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. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Defoe(c). Yay or nay?

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Go with your gut...Swansea can't defend so it's a good option

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      nay

    3. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Horses go neigh.

      1. Fpl orynx
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I say yes. Defoe has a wicked scoring history against Swansea. Scored a hattrick last time they met and has scored 5 goals from last 3 games against them.

    4. tokara
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I am top of my ML and i dont think i want take such risks...

      If i am middle...i would C defoe

    5. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I think this game will be a goal fest

  2. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Antonio fit.

    great.

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not great at all. That man has been slaying Pool in previous games

    2. davies
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      You getting him?

  3. Gríma Wormtongue
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A) Hazard + Can

    or

    B) Pedro + Eriksen

    ?????

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B (if Pedro is passed fit today)

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A easy

  4. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Which one to take in for Austin:

    A) Long
    B) Carroll

    (Transferring Austin to max 6.1 will allow me to do Allen -> Eriksen next week)

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Neither...get Nacho then Son next week.

      1. Sweetboi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Carroll is definitely being benched this week, and Long isn't in form or guaranteed game time.

      2. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Definitely possible combo

  5. joescores
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Afternoon boys:

    Repetitive post, apologies!

    A- Captain Nacho

    B- Captain Siggy

    C- razy thought?

    1. joescores
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not many nutters I see BUT that's a difference to be a part of Top 40k 🙂

    2. Moves like Dejagah
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B - I've just drafted Nacho in but not convinced he is nailed on to start games. I own Siggy too and it's a good fixture. Sunderland are on a good run but they are still poor imo.

  6. Siddos
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Shaqiri and Austin to Hazard and Anichebe for -8?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  7. FALCAO & MOU
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Pickford(SWA) or Boruc(BUR), both away.

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Boruc

    2. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Boruc

    3. thewhitepele
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Have the same decision, but playing Francis. Makes me lean towards Pickford atm..

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

    Karanka on Friend: “He’s done a workout today. From his injury point of view I think he’s ready but we need to check his fitness”.

    1. Jedi_Reed
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Posted below and just saw your comment. Would love to be able to hold onto Friend in the long term.

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Negredo and Ramirez are doubts so i imagine they will sit back.I will start Friend and if he plays ok else Mason will come in

        1. Hurricane Gilbert
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          You have both Friend and Mason? Hipster 😉

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            The period i got Mason want Snoddybut was injured and thought Hull will get some results.So i went for Mason (better Threat and statitistics than the other Hull Midfielders).But now its bad for me dont have a 4.3 midfielder but soon i will change it

      2. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Alvaro Negredo, Gaston Ramirez and Jordan Rhodes are all doubts, while George Friend will also miss the weekend’s fixture.

  9. Jedi_Reed
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A) Austin > Nacho -4
    B) Friend > Alonso -4
    C) Both for a -8
    D) Avoid hits and play Capoue & Amat

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Play Capoue but not Amat

      1. Jedi_Reed
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Other defenders Friend and McAuley...

        1. Hurricane Gilbert
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Then do both but not with Friend

    4. The Generalator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      d

    5. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      D

    6. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      d

  10. thewhitepele
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Am I crazy for thinking about two additional hits (-12 total) for Austin, Pedro-> Anichebe, Hazard? Would give me:

    Pickford
    Alonso - Lovren - Francis
    Sanchez - HAZARD - Firmino - Sigurdsson
    Kane - Costa - ANICHEBE

    Boruc, Capoue, Amat, McAuley
    and 0.2m ITB

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Why not be crazy...

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      When Anichebe is involved in a -12 your right to say it's cazy! very crazy!! Just play Capoue and Pedro.

  11. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Team for the weekend
    Heaton* (Jaku)
    Walker, Cedric, Alonso
    Sanchez, Theo, Capoue, firmino
    Kane, Costa*, Austin*
    Subs - Brunt, Amat, Allen

    For -4 Austin to Defoe or run with the bench options... :-/

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Costa and Heaton should start. Take the hit for Defoe.
      Play Brunt over Capoue imo.

      1. thewhitepele
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        +1

  12. The Generalator
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Looks like Austin could be be out only one game
    worth holding onto then?

