Team News

The Midweek Team News

Guus Hiddink considers resting Diego Costa for one of Chelsea’s next two league matches. N’Golo Kante is ruled out of Leicester’s upcoming pair of top-flight encounters, Shane Long remains a doubt as Southampton head to Bournemouth, whilst Chris Brunt is ruled out of West Brom’s trip to the King Power.

Arsene Wenger hinted at making changes to his XI earlier this morning after admitting the likes of Danny Welbeck may not be “completely fit” to deal with the hectic schedule. The Gunners boss also went on to confirm that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be out for six-to-eight weeks with a knee injury.

Sunderland have no fresh injury worries for the visit of Palace, Sam Allardyce has confirmed. It’s “as you were” for the Black Cats, then, with Jeremain Lens and Duncan Watmore the only players sidelined.

Eddie Howe reckons that Junior Stanislas will be out “for a few weeks” after undergoing scans on the hamstring injury that forced him off last weekend. The Bournemouth boss conceded he will manage Max Gradel’s minutes after the winger returned from a long-term knee injury last weekend, whilst Lewis Grabban has stepped up his recovery from a groin problem but remains a doubt.

Chris Brunt is set to see a specialist today after sustaining a knee injury in the weekend win over Palace. Tony Pulis conceded he’s keen to field “a similar team” from the one that defeated the Eagles, though Jonny Evans – if fit – will return.

N’Golo Kante has been ruled out of the next couple of Gameweeks due to a hamstring problem, Claudio Ranieri has admitted. The Foxes boss confirmed that Andy King is set to start in central midfield alongside Danny Drinkwater, whilst he’s also set to welcome back Danny Simpson from a one-match ban against the Baggies.

Seb Bassong and Wes Hoolahan remain doubtful for Norwich’s home match with Chelsea, Alex Neil has revealed. Andre Wisdom is still sidelined with a knee complaint, whilst Patrick Bamford cannot play against his parent club.

John Terry will remain sidelined for Chelsea’s trip to Norwich, Guus Hiddink has revealed. Pedro is also out with the hamstring problem that forced him off early against Southampton, though Alexandre Pato has stepped up his fitness drive and could play a part. Hiddink also went on to admit that he may rest Diego Costa for one of the next two league matches, with one eye on next week’s Champions League clash against PSG, as the Blues attempt to claw back a 2-1 first-leg deficit. Hiddink has also revealed that youngster Bertrand Traore has moved ahead of both Pato and Loic Remy in the pecking order behind Costa for the lone striker role.

Shane Long is Southampton’s only doubt for the trip to Bournemouth after being withdrawn due to a minor hamstring problem on Saturday.

Palace have no fresh injury concerns for their trip to the Stadium of Light, with Bakary Sako back in the fold after returning to full training ahead of their relegation clash.

Mo Besic and Darron Gibson are ruled out of Everton’s visit to Villa, whilst Arouna Kone has recovered from the illness that kept him out of the recent FA Cup win at Bournemouth.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of this evening’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Tuesday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

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1,098 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AFC49
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    What to do this week?

    Butland
    Bellerin, Toby, Azpi
    Mahrez, Payet, Alli, Özil
    Kane, Aguero, Vardy

    Hennessey, Cresswell, Simpson, Gosling

    2FT, 2.9 ITB

    1. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ozil and Payet will blank gw 30. You need to let go of either or play 4 defenders.
      Cresswell and Bellerin will also blank.
      Use one FT to upgrade Gosling. Siggy bou looks better than Arnie SOU

    2. Think
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      have to use 1 FT try to figure out which player doesn't play in game week 30 & what's your priority.

      Blank in GW30 = Payet,Ozil,Cresswell,Azpi

      For me Cresswell out for SOT or MCY defender

    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Cresswell to City/Swans def

      1. AFC49
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Was thinking Fonte or VVD

  2. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Payet to burn his sellers.

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Scott Sellers?

