Dugout Discussion
26 April 2025 591 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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Blank Gameweek 34 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) kicks off with Chelsea v Everton, which gets underway at 12.30pm BST.

There’s only one alteration to Enzo Maresca’s line-up from the win over Fulham.

Reece James drops to the bench, with Romeo Lavia brought in for his first Premier League start since January.

That’ll very likely see Moises Caicedo drop to right-back and invert into midfield.

Cole Palmer starts again as he bids to end his 16-game goal drought.

Everton manager David Moyes makes two changes to his starting XI, both of which are enforced.

James Tarkowski‘s run of 111 consecutive Premier League appearances – and indeed his season – is over because of a hamstring injury sustained last weekend.

Nathan Patterson, rather than Michael Keane, replaces him. That will see Jake O’Brien move across to centre-half to partner Jarrad Branthwaite.

Loanee Armando Broja is also ineligible to feature against his parent club, so Beto gets a recall up top.

The reverse fixture of this clash ended in a goalless draw at Goodison Park.

Last year’s corresponding match was more one-way traffic, however: a 6-0 win for the Blues, with Palmer scoring four goals.

The Toffees, in fact, haven’t won a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge in over 30 years.

LINE-UPS

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Lavia, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson.

Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Badiashile, Nkunku, Sancho, Dewsbury-Hall, James, George, Acheampong.

Everton XI: Pickford, Patterson, O’Brien, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Garner, Gueye, Harrison, Doucoure, Ndiaye, Beto.

Subs: Virgínia, Begovic, Keane, McNeil, Chermiti, Young, Coleman, Alcaraz, Iroegbunam.

591 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Scout's line up predictions off to a flyer with Keane on the bench. How many times did I say that O'Brien would start at centre back?

    I went without dinner 3 times this week so I could afford my FFS membership this season. They told me he would start, but he didn't start.

    What's the deal, does FFS want me to not only starve, but to have a terrible rank too?

    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      You had drafted this message yesterday to send today. Haha!!

      1. Reddonkeyham 42
        • 11 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Does it every week, not sure how he's not bored of it yet.

        1. el polako
          • 8 Years
          8 months, 22 hours ago

          Because he gets reaction.
          On a contrary to the starvation claim above, trolls feed on on reaction.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            8 months, 22 hours ago

            It's a private joke. You mustn't have been on here last night. Have you seen Cyan will get it.

          2. Studs Up
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            8 months, 22 hours ago

            This

    2. Qaiss
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Think you should sign up to FFHub, that way if you don’t win you’ll get your money back. Also get access to Ben Crellin’s transfers

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        What if everyone in ML is a member would they refund all but the one winner lol

        1. Qaiss
          • 9 Years
          8 months, 22 hours ago

          I’d actually like to know this from someone who has signed up. Can’t imagine they follow it up and refund people for that

          1. Scapegoat Salah
            • 9 Years
            8 months, 22 hours ago

            Yeah must be T&Cs to it

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      How does it impact your team?

    4. Traction Engine Foot
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Think you need to get a better paying job.

    5. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      FPL Virgin to become new FFS boss and sort it out

    6. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Did you pick Keane?
      If not then what is your problem

    7. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      "A hobby should pass the time, not fill it."

    8. Fodderx4
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Look on the bright side — your body's thriving on all the fasting benefits. Soon you'll have a terrible rank but an elite metabolism.

    9. Fodderx4
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      A wee tip on lineups is to check the teams forum as they normally suggest the likely line ups with reasoning, this is what I do when in doubt.

    10. Bobkat
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Haha this did make me laugh last night

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        I literally wet myself 😆

  2. Reddonkeyham 42
    • 11 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Why have the BBC in their line up page, listed Willy Caballero as manager?

    1. boc610
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      marsesca suspended

      1. Reddonkeyham 42
        • 11 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Ahh thanks, Chelsea may do alright after all then.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      He is the assistant manager and Marwsca is serving his touchline ban

  3. Vazza
    • 5 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Need to see how many other morons like me picked Bruno F in their FH teams

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Well done. Not only will he double digit haul for you, he will ruin the Bournemouth defence and double defence for people

    2. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      not many probably and he is a good pick

    3. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Worried he might be rested with big European game in a few days

      1. Vazza
        • 5 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        So he won’t play for two weeks because he has a big game? Are you new to football mate?

