Dugout Discussion

Injured James and Antonio miss out as Lampard benches Havertz and Giroud

The final Premier League fixture before Christmas is a London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Bringing Gameweek 14 to a close, Chelsea v West Ham United kicks off at 20:00 GMT.

The Blues will be without Reece James (£5.3m), with the widespread media reports that hinted at his possible, injury-enforced absence proving to be accurate.

The long-serving Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.6m) comes in at right-back and is one of three changes that Frank Lampard has made from Gameweek 13, with Jorginho (£4.8m) and Tammy Abraham (£8.2m) replacing the benched Kai Havertz (£8.2m) and Olivier Giroud (£6.7m).

Speaking of those last two changes ahead of kick-off, Lampard said:

It’s just a rotation and looking at different attributes of players against the opposition.

With Tammy, some energy in the team from the front. Oli’s been fantastic and can come in from the bench.

With Kai, similarly. I’ve got midfield players who are competing, I have to have a good level of competition. Nothing against Kai, he’s finding his feet and he will find his feet.

There is still no Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m) in the Chelsea squad despite the Moroccan returning to training at the back-end of last week but another recent absentee, Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m), is on the bench.

West Ham have their own injury problems, with Michail Antonio (£6.2m) absent yet again because of a hamstring problem.

David Moyes said of the forward ahead of the match:

He’s getting closer but not ready for the game. He’s a big miss for us, undoubtedly, but hopefully, we’ll get him back soon.

Manuel Lanzini (£6.4m) misses out with a similar issue.

Fabian Balbuena (£4.5m) has recovered from a minor groin problem to start, at least, with the Paraguayan ousting Issa Diop (£4.3m) from the Hammers’ starting XI.

Mark Noble (£4.6m) also makes his first start in the Premier League since September as Moyes looks to bolster his midfield for this tricky away trip.

Said Benrahma (£6.0m) is the man to make way to accommodate the West Ham skipper.


Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Jorginho, Kante, Mount, Werner, Abraham, Pulisic.

West Ham XI: Fabianski, Coufal, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Bowen, Noble, Fornals, Haller.

Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 14

1,979 Comments Post a Comment
  1. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this lot for DGW19*?

    Johnstone*
    James* Coufal* Balbuena*
    Salah (TC) KDB Bruno* Son Raphinha*
    Vardy* Bamford*

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      It's a bit like RMT with 4 weeks to go before GW1.
      West Ham defence not looking great etc.

  2. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who To C for GW 15 ?
    A- Robbo
    B- Burno
    C- Kane
    D- KDB
    E- Mahrez
    F - Bamford
    G- Grealish

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

      D

    2. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      H. Salah

      1. SuperG
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

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

      You don't have Salah ...

    4. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      G

  3. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts!?
    Greenwood and Mitchell -> Raphina and Coufal free
    Next week KDB and Targett -> Son and Trent -4
    For dgw Martinez -> Fabianski.

    2FT 0.0 ITB
    Martinez
    Targett Chillwell Stones
    Greenwood Bruno Salah KDB
    Adams Kane Bamford

    Foster,Lamptey,Burke,Mitchell.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      All big improvements on current form

  4. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Lamptey > ...
    1) Dallas
    2) Stones
    3) Taylor

    McCarthy, Forster
    Chilwell, Targett, Lamptey, KWP, Kilman
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Soucek
    DCL, Bamford, Wilson
    (fwiw -- will probably play FH in bgw)

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      3

    2. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      3. No love for Coufal?

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Stones

  5. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    WILDCARD owners

    When to use and what kind of players have to own ...

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Which wildcard?

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        First one

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      27 December - watch Blackbox - copy Mark's team

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He'll change it after the show.

        1. Vazza
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          That’s inevitable

          1. Fulchester's New Centr…
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            27 December - watch Blackbox - get all the players Mark says he is considering but decides against?

  6. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell > Dias -8?

    Can’t afford TAA or Robbo (yet)

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Well it's only a -4 so just look at that move in isolation.

      Who would come in for Chilwell otherwise?

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

        How on Earth is it only a -4? Please explain the breakdown.

      2. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I haven’t got any starting defenders on my bench. So it’s -4 vs 0 points essentially

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

      Is your bench (+8) scoring more than Dias?

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I have no bench 🙁

        Mitchell & Johnson lol

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

          How can it be a minus 8? Dias costs less.

          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            What

  7. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I think I've landed on my wildcard team (Gw16). What's the obvious glaring error?

    Mccarthy Johnstone

    TAA Coufal Taylor Dallas Robertson

    Salah Fernandes Bowen Raphinha Soucek

    Kane Bamford Adams

    1.0m leftover.

    Gw 20: Kane(Vardy) & Bowen - > 6.0m & KDB

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Needs the following

      Son
      Grealish
      City defender
      Chelsea defender

      These players are fixture proof and are season keepers

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Well I'll have a City defender this week & gw18 which are arguably their 2 best fixtures in the next few weeks. (Same goes for KDB)

        If Chilwell is fit, he'll probably stay instead of TAA.

