Oh he’s smart, he’s just blinded by bias.

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He is not the most unbiased chap when it comes to Man Utd

    3. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      How do they w risky determine that?

      Almost impossible to know that to the exact frame. So to me it does make sense to have a ‘margin of error’, but luck umpires call in cricket

    4. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Human factor is stopping the line

    5. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Also interesting that they never showed the ball on the VAR still. It’s that tight then it’s pretty important it’s the exact point the ball left his foot

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Spot on Pat. That's most important

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

      There's nothing to discuss. You pick a frame where the ball is on the foot. Then you jog a frame forward to when the ball is NOT on the foot. That's the two frames you use for reference. 24 frames per second. That's good enough for you and me.

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yes. Obviously more accurate than the «old» solution, we just don’t like that the system is so precise I guess

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

      Sky pundits been talking rubbish all night. They seem to think Maguire challenge in 1st half was exactly like the Son sending off. Nothing like as bad! Wouldn’t be surprised if listening to poor views like this on tv influences referees and rule makers which would be a shame.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Which Son red are you talking about? Maguires was worse

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

      Eh well, do you think it was more or less accurate when a guy on the sidelines had to decide in a split second?

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

    It feels like this is the worse Premier League has been regarding the quality of the clubs in the last decade or two. The likes of Getafe and Lazio would walk to third place in England.

    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Celtic beat Lazio over two legs lol

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Two games not legs

        1. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          The likes of Getafe, Lazio and Celtic would walk to third place in England.*

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Then why was there an all english final last year?

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Because there is one fantastic team that was deserved there and one that fluked its way. Or do you believe Spurs are the second best team in the world? Its a two match system, anything can happen. Consistency is still shite between these teams, which is showing here week in and out.

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Doubt it

  4. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Where is igahlo ? Ole is a bum man ffs

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      "a bum man ffs"
      Do explain.

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Bum over tits.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Every time

        2. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Oh dear, so am I and I haven't seen Ole at any of the parties.

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        He prefers Martial's shapely arse over Ighalo's flat one

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Enlighten us.

  5. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Teams can have their off days but the quality of football today, play acting from players, VAR and decisions made by the referee today is embarrassing to say the least.

  6. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Couple of ropey VAR decisions and Utd fans find their voice.

    Welcome back, chaps.

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

      Doesnt explain the two legit goals Man U scored, does it?

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

      It’s good, it means Ole is going nowhere and United will lose to Everton, City and Spurs in a few weeks and lose the Europa final to Arsenal hehe

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

      It’ll be a long week.

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      The longer Ole is at the wheel, the more comedy value we get, so I don't mind the odd win.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Very true. It keeps him at the club. That can only be good for the scum haters like myself

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

    Remember when Jorginho should’ve been sent off against Arsenal and Chelsea went on to win the game after? People have short memories. And btw, that was offside. Rules are rules.

  8. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Die hard Chelsea fan here. I am haunted by VAR. There you go Munday. That's haunted

    I mean the first goal was absolute disgrace...

    Fred pushes Azpi and after the Azpi inertia they rule off the goal?

    Come oooonnn.

    Call Isaac Newton !!!

    Why VAR didnt see all the angles and all the cameras ?

    This could mean no CL and tens of millions of dollars.

    Disgrace.!!!

    Ruining the love for the game.

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Remember Jorginho against Arsenal in December? Clear second yellow, not given. Short memory Chelski fan

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Chelski is forbidden here. Its offensive. Hope you get banned. Call the club with its name!!!

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Oo well didn’t know that. Chelsea then.

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            And you still won that day cause of the refs. So it serves you right tbh.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Let me read that after the game

  9. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is a Martial brace too greedy?

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’d take it

  10. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea favourites to win Liverpool in FA cup. Time to place some bets against it.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Liverpool back ups +
      Williams, Jones & Elliot.

  11. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    ogs genius

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Doesn't take a genius to know they should be playing a proper DM next to Fred in the pivot.

  12. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Williams virtually nailed now then?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If Ole plays 5 defenders.

      Shaw 1st choice in a 4.

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Hopefully after tonight he'll always play 5!

  13. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    When UTD win you just know VAR has assisted it.

  14. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I have 4.1m available to spend from the sale of Martin Kelly.

    How more assured a buy does Williams look tonight?

    Is the 5 man line only for away games.

    1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Him or Hanley

  15. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    cant believe che are so bad they make utd look ace

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I can't believe you keep refering to them as che. 😉

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        cant be arsed typing their full name...bores me

  16. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    James could have been killed!

  17. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Watford ain't ready for Bruno

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Watford are a much more physical side compared to Chelsea. Bruno may need some padding to protect his matchstick frame.

  18. Skalla
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ball not touching the line on that corner, can VAR rule that out?

  19. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I find it weird when 'distinguished' commentators like Martin Tyler say they 'wish VAR would give something back, rather than take away'

    The whole point of VAR was to disallow more goals because players, managers and fans were complaining about dodgy offside and handball goals being given against them.

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

      Some of the old guard and stuck in the mud types are going to have a haaaaarrrd time adjusting. But adjust, they must.

  20. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mount off the post

  21. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Tony off soon.

    1. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      There is 30 seconds to go they’ll all be off soon

  22. Skalla
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    De Gea injured

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      From boredom?

  23. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Why are Chelsea even bothering to shoot?

  24. tm245
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea are snakebit tonight.

  25. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mount hits the post, as does DDG.

  26. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I'm watching this game via NowTV and I reckon it's at least 45 seconds behind the live coverage.
    ThenTV.

  27. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ighalo coming on

  28. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    DDG doing a Traore

  29. Skalla
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Tony off
    Ighalo on

  30. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Can they bring Henderson back in the middle of the season?