Team News

The Weekend Team News

Charlie Austin looks set to be sidelined for Southampton’s clash with Middlesbrough due to a shoulder injury. Hector Bellerin faces a late fitness test as Arsenal entertain Stoke, while Tom Heaton has a chance of returning in time for Burnley’s encounter with Bournemouth.

Hector Bellerin is set for a fitness test today as he steps up his recovery from an ankle problem ahead of Arsenal’s home match with Stoke.

Tom Heaton is expected to be fit for Burnley’s clash with Bournemouth. Speaking at yesterday’s pre-match press conference, Sean Dyche confirmed.

“He’s had a good few days, we’ll wait and see. As long as there’s no reaction he’ll be back in contention. It’s different training with the physios to training with the team.”

Seamus Coleman returned to training yesterday morning after recovering from the knock that forced him off against Man United. Ronald Koeman has confirmed he expects the Irishman to be available for the trip to Vicarage Road. Yannick Bolasie is set to undergo knee surgery after sustaining ligament damage against the Red Devils and is out for the season.

Claudio Ranieri suggested that Kasper Schmeichel “could be ready” to return for Leicester’s clash with Man City. The Foxes remain without Danny Drinkwater, who serves the last of a three-match suspension.

Charlie Austin is ruled out of Southampton’s home match against Middlesbrough. The forward was forced off with a shoulder injury in last night’s Europa League clash against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, with Claude Puel conceding:

“Charlie has a shoulder injury and we will see this. I don’t know how many times he stay out but it’s important for us. I don’t know but he cannot play for the next game of course”.

Puel has since confirmed this in his 11.30 press conference this morning.

Earlier this morning, Tony Pulis conceded that both Gareth McAuley and James Morrison will be assessed ahead of West Brom’s trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

“Morrison and McAuley haven’t trained this week so we’ve got a little bit of concern over the two of them. They’re knocks but they haven’t trained so today will be a big game for them because it’s the three-game week. Whether we play them Sunday and risk them for Wednesday (against Swansea), I’m not sure. It’s something I’ll have to sit down and talk to the doctor about.”

Ryan Shawcross is “unlikely” to be fit in time for Stoke’s trip to Arsenal, though Mark Hughes has confirmed that both Bruno Martins Indi and Marko Arnautovic have been passed fit.

Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell are both back in training and have been passed fit for West Ham’s trip to Liverpool.

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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1,184 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Evening gents. On a WC this week.

    Any changes you would make to this lot?

    Pickford/Grant

    Alonso/Cedric/Friend/Ake/Amat

    Hazard/Alexis/Firmino/Siggy/DeRoon

    Kane/Costa/Nacho

    0.2 itb.

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Well grant out for a start

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        That is an option yes. But I've only paid the 0.1 extra for him. Butland might take a while before he comes back

        1. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Maybe. Not sure where you could downgrade if you didn't go grant tbh. Also ake bit of a risk once Daniels back.

          1. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            You're right. I could get Prodl + 4.0 cheap GK over Ake and Grant. Not sure.

            1. Sess!
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              It's actually pretty much identical to my team, even same money in bank. Only difference is I have heaton and love over grant and ake.

              Albeit I didn't have the luxury of a WC....

              1. Sess!
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 3 months ago

                Actually I lie I have nyom instead of friend too but likely be getting friend after West Brom play Swansea.

    2. President Giggs
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Surely Ake is going to lose his place soon?

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Bournemouth forums/Eddie Howe suggest he'll get to play due to his form. Possible OOP

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

      Your WC becoming better and better with Au$tin news...

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Indeed. Lovely to stay hit free this week with people around me going hit crazy

    4. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      is friend certain to get his place back? Fabio's done pretty well I think

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Fabio has played well yes. But most Boro fans seem to think that Friend will be straight back in, and if Fabio has to stay in the team then it might come at the expense of Barragan at RB.

    5. Phillips
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Very similar to mine. I like it. Maybe Friend out for Mee or Ward of Burnley? You actually have enough for Phil Jones if you wanted to take that risk.

