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. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking of

    GW 24 - Soucek > J-Rod (Bench Bamford away at Arsenal)
    GW 25 - J-Rod > Raphinha

    Will ultimately cost me a -4 with some other moves baked in.

    Kind of feels lie Everton's second game (MCI) is worth 2 points...can't see much of a result so tis gives me pause.

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

      Not sure if James is worth it. Minutes can be managed. Do you consider Lookman and extra def from Bur?

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

        Yeah Fulham mid is the other thought. They just don’t seem threatening even if the fixtures are better.
        Not in a place to mess with def. got 2x MCI and Dallas so plenty of double coverage.

  2. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    WC in 25 most likely.
    Soucek and Targett -> Jrod and Pieters -4?? Or any suggestions would be great

    Martinez
    Pieters AWB Stones Cancelo
    Rashford Bruno Sterling C Jrod
    Antonio DCL

    Forster,Bamford,Son,Mitchell

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

      Just Target to Pieters? Not sure if James outscores Son by 4 points.

      Are you staying as-is with your City assets? Not swapping around to get Gundo?

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

    Was pretty certain on holding my 3 City assets and get Bur defence, but with another performance from Gundo it’s hard to ignore him.
    What would you do here guys with 2ft and 2.6itb?
    1) Barnes Dallas/Coufal -> Rash Taylor/lowton. Keep current 3 City assets
    2) #1 and Sterling -> Gundo for -4 for security of starts
    3) Barnes Cancelo/Stones -> Gundo Mee. Double up on City attack and get Bur def
    4) Sterling Barnes -> Gundo Rash. With an option to get Bur def/gk for -4

    Team is:
    Martinez
    Stones - Coufal - Cancelo
    Son - Bruno - Sterling - Barnes
    Laca - DcL - Antonio

    Johnstone, Justin, Dallas, Raphinha

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1 of those. I don’t think it’s worth playing around with Sterling > Gundo this week

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

        Cheers, just not trusting Sterling with captaincy as he can easily get benched in 1 game of the double whilst Gundo is nailed

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I do hear that but I don’t think that switch is worth a -4

          Hmm maybe option 3 then

  4. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best Dier replacement?

    Was thinking of Dallas with double GW in mind since I have a spare transfer to use & he probably won't play this week anyway.

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

      Burnley def?

  5. tom_p77
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this a good plan for DGW24:
    Stones > Dias
    Coufal > Mee

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not really

      1. tom_p77
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you very much.

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

    Rudiger out for Mee -4? Didn’t watch the game, probably for the best.

  7. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start one

    A) Dallas
    B) Son
    C) Barnes
    D) Smith Rowe

    Tempted by Smith Rowe... is that ridiculous?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It has to be Son of those. Still has the highest ceiling of those 4

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

        Son

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Either start or sell Son.

      1. Mufc202020
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        why start or sell? Is benching him for Man City and starting him after that not a viable options??

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Just feel a player like Son has to start if you own him.

          1. Royal5
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            A game like City also suites him much better than a team playing deep.

  8. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    People holding on to Antonio?

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

      I'm shipping after the SHU match

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Feels wrong to sell when West play SHU

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

          Ofc, he could haul easily, the best fixture you can ask for

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Regrettably for now.

      Hoping I’ll be able to work him out to Kane over next couple

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      For this week. Might get Adams for him next week

  9. Tanglebrain
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I wonder if the snow could cause a postponement tomorrow night? A lot of points off the bench enabled if so!

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

      20 points going in for me if it is called off. I'd be happy.

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

      Not really, games are usually postponed because of fans and transportation to the stadium. They are hardly postponed just because of the weather.

  10. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Foden to Gundogan too sideways?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yh. Why move Foden? Great form.

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

      Yes

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

      No. Gundogan looks more nailed on. But maybe both with their DGW next?

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

      Think Foden and Gundo could be a wash by GW's end..

      nay

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

    Anyone taking a punt on Ashley Barnes this GW?

    Thinking for a hit:

    TAA to Mee
    Wilson to Barnes

    Then WC in next couple game weeks. Yay or nay.

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you're gonna punt on a striker, Id suggest Cavani

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

        I like Cavani. And Watkins. But the Double plus next week home to Fulhamn Burney have top fixtures..

        1. Alisson WondHaaland
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Id back Cavani vs WBA + NEW more than any of those DGW teams. Burnley just never score tbh, maybe Wood if he's confirmed back but thats the most Id go

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes not worth it imo!

