Dugout Discussion

Chilwell returns to Chelsea XI as Tuchel explains Alonso and Hudson-Odoi benchings

Chelsea will be aiming to make it four clean sheets in as many matches under their new manager when they face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this evening.

Kick-off in the last of four Premier League fixtures to take place on a busy Sunday is at 19:15 GMT.

The Blues are unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel but the German hasn’t kept an unchanged starting XI in any of his four matches in charge and tinkers with his line-up again this evening.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is one casualty, dropping to the bench and losing his ever-present starter status under Tuchel.

Olivier Giroud is recalled and will be supported by Mason Mount and Timo Werner in the three-man Chelsea attack.

Marcos Alonso also makes way, with Ben Chilwell recalled.

Tuchel explained those two changes ahead of kick-off:

For Marcos, it was no need to take the risk to let him play three in a row in 10 days after a long pause in competition for him. So, there was the choice of Chilly. It was the same reason for Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The German’s final alteration was an enforced one, with Andreas Christensen stepping in to replace the injured Thiago Silva.

Chris Wilder has gone one better than the man in the opposition dugout, making four changes to his line-up.

Kean Bryan and Max Lowe replace the ineligible Ethan Ampadu and the injured George Baldock in Wilder’s two enforced tweaks.

And the regular rotation continues up top, with Oliver Burke and Ollie McBurnie ousting David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp from the front two.

Sheffield United XI: Ramsdale, Basham, Egan, Bryan, Lowe, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Bogle, Burke, McBurnie.

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Chilwell, Mount, Giroud, Werner.


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1,645 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Was is very stupid to play Soucek and bench Gündogan? In retrospect, yes. But I assumed a low scoring game. I probably still have respect for Liverpool as they were so good last season and had so many clean sheets.

    1. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It made sense at the time, just that it's stupid if bench both Gundo and DCL. If in doubt I always play 7 attackers.

    2. chrismoo75
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hindsight always fun. I benched Martinez, DCL and Coufal. Need monster hauls form Bamford/Dallas now

    3. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Soucek has been one of if not the most perplexing adds this year. Capable of hurting you if you bench or don't have, but also lives up to the skepticism at times. West Ham have been almost too hot their assets might cool in the interim. Or not. This year harder to predict.

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

        Not perplexing, IMO - he's a 5.0m 5th mid, who is outperforming his price. He shouldn't be played every week.

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          IMO he's a 5.0m 4th mid (or 5th if playing 3-5-2) who you should play every week. When Salah, Bruno, KDB and Kane were all firing, Soucek was an absolute godsend.

    4. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not at all. Both in form but West Ham had a plum fixture. Just unlucky they had an off day.

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It is a mistake to bench a PK taker imo. So yes, I would say it's a mistake.

    6. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I actually put a bet on City scoring 3 or more goals before the match at but I admit that I was not feeling optimistic at half-time.....

    7. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Right decision in my view, and certainly no worse than a 50/50 call. If it makes you feel better, I ended up with 31 points on my bench this week even though the only debatable decision I made (benching Gundo over DCL) didn’t even hurt me

  2. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    4 - 1 at Anfield. Somewhere Hey Jude is playing. Just beautiful.

    Happy Sunday all.

    1. Party time
        3 years, 1 month ago

        😆

    2. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Team plan after gw24

      All set?

      Martinez,
      Cancelo, Dias, AWB
      Salah, son, Bruno, grealish, Gundo
      Dcl, kane

      3.9 fodder, Targett, Dallas, 4.4 fodder

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have Stones, Cancelo, and Sterling, and 2 FT.

      Who goes for Gundogan who is essential?

      1. Leonard hatred
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        sterling, because he's not very good at football.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Always in the box for a tap in. FPL points over football ability

        2. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          isn't he close to explosion?

        3. Sanchit
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Did you watch the match today?

        4. Sanchit
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          To start for guardialoa you have to be an exceptional footballer.
          Imagine capping the team

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Got to be Stones out.

