Scout Notes

Willian and Pulisic make case for Chelsea double-up with Norwich on horizon

Crystal Palace 2-3 Chelsea

  • Goals: Wilfried Zaha (£6.6m), Christian Benteke (£5.7m) | Olivier Giroud (£6.6m), Christian Pulisic (£7.2m), Tammy Abraham (£7.4m)
  • Assists: Patrick van Aanholt (£5.6m) | Willian x2 (£7.2m), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.9m)
  • Bonus Points: Willian x3, Pulisic x2, van Aanholt x1

Willian (£7.2m) and Christian Pulisic (£7.2m) underlined their Fantasy credentials once again as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 3-2 on Tuesday evening.

The two midfielders were at the heart of the transfer debate for Gameweek 34+ with managers trying to discern between the pair. Well, once again, the comparisons mattered little in the end as both players rewarded their respective owners at Selhurst Park.

In fact, considering Chelsea host Norwich’s porous defence in Gameweek 36+, the case for owning both Willian and Pulisic gets stronger with each match. After all, Frank Lampard’s men have now hit two or more goals in every match since the Premier League restart.

Both players have also delivered attacking returns simultaneously in each of the last four Gameweeks and neither one looks like letting up.

As per usual, it was Willian who ended up with the most points on the night, his two assists and three bonus making for a third double-figure haul since Gameweek 31+. 

His owners will also feel as if they could have come away with more at Selhurst Park, increasing his appeal for the coming matches.

In the 31st minute, Pulisic pressed through the middle of Palace’s defence, spotting Willian catching up with play from the left. The American laid it off to his Brazilian colleague who breezed into the box and forced a decent save from Vicente Guaita (£4.9m).

Then, as the game was hurtling towards a frenetic conclusion, Willian darted inside from his station on the right-wing and squared it to Mason Mount (£6.1m), Guaita denying the Brazilian an assist as he tipped the Englishman’s curled effort around the post.

In the 89th minute, Pulisic made another trademark run down the left-hand side, his lofted cross caught on the volley by Willian but blocked by Patrick van Aanholt (£5.6m).

In the last four matches, he has averaged 11 points per game and, as we have covered here, is capable of pulling in Fantasy points from several different avenues. The Brazilian has penalties, direct free-kicks and set-pieces but also offers plenty of creativity and goal threat from open play as evidenced in the win at Palace. Enough to already form a strong case for the Gameweek 36+ captaincy when Norwich come to Stamford Bridge…

But we should not overlook Pulisic who also enjoyed an impressive outing in south London, also unlucky not to get more attacking returns for his 9.9% ownership.

There was a suggestion that the American got a touch on Olivier Giroud‘s (£6.6m) first-half goal, although replays were inconclusive on that front.

After he finally netted the goal he’d been trying to score for several games in a row (running down the left-hand side and blasted high at the near-post), Pulisic might have got an assist for Willian had his late shot not been blocked by van Aanholt.

“Willian and Christian (Pulisic) have been excellent for us. I am really pleased with what they have done. I knew the talent that Christian has. It’s a physical lead and he has come in and been great for us. The quality for us and the end product is great.” – Frank Lampard

While Chelsea were impressive going forward, Fantasy managers should certainly be aware of the fact that Crystal Palace are fast becoming a much more porous side than many would expect.

They actually came into Gameweek 34+ having conceded more shots in the box than any other side in the previous four, which is why they have now let in at least three goals on three occasions since Gameweek 31+. 

Their defensive outlook is arguably even bleaker following a hamstring problem for Gary Cahill (£4.4m) which incapacitated him for Chelsea’s opener and could leave Palace depleted at the back for the coming schedule. That is certainly worth knowing for anyone with Manchester United and Wolves assets for Gameweeks 36+ and 37+ respectively.

However, for all Chelsea’s impressive play going forward, their own defence is becoming increasingly difficult to trust. At Selhurst Park, they were not always in complete control of the game allowing a side typically goal-shy on their own patch to look dangerous throughout and score twice.

“I wasn’t overly delighted with the midfield but I thought that Billy (Gilmour) did okay today. It doesn’t mean anything about his future. I know that he has more to give to us in the future.” – Frank Lampard

One of the usual culprits, Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.4m) was very much at fault for Crystal Palace’s opening goal as his poor season continues to underwhelm.

