Dugout Discussion

Torres benched for Chelsea v City as much-captained Ronaldo leads United attack

We have the unusual situation of two Premier League matches kicking off simultaneously in the Saturday lunchtime slot.

Chelsea v Manchester City is a mouth-watering prospect at Stamford Bridge, while there is plenty of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) interest at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Aston Villa.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the chief attraction from an FPL perspective, having been captained by almost two-thirds of the top 10,000 Fantasy managers in Gameweek 6.

Above: Ownership/effective ownership stats for Gameweek 6, via LiveFPL

Ronaldo is part of an unchanged Manchester United side from the win at West Ham United last Sunday.

Edinson Cavani makes the bench after recovering from injury.

Aston Villa’s one starting XI change is enforced, with Axel Tuanzebe, who is on loan from the Red Devils, ineligible to face his parent club. Kortney Hause makes his first Premier League start of the season as Dean Smith sticks with a 3-5-2.

In west London, Thomas Tuchel makes four changes to the Chelsea team that beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in their last league outing.

Edouard Mendy returns in goal after recovering from a hip problem, while Reece James, N’Golo Kante and Timo Werner are all recalled.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz drop to the bench, while Mason Mount misses out through injury.

“Thiago [Silva] had some issues yesterday in training, otherwise he would have started.” – Thomas Tuchel

Tuchel has stuck with the same 3-5-2 system he used in the second half against Spurs, with Werner assuming Havertz’s role alongside Romelu Lukaku.

Pep Guardiola has also made four changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Southampton in Gameweek 5.

Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden both make their first league starts of the season, while Rodri and Aymeric Laporte have recovered from injury to also feature.

Nathan Ake, Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho are among the substitutes, with the injured Ilkay Gundogan missing out entirely.

GAMEWEEK 6 LINE-UPS

Chelsea XI: Mendy, James, Christensen, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Kante, Werner, Lukaku

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Silva, Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, Saul, Hudson-Odoi, Chilwell, Ziyech, Havertz

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Ruben Dias, Laporte, Cancelo, De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Gabriel Jesus, Grealish

Subs: Steffen, Stones, Ake, Sterling, Torres, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Palmer, Lavia


Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Fred, Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Pogba, Ronaldo.

Subs: Lindelof, Martial, Lingard, Dalot, Cavani, Heaton, Sancho, Matic, Van de Beek.

Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Hause, Mings, Targett, Jacob Ramsey, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Ings, Watkins.

Subs: Buendia, Steer, Traore, Young, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Archer, Bogarde.

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1,557 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Play ip CR7

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      *up lol

  2. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Good luck all

  3. Pia06rc
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Ronaldo to Lukaku for next 5 or so games? Want to captain the latter and it is hard to get a balanced squad with them both.

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm probably doing it.

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Same boat .. not sure the answer

  4. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Starting to think about reversing my plan if Ronaldo/Lukaku/Salah team, will have to play a Gilmour/Dennis most weeks unless I go 5 atb which doesn’t seem right.. Maybe I should just lose Ronaldo which would then leave 5.7 m itb currently have 4.7 itb

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Only going two big hitters, match day is tense watching fluke goals go in.

  5. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Do we think KDB gets 90?

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

      Yep

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

    It’s so painful looking at team and seeingSalah and Ronaldo have higher than 100% EO so hoping they both blank despite taking nearly 25% of my budget…

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Have you captained someone else?

    2. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I definitely don't hope they blank. If Ron outscores Salah and you captained Ron it shouldn't be a massive rank danger, right?

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

      Antonio captain

  7. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I was fully wrong about Torres, that is all.

    Best of luck to everyone

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

      lol

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Argh yes I remember that post well

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

    Think us James owners were lucky, Tuchel said Silva had an issue yesterday in training and would have started otherwise

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      James might be out for me unless he rips it up today.

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

      Silva plays centre of the back 3, Christensen has taken his place.

      Doesn't affect Reece.

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Azpi had to go RCB instead of RWB opening the gap for James

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

      Reece is first choice RWB. Azpi is first choice RCB.

      Silva / Christenesen doesn't affect them.

      Look at our first choice back line last season & the CL final proves that.

