Dugout Discussion

Pulisic and Azpilicueta miss out on Chelsea starting line-up for Brighton trip

Christian Pulisic (£8.5m) has missed out on Gameweek 1 of the Fantasy Premier League season, absent from the Chelsea squad named for a trip to Brighton.

Frank Lampard revealed the American midfielder was in contention to be involved on Monday night, but the Blues manager has elected to exercise caution in bringing him back so soon after last season’s injury – much to the chagrin of Pulisic’s 11.6% ownership.

Despite 8.0% Fantasy backing, Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) has not been risked either, although he is fit enough for a place among the substitutes.

The Spaniard’s benching allows Marcos Alonso (£6.0m) and Reece James (£5.0m) a chance to occupy the left and right-back slots respectively in Chelsea’s defence, which sits in front of Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.0m).

Chelsea’s most fashionable midfielder and forward make the grade, however. The 13.2% owned Kai Havertz (£8.5m) has been handed a place in the Blues’ front-three, where is joined by Timo Werner (£9.5m), the most popular Fantasy striker right now.

48.7% own the German international for Gameweek 1, more than double that of the second-most-owned Danny Ings (£8.5m), who currently sits in 23.6% of squads.

Whether or not Werner can make an explosive start to the Premier League depends on how well Brighton can contain Chelsea with their five-man defence tonight.

Graham Potter has selected Adam Webster (£4.5m), Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) and Ben White (£4.5m) as a centre-back trio, flanked by Solly March (£5.0m) and Tariq Lamptey (£4.5m) either side.

Yves Bissouma (£4.5m) continues to prove he is the new Dale Stephens (£4.5m) starting in a three-man midfield alongside new signing Adam Lallana (£6.5m), while Stephens is named on the bench.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (5-3-2): Ryan; March, Webster, Dunk, White, Lamptey; Bissouma, Alzate, Lallana; Trossard, Maupay.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso, Zouma, Christensen, R James; Jorginho, Kanté, Mount; Havertz, Werner, Loftus-Cheek.

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2,159 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Werner looks like he’ll be competing for the greedy crown to me - have a natural replacement there for HK come week 3

  2. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why did Chelsea sell lamptey. He’s 19. Looking best player on the pitch first half

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Calm down. He wont face Alonso every game

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He is not facing Alonso directly though. He has Mount and sometimes Kante on that side also. Has looked very comfortable.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I thought he had a fantastic half also to be fair

    3. Captain Fozzy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Guessing they thought Reece James had better potential and didn't want to get in his way of developing into the best player he could

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Won’t play Chelsea every week 😀

      But he looks superb doesn’t he. More wing than wing back in this formation too

    5. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He is looking really good, on my watchlist.

    6. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have in my team because of his performance against Liverpool last year ; he's absolutely brilliant if he can nail that spot.

  3. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just don’t get that Chelsea tactic for today, why Frank can’t move Mount and Kai behind the Werner - give him some service and let him be the focal point?
    Now it looks like he has to grab a ball and run half of the pitch...

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Still don't think Lampard is a good enough manager to be honest.

      1. Hattrick Harry
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Luckily one with brain here, same

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Should have played with WBs

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        True that

    3. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's trying to be clever.

    4. Pommie22
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Agree Lampard told them not conceding 56 goals this year , you lot stay in your own half and just kick it up the field. Mind you gotta have the ball 1st. Woeful

    5. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Feels like he’s built the team around Loftus-Cheek

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Haha good one!

      2. Mid budget coach
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Big mistake, cant find a simple forward pass

  4. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Jorginho is 5m... Do we expect Chelsea to earn more penalties this season with Werner, Pulisic, Ziyech and Havertz interlinking ?

    1. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t go that way

    2. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's gonna rotate with Kante once Kovacic is back

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He'll be on the bench next week

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

      Sure, but Jorginho is going to struggle for starts imho.

