Pro Pundits

Which Chelsea players should FPL managers buy ahead of Gameweek 7?

Gameweek 7 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is just around the corner and many of us had earmarked this week in pre-season as the ideal time to load up on Chelsea assets ahead of a fixture run that sees them rank top of the Fantasy Football Scout Season Ticker all the way up to Gameweek 14.

So let’s get started discussing Chelsea assets, starting with the goalkeeping spot.

Edouard Mendy

Firmly first-choice goalkeeper, there is a small risk of the occasional benching in favour of Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.9m) but it is likely to be minimal.

Edouard Mendy‘s (£6.0m) numbers are impressive for a premium shot-stopper, with a minutes-per-save average (25) that is better than most others – Alisson’s (£6.0m) is 38.6 and Ederson’s (£6.0m) is 108 – although that might be a product of the tougher fixtures so far and facing Liverpool largely with 10 men.

His minutes-per-baseline-bonus (BBPS) of 5.5 is pretty good too so he is likely to be in the mix when Chelsea keep a clean sheet: Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) and Antonio Rudiger (£5.7m) have minutes-per-BBPS averages of 5.6 and 7.8 respectively, to put that in perspective. A decent shout but not one I’m tempted by.

THE DEFENCE

Now, this is why most of you are probably reading this article: the beautiful dilemma that is Marcos Alonso (£5.9m).

First off, I think it is important to determine what is Chelsea’s best XI when everyone is match fit. I personally think it is:

  • Mendy
  • Azpilicueta / Christensen / Rudiger
  • James / Jorginho / Kante / Chilwell
  • Mount / Lukaku / Havertz

Not many of us expected Alonso to start as many games as he has already and it must be said that his performances were decent up to Gameweek 6, both in defence and attack. However, he was poor against Manchester City, as were the entire Chelsea team.

Prior to the Juventus game, it was tricky to determine what clues we should look for to assess Alonso’s prospects of starting against Southampton. Coming off a loss to Manchester City, it was likely that Chelsea would go full-strength in their most difficult Champions League fixture and it was comforting to see Alonso in the starting line-up.

However, he struggled to provide any impetus going forward and it was a bit of the Alonso of old, who seemed to delay most of his passes. He was substituted at half-time and part of this might be due to his yellow card but I thought his display was quite poor overall. Another problem Chelsea are currently facing is providing supply to Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m) in the absence of their best crosser, Reece James (£5.6m).

As the above image shows, Alonso has completed just five open play crosses and has been unsuccessful 20 times. The Spaniard’s strength is his goal threat and his positioning in the box, rather than crossing ability from open play where he has always been a bit poor. He has shown improvement, though: a 20% cross completion rate is pretty good. Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.6m) has also completed just seven crosses, so I might be reading too much into this statistic.

The above table from last year highlights how much Chelsea are going to rely on James to provide the supply to Lukaku this season. Ben Chilwell (£5.6m) had a cross completion rate of 15%, James 21% and Alonso 5%.

I’ve removed the defender filter and James is still top for successful open play crosses in the Chelsea team last year, by some distance.  

From what I have seen as a Blues fan and even without these numbers, Chilwell is simply a much better crosser of a football than Alonso is and I don’t see how the former Leicester left-back doesn’t get back into the team long-term, health permitting.

Alonso might still start against Southampton but the games after that are anyone’s guess. I’ll provide some brief thoughts on each defensive asset below:

I hope you found the article useful, I could have gone on for another 1,000 words! If you want to hear more thoughts about Chelsea assets, check out this week’s pod of the FPL Wire below:

723 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Will Kane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Shaw in the England squad suggests he is fit for the weekend, right? If so I will limp along with my team for one more week before wildcarding.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Helps his case but doesn't guarantee anything. Ole had said last night he hasn't even trained since the game.

      James rumoured to be out for longer also called up, there might be a few replacements...

      1. Will Kane
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Hmmm. An indication of the state of my team is that I'm eagerly awaiting Graham Potter to say if Bissouma is fit 🙂

        1. Will Kane
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Oh, he already has and it's not good 🙁

          1. Rainer
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Messy GW ahead for all!

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Should get an update from Ole tomorrow, maybe some early team news Saturday morning given it's the early kick-off.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Doesn't mean players will be fit for the weekend, imo. Good to see Ramsdale there.

