Team News

The Weekend Team News

Liverpool’s Divock Origi is set to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Jose Fonte and Victor Wanyama have been passed fit for Southampton’s trip to Villa, Xherdan Shaqiri is ruled out of Stoke’s visit to City, whilst Chris Smalling has overcome a knock in time for United’s FA Cup semi-final with Everton.

Reports in the local press suggest the Divock Origi is ruled out for the season with the ankle injury sustained against Everton in midweek. The Liverpool striker will undergo further scans today to ascertain the likely length of absence.

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Harry Arter and Adam Smith will remain sidelined for the visit of Chelsea. The Bournemouth boss also indicated he will continue to ease Callum Wilson back into action after the striker was afforded a couple of sub appearances following his return from injury.

Jose Fonte and Victor Wanyama are available for Southampton’s trip to Villa after recovering from the knocks that forced both off in last week’s draw at Everton. Ronald Koeman has also confirmed that Charlie Austin remains unavailable though is close to returning from a knee problem.

Chris Smalling has shrugged off a knock picked up against Palace on Wednesday night and is available for United’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton. Adnan Januzaj remains unavailable due to a lack of match fitness.

Xherdan Shaqiri is ruled out of Stoke’s trip to the Etihad with the hamstring injury that forced him off during Monday’s loss at Spurs. Mark Hughes has revealed that Shay Given is likely to keep his place in goal, though Marc Wilson, Glen Johnson and Jon Walters are still sidelined.

Ramiro Funes Mori serves the first of a three-match ban for Everton’s FA Cup semi-final encounter against Man United. Earlier this morning, Roberto Martinez also confirmed that Gareth Barry, Phil Jagielka and John Stones are set for late assessments, though Seamus Coleman has failed to recover from a hamstring complaint.

Kieran Gibbs is a doubt for Arsenal’s trip to Sunderland after missing last night’s win over West Brom with a minor back problem.

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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1,698 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    I really think Klopp will play a full strength Liverpool side this week and play the reserves vs Swansea after the Europa game like he did Bournemouth. He will want to maintain momentum and sharpness going into the Villareal game imo

    1. Trigg ⭐️
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      You might have seen my thoughts on this earlier in the week, too. I think he is obliged to play a somewhat strong team v Newcastle, to keep the integrity of the relegation battle intact.

      I can see why he rested v Bournemouth - a few days after a big, big night and Bournemouth were safe. Newcastle is a different matter.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Or he could play reserves in both

      Really not sure but game midweek means if string side then 3 games in a week which is quite alot

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        Strong

    3. Nespinha
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      hope so

    4. Nicky79
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Agree with this. Can't have players going in to the Europa on Thursday having not played a match for 8 days

    5. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Agreed

    6. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      There is momentum and sharpness already though.. What if Sturridge gets injured? Always likely to.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        8 days of rest after a match is a long time, if he chooses to rest everyone this weekend. Not ideal for keeping up momentum or sharpness imo

    7. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      There are many days for rest between Saturday and Thursday too. Start the full strength and early sub are what I think.

      But it's just my wishful thinking.

    8. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Can't see Cout starting this one, and I have him

    9. Sterling Chap
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Now this makes sense

    10. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      I think he protects Coutinho and Sturridge because they're fragile. The selection has nothing to do with fatigue.

    11. Kai
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Not logical. It's under 72hrs from the last match. It makes more sense to play the fresher team that played Bournemouth against Newcastle, then play their best team against Villarreal fresh, then play the 2nd team again against Swansea which is also less than 72hrs from the Villarreal match and they are fresher too.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        The Everton game was literally a walk in the park though, so they shouldn't be too fatigued from it. I see what you mean though, could go either way. It just seems unlikely to me to play a reserves team in the PL for 3 games in a row just because you're in the Europa League. I know he wants to win it but that's just ridiculous.

