Dugout Discussion

James, Mount and Alonso benched as Lukaku leads the Chelsea line again

Relatively few Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers will have escaped some rotation pain on Saturday and the teamsheet bombshells continue at Brentford this evening.

Chelsea make the short journey across west London to meet their neighbours in the 5.30pm BST kick-off.

Taking inspiration from Pep Guardiola’s starting XI selections earlier in the day, Thomas Tuchel has thrown a few curveballs our way.

Malang Sarr‘s debut wouldn’t have been predicted by many and the effect of his inclusion at centre-half means that Cesar Azpilicueta once again lines up at right wing-back, so the fit-again Reece James has to be content with a seat on the bench.

Marcos Alonso and Mason Mount will be alongside the defender, while Callum Hudson-Odoi drops to the bench, Antonio Rudiger misses out with a back problem and Thiago Silva isn’t involved following his late return from World Cup qualifier duty in South America.

Andreas Christensen and N’Golo Kante return to the starting XI.

It’s a relatively serene picture with regards to the Brentford team news, as Thomas Frank has made only one change to the side that started the win at West Ham. It’s an enforced one, too, with Mathias Jensen coming in for the injured Shandon Baptiste.

Kristoffer Ajer is only among the substitutes.

GAMEWEEK 8 LINE-UPS

Brentford XI: Raya, Canos, Jorgensen, Pinnock, Jansson, Henry, Norgaard, Jensen, Onyeka, Toney, Mbeumo

Subs: Fernandez, Thompson, Goode, Forss, Ghoddos, Ajer, Bidstrup, Roerslev, Maghoma

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Sarr, Christensen, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek, Chilwell, Lukaku, Werner

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Alonso5Jorginho, Níguez, Barkley, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, James, Havertz

1,730 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gunneryank
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Signs of life this week finally! Missed out on Cancelo by 0.1 for waiting too long, so just went Rudiger>Dias instead, because of course i did. But...i started Coady and Livramento alongside Dias and Trent. 😀 After 3 dreadful GWs a little luck finally. Jumped from 1m to 500k, with Antonio left. Jota and Ron are still ongoing issues though. Time for Vardy maybe?

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

      Check them tasty Vardy fixtures

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

    Two clean sheets in a row for Norwich. Defence improving or Burnley and Brighton attacks useless?

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

      Yes!

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

      Switched to a back 5... Mix of both.

      Lets see how they do vs Lukaku!

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

        And also started benching Williams

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

      Norwich fan here. Bit of both. I guess if you needed a cheapie to cover GW 10-14 you might bring someone in but I wouldn't go out of my way. You might get a CS here or there but there's little sign of a goal/assist threat

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

    I’m losing patience with premium players. Salah the only exception.

    A load of bench fodders keep outperforming half my team.

    Think I will go cheap and invest the spare £10-20m in Cryptos 🙂

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Talk to me . I have Duffy Livra Tsimikas and Perica since GW3 🙂

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

      Good one! 🙂

  4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Why do Chelsea always insist on 5 defenders & 2x DM’s?

    It’s just so… boring

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

      Defense first philosophy

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

      Cause the CBs aren't good enough, would be exposed in a back 4.

      Decent wingbacks and lack of wingers help the case too.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        It’s the kind of formation Harry Maguire would be more comfortable in - where he would just have defensive bodies everywhere he looks - two to his left, two to his right, two in front of him

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

          OGS should actually try that, at least when Varane is injured. Shaw and AWB could attack more.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            God no, don’t give him ideas

            Utd are bad enough to watch as it is without switching to the dreaded 5 defenders get out clause

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

      0% flair in this team today

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

        Oddly, Kovacic becomes an FPL pick in this setup...

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

          Yellow lol

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

          Too fond of YC

        3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Really?

          With 2.1 XGi from 7 appearances?

          Not much of an option in my book

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

            I said in this setup. Chelsea haven't played like this for a few weeks. But if this is the setup they go... He's the midfield chance creator.

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Tuchel has played 5 defenders in every game he’s managed at Chelsea

    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ome big reason putting me off getting Lukaku next GW.. so defensively structured.. FOMO might kick in though

  5. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Kaku -bps

  6. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Can't wait to get rid of Ronaldo..

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

    Rom should have gone with a double hooved back kick there

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

    Rom may have to go , much better value upfront

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      In who though?

