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. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Gotta love Southgate, that's some FPL gold info...

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Why what's he said?

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      What did he say?

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

    Who on earth to captain?
    A) antonio vs Brentford
    B) ronaldo vs everton
    C) salah vs man city

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

      Ronnie for me

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

      A is the one I am most confident returns this GW

    3. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A or B,havent decided yet myself

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

      A or B for me. I've gone B

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

      Antonio at home vs Brentford. Yes.

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

    Any thoughts here much appreciated, please:

    Meslier / 4.0
    TAA / Rüdiger / Livramento / Marçal / Omobamidele
    Salah / Jota / Torres / Raphinha / Benrahma
    Antonio / Ronaldo / Obafemi

    Did Shaw to Rüdiger, and now I am considering TAA to Alonso/Torres or Jota out for a hit. Who to bring in? The plan is to WC after IB... I guess. Thanks!

  4. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC draft? 0 ITB

    Raya Foster
    Cancelo Dias Alonso James Livramento
    Salah Grealish Raphinha Harrison Brownhill
    Lukaku Antonio Jimenez

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

      Alonso and James? jesus that's risky

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

        also, not sure about harrison, maybe Gray instead?

      2. SKENG
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Will only need 3 out of that back 5 to play

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

    Ayling to Cancelo -4 and go with Cancelo/Rudi/Duffy this week? Any other/better options here?

    Sanchez
    Rudi/Ayling*/Duffy
    Salah/Greenwood/Benrahma/Raph/Sarr
    Ronaldo(c)/Antonio

    Steele/TAA*/Tsim/Scarlet

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

      Either Cancelo or Azpi or Alonso this week, and then bring in Cancelo next gw perhaps

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

        Just would keep TAA and 352, so maybe it would be too much in def.

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

          yeah, that's fair. I'm liking 4 at the back with Cancelo, Rudiger, one risky option (Alonso/Reece) and then TAA when he's back fit (with Semedo as temporary for TAA

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

    Absolutely

  7. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I have Christensen already. Now looking to get another Che def so which one:

    A) Rudiger
    B) Azpi
    C) Alonso

    Thx!

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

      A

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think if you already have one Chelsea defender go C, live a little

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Live a little and watch Christensen and Alonso on the bench vs the Saints xD

    3. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    4. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm on A

    5. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C is riskier but huge upside

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

      Alonso called up for Spain. Depending if / how much he plays for them over the IB, he is at more risk for GW 8, as Chilwell isn't in the England squad. He's potentially at risk this weekend after his last 2 performances & Chilly having minutes.

      Rudiger if it's for the 5 fixtures.

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

    With TAA & Ayling out would you

    1. WC
    2. Mini WC (Have 2m & 2FTs)

    The main targets this week would be Chelsea.

    Foster
    Shaw, Coufal, Tsim
    Salah, Gray, Benrahma, Raphina
    Jimmy, Ronaldo, Antonio
    Sanchez, Bissouma, Ayling, TAA

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just do TAA and Ayling to two Chelsea def. No need to wildcard at all

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

        Thanks. Thinking along the same lines

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      That is some serious problem in def.

      Ayling, Shaw > Rudiger, White if you can afford

      or Christensen, Semedo?

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

    shaw to Alonso? (FT)?

    and should I do Jota to Son (-4)??

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jota to Son for a hit is a no from me. Could easily backfire

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      looks good but what is your full squad?

  10. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On a WC:

    ESR and Laporte
    or
    Saka and Christensen

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Esr and Laporte

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

      The latter, not much in it

  11. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Son or Vardy on a wildcard?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy, Spurs is a mess (famous last words).

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

        Cheers

  12. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    After reading this article and seeing that James could definitely be back after IB I feel like keeping him now.

    Was all set to sell him for Rudiger but some of the points made in this article are eye openers.

    Livramento first sub though this week.
    Should I keep him?

  13. Thanos
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would Greenwood start this weekend?

  14. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Gallagher now? Still a good option?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not for me.

  15. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bamford to....

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

      Jimenez or Toney

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney and bank

    3. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney

  16. Manani
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A. save FT and play Livermento

    or

    B. TAA > Alonso/Cancelo

  17. fricky_
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So it comes down to Reece James or Alonso for the risk

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If Reece James could just somehow drop to 5.5 I can get him in for Ayling. Don't like my chances.

  18. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Rudiger or james could be close

    The problem is if tuchel tombola strikes I’ll have livra and gilmour off the bench

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

      Both it is I suppose

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Already own Christensen

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

          Damn... I would consider just risking it with Reece but Rudiger it is at the end of the day, at least for me anyway

  19. George James
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best move here for this multicolored mess? 1FT 0.2ITB

    A) James >> Rudiger / Christensen

    B) TAA >> Azpi

    C) Ronaldo >> Lukaku

    D) 2 of A/B/C for -4

    D) Something else?

