Dec 14

Chelsea � Team & Player Guide 2015/16 � Fantasy Premier League Tips

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We're teaming up with knowledgeable fans ahead of the 2015/2016 Fantasy Premier League season to get some tips on their players potential, starting lineups, transfers and much more. This article will focus on Chelsea, Jose Mourinho's side will be looking to win back to back titles and will be a real force this season. Chelsea fan Callum Read has provided us with his expert insight in to the club and hopefully his predictions and player analysis will help you choose which Chelsea players should make your FPL teams. Callum will also be at hand to answer any of your Chelsea related questions in the comments section. Without further ado, here's our Chelsea team guide and player tips for the 2015/16 season.

OPENING FIXTURES

Swansea (H) Man City (A) West Brom (A) Crystal Palace (H) Everton (A)

SET PIECE TAKERS

Penalties: Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa Freekicks: Oscar, Cesc Fabregas Corners: Cesc Fabregas, Willian

TRANSFER TARGETS

Defender - John Stones (Transfer rumour) Abdul Baba Rahman (Transfer rumour) Winger - Pedro (Transfer rumour)

PREDICTED LINEUPS

Courtois Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta Matic, Fabregas Willian, Oscar, Hazard Costa

CHELSEA'S DEFENSIVE RECORD

One thing about Chelsea, and even more so with Jose Mourinho sides, they are very stubborn defensively and are solid at the back. They kept 17 clean sheets last season and between Courtois and Cech only conceded 32 across the season - the fewest in the league. Chelsea are very well organised and when they need to grind out a win they will do so. If they are playing at home then you should seriously be considering a Chelsea defender, throughout the whole of last season they only conceded 9 goals at Stamford Bridge, that's a lot of clean sheet points.

GOALKEEPER ANALYSIS

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[/mks_one_half] [mks_one_half]Thibaut Courtois (5.5m) - He will undoubtedly be the number 1 choice for Chelsea at the start of the season as he managed to push Petr Cech out of the spotlight and eventually out of the club. He was a real star for Chelsea last year and pulled off a number of spectacular saves, if you want a top end keeper then seriously consider the Belgian.[/mks_one_half] [/mks_col] VERDICT: He will keep clean sheets on a consistent basis and if Chelsea are playing at home then you'd be crazy not to at least consider him, for us, he's up there for the number on choice in terms of Goalkeepers. Asmir Begovic (4.5m) - After his move from Stoke many have labelled Begovic as a bench warmer and that may well be the case. His only hope for a consistent run in the side is if Courtois gets injured or has a number of blunders. VERDICT: We wouldn't recommend Begovic unless Courtois picks up an injury.

WHICH CHELSEA DEFENDER SHOULD I PICK FOR MY FPL TEAM?

If you have the budget then we highly recommend John Terry, he's the first name on the team sheet for Chelsea and is a real danger from set pieces, he doesn't have a tendency to pick up bookings week in week out so won't be costing you points. Like we've mentioned Chelsea conceded 9 goals at home last year so if you want points from your defenders Terry is high on our list of recommendations. Ivanovic has a tendency to explode on the scene at the start of the season, but we'd still opt of JT as he's more consistent and picks up fewer bookings.

