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.

Best players by position:

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2,159 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What are the thoughts on Werner? Looked good, right?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looks sharp and will do well I think. Def keep him

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers!

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Going to score loads this season

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

    Werner has played well, especially considering the lack of service. Looks hungry and with intent both on and off the ball

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Ziyech and Pulisic will help him massively.

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

      Yeah no idea why people don’t like. Definitely getting him GW3. Will be special when ziyech is fit

  3. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Will Bamford play next few games ?

  4. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Torrid start. 53 points. Terrible decision not to put in Salah. Please help me out fellas. Thank you!

    0.5 ITB

    A) Ings > Martial
    B) WC
    C) A suggestion

    Ramsdale
    TAA | Saiss | KWP
    Diangana | ASM | Auba | Mane
    DCL | Ings | Werner

    GK: Steer | Davies | Bissouma | Ferguson

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Play Davies instead of Saiss

      Hold FT

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Made the switch, will consider holding the FT. Thanks

    2. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I’m also 53 no Salah. Will take patience.

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah for sure, it is frustrating seeing rivals do well though

    3. Kitsune
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Saiss and DCL were decent picks though. Martial I think.

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Happy with those, and definitely considering the Martial the move the most

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Hold, GW2 could twist things. GW3 more fixture swings ...

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Hold FT or WC? Think holding WC is best not sure on FT

  5. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Obviously not the best start and Bowen punt did not look great, Havertz looked awful Also.

    MCCarthy
    TAA Shaw Davies
    Havertz Alli Auba Bowen
    Martial DCL Werner

    Burton, Justin (BUR) (Mitchell, 4.5)

    0.5 itb, 1 FT.

    Who is the Most pressing issue or can I get away playing Alli, Bowen Havertz another week?

    I dont like hits after a week tho.

    1. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      You can but they won’t get any returns.

  6. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Alli and Mitrovic to Soucek and Martial?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Play Soucek as well? Alli and Mitro could score this week.

  7. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Martinez Steer
    Digne Shaw Saiss Justin Ferguson
    Aub Salah Rodriguez Harrison Reed
    Werner Martial DCL

    My wildcard team for everyone asking. Before you make a comments look at my current team in bio before you make fun of me for early wildcarding. Cheers.

    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I got like 30 points lol

    2. Babelcopter
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Awesome team mate! Rooting for you.. All the best!

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks a lot mate. Have to realise I went without Salah so I can't keep on going without him it's absolutely ridiculous.

    3. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Your GW 1 team could easily outscore this team

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I know but I need Salah in the long run

    4. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Would have got you loads of points this week.

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Please don't say that I've wildcarded now

    5. Yome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Need KDB

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Aub will become KDB

        1. Yome
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          In GW 3 I suppose

        2. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I’d change Aubamayang to KDB or Sterling now and captain Martial.
          You can save the transfer then.

          1. Fudgy
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I'm considering it yes

            1. The 12th Man
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              You could do Justin > James then.

              1. Fudgy
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I know but I'm not usually a fan of a 5.0 defender on the bench. I could do Martinez to Leno tho which is a big upgrade really although I see Martinez getting hauls with villa.

                1. The 12th Man
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Just keep it in the bank for when Evertons fixtures turn then maybe Digne >> VVD to get that Liverpool defender.

    6. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Willian over Aubameyang

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm not sure, everyone will cap aubameyang

        1. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Kane and Pulisic out for Martial and Sterling/KDB

          1. Fudgy
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Too late now I've wildcarded lol

    7. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Don't get why people hate on early wildcards. Good for u

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I did it gw2 last year and it worked okay

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I did it the year Leicester won the league to get Mahrez and co from week 2.

        2. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Nice!

      2. Seanigula
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Because there will be a time a few weeks down the road when you really need it...right now we don’t even know the starting 11 for many teams

        1. Fudgy
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I know mate but if Salah scores against Vs Chelsea my rank is in no man's land

        2. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          The odds of that are exceptionally low. Never gotten so bad that u need to transfer out more than 3 people at the same time.

          1. Fudgy
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I'm thinking this myself

    8. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Just because you had a bad week doesn’t mean the team is terrible...just like people who got bailed out by Salah (C) don’t necessarily have a great 11 going forward

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I know but I cant keep playing without Salah, it was torture watching Leeds game

    9. Steinburg FC
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bad week but know why i would wildcard with your current team

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Agreed pal

    10. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      WC’ing after a 1 gw sample size?

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yes I'm fearless

    11. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nice team. Tripling up on Everton.

      No Liverpool defence, are you confident with that?

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not confident but my heart tells me they will keep letting in goals short term

        1. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          You are correct...and I’m a LIV fan

    12. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Mine
      McCarthy
      Digne Trent Dallas Taylor Mitchell
      Sterling Salah Fernandes Klich Soucek
      Werner Wilson Davis

      Yours looks interesting with triple Everton!
      Thoughts??

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Very interesting side. Are u sure about McCarthy? The midfield could be class.

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          No but who else??

          1. Fudgy
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Martinez should have signed for villa soon, that's why I go him

            1. Warby84
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              What about Leno for 5m? Unlikely to get many cleaners but a great shot stopper..

              1. Fudgy
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I'd get him if I could squeeze 0.5 tbh

                1. Warby84
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  May just stick with McCarthy! Fixtures not too bad..

                  1. Fudgy
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    They aren't bad but Southampton also are notoriously good defensively. Ryan could be better too.
                    It's a strong team tbh. Will do well.

                2. Warby84
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  So Wilson Fernandes or Martial/James?? The latter free up 0.5m for a keeper upgrade..

                  1. Fudgy
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Martial is nailed in my squad. Think he explodes this season. Bruno should also be fantastic but is he better than Salah or Sterling/KDB for 1 and 1.5 more?

