Dugout Discussion

Fabinho starts at centre-half as injured Gomez and Matip miss Chelsea v Liverpool

The stand-out Premier League fixture of the weekend takes place at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

Liverpool are Chelsea’s visitors, with kick-off in west London at 16:30 BST.

Both managers have made one change to their starting XIs for this clash.

Joe Gomez (£5.5m) misses out with a knock and with Joel Matip (£5.5m) also unavailable because of a minor muscle injury, it’s Fabinho (£5.5m) who is given the nod to partner Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) at centre-half.

New signing Thiago Alcantara (£6.0m) is only among the substitutes, while the rest of the Liverpool side is as expected.

Mateo Kovacic (£5.5m) comes into the Chelsea midfield in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£6.0m) in Frank Lampard’s only alteration.

Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) is still only a substitute, so that means another start for Reece James (£5.0m) and Marcos Alonso (£6.0m) at full-back – the latter going up against Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) down the Liverpool right.

Kai Havertz (£8.5m) gets another chance to impress after his quiet debut at Brighton, while Timo Werner (£9.5m) – still the most-owned forward in FPL by some margin – again leads the line.

Despite his overall popularity, Werner was the most-sold player of Gameweek 2, with over half a million Fantasy managers ditching him.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) wasn’t far behind him for transfers out and no defender was sold by as many FPL bosses as the Liverpool right-back following his Gameweek 1 blank.

The England international scored home and away against Chelsea last season, with the two league meetings between the two clubs returning 11 goals.

Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) was captained by more Fantasy managers than Salah this weekend, meanwhile.

The Egyptian, who hit a hat-trick against Leeds United last weekend, was handed the armband by over 560,000 of us ahead of Saturday’s deadline.


Chelsea XI: Kepa, James, Zouma, Christensen, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Mount, Havertz, Werner.

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Fabinho, Robertson, Henderson, Keita, Wijnaldum, Mane, Firmino, Salah.

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2,462 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What is this coaches going on field thing for cameras,they will see them in dressing room after

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

      Image is everything.

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Results are everything - image is for under-performers - ask Alex 🙂

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

    Leics game is on BBC 😉

    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ah nice, thanks for the heads up!

    2. Party time
        3 years, 6 months ago

        6 goals for Vardy tonight

      • BenDavies
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Will be watching on the sofa for the first time since last season! Normally in my room on a laptop

      • diabydoesgallas
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Didn’t know that, nice one:

      • GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Serious? You the man 🙂

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

      Bleurgh. 40 all out.

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Unlucky man

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

        Quit boasting

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

        Onto the next week, 36 GWs to go 🙂

    4. Planet Jo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Transfer plan for GW3 (have 2 FTs) is getting clearer.
      Keep both Ings and Son.

      1. Havertz > James Rod
      2. Auba > KDB or Sterling

      Any of these worth -4 for GW3?

      A. McCarthy > Leno (other keeper is Steer)
      B. Saliba > James or Marcal
      C. Wilson > DCL or Antonio.

      Thanks in advance for anyone's thoughts.

      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes C. DCL is the best value striker in the game

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yip. Seems to go on 6 or 7 game goalscoring streaks too

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

        Personally I’d leave auba one more week and do DCL

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

      Thinking about it, as there has been 450 penalties already, KDB is a far superior pick to Sterling. Plus he is cappable every game.
      I wanted Sterling, but KDB will get pens too often.
      Has to be KDB I guess, you know 2/3 weeks down the line you will be doing Sterling>KDB anyway

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

        I'm seriously thinking of having both and going without Salah and Bruno.

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

          both isnt a bad call, if you can do that somehow or on wc

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

            Gw5 with 2FT. Time to see them first.

        2. Manani
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          salah is taking pens too pretty sure

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

        Afraid KDB will end plying deep like Bruno yesterday

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

        KDB played 31 games last season in the PL in terms of the minutes he played and got 13 goals and 23 assists. It’s not even a debate, I think Sterling is a very good pick but KDB is a lock in. Won’t leave my team until 38 barring injury

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

          Your loss. Sterling is the better short term pick, his stats without Aguero are just as good.

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Nah it’s not my loss, you’ll pay for not having KDB and try to cram him in. I have Jesus as well so I’m fine with not having Sterling for now.

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

              KDB will come in eventually, not like I'm ignoring him for the season. Sterling better as the (C) pick for the 3-7 run.

      4. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        think Sterling is a better captain option than KDB. KDB returns evenly whereas Sterling has those big hauls. Also don't think you've seen Sterling's stats with Aguero out...

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

        Just go for Jesus, no need think too much

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

        Sterling's grand until he plays in a league or Cup decider. De Bruyne doesn't worry nó matter the game.

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

      51 (assuming TAA bap) with Barnes left. Not great, not bad.

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

        63 with Jimi, Wood and Saiss left. Good score, shame I capped Auba when i have DCL and Son :/

        1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Lmao

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

        64 with Vardy, Egan & Steer to play

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

      Who is best 5.5m mid for wildcard given podence doesn't seem to be nailed?

      Thanks

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

        Look to Leeds - loads there

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

          Yeah but who is best???

          Klick? Harrison? Costa??

