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. TheTinman
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    tinker town

    A) Sanchez & Lamela & Rooney
    B) Firmino & Siggy/Ayew & Kane

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

      B

    2. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Was on A but creeping towards B.

    3. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      C) Firmino & Lamela & Kane

      1. TheTinman
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Double up in spuds? No wayyy

    4. palace ash
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B with Siggy

    5. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    6. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      It's a landslide... Thanks a lot fellas

  2. The Generalator
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Surely Long @ 4.5 is good value for a third striker ?

    1. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Burnley's Long?

    2. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      He's not 4.5

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      6.5?

    4. The Generalator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ah ok :-/

  3. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A) Valencia or Shgaw?
    B) Fuchs or VVD?

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Valencia and VVD

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Shaw and Fuchs

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        No Valencia and fuchs

    3. Brayden29
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Valencia and Fuchs

  4. tommo123
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Do you think I am good to go for GW1? Any advice?

    Heaton (Foster)
    Walker Stones Souare (Friend Evans)
    Hazard Eriken Tadic Townsend (Fletcher)
    Aguero Costa Long

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

      I'm thinking long. Is he nailed on though ?

      Looks good

    2. palace ash
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      So are might be injured

  5. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    How are we looking?

    DDG/Jak
    Shaw/Stones/Terry/Friend/Amat
    Hazard/Silva/Deulofeu/Townsend/Redmond
    Aguero/Rooney/Wickham

    My big question is whether Amat will start if I need him?

    Alternative is Terry and Amat -> Morgan and Evans

    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Im not sure about Amat. Maybe try Paredes. I would also change Silva for someone else like Eriksen or Firmino.
      Please RMT above

    2. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Keep Silva.

    3. Swans4life
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Amat might start coin flip but fernadaz is injured at the moment so don't know how long he will be out for

  6. Giovanni Giorgio
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Would you rather
    a) Tadic and 5.5
    b) Redmond and Lamela

    1. Swans4life
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    3. Brayden29
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    4. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B)

    5. palace ash
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    6. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    7. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B it is. Cheers lads.

  7. Swans4life
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    My team ready what do you guys think ?
    Jaku/courtious
    Baines/shaw/pieters/Amat/Mcauley
    Redmond/hazard/mahrez/deu/leko
    Kun/vardy/Llorente

    1. Djemba-Djemba
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure about Llorente, he hasn't been good last season in Spain

  8. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Starting to lean towards Sanchez over Hazard big time

    1. Sweetpea
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ditto

    2. Tmel
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Bubz what would be your take on this? 50/50 on Sanchez atm

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

      Strikeforce is Kun, Vardy, Gray

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

        Quite like A, I prefer Mirallas do Duelefeo though

    3. Ted Striker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Based on anything, or just gut feeling?

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

        His stats are leaps and bounds better than Hazard. We all seem to be basing picking Hazard completely on him just being great again under Conte, when actually his stats are simply just poor and have been for a while.

        1. Ted Striker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Interesting. Every time I think I'm done with this team somebody says something that makes me re-think...

    4. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Why?

    5. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I literally just dropped him. Think he could be arsenals striker this year? Seems unlikely

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

        He will be against Liverpool I think. But his stats are insane playing in midfield anyway

    6. jennmenn
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      me2 :s

  9. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I wish you couldnt WC in the forst 10 weeks.

  10. Brayden29
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Option time, need 2 MIDS for 17, have Firmino, Redmond and 4.5 already:
    A) Mahrez and Oscar
    B) Hazard and Lamela
    C) Other

    1. Swans4life
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    3. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

  11. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Playing alli this week so do I bench baines or play him? .three defenders are stones friend and valencia.
    Thoughts please.

    1. Brayden29
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I would still play Baines over Friend as he could get some attacking stats

    2. Swans4life
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I would play him as he could be on pens and free Kicks

  12. Fergietime
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone captaining Vardy this weekend? Could be a good shout

    1. I am 42
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      planning to do that

      excellent start if kun blank and vardy brace

      1. creaky24
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        could run riot

  13. I am 42
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Kone, yay or nay?

  14. LevonCD
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Valdes(Jaku)
    valencia-Stones-Target(Lenihan-Fry)
    Ayew-Alli-Firmino-Hazard(Fletcher)
    Aguero-Vadry-Gray

    Thoughts lads?

    I prefer ibra to vardy but cash is a problem.

    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Downgrade Alli to Lamela and upgrade Vardy to Ibra.
      Problem solved.

  15. chanvoodoo
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Any advice about Rondon? He have a good schedule in start...

    1. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ya I have him, for exactly that reason. He could go well if WB start well, nice differential I feel.

      1. Swans4life
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I think he will do well and better if the new signings

  16. Jairzinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Why is Friend so popular?

    He's nailed on and 4.5m that plays for a team that could do well. I get the appeal.

    Does he score goals or assist many?

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

      Good assist record. Nsue is also a good pick

    2. Swans4life
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      They have good fixtures

    3. Mean Gaals
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Solid crosser, so I hear.

  17. stachman
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    DONE! No more changes - this is 99% how I will start... It's a team for first 3 gameweeks only as I plan to WC during international brake...