        1. Kai
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 19 days ago

          I do agree somewhat with your argument too. But it's the crazy gengenpress tactic that Klopp incorporated that will tired players out and makes them more prone to injury that seems so risky to me to keep on playing them in high intensity most of the time. Anyway, it can go either way I agree.

          No one knows except Klopp himself lol

    12. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Agree. With 5 days rest this may be a rehearsal for Villareal.

      No idea what he considers full strength though.

    13. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      I think the big factor is

      Newcastel - not safe

      Swansea - safe

      He can rotate v Swansea without it impacting anyone else

      1. Kai
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        Another factor many has forgotten here. When he kept playing the same players, injuries/hammies racked up. Now that he does wholesale rotations, the injuries has gone down.

        Would Klopp want to risk it again?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 19 days ago

          Sturridge played vs Bournemouth = he's in the PL reserve team, but Origi's injury means he might be considered first choice for EL.

          It's like sticking buttered bread to the back of a cat.... which way will it land!

      2. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        Exactly - Newcastle's position necessitates a better team.

        Personally I think we will see some rotation tomorrow, and mass rotation for Swansea. Look at what happened against Stoke and Bournemouth - a similar approach will be used for the next game.

        Coutinho is a doubt to start, and Sturridge too because of his injury issues and because of the lack of other striking options if he is injured.

    14. dub75670
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      I think Klopp will be worried about injuries more than a rest for players as well. Now that Origi is out and so is Can he'll be wanting to protect his star players. I can see one of Cou/Frimino starting on the bench and possibly one of Sakho/Lovren for Skertel. Sturridge should play I'm not sure Benteke is fit yet. So we won't see wholesale rotation but I do think key players may not start and unfortunately most of us have those players. Here's hoping I'm wrong.

  2. Sonder
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Eriksen for Coutinho or Rose for Sakho? Both would require a -4 hit and I already have Kane and Alli.

    Darlow, De Gea
    Bellerin, Gabriel, Sakho, Simpson, Smalling
    Sanchez, Alli, Firmino, Coutinho, Payet
    Kane, Aguero, Rashford

    No fts, 1.2 itb

    1. dub75670
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      ride it out

  3. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Darlow,
    Morgan, Lovren, Sakho, Gabriel,
    KDB, Sanchez, Townsend,
    Defoe, Aguero,

    Out: Robles, Delaney, Lanzini, Payet, Martial

    Nailed Sub for Delaney (until 5.0£) pls?

  4. Hakchak
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Nasri instead of Milner has really hurt - the process to get him in made so much sense but in hindsight...

    Hello Bobby 🙂

    1. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Same here

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      I got both but was really excited about owning Nasri in particular. Real shame he's out this weekend.

      Ironically, Nasri may play next weekend while Milner is rested 😕

    3. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Yeah frustrating, he could really have got a haul against Chelsea as well.

  5. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Hazard is surely triple captain material in gw37.

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Shhhhhh!

    2. Sterling Chap
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Based on form?

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        He is due

        1. Sterling Chap
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 19 days ago

          He's been due for 30+ weeks 😀

  6. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Everyone doing Sanchez to Hazard now?

    1. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      lololololol

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Probably both in the 36 WC 🙂

  7. Flying Assassins
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Plenty taking hits, when was your last one?

    Mine was GW14

  8. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    https://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2016/April/City-v-Stoke-Pellegrini-press-conference/1461325704

    Boss Manuel Pellegrini has David Silva, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy back for the Potters game, with only Samir Nasri still sidelined with a muscle injury.

    And specifically on Aguero Pellegrini added: "Sergio is very important for us but I am sure that Real Madrid will play their best squad on Saturday. I am sure Atletico will and Bayern will."

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Sounds promising for us KDB owners

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        Shame Pelle leaves. Wish all the managers would as "open" as he his. Makes fpl managers life much easier

      2. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        Yes! I kinda like him too.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Thanks Ozil! Was sweating on Aguero not starting, but this seems to confirm he'll play 60+ mins.

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        I'm thinking about captaining him now ...

