Team News

The Weekend Team News

Jamie Vardy remains a doubt as Leicester heads to St James’ Park. Hector Bellerin is passed fit for Arsenal’s visit to West Brom, Virgil van Dijk has recovered from a knee injury, whilst Jurgen Klopp will make a late decision on Daniel Sturridge’s availability as Liverpool roll up to the Etihad.

Claudio Ranieri has conceded he is uncertain whether Jamie Vardy will be fit for Leicester’s trip to Newcastle. The Foxes forward trained “a little” yesterday, though Ranieri is reluctant to field him unless he is 100%. Wes Morgan arrived back late from international duties but is available.

Gabby Agbonlahor is likely to miss Villa’s trip to Everton with a calf problem, whilst Rudy Gestede requires a late fitness test after picking up a knee injury for Benin during the international break. Remi Garde also revealed that Brad Guzan and Carlos Sanchez will be assessed – neither player had returned from international duties prior to yesterday morning’s press conference. Jores Okore has been ruled out with a knee problem.

Mark Hughes has revealed that Mame Biram Diouf and Geoff Cameron are both fine after their recent international exertions. The pair were assessed in light of late returns from duties with Senegal and USA respectively. Erik Pieters is also available despite breaking his nose in two places in the previous match against Chelsea.

Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Anthony Martial, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia will miss out through injury this weekend. Wayne Rooney is also unavailable for the trip to Watford due to illness, though Van Gaal is optimistic that both his captain and Martial could be fit for the midweek clash with PSV. Van Gaal also revealed that James Wilson is available after injury but cannot play the full 90 minutes due to a lack of match rhythm.

Nathan Redmond has overcome a minor thigh problem and is available for Norwich’s trip to Chelsea. Earlier this morning, Alex Neil revealed the winger was omitted from his Gameweek 12 squad as a precaution.

Everton will make a late decision on the fitness of Leighton Baines, who stepped up his recovery from injury with a run out for the reserves last week. Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway are also doubts, though Tom Cleverley and Mo Besic are back in the mix after recovering from injury.

Arsene Wenger conceded he will assess Laurent Koscielny’s state of mind, with the defender particularly affected by the recent off-field events in Paris. Hector Bellerin is available for Arsenal’s trip to West Brom after recovering from a groin problem. Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott remain sidelined, though Wenger has confirmed that the former two could return to training on Monday.

Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Pablo Zabaleta and Fabian Delph were all pictured in training for City yesterday. Manuel Pellegrini’s Friday lunchtime press conference should reveal more on the injured quartet, along with the likes of Wilfried Bony and Vincent Kompany.

Watford centre-half Sebastian Prodl has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a calf complaint. Jurado could be set to return from a hamstring injury – he faces a late fitness test. Allan Nyom is also expected to play against United. The right-back was called up by Cameroon for the recent internationals but returned to his club as they had not received the correct documentation. Cameroon can invoke a rule which would prevent Nyom from turning out this weekend but that is deemed unlikely.

Jurgen Klopp will make a late decision on Daniel Sturridge’s availability for the trip to league leaders City, though has conceded the striker “is not 100%”. James Milner, Jordon Ibe and Kolo Toure have been passed fit, whilst Jordan Henderson could be set to return to training next week.

Virgil van Dijk has recovered from a knee problem sustained during the international break and is available for Southampton’s home encounter with Stoke. Jay Rodriguez is still sidelined due to a foot problem and may need to undergo surgery.

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 for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Friday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

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1,343 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Coldplay
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Afternoon lads. Which move should I prioritize for this week?

    A) Kolarov to VVD
    B) Pelle to Lukaku
    C) Saylor to Simpson

    Here's how my team is looking:

    Hennessey
    Bellerin Kolarov Francis
    Mane Ozil Alexis Mahrez KDB
    Pelle Vardy Ighalo

    1FT, 2.8itb

    Cheers

    1. Coldplay
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Bench is Butland, Ighalo, Moreno, Saylor

    2. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B or Save

    4. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B. but depends on if you want Lukaku in your frontline. Some have Kun, Kane, Vardy in mind.. Some Kun, Lukaku, Vardy.. Etc

      1. latviandream
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        As above, B.

  2. Bushiosboys
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    is there a press conference for Leics? Do you think it will become any clearer about Vardy if so or do we just wait until line ups?
    I like the lad and want him to get the record, even tho I am a toon fan!