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I am leaning that way too

      3. HellasLEAF
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cancelo or Sterling for me.

        Honestly I think maybe even Sterling and use those funds elsewhere.

      4. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Nobody is essential. Stick

      5. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Stones > Burnley def
        Soucek > Gundo

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          If you even want him, I'd stick with what you have tbh

          1. HellasLEAF
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Honestly I think Stones is more nailed, cheaper, and has potential for goal scoring off set piece. Concelo is the sexier option but chance for bit more rotation on the wing I think and Stones goal scoring underrated to Concelo crosses.

            Almost a coin flip really.

          2. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I can't stick Gundo will destroy me, he has been destroying me for 4 weeks now

      6. ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Stick. Sterling could have easily hauled more today was unlucky. If choose one, it would be Stones.

      7. mezza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Similar position for me and I’m thinking Cancelo. Just not convinced his attacking threat is high enough to combat the rotation risk.

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Isn't Stones an equal rotation risk?

          1. HellasLEAF
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Pretty much yes. Only Dias is really nailed. No one else on that defence.

          2. mezza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Think he’s a bit safer but it’s anyone’s guess

          3. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Nobody for Stones and he was my first choice since I think with the CL he will be rotated. Even more confused now.

            Hope scouts will make a hot topic for this topic

      8. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I went stones

    4. nerd_is_the_werd
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would you bench boost next game week with the following bench:

      GK: Martinez (AVL)
      DEF: Mitchell (CRY)
      DEF: Konsa (AVL)
      FWD: Brewster (SHU)

      Can make changes but will have to take hits (-4).

      1. aleksaa2
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Nice joke

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          This

      2. Vlekz
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Obviously not. Just save it till GW 38 and then burn it if you must

        • DycheDycheBaby
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          No.

        • chrismoo75
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          two are unlikely to start ? I am planning on BB as in GW26 the top teams are playing each other

        • Sanchit
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          No way

      3. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Current team:
        Martinez, Forster
        Cancelo, Stones, Mee, Coufal, Kilman
        Salah, Bruno, Grealish, Gundo, Soucek
        Antonio, DCL, Bamford

        Think 5 double is enough for dgw24? Could also do Forster > Pope.

      4. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Pope
        Dias Stones Cresswell Digne
        Gundo Bruno Salah Soucek
        Bamford DCL
        Johnstone Dawson Son Watkins

        2ft 1.8 ITB

        Thinking just doing Stones to Cancelo and having 2 transfers for gw25?

        Thoughts??

        1. aleksaa2
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Wait for the desicion on Soucek's RC, if they don't overturn it, he is banned for 3 games

          1. Here's Tom with the We…
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Yes but doing him to Raphina in 25 anyway

          2. Cilly Bonnolly
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            It’ll be overturned.

            1. aleksaa2
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              It should be, doesn't mean it will be. I agree with Tony's opinion, there is no much upside with Cancelo, because of the rotation and CL games will be played very soon, who knows what will Pep do.

              1. Here's Tom with the We…
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                What move would you do then?

        2. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Not a huge fan of that move. I would stick with stones as he and Cancelo are both a rotation risk. I would only do a City defender move if it is to bring in nailed Dias.

          1. Here's Tom with the We…
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I think I have enough cover on the bench for Cancelo though? What move would you do?

      5. zdrojo187
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Anyone on Soucek>Raphina ?

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Soucek red card likely to be rescinded

      6. Gobigorgohome
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        if u wc 25

        why not bb gw26???

        cant understand

        1. luk46
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          most are doing this still, some might wanna get it out of the way

      7. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Madness to be considering Stones and Son to Mee and Gundo?

        Gundo is crazy owned in my MLs and is going to keep destroying me!
        What do I do?

        Martinez
        Stones Cancello Digne
        Sterling Bruno Son Grealish
        DCL Bamford Antonio
        Johnstone Soucek Coufal Mitchell

        1. Here's Tom with the We…
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Can you not do Soucek to Gundo, instead of Son?

          1. Rinseboy
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            yes good shout

        2. Z
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          You are talking about player who is nailled in Mcity, cost less then 6m and his form is beyond the any words....