It was admittedly an incredible goal from distance scored by Wilfried Zaha (£6.6m) but the goalkeeper reacted too late and was unable to get a hand to the effort, even though it flew in the middle of the goal.

Then, for Palace’s second goal, van Aanholt was allowed to drive forward to the dead-ball line too easily by a static Andreas Christensen (£4.8m), allowing him to square for an unmarked Christian Benteke (£5.7m) to tap in. That was the Belgian’s first Premier League goal in 24 appearances at Selhurst Park, the last one coming all the way back in April 2018.

And, to be perfectly honest, Crystal Palace really should have scored a third in stoppage time, Chelsea very fortunate to leave Selhurst Park with three points.

In the 94th minute, Zaha played an excellent cross to the back-post from his wide-left station, which Scott Dann (£4.3m) headed back across goal. His effort, which appeared destined for the back of the net, struck the post and sailed away from the goal-line past Benteke and Max Meyer (£5.2m) before van Aanholt had an effort blocked.

And almost immediately after, Benteke found himself one-on-one with Kepa before Zouma flew out of nowhere to make a thumping last-ditch tackle.

Part of the issue for Chelsea’s defence has to be the lack of a settled back-four, Kurt Zouma (£4.7m) who, admittedly, had a better game than most in his department, making back-to-back starts for the first time in 2020 at Selhurst Park.

Such a questionable display at the back may not mean much for Fantasy managers with Sheffield United and Norwich up next for Chelsea, but it could bode well for Liverpool assets in Gameweek 37+, as well as Wolves options on the final day of the campaign.

“In the last few minutes, maybe (we lost control). We should have killed the game off. Some slight wrong decisions. Kepa makes a great save, Kurt (Zouma) a great tackle. He (Zouma) was excellent. His tackle was point saving at the end and I’m delighted with him.” – Frank Lampard

Crystal Palace XI (4-5-1): Guaita; van Aanholt, Dann, Cahill (Sakho 8′), J Ward; Ayew (Townsend 80′), McArthur (McCarthy 80′), Kouyaté, Milivojević (Meyer 89′), Zaha; Benteke.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen, R James; Gilmour (Gilmour 80′), Barkley (Loftus-Cheek 65′), Mount; Pulisic, Giroud (Abraham 65′), Willian.

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827 Comments Post a Comment
  1. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH gw 38 team looks pretty sweet

    Pope(BHA)
    VVD(new) Digne(BOU) Aurier (crystal palace)
    Sterling(NOR) KDB(NOR) Mahrez(NOR) Richarlison(BOU) Pulisic(WOL)
    Aubameyang (WAT) Ings(SHU)

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sweet

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

      Great one, here is mine

      Pope
      VVD TAA Digne
      KDB Mahrez Foden Willian Richa
      Auba Ings

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hard to plan. Surely David Silva gets a starting farewell gig

      1. Thescaff
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Good shout, a final goodbye to the fans

      2. Hiddenpaw
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Haha snap

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

      I like it. I’m thinking I need David Silva in there for his big send off.

    5. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dilva capt

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

    Repost sorry 1 FT 2.2 itb

    De Gea
    Saiss Lascelle Aurier
    Fernandes Pulisic Sterling KDB
    Vardy Jiminez Greenwood

    Button Traore Robinson Holgate

    A) Robinson to Maguire
    B) Robinson to Gomez
    C) Sterling to Salah

  3. InterUranus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is not having Salah or Mane when my closest league rival has Salah a big mistake?

    He has Pulisic so i'd like to cancel that out and maybe get Martial in for good measure?

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

      No
      He is not a C material till the end and you can spread the funds elsewhere

    2. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Agree with your approach

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

      no, liv look sluggish past 2 games and can spend money elsewhere. i took out salah and put sterling(c) in for -4 this week, hope it works out

      1. InterUranus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I've taken -4 and put in Pulisic and Martial. He has Greenwood so hopefully this will combat that too. 70 point buffer at the moment, praying I don't balls it up

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

    Chelsea vs Norwich looks like a good game to give Pulisic a rest

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ha. No!!!

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

      Yep, and FA Cup on the Sunday too.

    3. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      only game left were I can see chelsea afford to rest willian/pulisic

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

      I don't think so. Willian maybe but puli will play all games til Chelsea is in CL

    5. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      CHO CHOOOOOOO

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        (No but we really need to secure Europe. If we haven't still - first team players will still take part.)

