Dugout Discussion

Mendy benched as Chelsea and Arsenal make a combined 12 changes

It’s 12 matches down, three to go as Triple Gameweek 35 continues with Chelsea v Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 20:15 BST.

Mikel Arteta and Thomas Tuchel have been prone to a spot of rotation in the spring, with both of their sides juggling domestic duties with involvement on the continent.

Changes always looked likely for this second Gameweek 35 fixture for the pair and there have indeed been a dozen alterations to the two starting XIs this evening.

Only four of Thomas Tuchel’s side have survived the cut from the 2-1 win over Manchester City.

Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.9m), Reece James (£5.1m), Billy Gilmour (£4.3m) and Christian Pulisic (£8.3m) are the lucky quartet.

That means that Edouard Mendy (£5.2m) drops to the bench, with Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.7m) making his third Premier League start in the Tuchel era.

Thiago Silva (£5.6m), Kurt Zouma (£5.3m), Ben Chilwell (£5.9m), Jorginho (£4.7m), Mason Mount (£7.3m) and Kai Havertz (£8.3m) are also recalled, with Antonio Rudiger (£4.7m), Andreas Christensen (£4.7m), N’Golo Kante (£4.9m), Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech (£7.9m) making way.

Rudiger, Kante and Christensen are all absent from the match day squad, with the latter having previously been confirmed as being injured.

Arteta has made a mere five changes to the team that beat West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m), Kieran Tierney (£5.2m), Martin Odegaard (£5.7m), Thomas Partey (£4.9m) and Pablo Marí (£4.4m) are all promoted to the starting XI.

Budget FPL midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (£4.2m) has recovered from a hamstring strain to start.

Calum Chambers (£4.5m), Willian (£7.5m), Nicolas Pepe (£7.6m), Dani Ceballos (£4.7m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m) all drop to the bench.

Rudiger and Mendy were by some distance the most-popular players within the top 10k as of the Gameweek 35 deadline, with ‘effective ownerships’ (EO – something that takes into account captaincies and benchings) of 30.73% and 23.36% respectively.

Rob Holding (£4.3m), whose EO of 17.03% in the top 10k is more than the rest of Arsenal’s squad combined, is therefore the most-owned player within this leading group of Fantasy bosses in tonight’s game.


LINE-UPS

Chelsea: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Zouma, James, Gilmour, Jorginho, Chilwell, Mount, Pulisic, Havertz.

Subs: Alonso, Werner, Mendy, Giroud, Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech, Emerson Palmieri, Anjorin, Livramento.

Arsenal:Leno, Holding, Gabriel, Pablo Mari, Tierney, Thomas, Elneny, Saka, Odegaard, Smith-Rowe, Aubameyang.

Subs: Bellerin, Ceballos, Lacazette, Willian, Cedric, Pepe, Chambers, Ryan, Martinelli.


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542 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Jorginho 😆

  2. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Jorginho with howler of the season

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sorry, not watching. What did he do?

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        He played a no look back pass to Kepa which almost went in for an OG. Kepa did well to run back and dive to save it from going in on the line but could only parry it to Auba who passed to ESR who scored.

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks man!

  3. BIG TONES
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Congrats to ESR owners. Solid haul

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Lots of benchers.

  4. BeaversWithAttitude
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Lol, Kepa leggin' it to no avail...

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Kepa? Thats all about jorginho

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        He said that Kepa tried all he could to save that (which he did, good save and pushed it away), but to no avail.

  5. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Smith Rowe first on my bench. Cheap FH fodder eh.

    1. moment
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Me too. Extremely painful.

  6. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    That's what happens when you keep changing your keeper - players not used to the position the keeper takes up for back passes................

  7. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy and Rudiger revenge

  8. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Kepa subbed...

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Kepa didn't to anytging wrong there tbh

  9. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Sold Smith-Rowe for Ward-Prowse as I didn’t expect SR to play both.

    Double barrel @#@#&+&*’s

    1. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Your logic was sound though. JWP is generally always a threat from the many dead ball situations in a game.

  10. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Wow ......that's hilarious, all gifts most welcome 😀

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      So annoying as a James owner. Tonight's game was a good chance with no Rudiger or Mendy to make some ground with a Chelsea CS.

