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
    7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

      1. Reddonkeyham 42
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

        1. el polako
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 20 days 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
            7 months, 20 days 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
            7 months, 20 days ago

            This

    2. Qaiss
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days 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
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

        1. Qaiss
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 20 days 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
            7 months, 20 days ago

            Yeah must be T&Cs to it

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      How does it impact your team?

    4. Traction Engine Foot
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Think you need to get a better paying job.

    5. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      FPL Virgin to become new FFS boss and sort it out

    6. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

    7. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

    8. Fodderx4
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Haha this did make me laugh last night

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        I literally wet myself 😆

  2. Reddonkeyham 42
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

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

    1. boc610
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      marsesca suspended

      1. Reddonkeyham 42
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Ahh thanks, Chelsea may do alright after all then.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

  3. Vazza
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days ago

      not many probably and he is a good pick

    3. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

      1. Vazza
        • 5 Years
        7 months, 20 days 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
          7 months, 20 days ago

          Is it this week coming or week after?

        2. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 20 days ago

          Bit harsh

        3. Mambino
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 20 days 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
            7 months, 20 days ago

            well - 3 full days anyway

  4. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

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

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      It might limit Cucurella bombing forward.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Yup mentioned that earlier

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

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Was thinking similar myself

  5. Haa-lala-land
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Game updated, but where Palmer points?

  6. Sir Matt Bugsby
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

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

    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Haha!!

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      In the early days I thought it might be Jonty.

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

      2. Sir Matt Bugsby
        • 6 Years
        7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

      1. Sir Matt Bugsby
        • 6 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

    4. Merlin the Wraith
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Broom-fluff.

    5. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Ssssh.

  7. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Ah went Leno+ cucurella over Sanchez+sess

    1. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 20 days 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
        7 months, 19 days ago

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

  8. ColdIceHotFlame
    • 1 Year
    7 months, 20 days ago

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

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

    2. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days 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
    7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

    2. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

  10. Sideways Backwards
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Guardiola or Emery for AM 35-37?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Might be worth waiting who has a dgw?

      1. Sideways Backwards
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        True, when will we know?

        1. FPL Scoop
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 20 days ago

          Should be before 35 deadline.

          1. Sideways Backwards
            • 10 Years
            7 months, 20 days ago

            Ta

  11. g40steve
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

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

    1. Sideways Backwards
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Refresh

  12. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    A) TAA Bowen Cunha
    B) Cucurella Murphy Isak

    Which one scores more?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      B

    2. Fodderx4
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      B

    3. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      A

  13. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        But in all seriousness would 100% take a Diaz blank

    2. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Could be salah

  14. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days 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
        7 months, 20 days 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
          7 months, 20 days ago

          I went Barnes Murphy Salah Diaz...

          1. FPL Scoop
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 months, 20 days ago

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

  15. Merlin the Wraith
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

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

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      must have slept in

    2. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Dafty!

  16. Nickyboy
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

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

    (No other chips left)

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

      1. Nickyboy
        • 14 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

    2. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Looking at 35-37 and BB 38 myself

  17. Bobkat
    • 3 Years
    7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Yep it could backfire on him/her

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        They identify as a cat actually

      2. Bobkat
        • 3 Years
        7 months, 20 days 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
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Who to bench next week?

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

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Sarr or Saka

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Thanks

    2. CoracAld2831
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Sarr & two defenders.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      One of the players still in Europe

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Sarr

    5. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Thanks all!

  19. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Bench Sarr or Kluivert next week?

  20. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days 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
    7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Come on Everton!

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Nah, still to play Newcastle and Forest

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          7 months, 20 days ago

          Sure but still in the running...

    3. Haa-lala-land
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Palmer points...loading

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

      2. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        1…2

  22. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Moyes hasn't won at Chelsea in 31 games 😮

    1. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      He’s due then.

  23. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Sanchez haha, hot potato

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Chelsea look trash

  25. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    One of the commentators keeps saying ‘labia’!

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Oh dear

    2. Merlin the Wraith
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Slip of the lip

    3. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Some names are hard to get your mouth around

    4. Merlin the Wraith
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

  26. Haa-lala-land
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 20 days 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
      7 months, 20 days ago

      blank confirmed

    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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

      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 5 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Yes

      2. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

  27. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

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

    1. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      On the right side I should say

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      It's his socks.

  28. Thanos
    • 4 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Anyone knows what the EOs are?

  29. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    This is Sunday league stuff

  30. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Do something Palmer!

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Neto on all set pieces currently

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

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

    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      No need for that when Lavia’s about!

    3. Sun God Nika
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

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