Dugout Discussion

Timo Werner starts on the flank as Reece James benched for Chelsea

The first match of Gameweek 4 brings a big casualty for FPL bosses as Reece James (£5.1m) finds himself on the Chelsea bench.

He is joined there by Mason Mount (£6.9m), who is also dropped from Frank Lampard’s XI, and injury returnee Christian Pulisic (£8.3m).

Timo Werner (£9.4m) is again stationed on the left flank of the Blues’ attacking midfield three, with Tammy Abraham (£7.3m) leading the line.

New goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (£5.0m) takes over between the sticks after making his debut in midweek, while ex-Leicester defender Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) makes his first league appearance at left-back.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.9m) slots in at right-back, putting the 16.4%-owned James out of the side.

Crystal Palace remain unchanged from their 2-1 defeat to Everton in Gameweek 3. Michy Batshuayi (£5.8m) is ineligible to face his parent club.

As Lampard revealed in his pre-match press conference yesterday, Pulisic is part of Chelsea’s matchday 18 but Hakim Ziyech (£7.9m) remains sidelined.

Pulisic is in the squad for tomorrow. He won’t start, it’s great to have him back. Ziyech is getting closer but not close enough to be on the bench. I think they will all bring the best out of each other.

It’s a shame we haven’t had them. Hakim will bring something completely different for us. I am very excited to have them fit. I have a clear idea of where I want them to play.

The Blues boss was also honest in his assessment of Chelsea’s centre-back situation and has duly replaced Andreas Christensen (£4.9m) with Kurt Zouma (£5.0m) for this afternoon’s clash at Stamford Bridge – one of six changes in the Chelsea line-up.

That leaves Thiago Silva (£5.5m) as the only retained member of the backline which shipped three goals to West Brom last weekend.

“Most coaches will tell you that you can find a pretty settled back two, you strive for it but it’s hard. Last year we had to change a lot, this year will likely be the same.” – Frank Lampard

Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, is hoping a host of senior players will soon be available for selection:

This week we’ve seen the re-emergence of Gary Cahill (£4.5m), James Tomkins (£4.5m) and Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m). They’re gradually coming back but obviously they’ve been out for a long time so they’re not really ready to go straight back into the team.

We’re limiting the contact work as far as he [Van Aanholt] is concerned as it’s a shoulder injury but it’s good to see those guys back in training.

And we’re hoping we might get [Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m)] back in the next few weeks with the international break.

Wilfried Zaha (£7.2m) is again part of a two-man forward line for the Eagles, while Tyrick Mitchell (£4.1m) continues to provide value in the budget defender bracket.

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): E Mendy; Chilwell, Zouma, T Silva, Azpilicueta; Jorginho, Kanté; Werner, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi; Abraham.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Mitchell, Sakho, Kouyaté, J Ward; Eze, McArthur, McCarthy, Townsend; Zaha, Ayew.

1,789 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If Frank doesn’t bring Pulisic (or at least make some sort of change) at half time he should be sacked

  2. yalala
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any news on Rich?

  3. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Chelsea is a great example of why you can't buy success with money

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      actually they are the first time to prove you can buy sucess with money when Roman took over

      1. Pedram
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not this time

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      They were crap! They got loads of money. Won loads of titles. They are the complete opposite. They’ll just keep spending and spending until it works again. Awful club haha

  4. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If Pulisic comes on for Tammy at half time we could have a very different game

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      This!

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

      Lampard still in preseason

  5. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Did Az keep Werner?

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

      Werner and Havertz

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thought he may have followed Sutherns and got Jimmy in. Poor start

        1. soup natsi
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          got jimmy for martial

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah right.. incorrect move imo

    2. Superflymonk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kept the faith. He said he would give them up until the Southampton game when Puli and Ziyech would be back. Guessing his patience is being put to the test right now. Let's see if his knees buckle over the international break.

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

        The IB will cause lots of other fires to sort out, methinks.

  6. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mitchell clean sheet points benched...again!

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      still 45mins to go. plenty of time

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

      Mitchell bench points haunting everyone but don't think it's gonna end like this

    3. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Second on my bench. As it stands Lamptey is coming in for James, so another no show and he's in.

      Early to be talking about the CS tho..

    4. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hope James stay on bench so Mitchell can come in for 6 points and baps

  7. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Can't judge anyone against Crystal Palace tbf

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      They’ve been crap all season

  8. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Liverpool got away with not getting Werner. With Salah and Mane they don't need another guy who runs in behind.

    Harry Kane though, in his current role, would be ideal as a Firmino upgrade.

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      i bet if Werner went to liverpool he probably look world class as well. Salah and Mane (and most of their squad) didn't look half as good when playing for the other team.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Mané was incredible at Southampton

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

      Different player in Liverpool system. I think he’d complete their team.

      That being said, it’s hard to judge as Liverpool’s recent success was built around Firmino doing what he does

    3. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Based on 3 and a half games? You are just clueless.

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

      Kane an upgrade on Firmino in the false 9 role?

      Wow that is ridiculous.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He would be a massive upgrade. How on earth do people still rate Fraudino...

