Team News

The Weekend Team News

Romelu Lukaku is added to Everton’s list of doubts for the visit of Southampton. Salomon Rondon is passed fit for West Brom’s clash with Watford, Quique Sanchez Flores hints at rotation for the Hornets ahead of the FA Cup semi-finals, whilst Marko Arnautovic is expected to return in time for Stoke’s Monday night showdown with Spurs.

Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley, Aaron Lennon and Leighton Baines will be assessed ahead of Everton’s home clash with Southampton, Roberto Martinez has confirmed. Lukaku has been nursing a groin problem, which was aggravated against Palace in midweek, and will be monitored after he failed to train yesterday. The Toffees are without injured pair Tom Cleverley and Phil Jagielka, whilst James McCarthy is suspended. With one eye also on the upcoming FA Cup semi-final, Martinez has also hinted that “one or two youngsters” could be handed a chance against the Saints due to the injury situation.

Arsene Wenger has no new injury concerns ahead of the home encounter against Palace. The Gunners boss has revealed that Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could “maybe” be back next week, though neither has returned to full training yet. Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky continued their recoveries with run-outs for the reserves yesterday.

Villa’s Gabby Agbonlahor has been ruled out for the next two weeks. Caretaker manager Eric Black has confirmed that the forward will undergo a personal fitness programme to improve his match sharpness.

Steven Davis has recovered from an ankle problem in time for Southampton’s clash with Everton. Charlie Austin is sidelined with a minor knee injury, whilst Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Shane Long is fully fit after being forced off with dizziness last weekend.

Swansea have no injury worries ahead of their trip to Newcastle, with Leon Britton back in contention after recovering from a back complaint.

Big Sam has no injury problems to contend with for Sunderland’s vital trip to Norwich, with Duncan Watmore passed fit after a couple of months on the sidelines.

West Brom’s Salomon Rondon has recovered from the back injury that forced him off early against Man City last weekend. Alex Pritchard (hip) joins James Morrison on the sidelines as the Baggies welcome Watford to the Hawthorns.

Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores has confirmed his intentions to rotate the squad over double Gameweek 34, with one eye on the FA Cup semi-final encounter with Palace a week on Sunday.

Marko Arnautovic “should be okay” for Stoke’s clash with Spurs on Monday after missing out last week with a back problem. Erik Pieters serves the first of a two-match ban, whilst fellow left-back Marc Muniesa hasn’t trained since Monday and remains doubtful. Mark Hughes is optimistic on Glenn Whelan’s chances of recovery, though the midfielder has yet to fully train over the last few days.

Junior Stanislas could be in line to return for Bournemouth this weekend after stepping up his recovery from a hamstring injury. Benik Afobe, Harry Arter and Adam Smith remain on the sidelines.

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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1,561 Comments Post a Comment
  1. MagnetBPS
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Robles+Lukaku--> DDG+Pelle

    Yay or Nay?

  2. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Nice man, both Spanish clubs kept apart in both comps

    1. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      on purpose obviously

  3. NorwichCityLad
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Has Lukaku been ruled out?

    1. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      no

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

      No. Just a doubt.

      1. NorwichCityLad
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

    3. Lumberjack
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nope, to be assessed nearer game time

    4. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      No although the way some talk on here you'd think he was out for the season.

      1. NorwichCityLad
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Lukaku > Pelle or should I just leave it

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Leave it. Too many panicking on here and being silly. 😡

          1. sillyhilly69
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Silly??? Bang out of form, 6 blank games, no structure to their play, half the team injured?

  4. La vida FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Dear God.

    Barkley, Lukaku doubts and wanted to get rid of Ward for Fosu.

    What is everyone thinking?

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

      Ward just got two cleanies and Fost isn't nailed.

      Lukaku will probably be fine.

      Barkley may be worth shipping for Nasri. If you're gonna do a move, I'd consider that one.

      1. La vida FPL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I know but he had 2 nice home fixtures and I dont fancy palace for the DGW.

        Barkley out looks the sensible transfer but undecided on who to bring in.

  5. Lumberjack
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    How many of these need to go if playing BB? Only 1 FT…

    Migs/ DDG
    Gabriel/ Clichy/ Bellerin/ Lovren/ Darmian
    Bollasie/ Barkley/ Lennon/ Sanchez/ Coutinho
    Kun/ Martial/ Lukaku

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Darmian and Lukaku really.

      1. Lumberjack
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Darnian is a definite, lukaku is a coin-flip I think

        1. Cradders
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          You'll be fine if you keep Lukaku IMO, I'm sure he'll still play

          1. Lumberjack
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers. Work to do to get 11 out for 35 so trying to avoid hits.