  11. Garth Marenghi
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    An indirect fk right on the line if esr had missed!?!? I need to see that

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      My thoughts

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Actually commentator corrected saying it would be taken on the 6 yard line. Not as interesting but still want to see it

  12. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Was kepa even allowed to save that with his hand? Clear pass from Jorgh

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably an indirect free if the goal hadn't been scored

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah should be

    2. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Indirect FK from 30cm out lol would have loved to see that

  13. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Of course my rival has ESR while I have Saka.

    Story of my season.

  14. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    ESR ownership in top 10k is 7.5% but only 1.36% EO.

  15. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Kepa Sucks !!!

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tuchel s.u.c.k.s

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Tuchel currently is the best coach in the football world I beg ya pardon

        1. Gunners in Haaland
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I know

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Uh. What.

  16. @persecuted_by_mods
      2 years, 10 months ago

      People are blaming kepa for that one?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Hilarious! But mostly irritating!

      2. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Clearly no blame at the feet of the player that drilled a pass without looking at his own goal.

      3. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Absurd.

      4. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Those people are clearly not watching the match.

        Kepa did really well there FFS.

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          This! Jorginho owners (if any) should be happy.

      5. gonzalocampos
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Kepa was 5km out from his area.

    • DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      #COYG

    • Magic Hamster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Chasing down mini league final who has 35 points on me...Best differential until end of season to chase him down and have some fun. I'm thinking one of more of...

      A. Sigurdson 3.6%
      B. Antonio 5.7%
      C. Ings 5.8%
      D. Aguero 1.3%
      E. Mane 5.5%
      F. Other (if so, who?)

      Thoughts?

      1. Revival
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        A or E....reckon both will do well

      2. BIG TONES
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Mane/Salah double up could be good if don't mind splashing the cash.

        Aguero (c) for the final GW

      3. EL_FENOMENO
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Wood

    • Pariße
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Something finally going right for an Arsenal fan...Smith-Rowe on bench boost.

    • Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mount close, shot blocked

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Hit Holding's hand but hand not in an unnatural position.

        1. A. PRISE
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          These should be given imo

          1. Collie01
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Would have been given earlier in the season.

          2. Pariße
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            The ref wouldn’t be wrong but then he might have to give a red too for denying a clear GS opportunity and that’s a bit much.

      2. A. PRISE
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        ..by Holding's hand

    • Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Top 4 race back on

      Huge for pool and west ham if Chelsea dont win here. Che vs lei next week

    • Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2 more saves now Rob

      1. Pariße
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        class 😆

      2. A. PRISE
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Nice instinctive save tbf

      3. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Kepa replacement?

          1. Duke Silver ☑
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Wasn't quite as good as Kepa's save 😉

      4. Dog and Fox
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Son and Bamford or Kane and raphina?

        1. BIG TONES
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A

        2. Honker Muddlefoot
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Raph over Bam, for me.

      5. Euro Raiders
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Son and Bamford just..

      6. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Oh jeez. I have ESR in my starting XI all week until deadline day. Played Bale and Kane ahead of him. "DGW blinkers" n all that.

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Doh 'fail

      7. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Expeced Leicester and Chelsea clean sheet bullets dodged as a non-owner - is it too much to ask for Everton conceding tomorrow as well, along with Martinez pen save ?

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Just dodge it

      8. The Mighty Hippo
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        What do you think about bringing in Mane (c) instead of Salah as a punt for the remainder of the season?

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Too risky unless you are chasing.

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Didn't work for me in gw1!

        2. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Go for it.

      9. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Mount has had about 4 shots on target already. Getting into great positions.

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Nice Mount.

      10. rokonto
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Smith rowe 2nd on my bench 🙁

        1. rokonto
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Correction, bottom of bench 🙁

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Well played!

        2. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          ESR firmly on the pitch for me - but about the only thing right that I have done all season.

      11. snow pea in repose
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I guess I picked the wrong week to sell Smith-Rowe...

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I don't know.

          You could have benched him instead!

          Who for?

          1. snow pea in repose
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            I went Kane/Vydra/Smith-Rowe to DCL/Watkins/Ward-Prowse