    1. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      See last page. Pictured in training. Should be good to go

      1. Bushiosboys
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you, sorry, I get lost off and don't have time to read each article, thanks for the reply. Armband to him me thinks 🙂

  3. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Vardy captain. Done. Finito. Now time to sit back and watch the points roll in

  4. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku rising tonight is going to scupper my plans to get my perfect 15 for the busy xmas period

    TEAM I WISH FOR:

    Hennessey // Elliot
    Bellerin // Dier // Bertrand // Moreno // Simpson
    Alexis // Ozil // Mahrez // £6.2m // Alli
    Kun // Kane // Lukaku

  5. Zizoulicious
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Repost

    Chelsea's fixtures

    1. Zizoulicious
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Copy fail

      1. Worzel Gummidge
          8 years, 6 months ago

          A fail just makes the win that much sweeter. Chin up lad. 🙂

    2. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Martial -> Benteke a good transfer?

      1. Darth_Newdar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I'd prefer Lukaku or Kane, unless you've got both already.

        1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Have got Lukaku, can't afford Kane w/o taking a hit

          1. Darth_Newdar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Keep Martial for one more week, perhaps? Benteke's position / starting role is a bit unknown at the moment.

      2. Back on the horse
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Yes I think this could be a good long term move. However Sturridge is almost fit

      3. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Yes. Great Differential. He is the focal point of LFC attacks. Sturbridge can only enhance his scoring potential.

      4. F_Ivanovic
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Looks good but with Liverpool playing City this week might want to save the transfer for next week if you have another player with some point potential in your squad that can replace injured Martial.

        I'm planning on the switch next week for Pelle possibly.

    3. Darth_Newdar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Good to go? Thanks.

      Gomes
      Janmaat / Cedric / Bellerin
      KDB / Mahrez / Ozil / Sanchez
      Vardy / Lukaku / Pelle

      Butland / Mané / Moreno / Simpson

    4. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      How's this for plan of action over next 2 GWs?

      This GW: Payet > Alli (bench)

      GW 13 (-4): Mane > Lanzini (alternates well with Alli for 4th Mid spot) or 6.7m Mid
      ------------------Pelle > Aguero

      Hennesey
      Monreal, Cedric, Nyom
      KDB, Mane, Sanchez, Mahrez
      Kane, Pelle, Vardy

      (Butland), Souare, Simpson, Payet

      1. The Mighty Whites
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I'd play Souare over Nyom this week

        1. latviandream
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Agree with that.

      2. rookie manager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Man U are suffering from injury and illness (Rooney) so think Watford might be a good shout for a clean sheet, Sunderland a bit more unpredictable especially if already Henny in goal.

        Lanzini move sounds good, always nice to have a decent rotation pair to make benching decisions a bit easier, but I will throw Bolasie at 6.1 in there for consideration.

    5. Edwardio
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Hi folks......which one to get, Cazorla or Sterling ?

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Out of those 2, Sterling.

        1. Edwardio
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          thanks mate

      2. rookie manager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Ozil over Caz if havent already got him, more consistent poins potential - Sterling may be worth a wait and see if Aguero and Silva come back changes anything, and if Clichy gets starts how well works with him.

        1. Edwardio
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          thanks mate

    6. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I did some fact checking about Mane's playing time immediately following international duty.

      Long story:
      15/10/14 - National game
      18/10/14 - (SUN) - 25 mins off the bench

      19/11/14 - National game
      24/11/14 - (avl) - started, played 79 mins

      27/1/15 - National game
      1/2/15 - (SWA) - 27 mins off the bench

      28/3/15 - National game
      4/4/15 - (eve) - 29 mins off the bench

      5/9/15 - National game
      12/9/15 - (wba) - 23 mins off the bench

      13/10/15 - National game
      17/10/15 - (LEI) - Full 90 mins

      Short story:
      Since signing for Saints, he's played 6 international games that were within a week of the next PL game. Of those, he started two and got 30 mins in four.

      There's no clear answer but my take is that he's more likely to be benched than to start. But you could conclude that the last episode signaled a change of heart from Koeman and he will now trust him to play after international duty.

      1. Ziro Becomes One
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Hulk.

      2. roscola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Bah, new article. Reposted there.

      3. Ziro Becomes One
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        The last 90 he played there were also many other injuries in the squad, Long out, JRod just back, etc. Just a point to be noted with the above.

      4. Nickofoz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Good stuff. It's worth noting that for the SUN game, he wasn't actually nailed. He had just arrived at Saints and had played most games off the bench

        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Transfermarkt reckons he started the two prior games. But yeah, he had only just joined so that's definitely a factor.

      5. latviandream
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Good spot Roscola.

    7. Parm
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Has anyone watched Watford in the last few weeks? Is Deeney still playing off Igahlo or are they more of a tandem now?

    8. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Bench one this GW only

      Sanchez Coutinho KDB Mahrez Bolasie
      Lukaku Gomis Pelle

      1. rookie manager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Going for form over fixtures I would have to say Gomis, though I know BOU at home is too tempting. Otherwise go for Pelle.

