Dugout Discussion

Giroud benched as Willian and Pulisic start at Sheff Utd

Olivier Giroud (£6.7m) finds himself on the Chelsea bench for the Gameweek 35+ trip to Sheffield United.

That will be of huge frustration to his increasing ownership and those looking to him as a differential option.

The Frenchman had scored in each of his last two outings, both of which were starts, but will have to watch Tammy Abraham (£7.4m) lead the line from the sidelines today.

That arguably places a question mark over Giroud’s credentials for the Gameweek 36+ meeting with Norwich, which may have been on the radar for anyone considering a reshuffle of their Fantasy forward line.

Meanwhile, Willian (£7.3m) and Christian Pulisic (£7.3m) remain reliable starters, each one positioned either side of Abraham for the trip to Sheffield United.

The 13.7%-owned Mason Mount (£6.1m) retains his place in the side, making his fifth start from a possible six since the Premier League restart.

Meanwhile, John Lundstram (£4.6m) is on the bench for Sheffield United once again, Chris Wilder opting to keep his central midfield trio the same as Gameweek 34+.

That means further starts for Oliver Norwood (£4.7m), Sander Berge (£4.7m) and Ben Osborn (£4.7m).

David McGoldrick (£5.4m) comes back into the team following a fitness test, forcing Billy Sharp (£5.3m) back onto the bench.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): D Henderson; O’Connell, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Osborn, Norwood, Berge, Baldock; McBurnie, McGoldrick.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen, R James; Mount, Jorginho, Barkley; Pulisic, Abraham, Willian.

1,411 Comments Post a Comment
  1. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Egan on the bench last GW, Mcburnie this..

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Ouch

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

    Excelent result so Chelsea cant rotate vs Norwich.

    1. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not if your a Tammy owner. Still no idea who will play up top. Probably giroud just because team has been so bad today.

  3. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Frank you defo need a keeper & have a word with your lazy players.

  4. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Kepa has had his second chance. We need to get rid ASAP.

    1. Alnair
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You seen how many years he has on his contract? GL with that.

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Get Pope. Make Kepa fight for his place or leave.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        He ain’t leaving a £54,000,000 contract

        1. Bun Rab
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          The New Winston Bogarde!

  5. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    No chance for LEI next week to beat SHU

    1. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Sure. Utd only created 2 chances and scored both

  6. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I played Lascelles over Stevens & Egan 🙂

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

      lol

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Watford were going to be likely.

      And Sheffield Utd strong again...

    3. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Unlucky

  7. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Utd going to score 4 against the Saints now, not going to miss this gift from Chelsea.

    1. Alnair
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      10-0

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        11-0

    2. Bragazeti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You've got to grab the opportunity when it presents itself

  8. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    This result would be lush for more than one United

  9. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Henderson first touch?

  10. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Whoever I told to start egan over Enda yday... You're welcomeer

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Other way round 🙂

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You told me! But I ended up starting Lascelles, after learning he was playing against Watford! 🙂

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        And that was a really poor decision!

  11. Taking the Mkhitaryan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If they lose, I fancy Vardy to Giroud for 1 week

  12. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    YESSSS

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      2-0 COME ON

  13. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Surely Azpi RWB and Alonso LWB is better than James RWB and Azpi LWB for Chelsea?

    1. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      this

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      At WB yeah but LB Alonso is very vulnerable and can’t offer the same on the attack.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Chelsea's best team, given current personnel, IMO:

      Kepa
      Azpi Rudiger Zouma Alonso
      Kovacic Jorginho Kante
      Willian Abraham Pulisic

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Tammy is shite.

        Back to the Champ on loan next season.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Giroud is crap too. Overrated old man. At least with Abraham there is still some room for improvement.

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

            No one rates Giroud, but hes still better than Tammy.

          2. Rainer
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Giroud is a great player to hold up the ball and link the better players.

            Tammy couldn’t hold up a flag.

      2. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Giroud still underrated after all this time, 10 times the player Tammy is

      3. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Can't agree at all

        Alonso has repeatedly shown shocking frailties when defending and permanently needs either a CB backing him up or one of the midfield 3. James is far better, despite making a slow start after the break, whilst still offering good attacking threat.

        Rudiger has too many mistakes in him, but could be argued he's better suited than AC. Personally prefer AC though.

        That midfield 3, whilst nice, offers too little forward penetration. Needs someone like a fit RLC in it for Jorginho.

        Based on current form, Giroud over Tammy. If we're talking long term, I prefer the potential for growth from Tammy.

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

      Lampard stubborn, doesnt want to field players who arent "his" (those he brought in himself) even though "his" players are worse. Tammy instead of Giroud another example

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Next season, no British player should be in Chelsea's starting XI. If they are then Lampard is favouring certain players.

    5. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      James Azpi far far better.

      Wouldn't be surprised to see 5atb return again though, even if only for the 2nd half

    6. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yea if freehitting will put in Alonso I think. If he can’t play him against Norwich when can he! He’s probably one of the big pluses to freehitting next week

    7. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      None of them to be fair. Need a while New backline

  14. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Can't blame Kepa for the being 2-0 down this GW.

    Willian also showing why he doesn't deserve a new contract. Old, not improving, and doesn't do his defensive duty in a system that requires the wide men to pull their weight.

