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.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

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

    Who will accrue the most points over GW28 - GW30

    A) Fuchs

    B) Arnautovic

    C) Siggy

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

      A

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

        c

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

          c

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

      B

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        B

    4. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers guys!
      Siggy > Arnie > Fuchs then. But Siggy can wait until next GW.

  2. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Kane(c)?

    Ignoring the Dembele curse?

    Thanks.

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

      what are other options ?

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Vardy, Mahrez, Aguero and Ozil.

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

      Good, derby and 6 shots inside the box last gw

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers.

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

      as a spurs fan, i wouldn't

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

        I m with Vardy / Kun

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        How come? Whazza says 6 shots in the box last gw and fab made some 12 saves.

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

    With kante out is benching Huth an option?
    VVD would be the replacement

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Play VVD regardless.

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

        over who?

        VVD Targett Daniels Huth Toby?

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I would play Huth. Daniels and VVD

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

    Anyone doing Payet to Sigfy this week?

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

      Or Siggy even.

    2. XABI 15
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I will be doing it after the matches 2mo

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

      i was tempted but i went maverick and got silva instead
      Its a good move in prep for 30 though

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

    Captain: Ozil, Vardy or Costa?

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not Costa. Could be rested according to Gus

      1. XABI 15
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Vardy

  6. XABI 15
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Ighalo, Silva or Ali?

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

      Ighalo

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

      Ighalo

  7. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hands up Kane captainers!!!

    1. Jimbo123
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      NO chance

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Still thinking about it. What's your reasoning?

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        His record in derbies. West Ham won't park the bus at home. He did well in the reverse. West Ham are missing some defenders. His shots on target have not dropped off even though he hasn't scored as many goals recently.

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Cheers. Strong case for the armband.

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

    On the back of Parms team post, who has the most "differentials" in their team?

    Ones I'd consider differentials in mine atm are Bolasie, Sessegnon, Hoolahan.

    However I'll be taking the latter two out shortly.

    1. Jimbo123
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Christ, there's having differentials and then there's throwing the towel in! 🙂

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        😆

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

        Aha hey, Hollahan got me 8 points last week and Sess got me 5 this week but yeah I'm getting rid ASAP for Silva and Siggy 😀

        1. Jimbo123
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Quit whilst you're ahead! 😉

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

            Oh I'm tempted aha

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

      Steven Taylor?? Don't ask why I still have him, 5th defender spot is relatively pointless to me anyway. Dunno if Ashley Williams would count as a differential but the rest of my team I doubt

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

      I've given up on differentials. Sanchez has done nothing for me.

    4. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Foster and Ritchie.

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

      Costa is the only real one

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

        will he start though?

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

          Not sure, hope he does. Got him for the Newcastle game a few weeks back, so pretty happy with his contribution whatever happens 🙂

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

      Khazri

      1. Harvey Spector
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Giroud, Arnautovic, Costa, Rangel

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

      I noticed that today. I'm not benching him. Selling Payet for Silva instead.

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

      I can promise 18 points.

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

    Start 2

    1. Huth
    2. VVD
    3. Azpi

    Cheers lads I'm off to bed once this decision is made

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

      Huth VVD

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

      VVD and Azpi, Leicester will concede..

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

    Any Giroud love? Might captain him.

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Small rotation risk

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

        Think I'll take the punt need some points

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

      Nah I don't think so, I'd rather have Welbeck at the minute

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

      i'm probably keeping him now for this gw as you'd hope he'd start. Would no way captain him tho, as there's still a risk

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

    Hello guys! Who to bench?

    Daniels (SOU), Cresswell (TOT), Bellerin (SWA) or Targett (bou)?

    I already have Cech as my goalkeeper...

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

      cresswell

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

      cress well by a stretch

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

    team

    Courtouis

    VWD, Bellerin, Simpson

    Ozil, Mahrez, Alli, Lingard

    Kane, Aguero, Vardy

    Subs : Hennesey, Walker, Smith (Bourn), Wijnaldum

    1FT, 5 million

    Should i swap Wijnaldum -> Arnie and bench Alli or save FT

    Cheers folks

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

      save

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

        cheers mate

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

    Suprisied hardy see any kun captainers here
    Is it because he will be rested ?

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

      Oh he plays liv forget it

      1. Gatsby
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I'm still gonna captain i think.

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

        I m captaining him against Sakho,Kolo / Lucas. He was unlucky not to score 2 against Pool In COC final

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

          Lucas is good at CB

          1. Gatsby
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            It's only a matter of time...

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

      Probably playing 60-70 mins, due to playing 120 mins in cup final

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

    Wollscheid (NEW) or Alderweireld (whu)?