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

            Klich is 5.6. Personally tempted by costa

      2. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Jorginho in spite of today

        1. soup natsi
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Not even nailed

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Tippy toe

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

          Not nailed when the other players are back

      3. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        soucek, leeds, doucoure, schlupp, diangana, djenepo

      4. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A 4.5 and get better points by upgrading elsewhere?

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

      Now we move to a hearty 0-0 between Leicester and Burnley. Let's keep it quiet boys.

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Burnley and sheffield clean sheets would cap off a great weekend

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Would suit me but I expect 2.1 or 1.0.

        Actually... Should be a 7 goal thriller to stay with the general mood.

      3. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not what bookies expect...

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

      Is Karius better than Kepa?

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

        yup

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

      Did not expect a huge red arrow this week after DCL and James in the first game. Christ

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

        Same here, it is as nice getting rid of Son till today

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

        Haha. It’s a strange game sometimes

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

      Auba Vinagre ASM to Sterling Saiss Podence/Klich -8 or WC?

      McCarthy/Steer
      TAA/Davies/Vinagre/Justin/Mitchell
      Auba/Salah/Bruno/ASM/Bissouma
      Werner/DCL/Brewster

    12. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wildcard time?

      1. Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Mines activated. No City, no Wolves, no Everton. Ben Davies needs to go along with ASM and Adams. Defo right time

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

          I tend to agree. I have

          Davies
          Vinegre
          Alli
          Havertz
          JWP
          Bertrand

          Deep poop im in.

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

            Normally I’m against an early WC but press that button immediately!

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

        Could be disastrous, many swings happening ...

    13. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kepa joins a long list of very expensive and spectacular failures at that club

      Kepa 72m
      Morata 60m
      Torres 50m
      Shevchenko 40m
      Batman 35m
      Bakayoko 35m

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

        Every top club has a list like that.

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

      I think it's time to hit the WC button.

      Does the following seem sensible, going from this:

      Ryan (4.0)
      TAA Taylor Walker Peters Mitchell (Vinagre)
      KDB Salah Fernandes Soucek (Bissouma)
      Werner Ings (Davis)

      ...to this:

      Ryan (4.0)
      TAA Coady Taylor (Walker Peters, Mitchell)
      KDB Rodriguez Podence Fernandes (Soucek)
      Ings Werner DCL

      0.7 left in the bank.

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

        if you're set on changing formation can't you just downgrade Salah and upgrade Davis for -4?

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

      Thoughts on this?

      Martinez
      Saiss, Keane, ____
      Salah, KDB, Rod, Son
      Vardy, Jimmy, ____

      A) 5.0 + Bamford
      B) 4.5 + Mitro

    16. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      30points with only Taylor to play. what a stinker

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

      Salah away from home about as useful as Joelinton

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He could have got double figures on another day. Did you watch it?

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

          Yes, I meant more in terms of it's like a curse

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            It sure is

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

      do we see Davies getting one more week or will Reguilon come straight in?

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

        I'm confident he'll be gone. Mourinho isn't going to switch to a 3ATB. Davies out on WC

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

          yeah he's on the chopping block for me too anyway, just a relatively nice fixture

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

      I can’t understand how KDB has gone from 90% last night to 40%

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Resets every price change deadline?

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

      What a GW,looks like Bamford alone will outscore Salah(C)+Bruno+KDB

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why are you including kdb? The man literally hasnt kicked a ball yet this season

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

          Thats why its 'looks like'

    21. Isco Disco
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Got off to a really bad start. Need some help folks.
      Havertz -> Son (-8) or Auba -> Salah (-8)?
      OR Save and give them 1 more week?

    22. The real slim shady
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Vardy, Justin and Grealish left. Hopefully reaching first century of point in one GW for this season!
      Atm 94.

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

        94? I'm on like 28 lol

      2. Party time
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Well played. Hats off

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

          Oh my days nice score. I'm on 83 (-4) with Vardy and Ramsdale left so not likely I'll be getting a century.

        • diabydoesgallas
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Well played man!

      3. Party time
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Party time!

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

          There has been more goals scored this weekend than I have points

        • Pedram
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Only Lord Justin can save us now

        • The Wanton Trader
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Just seen, Son with 4 goals and only getting 2 bonus. Wow!

          1. beric
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah its bs. Im selling

            1. The Wanton Trader
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I would. I heard this new guy Havertz that Chelsea have just signed is a class act.

              Easy swap 🙂

              1. beric
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Good shout

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

            Toss-up between him and Kane but have a feeling that someone at FPL has Kane in the team. Usually the way.

            1. The Wanton Trader
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Sounds about right...

        • Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Sigh, time to WC

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

            There's plenty of time to unearth some gems.

        • iL PiStOlErO
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I wish I was Ash so I can catch them all. Too many choices this season. Rotating between all them constantly will be mentaly exhausting. But stick and keep tactic is also exhausting. This game truly is fantasy.

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

            Bout time - was boring just captaining Salah or Mane.

        • Differentiator
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Fernandes and Martial top in 5 outs list when perfect fixtures next 10 weeks LOL

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

            It won't be a happy ending for sellers in couple of weeks.

        • Bury94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Harvey Barnes I'm begging you, please do something to turn this awful weekend into an average one

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

            could have had a hatti last week!

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

            Yeah I'm really hoping that he has his shooting boots on.

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

              And Zaha soon gets his transfer.