DEFENDER ANALYSIS

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[/mks_one_half] [mks_one_half]John Terry (7.0m) - Terry arguably had his best season in a Chelsea shirt last year and is a solid choice for any fantasy team. He's nailed on to be a starter for Chelsea and as well as providing countless clean sheets he is also a goal scoring threat. Terry is currently the highest scoring Premier League defender of all time. [/mks_one_half] [/mks_col] VERDICT: If you want a defender who will get goals and provide clean sheets then Terry is your man, a little expensive but he has the baggage to match his price tag. Branislav Ivanovic (7.0m) - The Serbian defender combines attacking very well with his defensive duties and last season he was the highest scoring defender in FPL last season with 179 points. This consisted of six assists and four goals, if Chelsea don't bring in another defender then Ivanovic is a guaranteed starter but his discipline raises eyebrows. Ivanovic picked up 10 yellow cards and one red card last season. VERDICT: Will provide you with points on a regular occasions, however his tendency to pick up bookings will make you drop points so we advise you pick with caution. Gary Cahill (6.5m) - Cahill had a blip during last season and was replaced for a handful of games by Kurt Zouma, but he recaptured his place in the team and never looked back. His performances increased and his partnership with John Terry is admirable. Cahill only scored one goal last season but was heavily involved defensively 13 clean sheets. VERDICT: If you can't afford John Terry then settle for Gary Cahill, almost a carbon copy but with fewer goals. Cesar Azpillicueta (6.0m) - ‘Dave's' defensive performances have earned him a lot of admirers as he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He's not the most attacking of defenders and rarely gets on the score sheet, but he still offers great value at 6m as he'll collect loads of clean sheet points. VERDICT: Although a guaranteed starter for Chelsea he doesn't get forward as much as Ivanovic. If you insist on having a Chelsea defender but you're strapped for cash why not give Cesar a go? Filipe Luis, Kurt Zouma, Nathan Ake (4.5m - 5.5m) - Luis seems to be on his way out, although when playing he's a fantastic outlet and provides trouble down the left, he simply doesn't play enough to score points. Zouma will see occasional game time quite possibly in defensive midfield or if Terry and Cahill pick up and injury, if they do Zouma offers good value at 5.5m for now though we wouldn't advise him. As for Ake you'd be a very brave to consider putting him in your team. VERDICT: Keep an eye on Zouma as for the others we wouldn't bother.

WHICH CHELSEA MIDFIELDER SHOULD I PICK FOR MY FPL TEAM?

Without a doubt, Eden Hazard he was the standout player in the Premier League last year and is the most selected player in the game with over 50% of FPL players choosing the Belgian magician. He has the ability to beat defenders and deliver to the striker or go for goal himself. He's also the clubs penalty taker and in the Premier League has only missed one penalty vs Crystal Palace before converting the rebound. We couldn't recommend Hazard highly enough he's a joy to watch and although his price seems expensive he is well worth the value. Fabregas deserves a mention, his assist record alone is fantastic and that will carry over into this season. He comes out of the traps very quickly and always has a positive opening five months before his performances fade away. If you can't afford Hazard and want a Chelsea midfielder then Fabregas is your guy.

MIDFIELDER ANALYSIS

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[/mks_one_half] [mks_one_half]Eden Hazard (11.5m) – Hazard was the highest scoring player in the whole of FPL last year and picked up the PFA's Player of the Year award amongst a handful of other awards. He brings goals, assists, and bonus points to the table and is always a good shout to captain. If he carries over his form then he could easily claim those awards once again. [/mks_one_half] [/mks_col] VERDICT: Get him now, 100% Cesc Fabregas (9.0m) - Fabregas had an on and off-season last year after starting like a house on fire and picking up a multitude of assists. However, come January his point scoring seemed to slow down and it took him a couple of months to recover his form from earlier in the season. His only downfall is his tendency to collect bookings. VERDICT: He's the corner taker for Chelsea and we all know how dangerous they are from them, his vision is fantastic and the weight on his passes are perfect, if he scores a few more goals then he's certainly one to pick. His 19 assists last season alone makes him one to select. Oscar (8.5m) - Oscar can either massively affect the game or be completely out of it. We've seen in the past that he is capable of producing magic just not often enough. Mourinho was quoted as saying “he could be like Hazard for us next season” and with a summer without football under his belt for the first time in what seems an age, Oscar will be fighting fit and ready to produce to the standard we all know he can. VERDICT: He's certainly one to keep your eye on in the opening weeks and if his form and performances are of a high standard put him in your team. Juan Cuadrado (7.5m) - Cuardrado seemed to be on his way out after a torrid six months at Chelsea, however he's been given the number 11 shirt, which suggests he's part of Mourinho's plans next season. However, we do expect the majority of his minutes to come from the bench. VERDICT: If he's anything like he was last season then stay well clear, but with a full pre season under his belt he could have adapted to the English game a little more. One for the watch list. Willian (7.0m) - Willian is almost certain to be a starter for Chelsea, he's a workhorse and covers plenty of ground throughout the 90 minutes. The only problem is that he doesn't provide in the final third enough, he scored 2 goals and contributed 4 assists last season which for a winger isn't anywhere near close to enough. VERDICT: Although a good player who is key to Chelsea we advise staying clear, he's not a FPL player. Ramires (5.5m) - Ramires will always put in a shift for Chelsea be it in midfield or on the wing, however like fellow Brazilian Willian, he simply doesn't score enough goals to be considered for your team. VERDICT: Stay away from Ramires, you could spend the 5.5m better on someone who will produce goals on a more regular occasion. Nemenja Matic (5.0m) - Arguably the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League, Matic is a joy to watch as he breaks up plays and starts attacks, that's his job and he excels at it BUT he does't suit FPL, hence his low pricetag. VERDICT: We wouldn't advise Matic, as we know FPL is not built for defensive midfielders. Victor Moses, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, John Obi Mikel (4.5m-5.5m) - Victor Moses was a regular starter for Stoke last season but with no signs of that loan move being renewed and doubts over his future, we'd say leave him be. Loftus-Cheek will play more than he did last season but they'll be cameo appearances throughout and he won't be given enough time to pick up points. As for Mikel there is a lot of talk about his departure and even if he does stay he wouldn't be anywhere near our FPL team. VERDICT: Avoid all 3, unless Moses makes a move to a team where he will get more game time.