      2. F_Ivanovic
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        How do you still have Gomis? I guess you were waiting till after Nor/Bou games but given Swansea's and his form I didn't think he'd do much against Norwich so I was relying on him performing at Bou which is big ask. Anyway, seeing as you must have kept him in specifically for fixtures its hard to drop him. Seems like Coutinho is obvious choice given they have City. Yes, his form is good but away against City I can't see him getting any points unless he scores a screamer.

    9. DaveBensonPhilips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Hi all

      Front 8 of:

      Sanchez Mane KDB Mahrez Hoolahan
      Pelle Lukaku Vardy

      2FT, 3.5ITB

      I want to do Mane, KDB, Vardy and Pelle > Lanzini, Ozil, Aguero, Kane.

      Which, if any, should I do this week?

      Currently leaning towards Mane, Vardy > Ozil, Kane, mainly due to Vardy's injury.

      1. rookie manager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        His injury is concerning, but I would be hesitant about ousting Vardy, he has shown no signs of stopping and if he can play at the weekend, he could keep going for that record. I would do Mane > Ozil and maybe Pelle > Kane this week, start Vardy and then you have Hoolahan off bench (never know what may happen with Chelsea). Then you can look at Vardy to Aguero after seeing if he is worth the switch just yet, and I would consider keeping KDB over Sanchez depending on how both perform over the next couple of weeks.

      2. latviandream
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Agree with your plan there DBP.

    10. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Which Aguero Plan?

      Kolarov - Delaney
      Reid - Cathcart
      KDB - Ozil
      Pelle - Aguero

      or

      Reid - Delaney
      Richards - Simpson
      Yaya - Bolasie/ Deulofeu
      Pelle - Aguero

      1. rookie manager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I would say A) , though personally think would rather have KDB, Ozil or Bolasie over Yaya - don't knwo if that possible or not though.

    11. Sushant
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Pick 2:

      Cathcart or Janmaat or Williams

    12. MARTÍ
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      If I play AOA and a striker doesn't play, a defender comes in, right?

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I believe it is whoever your first sub is

        1. rookie manager
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Which if playing AOA will be a defender.

          1. Ten Season Wonder
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Very true.

    13. Merc with a goalmouth
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Just realised my team is in tatters, was going to sort out defence this week but got burnt by striker injuries

      Myhill [Butland]
      Kolarov Naughton Dawson [Richards] [targett]
      Mahrez Eriksen Sanchez Ayew KBD
      Pelle Bony [Martial]

      Was thinking of changing to

      Hennesey [Myhill]
      Kolarov Naughton Dawson [Richards] [Targett]
      Mahrez Eriksen Sanchez Ayew KBD
      Lukaku Kane [Ayoze] (so i can get Aguero)

      but its an 8pt hit!

      thoughts?

      1. Merc with a goalmouth
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        MaCarthy, not Butland... i wish 🙁

      2. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Get Bony out!

      3. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Got to really

        1. Merc with a goalmouth
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          solved it...

          Hennessey [Myhill]
          Kolarov Naughton Dawson [Targett] [Richards]
          Mahrez Eriken Sanchez Ayew KDB
          Pelle Lukaku [Martial]

          defence and sub are awful but no points spent!

          1. rookie manager
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            That looks like a decent team for this week, no need to take points hit. I'm in similar boat, defence will need a look soon, but really like the look of you rmidfield (potentially exlcuding Ayew), and next week look into Pelle out for either Kane or Aguero, after freed up some cash from Martial and/or Kola.

    14. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Should I use my wildcard ?? 1.4 itb no FT

      Cech
      Sagna, VvD, Clyne
      Mahrez, Sanchez, KDB, Deulofeu
      Vardy, Lukaku, Martial

      subs: Hennessey, Ayew, Dawson, Oxford

      1. Revival
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Nah, just play Ayew if Martial or Vardy confirmed out imo

      2. George James
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I would save it mate

        1. Kane Train
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Use WC next week to bring in Aguero ??

      3. rookie manager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Save the WC, got a good looking team for this week no need to panic. Ayew for Martial and I think VArdy will play so don;t move him yet. Maybe WC next week, see how Aguero is looking.

    15. George James
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Afternoon gents,

      Below post lost in last page. Thoughts?

      Mignolet (myhill)
      Naughton - bellerin - kolorov (target - Cameron)
      Sanchez - kdb - mahrez -ozil (Redmond)
      Vardy - martial - pelle

      2ft 0.1 itb

      A) martial + myhill > lukaku + Hennessy

      B) Martial > any other striker 8.1 and under

      C) any other suggestions welcome

    16. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Any one out here wishes Vardy would be rested? Or just me? Benching headache is too much. Will downgrade my 5th mid'er

      1. rookie manager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Just do what I have learned the hard way, don't bench Vardy or Mahrez until they show an actual drop in form, and bench whoever you have to to make that work.

