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

    According to stats its Salah, Ronaldo, Antonio, Vardy we should own and not Lukaku

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

      yeah historical data. Refresh that after the next few weeks.

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

        Will he even be in the chelsea squad then?

  2. FPL Emu
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which would you prefer?

    A) TAA to Alonso (already have Rudiger) - this leaves exactly enough for Marcal to Cancelo next week

    B) Jota to ESR

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A but you know the risk

      1. FPL Emu
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah.

        C) Save transfer is also an option. Just want to free up funds for a City dude next week anyway

        1. fish&chips
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Any idea how long TAA is expected to be out?

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

      A if you have cover for an Alonso benching

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

      Neither if you have a good bench. Why is there a general consensus that Jota is going to be dropped?

  3. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Guaita
    James*, TAA*, Alonso*, Semedo, Livra,
    Salah, Jota*, Raphinia*, Gilmour, Sissoko
    Ronaldo, Bamford*, Antonio

    1FT, 0.1 ITB

    Bamford & Trent -> Jimmy & Cancelo? (-4)

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

    Is Firmino called up for International Duty?

    Bottomed.

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

      No

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

      No he's not.

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

      Nope

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

    Best one week replacemant for Ayling? Only have Rudiger and White available atm

    A) Semedo
    B) Mee
    C) Azpi
    D) Someone else?

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

      Azpi

    2. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I done C

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

      Cheers both

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

      C

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

    Sanchez
    Rudiger Semedo Marcal
    Salah Jota Torres Raph
    Luka Jimi Anto

    4.0 Livramento Sissoko TAA

    1FT, 0.3ITB

    A) Torres to Mbeumo/Gallagher/ESR
    B) Jota to Mbeumo/Gallagher/ESR
    C) Hold

  7. 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. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Don't captain Alonso. Risk of a cameo

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

      (C) CR7 home v Everton

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

    Thoughts on Gallagher now?

    1. FPL Emu
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hold, but do not buy?

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

      Rkid

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

    Ayling -> Rudi with the FT and then GTG, or anything hit worthy? Still have 0.8itb

    Sanchez
    White Rudi Coady
    Salah Benrhama Jota Greenwood
    Ronaldo Antonio Armstrong

    Eldin Tino Billy G Trent

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

      GTG

  10. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I’m bringing in Azpi just now, will get Rudiger in and go double defence by gw9 tho, Azpi should play most games now with James out

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

      Is James out though?

      1. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        He's in the England squad

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

          Exactly

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

      Wait what tuchel says on reece injury

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

      Azpi is old

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

      James is not out. In fact, I'm thinking he will be my Chelsea asset on GW8 WC.

      He's been called up for England and supposedly has an outside chance for this weekend even.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Also key to note is how starved Lukaku is when James doesn't play, sounds like he has an outside chance of this weekend which means surely he's definitely fine for after

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

          What a turnaround!

      2. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Ah ok maybe hold of on that one then lol

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

      Raphinha has been called up for Brazil right? He will miss GW8??

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

        Seems likely

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

        why would he miss?

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

          Brazil game 1 day before Leeds game

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

        But are they going?

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

      Would you keep TAA on a wildcard?

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

        Same dilemma

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

          Assuming he is back after the int break I think I would but we have no idea atm unfortunately

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

            Maybe save WC after the int break

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

              I can't, have only one fit defender and no FT

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

                Maybe a hit is worth taking

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

                  Yeah could do but I'm one defender short and also have Torres who needs to go

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

        No but leaving enough ITB to move to him from one of my Chelsea/City defenders.

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

          My WC draft would have 2 City defenders if I go without TAA but will probably first on my bench anyway so is it worth to book in a transfer for that

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

        Yes. Assuming you're set up to cover him this week. As he's not even definitely out for this GW (but highly likely) & we have a two week international break for him to recover. Save's transferring him straight back in GW 8.

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

          Problem is we don't know when he's back though

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

        I feel that running with chelsea/city defense until gw 12 is no problem. Even if he is back he might not be playing fully fit

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

        Probably not. He's injured for a few weeks it seems. Che & City among others have better fixtures. May as well capitalise on the opportunity. I'd have a plan to get him back in 1 move though after the mixed fixtures(that means cash itb)

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

      G2G here all?

      Sanchez
      James Cancelo Rudiger Marcal
      Salah Raphina Saka
      Lukaku Antonio Jimenez

      Foster Gray Sissoko TAA

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

        Might only have 2 starting defenders.

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

          Marcal getting dropped?

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

            if Alt-Nouri is available, possibly.

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

              Haven't actually made the transfers yet , would keep Livramento over Marcal?

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

              Ait Nouri first choice now?

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

                Pure speculation

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

      i just did Shaw to Alonso on my FT, mistake??

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

        Should of got Rudiger

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

        Bit late now if it is 😛

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

        I'd of gone with Benson or Hedges

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

          Lol haven't watched that in ages.

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

        i brought in Alonso and have buyer's remorse

        1. fish&chips
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Me 3

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

        You will find out as soon as team news gets released 🙂

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

      Can't see how Jota plays in Qualifer on 12th and starts the Early kickoff on the 16th of October.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 5 months ago

          He playing on the moon? 😛

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

            With Firmino not having International duty makes more sense.