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Same situation as us, top 4 more important.

    6. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I was thinking this also

    7. Bouncebackability
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Might see line ups though, first game up.

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

      unlikely. che play norwich tues then fa cup sun 5 day gap plenty of rest

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        It’s more the 78 hour gap between Sheff Utd on Saturday & Norwich Tuesday

        Benched v Norwich, maybe a late sub on to avoid him pulling up during Norwich match?

  5. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How many of you are bringing vardy in for next few?

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's a yes from me, just don't know if Jimenez or Kane make way.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I’m upgrading nk.

        1. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I don't have the funds for that and can do without the headache but obviously massive upgrade so fairs.

          You must have foden/Greenwood to afford that?

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            No. My mids are

            KDB willian puli martial Bruno

            (I have solid tv)

            1. JabariParkersEyelid
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I have Mahrez instead of Puli with 107 TV, but no way I can afford that lol.

              Fairs though great midfield.

              1. james 101
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Cheers. 108.3 tv apparently so about the same as you

                I went with double Chelsea rather than double City this week. We will see how it works out!

      2. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Same, but probably Kane.

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Jury is out on him with me just now.

      3. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm in the same boat there, dont know which to ditch

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Me and (C)

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Nice.

    3. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      seeing how Bournemouth look first

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Fair enough. No need to rush.

        Looks like a good prospect though right?

        1. suddenorgan
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          yeah I'm on Jimi -> Vardy this week as things stand

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Solid I reckon

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Brought him back in this week.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Smart

    5. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      brought him in this week, so pretty happy with that. Amazing what one goal does for him.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He’s a streak shooter right?

        All about confidence it seems to me

    6. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cant afford it without a hit unfortunately so it's a no go for my team.

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Well could be worth it a week later if he goes on a run

          1. Pinturicchio10
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Possibly, just not a huge fan of their final three fixtures.

              1. james 101
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                I get that. When he’s on s streak though it doesn’t seem to matter who he’s up against

                1. Pinturicchio10
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    True enough yeah. I suppose it depends on squad setup. I need rid of Pepe asap and struggle to see past Martial / Fernandes (c).

                    1. james 101
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Solid caps to be fair

          2. yer old da
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Absolutely. Brought Kane in this week ahead of Bournemouth, swapping him for Vardy next week for the same reason.

            1. james 101
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Same.

              Though may keep Kane and upgrade nk.

              Would give me rash Kane vardy up front

          3. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Yea, moving Kane on regardless of how they do tomorrow

            1. james 101
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I think a lot of people will

          4. teneighty
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            DCL + Jimenez -> Vardy + Connolly

            Will play 3 - 5 - 2 with Vardy and Greenwood up top.

            1. james 101
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Solid

          5. ElliotJHP
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Got the cash for DCL -> Vards.

            The alternative would be Guendo -> Puli, bench DCL shift formation.

            1. james 101
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Both solid options mate

        2. Gudjohnsen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Best 5.6 def?
          Not AWB

          1. linkafu
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Maguire

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

            Garcia 4.5. City are going to get Clean sheets. Rotation an obvious risk.

        3. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          The SCENES of City blank tonight

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            *if

          2. drughi
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Only KDB (C) here so wouldnt be terrible

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

              Be the best result for me as everyone I am chasing in ml has him as C

          3. Steve The Spud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            be quite funny and usually I'd say I could see it happening but I just can't, SURELY they'll score at least 2

            I've got kdb C and mahrez

          4. suddenorgan
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            KDB's captaincy is so high it pretty much doesn't matter what he does

          5. james 101
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I’d be fine with it

          6. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Or Phil benched

          7. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            lol I dreamt that Foden and Jesus both started and just now realized I still have to worry..

        4. davies
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Anyone lined up any GW38 punts yet?

          1. JabariParkersEyelid
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Probably the entire starting 11.

          2. jtreble
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Yup, BB in GW38 for me.

