Team News

The Weekend Team News

Olivier Giroud is still sidelined for Arsenal’s trip to Turf Moor. Joe Allen is a slight doubt as Stoke head to Old Trafford, whilst Romelu Lukaku will start for Everton tonight despite being hampered by an ongoing toe complaint.

Olivier Giroud has been ruled out of Arsenal’s trip to Burnley by Arsene Wenger earlier this morning. The Gunners boss revealed that Francis Coquelin has recovered quicker than expected from a knee problem and is set to be assessed, though will almost certainly miss out at Turf Moor.

Tony Pulis has conceded that Chris Brunt won’t be considered for West Brom’s trip to Sunderland despite stepping up his fitness with a run out for the reserves earlier in the week.

Joe Allen is rated a slight doubt for Stoke’s trip to United due to a hamstring problem. Mark Hughes has also confirmed that Jack Butland will remain sidelined for at least another month with an ankle injury.

Fabio and James Husband are set to feature for Middlesbrough’s reserves tonight as they step up their fitness following recent injuries. Grant Leadbitter remains sidelined for the trip to West Ham.

Divock Origi is a slight doubt for Liverpool’s trip to Swansea after sustaining a minor foot problem.

Romelu Lukaku will start at home to Palace this evening, though Ronald Koeman has conceded the striker’s toe problem is “still painful”. The Dutchman has revealed it is “too risky” to start Leighton Baines as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Darron Gibson and James McCarthy remain sidelined after both underwent minor groin surgery.

Wilfried Zaha has recovered from a hamstring issue in time for Palace’s trip to Goodison tonight, though Scott Dann is still unavailable due to a similar complaint. Jonathan Benteke is out for three-to-four months with a knee injury.

Josh King is back in light training and has a chance of returning for Bournemouth’s clash with Watford, though Marc Pugh remains on the sidelines, Eddie Howe has confirmed.

Havard Nordtveit will be assessed ahead of West Ham’s home clash with Middlesbrough. Slaven Bilic also conceded he has “a couple of players doubtful”, though he is hopeful that Aaron Cresswell will return after the international break. Andre Ayew remains at least three-to-four weeks away from being available.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tonight’s 7pm 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

426 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Specialistinspecialism
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I think Rashford will start on the bench considering he played 90 minutes yesterday.

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

    Play Redmond or Snodgrass?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Snodgrass

    2. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Prob Snoddy at home

    3. Le _ Professeur
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Redmond

  3. Costa's Counsellor
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Poor Olivier doesn't even look his handsome self 🙁

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      It's his birthday!

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        So it is - his 30th no less!

  4. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Bench who?

    Williams or Evans or Kone?

    1. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Evans

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

      Evans

  5. FPL Footy Show Pod
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Bench Capoue or Redmond what do we think?

    Currently on Redmond benched

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Capoue, ofc

    2. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Play Cap at home to Bourn IMO

  6. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Baines owners, keeping or selling?

    Torn at the moment as the rest of my DF is Vertonghen Amat Holebas Smith which doesn't give much confidence going into this weekend.

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Sell for a free. Don't sell for a hit, Vert Holebas Smith is fine to play

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Ya it would be a FT but was thinking it might be better to hold the FT until after Int break.

        Thinking AOA with Capoue and Holebas and one of Vert/Smith. Thoughts?

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Oh, ok then I'd sell him for Clyne or Fuchs

          1. The Left Duke #3
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Fuchs? really, fixtures don't look great and Leic seem disinterested in the league this year.
            Clyne maybe but as a Pool fan I'm not convinced of that DF at the mo.

    2. Just Been On Loan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm playing my AOA and keeping him. I'll be upgrading my defence before next GW, and will probably still want Baines in there.

      I can deal with one poor week for my defence - it's not like clean sheets are in strong supply this season.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        This is actually my thinking and having Baines resting for two weeks you would think he'd be available for the rest of their plum fixtures.
        I think AOA is to be used in situations like this too.

        Would you start Smith or Vert alongside Holebas?

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Everton have 1, maybe 2 plum fixtures in the next 6 after CPL. Sell

        2. Just Been On Loan
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Precisely. It also means I don't have to decide who to play out of Snodgrass and Capoue, and I don't think I'll do much better than home fixtures for both of those two.