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 19 days ago

          I may not have Kane unless I take a -8, so I'm thinking Aguero isn't a bad pick over my ML rivals.

      • 10 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Clichy's back! It's just a shame he ever left really.

    3. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      real not going to play ronaldo injury concern i think, pelle still needs to put strong squad out to get top 4, he,ll be hoping result will be done an dusted by 60 mins, then take off kun kdb

  9. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Well, waiting 2 days as meant Alli and Kane have gone up in price, but also means that selling Nasri is a higher priority than Payet, Milner and Ozil. #strugglewithpatience

    Got to be Alli, right? He's playing the role of Ozil, Rooney, De Bruyne/Silva for just 6.2m.

  10. FantasyFS007
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Best TC candidate for the remaining games? Is there a standout double in GW37?

    1. Nespinha
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Payet is my option

    2. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Liverpool, Hammers, Defoe

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Hazard, rooney, sanchez 38

    4. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      sanchez v villa gw38 is one im looking at, prob only payet i may go for in gw37, few people have talked about kun/kane this week

      1. The Gambler.
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        what if Arsenal clear 3rd and nothing to play for?

    5. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Nothing too exciting... which is kind of what you want from the chip.

    6. FantasyFS007
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Thanks guys!

  11. Lizard Lips
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    KDB on for 60 then replaced by Silva. Not for me. KDB 80 mins+ then replaced by Sterling.

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Sterling to start with Nasri out

  12. Swan - Villa Proud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Already on a -8. Should I take another hit to get out Gabriel or stick and pray? If he doesn't play I don't have 10 starting

    1. Jake Donahue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      stick and pray, i only have 10 if he plays

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      I don't think Gabriel plays it, tbh. Sunderland aren't blessed with pace.

      1. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        Play him. Defoe and Borini are clearly smaller and quicker strikers. Gabriel makes more sense than Mert for this one.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 19 days ago

          I can't see Wenger returning Merts to the bench after a 2-0 win.

          1. tm370
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 19 days ago

            Arsenal were not particularly great at the back - what does a 2-0 win have to do with it? Gabriel played after a horror show in a 3-3 and then played very well against Palace and was subsequently dropped - Why? Because Palace have speed, and Gabriel started against West Ham because Wenger assumed Sakho would start. Mert played because of West Brom's physicality, in particular Rondon's physicality, but Sunderland do not possess that.

            1. Cradders
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 19 days ago

              This is exactly the point I keep making. If Chester(??) header went under the bar rather than off it there'd be blame all over the shop for our defence, that was shocking defending in any case and West Brom really should've scored. Sunderland strikers are not tall so do not need Per for, Gabriel has more pace about him because whether you say Sunderland have no pace or not I will still guarantee Defoe and Borini would be able to run rings around him with what pace they do have.

        2. Jake Donahue
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 19 days ago

          exactly this

          1. Cradders
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 19 days ago

            Defoe is about 12 times faster than Per, Wenger's last press conference said something along the lines of I don't like changing CBs but if the situation calls for it then I will. The situation calls for Gabriel, not for Mertesacker

    3. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Think you should stick mate. What moves did you make?

  13. Jake Donahue
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    really needed nasri fit, which looks best?

    A. Lukaku & Nasri > Kane & RLC (-4)

    B. Lukaku & Payet > Kane & Ali (-4)

    C. Lukaku, Nasri & Rojo > Kane, Ali & Simpson

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      B, but I see your dilemma. Maybe C, then.

      1. Jake Donahue
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        yeah dont really want to get rid of payet to probably buy him back in a week, c would help me field 11 also

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 19 days ago

          I'm in almost the exact same situation. Is looking like a -8 to be sure of fielding 11.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 19 days ago

            Or a -4 if I lose Payet.

            1. Jake Donahue
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 19 days ago

              really the hits are halved as you expect the player to get 2 minimum

    2. Notso Athletic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Keep in mind that Payet and Rojo have a dbl GW in 37 so I would hod onto them or you will be spending -4 to put yourself in the same position in two weeks.