          3. FPL_Crisis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            David Silva seems an obvious one

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

              Last game, he'll play for sure at least 70-80 mins
              Good punt

            2. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Will play 45 minutes and get a standing ovation either going off at half time or coming on at half time. No thanks

              1. FPL_Crisis
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Long servant. Can see pep giving him a start and play 60-70 plus teammates will try get him a goal

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

            Auba
            Dilva
            KDB
            Foden
            Salad
            Bruno
            Pope
            Ings
            Antonio
            DCL

            1. Cruyff's Eleven
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I like Salad.... Healthy too,

        5. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Which two would you own for 36-38

          A) Maguire (cpa, WHU, lei)
          B) Doherty (bur, CPA, che)
          C) Digne (AVL, shu, BOU)

          1. linkafu
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            AC

          2. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Do you already own AWB or ruling him out for another reason? I'd say him and Digne if not. He looks so dangerous atm.

            1. Miguel Sanchez
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Already have Doherty and Maguire - and planning out my last moves

          3. james 101
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            AC

            Though the counter argument is Man U’s mids/fwds

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

            B and C.

            Triple United in midfield and attack. Just realy don't like wasting one of the MUN slots in defense.

            1. james 101
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              That’s my approach yeah

          5. Fantasy Pig
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            AC

          6. DandyDon
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            ac

        6. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          keep forgetting about spurs v Bou tomorrow, be massive if sonny could finally haul

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I went with Kane. Either / both / neither wouldn’t surprise me though!

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

            Bou are horrible but so are Spurs

            1. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Spurs are horrible against organized teams. Does BOU fall into that category?

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

                Spurs are horrible against anyone.
                Not an Arsenal fan btw

                1. Brosstan
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Bookmarked

          3. Balls of Steel
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Hoping Spurs can net a few for once against this dreadful Bournemouth defence...probably end up a 2-1 or something like that with Moura and Berg scoring!

        7. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Saka second on my bench last week with 10 points.
          Second on my bench this week with 6 points.

          I shall not learn.

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

            Next GW put him 1. on the bench -:)

            1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              agreed!

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

          Got a feeling we've seen the best of Willian and Pulisic.

          Sheffield in 35 will be tough, Norwich in 36 will see rotation, who knows with Liverpool in 37, and Wolves in 38 is also a toss-up.

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Change your name to Negative Nellie!

          2. Tempestic
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I hope u're right

          3. n14mul
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I think Liverpool one will be interesting, Chelsea would have played a tough semi vs united while Liverpool have a full week rest.

            To add Liverpool lift the trophy so they will be on a mental high

        9. Pino
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I have no city players in my team, so this GW can easily break my season.

          Pope (Henderson)
          TAA Bolly Doherty (Taylor OConnell)
          Salah Bruno(C) Martial Mane (Hayden)
          Greenwood Vardy Jimenez

          1FT 1.5M ITB

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Rank?

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

              17k

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

            I have 3 for the first time and am looking to make a move into the top 100k. Started GW on 193k. Make or break.

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

          How are Chelsea able to buy all these expensive players? Where does financial fair play fit in with this?

          1. BNMC
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Didn't Barcelona get Suarez for quite a huge amount, straight after they had a transfer ban?

          2. Athletic Nasherbo
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Hazard money+ Morata money still knocking about so still left over, alongside transfer ban.

          3. _Ninja_
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            They couldn't sign anyone last summer, maybe they saved up some cash.They got £140m just from tv and league position last year.

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

            Sold Hazard + Morata for about 160m
            Only spent 85m on Werner + Ziyech
            Only spent 40m in last 2 transfer windows beforehand
            Potential sales of surplus players + loan army (Bakayoko, Emerson, Pasalic, Drinkwater, Batshuayi, potentially Jorginho/Barkley)
            All that + other revenue means they could easily spend another 150-200m without having any ffp problems

            1. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              But they bought pulisic and kovacic?

              1. Zimo
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                And kepa and jorginho

                1. Zimo
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  And didn't sell anyone but courtois on the cheap

                  1. CostaCoffee
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Hector, Omeruo, Luiz, Aina, Kalas, Nathan, Pasalic
                    Thats 60m+ itself

                2. CostaCoffee
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Kepa and Jorginho were bought 2 years ago, Pulisic 1.5 years ago.
                  Kovacic was our only signing in the past 2 windows

                  1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    They paying for two summers ago’s transfer activity for the next 3-4 years still (250m ish on Barkley, Kepa, Giroud, Jorginho, Rudiger - all those clampets)

