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. rick ding whoop
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Az sot

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

    I’m not usually one for shipping a player out after one game but Havertz......

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

      Wildcard

      1. pablo discobar
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Madness. All the covid from the October international's for a start

    2. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah out for Bruno

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I was the same, all set to save but after watching that I’m getting rid

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

      When its so obviously a bad choice u have to act asap

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This.

    5. El Magico5
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      In the same boat. Hamez potentially

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That’s who I’m looking at

    6. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Even though he plays Liveprool next?

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

        Not sure he will tbh!

    7. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Havertz and Alli > Willian and KDB.

      I refuse to acknowledge the price practicalities

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

        Thinking similar

        Auba to KdB next week then for me

  3. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    And WC it is,lets have some fun

    Best 4.5GK McCarthy > ?

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

      Ryan

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

      Martinez if Villa signing confirmed

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

      4.0 save pennies

  4. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any comments from Lampard on Pulisic? Really don't want to sell.

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nothing

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Must have been an injury flare up. Makes no sense for him not to be in the squad

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

      He was just back in training this week ; not shocking he's not in the squad today.

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

      He said he wasn't fit to play after the injury. Pre match interview.

    5. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pulisic first day back at training was Wednesday.
      No pre season, coming back from hamstring injury.
      Presser Lamps said both Pulisic & Azpi minutes would be managed.
      Pulisic injury record isn't great.
      No surprise at all he didn't start, slight surprise he's not in the squad, but I expect him to feature v Liverpool.
      Hope that helps.

    6. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Easing him in, kcco

  5. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I gamble with Vinagre and Nketiah and get nothing.

    FFSMark goes with James and gets a haul. The guy is haunted.

    1. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I don't care what mark does. Yawn.

    2. calstokesey97
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Like it’s just luck or something, Nuno was pretty clear in saying that Marcal is a ‘direct replacement for Jonny’.

      Plus why would Nketiah start when Lacazette is still at the club, plus if he plays is he that much of a goal scorer?

      Reece James has real goal threat in a top Chelsea side and played minutes in pre season, and Chilwell being out gave him a greater shot at starting.

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

      James only one worth the punt from those 3

      He was always Gona play

    4. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I took the same two gambles as you, so pretty peeved. Got to say though the Nketiah was definitely ill-advised. It was always a risk. Just had a feeling that he would be preferred early on over Laca, but was a bit of an unnecessary gamble really.

      Vinagre though. I know they just signed a new left back, but it goes on against everything we thought about Nuno- that he goes with what he knows until the new signings have integrated. Annoying.

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

    Disappointing AF

    No dead balls and playing in the wrong position

    Bye Bye Havertz I enjoyed the punt

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

      Getting rid?

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

        Yep ASAP

        Strike first
        Strike hard
        No mercy

  7. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the best mid up to 7m please??

    1. Mike2795647
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Zaha looked good

    2. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Zaha

    3. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes but he's a wild one

    4. Fer Fuch's Ake
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      zaha

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

      Looks like u were right!

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

      That’s official then, he’s an awful signing. You should’ve told Chelsea?

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        normally every player looks like Messi on youtube highlight, but Kai even looks very average on youtube, never mind in the real game

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

          Without the first XI playing its impossible to judge his long term potential.

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

        After one game too.

        Amazing.

  8. JJO
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bye bye Havertz
    Not sure why Lampard would put him wide,its like playing an poor mans Ozil on flank

  9. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Havertz owners should definitely wildcard

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

      Close to hitting the button.

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

      Hmm.

  10. AlternativeB
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ings and Son to:
    1. James + Martial
    2. Bruno + DCL

    Need help. Going to bed soon

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

      2

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

    Anyone else impressed with bissoma?

    1. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yeah, he looks good. Excellent base pricer and better than Reed

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

        Exactly my thoughts....steady bench player

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

      Yeah happy with him as my 4.5

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

      Impressed he started to be honest, wasn't sure!

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

        Been one of the better players breaking up play

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

      Looks decent at 4.5m. Only issue is if you do start him, any returns will be difficult to predict.

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

        Atleast he is a decent shout for the bench if your not planning on starting 5 mids

    5. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Grand for 4.5

      Played em this week

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

      Incredible 3rd sub - he'll frustrate me lots being on the bench when he delivers attacking returns, that's for sure

  12. fauxfatale
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Rashford a viable alternative to the ManU midfield?

