So, you're staring at your FPL draft, and Chelsea's squad is staring back—young, chaotic, and somehow both terrifying and tantalizing. The Blues have one of the most expensive young squads in the Premier League, which means potential upside but also rotation headaches. Here's your checklist for picking Chelsea assets this season.
1. Start with Cole Palmer—He's the Anchor
Cole Palmer is your first Chelsea slot, no questions asked. Last season, he contributed goals and assists in a messy campaign. This year, under the current manager, he's the creative hub. He's on penalties, set pieces, and floats between the #10 and right-wing roles. If you're picking one Chelsea player, it's Palmer.
- Why: Penalty taker, set-piece taker, and the most consistent attacker.
- Risk: None really—he's fixture-proof. Just avoid him against City (his former club) if you're superstitious.
2. Enzo Fernandez: The Midfield Value Pick
Enzo Fernandez scored several goals last season from midfield—that's elite for a reasonable price point. He's not a guaranteed starter every week (the manager rotates), but when he plays, he's advanced enough to get into the box. Watch for his role in the first few gameweeks.
- Why: Goal threat from deep, especially against weaker sides.
- Risk: Rotation with other midfielders. Check press conferences.
3. Moises Caicedo: Avoid in FPL (Unless You Love Clean Sheets)
Caicedo is a defensive midfielder. He'll get you 2-3 points per game, maybe a yellow card or two. Unless you're desperate for a budget enabler, skip him. He's not on penalties, not on set pieces, and his attacking output is near zero.
- Why: Don't do it. There are better budget options elsewhere.
- Risk: He'll frustrate you with 2-point hauls.
4. Liam Delap: The Budget Forward Gamble
Liam Delap arrived from Man City this summer. He's a physical, old-school striker who could be a differential if he nails down the starting spot. At a budget price, he's a potential enabler. But he's competing with other forwards.
- Why: Cheap, strong, and gets chances in the box.
- Risk: Not a guaranteed starter. Wait for two weeks of consistent minutes.
5. Joao Pedro: The Mid-Price Forward Option
Joao Pedro is more established than Delap. He's a link-up player who can also finish. At a mid-range price, he's a decent third forward if you're going with a balanced squad. He may take penalties occasionally—check Palmer's absence.
- Why: Consistent minutes, good fixtures early on.
- Risk: Not explosive—expect steady hauls, not huge ones.
6. Estevao Willian (Messinho): The Differential You'll Regret
Estevao is a teenage winger with impressive dribbling stats. He's the "next big thing." But in FPL, he's a rotation risk. The manager might use him off the bench or in cup games. Avoid until he's a locked starter.
- Why: High ceiling, but you'll bench him and he'll haul.
- Risk: Trust me—don't.
7. Alejandro Garnacho: The Wide Threat
Garnacho is direct, quick, and loves cutting inside. He's a budget midfielder with potential for goals if he starts regularly. But Chelsea's wide options mean rotation is likely.
- Why: Great for home games against low blocks.
- Risk: Away games against top sides—he's often subbed early.
8. Pedro Neto: The Injury-Prone Punt
Pedro Neto is talented but has an injury history. When fit, he's a cheap midfielder with assists potential. But he tends to miss games. Only pick him if you have a strong bench.
- Why: Cheap, creative, and on corners sometimes.
- Risk: Injury history is real.
9. Defenders: Avoid Chelsea's Backline
Chelsea's defense can be inconsistent. The goalkeeper and back four change regularly, and they can leak goals. Marc Cucurella is the only one worth considering for his attacking runs, but even then, he's a moderate-priced defender who'll get you decent points on a good day.
- Why: Just don't. There are better defensive options from Arsenal, City, or Liverpool.
- Risk: Clean sheets are not guaranteed.
10. The Rotation Factor: Manager's Lineup Roulette
The current manager rotates heavily. Expect 2-3 changes every gameweek. The only guaranteed starters are Palmer and maybe the goalkeeper. Everyone else is a gamble.
- Check: Press conferences 48 hours before deadline.
- Avoid: Double-ups in midfield or attack unless you have a strong bench.
11. Fixture Analysis: When to Captain Palmer
Chelsea's early fixtures are mixed. Some are favorable, some tough. Captain Palmer against promoted sides or teams with weak defenses. Avoid captaining him against City, Arsenal, or Liverpool.
- Best fixtures: Home games against bottom-half teams.
- Worst fixtures: Away games against top-six sides.
12. The Final Checklist: Your Chelsea FPL Plan
- Pick Cole Palmer as your first Chelsea asset.
- Consider Enzo Fernandez as a midfield differential.
- Avoid Moises Caicedo and defensive assets.
- Gamble on Liam Delap or Joao Pedro if you need a budget forward.
- Stay away from Estevao and Garnacho until they're starters.
- Check press conferences before every deadline.
- Don't double up on Chelsea midfielders unless you're brave.
Summary: One Chelsea Player, Maybe Two
The smart play is Cole Palmer plus one other—Enzo or a budget forward. Anything more is a risk. Chelsea's young squad has potential, but FPL rewards consistency, not chaos. Trust the data, watch the pressers, and don't fall for the hype on Messinho.
For more Chelsea FPL analysis, check out our FPL hub and player profiles like Marc Cucurella's attacking stats. And if you want to go old school, read about Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea double for perspective on what stability looks like.