    5. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He is the captain tonight why does everyone think he will be benched ? Yes rotated but should play most. Just weighing up wether or not he is a better 5m 5th mid than Soucek?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He’s behind Kovacic and Kante amongst Chelsea fans’ view.

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Are Chelsea not playing 433 tonight with Kante Jorginho and RLC ? Surely it is RLC to drop out before Jorginho if they continue like that?

          1. Dthinger
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            both likely to make way, along with Mount, for Kovacic, Pulisic and Ziyech seems to be the idea

  5. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who to bench GW2?
    A. Taylor (lei)
    B. JWP (TOT)
    C. Davies (sou)

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    Not a bad week for defenders. One clean sheet in every game so far, bar El Classico...

    1. Captain Fozzy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      5 at the back always starts well for those that get it right but can quite easily go really wrong and force you into an early wildcard so you change the pricing format of the team

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        player in my ML has a 5-man back line with two LIV, two SHU, and Azpi. I'm just laughing all day at him.

  7. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Liking both right backs here.

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

    Yeah Pulisic over Havertz. Havertz not very good fpl pick.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      After 45 mins playing out of position 😀

      1. davidtbo
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I can you judge so quickly... He has just played 45min !

        1. davidtbo
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          How*

    2. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m pretty sure Havertz will outscore Pulisic tonight though

    3. Captain Fozzy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think you can judge him this early, more easier to pass judgement on Lamps decision to play RCL as striker which is affecting their whole team performance

  9. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hopefully werner lasts 90 mins and not a 60-70 min guy. Makes a huge difference when it comes to explosion potential

  10. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    get out my team Werner, not good enuf for the PL

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

      Poor attempt...try again

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        get out my team Werner, these players from the Eredivisie never good enuf for the PL

    2. Athletic Dildao
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Enuf

    3. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is “Trophe’” French for “Knob”?

  11. daniellechers
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I have Son and Auba plus £1mil to change to KdB and Fernandes. Would prefer to do it after GW2 to avoid -4 and better fixtures but is a price rise for KdB and Fernandes likely to happen before then?

    Would rather sacrifice -4 than be 0.1/0.2 short

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yea both will rise next couple of days

    2. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn’t want to sell auba

    3. JURGENAUT
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The price rise will happen, most likely.

  12. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why are some on here complaining Havertz is played in an unfamiliar position? He is playing out wide in a 3 men foward. Do u expect him to be played upfront with Werner? He doesn't look great in all honesty and his body type is a real let down for the PL imo. I hope am wrong but I can see him being the biggest flop out of the 3 attackers they have brought in.

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 6 months ago

        They think he's out of position even though he's played this position before. Looks lightweight to me, first game though and don't know how he's been training etc and he's young

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

          That body type looks like he takes longer getting going. We know the PL doesnt give you time and his passes look a bit off and sloppy. Time will tell cause he is definitely talented.

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Yeah I'm sure he'll be fine eventually

        2. Atimis
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          He should play 10 imo, Kaka type

      • Strchld
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Which one looks better:

        A) Salah and Ings >> Bruno and Martial (was my original plan. Yes Salah got two penalties and won't anyway captain him next 2 weeks.)

        B) Alli and Ings >> Greenwood and Martial

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

          You can't sell Salah surely.

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

          Just Ings to Martial

          1. Strchld
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Sadly not enough ITB

        3. RomeluStormzy
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          B. Doubt sancho is coming.

      • TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Werner is the real deal?

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

          Yes. He is really fast, will score buckets of goals no doubt this season. Keeping for a long time.

      • joker7
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        How many are playing there wildcard this week ?

        1. elchilangles
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          contemplating a 20 point hit!

        2. Hattrick Harry
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          250 000+

      • Jonesfromthere
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A) Digne and Bruno
        B) C.Taylor and Salah

      • FourLokoLeipzig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Lewis or Lamptey or another 4.5?

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

          Both.

