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. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    OR#12 on 102 points with TAA, Godfrey, Phillips, Siggy, Bruno (c), Salah and DCL still to play. Some impressive scores this GW - wish I'd saved my bench boost! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/3263035/event/35

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

      Look at those previous season ranks.

      I hope they are doing a little dance every week as their luck keeps rolling in, I know I would be.

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

        That's the problem with this game, luck always beats skill. Always

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Its not a game of skill

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

            How come some people consistently finish near the top each season?

            1. Ginkapo FPL
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Basic probability. Some will have a run of high finishes.

              Does everyone not realise that? I thought most understood stats

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

        You know people can just decide to take things seriously after a point by which they realise they're doing well?

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

      GW scores are interesting for that team, too-no really high scores (til this week), just consistently above average.

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No Greenwood in that team either.

    4. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yep my monthly rival is now up to 131 points with 8 to play. Cracking score

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

    If DCL gets 1 point tomorrow I draw my H2H, if he gets 2 points I win.

    Chances that either DCL misses the game, misses a penalty or gets a YC? :X

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He will start and probably score or get assist.

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

        He's got fellow low EO for me around my rank so if he does get a return it's a massive result for me all round.

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

          fairly*

        2. JBG
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Same here.

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Better luck next time!

  3. moz_1983
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Nacho & W-Prowse > Antonio & Raph (-4)?

  4. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Chances of jota starting tomorrow? (I know, clutching at straws)

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

      Going from previous Klopp rotation I'd say about 30% chance he starts but 70%+ he gets game time at some point.

  5. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench Boost of 22 (1+1+1+19)

    Shout out to you, Emile 🙂 Hero

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

    ESR first on my bench with zero chance of coming on is a very bleak FPL moment for me.

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I hear you.

    2. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He’s first on mine, being kept there by Zaha!
      And tbh, I don’t even care.
      He was always there as a playing £4.2 fodder.
      Just pleased for the lad!

  7. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1. Mendy Holding Fernandes Iheanacho >> Fabianski / Meslier Dallas Son Bamford (-12) (gets 11)
    2. Holding Fernandes Iheanacho >> Dallas Son Bamford (-8) (gets 10)
    3. Holding Fernandes >> Dallas Son (-4) (gets 9)

    Best option?

    Thanks guys.

  8. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    127 pts with 8 players to go - any good?

    I love the bench boost...

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

      Seen better

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

        Yours? 😀

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

          I don't realise why nobody else has hit 150 yet. Must be lagging...

    2. Pablitto
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      nice one

  9. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Robbo Mahrez or Salah Konsa?

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

    Great mentality shown by James in his interview. No doubt influenced by Tuchel’s work too.

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      What was the mentality shown?

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

    Mahrez or Son until the end?

    1. tankle
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez if chasing, son if leading

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

      Can't see Mahrez starting GW38.

      1. Silver_and_Gold
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I would rather say, he won't start GW37, and will in GW38. To keep the rhythm.

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

          Could do actually. Didn't realise UCL Final was 29th. 6 days from GW38. Maybe start but subbed off - although only so many can be.

          Europa League is the quicker turnaround.

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son

    4. Pablitto
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      sonny

    5. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son more likely to play until the end

  12. yamms_schmitz
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A or B?

    A
    OUT = Shaw, Rashford, Nacho
    IN = Dallas, Son, Antonio

    B
    OUT = Rudiger, Rashford, Nacho
    IN = Dallas, Raphina, Antonio

    1. tankle
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A. Son outscores raphina more than Shaw outscores Rudi imo

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

    You can tell the season has been rough when you see so many -8 and -12 ideas

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Average hit is only -1.37 points this GW (2.3 points for the top 10k). From the RMTs posted on here before the deadline, it looked like it was going to be double figures.

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        True. FFS bubble

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

        Wow no creative thinking in the top 10k smh

  14. tankle
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Shaw, Nacho > Dallas, Antonio tonight or wait? Will be priced out tomorrow

    1. Ashleyajolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Go for it!

  15. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    ESR first sub X)

  16. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do people reckon Chelsea will drop points away to Villa or Leicester home to Spurs? Liverpool only need a draw tomorrow if one of them drops points

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not allowed. I need Liverpool to win tomorrow with a Salah(C) haul and double CS.

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

      If we can drop points against Arsenal, we can drop points against anyone.

      I should hope tonight was a wake-up call & we smash Leicester twice on the trot.

      Unfortunately means we can't risk such a second-string XI on the Villa game now though.

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I think today was just a blip for Chelsea considering the team they put out too. Leicester on the other hand aren’t in great form. Drew against a 10 man Southampton. Lost to Newcastle and scraped a win against a United B team. I can see them losing to Chelsea and Spurs. Max 1 point from those 2 games imho. Only problem is I just can’t see Liverpool winning more than 2 in their last 4

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Idk... Chelsea's risking a lot IMO. I think Tuchel got it wrong tonight, he didn't respect Arsenal and payed the price. The win vs City was definitely tricky for the immediate future. They think they can beat City in the CL final and they should be focused in putting this top4 to bed instead. Liverpool just landed a major boost for tomorrow... and I'm going to say that if LIV wins tomorrow they will get top4. Not so sure about LEI being the one left out though...

      2. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Good point. The 3 pts won at the Etihad totally thrown away tonight...

    3. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      We did you a favour 🙂 I hope we don’t finish in the top 7 though.

  17. yamms_schmitz
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bamford or Antonio for the last 3 games?

    1. Goodnight Kiwi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, looking at both myself. But if I had to chose one, think I'd go Bam. Slightly better fixtures and maybe you could argue 'coverage' with Lingard?