          I think that i gave you the answer

        3. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I have 3 city defenders and am thinking of the exact transfers. Let us go for it. Son is not necessary for City and we can expect minimal haul vs (whu). Then purchasing for double.

      8. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        When might we hear about Soucek's red card? Surely it is being appealed, right?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          WHU submitted an appeal to overturn RC. It'll be a quick turnaround and should be available for next GW if overturned. Look at Bednareks RC successful appeal

          1. jdp219
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            OK. Wasn't aware it was already submitted.

          2. jdp219
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks.

        2. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Tomorrow. Along with Mike Dean and Lee Masons’s suspension.

      9. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Anyone switching to 2 mids 1 def from City?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I would consider it if I didn't have any other transfers to priorities

        2. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Tempting but defence is still great value though
          Liverpool only had 0.4 non-penalty xG today, the lowest of all teams this weekend

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thinking of adding Gundo & losing Stone to Foden & Dias?

            1. jdp219
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              I was thinking Sterling, but he might be too expensive. Foden a good idea.

        3. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          yep see above Stones to Mee and then getting Gundo in

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers

        4. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Already there.

      10. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I might have just got through this round of the cup, if Bamford plays and doesn't get sent off...but it's been so close!

      11. balint84
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Will Gündo be benched when KDB comes back?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          No, both played when KDB was fit

        2. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          No, more likely Mahrez or Bernardo.

        3. jdp219
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Would be hard to justify a benching.

        4. DannyDrinkVodka
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          no way

        5. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Nope. Only nailed midfielder.

      12. Parsnips
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Might have to get ederson in. Heard he could be their next pen taker

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I think it was meant as a joke!

      13. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Some away kits annoy me irrationally.

        Why is light blue less of a clash than normal blue?

        1. aleksaa2
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          The worst kits game I saw in a long time was MCI at home vs SHU. Awful to watch. Half of the PL teams now have ugly 2nd kit.

        2. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          What did you make of West Brom's kit today?

          1. jdp219
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Garish. At best.

      14. Steager
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I have 2 free transfers, would you do

        Mendy to Forster to enable Wilson to Kane?

        Have Areola who i can use for next few weeks.

        Or just do Wilson to Cavani/Ings and carry a transfer over?

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Just do the Ings transfer

      15. Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        GW 26 any double games?

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yup ; depends on Cup

      16. dwain100
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Benched DCL and Martinez, captained Antonio over Fernandes, then brought in Alonso. Sigh...

        1. jdp219
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Maybe they ascribe to the Ted Lasso way: Believe in believe.

        2. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          V good.

          How was it measured?

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Apparently had a first team last season too.

        2. Je suis le chat
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Liv have really regressed in 2020 and 2021, maybe fatigue, lack of strength in depth. Ah well, back to Pep dominance.

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            It's a squad game and their prime players had a consistent and injury free run from Champions league to Premier league wins.

      17. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Is there a better triple captain option on the horizon that is better than Gundogan this gameweek?

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Depends what chips you have left?

          If you have bench boost and TC then you have to bench boost this week or GW26. If you have TC it has to be Gundogan this week, Bamford next week or someone in GW26

        2. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Potentially (K)ane in a DGW

          1. Bushwhacker
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            This.

        3. Old Bull
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Probably not although I’d worry that he hasn’t been properly rested for a while now.

      18. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Looks like this Chelsea team working out how the manager wants them to play.

      19. ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Mount vs Newcastle next is tempting...

      20. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Chelsea goal

      21. tiger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Mounted

      22. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Mount G
        Werner A

      23. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        On cue... GOAL

        Chelsea

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Nice finish Mason Mount

      24. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Will never understand the Mason Mount hate. Different gravy.

        1. aleksaa2
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Different gravy is a bit of a stretch and overall 99% of the hate torwards any player is unnecessary

      25. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        stupidly put DCL first sub, i have bam and raphina left to play; any chance one of those is benched ?

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Very unlikely without an injury coming up pre-match

        2. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          None whatsoever