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Doubt it's only one game tbh.

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Naaah. Even if only out for one game, his minutes will be managed.

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Why? Out for a longer spell imo

    4. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      if i had him i'd get rid now.

      Those type of injuries could easily keep him out for longer.

    5. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Really? Any source for this.

      1. pompeyfan
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        check the tweets

      2. The Generalator
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Sky Sports presenter just erroneously said he would make Sunday!
        Then the press conf said not Sunday but hopes soon after. How long is soon we don't know

  13. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Any suggestions for a hit? £2.4m in bank. CAPS - injured/doubtful

    Heaton
    Walker, Lovren, Smith, MCAULEY
    Firmino, Sanchez, Siggy, Capoue
    Costa, Kane

    JAK, KINGSLEY, GUNDOGAN, AUSTIN

    1. Lumberjack
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Austin to Defoe, bench Capoue

    2. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      play Gundogan over Capoue imo. McAuley haven't trained all week, so Capoue might come in from bench though

      1. JoeSoap
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks all. Worried about Gundogan not playing & therefore losing 2 points.

  14. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    I am feeling left out not jumping on the bandwagon for one of these budget strikers and i am now at a fpl crossroads these are my options

    A) Save FT and invest in my defense next week?
    B) Diomande>Iheanacho/Origi and bench Snodgrass?

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A - Snoddy has Palace at home

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Ya i fancy Snoddy here myself and am afraid this could be a points neutral transfer at best

        1. Simon Says...
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Good differential this week. Ship after that.

    2. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A saving a ft a luxury this week. Green arrow confirmed most likely

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        This is also a big factor in my thinking with Aguero and Austin in a hell of a lot of teams lots of hits out there

  15. baraka1670
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Carroll over Iheanacho??
    Suggest please...personlly i feel Carroll

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Bilic confirmed Carroll is gonna be benched this week, so no.

    2. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Obviously Carroll wont stay fit....but if he does, then he's a great option in the next few weeks, but not this weekend.

  16. Lumberjack
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    As a non-Kun and non-Austin owner I'm in the fortunate position of not having to take any hits this week. But I'm still tempted so that I can get Hazard in...what do you reckon?

    A - Firmino/ Wallcott -> Hazard/ Can (-4)
    B - Firmino/ Wallcott/ Walker -> Hazard/ Can/ Alonso (-8)
    C - save, and hope that not taking hits is enough of a bonus this week...

    1FT, 0.2 ITB

    Heaton
    Walker/ Holebas/ Cedric
    Sanchez/ Wallcott/ Firmino/ Siggy
    Costa/ Defoe/ Kane

    Foster/ McAuley/ Amat/ de Roon

    Cheers folks

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B

      May as well join the fun

    2. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B. Welcome to the hit train.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Choo-choo! All aboard!

    3. Lumberjack
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Interesting, I was thinking A or C...tempting though...

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

      B, hits are awesome

    5. Lumberjack
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Out of interest...have you all taken multiple hits? Wouldn't be influencing your choice in any way would it ? 😉

    6. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A & do B next week if you have other pressing issues. Would like both myself asap. That said B could easily pay off this week.

      1. Lumberjack
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Yep that's a plan. Doesn't seem right getting rid of Walker for a hit, but I can't see a TOT clean sheet this week. Also not sure about losing Firmino against WHU...but want to get Hazard asap...

    7. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not taking hits this week is looking like it will give a great head start

      1. Lumberjack
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        That's definitely the arguement for C. saying that the guy above me in my ML doesn't have Kun or Austin, but does have Haz (and Firmino), so still playing catch-up on him...

  17. Simon Says...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    With Aguero out the captaincy becomes even more crucial. On the previous page about 10 names were mentioned, should be a lot of movement in OR this week for most.

    1. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard and Mane will smash it

  18. Simon Says...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone know when City press conference is today? Cheers.

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      1330

      1. Simon Says...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks.

  19. Kip
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Cmon Jurgen, please give us some insight in Studge's fitness

    Really want to bring in Origi

  20. Dezrar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A) Austin to Nacho (would make it a -12)
    B) Hold and play Wes Morgan, then Austin to Carroll next GW

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A. You have to consider each hit separately. Nacho is very likely to outscore Morgan with 4 imo

    2. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

  21. dfroes
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Hello everyone. I put myself in a stupid situation.

