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. Easy Cheesy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    If puli is out I’m tempted to get havertz for next week

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Did you watch the game!?

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

      You have not seen him play I reckon?

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Have you watched him at all this season?

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

      He is german Lingard..

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

      If Pul is in ... then yeah

    6. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Is Lampard still fielding a 4-3-3 with Havertz on the wing? Everyone except him seem to know that Havertz has to play behind the striker! No point in playing him for a 4-3-3...

  2. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Looking forward to Werner (C) next GW 🙂
    Casuals will kick him out before WBA, lol!

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

      He must have three injuries by now. I say him limping on his right knee..then holding his left ankle... then his shoulder. Plus their attack just doesn’t flow. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tammy start next week.

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        He has looked vert good though...the rest of the team not so much so weird if they bench their only hope

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

    How does this City-less WC team look like?

    Ryan
    TAA - Saiss - R. James
    Salah - Son - Hames - Greenwood
    Werner - Jimenez - DCL

    4.0 - Justin - Mitchell - 4.5

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

      Greenwood rotation risk? Zaha more nailed?

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

        I don't think so. James was horrendous yesterday and Man United doesn't have any other options if they don't sign new RW.

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

          Good to go then. Follow Werner injury updates before GW deadline. He might have a few knocks.

      2. Tasty Jerk
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yep, you need Zaha.

  4. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    DCL or Richarlison?

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

      Own dcl but Richarlison much more attacking imo.

  5. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    How’s this shaping up for next week assuming no injuries? Only hit might be Aubameyang to Sterling or KDB

    McCarthy
    TAA Egan Dier KWP
    Salah Aubameyang Rodriguez Podence
    Werner (c) Martial

    Button Justin Burke Brewster

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

    I Just activated my WC.. this week has been too frustrating
    How does this look?

    Martinez
    Robbo Saiss Zouma
    Greenwood KDB Salah Zaha JRod
    CLewin Jimenez

    Steer- Lamptey- Mitchell - Brewster

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

      Greenwood + Zaha + JRod = you have picked all 3 candidates from the 7-7.5 mid range? You could consider downgrading one to upgrade Brewster (Wood, Mitrovic, Antonio?). Otherwise, if one of the 3 mids injures themselves or blanks, you don't really have replacement options available.

  7. Captain Hindsight
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    How will Bale effect Son?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He will draw men off him

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        And assist/ convert passes

        (They hope!)

  8. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Did we learn anything about the pool defence today?

    Worth investing in again?

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

      They were never not worth investing in..

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

      Yes. That they still look vulnerable, even against 10 men

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

      I am looking at Trent + Robbo on WC as Alacantra addition just improved their distribution markedly

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

      Fabinho >> Gomez and Matip

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

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Egan Dier KWP Mitchell
    Son Salah Auba ASM Ceballos
    Werner Mitro Wilson
    WC or no?

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

      Don't think so. ASM and Auba out looks good. Maybe Werner can wait a week.

    2. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      McCarthy - get rid

  10. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    More than half a million managers sold Son this week!

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Trollmendous

      1. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Probably the same number of managers will transfer him in this week 😀

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

          I sold him after activating wc in morning and he is back in. Lost 0.1mn but happy with 25pts

          1. Karan14
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            In for me also but will be leaving after I hopefully earn the 0.1m.

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

              Haha. I nevrr WC so early but got really screwd by Maximin Che Adams Mcxarthy. Also needed transfer for Auba to Sterling/kdb and get on Jrod/Dcl train

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

      Son > Utd/City was an obvious move, even more obvious after their performance last week. Casuals kept him.

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

        Not after he created couples if chanced and shots in everton loss. Even watching highlights would have made you keep him

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

          couple of*

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

          No you wouldn’t. Glad another transfer was more important to your team, be happy!

      2. djoker_nole
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Some would say Casuals went for Bruno

      3. Das Boot
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Casuals, aye right

    3. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Im buying him this week. Thanks guys 🙂

  11. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    WC or hold? (£2.4m itb, 0FT)

    Mcarthy
    TAA Dallas KWP Mitchell
    Salah Aub JRod
    Werner DCL Mitro

    steer asm* bissouma* justin

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

      I would wc as Leeds Soton cant defend and may need Mcity civer for Auba. Plus Maximin to remove as well

  12. Crouching Tiger
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I was drunk last night and kind of rage transferred Son out. Lol at me, at least I got a nice parting gift.