    2. Grumpy Camel
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      lets hope

      1. Think
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        U R Right !

    3. irfanrazak
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      i hope not ;(

    4. The Kolarov Mane ⚔
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Amen! I even have Alder on the bench.

  3. TheBusDriver
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Will we know the chelsea lineup b4 the deadline????

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Nope. We don't get any lineups before deadlines any more.

      1. TheBusDriver
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Match is at 19:45. Deadline 18:45. Maybe we could the lineups a few minutes before the deadline.

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

    Anyone think Rashford will start for United or is he tied up in exams?

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A footballer still in school at 18?! Good one

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Just done his chemistry exam like two days ago ha

  5. Think
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Save or use FT ?

    Schiemchel (Henessey)
    Fonte, Jagielka, Woll (Dawson,Francis)
    Ozil, Mahrez, Payet,Arnie (Surman)
    Aguero, Vardy (C), Kane

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      save

    2. gomenor
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Save.. Bench Boost? Payet, Smith, Hennessey, Alder

  6. Kevtheotter
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hey lads quick questions for ya

    Butland
    Azpi Huth Bellerin
    Payet Ozil(c) Mahrez Barkley
    Kane Kun Vardy

    McCarthy VVD Targett Stanislas 1FT 2.3ITB

    A) Save?
    B) Play VVD over Payet or a Def? If so who

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A No

      1. Think
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        VVD for Azpi & Play payet

  7. Grumpy Camel
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is Silva a realistic option or am i clutching at one too many straws?

    1. luke25
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I've brought him in this week but I would hold of one more week.

    2. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      It's either him or Sterling for me next week

    3. Taffer
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Very good option IMO - particularly at 9.8

      1. FootballManiac
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        he played 110 mins 2 days ago

        1. luke25
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          So did Liverpool though, the way Silva plays isn't too intense

        2. The Kolarov Mane ⚔
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Playing tomorrow = 3 days rest?

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

      Bringing him in for the weekend

    5. Grumpy Camel
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Im doing it. Thanks for the responses lads. Good night.

    6. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I may bring him in next week for villa and Norwich matches. No blank and possible DGW34.

  8. Alittude
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    anyone captaining Aguero?

    1. luke25
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Me!

      1. Think
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Mind says vardy heart says Kun

        1. COW
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Body saying Arnie?

        2. Alittude
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I agree vardy is logical but have a feeling kun could do well.

  9. Jeremiah
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    GTG? 🙂

    Butland
    Bellerin - VVD - Francis
    Sanchez - Arnie - Payet - Mahrez
    Kane - Aguero - Vardy (C)

    McCarthy - Alli - Alder - Ward

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yea

    2. gomenor
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Bench Boost? Payet, Smith, Hennessey, Alder

      1. mahone24
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Id say no to bench boost

  10. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    checked all combinations and it looks.. Spurs, Stoke, Southampton, Leicester, Swansea & Aston Villa would never have a DGW this season (they all play against teams who are out of FA Cup).

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      *in GW35

    2. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Thank you for this!

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      With my team largely comprising of players from these teams this seems like the very best of reasons for using my WC in GW33 ready for GW34

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

        this

  11. Viprin
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Pick 3 to start
    A) Toby
    B) Targett
    C) Bellerin
    D) Daniels
    E) Fuchs

    1. Jeremiah
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      CBD

    2. gomenor
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      ;A,C,E

      1. Think
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        B,C,E

    3. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B C E

      1. Viprin
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Why not Daniels?

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

      BCE

    5. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      D
      C
      E

    6. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Certainly C and E. B and D is tough but I'd go D

  12. Parm
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    No fantasy football advice required, just a quick question...

    Any good Mothers Day gifts floating about on the interweb?

    1. Team Hayemaker
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A photo of you and her from your wedding

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Give it 10 years.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      BP Garage FTW

    3. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A new/better son?