    Sa
    TAA* James* Semedo
    Salah Raph Doucoure Jota
    Ronaldo Antonio Jimenez

    Steele / Williams / Sissoko / Livramento

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

    Is this solid enough to hold for 1 more week, before gw8 wc? FT currently being held on Shaw news. If not positive, then he'll move to a Che def. Gilmour is obviously a rotation worry.

    1FT, 0itb
    Foster
    Duffy, Shaw*, White
    Salah, Jota, Benrahma, Raph, Gilmour*
    Ronaldo(c), Antonio(vc),

    Subs: Bachman, TAA**, Ayling**, Bam**

  21. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT, 0.1ITB

    Sanchez (4m)
    TAA** Shaw* White (Tsimi, Livramento)
    Salah Greenwood Gray Barnes (Brownhill)
    Antonio ASM Ronaldo

    Would you WC this GW?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No, just Shaw to a Chelsea defender

      1. Gooner97
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Not TAA?

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

    Anyone captain Wood against Norwich?

    a) Wood (NOR)
    b) Antonio (BRE)
    c) Raphinha (WAT)

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

      Nah, this is one of them games that Norwich could get a result or even a cs. Antonio at home, yes please.

  23. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    is bringing Alonso in a risk?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

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

      yes

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes, it is. Chelsea fans (some at least) believe that Chilly plays.

    4. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

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

      yet to see a team sheet with him starting

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

    Alonso called up for Spain! Chilwell not in the England squad.

  25. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you sell Greenwood or Jota for Raphina? Have both Salah and Ronaldo.

  26. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    am i GTG? 0 FTs, 2.4 ITB

    Sanchez

    Alonso (C) White Marcal

    Salah Jota Benny Raph

    King Ronaldo Antonio (VC)

    Steele TAA Williams Allan

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

      wouldn't captain Alonso, might come on.

  27. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Team I would like to have and obviously the midfield will be very unpopular on here 🙂 Yes, this is me having Doucoure instead of Raphina and moving away from the threemium to 2 premiums. Not dealing with another Lukaku and Ronaldo blank GW, it fecks you over for GW points when 2 premium forwards combined +- 24m do nothing i.e. GW6 and unfortunately there will be other GW's like that to follow owning both Ron and Rom.

    Alisson
    Cancelo TAA Dias
    Salah Gray Benrahma Doucoure
    Antonio Vardy DCL

    Foster Gallagher Duffy Livramento

    The reason I like this Everton triple up is because all three players are fully nailed which is what you require from a triple up and combined provide loads of value for money plus attacking returns. Doucoure's recent interview stated that he is playing a more attacking and advanced role this season hence the good start from him re attacking returns so far. Also reckon Gray is going to get even better once DCL is back for GW8. I believe Everton will do well this season, maby not a top 4 finish but qualification for Europa.

    Double Pool and City defence. Vardy "Mr Consistency" most reliabe premium forward IMO and makes my life less hell having a choice between only him and Salah for captain and both are on penalties which is great. I will also keep Antonio until he breaks again.

    I think the bench is also really good and will cover well for any injuries, suspensions or no shows when it comes to the likes of Benrahma should he be rested after Europa matches etc.

    This is also a team I would like to leave untouched for a while bar any long term injuries.

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Too long.
      Team is okay. Have seen better drafts.

    2. Good Times
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A very nice team but surely a Chelsea defender must entice you?

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Nah, double City defence is the place to be.

    3. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No chelsea at all? For their run surely there is value there

  28. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Firmino not called up to Brazil squad?

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

    reposting looking for replies

    on wildcard
    who do u rather guys?

    A) duffy and townsend
    B) livramento and doucoure

    1) lowton and ronaldo
    2) VVD and vardy
    3) TAA and toney

    1. Good Times
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Sorry but the format is pretty confusing

      A and 3 if taa was fit. I'm sure better combos can be made and not so rigid

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

        like?

  30. Good Times
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do this for - 8? (2fts)

    Shaw, taa, Jota, Bamford => rudi, Alonso, raph, asm

    1. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes you get fit players expecting to play with good fixtures upcoming weeks. Rather have that then be left with unknowns

      1. Good Times
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        That's the logic I'm using. Obviously hits will drop rank but I guess worth it in the short/medium run

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No

      1. Good Times
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        May i ask the reason to your answer?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I'd keep Shaw this week unless he is confirmed out, and looks likely Raph is missing the game after the IB, so would hold off on him too.

          1. Maeki2
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            why will he miss that?

            1. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              He plays in Brazil early hours Friday morning, and Leeds play Saturday 3pm.