                    They have a ridiculous amortisation bill under FFP that’ll run for a while until those transfers are fully washed through their accounts (in line with the player contracts)

                    Its the Hazard & Morata money that has allowed the headroom for the ziyech & Werner signings, don’t think they have much left in the Kitty after that

                    1. CostaCoffee
                      • 10 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Top clubs sources such as Matt Law have said we've got up to 300m to spend if we get UCL football

                      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        I must dig out the Washington Postarticle where Bruce Buck goes through it - had the same debate with someone about 2 months ago on here during lockdown & we went through the accounting in intricate detail but we only have 30 days of posts unfort so its difficult to find

                        But basically Buck in the Washington Post - "The sins of the past" he calls it in reference to the 96m loss they posted last year (Accounts were posted a day before the hazard deal & a year before the Morata receipts)

                        The burden of the (as yet) unamortised transfer expenditure at Chelsea is absoutely collossal - they spent a terrifying amount when you tart adding it up - Hazard & Morata helped keep them in the black/fund that, with obviously a bit left over to fund Ziyech & Werner

                        But those summer transfer splurges of 2 & 3 years ago are an absolute financial millstone around their necks make no mistake - when you tally up the money they spent on those players it was terrifying - very little came in to offset it too

          5. DandyDon
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            they keep selling former youngsters that have never played for them for millions!

        11. james 101
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Madness to have 8 very strong players up front for the last few games.

          On the basis that someone is getting rotated each time.

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            That was a question. Despite the lack of a “?”

          2. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Yea its dumb af. So many managers benching 7m+ players because they have too strong front 8. If one of your front players are benched they will likely get 1 point cameo so having a strong bench is a weak argument. Upgrade defense instead...

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

              What's the point of building team value if you're not going to use it?

              If you have enough money you can afford a great bench,

              1. Brosstan
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Having Jimenez sitting on the bench not contributing.. Wow! What a great use of money

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

                  What else are you going to do with it? You can't spend it at Sainsburys.

                  1. Camzy
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Invest it in the starting XI.

            2. Fantasy Pig
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              +1

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

            Makes perfect sense. If one of your attackers is rested you have another strong attacker as a sub to take their place. Get a high value defender on your bench as well and you're laughing.

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

            I am/was looking at Salah and Nketiah to vardy and Antonio to have a strong front 8 but outside of gw37 it’s a benching headache so having second thoughts

            1. james 101
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Been considering the same approach - different players

          5. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Haven’t needed any of the subs since the restart, cameos on all who didn’t start.

            1. Tempestic
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Same. Weak bench ftw 😛

            2. james 101
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Question is will that last?

          6. Pinturicchio10
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Mid priced forwards are benchable so yeah why not.

            • DandyDon
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              might as well use team value and chance in coming weeks one of the front 8 will get rested so you have a decent replacement then. It is tough trying to predict who starts, particularly city and pool assets. will be the worst if starter comes on for 1 pt when I have a striker scoring on the bench.

            • Hairy Potter
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Games coming thick and fast means more likely to be injuries so it isn't the worst strategy. Cameos off the bench are more likely though with the extra subs.

              Having Greenwood and Foden presents me with a benching dilemma, but I can weigh that up each week depending on whether I think they'll be rested or if another player has a tough fixture or is out of form.

          7. Fantasy Pig
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Hi guys

            Is Rashford, Son & Jiménez -> Greenwood, Sterling & Vardy worth a -4?

            Current Team:

            Pope
            TAA Doherty Aurier
            Salah KDB Son Bruno Martial
            Rashford Jiménez

            1. _Ninja_
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I think the 2nd group outscore the 1st by more than 4pts for next 4 so its worth it.

            2. DandyDon
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              yes

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

              That does look like an upgrade to me

          8. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            All I want for this week is for all my players to start. Just really don't want Nketiah coming off the bench...

            1. Nightcrawler
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Lol same. The 5 sub rule helps but i thi k my players shd all start

            2. _Ninja_
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Can't see any of them playing 0 minutes. Should be fine unless an injury in the warm up.

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Mane, Foden, KdB are the biggest risks here.

                1. DandyDon
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  mane-salah biggest risks for me I think

            3. Pinturicchio10
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Kane to come down with a vicious dose of the squits just before kick off would be both amusing and gratifying.

