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. 1984 TC
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Just imagine not owning Chilli or picking James over ChilliMcnilli, yikes!!

    1. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Play it up ChillyBoy!

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

      That’s me! James blocking Livramento points as well

      1. 1984 TC
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Ugh, I feel for you mate.

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

    Well three Chelsea not going to well Rudi, Alonso, Romelu 2 points total!

    Do we think Dias benching will free him up for a while?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes.
      But it was more the oppo

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

    Feel sick… Mahrez(C) over Salah last minute…James get 1 min with Livramento first on my bench…. Hwang nothing..

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

      Oh mate

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

      Wow. I just don’t understand why anyone would do that. We’re all unlucky on the 1 point cameos and missing players etc … but your captain choice was just a ridiculous risk

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Big risk indeed, but great idea.

        1. We Go Again
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          It's one of those things that seem cool on paper and then after the GW you're like "why the hell did I do that"

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

          Nah! Not a great idea at all

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Oof. If I had gone Mahrez in last minute I would have captained him too.

    4. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good thing you had Firmino...

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

        Stop it!

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

    I am feeling pretty good not owning any CHE at this point.

    1. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I do have Alonso, but luckily he did not play, so on comes Livra... 😀 Happy Days

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

    Do we think lukaku starts against Norwich for sure?!

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

      No rest ?!

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

        He was subbed early for rest lol. If he needs confidence, Norwich perfect for that

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

          Malmo Wednesday night is perfect for confidence too

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep for another 2 pointer with Werner and some random mids scoring.

    3. Maverick 11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Honestly no! Was definitely doing Ron> Kaku now don’t know what the hell to do. Don’t wanna keep Ron

      1. We Go Again
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Vardy?

    4. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes for sure, I think.

      (nobody knows)

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

      Im guessing he'll be benched

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

      Would be good if he was rested midweek!

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

    Would have had 5/5 clean sheets if Potter had subbed Veltman a minute later...

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      That is beyond harsh. Christensen level.

  7. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    The only Chelsea I want is the Hazard and Costa combo

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

      Hazard another troll and Costa a yellow-card magnet

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        they were consistent though in that one season like clockwork, Costa with his stream of 6 pointers lol

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

          Yeah I remember many kept avoiding him despite those points every week, a bit like Vardy now

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Wilson did a bit as well, was it last season or season before where he got loads of 5/6 pointers in a row at the start of the season. Loads of people had dictehd him in GW2

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              But if you held him until GW 8 or something he actually had great points

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

              The one before, I think. It was with Bournemouth. He was really good for Newcastle last season too. I bought him in GW3 this year, he scored and got injured and then ASM went on a run. Annoying

              1. have you seen cyan
                • 4 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Yea ur right it was when Bournemouth got relegated, Wi5on got injured for a long period after that early run and then did fck all for the rest of the season lol

    2. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lamps & Terry?

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        yea old days there was far better combos, just in recent times I remember that

  8. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Always remember, he’s called Trollkaku for a reason

    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Italy, farmer's league. Confirmed.

  9. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Big win for Chelsea FC...

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

    I've owned Lukaku and Rudi for a combined 7 games and they've got me 11 points.

    Rival brought in Azpi last week and he's already got 16 points lol

    That is completely unbelievable and unpredictable and once again shows its all luck.

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      And then I thought after a disappointing Mahrez (C) punt ooh I at least get Williams off the bench for Alonso.

      And then I find out he didn’t play and of course Norwich keep a clean sheet LOL

    2. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Like the Murphy's, he's not bitter!! 😀

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

    James owners.....

    Presume we keep for Norwich - and if he doesn't start put it down as a bad move and get rid??

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Exactly what I'd do.

      Gives you another week to assess who you want to switch to, at least.

    2. We Go Again
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      yes

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

      If he doesn’t start and get 1min against Norwich I will join you all in jumping off the white cliff of dover.

  12. JariL
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Jota & Ronaldo --> Raphinha & Lukaku + 1.8M extra cash surely worth it even for -4?

    1. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You are thinking of bringing IN Lukaku???

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

        Can I afford to go without him for NOR, new, BUR?

  13. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Score check?

    I’m on 53(-4) with Ramsdale, Benrahma, Antonio left to go.
    Feel pretty ok about it given Jota and Raph no-shows, and Dias and Jimi 1pts.

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      60 with Ramsdale, Saka and Antonio left.

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

        Nice one!

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks, you too. I never have a good week when I WC so I'm buzzing.

      2. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        52 with 2 to go on wildcard

        Guess that's reasonable

    2. JariL
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      60 after Livramento comes in for Jota.

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

        Many left to go?

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

          Antonio, Benrahma and White.

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

      38 with Benny, Antonio, Gray, White and ESR left

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

        I like Gray - think there’s plenty of goals in that match.

    4. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      On 50 pts with Antonio, Gray, Gallaher and White to play. Saved the trsf so not bad.

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

        That’s dang good to manage while rolling. Good spread of players left too.

