Dugout Discussion

Mendy and Azpilicueta benched as Chelsea host Brighton

Edouard Mendy (£5.2m) is one of several key Chelsea assets on the bench as they host Brighton in Double Gameweek 32.

Fresh from his appearance in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final, Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.7m) makes his first Premier League start since Gameweek 24.

There are changes in the back-three too as César Azpiliceuta (£5.9m) drops out for the first time since the Double Gameweek 19 defeat at Leicester.

Kurt Zouma (£5.3m), Antonio Rüdiger (£4.7m) and Andreas Christensen (£4.7m) form the defence tonight, the latter overcoming a yellow flag for a muscle injury to face Brighton.

Mason Mount (£7.2m) manages to avoid further rotation, after being rested twice across the last four Premier League matches.

Kai Havertz (£8.2m) takes up a false-nine role again tonight, with Timo Werner (£9.2m) named among the substitutes.

Christian Pulisic (£8.3m) and Hakim Ziyech (£7.9m) are either side of the German international.

Neal Maupay (£6.0m) is on the Brighton bench tonight with Leandro Trossard (£5.7m), Danny Welbeck (£5.5m) and Alexis Mac Allister (£5.3m) leading the attack.

It looks to be a back-three for the Seagulls too, featuring Adam Webster (£4.3m), Lewis Dunk (£4.9m) and Ben White (£4.5m) with Dan Burn (£4.2m) and Joël Veltman (£4.4m) acting as wing-backs.

Double Gameweek 32 Line-ups

Chelsea XI: Kepa; Rüdiger, Christensen, Zouma; Alonso, Mount, Jorginho, R James; Pulisic, Havertz, Ziyech.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI: Sánchez; Webster, Dunk, White; Burn, Bissouma, Groß, Veltman; Trossard, Welbeck, Mac Allister.

Double Gameweek 32 so far…

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560 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    But I was looking forward to seeing the next North London Derby in Stan Kroenke's $5.5 billion LA Rams stadium

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Was looking forward to the Las Vegas Kops facing the Boston Gunners. Damn it anyway

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      What is a fitting punishment for a mutiny like this? If the government think the EPL is an important soft power it should perhaps be protected as such in order to prevent it from being ravaged by foreign interests in the future?

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

      That he'd build in the suburb and make the city pay for it. After entirely rebranding the team.

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

    Told my wife Woodward resigned, and she replied, "Is he going to go start his own Super League?" I laughed at first, but now... whomever resigns over the ESL will surely try something like that, won't they?

    I can be too conspiracy-minded sometimes.

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Best (not really) of luck with that!

      “Wanna join my league and get banned from the one people really care about? Oh and you can never play an international tournament ever again.”

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      The only conspiracy theorists are the ones that believe the government cares about the people, and that big pharma wants you to be healthy...

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

        Ha! Not wrong.

    3. snow pea in repose
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      There is a possibility that this whole idea was sent up as a "trial balloon" to gauge opposition, make adjustments, then make another attempt in the coming months or years...

  3. A. PRISE
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Brighton's formation is literally 6-3-1. What a boring team

  4. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Back to real stuff .

    Absolutely painful for our TC to last 90 minutes and gets injured in the injury time and in a double??

    Damn

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Just glad it’s not Andy Carroll

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Surely the ESL is real stuff and fantasy football is not the real stuff?

    3. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      I feel you. Southampton was supposed to be easier no? And I was looking forward to a 20pts haul in that match

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

        Southampton would have been a haul surely. At least 9 pts

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

          Multiplied by 3. Potentially 18 x 3. So 50 pts is season defining. Ah this season

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

      Is he definitely out? What’s been said?

    5. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Mourinho gone too, could have an immediate response with Southampton taking a beating and now Kane is not there to score another brace.

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

        Is he definitely out?

        1. AzzaroMax99
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 days ago

          Most likely. Didn't train today and that is not a good sign.

  5. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Now Brighton - score some goals before half time!

  6. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Hold Brighton

  7. jimbe4mXL
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    I only have Coufal, Lingard and Iheanacho from the "playing" teams, i want my WC back!

  8. JohnnyRev7
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    I'm a Chelski. Yes, we have a billionaire owner involved in many businesses, who delegates to Marina Granovskaia the day to day running of Chelsea FC... but when things aren't working, he steps in and makes the big decisions. As I'm sure he does in his other business interests.

    However, the American owned PL teams don't have that flexibilty of decision making. The American owners are always trying to leverage the debt and squeeze every penny out of the clubs for their shareholders. And themselves.

    I'm not knocking MUN, LIV or ARS who are all great clubs, with history and prestige.

    I am knocking the Glazer family, FSG and Kroenke.

    ESL was a ridiculous idea driven by other debt-ridden clubs. Real Madrid especially.

    Hopefully we can all go back to playing nicely now. 🙂

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      It won’t go away for as long as these cleptocrats are running the clubs.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Here here!

      1. Bojam
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 days ago

        Or hear hear!

    3. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Honestly, we can all crack oil money jokes, but Chelsea have been the only big team in England that has been close to operating in a sustainable manner. They sell players, dont have huge debts, and have a great wage structure.

      Hopefully big reforms are coming to UEFA and PL now

    4. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      At least the Chelsea and City owners want their clubs to succeed. Liverpool and Arsenal owners are there purely as a business and to make money. They couldn’t care less about the clubs. FSG and Kroenke need to go now

    5. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Yep true. While others were pointing fingers at Wenger back in the day I always felt and still do that it was the Kroenke's at fault. Never supported him , let him take all the flak, despicable sorts

  9. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Best Mendy replacement? Schmeichel? Patricio?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Why are you getting rid of Mendy? Noone has said he is dropped for good

      1. mr messi
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 days ago

        Too risky. I’ve only Forster on the bench and he doesn’t play next week.