        With Son & Grealish. Can't have them all but they are definitely 2 of the scarier options not to own

        1. Vazza
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Re Son and Grealish, yes i would be worried going without these two. Do you really think your revised team would outscore your current team?

          I still have my WC and really don’t want to make changes just for the sake of it.

          As soon as I see players like Johnstone, Coufal, Dallas, Raphinia, Bowen, Soucek, Adams in WC teams, I really feel that we are destroying our teams just for that DGW.

          I’m so confused so please feel free to ignore my comments

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

      Double Pool defence, Salah, Kane and Bruno, plus wanting a BB in GW19 doesn't make for a good 11.

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Who am I missing?

        Don't all teams get made up of average players once all the premium spots are filled?

    3. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Shocking midfield

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Any suggestions other than Son or Grealish?

  8. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I have to bench one of Taylor or Wood next GW vs Leeds...
    Suggestions?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Taylor. This wouldn't even be a question in my mind.

      Leeds score goals but also concede loads. There's your answer 😉

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I know mate. But Villa Burnley says Hi. It just didnt wanna go in:)
        I will probably start Wood

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Burnley are far better defensively than Leeds though

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

      If it has to be one of those, then probably bench the defender. Wood more chance of points you'd think.

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

  9. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mccarthy Steer
    Cresswell James Dallas Taylor Mitchell

    2ft
    0.3 itb

    James to who? Baring in mind dgw19. Thinking Vestergaard but that would leave me with double saints defence.

    Happy with midfield and attack.

    Cheers.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dier or Stones.

  10. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How is this for WC in GW16? Also should I keep money itb or upgrade Soucek to some 5.5 mid?

    Mendy Steer
    Dias Justin Dallas Taylor Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek Romeu
    Kane DCL Bamford

    0.4 itb

    Ideally would love to have city attacker also but first want to see them play something for a change.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Soucek essential for me, but Raphinia is 5.4

    2. Bounce
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      We have the exact same team almost!

      McCarthy Johnstone
      Dias Justin Dallas Taylor Coufal
      Salah Bruno Son Soucek Raphina
      Kane DCL Bamford

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        GL to us 😉

        1. Bounce
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I just WC'd to this team half an hour ago, so we're both thinking along the same lines.

          1. iL PiStOlErO
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Nice, my plan is to wc next gw, cause in current team have Grealish and want him in gw15. This is why I've putted some money itb

            1. Bounce
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              That was also my plan, but injuries to Chilwell and James made me decide to use the WC a week earlier.

  11. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Chilwell, Dias, Dallas
    KBD, Bruno, Mahrez, Grealish
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    2fts, 0.5m.

    1) Kane to 7m, Mahrez to Salah, play Coufal over Chilwell if injured

    2) KDB to Salah, Chilwell to 5.5m

    3) KDB to Salah, Mahrez to Son, Kane to 9m, play Coufal over Chilwell if injured

    4) Go without Salah

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably 1

  12. Tekkerslovakiaftw
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How bad was chilwells injury? Worth subbing for Dias today?

    1. FPLMACKEM
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm debating this right now. Dias going up tonight but think I will still hold and wait for news.

    2. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ankle sprain, I would hold unless no other move to make

    3. Tekkerslovakiaftw
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      The transfer would give money to upgrade a non playing defender so I might need the 0.1 but will feel pointless if chilwell starts the next game

  13. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Did Chilwell s injury look bad? Out long term or back next week we reckon?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Can't see him being fit for the next two but that's only a guess.

      Looked like a sprain most likely. Again, just a guess

    2. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Frank already saying he's likely out this weekend. He came back on for a few minutes, so may just be a twisted ankle that wasn't worth chancing something worse.

  14. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I’m ranked 150k do hardly a causual.

    Would I be foolish to not use my first wildcard? I really don’t know which players to buy/sell..

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      So hardly a casual^

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You don't have to make many changes.
      If you aren't interested in GW18/19 then stick to the current plan.

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

      Without posting/linking your team, no one else would know what players you need to buy/sell either.
      If you're ranked 150k and your team is set up well enough, then you don't have to use your WC at all.

    4. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Surely there's 2/3/4 changes you can make. You don't get any reward for not using it 🙂

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

      My ML leader is a career casual and in the top 20k or so.

    6. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, that would be foolish

    7. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wait until the last minute then. Maybe an injury will occur.

  15. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What's the best chip strategy if you have already used your first WC?

    Looking for suggestions.

    1. LikeItLoveIt
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good podcast by planet fpl this week that goes into it

  16. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Such a headache trying to plan for these fixtures!