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

        Vardy, Toney, Jesus, Aubameyang

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Only Vardy there showing value and only one that would interest me imo

        2. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          The forgotten DCL can be added soon as well I’m sure

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

            Oh yeah DCL

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

        Vardy

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

        Maybe even Werner

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Reading his latest interview, very low confident

  9. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Jota owners, hold for United, yeah? Had every intention of getting rid but could be golden if Ole survives the week.

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

      I'm keeping I think.

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

      Maybe.

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

      Because it's United, probably yeah. Watching Liverpool slice them to pieces will warm my cold heart.

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

    Salah TC next week not as dumb as it sounds…

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

    Jimenez - sensibly rested and back next week?

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

      Yep. Had a Mexico match on Thurs.

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

      yes

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

    Mbeumo hits post can be ticked off

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

      Always same guy

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

      AGAIN?!

      Brought him in this week lol

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

    Lukaku goal offside.

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

    OFF kaku

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

    Lukaku offside

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

    Rom loves an offside goal.

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

      As does Werner , wonder what they should work on in training?

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

    3 hours ago, it looked downhill for me with Jimenez and Armstrong both not starting. Sitting here now with a 45% rank increase post auto subs, as things stand.
    *Could still have gained 6 more points if hadn't tried to be cheeky going KDB over Salah for the armband. But it is what it is. You win some you lose some I guess.

    Now for a Chelsea CS and a Lukaku haul.

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

      Why 6?

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

        Salah got an assist as well

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

          So 3 😉

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      K

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

        F

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

      It's only 2 more points picking Salah over KdB. Just the fact you had both is huge.

  18. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku is the new Werner

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

    Mbeumo on a mad one lately!

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

    Wooooow unlucky Mbeumo and Lukaku owners

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

      I have both so sorry all co-owners

  21. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    My luck is horrid. Bring in Dias cause he’s nailed and he’s benched. Comes on then to block Livramento off the bench. Mahrez hits the crossbar and misses a sitter. Now Mbeumo and Lukaku are denied in the space of a minute

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You dabble with Pep, you prepare to be roasted

      I’ll never forget him bringing Otamendi on in the 90th minute for a 1 pointer to block Lundstram’s 20 point haul in GW7-ish of two seasons ago

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

        Those were the most jammy bench pts I have ever gotten, thx for reminding 🙂

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I almost vomited when he did it - looked to be smoothly coasting to a lovely 21 point Lundstram first sub... Then... PEP

  22. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    WC active now. Need a fwd line. Other notables: Mbeumo, Salah, Trent.

    1) Toney, Antonio, Lukaku
    2) Vardy, Antonio, Jesus
    3) Toney, Antonio, Jimenez (with Mane)
    4) Lukaku, Vardy, Hwang (4 mid-price mids)

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

      1.

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

      1)

  23. Halftime
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who should go with my FT this week -Grealish or Mount?

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

    Flat track bully or flat track donkey?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Fat Track Donkey

  25. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Malang Sarr only 1m82, how can he play cb at epl

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

      How tall was puyol?

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

        Puyol didnt play at EPL

      2. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Puyol played at epl?
        Even barca hold the ball whole time

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

        Or Fabio Cannavaro ….

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

          Know what you mean but if you have other attributes I guess Somme can get away with it at the highest level.

        2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Just about to say this

          Won World Player of the year, and a world Cup and pretty much everything else playing centre back

          He is 5 foot 9 and a half (174cm)

  26. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Offside goals in Lukaku’s last two games, small margins 🙁

    1. STEP rOVERS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It wasn’t like a finger from Bamford fella

  27. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo to Lukaku was my intention for weeks, but now tempted by Vardy. He has some tasty fixtures coming up and actually scores goals too

  28. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    what to do with alonso ??

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

      Sell to Azpi

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Sell

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

      Out he goes, but not certain about Azpi.

  29. Tinslinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Irritatingly sideways moves:
    Alonso + Grealish > Azpi +
    A) Foden
    B) Bilva

    Thoughts?

  30. tangtastic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Mbeumo hits the post.

    Lukaku goal offside.

    This game is such a troll.

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

      Yup, time to write this GW off and find some mundane TV to watch.

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

      Amazing how Mbeumo hits the woodwork in every match