Team News

The Weekend Team News

Jan Vertonghen recovers from injury in time for Spurs’ trip to Goodison. Laurent Koscielny is still unavailable for Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool. Ashley Williams misses out for the Toffees, who have worries at both ends of the pitch, whilst Southampton have defensive concerns as Watford roll up to St Mary’s.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is optimistic that left-back Stephen Ward will shrug off a hamstring problem in time for the home clash against Swansea. Jon Flanagan has stepped up his fitness in training, whilst Ashley Barnes (hamstring) is expected to miss out.

Alan Pardew was somewhat reluctant to give away any information for Palace’s clash against West Brom. The Eagles boss conceded he’s still trying to get one or two players “up to full speed”.

Laurent Koscielny is “not ready” to return for Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool, according to Arsene Wenger.

Ashley Williams misses his debut for Everton due to a lack of match fitness, according to Ronald Koeman. Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lukaku are doubtful for the visit of Tottenham, though Phil Jagielka has been passed fit.

Claudio Ranieri has no injury concerns for Leicester’s trip to Hull, though the champions are without Robert Huth due to suspension. The Foxes manager has admitted he doesn’t expect his side to reach last year’s fitness levels “until the fifth or sixth game”.

Aitor Karanka has revealed that Bernardo Espinoza, Daniel Ayala and Grant Leadbitter will all miss Middlesbrough’s home encounter against Stoke.

Southampton pair Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares will have their fitness assessed after a late return to training due to their exertions for Portugal in Euro 2016. Ryan Bertrand misses out with a knee injury.

Glen Johnson is Stoke’s only injury worry for their trip to the Riverside. Marko Arnautovic is expected to feature after stepping up his recovery from a minor hamstring issue, whilst Xherdan Shaqiri is available, having shrugged off a knock.

Jermain Defoe has declared himself available for Sunderland’s trip to Man City. Jan Kirchhoff, Billy Jones and Seb Larsson all remain doubts.

Francesco Guidolin has admitted that Swansea’s record signing Borja Baston is unlikely to be involved in the weekend trip to Burnley.

Jan Vertonghen has recovered from the ankle injury that forced him to miss Euro 2016 and is available for Tottenham’s trip to Goodison. Mousa Dembele serves the third of a six-match suspension.

Brice Dja Djedje has been ruled out of Watford’s trip to St Mary’s, whilst fellow new boy Isaac Success is almost certainly unavailable, too. Midfield duo Valon Behrami and Adlene Guedioura are set to have their fitness assessed.

Gokhan Tore has resumed training ahead of West Ham’s trip to Chelsea on Monday evening. Diafra Sakho is still sidelined with a back problem, whilst Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Darren Randolph have all recovered from knocks. Slaven Bilic has admitted Dimitri Payet isn’t fit to play 90 minutes, though the Frenchman is expected to play some part in the Stamford Bridge showdown.

Junior Stanislas has been ruled out of Bournemouth’s clash against United on Sunday. Eddie Howe has admitted he has “one or two niggles” to contend with in the squad.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s opening day 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.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

3,369 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gol D Roger
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Hernandez coming in at 4.5 for Leicester as a centre half surely is a good shout, even at least for GW1 good pre season performances,

  2. redwiing
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I don't think i've ever changed my team as much as i have in preparation for this season. Seem to be settling on this, i'm not attached to it though so your thoughts would be awesome. Concerns about no Ibra/kane and lack of Everton. Maybe Mores for Stones? Anyway, let me know. 🙂

    Valdes (Jakupavic)

    Shaw / Monreal / Stones / (Amat) / (Parades)

    Hazard / Firmino / Tadic / Lamela / (Capoue)

    Aguero / Carroll / Vardy (c)

    1. Gaffa914
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I like it I would get rid of parades because he will drop in price, bring in Brad Smith or amat

    2. Judas
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      gray over carroll

      and id want more in mid if you arent getting ibra.

      id want eriksen over lamela, and would drop monreal

      1. redwiing
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Other option is to downgrade defense and mid to get ibra. Vardy for Musa to bulk out mid and defence?

        Valdes

        Stones / McAuley / Amat / Smith / Wilson

        Oscar / Ayew / Tadic / Firmino

        Ibra / Aguero / Vardy

  3. Banana Boat
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    chances of mkhitaryan and siggy starting gwk 1?

    1. fearthebeard
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mkyhitaryan won't start

  4. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Three big questions for my team:

    A) Eriksen or
    B) Ali

    C) Terry or
    D) Cahill

    E) Terry/Cahill, Amat, Silva
    F) Morgan, Evans, Silva
    G) Terry/Cahill, Evans, Eriksen/Alli

    1. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      BCG

    2. Judas
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A
      C
      G

    3. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A
      D
      G

  5. Gaffa914
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Foster and Terry
    B) Courtois and McCauley

    1. Judas
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  6. EDEN THE MAN
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Rooney and 10.0 MID

    Ibra and Tadic/Ayew

    1. Judas
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B by a long way.

    3. GRM 23
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B for me

  7. andrinho
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Azpi & Deulofeu
    or
    B) Fuchs & Lamela

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. GRM 23
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'd probably go A, but waiting to see on Deulo

    3. Judas
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  8. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best 9.0 mid?

