Team News

The Weekend Team News

Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana undergo scans ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Southampton. Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin is ruled out for four weeks with an ankle complaint, whilst Palace number one Steve Mandanda is sidelined due to a back problem as Man City roll up to Selhurst Park.

Philippe Coutinho is reported to have undergone scans on a tight hamstring ahead of Liverpool’s trip to St Mary’s. The Brazilian arrived late back from international duties on Wednesday and did not train with his team-mates yesterday as he was sent for an assessment. Adam Lallana is set for scans on the knock that forced him off in England’s clash with Spain in midweek, though has not been ruled out of contention to face his former club Southampton.

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin has been ruled out for four weeks with an ankle injury sustained in the Gameweek 11 derby clash with Spurs. Santi Cazorla remains sidelined and has yet to return to training from an Achilles complaint, whilst Arsene Wenger has revealed that Alexis Sanchez texted him after Chile’s win over Uruguay to confirm he is in good shape. Sanchez landed back in Britain yesterday afternoon following a long-haul flight, with Wenger set to assess him later today.

Nacer Chadli remains a doubt for West Brom’s home match with Burnley after undergoing minor knee surgery prior to the international break. Salomon Rondon has recovered from a hamstring problem, whilst James McClean is expected to be fit after being subbed off with a recurrence of his back problem in midweek.

Toby Alderweireld, Ben Davies and Erik Lamela remain sidelined for Spurs’ home clash with West Ham. Dele Alli will require a late assessment on the knee problem that kept him out of the north London derby, though Hugo Lloris, Mousa Dembele, Christian Eriksen and Vincent Janssen have recovered from problems picked up over the break.Mauricio Pochettino has suggested Danny Rose “is a little bit tired” after starting both of England’s recent internationals.

Winston Reid and James Collins are back in training and expected to be available for West Ham’s trip to Tottenham. Diafra Sakho has stepped up his recovery from a back injury, though Mark Noble sits this one out through suspension.

Leighton Baines and James McCarthy have recovered from injury as Everton entertain Swansea. Idrissa Gueye is available after serving a one-match ban, though Gareth Barry is sidelined with a similar suspension.

Claude Puel is optimistic on the fitness of Fraser Forster, Ryan Bertrand, Dusan Tadic and Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg for Southampton’s clash with Liverpool. The Saints boss welcomes back Cedric Soares, though remains without Shane Long and Matt Targett.

Danny Drinkwater is rated “50-50” with the rib injury that forced him to withdraw from England duties. Demarai Gray is doubtful due to a calf complaint sustained over the break for England U21s, though Nampalys Mendy remains on the sidelines after suffering a setback on his recovery from an ankle problem.

Nathan Dyer is back in the Swansea squad after recovering from an ankle injury. Bob Bradley has admitted Jefferson Montero remains a doubt due to a hand injury.

Palace keeper Steve Mandanda has been ruled out of the home clash against City due to a back problem. Joe Ledley is doubtful, though Alan Pardew expects Lee Chung-Yong to recover from “a slight knock”.

Middlesbrough’s George Friend is a minor doubt for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea after picking up a knock in training.

Sebastian Prodl is back in contention for Watford’s clash with Leicester. Heurelho Gomes “should be okay”, whilst Walter Mazzarri is also optimistic on the fitness of Stefano Okaka. Craig Cathcart, Isaac Success and Christian Kabasele are all ruled out.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe will make a “a late call” on the availability of Callum Wilson and Andrew Surman, with both making “good progress” from hamstring injuries. Adam Smith serves a one-match suspension for the Cherries’ clash with Stoke.

Jack Butland is back in training but still not ready to return for Stoke’s clash with Bournemouth. Glenn Whelan is doubtful with a hamstring injury, whilst Geoff Cameron is still sidelined with an ongoing knee problem. Xherdan Shaqiri (hamstring) is back in contention, as is Marko Arnautovic, who has served a one-match ban.

Stephen Ward is back in training following a hamstring problem and “has a chance” of returning in time for Burnley’s trip to West Brom on Monday night.

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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1,024 Comments Post a Comment
  1. La Vida Latte
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Will Hazard play?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      almost certainly

      1. La Vida Latte
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks.

        So bellerin and theo -> hazard and Peters seems sensible`? (-4)

        1. Sess!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Rather Evans than pieters I think

          1. La Vida Latte
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            That is a thought. But WBR has tougher fixtures after the next three I think. But it is close.

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea press conference at 1pm

      1. La Vida Latte
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I just wait a few hours then 🙂

  2. Wally banter
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Aah welcome crisis ..

    Heaton pickford
    Vvd koscienly friend** amat** lenihan**
    Hazard firminho allen cou** theo**
    Kun kaku austin
    -4 already... 😀
    Shall i make another move???take another hit to for x this??

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I had say Hold

    2. RustyBz
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Cout & Theo could easily play. Do you have AOA

      1. Wally banter
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Iused it man:(
        Hoping theo s wife can make it soon and give him back to fpl world..
        Its better that she have her delivery today.. 😀

  3. HNI
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Which 3 would be best to select to play from following 4

    1)Coutinho vs sou
    2) Allen vs BOU
    3) Shaqiri vs BOU
    4) Deeney vs LEI

    1. RustyBz
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      1,2,3

      1. HNI
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        My thoughts exactly...Deeney being on penos is lil tempting though

    2. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No allen ..
      Doubling up on stoke is really brave idea..

