Team News

The Weekend Team News

Winston Reid and Victor Moses add to West Ham’s injury woes. Bastian Schweinsteiger is slapped with a three-match ban. Micah Richards remains sidelined for Villa, whilst Sunderland have concerns over Steven Fletcher as Watford roll up to the Stadium of Light.

Winston Reid has been ruled out for the Hammers after suffering a hamstring injury in training during the week. Reid joins Victor Moses on the sidelines, with the latter also set to miss the next four-to-six weeks after injuring his hamstring in the stalemate with United. Slaven Bilic issued an update on Manuel Lanzini’s injury, suggesting the attacker could be back to face Swansea next week. Elsewhere, Enner Valencia and Dimitri Payet are both making good progress from their respective injuries, with the former now available for selection after time out with an ankle injury. On the subject of Payet, Bilic went on to say, “His ankle is very, very stable and who knows what will happen in two or three weeks”.

Bournemouth stopper Adam Federici has returned to training less than two weeks after Eddie Howe suggested he was set for an extended period on the sidelines. Marc Pugh and Lee Tomlin are also back in training, as is Christian Atsu, though the latter is likely to return to first-team contention in around three weeks after a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Manchester United’s Bastian Schweinsteiger has been handed a retrospective three-match suspension by the FA. The German international has been banned for violent conduct following an incident with West Ham’s Winston Reid last weekend and will now miss the league clashes against Bournemouth, Norwich and Stoke.

James McCarthy will face a late fitness test for Everton this weekend, having missed the stalemate with Crystal Palace due to a groin injury. Leighton Baines “is getting very close to start”, though Roberto Martinez has again stressed the need to manage his workload carefully. Phil Jagielka is progressing well with his recovery from a knee injury and could be back earlier than expected, according to the Toffees boss.

Remi Garde has confirmed that Leandro Bacuna and Rudy Gestede are fit for the weekend, with the pair having recovered from the knocks that forced them off against Southampton last time out. Micah Richards remains sidelined as he struggles to overcome a knee injury.

Steven Fletcher is a doubt for the Black Cats’ meeting with Watford after sustaining a foot injury in training. Lee Cattermole and Seb Larsson remain sidelined, though Sam Allardyce has received a boost, with Jermain Defoe and Wes Brown back in the squad having returned to training this week.

Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama will be available to face Crystal Palace after shaking off the ankle injury picked up during the draw with Aston Villa last weekend. Ronald Koeman also issued an update on Jay Rodriguez, with the forward expected back in training in “three to four” weeks.

Claudio Ranieri has revealed that Matty James and Ritchie de Laet remain the only absentees for Leicester as they square up against Chelsea on Monday evening. Meanwhile the FA have confirmed that no action will be taken over Riyad Mahrez’ tunnel altercation with Swansea’s Ashley Williams during the Foxes 3-0 win at the Liberty last time out.

Valon Behrami remains absent for Watford’s trip to Sunderland due to an ongoing calf complaint. Sebastian Prodl has returned to training but is unlikely to be available for selection as he builds up his match fitness.

Peter Crouch, Peter Odemwingie and Shay Given remain on the sidelines as Stoke pay visit to West Ham.

Steve McClaren has confirmed his squad remains the same as Newcastle travel to White Hart Lane. Injured pair Cheick Tiote and Rolando Aarons are “close” to returning from injury after stepping up their recoveries over the last few days.

Wes Hoolahan has recovered from a knee problem and returns to the Norwich squad for tomorrow lunchtime’s clash with Everton.

Stephane Sessegnon has been ruled out of West Brom’s clash with Liverpool due to the hamstring injury sustained in last week’s encounter with Spurs.

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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1,048 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Skogen89
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one?

    A) Mahrez

    B) Coutinho

    C) Vardy

    1. Wardinator
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      C

      1. nobwak
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Absolutely not C. Why would you bench the leagues top scorer?

    2. DaddyPig
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B imo

      1. _nod
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        This

    3. ChristoBisto
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Got exactly the same dilemma Skogen - currently benching Vardy. Chelsea have shored up and with Courtois back Vardy looks like the weakest option out of these.

      1. Skogen89
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks for your replays. I'm currently benching Vardy as well. Chelseas performence in CL was impressive, and maybe that was the turnaround for them. Hate this situation tho..

  2. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    This is not the week to punt on captaincy.

    Not when Theo plays Villa.

  3. Special Mou
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I was depending on Kolarov - Smalling - Dier in defense , but now after Smalling injury , i don't know what to do.
    I have 1 FT i was willing to save.

    a) Dawson or Nyom in his place
    b) AOA
    c) Sell Nyom and buy another defender

    and Which keeper to play
    a) De Gea
    b)Butland

    1. rookie manager
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Butland imo, West Ham lost most of their attacking options, whereas Utd looking a little less certain in defence.