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Oh for sure, there'll be chaos as usual

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

          Would u do jota to Raphinha for a -4 considering gw8 too?

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

            Not worth a hit

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

            No, Raph unlikely to play for Leeds in GW8 if he plays the final Brazil game.

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

          Nearly 350k Alonso transfers in this week. "If" Chilly starts the next 2 that's a lot of disappointed people...

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Thats fpl baby

            • Cruyff's Eleven
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Imagine he scores twice..

              Even more disappointed people...

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

              As a Chelsea fan I hope he does. But that's a lot of transfers in considering the uncertainty & factor in the injuries to TAA & Shaw, maybe Ayling too that are highly owned.

          2. @persecuted_by_mods
              2 years, 5 months ago

              They really need to cut down the amount of international breaks early season, stop and start kills hype

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

                Wenger has proposed it

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    2 years, 5 months ago

                    Yeah not entirely sure how I feel about his solution, think I just want them to work a way to have less of the games

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

                TAA > Cancelo or Save FT

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

                  CHE def or save

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

                    is TAA likely to play? Or else I might have to play Livermento

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

                  Cancelo from GW8 but keep Trent.

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

                  TAA can wait get him back in gw 12 or someting

              3. McSauce
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Which Sub A or B?

                A) Gray --> Raph
                B) TAA & Scarlett --> Coady & Antonio (-4)

              4. Cheeky Onion
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                With Shaw's price about to drop tonight, is it time to pull the trigger on Shaw > Rudiger?

                1FT & 2.2m ITB

                Sanchez - Foster
                TAA - Reguilon - Shaw - Veltman - Tsim

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

                  Im holding for tomorrow for further info on his injury. Happy to swallow a 0.1 drop.

                  1. Cheeky Onion
                    • 6 Years
                    2 years, 5 months ago

                    Since United have kept only 1 clean sheet this season and their fixtures are about to turn, I'm happy to ditch him anyways. Would rather have him this week instead of Veltman (ARS) tho

                2. Cheeky Onion
                  • 6 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Don't plan on using GW8 WC unless the break bring issues to the squad. If I did, could do Tsim > Rudiger this week instead

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

                  Yes. With 3 unlikely to feature this week & next 5 fixtures

                4. The Poor One
                  • 4 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Do it!!! man Utd fixture from GW 8 onwards turn

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

                How's gonna look like CHE def when James is back?

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

                  James Azpi Christensen Rudiger Chilwell/Alonso

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

                    Cheers

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

                  Reece Azpi AC Rudiger Chilwell
                  This is our best defence I believe.

                  AC/Thiago depends on the opposition.

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

                Thoughts on Raph (c)

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

                  Would rather Antonio if you are going hipster.

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

                    Cant see Antonio scoring more then 1 goal tbh brentford defense is good

                2. No Kane No Gain
                  • 5 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Not explosive enough. Rare he has double figure scores and has had 2 early subs recently due to fitness which might repeat this weekend.

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

                    Fitness is a good point tbf

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

                Beat Bam replacement?

                1) Vardy
                2) Jimenez
                3) ASM
                4) Auba

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

                  A if you have money

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

                Would you WC this? 1 FT, 0.9 ITB

                Foster Bachmann
                Azpilicueta Duffy TAA* Ayling* Amartey*
                Salah Jota Greenwood Benrahma Sarr
                Ronaldo Antonio Obafemi*

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

                  No. Ayling > Christensen, Semedo, etc. Play 3,5,2.

                  Bench TAA, if he's back GW 8 you'll want to transfer him back in.

                  Save your WC.

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

                Keep or sell James?

                Have Livramento first sub.

                1. ZeBestee
                  • 9 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Depends for a hit and who's the replacement. He is out for longer, most probably

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

                    It will be for a hit for another Chelsea def. He will definitely be back after IB has a chance for this weekend according to Southgate.

                    1. ZeBestee
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 5 months ago

                      Interesting, cheers

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

                  Keep

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

                  KEEP

              10. Pabster
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                If you had both Jota and Torres and you could only get rid of one this week, who would it be?

                Also: Raphinha or Saka to replace?

                1. ZeBestee
                  • 9 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Torres/Raphinha

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

                    Cheers. Hesitation with Raph is Brazil duty.

                    1. ZeBestee
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 5 months ago

                      Then go for Saka. Raph has been so good though recently.

              11. Kane Train
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Which one of these options ?

                A) TAA > Azpilicueta
                B) TAA > Christensen which allows Sarr > Son next week

                1. ZeBestee
                  • 9 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  B

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

                  B

              12. OptimusBlack
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                If you have
                Antonio CR7 Vardy
                Who to loose to get Lukaku ?
                A- TAA & Antonio > Lowton Lukkau
                B- Ronaldo > Lukaku
                C- Keep it like that

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

                  Wait and see how Lukaku plays vs SOTON his underlying stats is still rubbish compared to CR7, Antonio, Vardy

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

                    Cheers

              13. AC Yew
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Sanchez (Foster)
                Coufal Dias Shaw (Duffy Tsimi)
                Raphinha Jota Bruno Salah Benrahma
                ASM Antonio (Bamford)

                Thinking to do:
                Bamford, Coufal + Bruno ----> Lukaku & Rudiger + MID for a hit
                Leaves me with 7.5M for a mid who is the best option?