Team News

The Weekend Team News

Philippe Coutinho is a doubt for Liverpool’s clash with Spurs. Sunderland stopper Vito Mannone has been ruled out for at least three months, Ryan Bertrand faces a late assessment after returning to training, whilst Arsene Wenger has still to decide whether he will start Mesut Ozil at Watford.

Philippe Coutinho is rated a doubt for Liverpool’s trip to Spurs. The midfielder has picked up a hamstring problem and was only able to take part in light training yesterday. Emre Can (ankle) and Divock Origi (cramp) are also both uncertain to feature. The pair picked up problems during the midweek cup win over Burton Albion and will be assessed, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.

Vito Mannone has been ruled out for “a minimum of three months” with elbow ligament damage, David Moyes confirmed earlier today. John O’Shea remains out with a hip problem, though the Black Cats are hopeful that Fabio Borini will recover from a toe injury in time. Lamine Kone will be assessed later today.

Arsene Wenger will make a late decision on whether to start Mesut Ozil in Arsenal’s clash with Watford. The Gunners boss also admitted that Olivier Giroud is “a fraction behind physically”.

Joe Ledley and Wayne Hennessey are “struggling” to be passed fit for Palace’s clash with Bournemouth. Alan Pardew has also conceded that Christian Benteke is likely to start on the bench due to a lack of match fitness, with Connor Wickham leading the line.

Watford boss Walter Mazzarri has conceded “it’s nearly impossible” that he will field all three new signings, Daryl Janmaat, Younes Kaboul and Roberto Pereyra from the start against Arsenal. Isaac Success is available for selection after overcoming a hamstring complaint.

Mark Noble is expected to recover from a knock in time for West Ham’s trip to Man City. Slaven Bilic says “maybe one” of Dimitri Payet or Manuel Lanzini will be ready for the Etihad. Havard Nordtveit is almost certain to miss out with a foot problem.

Nampalys Mendy (ankle) and Jeffrey Schlupp (muscle) are both unavailable for the visit of Swansea. Claudio Ranieri remains optimistic that both could return immediately after the international break.

James McCarthy, Darron Gibson and Tom Cleverley are all expected to recover from minor knocks in time for Everton’s home clash with Stoke. Seamus Coleman has stepped up his recovery from an ankle issue but remains on the sidelines.

Swansea’s club-record Borja Baston remains unavailable for the weekend trip to Leicester due to a thigh problem. Neil Taylor will feature for the Under 23s this evening and will also miss out against the Foxes as he builds up his match fitness.

Ryan Bertrand is back in full training and will be assessed ahead of Southampton’s clash with Sunderland. Jeremy Pied (knee) is ruled out, though Oriol Romeu has recovered from the knock that forced him off against Man United on Friday night.

Hugo Lloris is still sidelined with a hamstring injury for Spurs’ clash with Liverpool, though Kevin Wimmer has recovered from a similar complaint. Mousa Dembele serves the fifth of a sixth-match suspension.

Jack Butland and Glen Johnson remain sidelined for Stoke’s trip to Everton, though Mark Hughes refuses to rule out Xherdan Shaqiri, who has yet to train this week due to a calf complaint.

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.

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

1,480 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    The million dollar question:
    Who are you giving the armband to this Gameweek?
    A) Aguero
    B) Zlatan

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

      A for me but changed several times this week. After last night i think it's nailed for me now though

      1. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Something happened last night which I missed?

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

          West Ham went out of europa to a team from Romania. Think Kun may be a step up in quality from them

          1. Sanchit
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Was west ham playing their A team? If yes, then it's A for me surely!

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

              Not quite A team due to injuries but best avaliable

              1. Sanchit
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                Cheers. Kun gets it then 😀

                thanks 😉

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

      More like a 10-15 pointer question. Haven't come across any fantasy game offering a million as of today.

      1. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I bet a million on this one with my friend 😛

    3. AnotherBareBum
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      trip capt pogba

    4. MFC86
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero for me, West Ham couldn't keep a clean sheet against a team of Romanian farmers

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

    Mirallas or Bolasie or Townsend?
    Mirallas with a goal and an assist, which I don't think koeman will overlook. Townsend with no return so far and I'm looking to bring in benteke in near future. Fantasy team does my head in sometimes!