      Look at Lukaku for Defoe or Sturridge - they both have dbls coming up and are on form.
      Nasri will probably play as he is not in the CL squad so I would risk playing him.
      Kane is of course a good shout and a lot of us will captain him but if you need to make a difference then try one of my first two

      🙂

  14. tetters
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Who do I replace Nasri with? Miller? Alli? Other?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Not Miller

      1. tetters
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        Oops auto correct Milner even!

      2. Reedy
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        This. Would leave you too lite in midfield

  15. Sterling Chap
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Anybody using their TC this week? Or are we all still frazzled from the DGWs?

  16. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    have DDG and Robles

    Both have blank 35 and double 37

    My plan is to remove DDG because it will release funds

    Concern is when Howard will get his last hoorah.... likely to be GW38 would you agree?

    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      I think it's likely.

  17. Lizard Lips
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    "Sergio is very important for us but I am sure that Real Madrid will play their best squad on Saturday. I am sure Atletico will and Bayern will."

    KDB and Aguero start. Probably around 75 mins+ too I think.

  18. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Delaney --- ???

    - Player until 5.0£

    A) Already have Sakho/Lovren but Moreno seems like the best option.
    B) Sunderland defender
    C) Huth/Fuchs
    D) Dummet

  19. Costa's Counsellor
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    I only have 1.4ITB but really want to fit Hazard in.

    Grrrrr.

  20. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Any hints on Mangala from Pelle?

    1. Lizard Lips
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      All players fit in defence. Kompany probably plays to get fitness, match sharpness back, so guesswork if he keeps Mangala or not. I think he keeps Mangala.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        Thanks LL. It's so tough to call... think I might get rid seeing as Otamendi had a rest last game.

  21. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    What to do here gents?

    Robles* Darlow
    Smalling* Gabriel Simpson Sahko Delaney*
    Sanchez Ozil KDB Payet* Firmino
    Aguero Martial* Origi*

    0.0 itb
    Want to get Kane and Alli. should I take an extra hit for origi? 😕

  22. JayBomb
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Is coutinho out firmino in for -4 a good move? Thinking Studge and Cout will be rested and Firmino will play up top?

    1. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Nay, sideways imo

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Dont think its worth a hit

  23. Axel22
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    already took -4 but still worried about Sakho / Cout / Iwobi
    should I take another -4 just to be safe or no point ?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      No point. Could all play and score well

  24. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    For those with lukaku are you keeping for the rest of the season.

    Everton are obviously shocking at the moment but with all the other transfers required I can't see the sense in prioritising him over people like Mitrovic?

  25. joker7
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Anyone know why Flannagan never played vs L'pool think he might start next few games....need to bring in a

  26. Shakshuka
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Current lineup for GW35... Looking pretty shaky. All benched has no game.

    Darlow
    Sakho Gabriel Clyne Bellerin
    KDB Sanchez Coutinho
    Aguero

    Robles Lukaku Martial Bolasie Lanzini Delaney

    Lukaku, Martial, Bolasie - > Kane, Defoe, Alli for -8? .2 banked.
    Defending a lot of minileague leads and this kind of feel like the safe option.

    Thoughts? Cheers

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Would definitely do Bolasie to Alli and maybe lukaku to Kane if you can afford it. -8 seems a bit steep

      1. Shakshuka
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 19 days ago

        Cant afford both unfortunately, but thanks for the input !

  27. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Kane and Alli in for KDB and Mitrovic a sensible move or would I hold KDB?

  28. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    help please, really mucked things up taking a pointless -4 last week and got next to no reward (captaining Ozil was a horrific decision granted).

    Currently have:-

    Darlow
    Sakho Kos Gabriel Simpson (Delaney)
    Coutinho, Nasri, Payet, Ozil, Milner
    Aguero Martial Mitrovic

    The season looks done to me?!

  29. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 19 days ago

    Oh what a surprise, the whole Leicester squad is fit and available

    1. Shakshuka
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 19 days ago

      Vardy?