    DDG, Jaku
    Terry, VVD, Stones (Friend, Lenihan)
    Haz, Siggy, Tadic, Gaston (Capoue)
    Kun, Ibra, Wickham

    0,5 ITB for some unexepcted shits, but I believe everyone on my team is a sure starter... Opinins?:)

    1. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Any fitness update on Siggy?

      1. stachman
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        There were nothing mentioned about his lack of fitness, thus I assume he will play

    2. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Siggy to Lamela... Use the extra money to upgrade Wickham to a 6.5m...

      Long, Gray, Carroll etc.

      1. stachman
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Nah... Lamela is a risk - I always try to pick sure starters for first GW... And Connor is my first 3 gameweeks (WBA tot BOU) punt... Only striker with some goals during preseason... I expect him to shine 🙂

  18. Jairzinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Repost

    Foster (Jaku)
    Stones, Valencia, VVD (Pieters, 4.0)
    Martial, Mahrez, Eriksen, Fischer (Capoue)
    Gray, Vardy (c), Aguero

    Heading out in 30 mins, probably won't be able change team again. Am I all set?

    Only thing I'm considering is VVD to Friend, Martial to De Bruyne?

    What happened to all the old Fischer love? Team news says he'll start.

  19. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I effectively have 6 strikers for GW1 😎

    Kun, Vardy, Costa, Firmino, Walcott, Redmond

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I thought Sanchez was going to be starting up front for Arsenal?

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        he did in the last friendly....but only because Walcott started up front 2 days before.

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

      5 with Walcott

    3. Blanka
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      No guarantees tbh with Walcott and Redmond.

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Redmond is a guarantee and Walcott is very likely 🙂

        1. stachman
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          For first 50 minutes maybe... If saints are struggling Austin will jump on in no time...

  20. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Friend or Kone or Pieters?

  21. Blanka
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Just discovered Mahrez and Tadic could be become Sanchez and Redmond. What we thinking?

    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

  22. Sheeeit
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Just had a play about making a team that was Anti Template (apart from Vardy & Jaku)

    Valdes / Jaku
    Bellerin / Morgan / Taylor / McAuley / KIngsley
    Payet / Sanchez / Martial / Silva / Watson
    Vardy / Deeney / Negrado

    I'll almost definitely not go with this team, just stick to my boring template. Kind of wish I had to balls to see how this one worked out though.

    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      That team is ugly

    2. The Generalator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      This looks great !

  23. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Got slated for my Rooney team, rightly so.

    Is this one good to go?

    Foster (Jako)
    Shaw Stones Pieters (Evans Amat)
    Hazard Eriksen Tadic Townsend (Capoue)
    Aguero Ibrahimovic Gray

    Possible switcheroo:
    A) Eriksen, Tadic, Townsend
    B) Mahrez, Redmond, Lamela

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A)

    2. The Generalator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. Sweetpea
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Good but Not buying the Townsend love yet.

      1. Steevo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Fixtures, price & a very good end to last season.

  24. Sweetpea
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    How many minutes will Costa get?

    Can see Conte giving the new Belgian a f home debut off the bench.

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

      Will start then 60?

      1. Sweetpea
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Something like that, maybe 70

    2. Swans4life
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I think he will get most of the game and new striker will come on for about 10 mins imo

  25. The Generalator
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Is wickham still the best 6m striker ?

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

      Him or Abel

    2. Tiamani Warrior
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      people writing off hull but hernandez scored plenty last season and in preseason and on pens

    3. The Generalator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks good tips

  26. creaky24
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Sanchez / KDB / Hazard ...

    Which two out of the three?

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Start of the season KDB & Hazard

  27. Bruised Shins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    RMT please 🙂

    Valdes (Juku)

    Stone Shaw Valencia (B Smith, Chambers)
    Erisken Oscar Fischer Firmino (Hjobjerg)
    Costa Aguero (capt) Vardy

    Can downgrade Chambers to a £4M defender later on

  28. The Darkest Knight
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Quick Fire questions please...

    1. Tadic or Redmond ?
    2. Bolasie or Townsend ?
    3. Downing or Gaston Ramirez ?
    4. Valencia or Shaw ?
    5. Punt on Walcott ??

    1. Jacket Potato
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Tadic
      Townsend
      Ram
      Valencia
      Punt

    2. Brayden29
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      1. Redmond
      2. Towns
      3. Ramirez
      4. Valencia although could go either way
      5. Wouldn't go there

    3. creaky24
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Tadic but i've gone Redmond to free up funds
      Townsend
      Neither
      Valencia due to attacking threat, shaw more nailed
      not nailed, if he starts could be worth a punt

    4. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Tadic
      Townsend
      Ram
      Shaw
      NO

  29. Jacket Potato
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Which one lads?
    Dann or Morgan + 0.5 ?

  30. Wings Fan
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Where, if anywhere, should I spend my 0.5m ITB?

    Foster - Jakupovic

    Valencia - Stones - Morgan - Kone - Amat

    Hazard - Firmino - Tadic - Lamela - Hojbjerg

    Aguero - Vardy - Gray

    A) 4.5m GK rotation?
    B) Upgrade Foster to a 5.0 GK?
    C) Something else?