Dugout Discussion

Son returns as Mendy absent and James benched for Chelsea

In the final match of Gameweek 5, Tottenham Hotspur entertain Chelsea.

Kick-off is at 16:30 BST.

The big news for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers is that Son Heung-min (£10.0m) returns from injury and starts for Spurs, as does team-mate Eric Dier (£4.6m).

Cristian Romero (£4.9m) and Giovani Lo Celso (£5.9m) also feature in the XI having returned from quarantine, while the injuries sustained by Lucas Moura (£6.5m) and Steven Bergwijn (£6.0m) in the Europa Conference League keep them out.

Japhet Tanganga (£4.6m) is suspended after his red card in Gameweek 4.

As for Chelsea, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.9m) suprisingly starts with Edouard Mendy (£6.0m) absent from the squad.

Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) also gets the nod, which means Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) will be deployed as a wing-back with Reece James (£5.6m) on the bench.

N’Golo Kante (£4.9m) returns from injury but Jorginho (£5.9m) and Mateo Kovacic (£5.1m) are preferred in central midfield, with Kai Havertz (£8.3m) and Mason Mount (£7.4m) supporting Romelu Lukaku (£11.6m)

GAMEWEEK 5 LINE-UPS

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Royal, Romero, Dier, Reguilon, Hojbjerg, Ndombele, Alli, Lo Celso, Son, Kane

Subs: Gollini, Doherty, Sanchez, Winks, Gil, Rodon, Skipp, Davies, Scarlett

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Christensen, Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount, Havertz, Lukaku

Subs: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Kante, Werner, Saul, Chilwell, Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi, James

1,652 Comments Post a Comment
  1. kUwe Inc.
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Seems like Lukaku-Kovacic-Alonso a safest bet for Chelsea triple up on gw7 onwards. Most nailed player…….so far

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Last two far from nailed medium term IMO.

      1. kUwe Inc.
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        That’s why i said Kovacic has been flying under the radar. His minutes is nailed so far and has consistent attacking return.

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Or Alonso-Rudiger-Lukaku

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        This

      2. kUwe Inc.
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Well…that’s taken up 2 def slots.
        Bet it is Alonso vs Rudiger then.

    3. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would argue that Rudiger is more nailed than Alonso

    4. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lukaku, Rudiger and Mendy are nailed. Nobody else

      1. Inter Me Gran
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        How is Alonso not as nailed as anyone can be? He’s played every game and got some good returns

        1. My Name Is Prince
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Will Chilwell play zero games? No chance I think

    5. kUwe Inc.
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Considering attacking return as well

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

      Don't pick Kovacic unless you want to get leapfrogged.

    7. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not Kovacic mate. (Kante & Jorginho first choice)
      Kova hardly ever scores or assists. Recency bias is clouding your judgement have a look at his total goals & assists since he joined us. It's very low.

      1. kUwe Inc.
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        His returns this season so far suggesting otherwise. I’m aware Jorginho and Kante is ahead of him for DM position but Kante coming in for Mount instead.
        I will see next game which is also a crucial game before decide to bring him in for my 4th mid slot.

    8. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Well I wish you the very best of luck as a Chelsea fan, if you do go for him & I hope he scores every week for you but for your consideration...

      Tuchel did an interview on the 5th stand app shortly after joining stating how Kante is perfectly suited for the double 6 as it allows him the freedom to roam defensively horizontally & vertically but the teams shape is kept in a pair.

      We play 3,4,2,1 (although second half we went 3,5,2 today)

      3,4,2,1 leaves 2 positions behind Lukaku between:

      1. Mount
      2. Havertz
      3. Werner
      4. Ziyech
      5. Pulisic
      6. Hudson-Odoi (Also plays RWB)

      I doubt you will see Kante playing there regularly as from a creativity & goal scoring perspective it's not his skill set.

      Kovacic is also competing with Saul in addition to Kante & Jorginho. (2 for 4 positions)

      Kovacic won't be playing 90 minutes every week, he'll play in the double 6 when he does & although he's a good footballer, I doubt he's suddenly going to become a good fantasy asset because he so rarely gets returns. Again like Kante it's not his skill set.

      I've not looked at his heat map, but I'd bet he's not high up the pitch.

      Again if you've seen something in him & feel that outweighs the points above I genuinely hope he smashes it for you & I'd be delighted to eat a huge slice of humble pie.

      May I at least suggest you get a decent playing sub to anticipate his regular benching.

      Best of luck whatever you do mate, just trying to share some info as a Chelsea fan, as I appreciate the info that fans of other clubs are kind enough to share on here. So rather than just saying yes or no to a question I try to explain my thought process so that you can judge for yourself if you agree with it, or I'm talking BS!

      1. kUwe Inc.
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Very good insight mate. Really appreciate that. Definitely i will carefully monitor him and yes, will have a good bench to cover him on his benching day.
        Best of luck and thanks.