          Not sure which I'd be going for - complete toss-up in my opinion. Tempted to say there's likely more chance of a Bournemouth CS after Watford's performance at the start of this week...

          1. The Left Duke #3
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Ya its a tough call, think i'll stick Baines in with the off chance he plays with Smith first sub. Bourne have better chance of a cleanie than Spurs with PaddyPower so will go with that.

            1. Just Been On Loan
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              He's already been ruled out, so you may be better going straight in with Smith

  7. Cruiser23
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Pickford
    Shaw | Koscielny | Evans
    Antonio | Hazard | Ozil | Firmino | Capoue
    Benteke | Aguero

    (Heaton | Baines | Amat | Barrow)

    1.0 ITB

    Baines' injury thrown plans off a bit but thoughts on whether to save my FT for next week or use it for Shaw/Baines --> Clyne or Cedric?

    1. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      You have doubts with Shaw too so think you need to use one FT for sure. I would suggest AOA but who the hell is Barrow?

      1. Cruiser23
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Barrow is the Swansea winger, he is a gap filler for the moment as i feel over the next few weeks it's better to play 3-5-2 with Capoue's fixtures

    2. Just Been On Loan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Similar situation to myself. I'm opting to save my FT, as it sounds like Baines will be back after this GW.

      1. Cruiser23
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah i don't mind keeping Baines, Shaw is probably the better trade option if i decided to use the FT this week

        1. Just Been On Loan
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah potentially, depends whether Shaw manages to win back his spot, but Everton's fixtures are looking better than United in the short-medium term.

          1. Cruiser23
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            That is the issue with Shaw now is his spot isn't set, especially this week with Blind being rested for the Europa League. Was hoping Shaw would be ruled out this week to make the decision easier.

            1. Just Been On Loan
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              It is very annoying - I brought in Shaw over Valencia at the start of the season, because I made the call that his spot was much more guaranteed.

              Quite a few spots up in the air at United at the moment

              1. Cruiser23
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                I had him from the get go also, and slowly added in Koscielny and Baines over the last couple of weeks to lock down a solid back 3 with Evans as cover. Shaw's prospects have taken a hit and not sure i want to hold he and Baines.

                Probably only De Gea, Pogba, Zlatan and Valencia nailed at this point for United.

    3. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm reeaaally tempted by Clyne myself for Baines. But then, 2FT for next week sounds smart...

      1. Cruiser23
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Annoyed Shaw is available as it makes the decision to trade him harder. I do like Clyne, especially with the fixtures and the way he gets forward.

  8. Norfolk&Chance
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Puncheon to Coutinho for a -4pts? Have Firmino already...

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

      Risky. Puncheon looks a decent option, but who knows what Coutinho'll do this GW.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Good move

  9. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Who to captain? and why

    A) Lukaku
    B) Firmino

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Firmino because he'll get more points than Lukaku

      1. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        You confident?

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I am

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

      'Kaku as he's their main source of points (when in form). 'Pool's points are too spread out to predict, it seems.

      1. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Kaku has a toe injury though so he's not gonna be at 100%

    3. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      With the minor injury complaint to Lukaku, I am steering clear of him with the captain's armband. They could well force him off early.

      It's Firmino or Aguero for me.

      1. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        That was my thinking, although who's to say he won't have scored a double by 60 mins against a Palace side with no Scott Dann. Tough one

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

          The same toe injury he had last week when he played the full 90 minutes?

          1. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            They where losing though

  10. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    cech or koscielny currently have pickford & jaku

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Kosc

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

      Mustafi or bellerin

  11. Jatz10
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    REPOST

    Hi guys

    Please rate my Wildcard Team.

    Cech (Pickford)Valencia, Clyne, Holebas (Smith, Stones) Walcott, Capoue, Firmino, Sanchez (Snodgrass) Aguero, Deeney, Rashford

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Very good but I cannot see the attraction of Stones. Not very many clean sheets, very little attacking threat and City score so many goals that he'll rarely be getting any bonus when he does have a cleanie.

  12. GOAL11 X
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    CHELSEA Defenders
    Who should I use to Gameweek 7 ?

    1. Azpilicueta
    2. David Luiz

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Neither. Azpi if forced

    2. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      None. Chelsea are all over the place and fixtures are awful

  13. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Sticking with Costa and hazard this week. Hoping for one last hurrah but know it will be a blank and a booking....