    1. MFC86
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I've gone Bolasie purely because of his price tag, can't see him on the bench

  3. Pardal78
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Would you bet on stuani against WBA?

    1. Worzel Gummidge
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yes

      • SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        no chance

      • Johnny Leghorn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I have. Got me some cash to put elsewhere too.

    2. TATTOOED_2
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Heaton (Jaku)
      Morgan Stones Evans (Friend pieters)
      Mahrez Hazard Tadic Ramirez (Capoue)
      Aguero Zlatan Gray

      2FT. Do I play AOA and put Capoue in or transfer Friend out? If so who do you think I should bring in?

    3. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Perez turning 28 in 2 weeks, think Arsenal should have gone for someone younger and more established

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

        Ibra is turning 35...

      2. Johnny Leghorn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        We'll know by May. He offers something different to Giroud.

    4. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Bench order suggestions anyone? I have Payet and Friend so 1/2 of them will probably play.

      Walker (LIV)
      Diomande (MAN)
      Capoue (ARS) Surely lightening cannot strike thrice?

    5. BobbyPalmer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Cabaye is dropping price. With Benteke coming in, should I cut my losses or stick with him? I believe he still takes penalties.

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

        I'd cut losses. Imagine Tekkers will take pens from him once up and running as well

    6. Oh Mane Mane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Mirallas or Townsend? Best option?

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Miralis for me, but not apples-apples since we've yet to see how Townsend and Trkkers link up

    7. Ravager
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      So I had exact money for Firmino+ Vardy > Ibra+Barkley on frees. But didn't realize Firmino had dropped already smh.

      Should I take the hit or do Mahrez+ Vardy > Ibra+ Barkley?

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Keep Mahrez, if you can.

      2. Johnny Leghorn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Don't rule out Firminio just yet. Couts is probably out so he'll have more of the ball and his stats are still very promising.

    8. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Mirallas or Barkley?

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Barkley

    9. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I'm tempted to go with Holding, but they are buying a new centre back, so is it unlikely he'll play?

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

        Yea i don't see him playing past the next couple of games, now Wenger looks like he is actually willing to spend

      2. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Only get him if you plan to replace on WC in the next few weeks.

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

      Thoughts on Ward > Holgate

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

        or Ward > Williams

    11. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I have 2 choices

      1) Firmino > Barkley/Mirallas
      Eriksen > Pogba
      or
      2) Eriksen > Redmond
      Mahrez > Mirallas
      Grey > Zlatan
      for 1 hit (-4)
      help?

    12. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Have Foster in goal, need to play 2 out of this 3

      1) McCauley
      2) Friend
      3) Stones

      1. Fuddled FC
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        1) & 3)

    13. Special Mou
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Oscar > Mirallas?
      No enough money to get barkley.

      1. Fuddled FC
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        yes imo

      2. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Uep

      3. XLSX
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I did Alli to Mirallas to free funds for Ibra.

        Thinking of giving Vardy one last chance and then it's good-bye

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

      A) Townsend in a 3-5-2
      B) Rondon in a 3-4-3

      1. Kolos on Holidays
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        B) Striker first!

    15. divingheeder
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Kone (SUN) -> Holding or Middlesborough Defender?

      Bolasie -> Miralles, Redmond

      or

      Kone -> Valencia

      Boalsie -> Gradel

      Got a feeling Gradel could soon start to shine but dunno if too much of a risk

      1. papabouba
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Byram if you can wait until GW4

    16. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      bench Ibe or Capoue?

    17. kingsterko
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hi guys,
      what do you think about sell Coutinho and buy Ozil ?

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Good move

    18. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I was comfortable taking Firmino's drop, but not very happy absorbing one from Kone. Use a FT to get Willams in for him now, or stick.

      1. Shipstontrev
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Get Williams

      2. Gregorini
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Agree, Williams has good fixtures

    19. Ruffio
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez and Rooney for
      Zlatan and who. 7.4 mid????

      Help!