    9. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You're welcome mate. Thank you for your polite reply. Not everyone has your manners. Best of luck to you too. 🙂

  2. N00B
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ben White (home vs Spurs) and Livramento (home vs Wolves). Play:
    A) White
    B) Livramento
    C) both

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B more attacking

    2. Ginola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes Livramento it is.

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Toss a coin. One or the other, not both

    4. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

    5. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B, but fancy A also v the Spurs we saw tonight. Who's your next weakest you reckon?

  3. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sooooo:
    1) Keep FT
    2) Bruno out for -4 this week - switch to 343
    3) Other ideas?

    Sanchez
    TAA/Shaw/Duffy
    Salah/Bruno/Greenwood/Raph/Sarr
    Bam/Antonio

    Steele/Ayling/Tsim/Scarlet

    1. puhd
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2

    2. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Thinking I should just keep FT? Bruno should have easily hauled today.

    3. Ginola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno, Scarlett to 4.5 and Ronaldo if you want to captain Ronaldo.

  4. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best Jota replacement from GW7 onwards? Already have Torres and Raph

    1. puhd
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sarr?

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ask after GW6!

    3. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Zaha

  5. puhd
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    3 goals and Lukaku got nothing? How’s this for luck! Was he poor or just unlucky?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Could have had 2 assists.

      1. Noisy Neighbour
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Three really. Mount, Werner, Kovacic.

    2. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Unlucky like Bruno

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He was marked well but could have had 2 assists but Werner and Kovacic wasted the chances

  6. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Still unclear with Raphinha's injury problem. He played through it right? So him being taken off was more like a precaution or could he not continue? Didn't watch the game unfortunately

    1. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Precaution although presser midweek should clarify

    2. Noisy Neighbour
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Never looked limited in his movements at all. If they didn’t tell you he was injured, you’d never suspect it, which made his substitution quite surprising to me.

  7. Thinkering like a Boss
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    HELP!!!

    1) Hold Bruno for 2 GW and take price fall 11.9m
    2) Transfer out right now to Son
    3) Bruno, Perica > Lukaku, 4.5m mid -4

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno is bound to punish next week you just know it

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah but 11.9m 🙁

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I’d take the drop

        2. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I’d be surprised if he drops with a decent home game next

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

    Planning on saving FT. Thoughts?

    Raya (LIV)
    Alexander-Arnold (bre) / Livramento (WOL) / Cancelo (che)
    Salah* (bre) / Torres (che) / Grealish (che) / Raphinha (WHU) / Benrahma (lee)
    Lukaku (MCI) / Bamford (WHU)

    Bench: 4.5 / Dennis (NEW) / Amartey (BUR) / Duffy (cry)

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Torres to Sarr?

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

        That is also an option. But, I will transfer out Grealish (who is a better player, but Torres is better for FPL points).

    2. banskt
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Was also considering Grealish > Gray to free up some funds.

  9. boc610
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    the usual post gameweek " I'm entitled to a haul look at my team ! "bitterness on here . painful.

  10. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What would you do here ?

    Sanchez
    TAA James Shaw Rudiger (Livramento)
    Salah Jota Raphinha Gray (Mendy)
    Lukaku Ronaldo (Perica)

    Thinking of Lukaku to Antonio this week and then Ronaldo to Lukaku the following week. Will use funds to get another forward. Thoughts ?

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      *Shaw is Marcal

    2. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Save

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Save your FTs. Bench is looking a bit weak though

  11. Budweiser
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    2nd in the world really wildcarded triple Arsenal defence..

    1. Budweiser
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wildcarded in*

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      When your luck’s in, your luck’s in

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Ars defenders are incredible value.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I know, but to triple up on them and get away with it

    3. riot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Underpriced and great fixtures

  12. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Even my players that haul are unlucky not to get more (Alonso & Sarr)

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Alonso could have easily had a goal. Does future rotation with Chilwell worry you at all or is Alonso firmly ahead of him ?

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I still think Tuchel plays Chilwell when he wants a defender ; next week will tell.

      2. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No idea mate I’m deleting shortly.
        The way Alonso has played I think means it would be silly to drop him, I can see both in the lineup at some point

  13. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Why I'm not panic selling Traore

    1) Fixtures could not be better: sou NEW avl lee EVE cry WHU nor BUR
    2) Stats tables: he appears in the top 5 mids for creativeness and goal threat on my custom tables
    3) Eye test and positioning. Even in that dreadful game he still smacked a thumper against the underside of the crossbar. He is an inside fwd now.
    4) Magnus owns him
    5) Chances are coming he is due a big score. Game rewards patience

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1. Wolves have 3 points from 5 games
      2. Wolves have scored 1 goal (ex OG) in 5 games
      3. Traore has no history of “coming good”
      4. I own Trincao

      1. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        he had a 130 point season playing RWB

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Surely you're not going 2 years back to assess his potential now?

    2. QueefParkRangers
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Enjoy another 2 points

    3. Noisy Neighbour
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Regarding your number 3, our eyes see things quite differently. To quote Az, “All fart, no poo”.

  14. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Jota to who? 6 to spare.