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        She has 3 sons, I doubt she'd want another one.

        1. Hooky
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          A daughter it is then. Present sorted.

    4. The Kolarov Mane ⚔
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Make something - it is always a winner.

      Bake a cake, make a nice card (hand written), put together a bunch of flowers etc

    5. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      BB chip?

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        That's worth her Mothers Day, Xmas & Birthday present all in one.

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Sorted!

    6. Mr. Grv
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Does she like cooking ? Apron or anything related to cooking

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        If she has three sons she is probably sick of cooking tbf .

    7. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Take her for a meal or a voucher for a meal if you are too lazy to spend time with her ?

  13. Team Hayemaker
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    My Tuesday is way more stressful than normal!

  14. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    G2G?

    Schmeicel
    VVD Bellerin Toby
    Payet Mahrez Arnie Barkley
    Vardy Aguero Kane

    Subs: Butlanf Alli Williams Saylor

    1. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Saeet

      1. Venom Snake
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Sweet*

  15. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    hmmm, reading Wenger's comments, I have a feeling that Sanchez should start.
    Anyone with me ? 😉

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Think he has to start due to lack of alternatives. Whether he gets any points or not is a different story.

    2. Think
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      sanchez will start and let everyone down again

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Hope so as he's my captain

    4. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. My worry is that Monreal will get a rest.

    5. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      he has to start. This is a huge must-win game for them. As full strength team as possible must start otherwise this season could be over.

  16. MagnetBPS
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    My mids contains: Mahrez Alli Sanchez Payet Arnie

    Replace Sanchez with who?

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ozil, Khazri, Siggy, Eriksen

    2. COW
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ozil.

    3. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I did Sanchez to Ozil.

  17. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Am I good to save?

    Butland
    Bellerin - Azpi - Fuchs
    Silva - Ozil - Mahrez - Payet
    Kun - Kane - Vardy

    Hennessey; Alli - Williams - Moreno

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      good to save

  18. IWR
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Butland (Forster)
    VVD, Fuchs, Bellerin (Toby, Daniels)
    Mahrez, Ozil, Alli, Arnie (Payet)
    Aguero, Vardy, Kane

    2 FT & 1.3 ITB

    Any ideas?

    Payet-Barkey for a one week punt against Villa?

    1. Think
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      u have so many players who have blank in GW 30 try to use FT for improving ur team in that regards.

      1. TwiggsJameson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        ??? He only has 3 players who will blank.

      2. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        ?

      3. IWR
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I only have one player missing for GW30, Payet.

        1. Ha.
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Arsenal not guaranteed, yet

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

        I've got a similar team to IWR and I don't see many blanks for gw30!!

    2. IWR
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      3 including Bellerin and Ozil.

    3. IWR
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Any transfer ideas or just let that second disappear? Bellerin-Kompany looks decent next GW

  19. IWR
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Butland (Forster)
    VVD, Fuchs, Bellerin (Toby, Daniels)
    Mahrez, Ozil, Alli, Arnie, Payet (Alli)
    Aguero, Vardy, Kane

    2 FT & 1.3 ITB

    Any ideas?

    Payet-Barkey for a one week punt against Villa?

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I wont, but a decent punt against a poor Villa side.

  20. adidasOriginals
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all,
    Quick one –
    2FTs so got to use one by tonight– can’t make my mind up - I’ve narrowed in down to this at the min …would you –

    A – Targett out, VVD in
    B – Smith out, Kompany in

    Current team –

    ---------Butland (NEW) ----------
    Bellers (SWA) Fuchs (WBA) Dier (wba)
    Ozil (SWA) Mahrez (WBA) Barkley (avl) Alli (whu)
    Aguero (liv) Kane (whu) Vardy (WBA)

    Subs – Payet (TOT) Targett (bou) Smith (SOU) Forster (bou)

    1. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      a

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B for me, unless Targett is confirmed out.

