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. AF90
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Deeney & Payet out & Lukaku & Allen in -4?

    Or is there a better option than Allen for £6.6m?

    1. Philip Jones's Diary
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Chadli if fit

    2. Del Monte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Snodgrass for the next four.

    3. Del Monte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Chadli is an injury doubt.
      Allen on 4 YC's.
      Gundogan unsure whether he can maintain his goal scoring form.

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

        i agree but allen has 3 yc

  2. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Logging in for the first time since the election disaster... any thoughts?

    Foster, Pickford
    Stones, Morgan, Evans, Holebas, Amat
    Sanchez, Firmino, Lallana, Redmond, Fletcher
    Aguero, Costa, Lukaku

    0.3 ITB, 4.5k overall

    1) What's the word on Lallana?
    2) Assuming Lallana isn't out for more than a week - Sanchez + Stones to Hazard + Alonso for a hit?

    1. AaronZ_14
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      election disaster? more like miracle

      1. Jay Jay Okocha
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Disaster.

  3. Krul Runnings
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    What do we think the UTD defence will look like this GW? Asking for FanDuel purposes.

    1. Del Monte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Valencia Jones Blind Shaw

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

        Valencia? No way

        1. Del Monte
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Papers say Valencia could be fit if so he starts.

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

            Oh! Ok thanks

    2. Invincibles
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Darmian rojo blind Shaw.
      Or Jones in for rojo and blind at lb

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

        Hmmm Phil Jones is the one I'm considering. Tis a gamble

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

          Blind/Rojo are nailed choices for now

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

      Beauty of FD is you can ship out as soon as the line-ups are announced.

      Having said that, I wouldn't be going near Man U defenders this week.

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

    If you were going to get in Coutinho before last night, would you get Mane in now instead?

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

      Probably, if you spare a transfer to swop back which you will want to

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

        *can spare

  5. Invincibles
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    When all fit, is it worth dropping (one of) firmino/coutinho + Macauley for Lallana + alonso?

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

      no

    2. hafakilo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      no

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

    RMT tells me to bench Wally and start Allen 😐

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

      The new RMT algorithm takes spousal gestation into consideration.

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

        Well if his wife goes into labour he he will either start or take no part imo so Allen would come in anyway

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

          De Roon for me 🙁

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

          Also own Coutinho, Hazard, Costa and Chadli.

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

          And took a -12 hit.

          Expect to hear from me on Rough With the Smooth next week!

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

      And that's why I never ever use it,

    3. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'd play Allen this week anyhow.

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

        I bet you wouldn't, Stoke aren't even televised 😉

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

      I doubt that RMT will be sophisticated enough to know that Allen will likely be playing a deeper role this weekend

  7. ♤TeddyBear♤
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    If Darren Fletcher was likely to be your 11th playing player, would you take -4 to change it to someone else? 3.4 ITB.

    Mind is all over the place with this one

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No.

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      If you'll be fine again after this week, leave it. This is what Fletcher is there for.

      If, however, the transfer will be necessary later anyway, you may as well do it now.

  8. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Folks, Which option is better?

    A) Mustafi and Benteke to Brunt and Costa -4
    B) Benteke to Bony

    Mostly just worried that i have no Chelsea cover

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

      Bony

  9. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Worst case scenario, three of my midfielders don't play. Should i just write this week off and hope for the best, rather than start taking hits?

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Who are they?

      1. Philip Jones's Diary
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Same boat with me with Hazard, Coutinho and Chadli all flagged. I'm not taking a hit and hoping that at least two of mine play and I should have some points on the bench.

        1. Cruz88
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Same here, I have Hazard, Coutinho, Lallana and Sanchez as either flagged or doubts and Collins flagged (but he can sit on the bench anyway). Not sure we're going to get enough concrete information on them all to know whether a hit would be a good or a bad idea, so might have to stick it out

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

    Team looking a bit thin with no FT and 0.8 ITB:

    Heaton
    Clyne McAuley Pieters
    Sanchez Hazard Snodgrass Capoue
    Aguero Lukaku Benteke

    Pickford Amat Holebas Lallana

    Should I just stick it out or look to move out Amat or Lallana for -4?