  18. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Forster and Holding saving my bench boost after a disappointing 3 points in total from Lingard and Coufal. I’ll take that!

  19. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy will play the final 2 now, as will Rüdiger. Tuchel won’t risk dropping points again.

  20. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Currently on 100 with Bruno(c), Greenwood, Shaw, Salah, TAA, Pickford, DCL and Konsa to go

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

      Just gonna go to the newsagent to tell bossman about your Score

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Lol

  21. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Holding clean sheet is a beautiful thing. Puts me up to 114pts with 9 to play.

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Rank?

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

        140k

    2. Pablitto
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      well done job

  22. Goodnight Kiwi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Forster (Henderson)
    Trent (Holding Maguire Alonso Amartey)
    Jota Son Lingard (Bruno ESR)
    Kane (c) (Nacho Vardy)

    8 playing with 2 trades.
    Am thinking Nacho + Vardy --> Bamford and Antonio (-4)
    Am 7 points behind my money league leader.
    Can anyone see any better moves? Thanks

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

      Get Salah for Bruno

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

      Would think about the following;
      Maguire>Dallas
      Bruno>Salah
      Vardy>Bamford
      Nacho>DCL/Antonio.

  23. RamaLangaDingDong
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi Guys,
    Just a few weeks left to catch my mini-league leader. I need to differentiate my team as there is too much overlap

    His team: 2FT
    FORSTER Leno
    Digne, PHILIPS, Fofana, Maguire, Coufal
    JOTA SALAH FERNANDES SON LINGARD
    Vardy, Bamford, NACHO

    My team: 1FT:
    FORSTER Martinez
    Coleman, PHILIPS, Castagne, Shaw, Ward
    JOTA SALAH FERNANDES SON LINGARD
    Kane, Calvert-Lewin NACHO

    The Plan
    GW36 Nacho & Fernandes -> Raphina & Aguero, (Aguero vs NEW GW36, but lose out on Bruno vs FUL in GW37) - 4
    OR
    GW38 DCL & Lingard -> ES-R & Aguero - again for a - 4, given that the team will want to help Aguero haul in his last game but is this too late to make a points difference...?

    At present, I can field 10 for GW36, so the alternative non-hit plan would be
    GW36 Castagne to Dallas for a full 11 ,
    GW 37 Martinez to Meslier
    GW38 the 'Aguero plan' -4

    What am I missing and is the hit worth it...?

    1. RamaLangaDingDong
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Or I just ignore Aguero and do Castagne - Dallas and Nacho to Antonio...?

      1. Ashleyajolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I personally don’t like Aguero as he gets rotated to much. Rather go Bruno to KDB Nacho to Antonio! Get Dallas in. Although your leader will get rid of Maguire for him most likely!

        1. RamaLangaDingDong
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks Ashley - totally agree. Dallas is an obvious pick and I need to downgrade from Castagne to put enough ITB to do Nacho- Antonio. However this guy always seems to second guess me and we end up with the same picks!

          The Aguero plan - I'm sure I'm not the only one considering it. Its his last game and I seem to remember the team laying goals on a plate for David Silva when he left, so I think he has the potential for one last haul and of course he is going to get strong minutes, last home game, in front of the fans...

          I suppose the real question is who else do we think has the potential to haul over the last 3 game weeks? Harry's been quiet/ unlucky, but still chasing the Boot - so who else do we think will be top scorer (if not Aguero) in GW38...?

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

      Don't get aguero it isn't sensible.

      Get either Antonio or Wood

  24. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best £4.3 defender for the run in?

    Was looking at Diop - is he nailed?

    1. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Liverpool cheapo?

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

        Already got 3 Liverpool

        1. KAALI_DAAL
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Alioski? Decent fixtures coming up.

  25. ASOUSA12
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who scores highest this GW:

    A - Kane + Raphinha (-4)
    B - Bamford + Lingard

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      I would pick B, only because of 4pt hit for A.

      1. ASOUSA12
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Currently leaning A.

        A. Iheanacho + Bruno -> Kane (C) + Raphinha (-4) (Bench Lingard)
        B. Iheanacho -> Bamford (Salah (C); Bench Bruno)

        I think Kane is higher priority than Bruno GW36-38 due to the Man Utd blank in GW36 and potential Bruno benching in GW38. Also Kane is still chasing the Golden Boot

        1. Ashleyajolly
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A - I would rather have Kane than Bruno. Bruno last game should be against Fulham which is half decent.

  26. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best 3 strikers for final Gws?

    Kane Ings DCL, other ideas?

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Kane Ings Antonio. Aguero and Wood for GW38

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

      Bamford, Antonio?

  27. I'm looking for Ray Fi…
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Lingard & Bamford
    Or
    Raphinia & Antonio?

    To replace Rodriguez & Iheanacho?
    Cheers

  28. MIGHTY JOE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Leno my savior!!!

  29. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which one to do?

    1) Bruno to:
    i)Mahrez,
    ii) Bale,
    iii) Son

    Or

    2) Iheanacho to:
    i)Bamford,
    ii)Antonio

    1. Ashleyajolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on your current team!

      1) iii
      2) ii (if don’t have lingard)

  30. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone want to try some score predictions and keep track of how you compare to Mark and Az?

    If so, post your GW36 predictions here before BlackBox (so that we can't be influenced by what Mark and Az predict).

    Mine are:
    NEW 1-2 MCI
    BUR 1-1 LEE
    SOU 2-0 FUL
    BHA 0-2 WHU
    CRY 1-2 AVL
    TOT 3-1 WOL
    WBA 0-2 LIV
    EVE 2-0 SHU