        1. Il Capitano
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Delighted for Fikayo's call-up myself, he's been immense at Milan.

    3. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Southgate says its more of an illness for him, someone isnt telling the truth!

  2. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    No Trent.

    James, Shaw & Mount called up...

    https://twitter.com/England/status/1443561329785253890?s=19

  3. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    This gw is so confusing

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Get 11 out, hope for a grey arrow!

  4. Ruudy Van
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    WC 0.8ITB in the bank. Thoughts?

    Meslier foster
    Cancelo rudiger Laporte white livra
    Salah Raphina Grealish Benrah brownhill
    Wood ronaldo Antonio

    Ronaldo to Lukaku in due time.

    Meslier rash or genius?

    1. LikeItLoveIt
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Like the wood pick for this week

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If you’re punting on a keeper who will get points then get martinez surely

      1. Ruudy Van
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        The fixtures of Meslier are just incredible. Next 4, 3 worst attacking teams.

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I don't see the appeal in Meslier, Leeds 0 cs. On a WC I think just go for Lukaku straight away.

      1. Ruudy Van
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        The fixtures meslier I’m finding hard to ignore. We’re all saying Raphina essential, why not a defender?

        Lukaku v Ronaldo- I was at the game last night and going on Saturday v Everton. More exciting to have him captain.

    4. Retro
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Meslier rash I think! Leeds not great defensively.
      Cancelo and Laporte = two rotation risks together?
      And would you not rather get Lukaku instead of Wood now while you're at it?

  5. G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Rüdiger and Lukaku for me...

    May live a little and double up with Alonso in defence...

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rud , Rom and Reece

  6. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Repost

    Which pair scores the most points this GW? (will WC in GW8)

    A: Vardy + ESR
    B: Vardy + Gallagher
    C: Son + White
    D: Lukaku + Luiz(Douglas)

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku +luiz

  7. Joey Tribbiani
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez
    Rudi - Regu - Duffy
    Salah - Jota - Raph - Benrahma - Bissouma
    Lukaku - Jimenez

    Bench = Livra. Good to go?

    1. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A bit threadbare, but you won't be the only one. Possible neither Jota and Bissouma play. I have both and might take Jota out for a -4.

      1. Joey Tribbiani
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yea might have to take a hit

  8. Fozzyb34r
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sarr or Saka/ESR on WC?

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Saka if u have the cash

  9. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have TAA/Rudi/Ayling/Duffy/Tsim and already used my FT.

    Would you do Ayling to Cancelo for a hit?

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Who would u play instead of ayling?

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        As you can see, imagine that no one as Tsim TAA and Ayling are all out

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Then do it then longterm saves a transfer. If cancelo gets only 2 pts it's a-2 only and will get repayed long term. U could get azpi if u want the hit to be repayed this week

          1. Atimis
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            True that! Cheers

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

    Its a shame Pulisic gets injured when he hops out of bed every morning, he could help fuel the Chelsea attack.

  11. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Start Marcal or Gray?

    1. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Marcal. It’s close as I think Grey could get something against that defence

  12. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sa
    Omoba Rudiger Semedo
    Salah Jota Traore Gallagher
    Lukaku Antonio Bamford*

    Steele Sissoko Livramento Taa*

    1ft 2.1 itb

    Looking at omoba + jota + bamford to Azpi + Raphinha + Toney for a -8. Then will have enough cash for Semedo to Cancelo and Traore to Saka in the upcoming weeks.

    Thoughts??

  13. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Whos everyone capt this week? Anyone on antonio or luk?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku thought twice about it

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Not*

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I have a feeling that Lukaku’s returns over the next 5 easy fixtures could be disappointing (irrational fear?) …. Would triple Chelsea defence be better (complete and utter madness?) ….

      1. Taff1952
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'm considering just that

    3. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      CR7 or Raph as a diff

  14. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bamford confirmed out, would you do both of these moves, or just one?

