Dugout Discussion

Rudiger, Mount and Chilwell benched, as Alonso returns to Chelsea’s starting line-up

The continued rotation of Chelsea’s big squad sees Antonio Rudiger (£4.7m), Mason Mount (£7.1m) and Kai Havertz (£8.2m) amongst the substitutes for their hosting of West Bromwich Albion.

For those managers desperate to invest in the league’s strongest defence, the return of Thiago Silva (£5.6m) only worsens the headache. He and Kurt Zouma (£5.3m) step in for Rudiger and Andreas Christensen (£4.7m), with Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) starting ahead of Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) at left wing-back.

Alonso has been a popular transfer this week amongst the online Fantasy Premier League community, with many seeing the incredibly attacking defender as the ideal one-week punt ahead of a Gameweek 31 Wildcard. He wasn’t on international duty, so owners will be hoping for a repeat of his 14-point haul from beating Burnley 2-0 in Gameweek 21.

Former defender Thomas Tuchel’s arrived as head coach in January and quickly made Chelsea’s back line impenetrable, conceding only twice in 14 matches (all competitions) as they seek their eighth consecutive clean sheet.

However, these successful shut-outs are achieved with rotating personnel, with only Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.9m) seemingly assured of a starting spot. Rudiger, Zouma, Christensen and Thiago Silva share the remaining two spots, as Edouard Mendy (£5.2m) starts again in goal.

As detailed in Thursday’s feature, Mount (225), Havertz (212) and Chilwell (180) played in the majority of their country’s 270 minutes during the international break. Therefore, Tuchel has given them a breather, showcasing their squad depth by bringing in Christian Pulisic (£8.2m) and Mateo Kovacic (£5.3m).

Timo Werner (£9.2m) starts up front, his barren streak worsened by a terrible miss for Germany against North Macedonia. With one league goal from 1,350 minutes – the equivalent of 15 matches – his confidence seems shattered but the expected goals (xG) number of 6.34 in that spell suggests that he’s still getting in the right positions.

Reece James (£5.0m) starts at right wing-back, with Hakim Ziyech (£7.9m) keeping his starting spot.

As for West Brom, they were unchanged for four consecutive matches but Sam Allardyce has been forced into one change as loanee Conor Gallagher (£5.5m) cannot play against his parent club. He has been replaced by Semi Ajayi (£4.8m), suggesting a switch from 4-1-4-1 to a 5-4-1 formation.

Stuck in the relegation zone, the Baggies haven’t scored in their last three matches but have kept three clean sheets in the last five matches, ideal for Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) owners. They picked up 1-1 draws at Liverpool and Man City, so will feel a Stamford Bridge result is achievable.

Branislav Ivanovic (£4.4m) is on the bench against the club he made 377 appearances for.

GAMEWEEK 30 LINE-UPS

Chelsea XI (3-4-3): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Zouma; James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Ziyech, Pulisic, Werner

West Bromwich Albion XI (5-4-1): Johnstone; Furlong, Ajayi, O’Shea, Bartley, Townsend; Phillips, Yokuslu, Maitland-Niles, Pereira; Diagne

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1,090 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    I think for all the people gloating ( banter) or a lot of them, they still would have put Chelsea defs in but didn’t because of the international break, risk of rotation and the Champions league midweek. You cut call it a calculated risk but nobody would have foreseen a player getting sent off...

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      You are so wise!

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        I know, it’s a curse 😀

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      The captain hindsight’s on here saw everything coming, even the exact minute the Silva red card was coming

    3. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I did say a week or so ago tripling up on Chelsea defence was a bad move as statistically their cs run was bound to end, no team can keep up the stats they've been hitting.
      It showed against Leeds and Sheffield wed in the last couple of games, luck prevented them conceding.
      Saying all that I still brought Mendy in this week for the rest of the season lol.

  2. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Werner has to be the worst signing since Joelinton

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Alexis Sanchez was worst

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Wesley or whatever his name is for Villa as well has to be up there

  3. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso so close

  4. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso post

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Saved by the defender too

  5. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso hits the post

  6. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso post ...

  7. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso post again

  8. Patio Kev
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso post - Lovely stuff

  9. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    This Chelsea defence needs an overhaul. Zouma is not good enough, Christensen is bottom 10 quality at best, Thiago is old, Azpli is slowing down and just slow as a fullback and Alonso cant defend. Chilwell and James are the only ones who need to be retained. Both Keepers are also a shadow of calibre of the likes of Cech. Chelsea are just not going to keep many CS's.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      And Rudiger ?