        1. Scapegoat Salah
          • 9 Years
          8 months, 22 hours ago

          Is it this week coming or week after?

        2. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          8 months, 22 hours ago

          Bit harsh

        3. Mambino
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 months, 22 hours ago

          He has had his one rest already this season - he won't be being rested in the build up to a big game and gets 5 days off before it anyway.

          1. Mambino
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 months, 22 hours ago

            well - 3 full days anyway

  4. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Enzo should do well in this Chelsea setup with Lavia CM and Caicedo inverting RB.

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      It might limit Cucurella bombing forward.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Yup mentioned that earlier

        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/27174670

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Was thinking similar myself

  5. Haa-lala-land
    • 5 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Game updated, but where Palmer points?

  6. Sir Matt Bugsby
    • 6 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Imagine if FPL Virgin turns out to be Mark's alter-ego. Would be FPL Jekyll and Hyde 😀

    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Haha!!

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      In the early days I thought it might be Jonty.

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 10 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Now I wouldn't be surprised if he ran a motel with his "mother".

      2. Sir Matt Bugsby
        • 6 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Hmm can't see it. Jonty is way too.. 'not bothered' to be Virgin. Mark's obsessive nature on the other hand..

    3. JBG
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Don't think Mark is that bored....

      1. Sir Matt Bugsby
        • 6 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        All in the subconscious mate. Can't choose who you become on FFS.

    4. Merlin the Wraith
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Broom-fluff.

    5. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      Ssssh.

  7. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Ah went Leno+ cucurella over Sanchez+sess

    1. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      As did I in the end… slightly regretting it but was swayed by risk of Sessegon early sub, so we’ve just gotta stand behind it now!

      1. The Red Devil
        • 10 Years
        8 months, 2 hours ago

        Oof that was bad for us, template is way too strong this season

  8. ColdIceHotFlame
    • 1 Year
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Captained Cunha and most people went for Salah or Isak - am I in trouble ?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Future will tell... pray for a start to begin with 🙂

    2. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      I was on Cunha all week but swapped for Isak in the end purely on gut feeling - I reckon the Wolves man could still do well, though. It’s probably Salah you (we) should be more worried about

    3. Fodderx4
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Fortune favours the brave, good luck. I've went Salah as its Spurs and Isak hasn't been 100% at it. I'm happy having Cunha though.

  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Use am this week for 35-37 or save 36-38 with maybe targeting a bonus for last game of the season ??

    1. Sideways Backwards
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Feels like 38 is a lottery, I'm playing (hopefully) safer with 35-37

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        So many success stories with am I am dreading using mine...

    2. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      If you’ve no other chips left I’d say wait

  10. Sideways Backwards
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Guardiola or Emery for AM 35-37?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Might be worth waiting who has a dgw?

      1. Sideways Backwards
        • 10 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        True, when will we know?

        1. FPL Scoop
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          8 months, 22 hours ago

          Should be before 35 deadline.

          1. Sideways Backwards
            • 10 Years
            8 months, 22 hours ago

            Ta

  11. g40steve
    • 7 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Wow my 34 team looks like pre FH team, wtaf?

    1. Sideways Backwards
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Refresh

  12. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    A) TAA Bowen Cunha
    B) Cucurella Murphy Isak

    Which one scores more?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      B

    2. Fodderx4
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      B

    3. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      A

  13. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Jota bought himself in his FPL team, lets see which of Diaz - Gakpo gonna be benched

    1. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Really hope it’s Jota that’s benched, just because funny

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        But in all seriousness would 100% take a Diaz blank

    2. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Also Targett (new player) chose Pope Barnes Isak on FH so Barnes probably safe to start

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Could be salah

  14. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Have put some blind faith in Bowen this week over the likes of Díaz, Mbeumo, etc… come on Jarrod

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      GL hope it pays off for you. He s in my non FH team so I won't lie a haul would hurt...

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Oh dear! Not super confident as think that match could go either way but he’s ticked over quite nicely since his return from injury.