    1. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      You have such a pleasant username. Brings a smile to my face everytime i see it 🙂

  14. nikush
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Baines->Williams, KDB->Sanchez ??

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

      Good moves

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Baines to someone else, yes on Sanchez

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

        KDB->Sanchez (not sufficient fund)
        Baines->Williams (saves 0.5 mil)

        What about KDB->Walcott, and make money for better defender?

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Buy someone other than Williams for 5.0

          1. FPL Panda
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Why the lack of love for Williams today??

  15. Ambu
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Who to play? Bolasie, benteke or Capoue this weekend

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Bolasie and Benteke

  16. FantasyFreak
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Shaw to?

    a) Vert
    b) Coleman
    c) Francis
    d) Robertson
    e) Others, please suggest.

    Thanks!

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Clyne, Fuchs or Davies(if you can bench him this week)

      1. FantasyFreak
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Not getting Liv defenders. Fuchs over Coleman?

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Yes. Everton fixtures suck

    2. Shipstontrev
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Coleman

      1. Krionos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Depends. I'd say Coleman or Clyne, but if you have other expensive defenders perhaps downgrade and spend money elsewhere over the break.

  17. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Collins Nailed? Any other choice for a better defender under 5.0?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No. Plenty

  18. Punty
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    If in doubt, captain Kun

  19. tissae
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    G2G?

    Foster
    Williams - Holebas - McAuley
    Sanchez(C) - Sterling - Coutinho - Antonio
    Deeney - Kun(VC) - Lukaku

    Bench : Jaku - Capoue - Amat - Shaw

  20. sk018
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Play Bench Boost or wait for DGWs?

    Foster (sun), Capoue (BOU), McAuley (sun), Amat (LIV)

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Haha. Wait

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      DGW, Amat may struggle to score a point this weekend with the rate Liverpool are scoring, a Defoe strike ruins the WBA doube up and Capoue's conversion stats are unsustainable.

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

    Whom to play in place of Baines??

    A. Collins
    B. Amat 🙁

    OR,

    C. Do Baines->Williams

    1. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      D) Coleman?

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

        Baines->Coleman is best imo too.
        But, doesn't raise fund for KDB->Sanchez hit 🙁

        What about, Baines->Coleman, KDB->Walcott ??

        1. Knowledgeable meerkat
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Right I see.

          I'd prioritise Sanchez, so Baines > Williams out of those options

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

        This, Coleman over Baines all day for me

    2. Le _ Professeur
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A
      unfortunately I only have Amat to play 🙁

    3. Shipstontrev
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      C

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        C if for free, Collins otherwise.

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

          C is free..
          I just need to do KDB->Sanchez as a hit !!
          any thoughts??

  22. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Do you prefer Pickford or Foster this week?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Pickford

  23. Your Man With The Hair
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    A first for me this year, a bench fodder 3rd striker. Makes me a little sad.

  24. Jehstafari
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Foster
    Shaw Evans Stones
    Capoue Sanchez Hazard Townsend
    Aguero Costa Benteke

    Heaton Kante Friend Amat

    I plan to WC over the int'l break so looking for a one week punt..

    thinking Benteke > Rashford

    Any better ideas ?

    1. Just Been On Loan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard > Liverpool player

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

    Anyone doing
    Antonio -> Wally?

    .. means additional FT to get Sanchez in GW8 or 9 though.

  26. St. Joseph
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Antonio or Lallana

    Doesn't have liverpool cover

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Lallana

  27. Cov
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Will Rashford start this weekend? My only good captain option :/

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Don't own Aguero or Sanchez?

    2. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Surely he can't be the ONLY good option

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Post rest of team plus ITB and FT.

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

      I have Aguero, Sterling, Coutinho, Walcott, Benteke, Hazard... But Rashford stands out home against Stoke... BUT will he start?

      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Bit dramatic with your OP then, given those options?

        I think he will, but there's clear doubt after 90 on Thursday. Would lean towards Walcott

  28. DameCorp
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Best long term Baines replacement?

    A) Morgan
    B) Lovren
    C) Williams

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      C for me

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

      D) Coleman

  29. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Shaw, Bolasie > Holebas, Lallana?

    Will enable Foster > Cech next week

    Merci!

  30. nikush
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is KDB->Sanchez with a -4 hit sensible??
    by how much !!

    1. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yes. Necessary to be honest.