      • Atimis
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Recon any important player like KDB or Bruno shouldn’t price rise tonight?

        1. _Ninja_
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Nah

      • elchilangles
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hendrick or Klich?

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

          Klich

      • twisterteo
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Keep Werner Vs Liverpool or get Martial in for a -4?

        Don't really want to wildcard yet...

        1. _Ninja_
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Keep

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

          Keep

        3. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Keep

        4. SHOOTER MCGINN
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Keep Werner. Gotta look past the Liverpool game then it'll be goals galore

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

          Keep

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

            Thanks lads

      • Will J 256
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Who is the best replacement for Dele Alli? 0 ITB.

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

          James ; free up some money.

        2. davidtbo
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Wilian, James Rodriguez, Greenwood, Foden... I have Alli and I keep him one more week.

      • ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        How did Jimi look against Sheffield? Is he the one we are overlooking for the likes of Ings this season?

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

          Great.

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

            Worth having over Ings?

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

              Yes but would not use ft for this. Ings will score.

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

                Thanks and cheers

        2. ClassiX
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          RMT tool has him as top scoring forward for the season...

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

            Cheers

      • Bolivian Seaman
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        What do people expect from james rodriguez in goals and assists for the season?

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

          Here and there.

        2. n-doggg
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          10
          7

        3. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Ahd get a few assists. Fewer goals

          I think 6-8 goals and probably 10 assists if he stays fit

        4. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          7 goal 10 assists

        5. Railwayman
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          5-8 goals, 10+ assists

      • HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Tariq Lamptey had more touches (44) than any other player on the pitch during the first half of Brighton vs. Chelsea.

        Looks great value at 4.5m . Is he nailed though?

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

          Potter so no, but hard to bench him if he plays like that.

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

          Wasn't last year ; but I'm thinking he is this . . .

      • waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A) mane to bruno
        B) werner to martial (have pulisic)
        C) ings to dcl (have Adams)
        D) save

        1. Mid budget coach
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          A. Mane and liverpool looked terrible

      • The Mighty Hippo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Is anyone bringing Greilish in? He's not a bad option at 7.0.

        1. Dthinger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          overpriced

        2. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          The people who went for Pussylic will switch to him

      • PocketZola
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        gut says werner to martial, yes or no?

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

          No way! Look at chelsea fixtures GW3 onwards

        2. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Tempted. See above

        3. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          brain says let the game finish

          1. PocketZola
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            i cant see him getting anything against pool

            1. Seanigula
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Did you say the same thing about Leeds?

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

            Haha this. Werner looking good even though the team clearly has not settled.

        4. Captain Fozzy
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Werner will be like Salah guaranteed to have multiple chances in each game just whether or not he takes them or not

      • gonzalocampos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Werner its a dangerous player but to pay premium for NO penalties, worth it? VARDY?

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

          Jorghino won’t play much so he might be on them

          1. Rainer
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Havertz?

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

          Might be on penalties. Jorginho won't play often.

        3. SHOOTER MCGINN
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Chelsea will score a lot more goals then Leicester. Plus, based on the number of shots Vardy had in open play, I'd rather get Jorginho for half the price if it's pens only

          1. ivantys
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            lol you judging vardy based on one game

            1. SHOOTER MCGINN
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Not judging anyone based on one game. It's all pointless. Even waste of space Dele Alli gets another go in my team.

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

        Hi guys. Is it allowed for one to simultaneously play in mini leagues in different countries?

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          with the same team? sure

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

            Have you done it? I tried and was banned from joining by administrator. It was not the mini league administrator...so I am confused.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I live in Cambodia and have joined lots of mini-leagues such as the FFS one here, based in UK.

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

                Thanks Andy. It may only apply to mini leagues. Have you joined mini leagues outside of Cambodia?

      • Captain Fozzy
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Can Rodriguez/Wilson have a price increase this week? Just checked them on FPL statistics and they are at 0% change for the week