Arsenal are missing a trio of players for the visit of Fulham. Swansea’s injury troubles ease. Sylvain Distin returns for Everton. Joe Allen is back for Liverpool. John Guidetti is in Stoke’s squad to face Palace. Nathan Baker is ruled out for Villa, whilst James Collins may be fit for West Ham’s home clash against Newcastle:
Aaron Ramsey is still ruled out for Arsenal’s clash with Fulham and is joined on the sidelines by Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta, but Arsene Wenger expects the two midfielders to return for the Gameweek 23 trip to Southampton. Nacho Monreal and Tomas Rosicky are set for late tests, though the Gunners boss thinks ”both of them will be alright”.
Sylvain Distin has returned to training for Everton and could figure against West Brom on Monday evening. The Everton squad flew out for warm weather training in Tenerife and Roberto Martinez revealed new boy Aidan McGeady “looks sharp” as he continues to build up his match fitness.
Rene Meulensteen has confirmed that Fernando Amorebieta is Fulham’s only doubt as they prepare to take on Arsenal. The defender picked up a knee ligament problem in training and will need to be assessed.
West Ham are ”hopeful” James Collins will return from a calf injury for the home game against Newcastle. Ravel Morrison also confirmed to the club’s official website he has been working hard to get back to full fitness following a groin injury.
Chris Hughton gave an injury update on Thursday revealing that winger Anthony Pilkington and central midfielder Alex Tettey have both returned from injury lay-offs. The duo will be in the squad for Norwich’s clash with Hull this weekend.
Aston Villa will be without Nathan Baker for the trip to Anfield this weekend. The defender was stretchered off with concussion against Arsenal on Monday, with Paul Lambert revealing “he’s still feeling a bit groggy with a bit of a sore head”.
Brendan Rodgers reveals that Joe Allen has returned to training following an abductor problem and could figure against Aston Villa. The Liverpool boss also intends to check on the fitness of Mamadou Sakho, who has missed the last couple games with a hamstring issue.
Thomas Sorensen is back for Stoke but will have to accept a role on the bench, with Jack Butland a confirmed starter for the trip to Palace. Loan signing John Guidetti is also in the squad, though Robert Huth and Andy Wilkinson remain sidelined along with Asmir Begovic.
Swansea delivered positive news on the fitness of wingers Nathan Dyer, Pablo Hernandez and Roland Lamah ahead of the visit of Tottenham Hotspur. Roland Lamah is expected to return to the Swansea squad to face Spurs this weekend, whilst Pablo Hernandez and Nathan Dyer and Dwight Tiendalli are all in with a chance of shaking off injuries. Jonathan De Guzman remains sidelined with an ankle problem. Michel Vorm should return to training next week after minor knee surgery and Jose Canas awaits further scans on the ankle injury that forced him off at United.
All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream as breaking news unfolds.
10 years, 3 months agoNorwich FPL Update
Next two games are massively important for Chris Hughton, Hull (h) and Newcastle (h). I expect to see a heavy attacking approach, especially for the former.
Last time out, Everton (a), Hughton surprisingly opted for his favoured 4-4-2, starting both RVW and Hooper. It meant a far deeper role for Fer and further defensive work for Snodgrass, with no start at all for Redmond.
This week Jonas Gutierrez has signed on-loan until the end of the season, with Anthony Pilkington and perhaps more crucially, Alex Tettey, returning. Jonny Howson and Michael Turner remain out. With the team-news I expect a 4-4-2 vs. Hull and a 4-5-1 vs. Newcastle.
For the Hull game, Snodgrass and Pilkington are likely to start on the wings, with Fer and Tettey in the midfield screening the defence, RVW and Hooper up top. For the Newcastle game, Pilkington will perhaps act as support to the lone front man Hooper, with Gutierrez and Snodgrass covering the flanks. I don't expect Gutierrez to affect Whittaker's place at right-back. Redmond restricted to super-sub duties for the foreseeable future.
Buy - Nobody
Sell - Fer / Redmond / M Turner
Hold - Whittaker and Hooper