    5. Sterling Malory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You're joking right?

  9. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Praying Maitland Niles doesn't play so I get Mitchell clean sheet.

  10. Superflymonk
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hmm, interesting. Joe has played his wildcard. I thought he had planned on saving it for closer to gw 16 for the doubles nad blanks.

  11. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pulisic & Werner play in a similar area of the pitch ... just saying

  12. Cajunfit
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Werner still more productive than Tammy. Pulisic on for Tammy, Werner back into striker position so Puli can get some crosses in.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Werner don't score that many headed goals. Werner and Abraham off. Pulisic and Giroud on.

      Mendy
      Azpi Silva Zouma Chilwell
      Jorginho Kante
      CHO Havertz Pulisic
      Giroud

  13. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2ft. Now James to Castagne might be 1...

  14. 1zverGGadeM
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Just remembered the main reason that made Werner to choose Chelsea is Frank Lampard 😀

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Must be that joke to serious face transition thing Frank does so well.

      Each to their own.

  15. F4L
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Starting to get my hopes up for a Guaita haul now

    1. Superflymonk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Too early, all it takes is a penalty. And you see how easily they're being given.

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        So you're saying there's a chance of a 15 pointer 😀

        1. Superflymonk
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Erm, like I said about those penalties...

  16. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any chance James gets his place back? Or is he done now?

    1. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hopefully not. Looking forward to Mitchell 6 points first on my bench

      1. COLLIN QUANER
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Read that wrong... I have no idea

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Guess it depends if Frank wants his RB to provide an attacking outlet.
      I'll probably ditch him, especially after he comes on for like a 20 minute cameo today blocking my first sub.

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

      I don’t think it’ll be a worth risk taking to start him vs Southampton even if he does end up taking it back as 1pt cameo risk would be high.

    4. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Chelsea seem like they can’t attack without James and can’t defend without “Dave”.

      1. MrZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Why oh why frank didn't start RJ on wing... No ziyech means reece can play there

  17. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Don't think that I can ever remember such a high percentage of posts slagging off one player (and manager). Poor sod.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      When you come with a reputation and price tag then you got to deliver. Zero goals in 3.5 PL games is not the return you are expecting when you pay that sort of money.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Hardly his fault.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Sort of is. He ain't a guy who goes and says 'I am the man' and goes and scores the goals.

          I see Werner and he looks afraid of the ball. He keeps making runs in behind when noone is going to pass it to him. When you look at Salah or Mane, they step up, take games and try to influence them.

          Werner does not do that

          1. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Arguably, Pulisic is far more of a 'I am the man' type of player. When you see him on the pitch and Chelsea aren't playing well, Pulisic will go 'f*** it' and try to create the spark himself.

          2. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            He didnt come out and declare he would score lots of goals. He hasnt failed any expectations.

          3. spray
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Werner is probably closer to 'Liverpool Salah' than 'Chelsea Salah' was 😛

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

        Not completely his fault. He’s missed a couple easy chances but he’s obviously a top player.

        Chelsea need Ziyech & Pulisic to start

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You must not be on here during game day when someone highly owned blanks.

      They’re all fickle though, watch what a brace would do.

  18. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    James sub in seems likely, Chelsea had 0 attacking threat from the right side in the first half.

  19. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So far I'm delighted to have zero Chelsea 🙂

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

      Same 🙂

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same here. Since GW1 btw

  20. aborg
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    The only Chelsea player I’ll be keeping is Jorginho, just because of the penalties !

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

      Mendy

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

        What about Mendy? Jorginho is the penalty taker...nobody would take over with the record he has.

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Havertz has 13/13

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

            Jorginho 19/21. He took more penalties. The more you take the more chance to miss a few

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

            There Jorginho goes.....Another successful penalty 😉

  21. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Imagine being Mount, Pulisic and Giroud and watching this from the bench. Must be excruciating.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pulisic and Ziyech will be straight in the team when fully fit.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Agree. He has to bring 1 or 2 on at HT

  22. Lukakus Unit
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I think I’m done with Werner unless he gets 10+ points in the second half. He just doesn’t look right on the left flank.

    Should’ve taken the -4 and swapped him out for DCL when he was 7.3.

  23. Cocomelon
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jiminez captains are in for a massive haul this weekend!

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cool

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jimenez has a ceiling of 7 points, but ok.

  24. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Chelsea's players have no idea what they are doing.

  25. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Interesting correlation between CHO Bayern rumours & his number of starts

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Deja vu?

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

        Can’t wait to have him in my team next August

  26. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mitchell rooted to my bench yet again. Come on CHO!

  27. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    saving a transfer during IB bad idea?

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      then I can use mini wildcard and make 3 changes for -4 in readiness for GW6

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I'm considering the same

  28. Bartowski
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I'm gonna be thinking out this woman doing a voice over the next time I see a blatant dive...

    https://twitter.com/JamesKavanagh_/status/1312072376838959104

  29. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Only Captain America can save us now

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      PRAY

  30. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Werner has been my biggest mistake since last week

    1. Cocomelon
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yup, can’t pick someone on back of pure hype.