      1. adidasOriginals
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Will probably A but City have decent upcoming fixtures

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B if you're not going to play VVD

  21. @FPLMason
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Butland (McCarthy)
    Daniels Fuchs Ward (Williams McAuley)
    Sanchez Ozil Payet Mahrez (Westwood)
    Kane Vardy Aguero
    2 Fts 0.5 itb and I have no clue how to utilize my ft. Any suggestions? Cheers

    1. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Your TV is quite low isn't it?
      You need to sort out your defence for GW30

      1. @FPLMason
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Selling Value of the team is 102.5 atm
        I also have Williams, Fuchs and Daniels to play during GW30. What would you advise me to do? McAuley out for whom?
        Cheers MR for the reply

  22. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I can't post 🙁

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Now I just look silly 🙁

    2. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      You just did?

  23. The Wise Owl
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Kane -> Aguero?

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ohhhh aye.

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Really really tempted.

  24. gaus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    What to do this week?

    Butland
    Daniels - Fuchs -Monreal
    Mahrez -Sánchez -Özil (C) -Payet
    Agüero-Kane -Vardy (VC)

    Elliot -Alli -Dier-Dann

    2F.T 0,5 itb

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Sanchez -> Khazri imo.

      1. Think
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Sanchez to Silva

  25. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Really want to captain Fuchs..

    Any reasons not to other than a low enough ceiling?

    How are West Brom's attacking prospects away from home? Will Kanté prove too much of a loss to Leicester?

    1. Mr. Grv
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Kante is not playing

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Exactly, will he prove too much of a loss?

    2. Prøphet
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldnt consider captaining any defender other than Ivanovic or Kolarov at their best and thats a stretch.

      I would rather captain an midfielder if you could. Too boring to be on the edge of your seat if one defensive mistake occurs. In my book at least.

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        The fun times are over now though, need to go for those with the highest propensity for points..

        Can't see Leicester destroying Pulis' defence.. Potential 1-0? Fuchs would come out of that nicely..

        I get what you're saying though, it's far from conventional.

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I am quite worried that West Brom will score. Berahino is a handful when he's fired up.

          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            You're probably right.. They have JUST enough about them to score I think... Might just stick with Ozil, feels boring though 😉

    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      BeraSessDon worry you?

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Should they? Not that prolific, and away from home, will Pulis go for it or shut up shop?

    4. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No Kante is a blow. I'd advise against it tbh.

    5. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      it's a massive punt. If they concede it's likely to be a bust. Attacking returns are really just a bonus. West Brom scored a few goals at the weekend too..

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah that 3-2 worries me slightly, but that was at home against another of the league's worst defences, whereas this is away at the league leaders.. I'll think about it all day no doubt.

        I just feel that with Kun's 120 mins and Ozil's teammates misfiring so much (with a bad history against Swansea at home), there's huge risks everywhere.. Ozil is probably safest but I think Fuchs has overtaken Aguero in my mind..

  26. nkhoughton
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play who butland or forster this week?

  27. Man Chest Hair United
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    When is lockout? Been away for a few days are there games tomorrow ?

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

      There's games tonight buddy

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks mate

  28. Mr. Grv
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Will hart start all the remaining games for mci?

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I hope so, think Willy was just promised the cup

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

    Am I mad to captain Alexis over Ozil this week?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No obvious captain's choice this GW, so is a good time to take a punt IMO

    2. Taffer
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      yes - Ozil has been on goal scoring form and is picking up lots of assists. Sanchez a big enough differential without captaining him.

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

        This is true. But really want an explosive week, but you are right.

    3. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No. I just did Sanchez to Ozil, so he will probably score a hattrick.

  30. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on these 2 free transfers for gw 29 ?

    sanchez > silva

    payet > siggy

    Tnks

    1. Taffer
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'm doing A and then B for GW30

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Contemplating Payet > Silva and Arnie > Siggy myself

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

      Exactly what I am thinking too.