        Who’d you pick instead?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          8 months, 22 hours ago

          I went Barnes Murphy Salah Diaz...

          1. FPL Scoop
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            8 months, 22 hours ago

            Solid! Like the double Toon. Diaz v Bowen was my final call

  15. Merlin the Wraith
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Oo-eer! My ML oppo has AM Arteta this week. 😀

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      must have slept in

    2. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Dafty!

  16. Nickyboy
    • 14 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Would you rather AM 35-37 or 36-38?

    (No other chips left)

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Copycat 🙂 see my post above no clue either....

      1. Nickyboy
        • 14 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Ha! Leaning towards 35-37 at the moment...

    2. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Looking at 35-37 and BB 38 myself

  17. Bobkat
    • 3 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Someone in one of my leagues has played free hit with only one playing sub on the bench. No one wants to look at bench points but bit risky!

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Yep it could backfire on him/her

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        They identify as a cat actually

      2. Bobkat
        • 3 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Yes don’t know if it’s a mistake but seems crazy, unless they have some kinda side bet going or something

  18. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Who to bench next week?

    Salah | Saka | Bruno | Sarr | Rogers
    Isak | Marmoush | Mateta

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Sarr or Saka

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Thanks

    2. CoracAld2831
      • 4 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Sarr & two defenders.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      One of the players still in Europe

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Sarr

    5. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Thanks all!

  19. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Bench Sarr or Kluivert next week?

  20. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Okay this is a bit scary ngl.

    My team is like 7 players different to the template FH... Gonna be big swings.

    Sessegnon with 25% EO this week in my ML is crazy. Everyone is on FH.

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Can't win by doing the same as everyone else. Hats off to your strategy. I've tried the same, but execution has been extremely poor.

    2. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      Similar situation. Not 7 players different but 4-5 yes. Who did you captain? I went with Isak but my rival, who i am 50 points behind, used their free hit and captained Salah. They have a template FH too. Can’t see Palmer, Raul or even Mbeumo doing much. I only have 9 players. I hope my FH36 works out

  21. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    This probably decides if Chelsea get Champions League or not, eh? Anything less than three points and they’re likely out of the running

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Come on Everton!

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Nah, still to play Newcastle and Forest

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        Toon and Trees gotta be favoured in those matches, no?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          8 months, 22 hours ago

          Sure but still in the running...

    3. Haa-lala-land
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Palmer points...loading

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        We can hope, finally! Would prefer a Cucurella haul, though

      2. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        8 months, 22 hours ago

        1…2

  22. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Moyes hasn't won at Chelsea in 31 games 😮

    1. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      He’s due then.

  23. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Sanchez haha, hot potato

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Chelsea look trash

  25. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    One of the commentators keeps saying ‘labia’!

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Oh dear

    2. Merlin the Wraith
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Slip of the lip

    3. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 22 hours ago

      Some names are hard to get your mouth around

    4. Merlin the Wraith
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      Listening on Talksport & you've planted an annoying ear-worm...

  26. Haa-lala-land
    • 5 Years
    8 months, 22 hours ago

    Maresca said this before the Everton game, which I totally missed.(Not blaming Tony, but, you know.)
    "All of the attacking players when they don't score they are a bit worried but I have a feeling today that it could be a good day for Cole. Hopefully I'm not wrong"

    1. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      blank confirmed

    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      What else is he gonna say? "I'm starting Palmer fully expecting him to be duff again"?

      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 5 Years
        8 months, 21 hours ago

        Yes

      2. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        8 months, 21 hours ago

        Don't mess with the Duff(y) . Fpl legend.

  27. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 21 hours ago

    I swear it’s Neto who ruins Palmer, need Madueke back

    1. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      On the right side I should say

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      It's his socks.

  28. Thanos
    • 4 Years
    8 months, 21 hours ago

    Anyone knows what the EOs are?

  29. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 months, 21 hours ago

    This is Sunday league stuff

  30. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 21 hours ago

    Do something Palmer!

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      Neto on all set pieces currently

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        8 months, 21 hours ago

        Good, he’ll be in the box for the tap in

    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      No need for that when Lavia’s about!

    3. Sun God Nika
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 21 hours ago

      Hopefully a pickford haul if he blanks
      I'll take it !