    1. Bamford > Toney -4
    2. Jota > Son -8

    Means next week I can do Cr7 > Ronaldo and then look to bring in a City Defender for Marcal too.

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Bet you wish you still had your WC.

      I feel like GW4 or 5 WC'ers have really suffered this week.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        There's no guarantee more random injuries won't keep cropping up in worrying numbers in subsequent weeks though.

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

        I definitely do, hindsight is a great thing isn't it? On paper my plans were solid.. Injuries have ruined it!

        Any suggestions here?

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

        I am one of them, and couldn't agree more.

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

          What moves you making this week?

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

            Shaw>Rudiger is done already.

            Not sure if it's Torres or TAA for a -4, but it will be one of them for sure. Thoughts?

            What about you?

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

              I'm gonna do Bamford > Toney I think this week for a hit (already done Torres > ESR) and then next week do Cr7 > Lukaku and Marcal > Dias.

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

                I like all of those moves if you're good with multiple hits.

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

                  Might not do multiple hits, will definitely do the Cr7 > Lukaku move next week due to fixtures definitely for free, the others can probably wait.

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

                    I don't think I can get rid of CR7 that easily, but props to you for being so sure of your decisions. Wish I could do the same.

                    Cheers

      4. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Jose sa saved my wc or it could have been a disaster. Still not a great wc gw4 especially going traore over sarr

      5. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I am on wildcard and even more confused

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cr7 to ronaldo is a bit difficult

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

        Oops, meant Lukaku..

    3. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cr7 to Ronaldo a no-brainer

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

        Meant Lukaku! My bad

    4. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I am looking at the first move too. Do u have raphinha? Not sure about son

  15. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    You reckon Ayling will be back after international break?

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Could miss the first game after the break - having minor surgery.

  16. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which FT?

    A) Greenwood to Grealish/Benrahma

    B) Ronaldo to Lukaku

    C) White or Marchal to Rudiger
    (Have Christensen)

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      D) TAA to Rudiger

  17. Jarnathan
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Quality article

    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers glad you enjoyed it

  18. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best Chelsea defender to bring in?

    A) Azpi

    B) Rudiger

    C) Reece James

    1. TKC07
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Oi, can you read the article?

  19. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Really struggling to decide which path to take here.

    1. TAA-> Cancelo. (-4).
    2. Bamf-> Toney (-4). (Gives cash for Coufal- Cancelo) next week.
    3. Bamf-> Jimenez (-4).
    3. Just leave it and possibly do a -4 next week.
    4. Save the FT and/or WC this week or next.

    Sanche
    Alonso, Rudiger, Coufal.
    Salah, Benrahma, Greenwood, Gray, Bissouma.
    Anto, Lukaku.
    Bachmann, TAA, Bamford, Tsimikas.
    0.0m ITB, 0ft.

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      2

    2. Big Hippo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Wait for Klopp but I think Bamford out is probably worth a -4 as Bissouma might not play. Better to take a hit for a fwd then a defender imo

  20. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Why do people think Christensen is not nailed on? Has started 5/6 epl games both UCL games..the only fixture in the league he missed out on was right after the IB where he played 3/3 for his country..more nailed than people think..major price fallacy in play here

    1. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I agree totally

    2. Big Hippo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm bringing him in this week, better for BPS than Rudiger too

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        As Lateriser says, he shares a spot with Tilva. Expect over 50% Chrstensen to start, but he'll be 'rested' more than Rudi and Azpili.

    3. fn.jota
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      maybe because when reece james come back he is gonna be benched more often? azpi, thiago silva, rudiger

      1. Alcapaul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I've got him. Besides Rudiger every Chelsea defender is a rotation risk and at 5m i think he's great value. I'm also not as interested in the wingbacks as everyone else though so it was an easier decision for me.

  21. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Probably WC in GW8

    Sanchez
    TAA Reguilon Tierney
    Salah Bruno Jota Raphinha Benrahma
    Antonio King

    Begović Cash Ayling Perica*

    1FT, 2.4m ITB

    a) Jota to Grealish / Son
    b) Scarlett to Wood (NOR)
    c) another option...