  12. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed
    Evening all.

    What would you do with 2FT here? I only have WC and TC left. Depending on how DGW26 looks I’ll either play WC for then or later.

    A) Robbo > Mee/ Tark (double up with Pope)
    B) Robbo > AWB or Shaw as longer term picks
    C) Robbo > Digne
    D) Any of the above + Soucek > ? (Raph for DGW25/ Jorginho/ ?)

    2FT 1.2itb
    Pope
    Dias, Stones, Coufal
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Gundogan (C)
    DCL, Bamford, Antonio
    (Martinez) (Soucek*, Robbo*, Dallas)

    Cheers!

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

      A out of those mate. Nice 3 fixtures for Burnley, can get MU for Coufal for gw25.
      Help above please?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I’m liking the idea of double BUR defence less and less!

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

          Personally think they will get a clean sheet in 2 out of 3.
          But MU def is great shout long term. I’d go Shaw. Much more creative than Awb although atm numbers are similar. For 4.9 a no-brainer

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks mate. Yeh I’m leaning heavily towards Shaw. Also spreads the risk

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

      B, Pope + 3City + DCL is enough for this double. Digne is a great player, but I honestly don't see Everton keeping a CS against anyone with Olsen and Pickford in goal, so I wouldn't bring him in just for his possible attacking returns. UTD have 2 great fixtures and a possible dgw, so I would pick one of their defenders.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks mate. I’m leaning towards that option.

        You think AWB worth the extra or just go Shaw?

        Would you just hold Soucek on the bench and maybe switch to Raph for their double next week?

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

          You can go with Shaw, you have 5 playing defenders, so you'll be ready (bench wise) for the odd rotation.

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

            Yes, I'd transfer Raphinha in for their double.

          2. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks mate. Now the only issue is who I’d bench for Shaw as I’d have to start him this week!

            Bamford? Coufal?

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

              Can't help you with that, my worst fpl desicions are around Arsenal. That's why I have a rule not to have more than one Arsenal player in my team. I either think we are too bad or overestimate our abilities.

              1. Don Kloppeone
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Lol I get you. We all have blockers like that!

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B for sure if United win their cup tie

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers! I think it could be the best option even if they don’t win in the cup. They are in v good form

        Shaw the better pick because it enables more funds elsewhere?

    4. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A i think mate. concentrate on the NOW. Mee or Tark either or tbh

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Fixture wise it looks right but double BUR def.... doesn’t sit right!

        I guess it depends how soon I’ll WC which also depends on the GW26 doubles.

        I’ll be honest I’m leaning towards getting Shaw in. Good fixtures, could have a double and a better team

  13. Peskey
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Did Gundogan to Sterling before GW22.
    It has cost me 5 points.
    Now considering reversing it.
    Tough call, hard life.

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

      Why did you? And why reverse it? Not happy with one sideways move?

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

        Sterling looked more nailed after being rested the game before. Just trying to predict Pep roulette, not so smart.

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

          It's hard to predict. I have nearly 100% prediction success in the games that Sterling definitely starts. I can tell you if you want.

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      it is such a tough one. I take it you are maxed out on MCY then?

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Def not imo. Playing with fire

  14. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is the Soucek red card being appealed or suspension sticks? Looking to switch Stones to Gundogan and will have around 1.4m itb

    Best defender max 5.2m for the next 4 games? Mee, Dallas...
    Defence is AWB Dias Stones* Coufal Mitchell

    Want to keep some money itb to bring in Bamford next week though could do straight DCL swap. Already own Sterling

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      They’ve submitted an appeal I believe

    2. 9I6
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Being appealed, should hear back tomorrow

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

        So best to ignore Gund price rise until we know appeal result?
        Can’t see another way to bring him in with Salah Bruno Sterling Grealish

        1. 9I6
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I've got the same problem, want to bring him in for Saka but obviously need to hear back on Soucek first

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

            I mean playing the fixtures surely he outscores both Saka and Soucek the next month

        2. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I sold him, Trent and Wilson. Cup games duro g the week too. Can't get worse so may as we roll the dice.

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

            Makes sense
            Wilson injured right?
            I sold Robbo for AWB this week

  15. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Klopp thinks game could have been 1-1 but for mistakes at the back, should have put the ball in Row Z, which they should have. But giving the public face, pretending to be oblivious that mistakes were dade cos City pressed up to Pool goal line and their press was so good.