    13. JamTart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not checked your current team, but that looks good mate.

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks pal

    14. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Also had a terrible week, gonna sleep on it and decide whether to WC tomorrow. I'd go Button as second choice keeper, Heaton will be back up for Villa when fit.

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Okay thanks for the insight

    15. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I thought WC is for Bruno and KDB/Sterling,you will need another one next GW 🙂

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'll just do Aub and Salah to Bruno and sterling then pal . Can't do anything like that now with current team structure

    16. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I got 84 and I'm wildcarding too lol

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Did similar last year. Was super aggressive.

        1. MagicMessi
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Mesleir
          Coleman Gabriel. Lewis. (Justin/Mitchel)
          Auba Willian Harrison. James (Salah)
          Martial. Wilson. Richarlison

          To do Auba + Wilson >> Werner + 9 mid

          1. MagicMessi
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Only concern is bench headache but willing to bench Salah

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

            Richarlison could be gold. If he has his shooting boots on Vs West brom he could definitely get a haul.

  8. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Missed the game. How did Havertz look?

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

      Havertz missed it too.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I see. Him and Werner was a wait and see for me.

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

          Werner looks great.

          1. Royal5
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Aha. Maybe move Kane for him if he fails again. Ty

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not up to speed at all.

    3. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Werner will score if given chances but they’re not there yet. Wait for Pulisic and Ziyech to return before investing.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        True. Ziech and Pulisic will give more service.

    4. Leonard hatred
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      not on the pace. different player to what we've seen previously.

      worth giving him some time to settle in imo - first EPL game isn't enough to say one way or the other.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ty

    5. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No go

  9. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Think I'll start saiss against city. Maybe he'll score 😆

  10. Harmonica1967
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Have Son, Auba, Salah, ASM, Soucek in midfield.

    A). Son to willian
    B). Son/Auba to Willian/KdB of Fernandes (-4)
    C). Son/Salah to Willian/KdB or Fernandes (-4)

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Point chasing.

      1. Harmonica1967
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Or hold FT? Don't have quite enough to do Son to Fernandes

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Keep son.

  11. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    think Jorginho will keep the penalty spots ? he could be the Milivojevic from a couple of years ago. set and forget at 5m.

    1. Steinburg FC
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      100% he keeps pens, when hes on pitch, but hes not first choice Kovacic was suspended today

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        of course, cheers.

  12. Gonzola
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Coleman or Keane?

  13. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Werner's heat map must be all over the place

  14. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Lamptey stood out for Brighton tonight

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      For sure.

      Brighton stood out too. Good effort by the seagulls.

  15. Napoleon IV
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Makes you realise what a good player Willian was (is)

  16. DangerFC
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Yes or no .......son/antonio to greenwood/richarlison??

  17. Slam
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Medium term, which looks best?

    A) TAA+Havertz -> AWB+Bruno (-4)
    B) Havertz -> JRod (1.0 ITB)

  18. Steager
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Alli and Harvetz out for
    A) Bruno and Foden
    B) Rashford and James Rodriguez

    1. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      nah from me

  19. Leonard hatred
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Dont get baited into Lamptey, he'll be at Barcelona within a week.

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What?

      1. Leonard hatred
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Jokes, innit.

  20. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    quick validation boys, to avoidn getting priced out, -8 for saliba vinagre > saiss digne and ings > dcl to fund?!

    Back line of saliba vinagre ferguson tta justin. So only 2 starters at the back as is. Curse nuno and mikel and their new signings need time to bed in BS. lol
    thx

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I like the moves, not sure about a -8. Can you spread it over two weeks or wont price changes allow?

      1. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        im in the sh.t if anyone rises I think, could leave saliba but could miss out on saiss for week 3 onwards. Got 77 points this week so net 69 if I make the moves?!

        1. Steinburg FC
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Better to net 8 points to your ovr come end of season 🙂

    2. Steinburg FC
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      -8 for defensive transfers? no mate just swap Saliba for another 4.5 that you can play the next 5/6 games, and when you get a chance do the other.

      1. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        hear you bro, only a minus 2 for one of them as I only have 2 starting defenders next week! hmm maybe a bit knee jerky, i will look again. thx chaps

  21. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    GW saved by defenders. 60 with no Salah and Mane(c).

    1. Steinburg FC
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Only 53 here, No Salah, Saiss my hero on for 3baps! 🙂

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

    Barkley wasting Werner assist...

  23. Atimis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Who do you recon will perform better in the coming weeks - Bruno or Martial ?

  24. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I can see why liverpool wanted werner. Does a lot of running around out of pistion. Would have helped mane and salah

    for fpl? No thanks

    1. Muchentuchel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Think he will score 20+ goals this season.

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He’s going to be immense for fpl

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lol no points for you then

  25. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    podence is far from being nailed isnt he?

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

      He is.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        cheers

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

    Please start Kepa next week, Lampard 🙂

  27. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So, who goes for Martial:

    A) Werner
    B) Ings

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

      Ings definitely

      Werner still essential GW3 onwards

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yep, people will want double Chelsea attack for that.

    3. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      ings for me bro

    4. Muchentuchel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Ings.
      Werner will defo score against us.

    5. Gonzola
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Ings. Think he's overpriced.

    6. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B easily

    7. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Txs guys, think we all agree then 🙂

  28. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Actually enjoyed this opening weekend 77 out. Time for Le Mans 66 now

  29. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    If Havertz had got a flukey misstimed assist people wouldn't have been thinking 0f getting him out.

  30. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    You can tell Werner is going to do well, just wait until Pulisic is back to feed him

    1. Yome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      And Ziyech too