Team News

The Weekend Team News

Olivier Giroud is back in training as Arsene Wenger confirms that Arsenal have no injuries from last week’s win at Swansea. Robert Snodgrass is a worry for Hull ahead of their trip to Chelsea, while Leighton Baines is also a minor doubt as Everton roll up to Palace.

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Arsenal have no injuries from the squad that faced Swansea last weekend. The Gunners boss also stated that Hector Bellerin, Francis Coquelin and Kieran Gibbs “should be available” for selection at home to Burnley, though Theo Walcott misses out again.

Winston Reid, Sofiane Feghouli, Sam Byram and Andy Carroll are all minor doubts for West Ham’s trip to Middlesbrough, with Slaven Bilic “very optimistic” that all four will be available at the Riverside.

Robert Snodgrass is a slight doubt for Hull’s trip to Chelsea with a muscle problem. David Meyler is set to return to training today and is likely to be available.

Ronald Koeman has revealed that Leighton Baines is “struggling a bit” with a rib problem but expects the defender to be fit in time to face Palace. Maarten Stekelenburg – who was on the bench last weekend – is now 100% fit, according to his manager.

Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Bertrand have recovered from the knocks that forced them to miss Southampton’s midweek cup clash with Norwich. Steven Davis remains on the sidelines, though, as Claude Puel’s welcome Leicester to St Mary’s.

Jan Vertonghen has been ruled out for around six weeks with the ankle injury that forced him off against West Brom last weekend. Mauricio Pochettino also revealed that Erik Lamela is set for further scans on a hip injury that leaves the club uncertain as to when he will return.

Antonio Barragan and Gaston Ramirez remain unavailable for Middlesbrough’s clash with West Ham. The Teesside team have new boy Patrick Bamford in contention after he was snapped up from Chelsea in midweek.

Mark Hughes has revealed that Bojan is back in contention for Stoke’s clash with United after recovering from a hip problem. The Potters manager has no new injury concerns ahead of the bet365 encounter.

West Brom will make a late assessment on Jonny Evans’ ongoing calf problem, while Tony Pulis has conceded they are still waiting to hear if Allan Nyom is cleared to play after withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Paul Clement has confirmed that recent additions Martin Olsson and Tom Carroll will feature at Anfield, though fellow new boy Luciano Narsingh is doubtful with a calf complaint.

Heurelho Gomes remains a doubt for Watford’s trip to Bournemouth due to a back problem. Daryl Janmaat (groin) will be assessed, while Isaac Success and Nordin Amrabat remain sidelined.

Javier Manquillo has been ruled out of Sunderland’s trip to West Brom with a calf complaint. David Moyes expects Jack Rodwell to be available but is less optimistic on Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar’s chances of recovering in time.

Marc Wilson is sidelined for Bournemouth’s home match with Watford due to a hamstring problem. The Cherries are also without Simon Francis, who serves the last of a three-match suspension.

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.

907 Comments Post a Comment
  1. EKA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Sell Siggy & Carroll (-4) to ????

    A) Lukaku & de roon (3-4-3)
    B) Coutinho & Crouch (3-5-2)

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

      no

    2. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      b

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

      I wouldn't, but out of A or B I would go for B

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

    Is Brunt still nailed with Livermore coming in? Any reason to be concerned he was taken off early vs Spurs?

    1. dicky2014
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Why would Livermore have any impact on Brunt?

      1. preseasonblues
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Nothing direct, but a more defensive midfielder may free up a space for more creativity on the flanks. This is assuming long term with Nyom playing again.

    2. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Different positions

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

    Benteke>Giroud worth a hit?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No IMO. Difficult one though.

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

      close but probably no.

      I can see giroud scoring however,

    3. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Nope

    5. dicky2014
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Didnt know anyone still had Benteke

  4. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Can't decide which defender to bring in next week:

    Already have Alonso so it's between Baines Brunt and Rose/Walker.

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

      Coleman? WIlliams?

      1. as33
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        what about Lovren?

        1. JÆKS ⭐
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Already have him

      2. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Would rather have Baines than those 2 though

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Brunt fixtures
      Rose/walker form
      Baines penos

      That's tough tbh ... Brunt this week or rose next week imo.

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        They all have the fixtures, would like all of them!

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

      Baines with nice fixtures incoming plus no blank

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yea should def keep an eye on those blank, noticed that Everton won't have one in 26 or 28. Not sure about WBA and Spurs though, if Spurs have a blank, I might leave Rose/Walker for now, with EL coming up as well.

  5. OBAMA
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Foster / Grant

    Daniels / Brunt / Alonso

    Coutinho / Pedro / Sánchez / Stanislas

    Kane / Defoe / Giroud

    1.6mil ITB. (ON A WILDCARD)

    Thoughts please???

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

      Why Foster before Heaton?
      Nice team

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

        just money

        1. Adams6
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          with 1.6 ITB?

  6. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Have 1FT and 4.0 ITB. Planning to do Hazard -> Eriksen and maybe Anichebe -> Lukaku next week
    A) Pogba -> Coutinho
    B) Save
    C) Other

    Grant
    Alonso, Valencia, Cedric
    Sanchez, Hazard, Pogba, Phillips, Stanislas
    Ibra, Giroud

    Pickford, Holebas, Anichebe, Amat

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

      Save

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

        Little bit worried about Coutinho versus Swansea and price rise.