  10. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    So the rich clubs' rebellion has been foiled. Now heads will fall.

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Now I propose expropriation of the clubs from the hands of foreign owners. All the power to the people!

  11. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Never seen so many Skysports 'breaking news' banners in my life.

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

      Love to see it.

      People power...

      To genuine football supporters!!

  12. fusen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Do Brighton look at all like scoring?

    I was playing Mendy and benching Azpil to have the cleansheet covered. Now most of my ML have Rudiger or Alonso playing :X

    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      No

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      No. And you should be nervous about Alonso hauling.

    3. Cheeto__Bandito
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      0.02 xg so far

    4. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Come on Brighton .... justice for Mendy owners!!!!

  13. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Am I missing something about Kane here? Has anything been said he’s definitely out for tomorrow?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Even if he only a minor doubt there no way he will be risked ahead of the League Cup final

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Think there was a quote about him being a doubt for the weekend?

    3. Cheeto__Bandito
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      yes look at spurs presser today

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

        I can’t find it 🙁

        1. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 days ago

          Ryan Mason said "taking it day-by-day. Not sure about the weekend yet"

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

            Ahh many thanks mate! Fingers crossed he plays

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

              The coach said they are hopeful for the weekend

    4. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Well the next game is tomorrow and he hasn’t trained, ahead of a cup final at the weekend.

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

        Cheers WR, yeah true, damn Shame ain’t it.

  14. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Bissouma is a baller. Would love him at Liverpool. Press resistant, technically gifted and a ball winner.

  15. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Thank god I brought in mendy and azpi for the big fixture swing, wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on these hauls

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      lol

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Aye pays to get in on those great fixture runs

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 days ago

        Your opponents...

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Same here. Marvellous

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      I got in Mendy on my wildcard for the security of starts.

    5. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Leno
      Kane TC
      Azpi

  16. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Pulisic looking lively?

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Chelsea a little flat so far , Brighton not on the beach yet

  17. rick ding whoop
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    yes

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      no

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Maybe

    3. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      I don't know

    4. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Maybes aye, maybes naw.

  18. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Why was the game delayed?????

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

      Fans protesting outside Stamford Bridge. Coaches couldn't get in.

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Mandy and Azpil owners protesting outside

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 days ago

        😆

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Chelsea fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge to protest about the ESL

    4. rokonto
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Thanks all

  19. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Kepa may cost Che cs 🙁

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Hopefully

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      He winning the duel with Welbeck so far

  20. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Looks like areola will be stinking out my team for the rest of the season

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Dont finish with a stinker, dump

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      I've recently lost two clean sheets deep into injury time with him. Good luck!

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 days ago

        I recon we might milk a couple of points out of him yet old man

  21. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Christensen hold these 3BPS, didn’t think you’d play today!

  22. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    All the Liverpool team coming out against the Super League. Nice to see. Their next message should be FSG out.

  23. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Ffs just realised areola also blanks 33

    Looks like it’ll be free hit !

  24. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Has anyone invested in an ‘fpl family’ branded mug ?

    I’m thinking of getting one and wondered what the quality was like

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Invested

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 days ago

        Cracked in the microwave

  25. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Spurs hang in there a little bit longer and they might win a trophy

  26. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Anyone closely followed the Tuchel statement why he is starting Kepa?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Mendy is a load of garbage is probably one of the reasons

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

        He is not. He contributed to our CS record btw

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Won't it be just a case of him trying to instil a bit of confidence in his second keeper (Kepa)?

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

        I don't know that's why I asked. If Kepa continues then Chelsea defense is becoming a no go, but an advantage for non WC teams and Emi owners

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 days ago

          Yes, you're right - apologies for that. I don't know the genuine reason why Kepa is starting but I thought I'd try a bit of totally personal speculation.

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      No. But I think him rowing with Rudiger did him no harm. Showed Tuchel he's fired up and wants to fight for the jersey.

    4. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      My guess is Mendy being rested for matches that matter such as West Ham on Saturday and Madrid next week

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

        Keepers don't need rest

        1. Disco Stu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 days ago

          OK, Tuchel rewarding Kepa for his win over City in the FA Cup

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

            Sam said he targeted Mendy in the 5-2 game.

            1. Disco Stu
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 3 days ago

              Sam is also targeting relegation

  27. JohnnyRev7
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Jury reaches verdict in George Floyd case. Set to be announced soon. It's gonna be a busy night in Minneapolis (and elsewhere) either way.

    1. thegame983
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Free Tvs for everyone

  28. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Are we getting Vardy as Kane replacement or he is not worth the funds even with those fixtures?

    I am considering going Watkins instead

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      Kane stays. Won’t play next GW anyway. Azpi on the other hand.

    2. Bojam
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 days ago

      What you mean we "the herd"? Live a little. Watkins could be a decent shout, though if Grealish is still out Villa don't look as threatening. Cavani might be worth a punt. Considering a Greenwood-Cavani double up (got Greenwood in for this week). But I need to lose Laca so hoping Kane only misses a week. Otherwise a -4 is on the cards.

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

        We means the template move this GW. Just follow the template here and top 10K is there

        1. Bojam
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 days ago

          Blah

  29. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    Time for bed. Great day for fans. Brexit=Work permits=Big 6 pulling out. You did not think of that did you Woody.

  30. Kebab pig
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 days ago

    I can’t see other people’s replies to post. I am using google chrome on my phone. Can somebody help please?

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

      Tick the show comments box on top of the comments list.

      1. Alan The Llama
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 days ago

        You know he can't see that reply, right?

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

          Excellent point 🙂