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 He has been replaced by Semi Ajayi (£4.8m), suggesting a switch from 4-1-4-1 to a 5-4-1 formation.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. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Damnnnnnn Kaptain Kane sold Matheus Pereira

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

      One of those I guess, like Ben Davies pointed out below I wouldn’t have started him anyway

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

    Fuming

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Sorry mate

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      You should have known he would score before you sold.

    3. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      just pure luck mate. no one could have predicted this and you wouldnt have even started him probably

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

        That’s true actually

  3. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Can Brom stay in the PL or is relegation most likely?

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

    What were the odds of that scoreline before the game started. 😯

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

    5-2 WBA this is comical but way to go WBA

  6. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Callum Robinson is world class.

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

    Sorry for ruining Azpi, guys

    1. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Shame on you!

      ...brought him in too.

  8. Paul Psychic Octopus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Who on earth was Robinson shushing??!!

    The habits of morons die hard.

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Alonso owners.

  9. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Robinson has 4 goals this season with all 4 against Chelsea. If only Ireland could play them

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

    We want 6!

  11. BeaversWithAttitude
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Woo wee, baby! Sweet!

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

    Jesus wept. Unreal.

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

    We want six

  14. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    I’d 5-2 be a chelsea fan

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

    Goal difference could be important in deciding 19th vs 20th place

  16. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Massive statement from West Brom this to be fair, Steve Bruce has just s*** his pants

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Ye but West Brom won’t play chelsea every week

  17. BobbyV
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    5

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

    Tuchel out...Lampard in!

  19. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Matheus Pereira is a great player if he can get a consistent form

  20. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Beautiful

  21. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Perreira is just explosive

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

      Shame he couldn’t do it in the DGW

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

    Weird how they didn't show any of that offside check. Gotta love the transparency of VAR.

    1. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      You could see it was onside without any lines on the screen tbf, probably didn’t feel the need to show it.

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

        Nah looked like an inch or two. How many have looked that close and gone the other way because of a stupid sleeve or armpit or wherever the arbitrarily draw a line? It was probably the right call, the implementation is just a joke.

      2. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        It was oneide. But his arm was offside. Something Bamford had a goal disallowed for against palace.

        1. Abraham & Cheese
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Yeah looked like a 50/50. Either way, transparency is always a good thing- VAR should always be shown, no matter how obvious the decision.

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

            If their legs are onside, then that’s all that matters. Im a fan of VAR but the offside rule has become ridiculous since.

            1. Abraham & Cheese
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Agreed - I'm not saying it was the wrong decision. I'm just arguing that they should always show how they made the decision. If VAR is involved, show it.

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

    Do we need 6 goals before we hit minus 1 territory?

    1. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      yes

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

    Soooo WC’ers. How many Chelsea defenders we planning to have now?

    1. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I may not even wildcard now. One of the main reasons for doing it was to bring in 2-3 Chelsea defenders.

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

      3, they just got the hammering out of their system

    3. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Only 2

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

      Rudiger is 100% nailed for the rest of the season. Zouma isnt getting anywhere near the team

  25. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    I could've easily saved FT but had to go and get Azpi + Havertz for a hit...this season this game punishes!

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Who you got coming off the bench for Azpi?

      V unlucky that havertz cameo

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

        No one?

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        would've had Watkins if Havertz had stayed on the pine and Konsa if Azpi had the day off...alas

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Twitter noise got me 3 Chelski.
      To be fair I was always going Alonso, but that result is typical of my season. (Worst ever)

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        yeah comical in a way... ah well roll on Raphina(C) for me now

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Yep. Changed from Alonso to Raphina C last minute.

  26. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Define irony lol

  27. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Callum Robinson has 5 goals in 42 Apps. All 5 have came against Chelsea.

    Loves the blues

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

    Does anyone know why West Brom are celebrating? Do you get money for relegation?

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Log off

    2. Warblers
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Because they just pimp slapped Chelsea.

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

        Which means absolutely nothing in essence. I wouldn't celebrate if I were them

        1. Ted Bovis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Should they be sad that they won?

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

            Neutral I would say

        2. Warblers
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          You're not on the pitch. It doesn't matter.

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

            What a stupid comment. That means that almost no one here would be allowed to comment you orangutan

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

          Yeah cos you haven’t played the game yourself obviously.

    3. Ted Bovis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Why wouldn't they celebrate, they just pulled off an incredible away win. What a weird question.

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

        Legit question actually. I'm a winner by nature. I wouldn't celebrate if my team is going to be relegated.

        1. Ted Bovis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          If you cant see why they feel joy at that win I would consider watching another sport.

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

            If that's your face on the pic, I would consider getting plastic surgery

        2. Warblers
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Maybe you're a winner on the internet...

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

            Nope. A winner is a winner, no matter what he/she does. You wouldn't get it being a loser and all 🙂

    4. Abraham & Cheese
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Did you drink all the hatorade? Let them celebrate, every team deserves to after winning a match and getting 3 points.
      West Brom haven't had much to celebrate - 3 wins all season until now, and they just SPANKED a Chelsea side, who had only conceded a couple of goals in their last dozen games, 5-2, albeit with 10 men.

      A win is a win! As a chelsea fan, hats off to them for a great win full of awesome goals!

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

      "I don't often win at Stamford Bridge, but when I do..."

  29. Warblers
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    I don't get Alonso, he brings some offence certainly, but he gets shredded left and right...

  30. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    21 points for Pereira!