    Still not sure whether I should wildcard, fixtures not looking great. Keep or WC?

    Ramsdale (Nyland)
    Taylor - TAA - Doherty - Walker-Peters (Justin)
    Salah - Auba - Rodriguez - Zaha (Reed)
    Vardy - Mitrovic (Brewster)

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

      Good team. Hold

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

      Transferring Son out was logically correct. Lucky pts grab is always good, I had it from Nketiah yesterday!

  13. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I honestly don't understand how so many people have havertz

    1. money face bandwagon
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Usually people start the season with a punt or 2

    2. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Ziyech was injured so people swapped him for Havertz to get double Chelsea attack with Werner. The 7.5-8.5 mid slot was not exciting initially since Greenwood had blank GW1, Pepe vs Willian we had no idea which one starts and JRod was signed so late lots of people either missed the transfer, did not think he would play GW1 in the XI and/or did not believe in Everton. In that price range, Havertz seemed like a risk worth taking.

  14. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    McCarthy - 4.0
    TAA - Digne - Tierney - C.Taylor - Mitchell
    Salah - Auba - JWP - Soucek - Bissouma
    Werner - Martial - Mitro

    Front 3 will do for the next GW, just gotta give them a chance with those fixtures.
    The rest is shaky...

    WC or rather -4 or -8 even here..?

  15. FeverPitch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) J Rodriguez and a 4.5 fodder forward for the bench. 352
    B) Jiménez and a 4.5 mid for the bench. 343

    Thanks

    1. R Whites
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Im going both in a 3-5-2 i think

  16. rupopo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    And I was sooo convinced I would be patient this season. WC activated..

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Same story every season

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yep

  17. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA, Taylor, Mitchell
    Auba, Salah, Son, ASM, Soucek
    Werner, Martial

    Steer, Holding, Justin, Davis

    Would you WC ?

    No City (want KDB)
    No Everton (want J Rod)
    No Wolves (want Saiss and Jimenez)
    ASM injured (only Holding (liv) and Justin (mci) and Davis who probably won't start on the bench)
    McCarthy likely to be dropped (non-playing keeper on the bench)
    Werner and Martial not firing
    Starting a 4.0m Defender

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yes I would but Werner looks sharp and will you remove before WBA?!

  18. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Lucky McCarthy owners getting Steer off the bench tomorrow

    1. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nice. Forgotten about that thanks for reminder!

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

      Why? McCarthy played.

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

      Lol! believe its the other way round!

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

        I actually played Steer in a hope he may start ... we shall see!

    4. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Autosubs might be bugged. I didn't get Digne for Egan last weekend...

  19. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Saka, Auba, and Bissouma to Zaha, Son, and Pereira?

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      for a -4

  20. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is AWB or Fosu Mensah first choice RB for united now?

    1. Crouching Tiger
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      TFM was awful. Can't really remember a good game from him. AWB probably still working on his fitness, but he is first choice when fit.

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ah thanks for the info, didn't realise that was a factor. Was he injured or just not match fit?

        1. Crouching Tiger
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Nobody from ManU was match fit, but they had to field starting eleven...

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No way.

    3. Andre W
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      AWB

    4. HNI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Dont go near their defence unless they get a CB. Lidnelof is trash and worst thing about him is he doesnt believe it nor he wants to improve. Worst mindset for a footballer

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah i thought united were on the up, so i got AWB. But looking at that team yesterday with James and TFM starting, they looked pretty awful

  21. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone going without TAA on WC?

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nope

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

      I was tempted but he was much more advanced today first half.

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        So was Robbo. I am looking to save that 0.5 off

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

          go for it.

    3. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Very tempted. But not brave enough

    4. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No

    5. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The community emphasised patience all of last year leading up to the 24 point LEI game

      He looks miles off tbh, but give him time or have a quick route to get him in

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

      I'm 50-50 right now. Didn't start the season with him

    7. Andre W
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That ownership though.. reckon he hauls in the next couple weeks too

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        They look very suspect at the back. As long as they don't get clean sheets, I won't be much worried.

    8. HNI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I am actually looking at robbo + taa on wc as they going to get more distribution with Alacantara. Even with only 13cs last time they scored 180-210 pts resp. Much more than I can expect even from Jrod / Zaha having same price who I wont captain as well

  22. Mr Bird
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So my GW started grey with the DCL hattie but it quickly deteriorated because I kept to the plan of offloading Mane and Son for KDB and Fernandes!