    To avoid price rises and drops i did on Sunday night- Stones and Allen to Alonso and Watson for -4 (idk why i got Watson instead of De Roon, was being greedy for that .1)

    Then Bolasie got injured and i did- Bolasie to Can for -8.

    NOW Austin is injured.. so-12 incoming?

    My team:
    Heaton (Foster)
    Alonson Amat Holebas (Pieters, Evans)
    Firmino Sanchez Hazard Can (Watson)
    Kane Costa Austin

    ITB: 1.4 OR: 8.792

    1. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yep. Your bench doesnt cover itself enough this week. I have exact same defence, and this week ain't great. Hits it is.

  22. only2
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Already on - 4. Should I play Capoue for Austin or get nacho in for a - 8?

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Capoue

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        thanks! agree

        1. Ha.
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Could however be tempted to cash in on Austin if he looks like falling tonight, though.

          1. Simon Says...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            he will fall tonight methinks

    2. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Identical situation. Waiting on Pep presser to see what he says re Aguero cover.

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        ty! good choice

  23. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Klopp on Sturridge: "No idea when he will be back. Until now he hasn't trained. He's not with the team."

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Origi 😀

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Good for Origi, he's a better option than Iheanacho imo but everyone wants him

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      There is nothing new under the sun then. Firmino as a false 9 the only threat to Origi.

      1. Sjaugen
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Less likely with Coutinho out right?

        1. Hurricane Gilbert
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah I think so, but always a chance Lallana takes Couts position

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

      "He's not happy. That's the life of footballer. You can't force these things. I can't make timelines. What's the game after Middlesbrough? Everton? That would be nice but I have no idea."

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        "Maybe today he will go on the pitch, but that means we’re starting football work on the pitch and not with the team, with the rehab coach."

    5. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Great news for Origi owners

  24. Kvelertak
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Is Austin protected from falling, since he's flagged? Seems like he will fall tonight if not.
    That will be -12 for me then, have to transfer tonight to afford Ihenacho.

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      He isn't protected.

  25. Champione
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    KDB worth considering for captaincy or stick with Sanchez/Hazard/Costa?

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      KDB is quality, and Leicester aren't good at defending. Plus KDB was great without Kun if I remember rightly. Go with your gut.

      1. Champione
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Probably enough of a diff just to own him around top 10k

    2. joescores
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    3. FPLord
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      For me that's an unnecessary risk at this point. Regarding form he is clearly way behind the others.

      1. Champione
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        looked really good last week though, but I agree with the risk argument

        1. FPLord
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          he is a good player but I don't see City scoring more than 2 this week whereas Chelsea and Arsenal could both have a field day...but who knows...

  26. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Sticking my neck out on this one...

    Amat to return at least 6 pts this week! (goal or cs coming)

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Goodbye head

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Clean sheet and two assists for Siggy he is due 🙂

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        +15

      2. French Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        ridiculous

  27. DF
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    What proportion of the week's transfers are made on a Friday?
    About 40? You reckon?

    1. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      More than that I'd say.

    2. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Feel like 40% are made on Saturday afternoon this year

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      That is a good question 40/50% maybe

  28. boyofwonder
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Hits vs TV: Yet another injury(Austin) forces us that have gained TV of his earlier rise to consider a -4 hit to save the 0.1m. What do people do in a situation like this if the goal is to have high TV and OR?

    1. Hamish
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Depends who you have coming off the bench to replace him, I've had to take a hit as I did not have good cover off the bench and Anichebe could easily provide returns vs Swansea

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      OR is the goal not TV. Don't take a hit if you can play 11.

      1. boyofwonder
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Have TV 105.7 today. OR 68 000. But, totally agree. I have Capoue or Holebas to fill the 11. I'll sacrifice the 0.1m 🙂

  29. chrisr
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Lukaku & Mane (+0.1m) OR
    Ibra & Siggy (+0.2m)

    ???

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      ibra siggy

  30. Phil Dagger ⭐
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    1 more likely 🙂