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

          Would be surprised if he got more than 60 minutes.

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

            Yeah not so important fixture. Thanks

  7. michudagawd
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    How do I look for the weekend?

    BB -4

    Heaton Randolph
    Alonso Koscielny Brunt Friend Yoshida
    Sanchez Alli Lallana Phillips Stanislas
    Ibra Lukaku Benteke

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Don't

      1. michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Why?

    2. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Good, although I wouldn't play BB

      1. michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Why? My team has good fixtures for the most part. I've already wildcarded.

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

          Surely you would want to save it for a double gameweek?

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

          Don't do it - I beg you!

          1. michudagawd
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            I've already decided to use it. The best you can hope for from the Bench Boost is about 30 extra points and I hope to get at least 18 from it so I don't think I'll lose out much from not using it in a DGW.

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

              Your funeral 😉

              1. michudagawd
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 3 months ago

                I think you're placing way too much value on the Bench Boost.

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

                  That's fine mate - you go ahead 🙂

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

                  Nah, you're devaluing it

                  1. michudagawd
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 3 months ago

                    No I amn't. I'm playing it at a time I feel is right for me. My team has good fixtures for the most part and I've already wildcarded so can forget about planning for this aspect of the game for the rest of the season and concentrate on climbing the ranks with my TC chip and free transfers.

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

      BB for DGW (WC week before)

      1. michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I've already used my second wildcard. Using BB in a DGW is probably preferable but with my WC gone I don't see any need to hang onto BB so I'm using it now while my team has good fixtures. I'll use the Triple Captain chip in a DGW though of course.

    4. Lazarus Star
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Save BB for DGW.
      Bench Tekkers, Friend and Yoshida.

      Heaton will concede but should get some save points.

    5. Adams6
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'm really not sure why you bothered asking if you're just going to ignore the community's unanimous advice against what you propose.

      But, for what it's worth;

      Using Bench boost this week is ridiculous

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

        You're talking to the wall mate - let him go ahead and prove us wrong!

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

    @Dunas.

    Fabio has been playing when Friend was injured, then moved over to RB when Barragan was out. Yes, Fabio kept Friend out for a couple of games due to his performances, but Friend is a leader in the team and the Boro fans forums don't expect Fabio to take his place. Barragan or Fabio for the RB spot (Fabio more attacking). Or Barragan could replace Bernardo if they continue to play 3 at the back

    Reply
    0

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Chuffed to hear that as a Friend

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Friend is the guy.

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

    Foster / Grant

    Daniels / Brunt / Alonso

    Coutinho / Pedro / Sánchez / Stanislas

    Kane / Defoe / Giroud

    1.6mil ITB. (ON A WILDCARD)

    Thoughts please????

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

      ???

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

    Play Jones od Friend ?
    Also, do you think Kane Eriksen Dele is an overkill ? Coutinho better option to bring than Dele and have spot for Spurs def ?

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

      you deffo dont want all 3 for this gw.

      Coutinho will score this gw

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

        Thinking about next week

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Friend offers more attacking potential but PJones can do well in a cleanie, PJones, just.

      KED is okay, in a 3-5-2. Phil's stock is at rock bottom, try to bring him in, tough choices.

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

        You are right about Spurs but I feel like MUN won't keep cs

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Maybe 3 PL away cleanies on the trot is too much to ask?

  11. FPL FREAK
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is Nyom a regular starter is he going to play this week...???

    And what about Costa is he starting this week...???

    1. ATOM AND HUMBER
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Regular starter when available for selection, wait for news today from Fifa to see if he can play while AFCON is on.

  12. OBAMA
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is Baines going to start?

    Is Costa going to start?

    Kane or Ibra? -> long term wise

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      1) Should Start
      2) Likely or will be at bench at least
      3) Both

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, probably and Harry (better team, better football)

    3. MTPockets
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Obv guessing: No, Yes, Ibra (although potential gw26 blank).

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

      Any 3.9 defenders that could feasibly get playing time? Thinking perhaps Lenihan (Hull) and Wilson (Bournemouth)?

      Given Amat appears to have been benched, and Love is only playing because of injuries, I'm wondering whether there's any practical difference between a 4.0 5th defender and a 3.9 one...

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Same here, went MWilson & Wasil.

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

        There's 0.1 in it. Either pay the extra for a playing 5th def or go as cheap as poss and take the risk!

        1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          no mate....suggest a 4 who plays then

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

            Don't think there are any at 3.9 or 4.0, that was my point! It's a risk.

    5. FPL FREAK
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Should I get Nyom or Yoshida...??? Should be regular starter

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

        Nyom still doesn't have clearance to play from FIFA so Yoshida.