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks.

        Friend's fixtures in the long run are very good. I rate Boro's defence a lot more than I rate Burnley's!

    6. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I feel like I've seen this team 87 times today.

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        In that case, you're mistaken!

        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/profiles/thefantasyfreak/

    7. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      As template as it gets.

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

      It is template but I don't rate your def. I only see Alonso with any reliable CS ability and your keepers are poor. Friend and Ake are doubts. If I was wildcarding now I'd be finding a few players about to hit form with low ownership for differential not picking what everyone else has. Guess it depends where you are in your Leagues.

  2. Blue Moon Rising
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    2nd wildcard draft

    Grant Heaton

    Walker Alonso McAuley Friend Amat

    Hazard Siggy Sanchez Can Capoue

    Kane Defoe Iheanacho

    0.1 in the bank

    1. The Chump
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Swap Grant for Pickford. Pickford is a better long term choice. Can't see Grant starting when Butland is back.

    2. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Pickford over grant. Butland will dislodge grant soon. Pickford is there to stay.

    3. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      2nd wild card draft?

      Alllllll rightyyy then.....

    4. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Save your 2nd wildcard for a double gameweek you nutter!

      1. Blue Moon Rising
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        This is my first wildcard but second draft

  3. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Iheanacho might be benched 😯

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Oh course he might but I knew that when I bought him last night. It's a risk but hopefully one that pays off.

    2. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      link?

  4. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Nacho won't start. You've heard it from the Dingo.

    1. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      why not, who else will play up top

      1. Sess!
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Kdb false 9 or someone else. Who knows with pep the weirdo.

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

    Ah you only live once

    Come on Origi, let's go against the grain. Earn me lots of points! (I hope he's reading)

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      You seem like a really out there sorta guy.

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

        I'm not sure how to take that :p

    2. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure they let him on FFS when he's in the hospital

  6. Shirokov(c)
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Iheanacho > Wickham (-17)?

    1. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Only if you intend to sell Wickham for Origi after for -21

    2. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Is a -17 even possible?

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

    Does anyone think Ozil can actually do a lot better than Arsenal?

    1. Shirokov(c)
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Nah, doesn't work hard enough.

      1. RustyBz
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Don't think many teams play with a #10 these days, and like you say he wouldn't fit many managers playing styles...

      2. Seb Wassell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Common misconception. He covers more ground than anyone but Sanchez in the Arsenal team.

  8. seanie3
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    if Austin has dislocated his shoulder, he's out for months isn't he,
    anyone know if it has been revealed yet if he actually has dislocated it

    1. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      It's a condition he has had all his career. Evidently there have been occasions when it's come out during a match, the trainer has 'popped' it back in, and he has finished the match.

      1. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        wow, that's impressive. bit like Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon

        1. Monkey Hanger
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          When it happened last night, he was screaming 'Put it back in . I'll be alright'. Jermaine Jenas who was commentating witnessed the act above, playing in the same team and recounted the story. Obviously a tough guy. And who knows how long he will be out for, but given his history I'd bet on days rather than weeks.

          1. seanie3
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            good to know thanks a lot, was going to transfer him out for a hit, but might just bench him now as fixtures are good.

  9. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    All we need now is Kloop to pour cold water on Origi and suggest Firminho will play up front and Origi will be benched then the **** will really hit the fan

    1. RustyBz
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      That would be great

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Thats a posibility I was thinking of even before ppl going Origi crazy! Lallana can replace Couts and Firmino up front

  10. justlikehoney
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Already took a hit to get rid of Aguero and bring Kane and Hazard in. Do I take another hit to get rid of Austin? would have 8.2m left to spend on a striker (already have Defoe) so Benteke or Iheanacho seem best options? alternative is hold onto Austin but that would mean I would have to play a WBA defender this week.

    1. Koolswan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Sell

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

      Bench and see. Your replacement would need to score just to get your hit points back. Play your 5th mid. He might suprise you and he's free!

  11. Louis Van Gaalstones
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Who to play?
    a.) Phillips or Evans vs Chelsea
    b.) Gibson vs Southampton?