    5. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      104 with 6 plus TC still to play.

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

        110 with 7 plus (c) left to play

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Dang it, I knew my week wasn't that good.

      2. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Mediocre

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

        That’s pretty good - probably be a green arrow.

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Grey at best.

      4. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Which one of your teams are you on this week?

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          The true fantasy one.

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

      51 after hits, 2 to go

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

      54, White, Antonio and ASM to go

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

      69 with Saka and Antonio to go. )

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

        70 actually!

    9. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      took a -12 hit
      On 40 with Antonio, Benrahma, Gray and Saka to play, and I am very happy with that

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

      56 with Antonio and Gallagher to go

  14. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Chilwell 15 pointer, the stuff of legend.

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

      I may well bring him in for a hit

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Don't ruin this for me.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Goal last week too.

  15. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Do you think it's worth to sell Sanchez for McCarthy/Raya?

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

      No

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

        I can see only 2 cs in the next 10 games.

    2. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ramsdale in with a shout?

  16. Jerse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lumpaku was terrible. It does not help with having such a negative coach as Touchel. He will put out a five man defence to negate a Norwich potent attack (lol). I don't care if he is playing Norwich. Vardy who has scored more points than him and Ronaldo put together will be an inevitable "anger" transfer.

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

    First decent week in ages! 55 with Auba, Antonio, ESR, Benrahma, Doucoure & Ramsdale to play

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

      Nice one Fozzy!

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

      Jealous!

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Absolutely fantastic!

    4. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nice!!

    5. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nice!

  18. Jerse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Also Vardy has been doing the business for an indifferent Leicester side,

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

    Lukaku assist... anytime now...

  20. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronnie out for Vardy or Toney?

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

      Vardy 🙂

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No kaku?

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

        Already have him.

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

    Who to bring in first mbeumo or raphinha?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Raph

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

    Welp, at least saving all that cash from Ronaldo and Lukaku can be put to better use. Silver linings and all that.

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

      De Bruyne maybe?

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

        Was thinking more options up top. Ron to Vardy lets me go Scarlett to Toney.

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

    Who capped Blankaku?

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

      Hahahaha….no way. I went safe with Mahrez.

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

    Grealish or Mount out first?

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

      Hmm. Tough one, not sure I'd lose either....

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

      I am thinking to get in Mount.

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

        Maybe given the good fixtures I could hold him one more week but the uncertainty of starts is annoying

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Grealish, given the Mount fixture.

    4. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Who would you kick yourself more, if they did well? Don't think I could bin a player with Norwich next game.

  25. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What do you think to this wc?
    Mendy foster
    TAA cancelo Chilwell White livra
    Salah raphinha benrahma* sarr* mbuemo
    Lukaku antonio toney

    Will decide if I keep benrahma and sarr later.

    How's it look?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Kaku still in?

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

        Yeah Norwich next, has to get something?!

        1. DARE TO BISCAN
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I would have him for Norwich. Can always drop down to Vardy etc later.

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

    Lukaku is kind of a fraud. The more I watch him, the more I am convinced he will NOT live upto his expectation and price point. I think he will still get 15+ goals but I am starting to have major doubts.

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      what is it, 6 games without a goal for Chelsea, that is very bad for a team competing for the league and other comps. Look at the difefrence between Salah and Kaku,literally different leageus altogether.

      I said b4 DCL got injured that he would match or outscore Lukaku most of the time and that Lukaku is over-priced, sadly DCL got injured and invetiably I got Kaku. But its true

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

        The thing is he still has weaknesses which hasn't been ironed out completely after his successful stint in Italy. He misses goals, doesn't have the greatest touch, and is sometimes a bit one dimensional. I expected a much better player after the hype but am.yet to.see. Lets see how he does all season long but he looks like he is way overpriced as you said.

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I honestly think a fit DCL is going to make a mockery of Lukakus price, he will probably match his points, let alone considering how much cheaper DCL is

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

            Watford and Wolves next for DCL. But taking out Lukaku before Norwich, Newcastle and Burnley, the 3 worst defences feels so wrong.

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

    Vardy partying while Lukaku and Ronaldo crying

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

      Yes, love it.

    2. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Skittles voddy is nature's elixir.

  28. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Alonso Dias Grealish Raphinha Bissouma

    Brilliant.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Christ. Raph doesn’t count but the rest is brutal.

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

        White and Livra on bench. So some relief

    2. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      OUCH!!

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

    Alonso to Chilwell? Too sideways and point chasing move? Or Cancelo the better option?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Too risky for my blood

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

      Cancelo is better. But we know Zinch is back and if cancelo plays full 90 in the CL, its another small issue.

  30. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    xG Brentford 1.62 - 0.25 Chelsea

    Wow really like Frank style

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

      Brentford will do bits this season. Doubling up is going to prove a very good decision long term imo.

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

        Those Brentford fixtures seem tasty. Mbeumo at the very least seems like a no brainer now that they are past Chelsea.