  6. luke25
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    As a Villarreal fan, can tell you this tie is juicy! Difficult to call. Villarreal are like the Atletico of the Europa League, tough to break down.

    1. gaz1185
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Toughest tie Liverpool could have got, only Atletico have conceded less goals than Villarreal this season in La Liga.

    2. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Villareal have a much better chance of making Liga top 4 so I just wonder if they'll lose the intensity that Pool would have knowing that they won't make top 4

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        We're unlikely to drop out of top four now I'd say. But yeah, I do think Liverpool could have enough to unlock the defence!

        Am bored of Sevilla winning Europa League though!

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Well I'm massively biased to Spanish clubs so I'll be hoping for Villareal-Sevilla final 🙂

          1. luke25
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Sevilla have our number it seems so hoping it's a Villarreal Shakhtar final aha

    3. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Doing very well this season and should finish 4th and get into the CL next year. Bakambu has been a beast in the Europa!

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah been much needed! After Vietto, Giovani and Uche left I thought this would be a bad season!

        1. Hooky
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I thought the same, especially with Vietto going. Denis Suarez has also looked very good whenever I have seen him in the Europa. Look a very solid team and some great recruitment was done last summer.

          1. luke25
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah Suarez is an absolute talent. Shame it looks like Barca will activate their clause and sign him back and no doubt not play him 🙁

            1. Hooky
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Didn't know that 🙁

  7. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    My dilemma today:
    Lukaku, Rashford, Carroll.

    Pick 2.

    1. La vida FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Rash & Carroll

  8. GK
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Nobody has really mentioned the two below -

    Thoughts on game time over the DGW for Otamendi and Yaya?

    Otamendi worth 6.5m?

    1. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hart not an option? I guess he + Mangala are safe as long as Kompany is out. Demichelis isn't Pelle's favourite person at the moment so doubt he should be a concern.

  9. Costa's Counsellor
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Darmian, Sakho, Gabriel, Coutinho, KDB, Lukaku.

    What a cracking WC...

    No idea what to do now!

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      They will all play - just keep calm.

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I like you.

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Good. Just keep that between us. 😉

          1. Costa's Counsellor
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            😆

    2. Lumberjack
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Very few of the DGW players seem certain of 180 mins, or even 120 mins. Not worth too many hits IMO, might end up no better off

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        You're right. It's just frustrating when a plan disintegrates in front of your eyes.

        I think I'll just BB as damage limitation.

        1. Lumberjack
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          My plan exactly

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Sakho jags Barkley Gabriel Lucocku for me..I hear ya

      I'm trying not to think about it till tonight. Ruining my whole day

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I know what you mean.

        I've had to do some actual work to distract myself from it...

        1. KickIt
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Dont give in so easily! Get back to reading about football and slacking off!

  10. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    De Gea, Darlow
    Bellerin, Clichy, Fuchs, Sakho, Gabriel
    Sanchez, Coutinho, Payet, Mahrez, Lanzini
    Aguero, Kane, Lukaku

    1FT, 0.4 itb

    Pretty set on Lukaku -> Martial

    Should I be concerned about Clichy's game time?

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I think Clichy will play 2 of the next 3 games, so keep him. Lukaku > Martial is a good move imo. Martial in brilliant form and should have scored against Spurs last PL game as well

  11. naits
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Jags and Lukaku to whom?

    de Gea Robles
    Bell Gabriel Sakho Delaney 5.1??
    Sanchez Payet Lingard Mahrez Coutinho
    Aguero Kane 8.9??

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Why on earth are you transferring Lukaku out? Wait till he is confirmed out.

    2. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Fosu and Martial

      1. naits
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I wish, but Lingard

  12. Champione
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone remember what happened last time 50 % of FFS transferred out Lukaku? He obviously trolled those 50 % 😀

    1. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah, he's activated troll mode something silly over the past week!

      1. Champione
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Considering triple cap 😉

    2. KickIt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Wonder if he does it on purpose?

  13. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Going with Ozil (c) but I actually want to give it too Kev but such a doubt, is there a chance that he will get 180 min? or 150 + ?

    Other options are Payet, Kun, Firmino or Martial but I guess Ozil is the best option out of them?

    1. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      If you mean KDB, part of me thinks he'll get rotated again, but part of me thinks the CL games are far enough away that GW34 doesn't make a difference.

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        You think he is ready to play 2 times 90 min? I know he is fit but the ice packs on they knee's after being subed against PSG didn't look like a player that can last 180 min

  14. AFC49
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Robles (Darlow)
    Bellerin, Smalling, Gabriel, Sakho (Simpson)
    Payet, Sanchez (TC), Coutinho (Bolasie, Mahrez)
    Aguero, Lukaku, Martial

    1FT, 0.5 ITB

    Bolasie to Lanzini?