      1. Shipstontrev
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Tadic

      2. Gregorini
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Tadic at 7.4 has got to be worth a punt this weekend

        1. Ruffio
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Craps just realised its 7.3 I have!!! Hopes dashed! Any further wisdom!?

          1. papabouba
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Lamela

          2. Gregorini
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Hmm Mirallas maybe at 6.5?

    20. Pards Against Humanity
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Ok ill tread carefully here. I know someone in the Chelsea camp who said Costa was stretchered off during training today. I'm not saying anything else, but keep an eye out for news. Although I see it wasn't mentioned by Conte. (please dont ban me!)

    21. BenW1739
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      WC played this week any thoughts on this team? Good bad or average.

      Foster
      McAuley Baines Stones Soaure
      Hazard Barkley Tadic
      Aguero Ibra Lukaku

      Subs Jaku Love capoue Maloney

      1. Robben Mee Blind
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Think you need a stronger 4th mid than Maloney/Capoue. You won't want to play 4 at the back every week will you?

        1. BenW1739
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah good point!! Just love the look of evertons next 5 games so have done all I can to squeeze lukaku in.. Could swap Tadic for Redmond and baines for Williams to free up funds

          1. Robben Mee Blind
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah, that sounds good. Be prepared for Tadic to troll you tomorrow though! Maybe do Baines to Will now and then do Tadic to Redmond later

          2. Robben Mee Blind
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Like the Lukaku pick btw

      2. Kolos on Holidays
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Downgrade Lukaku and improve your midfield IMO.

        1. Ruffio
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Remember lukaku will score when his fixtures look awful not when they look good!

      3. allthewine
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        You should downgrade Baines & Lukaku.

        Your midfield is decent but as was mentioned you need better than Capoue & Maloney.

        So for me lose Baines/Luk and upgrade the midfield.

    22. Gregorini
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I have Evans and Friend (Paredes on bench), should I

      A) Do nothing

      B) FT Paredes to Amat (or another suggestion) in order to have someone play if Evans doesn't

      1. papabouba
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        do nothing

        1. Gregorini
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Is that 'cos you think Evans will play?

    23. cwalsh95
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Bit the bullet decide to play the wildcard

      Heaton
      Williams Shaw McAuley
      Hazard Redmond Barkley Sterling
      Ibra Aguero Defoe

      Thoughts?

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

        Nice knee-jerky template, yo!

      2. papabouba
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        why Defoe?

        1. cwalsh95
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          have a feeling he will contribute double figures over the course of the season any alternatives you would suggest?

      3. Johnny Leghorn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Tekkers gotta be given a chance soon. He tore teams a new one playing for a rubbish Villa.

    24. st4rt__
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Foster
      Williams - Shaw - Souare
      Haz (c) - Redmond - Ozil - Mirallas
      Rondon - Aguero - Ibra.

      Sorted for this weekend?

      Good luck fellas.

      1. Ruffio
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Captain Aguero!?

    25. Park_The_Bus
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Is Delofeu likely to drop to the bench to make way for Bolasie this weekend?

      1. papabouba
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I think he'll start and come off at 60mins

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

          Hope so. Was going to take him out, but would be good to leave him and Eriksen in this week, see how they go, and possibly do a double swap next week

          1. papabouba
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            I got rid for Redmond already

    26. Ukfan29
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Was hoping for opinions on what to do with my squad for this weekend please. Looking at the team currently

      GK: De Gea (Heaton)

      Def: Valencia Terry Evans Baines (Amat)

      Mid: Eriksen Hazard Tadic (Khazri Fischer)

      Att: Aguero Rondon Llorente

      I have two free transfers and 1.0 in the bank

      Thanks

      1. Gregorini
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        A lot of money spent in defence. I'd WC and spend more in mid and att

      2. Johnny Leghorn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yup. Defence is too pricey. You are 1 good mid and 1 top striker short. Wouldn't WC just yet though. International break injuries coukd screw your new team.

    27. asvpxmicky
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero, Hazard or Ibra as captain.....

    28. tissae
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      G2G?

      Foster
      Stones - Williams - Shaw
      Hazard - Tadic - Barkley - Ramirez
      Gray - Ibra - Kun

      Jaku - Capoue - Amat - Friend

      1FT, 1,4 itb