    Any roughs worse than that?!

    1. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Started great*... I can’t even type anymore!!!

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

        I wondered how you got a grey arrow with a hatrick

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

      Damn that was so bad . 45 points

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

      Continue with these knee jerk moves you probably will finish on wrong side of 100k rank again. This gw knee jerk out Werner before WBA because he blanked lol

      1. Mr Bird
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        It wasn’t knee jerk, I planned for it. Just turned out the plan didn’t work.

  23. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Do I go for Son or Hamez?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Tough. Probably Hamez by a shade because he's cheaper. Still not convinced that Spurs are actually any good. Two more games to see.

      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Exactly my thoughts. Spurs aren’t going to score 5 goals every game.

        1. Crouching Tiger
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          And Bale needs to work out his match fitness, he was awful against Finland for the 45 minutes he played. Not sure how that will affect Spurs squad...

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

            Bale is part player. Have you seen his injury record? And this is much more physical Epl! Will be achievement if he gets 20 matches

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

      Hamez

    3. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      slightly prefer son because the fixtures and easier jump to pulisic at some point

  24. Andre W
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Auba/ASM to KDB/Podence for a -4 makes sense right? Will wait till after the City,Wolves match

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Sounds decent.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Is Podence nailed? They signed a striker

        1. Andre W
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          You taking about Silva? Nuno often takes a while to integrate transfers so hoping Podence can perform well and nail down a spot.

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Could be another tranafer down the line though..

            1. Andre W
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              True. Is there anyone else you prefer up to 6m. Think he’s one of the standout options at that price

            2. HNI
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Can always get Soucek once his matches become easier

  25. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    One thing I would say about FPL is that patience is generally king. Yes, we're haemorrhaging points and ranks, but the points are all over the show atm and most importantly, double down on patient habits.

    Why does Ronka, Bubz, Mark, Carlsen, Cruyff Tom do well bearly every single year? They don't panic, they're patient and they don't get hung up on missed hauls and bad gameweeks

    1. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      nobody wants to spend the season chasing 100+ points from their ML rivals let alone the 200+ points in the OR's.

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That applies to life health money everything. The best have relentless patience.

  26. skodaole2
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Watching Liv vs Chelsea i dont know if Liv were that good or Che were that bad. Next week's defence is

    Dier (NEW) James (wba) Targett (ful) Justin (mci) Castagne(mci)

    a) Would you take a hit (money no issue) to bring a LIV defender considering they play vs Arsenal?

    b) Would you take even two hits knowing that these 8 points should come back? I can do now Targett + James -> Robertson + TAA (-8)

    c) Take no hits since probably Arsenal will score and just field Dier James and any of the other three.

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

      C for me. bring TAA or Robertson after the next GW.

  27. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Saiss Davies
    Salah Auba Son ASM
    Werner DCL Mitro
    ___
    Nyland Justin Bissou Ferguson

    Pretty set on Auba to KDB.. What to do with ASM though? Seems like I need to take a hit..

    1. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Im switching for one of the Leeds lads

  28. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Terrible week - any suggestions?

    Happy to wildcard or take a hit or two...

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Dier Saiss Mitchell Ferguson
    Salah Auba Rodriguez ASM Bissouma
    Werner Martial Adams

    Cheers.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Given you could sell 1 or 2 GK, min Dier, 2 or 3 mids, 1 - 3 fwds etc

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Work out the best -4/-8 and decide.

    2. PartyPooper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      In your case i wouldnt WC i think.
      But its close 🙂

      For the most part we have the same team, only also have Lewis (prolly injured after that Bissouma kick), Doherty instead of Dier and no Hames. Should I wildcard that sorry lot?

  29. llmja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A. TAA+ASM to J.Rod + VVD
    B.Doherty + ASM to J.Rod + Saiss

    2 FT
    1.0 ITB

    Thank

    1. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B for sure. Not sure Doherty worth price

  30. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Fpl Statistics
    @fpl_statistics
    ·
    6m
    There are currently lots of wild cards active (this is the norm early in the season). So expect lots of overly enthusiastic predictions. Machine learning algorithms are making adjustments to compensate - hence the jumps in the prediction Tar%s. Hopefully calmer later tonight.