    1. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      yep good move

  15. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    A) Delaney + Bolasie to Fosu + Milner (Keep Lukaku) -4
    B) Delaney + Bolasie + Lukaku to Smalling - Milner - Carroll -8
    C) Delaney + Bolasie + Lukaku to Smalling - Townsend - Martial -8

  16. Ed
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    How mad is Gabriel, Lennon + Lukaku > Dawson, Nasri + Welbeck? (-8)

    Gives me three likely starters in 35, while I think offering better prospects in 34.

    1. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      It really all comes down to points and we won't know until the GW ends. See last week for how plans made with the best possible information pretty much failed.

      I still fancy Lukaku to outscore Dat Guy if he plays both games.

  17. sk018
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    A) Rose, Bolasie
    B) Mensah, Nasri (and -4)

    1. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Is Bolasie the only other option for A?

      1. sk018
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yep, since he is in the current team.

  18. bugattiveyron86
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    So what does everyone make of this?

    Clichy & Lukaku > Fosu-Mensah & Sturridge (-4)

    Thanks all!

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hold imo

    2. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      similar to me further down not sure on mensah

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      😀

  19. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    No one know when the man city presser is?

    1. luke25
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Usually 12:45

  20. Meinhoff
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Lets be realistic people. Lukaku carrying a knock, in the middle of Everton's tough schedule, and it's almost a friendly game against Southampton. I would be very surprised if he started. Rested on Saturday, starts against Liverpool imho

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Indeed

    2. Bellerinmondo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I'd guess this too, gives him 1 game over 34/35 compared to a nailed on 3 for others

    3. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He'll be rested for the Liverpool game for sure

      1. Cradders
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        He won't be rested for a derby game.

    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is Mitrovic still first choice?

    If so, I believe Lukaku to Mitro is a good move, especially for those (me included) who will struggle to have 11 in two weeks time and desperately need someone who plays in GW35.

    Also, their fixtures are good, not only in DGW34. But also in GW35, when they will probably face a very weak Liverpool side (with the likes of Kolo and Skrtel in the starting XI). Not to mention Papace at home in GW36.

    What are your thoughts? Any Newcastle fans around who know if he's nailed on?

    1. Bellerinmondo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I'm considering this too, a doubtful Lukaku could easily be rested, while I think Mitro will play all 3 (34+35)

    2. Champione
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      This is my thinking as well. Can't see him being bench and I think Newcastle step up for their last few games

  21. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Be honest, would you rather have:

    A) Kane (stk)

    B) Lukaku (SOU, liv and orange flagged)

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      If you add the GW35 fixture in , it's makes it easy

    2. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A, any day of the week.

  22. Rossaldinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Help guys! Bench boosting this week regardless! Have already spent 4 points this week bringing in Coutinho and Fosu-Mensah but I'm now in a quandry about Darmian and Lukaku. I'm inclined to let Lukaku doubt run without changing the squad but the best option I have for Darmian (with all future gameweeks in mind) is Walker. Should I spend another 4 points and do this?

  23. Bellerinmondo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Trollkaku

    A. Keep
    B. Sell

    ?

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Gone

    2. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I have sold him and can't be happier. I don't care if he scores on the weekend as well.

    3. KickIt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I'm selling

  24. Squires FC
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    13k rank, 12 dgw players (if lukaku plays), bench boost active, aguero (c), 42 behind ml leader. Let's Ave it!

  25. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Louis van Gaal tells #MUTV Wayne Rooney should play more minutes v Aston Villa "but it is dependable on the game." #mufc

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      ffs

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Best Lukaku replacement 😉

    3. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yess! Rooney on the bench again

    4. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Super-sub?

    5. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Rashford bandwagon!

    6. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Half an hour tops for him then!

  26. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Lennon + Lukaku > Lanzini + Sturridge

    -4

    Anyone else looking at this?

  27. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Best replacement for Lukaku 9.4 or under? (Have Martial and can't get Welbeck)

      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Look above 🙂 Mitro if someone can confirm he is nailed.

    1. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      LIV options? So Origi or Sturridge? They don't have a blank

  28. I Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Holy cow the Lukaku panic is real. Can't afford Sturridge or Kane without a hit and don't really want anyone else so I'll keep and hope.

    1. Back on the horse
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah Sturridge is annoyingly just a bit too expensive

    2. Cradders
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I can afford Sturridge I just already have 3 Liverpool, and the only 2 replacements I'd want is him or Kane