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

      Yes if he’s fully fit

    2. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Of course.

  13. stat sifter 888888
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Call me crazy but I am considering my transfer to be McCarthy for Ryan.

    1. Says
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      you're crazy

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

      Crazy...Brighton play good football but always have a mistake in them imo

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

        Their insistence on playing out the back will cost them lots of goals

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

    Was all set on doing 1 FT for next GW. Now I'm thinking WC is the best option…

    1. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      just don't

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

        Davies, McCarthy, Havertz, Soucek, Vinagre, etc. Seems a no brainer at this point.

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

          I prob would with that lot 😆

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

            Yes. Team is in pieces after one GW.

        2. Al-Chemy
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Personally I wouldn't. Spurs have some decent fixtures still other than United, same for McCarthy.
          Could always just do Havertz for someone, or take a hit if you really didn't like having Soucek or Vinagre still there.
          Up to you of course, I just like saving my WC until further into the league

  15. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ings to

    A. Martial (for free)
    B. Jimenez (for free)
    C. Save transfer?

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

      A

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

      A

  16. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I have 2m itb

    Was looking at a hit, but

    Havertz to Bruno for free seems a no brainer?

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

      Yes

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

      Looks good. Who else is possibly on the chopping block?

    3. spiritof82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      For free? Definitely.

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

      Was he really that bad?

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

        Looked like a scared youngsters playing his first game with the senior team. Lightweight, low energy, safe passes

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

          Surprising after the season he had and the rave reviews. Guess it strengthens the growing bandwagon of Rodriguez. Makes me fell less bad about picking Alli over him though, was destined to fail either choice!

    5. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers all and yes, he was really that bad

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

        Get bruno in then mate! I'd love to have him but going Martial for the discount

    6. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      he did look bad.. but pulisic is back next week and he might go play no.10 which would be up is street..

    7. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  17. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Imagine having McCarthy, Ryan or Ramsdale. Looool

    I have Leno. Much better

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

      Arsenal will be conceding goals for fun in no time.

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

      Are you not already on a WC?

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep. Keeping Leno though.

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

          You are looooling at people but have had to hit WC.. Strange.

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

            Haha

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What wrong with mcCarthy?

  18. Says
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Connolly looking like a custom player in fifa

  19. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    KDB or Salah on WC? thinking of going no Liverpool for next 2 games then bringing on Salah

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

      Need both

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

      Both

      No exceptions

  20. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Werner on pens

    1. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not if Jorginho is on the pitch, as per tonight.

  21. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Horrific week, every decision I made was wrong.

    A) Ings to Martial
    B) Ings and Havertz to Bruno and DCL (-4)
    C) WC

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Doherty Davies
    Auba Havertz Alli ASM
    Werner Ings

    Steer Soucek Mitchel Brewster

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

      C

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

      C

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

      Hold the phone

      Doherty and Davies

      Wc the sh!t out of that

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

      Yeah I'd WC that.

  22. sminkypinky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alli to Greenwood is a no brainer right?

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

      Greenwood is fit to play and start right?

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

      Wait for presser to make sure not punished for Icelandic escapades....

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

        Right. Heard something but not in the know tbh. Cheers!

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

      Willian might also be a good pick

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

        Could be. Not too chuffed tbh. Fixs.

    4. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Get Hamez instead

    5. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s a brainer

  23. Jolly Good
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    This is why you shouldn’t plan transfers .. was set on Ings to martial

    Now will probably do Havertz to Rodriguez

  24. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    That 5 sub rule is gone right?

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

      Ye

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

      Yup.

  25. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Saka > Jorginho

    No brainer this week, saves me 0.5m which will be needed to get in MU/MC players.

    Week after Davies > whichever 4.0 or 4.5m defender looks like he's going to be a consistent threat.

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

      Lol.

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

        Why?

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

    James CM now

  27. Toked
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ings + Havertz -> Bruno + Wilson?

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm getting Hamez and Martial

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

      I’m doing it

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

    Jorginho injured.. Rip bandwagon

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

      D'oh, see above

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

    Perfect end to a rubbish opening weekend. Injury means Azpilicueta ruins my Mitchell points off the bench. Sigh