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Good analysis

  15. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Next GW Azpi RB.. Alonso will be back at LB

  16. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    TOP 4 HERE WE COME

    1. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Penalty per game helps

        Plenty more twists and turns yet

        1. Make United Great Again
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yes we’re paying the refs again. I love it. Scummy United are back.

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Didn't say anyone was paying anyone, just that a few penalties have been dodgy

        2. Champions League Varane
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          COME ON

        3. UnitednationsXI
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          long way to go. i wouldnt get excited just as yet

          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Highly doubt it with the form we’re in 😉

        4. El-Kloppico
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          need some more dives from Bruno. Comon he has my srmband

          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Scummy United. I’ve missed this version of us!

        5. Yozzer
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          With quite a bit of help. Penalty per game and a lot of VAR nonsense. 😉

          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Greenwood helps too 😉

      • Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Nothing for Pulisic today

        1. Gobigorgohome
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          and Willian too
          the whole team looks lost..

      • Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        If Kovacic is fit then he must come on at HT. Chelsea aren't passing forward. Everyone trying to be safe. Kova will turn and run at people. Might be able to make a game of it.

      • El-Kloppico
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Gt Alonso in for Pulisic and Giroud in for Willian plz Frankie

        1. Gobigorgohome
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          huh

        2. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Barkley and Tammy off on 55 minutes I reckon

        3. BobbyDoesNotLook
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Expected changes

      • Alnair
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Leicester vs United on the final day will probably save Chelsea.

        1. Gobigorgohome
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          united will win easily

        2. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Chelsea Vs wolves and Chelsea Vs Liverpool will sink them long before that game

            1. Alnair
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Nah, I think they'll manage a draw against us and probably beat a tired Wolves side.

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  That would be enough for the scenario I described (provided they don't turn it around today)

            2. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Not if they lose to liverpool or wolves

            3. Make United Great Again
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              We’re smashing everyone mate. Easy work.

              1. Alnair
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                United will probably get 3rd tbh.

            4. Revival
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              City champions league ban will save Chelsea!

              1. BobbyDoesNotLook
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                This

          • WVA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Apologies for owning all my players, brought in Pulisic

          • Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Giroud needed here

            1. diesel001
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Sheffield Utd would love Giround on. No threat in behind. Can leave one defender on him all day and they know he won't beat them for pace and they will still win their share of aerial balls.

            2. DandyDon
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Might need both him and Tammy on and out in more crosses. Utd so deep

          • elchilangles
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            anyone got Antonio in their team?!

            1. Alnair
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Yeah, almost captained him too

              1. _Ninja_
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Not me btw. MCCORMIBAR who posts on here

                1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  It’s amazing, genuinely a once in a lifetime thing.

                  I don’t think I’ve ever even owned Antonio for instance!

                  1. BobbyDoesNotLook
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    I am happy for the guy. Even though it is bit unfair if you can see in the future.

            2. Pep Roulette
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Yes. Just before deadline!

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

              Haller as PL and António playing more wide?

          • Gobigorgohome
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            SHU third goal more likelybtham Chelsea pulling one back by the look of it

          • Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            So far, 4 points from Salah, TAA and Willian.

            Wonderful.

            1. TheDragon
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              I feel your pain

            2. Rhodes your boat
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              6 from my salah (c) Taa lascelles and pulisic 😉

              1. Rhodes your boat
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                And a -4

            3. FPL Pillars
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              I took a -4 so I am 0 for 3

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

              Beating me, I've got azpi instead of willian.

            5. DandyDon
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              It’s a tough week. Hoping a vardy haul at the end of it at least

          • Gerd Mueller’s thighs
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Chelsea should Just buy the complete Sheffield defense...

            1. Dash444
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              They wouldn’t go

          • Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Henderson
            TAA Gomez Holgate Zaka
            Foden Rice Mount McNeil
            Greenwood DCL
            England U23 all of which will make it

            1. TheDragon
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              You know you’ve got DCL in there?

              He’d be lucky to get a game in League 2

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Actually not being Biased. I understand over the last few games but more Everton poor passing than him. You have to watch hi to see the work rate and defending high. he needed goals to come through. Who would you pick?

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

              The future is bright, World Champions 2026

              lol@ DCL being in there

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                See above. I expected that. Choose someone else?

              2. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                I would put in the lad from Dortmund if he were in the PL. Play 4 1 4 1 then

          • g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Kepas got Chelsea by the balls!

            150k a week 7 year contract 🙂

            Nice work if you can get it, £7,800,000 a year for 7 years

            £54,600,000 total, what can Chelsea do ?

            1. diesel001
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Improve the defence in front of him. Zouma, Christensen and Tomori are not good enough.

              1. TheDragon
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Kepa is terrible though to be fair

            2. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Send him on to play for Sunday league. Any keeprer is better. I played keeper in high school

              I am bettet than him

            3. Sid1891
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Roman may have a say on this

            4. Alnair
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              I said this before. No way Chelsea can get rid of him on that money for that many years.

          • FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            The worst keeper in the history of European football?

            Kepa ladies and gentlemen.

            Conceded 7 goals from last 9 SoT

            1. Gobigorgohome
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              it is not even funny really

            2. Gobigorgohome
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Hendo and Pope million miles better

            3. Rainer
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              No chance for the 2nd, very harsh to blame him for the 1st.

              CBs more to blame for both goals.

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

                Willian/James gave Stevens the entire flank on his own for the cross too

                1. wantsharptv
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  And james cuttently on 1 bps

          • FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Kepa the muppet

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Say it on a few more pages so we really know how you feel