    Problem is I don't want to take Lallana out unless it is for Coutinho/Firmino and can't afford them yet.

    Any ideas??

    Thanks!

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

      Clyne to a Chelsea def (alonso/Cahill)

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

        no point in doing that for a hit is there?

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

    any confirmed news on coutinho sanchez hazard and chadli?

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

      Have you read the article above?
      It has covered news about 3 player except Hazard

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

        i read it but nothing confirmed
        could you tell me if chadli will be in monday match or not?
        they said he is doubt but not confirmed
        coutinho as well not confirmed

  12. DÏLKS
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Really undecided on what to do with my team:

    Pickford
    Fuchs-Lovren-Evans
    Sanchez-Walcott-Firmino-Allen
    Aguero(C)-Costa-Lukaku

    Subs: Grant; Capoue, Amat, Holebas

    2 FT's, £0.1 ITB

    Quite worried about not having Hazard, but can only afford if do Lukaku+Wally --> Austin+Hazard. But Lukaku against Swansea (H) is far too good.

    Also wanted to do get another Liverpool midfielder in, but with Coutinho being injured, that's going to have to wait.

    Maybe a Chelsea defender?

    Any advice?

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

      Walcott to hazard and lukaku to Austin sounds good. Or wait til next week and do Walcott > coutinho and upgrade to a Chelsea def

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

        Yes just had a quick gander.

        Looking at Sanchez --> Hazard this week.

        The week after I can then do Lukaku+Allen --> Coutinho+Austin. Good fixtures on paper.

    2. Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'd take a 1 week punt on someone for Walcott and then do Lukaku & Punt ➡️ Austin & Hazard next week.

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

        Yes just had a quick gander.

        Looking at Sanchez --> Hazard this week.

        The week after I can then do Lukaku+Allen --> Coutinho+Austin. Good fixtures on paper.

  13. Invincibles
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Team for this week:
    Foster
    Vertonghen pva McCauley
    Sanchez firmino coutinho capoue
    Kun lukaku Austin
    Bench: jak holebas Amat Barry
    £0itb

    Specific transfers to improve? Want a Chelsea def but would have to downgrade elsewhere

    Cheers

  14. Costa's Counsellor
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Who is volunteering to go to Liverpool's training ground with a long lens camera then?

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Lallana & Couts benched.
      Klopp will not take any risk with the fixtures coming!

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

        r u sure from that?

  15. MrMaverick
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    tv scheduling has been abysmal this season, sky specifically. Everton v Swansea is a gamr I would watch at 13.30 on Suprr Sunday. Both are not in European comp, so why 3pm

    Saints v Pool is too good a game to be on 3pm. why not 1.30 suprr sunday?

    WBA vs BUR mnf is just plain foolish, Everton v Swansea could have filled that timeslot...

    1. Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      This week's Monday night game is dull on paper but I don't see the issue with a Saturday 3pm kickoff. It's tradition and preferred by the match-going fan.

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

      I think they have to show all teams a certain number of times, so they put the rubbish teams on MNF (when the viewing figures are lowest) early in the season to gets them out of the way.

      I'm not sure why there is only one game on Sunday - may be just a week where they have to keep a slot free to keep their total number games in the season on track, or is there another sports event on they didn't want the audience to clash with?

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

        not the firsttime this srason theres only been one 4pm sunday gsmr

        swansea v chelsea
        west ham v soton

        i wknt be renewing my subscription at thid rate

        1. Costa's Counsellor
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Have you got oven gloves on?

  16. Niemi
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A) 4.9 def in for A. Smith
    B) Play AOA with De Roon

    Only got 2 playing defenders with Smith and Holebas suspended this week.

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Cedric or McAuley - go for it

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

        McCauley - goal threat and better fixture

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

        Cedric nailed? Easy move if so. Already got Evans, so not too keen on double WBA.

        1. DantheManinaPan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Cedric is now fit. I expect him to start but there is still a chance that he will be rested one more week

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

      Same situation for me, how about Pieters?

      Similar fixtures to West Brom and avoids the double up.

  17. GreenArrows
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    GTG? Decided to roll the dice with AoA as I can decide between Allen or Stanislas to bench.