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Rudiger is not bad, bette than all what you have. Thiago was really good but age is the issue now.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      What explains their excellent defensive stats in recent months then?

      1. rnrd
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Kante

      2. MrZ
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Hogging a lot of possession.
        The issue is no leader quality, dave/azpi is not JT class

    3. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      More clean sheets than goals conceded and you just wrote a paragraph on how bad they are? That's gold.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        They are more compact than Lampards time, but the players are the same ones. Good luck

        1. Postman Ty
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Zouma isn't a starter, Christensen has been flawless since Tuchel came in until today (which hasn't been his fault), Thiago is still one of the best CBs in the league, Azpi has been fine, and Alonso isn't in the team for defending but as you said there's Chilwell anyways. Criticizing Mendy for not being Cech, one of the best keepers of all time?

          1. ZeBestee
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 12 months ago

            Haha, you meant Thiago was one of the best defenders, no doubt.

            Christensen is just not good enough, I have watched him so many times and he has been average at best. Zouma is not bad but has mistakes in him. Azpi was brilliant but he is much slower nowadays hence the 3 at the back. Mendy is average, otherwise we could have been seeing top saves at least once in a while, havent seen any since he joined and has mistakes in him

            1. Postman Ty
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 12 months ago

              Now you're talking about seeing top saves when he hasn't conceded any goals. Complete waste of time.

              1. ZeBestee
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 12 months ago

                Look at that 4th goal he conceded. Utter shambles.

    4. Gerd Mueller’s thighs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I know.....right.

    5. Benjustjamin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      lol check see how many clean sheets they have already this season clever cloggs

    6. michael_mac11
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Another melt comment

  10. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso is the new Cancelo, all fart no poo. Can’t own him much longer

    1. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      He's the opposite. Gets attacking returns, but can't defend for a CS.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Yup both frustrating to own in their own way

  11. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Mount free kick attempt almost goal

  12. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso captain fail for me

    1. A. PRISE
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Not fail but certainly unlucky

  13. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Chances of Rudiger coming on pretty slim right?

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      No chance imo, Chelsea need a goal - if a CB gets injured they’ll go to a Back 4

    2. mezza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Zero I would think - probably switch to back 4 if a defender gets injured

    3. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Oh yes

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

      Nah you are alright mate if you have him. Hopefully, you have a good first sub.

    5. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Thats good, what I was thinking.

      Wanting Dias off the bench instead of Rudiger's 1 point.

  14. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Selling Pereira and buying Rudiger for a -4 this week.
    At least things can only get better!

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Ouch

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Ouch

      Very unlucky that

    3. MIGHTY JOE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Yikes

  15. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Azpi chance created

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      And what does that achieve

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        More BPS

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          And adds to the appeal for future GWs

        2. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Why would he get bonus points when Chelsea have already shipped 2 and no attacking returns

  16. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Come oooon Mount goal and assist needed

    1. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Thisss

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I’d take an assist at this point ...

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Goal is certain imo, the assist is the bonus

  17. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Not watching the game but can see Johnstone got an assist!
    How did that happen??

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      He did get an assist

    2. mezza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Long ball, poor defending but great chip finish by Pereira

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Longgggg kick

    4. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      The guy he passed to scored

    5. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Clearly you lack a basic imagination.

    6. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Long ball to Pereira lad

    7. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Allerdyce hoofball.

    8. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Route one cleared up the park ... P man latches on and finishes well ...

  18. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    James chance created Zouma header missed the goal

  19. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Werner such fantasy waste man for his price. I'm a waste man for actually bringing him in

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Yep. I was feeling quietly confident until his miss for Germany

  20. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso gives amazing ball in the box to Werner, Werner rotates and practically poo on it, no shot and ball is lost

  21. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Pereira one on one and misses

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Pereira almost hatrick

  23. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Meslier >

    A) Mendy (have Azpi)
    B) Pat

    My other keeper is Martinez.

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    OMG Robinson

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Stunning finish.

  25. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    3-1 😀

  26. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    1 - 3 West Brom

  27. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    3:1

  28. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Goal WBA

  29. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Scenes

  30. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    hahaha