  4. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Lallana > Arnautovic for a hit is a bad move?

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yup

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Decent. Are you looking at anyone else in that price? Bolassie maybe

      1. _Gunner
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        have Bolasie too. Just tempted by Stoke's good run of fixture.

  5. pax888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Someone fill me with the confidence to go for Chris Brunt?

    Really want him but worried he's not nailed.

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      He's essential.

      1. Sess!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Have you been drinking or just being sarcastic?

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Neither, just pining for a fantasy premier league of days gone by...

          Brunt, Kolarov, Coleman, PvA and Fuchs all essential...
          😥

          1. Sess!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah the good old days

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think he's nailed at all, despite how much everyone wants it to be true. He's one bad game away from being dropped.

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

    All pressers done? Want to pull the trigger on this FT 😀

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No, quite a few to go, Utd, City, Chelsea, 'Boro.

    2. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Hey I'm in Australia. What's the best source for these press conferences.. Would love to get the same information. Is it live, or can you get transcripts?

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I read them on BBC sport, but I think a few people get them from Twitter.

  7. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Will only field 2 def and my gk this week at the back. No AOA chip. Should I take a hit to bring in a def, or just play with 10? I know the old addage, but....itchy fingers...

    1. RustyBz
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'm in the same boat but pulling trigger.

      Only a 2 pt hit really & sets me up nicely with Alonso, Walker & Holebas/Evans for coming fixtures

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        True. Good luck!

  8. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Heaton
    Pieters Morgan Mustafi
    Coutinho! Firmino! Hazard! Snoddy
    Kun Defoe Deeney

    Pickford. Kightly Holebas Amat

    Having no Sub Worries me.....
    So was thinking of

    Deeney+ Amat> Kane( C)+ Mcauley(-4)

    Thoughts??

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'd be wary of Kane's minutes, but it could pay off big time.

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

    5 pressers left:

    Boro - 12:30
    Man United, Chelsea - 13:00
    Man City, Sunderland - 13:30

    1. RustyBz
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks Mesut

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      all we need now is a "Kun slipped and fell in the plane on the way back. Will be assessed.''

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        "Heaton burnt his hand on the hob last night, will be assessed prior to kick off"

        "Rumours of snow affecting some of this weekend's games"

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          I read that as ''hand job''...

          lol

          1. Kalou
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Dirty mind lol 🙂

      2. RustyBz
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Affects pretty much everyone, so wouldn't be a huge worry. If anything spices up the captaincy picks 🙂

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          well, benches seems to be non existant as it is with Amat & co covering for the likes of Wally, Alexis, and Cout.

          fun times.

          1. RustyBz
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            1 playing sub here (De Roon) 😆

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              *sniggers

            2. Get up ya bum
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Fletcher 😎

  10. Guigui
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    who is going to replace bellerin ?

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Jenkinson probably, if not Holding. Don't like Debuchy is in them mix.

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        One of the options is also playing 3 at the back. Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal/Gabriel.

      2. French Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        How ridiculous is it that débuchy isn't even considered when he's better than all of them ?

    2. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Jenkinson.

  11. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Bring on next week already..

    1. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yep! This GW already looking like a disaster 😆

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Exactly! I'm sick to death of GW12

  12. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Kane & Siggy

    or

    Rondon & Sanchez

    1. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      First one

    2. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      The more I look at it the more I'm considering this
      Rashford & Sanchez

      1. Leaf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        To Kane & Siggy

    3. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I like the first one.

  13. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I can't wait until this Gameweek is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  14. Heavy Data
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Captain Kun or Lukaku?? That is the dilemma i am having

  15. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Was all poised to do Payet to Coutinho last night (as Payet was dropping), then the whole Coutinho nonsense kicked in, and then as I was re-assessing my baby boy decided to projectile vomit in his sleep, so I missed the deadline clearing that up and it cost me 0.1m in TV.

    Anyone got a number for the adoption agency?

    1. Jay_
        7 years, 6 months ago

        😀

      • RustyBz
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        selling your baby for 0.1 😆

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah - maybe a bit harsh - I'll just hold a grudge on him all my life instead.

          1. RustyBz
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            rightly so.

      • Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        1890 69 69 69

        Soooort of an adoption agency.. ish.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          aka "speed dial 1" on IM's phone.

          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            AND speed dial 2.

    2. Fergietime
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Did not need to hear this about Coutinho
      My bench consists of Smith Holebas Diomande , and I have Amat starting 🙂
      But Im not going to bother taking any hits.

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I'm in this position too. Going to save FT and see where I stand after CL games. So many hits flying about hoping by not taking any I only get a small red arrow.

    3. bojack
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Some good discussion over the international break. Back to the five pages in ten minutes A v B questions now..

    4. Dog and Fox
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Best GK for the long run? Im currently without a playing one... Jaku and Mandanda.