    Pickford
    Alonso, Stones
    Sanchez, Hazard, Coutinhio, Allen, Stanislas
    Deeney, Aguero, Wilson

    Boruc, Blind, Holebas* Lenihan**

    Plan is to go Deeney to Austin next week. I have poor TV, 102.0.

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

      *can't decide

  18. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    The news on Callum Wilson is really frustrating. I'd be happier if he was certain to start or not start.

    Should I sell? (I already have Austin and can't afford Defoe...)

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

    If Wally's wife goes into labour mid-match will he be subbed off?

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

      Yeah - probably on 59 minutes.

      I may get him post baby - players always seem to do better having just had a kid...

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No if it's that close he won't play

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

      I doubt it - if she has already started before the match he'll probably go, but if she starts during the match, he can just shoot off after. Is not as if a baby pops out 5 minutes after the waters break.

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I think you're more worried about wallys wife than he is.

  20. Hands Guber
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I've never taken a -20 hit until this week. Has anyone taken a hit this big and been successful? (apart from DGW's)

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

      I took a -16 once. Cant remember if it went well. Pretty sure it didn't

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

      Took a -16 a few years back to get RvP, Baines, Michu etc. paid off pretty neatly but that was very early in the season.

    3. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I took a -20 in gw38 just for he'll of it. Got wally c so it worked out

    4. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Tom Fenley accidently took a -50something hit last season and turned out alright that week!

      1. Hands Guber
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah,seems like (C) is key really.

  21. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hi all....am I best to save my ft with this lot and hope for the Best?.....got 0itb

    Pickford  (heaton)
    Evans williams Pieters  (holebas amat)
    Sanchez firmino coutinho Hazard  (capoue)
    Kun Benteke Austin

    Cheers

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

    Is Kane even fit?

  23. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    On a wildcard

    a) Get Pedro (and then shift to Theo next week)
    b) Get Theo now
    c) Get Arnie? Snoddy? Barkley?

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

      B over a.

      Maybe C (Snod) over both.

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      siggy?

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

      B. This ain't the time to plan much ahead.

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

      Son then Theo.

  24. Niemi
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Cedric nailed on for Southampton?

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

      Yeah, I think so. The fact that they've not been doing very well in his absence helps.

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

    I wish Kingsley would do one from the top of the imminent price rise table!!

    The geezer has been there for like two weeks and yet to rise!

  26. Patio Kev
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Team news section for Stoke: Glenn Whelan (hamstring) is a major doubt, while Geoff Cameron (knee) remains sidelined.

    Why are both still showing in the team graphic as starters ?

    Am just thinking that Joe Allen's likely starting position is not likely to be just behind Wilfred Bony if the wording in the article is true.

  27. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    So Wenger only beat Mourinho once in 16 confrontations?

    Cech benched then, Pickford, pull your gloves!

  28. Legomane
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Heaton (wba)
    Pieters (BOU) Kone (HUL) Walker (WHU)
    Sanchez (mun) Mane (sou) *Coutinho (sou) Gundogan (cpl) Allen (BOU)
    Aguero (vc) (cpl) Lukaku (c) (SWA)

    [Non-playing…] Bench: Cech (mun) *Wilson (stk) *Collins (tot) *Smith (stk)
    *flagged

    1FT 0.1ITB
    Reluctant to ship out anyone here this week as it feels like I’d need to take a hit, but I am concerned.

    Short term strategy:
    - Dump Cech after next week to free up some funds.
    - Wilson to Austin is a move I’d have made already if I could afford.
    - Collins needs to go, eye on Kingsley if he starts again for Swansea.

    Gut feeling is that there is too much uncertainty this week – should I hold or are there any good moves to be made here this week for 1FT or max -4 hit?
    Thoughts much appreciated as always – Cheers.

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

      already i own sanchez coutinho firmino gündogan allen
      aguero lukaku austin
      but i can't bench austin over allen or gündogan
      what do u think?

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

        probably bench the gundog

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

    RMT saying Pickford(HUL) over Heaton(wba), what do you think?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I think Pickford

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

      At home to the worst side in the league. Has to be.

  30. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Any Chelsea team news yet?

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

      Chelsea press conference at 1pm UK time
      http://www.chelseafc.com/videos/live-press-conference.html

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

      Chelsea press conference start at 1pm today