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

      Gibson silly.

  12. D Shield
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Who to bench?
    A. Pogba (H) against Spurs
    B. Can (H) against West Ham
    C. Anichebe (A) against Swansea

    1. Mintu
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Koolswan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Pogba

    3. Hakuho FPL
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A

  13. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Team Check.

    Bad Team On Paper GW15

    Pickford
    Cedric Pieters Alonso
    Mane(c) Firmino Alli Hazard(vc)
    Iheanacho Ibrahimovich Kane

    Kuciak De Roon Evans Lenihan

    -4

    Good luck lads!

    1. Ziro
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      loving the captaincy.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Good luck!

    2. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Nice diffs. Would you captain Haz of Sanchez LR?

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Tough. Alexis

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

      Kuciak, lenihan, de roon. U really went for d cheapest right?? Nice diff team there BTW

  14. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Last time Aguero was out. Nacho started both games. Why would this time be any different?

    1. Hakuho FPL
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      They are talking hot air.

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

      It's pep

    1. Ziro
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Been sometime too. What are you all doing here?

  15. glufs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is it possible that Auston will be back after next match?

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

      Difficult to say

  16. Teahupo'o
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Who to replace Austin with?

    Foster
    Alonso Cedric Holebas
    Hazard Sanchez Firmino Siggy
    Costa Kane Austin

    (Grant, deRoon Aké BSmith)
    0FT 0.4 ITB WC available

    A) Austin ➡ Iheanacho -4
    B) Austin ➡ Origi -4

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

      Nacho

  17. Blue Moon Rising
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Cedric, Costa, Kane, Anichebe

    or

    Walker, Iheanacho, Defoe, Costa

    1. vandebeek
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure. First, when spurs play easier games, but second for tomorrow

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

    Playing Brunt is better than a -4 Austin to Nacho isn't it?

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

      Just the price drop

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

    Any Siggy skips love?

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

      He's my vice. Firm for me. It's tough to see Siggy getting more than a single figure score and I'm greedy.

  20. vandebeek
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    allen->lallana or austin->origi / iheanacho?

    1. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      austin->origi

      nacho might not play

  21. Red Reddington ⚽
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Bench two:

    A) Lowton (BOU)
    B) Walker (mun)
    C) Rondon (che)
    D) Amat (SUN)
    E) McAuley (che)

    1. Game of Throw_ins
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      CE

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

        Dc

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

    Need help please - best defender over the christmas period for 4.5 cheers

  23. Redcat1
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Wildcard thoughts please peeps,

    Forster, Jakupovic
    Alonso, Ake, Clyne, Chambers, Amat
    Hazard, Firminio, Sanchez, Phillips, De Roon
    Costa, Kane, Wilson

    no money available

    Thanks in advance

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

      Good to go

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

      Jaku ain't starting at the moment and I'd worry about Ake starting and Wilson fixtures.
      I'm a Sanchez OR Haz kind of guy. Swapping one for a 7-8m player like Sig or Wally gives you more on the 3rd striker or beef up your def.
      Just my opinion but it's worked for me so far this year.

  24. dammsy28
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Iheanacho or Origi for Austin?

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

      Nacho! Assume you have pool coverage already?

      1. dammsy28
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        No! Hence why debating Origi. But then i'll have no City coverage!

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

          Tight call. Possible rotation for both with City and Pool not adverse to playing no out and out striker. Both good options tho. Flip of a coin.

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

    Gtg ?
    Pickford/Forster
    Alsono/walker/Jones/Amat/McCauley
    Fletcher/sanchez/firmino/payet/fer
    Kane/costa/nacho

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

      Like your mid field differentials. West Ham have some good fixtures coming up but Payet is pricey and only one goal this PL season. Hes a gamble.

  26. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go ? (-4)

    Heaton

    Alonso - Lovren - Cedric

    Hazard(C) - Firmino(V) - Walcott - Sigurdsson

    Costa - Kane - Iheanacho

    Jakupovic - Amat - De roon - Pieters