      Dawson and Nyom are decent options I think, though depends completely on which Liverpool or Sunderland team turns up - if you have a FT and nothing else need doing then maybe worth moving Nyom for a defender feel more confident to play, but definitely dont cost yourself points to make that change.

      AOA only if you feel good about your attacking players and not sure which one to bench anyway.

    2. Skogen89
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

  4. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hi all...got a shocking defence...worth doing Francis to moreno for a hit and benching oshea?

    Moreno is good long term pick and could get clean sheet and attacking creturns this weekend....
    Defence is
    Kolarov vvd oshea (Dawson Francis)....Cheers

    1. masewindu
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Its not shocking, pretty damn good..

      1. nobwak
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        It's not great. But no hits on defenders IMO, they basically HAVE to keep a clean sheet or get attacking returns to justify the 4 point hit.

    2. Skogen89
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldnt do it for a hit.

  5. Alittude
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    My season will literally be made or broken by kun

    1. drokkeh
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      What the heck is that grav?

    2. Jose's Magic Omelette
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Broken.

  6. N5 1BU
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    my team is :

    butland

    dann bennett zouma

    hazard ozil kdb mahrez

    vardy lukaku kane

    subs : mccarthy targett mariappa gosling

    desperately need to upgrade my defence !!

    have £1.7 mill in bank & 1 free transfer, but would be prepared to take a -4 hit.

    any help would be appreciated, thanks

    1. nobwak
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Bennet >> Alderweireld.
      Do it soon before you can't afford him.

      1. N5 1BU
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        thanks matey !!

        1. nobwak
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          You're very welcome.
          If my maths is correct, you should literally JUST be able to afford the transfer.

          Have you gone for it?

          1. N5 1BU
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            i did & am left with £0 in the bank, cheers

  7. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    1. Hang onto Smalling?
    2. KDB/ Silva + Giroud or Ramsey + Vardy?

  8. allaboutthemagic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Just become member on this. Current team is:

    Butland
    Monreal Sagna Moreno
    Hazard Mahrez Barkley KDB
    Lukaku Kane Benteke

    bench
    Hennessey Cabaye Rojo Target

    0,4mil in bank

    I'm 60 points off top. everyone above has KDB, Barkley... looking to make a move/get some differentials in but unsure what to do. Any suggestions?

    1. masewindu
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Good team, what about Giroud for Bentekers? Silva in for KDB (who'll likely play out wide)

      1. allaboutthemagic
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        thanks mate good advice.. thoughts on captain?

    2. rookie manager
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Agree Giroud for Tekkers seems like the obvious choice for me, I wouldnt cost yourself points to swap KDB for Silva though, can't see him making more 4 points more than him, and KDB still looking strong form even if he goes outwide, especially if Silva doesnt make the whole 90.

      1. allaboutthemagic
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        thanks for the tip! whats your thoughts on captain?

  9. masewindu
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Dembele, Tadic , Firmino

    Why did I buy them?? oh yeah, u can make transfers intoxicated 24/7.. Can we install a drunken transfer test to ensure I don't mess it up further in three hours.

    1. rookie manager
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I wish I could blame the booze for my decisions...

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

      ha I made 2/3 of them transfers. Non drunk which is even worse.

  10. Depay Time
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    benching headaches
    ddg butland
    bellerin cresswell rose moreno wolly
    mahrez özil kdb mata Barkley
    Kane vardy ighalo

    my initial bench
    butland, vardy, cresswell, wolly
    any suggestions
    also best captain choice?

  11. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Interesting dilemma:

    A) Fletcher > Alli
    B) Kun > Kane (C)

    B seems the obvious choice, although A would position me nicely for the Xmas period. What are other people doing?

  12. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Convince me...Why do you think Kane will score more than Ramsey this week?
    Is it mainly? "To risky, you better go with the flow" - Not captain your differential

  13. J-dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Tough call. Who to bench - Mahrez, Eriksen, Barkley?

  14. Kane Toads
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hi FFS'ers,

    is Deulofeu > Barkley a waste of an FT? I have Luka as a FWD.

    cheers!

    1. Milford
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Waste. Deu could easily outscore Barkley in the coming GWs.

      1. Kane Toads
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks Milford..

  15. _nod
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    A) Play Ayew vs Citeh benching Aguero

    B) Aguero > ? ( already have Lukaku and Vardy)

  16. wing_01
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Who to bench this week?

    A - Coutinho (WBA)

    B - Sterling (SWA)

    C- Vardy (CHE)

    D-Ighalo (sun)

    Thanks!