      2. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I have Alli as my 5th Mid. I really want to see him run WHU ragged after his goal the other night.

        So Vardy not playing would be extremely welcoming for me too.

    17. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A) If I keep Sanchez and upgrade Payet to Ozil.

      Mahrez - Sanchez - Ozil - KDB - Ayew
      Lukaku - Pelle - Vardy

      B) If I bring Kane in and swap out Sanchez for Ozil (Wenger's been saying he's going to rest him)

      Mahrez - Ozil - KDB - Coutinho (GW14) - Willian/Mata/Mane/Deulofeu/Tadic
      Kane - Pelle - Vardy

      C) If I bring Aguero in and swap out Sanchez for Ozil (Wenger's been saying he's going to rest him)

      Mahrez - Ozil - KDB - Countiho (GW14) - Lanzini/Moses
      Aguero - Pelle - Vardy

      1. rookie manager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Don't know why you would swap out Lukaku for Kane instead of Pelle - if funds are an issue I would look elsewhere for them, Luk is going to be good for some poins over next 5/6 GW.

        I would go for A this week, then maybe weight up Sanchez over next couple of GW (Seems sensible to give a chance against leaky Norwich though), then downgrade him to cheaper mid maybe (Deulofeu / Eriksen / Bolasie) to then change Pelle to Aguero in short term future.

        1. sthelenslad92
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Well all spurs goals go through Kane, whereas a few players are scoring at Everton.

          I'll have to keep an eye on team news tonight and tomorrow morning. If I keep Sanchez then it's unlikely I'd upgrade Ayew to Coutinho on GW14 which is when I think he'll start scoring big points. The fixtures favour Arsenal's attack, just have a feeling that Sanchez might be rested, and I think he's more likely to be rested sooner rather than later.

          1. rookie manager
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Not disputing putting Kane in, I'm saying pelle should be the one to make space for him, not lukaku - his fixtures and form are just better. If money is an issue I would say worth looking for the funds from somewhere as lukaku is keeping him.

            He may be due a rest bit I think a bit nearer Christmas, and Norwich may give him a boost and Walcott return may spell goals for Sanchez again. Countinho is worth considering especially if already have ozil for arsenal.

    18. Etch
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Gomes
      Bellerin / Kolarov / Cedric
      Barkley / KdB / Mahrez / Sanchez
      Pelle / Ighalo / Vardy

      Bench: Butland, Dawson, Nyom, Payet
      2FT, £2mn ITB

      I don't know whether to roll the dice early and get Aguero back in now that Pellegrini has confirmed he's fit or to wait another week. Any thoughts?

      1. sthelenslad92
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I'm struggling with the Aguero thing too.

        1. Etch
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I could do Pelle and Sanchez to Kun and Ozil for a free, but Pelle usually does well at home and Aguero could be rusty and may not play the full 90.

          Sanchez to Ozil seems a reasonably risk-free move as Ozil has been churning out the assists while Alexis seems knackered at the moment. Though that would leave me with a crocked Payet on the bench until I can sort it out next week.

          I'm just worried I'm getting a bit blinded by the desire to get Kun back, which is perhaps causing me to overlook other attractive options, such as Lukaku and Kane who have both been in good form recently.

      2. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        i'd sooner drop KDB than sanchez

        1. Etch
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Really? Who for? I suppose I could do KbD and Pelle to Kun and someone like Ozil, Sterling or Mata, which would leave me with around 7mn to replace Payet for a -4 (maybe Cabaye or Willian?).

          I don't think I want to double up on Arsenal midfield though and am not overly convinced by the other mid-priced options in midfield.

          1. rookie manager
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Bolasie over cabaye if do go that route. I'm leaving Sanchez until after norwich, if not improved returns by then I'll rely on ozil and swap Alexis for a decent mid price.

    19. prichardson100
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      With Valencia sadly out for five months.

      Is Darmian now a option at 5.6 or is Young ahead of him in the pecking order?

    20. sheixt
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Butland (SOU)

      Bellerín (WBA) / Bertrand (STK) / Dawson (ARS) /

      Deulofeu (AVL) / Mahrez (NEW) / Sánchez (v) (WBA) / De Bruyne (LIV)

      Lukaku (c) (AVL) / Vardy (NEW) / Pellè (STK)

      SUBS: Ruddy (CHE) / Barkley (AVL) / Moreno (MCI) / Richards (EVE)

      £3.7m ITB

      Would you:
      A) Sub Dawson for Moreno
      B) Change Richards for Dann for -4
      C) Stay
      D) Other?

    21. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I think Sanchez may be rested, don't quote me on that but Wenger know he might burn him out and there are some easier fixtures coming up.

    22. SpursSon
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Pelle to aguero for free?