  22. Big Hippo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Reece James in the England squad.... Interesting!

  23. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Are there any changes that you would make to this team or can I save my FT

    Raya Bachmann

    Coufal Duffy Rudiger Tierney Livramento

    Salah Sarr Jota Gray Odegaard

    Lukaku Ronaldo Armstrong

    1 FT 0 ITB

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Save works.

    2. Alcapaul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jota to Raphinha

  24. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What do we think of Jota? I thought he was a must sell but watching blackbox last night has changed my opinion a bit. I think he could be one to hold despite Firmino's return and although he wont get 90 mins every week, theres a good chance that Mane, Jota and Firmino rotate and also Klopp could opt for a front 4. Also theres always the chance one of Firmino Salah or Mane get injured next week or during the IB. At 7.7, he's a bargain for the numbers he puts up so until we see him getting dropped, I think theres no harm in keeping him.

    1. Big Hippo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Agree. He's a hold for now for me.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If Firmino was called up for Brazil it would have really helped his case for keeping with Watford in GW8.

      He's basically a City mid in a Liverpool jersey, great when he starts but you're always worried...

      People want less headaches in FPL!

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Normally I'd agree, but with so many random injuries plaguing our squads, I want nailed options in my starting line-up.

    3. Will Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I don't think I have the luxury of holding him right now. If he doesn't start this week I'm fielding 10 players (maximum). Have to shift him to Raphinha this week I think.

    4. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ditching him this week because I have 2 FTs and need a nailed punt this week before the WC8. Will look to bring back later when the fixtures are a bit smooth over a stretch, which is when I expect him to start most games.

    5. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah I'm torn. I've been considering switching to Raphina or Mount this week (potentially for a hit as have to sort Bamford too). But I also watched BB and appreciate the stats he is posting are elite level and he can do damage in a 20 minute spell coming off the bench too. That said, I would be very surprised if he starts vs Man City, which will diminish his chances of returning this GW even more. I know Klopp played both Firmino and Jota in front four vs City last year, but I think that was a response to their defence being so beleaguered that he felt he had to go all out attack. Would be surprised if he does the same again.

  25. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Does the Xhaka injury make ESR more nailed if they go back to the 4141?

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. He fits in nicely in pretty much evey formation.

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        every*

  26. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Am I safe to just do Bamford > Toney this week and field this team? Moving Bamford > Toney would leave me with 4.1m in the bank and would then allow me to do Cr7 > Lukaku & Marcal > Dias next week. G2G?

    Sanchez
    Rudiger - Marcal - Williams
    Salah - Jota - ESR - Gray
    Antonio - Cr7 (c) - Toney

    Steele - Livra - Sissoko - TAA

  27. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who is more nailed; Christensen or Laporte?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      We have no idea how Pep feels about Stones right now, so can't answer.

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Christensen

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Christensen when you check their minutes.

  28. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    https://www.arsenal.com/news/arteta-smith-rowe-white-brighton-and-more

    on Aaron Ramsdale and Bernd Leno...
    Everybody has to raise the level and that's really positive and is happening in different positions. You can see when players are coming in now, they are fully ready to take the place. Now it's going to happen with Granit and before it happened when he was suspended, and it's happened in other positions. Players are coming up and showing that they are ready because the way they train and the way they play is top so after they get rewarded when they have the minutes.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm picking up ever-louder noises than Leno wants away, possibly in January. Ramsdale looks secure now.

  29. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    One will be benched every week, which would you go for on WC

    A) Grealish & Brownhill
    B) Sarr & Benrahma

    Ramsdale | Foster
    Dias | Alonso | Rudiger | Cancelo | Livramento
    Salah | Raphinha | Sarr | Saka | Benrahma
    Lukaku | Antonio | Jimenez

    Jime might be Toney so I can easy switch back to TAA

  30. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    TAA Ronaldo to Rudiger Lukaku (-4)? 1FT 1.3m ITB. Cheers all 🙂

    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA* Semedo Tierney (Livramento Tsimikas)
    Salah Raphinha Sarr Benrahma (Gray)
    Ronaldo Antonio Jimenez