  16. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I know this is going to get shot down but McNeil punt?

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

      Why I not? I would have done it if I wasn't already on -4.

    2. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not the worst shout if you consider they also play West Brom in GW25. It's Burnley though so it's a risk.

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No. Especially if its between getting either him or Raph for the next 2 weeks.

  17. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do I go Gundo-less throughout these DGWs ?

    I currently own Dias, Cancelo & Sterling.

    The bloke is giving me nightmares tbh

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

      It is a tough one.
      I will wait until after the FA cup game on Wednesday before deciding

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        hoping for an injury? 🙂

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

      Anyone of those 3 that you get rid of will be your next nightmare.

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        this is true haha

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

          I have Gundo, Sterling, Cancelo and still not happy. I wanted Foden and got a feeling Mahrez long awaited haul is coming

          1. Ten Season Wonder
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Mahrez would be long shot but yes i feel Foden is an explosion waiting to happen

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

      We need more City spots. It's a real tough one.

  18. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dallas + Foden + Antonio -> Mee + Gundogan + DCL? Exact cash

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

      -4

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

      I am doing similar but going Foden & Gundo + Burnley def

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

      Won't you want Dallas next week? Plus Antonio this week?

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Can you do it without Foden > Gundo?

      I can see why it’s tempting but don’t think that part is worth a hit.

      Any advice on mine above mate?

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

    Lowton 4.4 or Mee 5.0?

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

      Mee if money is no issue

    2. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you’re wildcarding soon, Mee. If you might end up being stuck with one long-term, Lowton.

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mee is objectively better but Lowton gives more flexibility. Depends on plans after next week

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

      Mee.

  20. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Trent must go unfortunately, Mee probably the best option and then I can move ESR to raphinha GW25...

  21. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Are we thinking Mee is best defensive option this GW (aside from MCY assets)

  22. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts guys? (No FT and 3.8mn itb).

    Mcarthy (Forster)
    Pieter Rudiger Cancelo (Justin, Lewis)
    Salah Fernandes Gundo SON (SOUCEK)
    Antonio Bamford Dcl

    Got only 4 DGW players (Pieters, Cancelo, Gundo and Dcl)
    A) Son to Sterling for -4 hit
    B) Soucek to JRod or any 9mn mid for -4 hit (bench Bamford)
    C) Any other suggestions

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I don't like the thought of ditching Soucek (even if his ban doesn't get rescinded)

      How about Forster > Pope? looks like you got some funds itb..

  23. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What GW is a good time to use WC?

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

      No standard answer. Depends on your current team and plans.

  24. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    IN: Pope, Mee & DCL
    OUT: Forster, Coufal & Cavani

    (-4) yay or nay?

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Y go for it.. just wait till FA cup games are finished

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I'll just do the DCL one tonight then as he is rising

    2. Aubamazette
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      first two yay, Cavani out for a -4 when he has westbrom and newcastle after?

  25. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Roll ft?

    Martinez
    TAA Cancelo Mee
    Salah Sterling Fernandes Son Foden
    Bamford Antonio
    ____
    4.0 Dallas Brewster Mitchell

    0.4 itb

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Any BUR assets you can afford at all? maybe Lowton for Mitchell?

  26. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    villa getting a DGW in 26 ye ?

  27. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Mcarthy (FORSTER)
    Pieter Rudiger Cancelo (Justin, Lewis)
    Salah Fernandes Gundo SON (Soucek)
    Antonio Bamford Dcl

    Got 4 players with DGW (Pieters, Cancelo, Gundo, Dcl). Any option below worth a -4 hit?
    A) Forster to Pope (Play Pope DGW 24 and Mccarthy DGW 25)
    B) Son to Sterling for -4 hit

  28. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Safe to say that Kane's return is giving me a huge headache. Going for a BB26 so cannot fit more than 3 premiums. Currently on Son, Bruno, Salah. Kane has such juicy fixtures though. Would you drop someone to bring him in?

    1. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Kane looked brilliant today. If I had to drop one it would be Son; he’s not been as prolific as start of the season

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

        Really? Felt like he was quite rusty. A 100% fit Kane would easily get a hat trick today with the chances he had. By DGW 26 though I can easily see him being at his best.

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

    Would you ditch Son for a city player, and which one? I only have Stones at the moment.