    Thanks!

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Woll

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

        Thanks 🙂

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

    Butland
    van Dijk / Huth / Bellerín
    Firmino / Mahrez / Özil / Payet
    Agüero / Vardy / Kane

    Hennessey / Alli / Alderweireld / Dawson

    Currently have 8 players for GW30.

    Should I do Firmino > Arnie for a -4 now?

    1. XABI 15
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      you have 9*

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

    If Ali is injured is it worth transferring our Firiminio to Silva or just start Firmino and wait until after games tomorrow?

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

      do u have arnie ?

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

        I don't but i'd prefer to have Silva and Siggy over Arnie from 29 - 31.

  17. istanbul05
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Gomes,
    Bellerin, Jagielka, Fuchs,
    Ozil, Payet, Firmino, Mahrez,
    Kun, Kane, Vardy(c)

    Alli, Fonte, Smith, McCarthy. £3.8mITB and 1 FT

    A) Save
    B) McCarthy to Hart (and play him)

  18. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I have Forster but want to play Ritchie, should I just play Ritchie even though I have Forster?

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

      Yeah

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

      pick who you think will get the most points

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

    Which team do you think has the highest goal potential this GW? Personally I think it is probably Arsenal, and that's why I'm tempted to put the armband on Özil.

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

      Everton, Stoke, Chelsea

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

        Niiiiice post Jarvish, thanks for this!

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Swans are tight at the back.

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

        Fabianski made 12 saves and let in 2 in his last game, so I'm not so sure.

  20. gruffyboy
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Alli -> Arnie for free?

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

      go for it

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

      Would want Alli for the rest of the season personally.

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

        may only be for a couple of weeks; Stoke good fixtures, Alli may have slight injury

    3. Gatsby
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, why not

    4. GrumblyBlowfish
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Nah

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

      Thanks guys

  21. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    when do we get alli news? its my bed time and i wont be up before the games unfortunately

    1. Gatsby
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say he is unlikely to start. Also i fancy West Ham to derail spurs (but i may be biased!)

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

    if ali is ruled out, barkley in for -4 worth it?

    1. Muzza13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

      TOT play AVL GW30

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

      NOT Barkey

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

        bench ali and get barkley for stansilas for -4?

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

      no way

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

        not for ali obviously..for stansilas

  23. Jono295
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Scoutpicks this week?!?

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

      good question

  24. gunner267
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys,

    Please RMT

    Butland (Hennessey)

    Rose, Bellerin, Simpson, (Williams, Daniels)

    Firmino, Sanchez(C), Lingard, Payet (Alli)

    Aguero, Kane, Ighalo.

    I'm hoping Sanchez picks up form against Swansea hence the (C)

    Any advice is very welcome. Thanks

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

      I am sure he will, just did Sanchez to Ozil. Minimum 18 points.

      1. gunner267
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        If Sanchez doesn't score at least 2, i'm trading him from Ozil. Had Ozil since day 1 but got greedy when Sanchez got fit in Jan, worst decision ever.

  25. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    What are people's strategies for using Bench Boost alongside a Wild Card. I still have all of my 3 chips left (I thought at the start of the season you could WC, Bench Boost and Triple captain all in one week!)

    Do you WC the week before you the DGW you're aiming for and then use Bench Boost for the DGW? Only problem with that is, don't you risk putting out a team for the week before the DGW that may not have the greatest fixtures?

    1. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      at the moment my plan is to have decent squad for first DGW by week 33 then use BB wk 34 and then WC before next DGW if fixtures suit and TC that DGW

  26. Muzza13
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Gradel or Townsend? Gradel has better underlying stats and is undoubtedly better. Townsend better fixtures and also the prospect of a double gameweek even though one if the games is Man City at home.

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Neither thb.. Townsend if you muat

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

      Gradel

    3. Jimbo123
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Gradel

  27. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Villa-Everton? Do we think Everton will smash them?

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Surely

  28. John t penguin
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    does anyone know what the lowest ever amount of fantasy points the highest scorer in a team has been?
    lescott is on 70 at moment but if he is dropped no other villa player may pass him

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

      Was FPL going when Derby had that totally dire season?

      1. John t penguin
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I think so, its been going over 10 years I think

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

    "He's fighting to get back to his best. We want him to fight,"

    AW at his presser on Sanchez and his recent form. Could be a haul incoming.

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

      100% big haul, because I just sold him for Ozil. Last time I sold him: 20 points, 16, points........