      People assuming he isn't because he missed a couple of games due to suspension, being burgled and us keeping clean sheets without him. Tuchel stays loyal to players who come in & perform.

      Alonso & Chalobah are examples this season.

      Reece crossing for Lukaku is a weapon. Azpi is better defensively but IMHO Reece is first choice.

      Time will tell. Maybe I'm wrong but thats my thought process.

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      not lucky now

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

    Hope Torres comes off the bench and scores about the only thing that’ll stop him from being shipped

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Even with that he's shipped. Not worth it

  10. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Might bring Torres back in

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Well done, almost had me

  11. F4L
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Villa please score

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

      Noo!

  12. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Pretty much everyone in my ML has captained ronaldo, I’m on Salah… please don’t come back to bite me

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’m with you … come on Salah, down with the CR7.

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

      Nearly all in my ML are the opposite!

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Same

  13. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What about a new CHIP for next season. - TWIN CAPTAIN CHIP? Allows you to upgrade your VC to a seconds captain … two captains for one game week?

    1. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      As we say in Magic the Gathering, that's busted!

    2. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      That ain't gonna happen.

    3. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      And both your captains blank that week, just another chip to annoy you!

  14. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone know why the man u game is at 12:30?

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Pop concert clash….

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        The Clash was not pop music, you idiot….

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Just pretentious, rambling nonsense. Like most punk.

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

            Stick yourself in a room by yourself, put on London Calling album, listen without prejudice...

            ... and if you think that's rubbish you can't be helped

            1. Drexl Spivey
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              I've listened to them all. I like Police & Thieves and Guns of Brixton. Outside of that, just not impressed.

              Preferred the goths.

              1. The Knights Template
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Kylie Minogue is mine favourite punk.

                1. Drexl Spivey
                  • 5 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Figured you'd be into harp music.

              2. Bennerman
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Fair enough. I'm not a big punk fan per se, not of that era either, but I believe London Calling is a bloody amazing record.

                And I wouldn't call it punk actually, suppose it just gets labelled in that genre by default

                1. Drexl Spivey
                  • 5 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Apparently they hired a designer to make all their outfits.

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

                    Yeah, punk was a huge fashion movement too. Those on here who were part big it I'm sure will remember it with great fondness and say anything about it more authentically than I.

          2. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Agreed, most of my comments are just pretentious, rambling nonsense 😉

            1. Drexl Spivey
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              I feel a bit bad now. Saturday adrenaline, etc.

            2. Debauchy
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Agree 😆 , but we love you anyhow

              1. Jafooli
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                😛

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is it important

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

    Double Chelsea defense with Rudiger and Christensen looks perfect value.

  16. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Disappointed Villa didn’t start with more defenders….

  17. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Forgot to press confirm on transfer. Brilliant.

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lol

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

      Noob

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wish I forgot to press submit team in GW1….

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Which changes didn't you make?

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

        All of them.

  18. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Christensen starring again - hoping for a 0-0 and baps to go

  19. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Oh no - all my ML rivals gave capped CR7/Salah. Only one gone with Antonio. Twitchy bumhole time.

  20. Gunneryank
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Villa away kit is rather sharp. Nice style.

  21. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who took the FK for United?

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

      Bruno, and it was terrible. Ronaldo will want the next.

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

        Another poor shot on top of that.

  22. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    City all over Chelsea

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

      Are they? Not creating anything clear cut and can’t see them

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

      They've pressured us better, not really had a chance in the last 5 or so though (I missed the first 5 mins).

  23. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is United game on tv anywhere ?

  24. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Luke Shaw been a disappointing FPL asset so far. Hopefully today he gets that elusive CS and some BAPS.

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Last GW for me, bringing in a Chelsea DF

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

    James down

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

      James up

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

      Back up

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

      Very slight ankle tweak

  26. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    James hobbling, might get subbed soon

    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Please no

  27. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    That ankle twist is painful

  28. edison
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    why no rpl pts yet for the man city-chelsea game??

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

      Intern napping

  29. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Imagine both these games end 0-0.

    SCENES!

  30. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What minute will Shaw lose his CS today?

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

      90+6, a 35-yard consolation goal which takes 2 deflections.