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

              If Kane wants to keep his place in my team, just a goal or two is not enough. If he keeps walking around instead off sprinting into the box, he is out for Vardy.

              1. Brosstan
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Im removing him even if he scores 5 goals. BOU wont be a valid representation of the other games spurs have left.

              2. Zimo
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Ok

              3. _Ninja_
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                1 goal v bournemouth wouldn't be enough to keep him.

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

                Might keep for Arsenal, he always seems to score against them.

              5. james 101
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Considering having both

              6. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Sadly I think I'm keeping regardless of what happens. Really don't want to take hits at this stage in the season and want two transfers in 36 to maximize on Chelsea and City.

            5. Pegboy
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Patricio (Martin)
              TAA Doherty Kiko (Lascelles Taylor)
              Mane KDB Bruno (c) Pulisic Foden
              Rashford Jimi (Nketiah)

              1 FT £0.7m

              a) Nketiah > Greenwood
              b) Mane + Nketiah > Vardy (c) + Willian (-4)
              c) Something else

              Unfortunately, 0.1 away from Rash + Nketiah > Vardy + Greenwood

              1. suddenorgan
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                probably a) though it means no Vardy.. Mane out for a hit before BUR, even with how they've been playing seems like a bad idea

            6. Lukakuna
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Dier banned! Time to get Aurier in?

              1. Pegboy
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                How does that work? Sanchez will replace Dier and we'll be worse defensively because of it.

                1. Nightcrawler
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Toby less likely to play rb now..something mourinho said in a presser..... so aurier shd not be rotated

              2. Drexl Spivey
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                What an absolute plonker.

                £40k's just a slap on the wrist though.

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Presume he still has to pay the tax on it though? Would be only fair

            7. gers23
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Jiminez to wipe out sheffield uniteds clean sheet tonight is the dream...i have Jimmy and rival has 2 sheffield defenders.

              1. Drexl Spivey
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                He's due, for sure.

                1. BNMC
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  His son is due too!

              2. suddenorgan
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Jonny assisted by Neto any good?

            8. james 101
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Any chance of an early City team-sheet?

              1. Brosstan
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Who cares?

              2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Possibly - how would it help though?

              3. Jimmers
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Gameweek started yesterday

            9. Rinseboy
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Should never plan transfers of course it all changes tomorrow again!

              But right now looking at Salah and Nketiah to Vardy and Antonio for free in gweek 35, which then gives me cash for DCL to Ings in Gweek 36!

              Thoughts?

              Pope Martinez
              TAA Maguire Doherty Aurier Fernandez
              Salah KDB Martial Bruno Mahrez
              Jimi DCL Nketiah.

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Salah out at home to Burnley is really dicey.

                Not loving Vardy also honestly. Was very lucky to score all his most recent goals.

              2. DandyDon
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                yea I think a few will look to move on salah before his tougher fixtures. depends if I will need a hit for it. want to get in Vardy this week then Digne, Ings. running out of transfers! Would love Antonio in my team though

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

                I would do that deal. People are waiting around for the Salah thing to happen, meanwhile GW's are happening every 4 days.

            10. SHOWSTOPPERRR
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Guys what to do here?

              Martinez
              Taa doh kiko
              Mane kdb Bruno Martial puli
              Jimenez rash

              3.9 Connolly lascelles Simpson

              0.0 itb 2ft..

              1. Balls of Steel
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Jimi to Vardy v Bournemouth, Rashy to Greenwood or upgrade Kiko

            11. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Surely DCL will start scoring? What has happened to the bloke?

              1. The Ejiptian King
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Finally got rid this week so brace incoming.

              2. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Not putting the ball in the net. He's still gotten a few chances just nothing going in. His finishing has always been a bit poor though and confidence is low. If he scores, the floodgates might open and he could score a few.

              3. Jimmers
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Everton are pants

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

                No creativity in midfield

              5. DandyDon
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                could be a powerful differential for their easy run in but got to focus on getting ings in as he's the guy in form

              6. Fit_to_drop
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Agree with above poster. Lack creativity in midfield. Sigurrdson doesnt seem to influence games like he once did.

              7. Brosstan
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                A donkey who had a lucky run of goals, now reverting to mean

              8. Balls of Steel
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Barely had a sight of goal against a poor Spurs team, Everton looked lacking in ideas and any creativity, don't see much changing in their run in with nothing to play for!