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Why sell now?

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Keep for Brentford game

    3. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gray

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hey Loon, I have him too.

      Give him 1 more shot.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Disappointing for the last 2. Brentford playing at home been decent.

  15. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Really gutted as a James owner. Would you keep or rotation just too risky?

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Same. Gutted.

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm keeping but getting Rudiger too to feel more confident I'll always have at least one Chelsea def playing

    3. JBay
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Depends entirely on your bench. As a James owner myself, I think there will be hauls from GW7 onwards but there definitely will be some cameos or no-shows so if you can accept that, then keep.

    4. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Keeping for next game then prob swapping for Rudiger

  16. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Alonso good option now on week 7/8 WC or still too much of a rotation risk? Hard to drop him in this form but Chilwell will need to get some game time

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I've been telling myself for weeks Chilwell will come in but Tuchel doesn't seem to rate him and Alonso has been really good. I've already had to deal with Chilwell not appearing last week and then moved to James this week who also didn't so I'm just sticking, likely to get Rudiger in now too though

      1. Noisy Neighbour
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yes, Chilwell has been ready for weeks and still hasn’t started a match that matters. And Alonzo looks five years younger. Terrifying to watch as a non-owner, and he’s even defending well.

  17. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Can't wait for WC GW7 ... would you line up Rudiger Dias Alonso and leave out TAA? 😛

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Because he was ill for GW5?

    2. kUwe Inc.
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      TAA is season keeper mate, look elsewhere for the budget

  18. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    GW rank of 14k
    Up 800k places.
    Game on!

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Well done. Sarr, Benrahma and Rudiger ?

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Sarr, Rudi

    2. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Congrats! Enjoy! 🙂

  19. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    The upcoming Nuno vs Arteta could be the most painful NLD to watch in living memory

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

      Not for neutrals!

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

    4 goal attempts (all in the box)
    4 chances created

    2nd furthest forward average position in the side

    Yeah. Now this is concerning.

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Alonso?

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

        You won't benefit if you delete.

  21. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Assuming Raphinha this team for week 6 look ok with no transfer?

    Foster
    Salah Semedo Shaw
    Salah Greenwood Jota Raphinha Benrahma
    Ronaldo Antonio

    Sanchez Livramento Ayling Scarlett

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Love Salah in defence mate!!!! Haha

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        😆

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      * TAA not double Salah!

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

        Looks good to me.

    3. banskt
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Typo in defense.

    4. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. It looks good. Just hope Wolves don’t disappoint

  22. GoonerSteve
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Any advice here folks?:

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA, Shaw, Coufal, (Manquillo, Williams)
    Salah, Torres, Greenwood, Gray (Gilmore)
    Antonio, Ings, Ronaldo.

    1ft, 0.1 ITb.

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Keep Torres as I'm selling for Gallagher

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I am keeping Torres as think Toney more priority to sell

  23. Tripleh123
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Currently on Jota+Greenwood. Swap either one to

    a) Barnes
    b) Sarr
    c) Kovacic
    d) Traore
    e) Stick

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not Kova, the Kante twins are both back fit.

  24. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How is Rudiger, Alonso, and Lukaku for a triple up? Penciled for my GW 7 or GW 8 wildcard.

  25. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) Torres to Benrahma
    B) Roll FT

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Torres is done, only scored in one game

    2. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A.

  26. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to bench a) Josh king v new b) ESr v spurs c) Torres v Chelsea? Thanks

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks defo got the hardest fixture

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

      Esr

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

  27. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku is surely going to be benched soon - gw7 fears creeping

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Benched for who? Werner?

      Did you watch Werner when he came on?

      Lukaku is 99% nailed and I'm a non-owner.

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Will be benched or blank from now on

    3. jay01
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah most likely benched this midweek vs villa

  28. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I'm really happy with the start of the season, 65 is points is my lowest score so far

    How is everyone else doing?

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      84 pts this week. Moved from 236k to 37K overall rank. 391 pts total.

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        great!

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      59, shocker as always, Lukaku blank in a 3-0 win is a kick in the teeth

      1. Pep's Money Laundry
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        59 isn't bad. I own lukaku too, it's just bad luck his team mate is Werner

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

      Good start. Dropped a tiny bit today owning to the CS and Wolves fail.

      77k

      Probably only 1-2 50/50 decisions keeping me outside the Top 10k.

    4. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      5 straight green arrows. 150k OR. Happy days.

  29. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    LMS safety score?

  30. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez (Steele)
    James Matip Semedo (Llorente Livramento)
    Salah Sarr Raphinha Gray (Allan)
    Lukaku Ronaldo Antonio

    Little bit stuck on what to prioritise this week. Need to deal with Llorente, but now that Matip has been rested and Konate had a good game and Gomez is there too, I'm worried he's going to stay out or at least be too much of a rotation risk that it's not worth it, especially the way this nj

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      *week has gone. Should I move Matip to Rudiger (will be doing it either now or in 2 weeks) and then leave myself to get VVD in in a few weeks?