    Have 6 (7 including Brewster) starters for BGW18 and 6 DGW GW19 players, an annoyingly even split

    Thinking about aiming to add 1, 2 or 3 more for BGW18 over the coming weeks, including Son (whose Sheff Utd fixture in 19 is arguably as good as a DGW)

    Then aim to have 2 FT for GW19 and scope for a -4 or -8 to try and get 9 DGW players + Kane + Son

    Then may TC on Salah

    Really not keen on FH18 as it uses the best chip in the game for really average fixtures with your 3 players for the best fixture (Man City Brighton) at the mercy of Pep's rotation.

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

      Plan sounds feasible. Agree FH in 18 seems a bit of a waste, given the mainly average fixtures
      FH in 19 will be popular

  17. Marcin the Pole
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would anyone do KDB to Salah for free? Will be WCing next week anyway so is a case of who scores more this week.

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

      close.
      I think City score goals v Newcastle... Big Sam is going to be pretty negative and play for a 0-0.

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I reckon it just about pays off this week. I'd prefer both though of course

      1. Marcin the Pole
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Me too my friend, but not convinced its worth taking a hit for (and losing Kane/Son against a ragged Wolves). KDB just not cut the mustard unfortunately.

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

      Yes.

  18. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone know if James and/or Ziyech are back for boxing day?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      From what I've read in the Athletic, James will also miss the next game. Its hard too see Ziyech being put straight back into the starting 11

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think both are likely crocked for xmas

  19. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Current defence is Chilwell | Dallas | Coufal | Taylor | Mitchell

    0.0 ITB, should I do Chilwell to Stones?

    1. upforgrabs
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’d prefer Dias or Zouma.

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

        I don't see the difference between the two city defenders personally, one is 0.8 cheaper.

    2. Duane Dibley
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd wait for a Chilwell update plus City play tomorrow night in the cup so I'd hold off for that game before making any moves

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        You may not find out much tomorrow. Both stones and Dias going up tonight

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

          Yes, hence why I would like to do the trade.

          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Do it

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

              how many do you think he will miss?

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

            Although if he is only missing a week, then it may not be worth it as he is 6.2 and 5.9 for me.

  20. upforgrabs
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) Rodrigo + Coufal
    or
    B) Adams + Balbuena

    Already have Bamford btw.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  21. bennyp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What to do here?

    Meslier - (Caprille)
    Chilwell* - Dias - Cancelo - Taylor - Mitchell
    Salah - Son - KDB - Podence - Jota*
    Cavani - Giroud - Adams

    1ft & 0.4itb.

    Jota needs to go. Thinking Chilwell & Jota -> Robbo/TAA & 4.5 for a -4...
    Thoughts?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Very good. Neither Jota or lilely Chilwell will be getting anything any time soon

      1. bennyp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeh. Think Matip is nailed now too? Frees up some funds

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yes, if he stays fit. Big if though.

  22. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have Robertson, would transferring Chilwell to TAA be too much in defence?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not for the next two it wouldn’t be

  23. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    1st WC spent. Any good reason not to FH 19 if I can field 11 in 18 without hits?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Allows me to keep 5 players with fixtures in hand and take advantage of the DGW

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Then yes. Actually, I meant no reason not to.

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sounds ideal if you don't have a WC

  24. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell to Dier for a -4? Otherwise I won’t have 3 playing defenders

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yep

  25. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Matip or Dier?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dier. Matip too fragile.

  26. Fulchester's New Centr…
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    1000 points, 2FT, all my chips left. What should I do?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Be grateful 😉

  27. martyhan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell and neco Williams to Zouma and alioski for free?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Are we sure Chilly is out for a while?

      1. martyhan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        If he is that is.

      2. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No, Lampard said it looks like he'll miss the Arsenal game. No idea if he's out longer.

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Well the next game is only 2/3 days later so he surely misses that too

  28. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Can’t find my previous post, so reposting..

    Got 2FT’s and 0.3m itb, what are my best moves here? Just something like James > Dier?

    Martinez (Meslier)
    Coufal - Dallas - James - (Lamptey & Taylor)
    Salah - KDB - Bruno - Soucek (Burke)
    DCL - Kane - Bamford

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Something exactly like that

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

        Dier, Cancelo or Stones?

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

          Vestergaard?

        2. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Dier is nailed as can be and nice fixtures. Also a decent fixture, though no double, depending on what you want to do in 19. Only concern would be Mourinho death-spiral fear.
          Stones from City. Pep seems to love him at the moment and cheap

  29. Huddersfield
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is it crazy that i don't want to lose any of Salah KDB Son Bruno Grealish DCL & Bamford cause i will lose so much to get them back?

    Only way to do that is to gamble on Sheffield CS vs Newcastle and ride the BGW18.

  30. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    James replacement... pick one?

    A. Dier
    B. Cancelo
    C. Stones

    1. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A for security of starts

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

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

      A.

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

      C

    4. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Replied on previous page