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Heaton is the flavour of the year.

      2. Sylas
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Heaton

        1. Dog and Fox
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          How about Foster?

          1. Sylas
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            I personally prefer Heaton. You could always go with a West Brom defender instead.

    5. RustyBz
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Players these days are just selfish. How can Theo put this stress on so many FPL managers...for what? Having his child come into this world. Pft.

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly. Could he not have timed it to be born in July. Honestly.

        1. RustyBz
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          just out of touch with normal people to be honest...

        2. The Kolarov Mane ⚔
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Something to do with Shot Accuracy I believe...

      2. Slartibartfast
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I know! Not even his first child, is it? Should be bored of it by now.

    6. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Chris Brunt....

      How worried are we that he gets rotated/benched?

      I'm not too bothered if he gets moved to LB as he could still be a threat, but I can't be doing with a potential benching.

      McAuley has goal threat and isn't going to lose his place you'd think, plus he's slightly cheaper.

      Thoughts?

      1. Heavy Data
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Brunt wont be benched surely. Pulis loves him and wants his babies. He'll play in midfield and get an assist.

      2. bojack
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I think he'll play, can always downgrade to McAuley if not.

        1. andy85wsm
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          That is definitely not a transfer I want to have to make 😀

      3. Gotta Wijnaldum points
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Wasn't Nyom MOTM last gw? Can't see him being dropped for Brunt. Too much risk and uncertainty for me.

        1. andy85wsm
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          That's the worry. If McClean is back will Brunt get moved to the bench? Probably not but not sure if I want the hassle

      4. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Brunt definitely has more upside, but I would want to play things safe at this point. McAuley for me.

      5. 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        It's McCauley for me - you can rest easy over the next two months knowing that he will start every game.

    7. cruzex
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Hazard or kane for captain?

      1. RustyBz
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Is Kane even fit?

    8. razmo
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Should I save my FT this week?

      Pickford (Cech)
      Clyne, Williams, Daniels (Amat, Holebas)
      Couthino, Mane, Sanchez, Bolasie, Allen
      Aguero Defoe (Austin)

      Thanks

    9. boc610
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      cant see Cout being risked with crazy fixture list coming up,

      moreno at left back, milner, henderson, frimino, winny, origi and studge up top, still a strong team

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        sorry forgot mane! , him instead of origi

      2. RustyBz
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I agree with you. Risking him being 3 or 4 weeks off would be a disaster.

      3. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Can.

    10. Russell
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Evans still nailed for WBA? Looking for best defender at 4.5 exactly

      1. RustyBz
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Better be, I'm counting on Jonny

    11. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Does bringing Brunt and Hazard in for a hit actually count as a hit, seeing as Brunt is nailed on to score this week?

      1. RustyBz
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        guarantee you he won't score

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          I guarantee you he will!

      2. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Only if you don't triple captain him.

    12. Elijah's Wood
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Already on a -4, but if Hazard/Sanchez/Coutinho are doubts (especially Cout) then is it worth taking a further hit to get rid of Bellerin to assure a starting 11?

      Heaton
      Clyn PVA Evans
      Sanchez Hazard Firmino Coutinho Allen
      Aguero Austin

      Pickford // Anichebe Bellerin Amat

    13. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Can't make decision
      Who to captain
      Kun or kane

      1. Elijah's Wood
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Aguero for safety but if i had Kane then him

      2. FPL Hitman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Kun

    14. Jay_
        7 years, 6 months ago

        -----------------------------Foster-------------------------------
        -------------------Stones Morgan Pieters-------------------
        Sanchez(!) Hazard(!) Coutinho(!) Firmino Snodgrass
        ------------------------Aguero Lukaku-------------------------
        -------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Pickford Amat(!) Holebas(!) Keane(!) 0 FT, 0.5 ITB

        A) Hope Coutinho starts with no other surprises to field XI
        B) Keane > Anichibe -4
        C) Amat > Nyom/Evans -4

        1. vickyz r3d d3vil$ !!!
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          B & C not worth -4

          coutinho will start hopefully

      • HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I know this might be boarding of dangerous levels of FPL obsession, so I'm expecting many replies....

        As Arsenal play at lunchtime tomorrow, surely they are travelling to Manchester today....and someone out there will know if Sanchez and Walcott are on the bus?

        1. vickyz r3d d3vil$ !!!
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          What makes you think sanchez wouldnt play ?? He's gonna start if not as a striker then surely on the wings

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Fully expect him to play, but Wenger said yesterday he will be assessed today before deciding if he makes the squad.

          2. boc610
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            wenger said like 'well assess him and see if he can be part of the squad',you saying hes 100perctent certain to start after that?

        2. boc610
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          haha 'bordering on?'

          sanchez could be passed fit for the bench so I dont think that would tell you too much

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Wenger said he will be assessed today to see if he will be part of the squad, I expect him to play, but if he doesn't travel then surely that rules him out altogether.

      • aaaaaa
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Lukaku or Aguero for captain?

        1. FPL Hitman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Neither

        2. vickyz r3d d3vil$ !!!
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Luka.....swansea are the worst ones now..

        3. Gregor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Yep.