    1. Judas
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      firmino/eriksen

    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mane

  9. isorafac
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Tadic or Redmond?
    I am also getting the Zlatan fear might replace him with Vardy

  10. Tiamani Warrior
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    hazard was pretty terrible last season is he really worth the punt at 10mil based on a few good games near the end? is the conte system suited to him?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Thinking the same thing. I think he will be better, but I doubt hes going to suddenly start banging in goals...

      1. aehii
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I think his confidence is back, it was against that games against spurs too. I dunno really.

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He's been picking up form at the end of last season + euros + preseason

      1. Tiamani Warrior
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        he grabbed couple of goals because he got thrown on as a striker for 30mins to get some match fitness didn't he? will he play there often?

        1. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Dunno but he's looked sharp

    3. Mesh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He is easy to ship out at that price if he doesn't perform. But would be harder to get him in if he does perform and you don't own him

  11. creaky24
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Being an Arsenal fan i want to keep Sanchez, but the only thing holding me back is KDB, 0.5 cheaper... help

    1. dhamphiir
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If you have Aguero, Sanchez is better option

  12. Mesh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which is better?

    A. Mahrez and Ramirez
    B. Firmino and Deulofeu

    Could swap Firminho for Alli or Erikson

    1. Judas
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B definitey

  13. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    a) Hazard Sanchez Redmond Duelofeu Capoue
    b) Hazard Firmino Tadic Duelofeu Ramirez
    c) Hazard Firmino Tadic Oscar Capoue
    d) Hazard Sanchez Firmino Capoue Hojberg

    Strikeforce is Kun, Vardy, Gray

    1. Mesh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      a or b

  14. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Way too many gravless people here .. Please just get one its not that hard

  15. 1966 was a great year for E…
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Moring, gents!

    A) Negredo
    B) Carroll
    C) Wilson

    I've already got Gray. What do you think?

    1. The Generalator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Andy C for the service

  16. GRM 23
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any news on Everton first choice keeper? Robles or Stek?

    Having a play on telegraph for the first time and Stek at 2.5 would be lovely.

    Cheers

    1. Ciaranisablue
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Judging by the fact that Koeman said he wants to bring in another 3 or 4 players you have to assume one of them is going to be a goalkeeper. Can't see Steklenburg or Robles being 1st choice for more than a couple of games. But if its only the first few games your looking at my money would be on Steklenburg to start

      1. GRM 23
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers, appreciate the advice. Might just stick with Heaton for now but telegraph scoring is terrible, nothing for saves etc only cleanies so that's why I was tempted with a switch

  17. Judas
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Simple Q:

    Eriksen or Firmino?

    1. The Generalator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I have both! As couldn't decide

    2. RomeluStormzy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Been debating it for ages... Gone for Firmino in the end.

    3. GRM 23
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Currently on Firmino..slightly biased though

    4. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      On firmino but leaning towards Eriksen now, play the fixtures early doors and all that

  18. The Generalator
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A kone
    Or
    B pieters

    1. Sweetpea
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A cos he will be an Everton defender at 4.5 m soon.

    2. dhamphiir
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Pieters

  19. Sweetpea
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A Terry and Morrisson

    OR

    B Targett/Amat and Bolasie

  20. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I've created a mini-league for Fantasy Football Scout on the Talksport Predictor. A small chance to win £1m. Only 50 places so places are limited. If I'm able to then I will select regulars so please use your FFS Username as the display name https://predictor.talksport.com/home.htm Password FCA51-DAO

  21. aehii
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I can already sense the increasing anxiety in the increasing volume of comments, or maybe I'm projecting. I can't move for Redmond's.

  22. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best 4.5 MID?

    1. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Everyone is going Capou, but there are some options at West Brom.

      I think those options at WBA might get way more interesting if they were the ones to sign Benteke.

  23. andrinho
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    a) Azpi & Deulofeu

    or

    b) Fuchs & Lamela

    Thank you:)

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

  24. Jamie_GAWA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Can anyone tell me if Carroll will still start with that new striker signing?

    1. JIM BOB
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      New guy is young, will need time to adapt etc.

      Carroll nailed for now

      1. Jamie_GAWA
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks

  25. MedC
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is anyone looking at Lewis Cook at Bournemouth? The Guardian has flagged him as one to watch. https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/12/premier-league-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekend

  26. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    How will Swansea line up at the back without Williams?

  27. Gol D Roger
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Forster/Mannone

    Morgan, Shaw, Stones
    Townsend, Hazard, Redmond, Martial
    Gray, Aguero (C) , Vardy (VC)

    Mannone Friend, Capoue, Amat

    1 Point in the bank

    May change Morgan to Hernandez, cheaper and nailed on

  28. SW6
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Approaching deadline panick begins... 😆

  29. Lemonhead
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Tadic / Feghouli

    or

    Ayew / Redmond

    1. Sponge-worthy
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  30. Blurryface
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A Eriksen Redmond
    B Alli Redmond
    C Lamela Tadic

    1. Blurryface
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Anyone?

      1. fearthebeard
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        C for me.

        Which option would you choose?

        A) Hazard, Sanchez, Redmond

        B) Hazard, Firmino, Tadic(+ 1m ITB)?