WHICH CHELSEA FORWARD SHOULD I PICK FOR MY FPL TEAM?

Diego Costa, without a doubt. He's the main man for Chelsea and is now adapted to the Premier League with 20 in only 26 appearances in his debut season. With the likes of Fabregas and Hazard just behind him he won't be short of service so will no doubt be smashing in the goals again from Gameweek 1. His price is expensive but it's clear to see why, but if he can cut the cards out of his game and fix that hamstring injury then he could be a feature in your team for the whole season.

FORWARD ANALYSIS

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[/mks_one_half] [mks_one_half]Diego Costa (11m) - Costa was fantastic in his debut season scoring 20 goals and picking up 3 assists leaving him with a total score of 150 beaten only by Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane. He will be the number 1 striker for Chelsea and it'll take something special to displace him from the starting XI. He possess strength, pace and most importantly knows where the back of the net is. [/mks_one_half] [/mks_col] VERDICT: If he stays clear on injury and can shift his tendency to collect bookings then he's certainly one of the elite strikers to consider, his opening fixtures, bar Manchester City away look relatively simple and he will no doubt be the leading goal scorer for Chelsea. Radamel Falcao (7.5m) - Falcao didn't enjoy the best of seasons with Manchester United, but that didn't stop Mourinho welcoming him back to the Premier League. He scored 4 goals and collected 5 assists in the process, under the ‘Special One' and with a full preseason under his belt he should find his goal scoring form that saw him become one of the best strikers in the world. VERDICT: We'd advise staying clear of Falcao to start with, if his form picks up and Costa collects a niggle it could be worth a go, otherwise stay clear. Loic Remy (7.5m) - Remy was the super sub for Chelsea last year and whenever he was called upon he produced the goods for Chelsea. It'll be touch and go if he's second choice or Falcao but we are hedging our bets on the Frenchma as, he proved to Mourinho what he is all about last year and could be the man to get Chelsea a goal if they need it. VERDICT: Stay away from the start, if he starts to feature or Costa picks up an injury then get him in your team, 7.5m for a regular goal scorer is fantastic value – he just needs the game time. Dominc Solanke (5.0m) - 4th choice and at the age of 17 we can't see him playing much. VERDICT: Stay well clear.

OVERALL SUMMARY

There are so many options in the Chelsea side it's hard to pick one out. To start with you have Eden Hazard; the highest points scorer in the game last year. He brings both goals, assists and bonus points week after week. Then you have John Terry, he scores goals, keeps clean sheets and will be one of the highest scoring defenders this season due to these reasons. Then you have Diego Costa whose Premier League goalscoring record speaks for itself. If he can reduce the amount of bookings he gets he will score even more this season. But if you can only have one Chelsea player make it Eden Hazard at 11.5m he is very expensive but the payout will be justified.