      2. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Wait for any news today from FIFA

    6. gigilomba1994
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Football fan dissertation survey, takes 3 mins only, any help is much appreciated! Last entries! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMpXlLLInC2X1VoNHSEMwhuYUgtFg4efyys0-ChftZ0s1EDA/viewform?c=0&w=1

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Done (Y)

    7. Carcetti
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Shall I captain Costa?

      1. MTPockets
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I will if press conference is definitive (which it won't be).

        • TLF
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Wait for presser at 1pm

        • ATOM AND HUMBER
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Worth a punt. He either starts or isn't in the squad, just make sure you have a definite started as VC.

      2. Lazarus Star
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        With all these underlying stats and team news flying around starting to think my early move of Hazard & Giroud > Pedro & Kane was a bit premature.

        Quick poll.

        Who would you want in your team;
        1) GW22 only
        2) Ongoing

        A) Hazard & Giroud
        B) Pedro & Kane

        1. Lazarus Star
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Assume you have Alonso, Sanchez and Alli

        2. MTPockets
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Assuming all started, A for both.

          • Crow
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            A for 1 week and B for the next, but they're both grand

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

          Hey lads! Got 2 FTs and no easy moves to make until I downgrade Hazard next week to free up cash. Which is the better use of a FT?

          A) Capoue to a different 5th mid (someone with GW26/28 blanks in mind)
          B) Benteke to 1 week punt (7.4 or less to spend)
          C) Cedric to Funes Mori (if I wait, I can try and get Baines instead though)

        4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Carrol --> crouch ?

          Give me more cash to play with in next few gw

          Have 2 ft and don't know who to use it on. Use it or lose it

          1. Lazarus Star
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            If you did would you play Crouch this GW? Depends what it helps upgrade. Carrol is on a high after last week and Payet news.

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

            Worth it if you want to move towards a 3-5-2

          3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks both . Sorry for late reply

            I'm thinking in future it helps me upgrade de roon to coutino or alli in a 5 3 2

            Your right though carrol could be decent in a 4 4 2

        5. gforce85
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          is there a prize for the ffs league.

          1. Lazarus Star
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Ultimate Bragging Rights on here

          2. Lazarus Star
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Guest Spot on the Scoutcast?

            1. gforce85
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              was just wondering. im up to 7th now.

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

                Had a feeling you may be doing OK in it.

              2. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 3 months ago

                Why did you join the league if you don't comment on here?

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

                  I'm gonna do a proper frequent posters league next season

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

                    I'm going to start +1ing all posts...

                  2. Twisted Saltergater
                    • 14 Years
                    7 years, 3 months ago

                    Yeah, I don't want it to be clique-y on here, but joining a league just because you're doing well and asking if there are prizes kind of takes the biscuit.

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

                    Define proper frequent poster. Do you have to post properly on a frequent basis or can you post any old crap frequently like me?

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

                      😆

                      You're one of my favourite posters btw.

                      1. Pasqualinho
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        I take it from this that you must be very good at separating wheat from chaff. A good trait in an FPL Manager.

                2. gforce85
                  • 13 Years
                  7 years, 3 months ago

                  i still visit this page daily, i just dont comment as im at work. but iv followed this page regularly for 3 years now.

        6. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Foster
          Lovren Williams Cedric (Holebas, Amat)
          Sanchez Eriksen Firmino Stanislas (Siggy)
          Ibra Giroud Rondon

          1FT (1.5ITB)

          I'm thinking of saving unless anyone has any better ideas 🙂

          1. roflmaofc
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            U really need Chelsea!

            1. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              I did think of maybe Siggy -> Pedro and OOA

              Lovren & Cedric at the back.

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

          Guys,

          play bellerin or transfer him to brunt ?

          tnks

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

            Play, looks like he's available.

          2. Lazarus Star
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            I'd say play, but he is a lot of money. Who is coming off your bench if he doesn't start? Do you have Alonso & Baines?

          3. Alnair
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Keep.

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

          Hey guys thoughts please :-

          Heaton (Pickford)
          Lovren Pieters Kelly (Evans Kingsley)
          Hazard Sanchez (c) Eriksen Phillips (Fletcher)
          Aguero Costa Defoe

          If Costa is confirmed as playing in the presser I am tempted to do Aguero > Ibra with my 1FT

          1. MTPockets
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Probably not a bad move. Also have Costa/Aguero and been holding off FT for news, but have Ibra.

          2. IWR
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Next week for free:

            Stanislas-Carroll
            Daniels-Rose

            I know Stanislas out is strange, but it's the only way to get some more cash for my starters. Leaves me with the below and 0.2

            Heaton (Jaku)
            Rose, Baines, Brunt (Chambers, Yoshi)
            Sanchez, Haz, Alli, Phillips (Carroll)
            Ibra, Lukaku, Giroud

            1. MTPockets
                7 years, 3 months ago

                If it matters bear in mind BOU/EVE/WBA//WHU have no risk of blank gw any time soon.

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

              The Captain poll at home page, where is it?

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

                ignore this, found it

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

              Really struggling ... 2fts ... Kun -> Lukaku ?

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

                Kun Negredo D.Flethcher -> Kaku Crouch Alli (352) ?

            4. Gooner97
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Play Holebas(bou) or Gibson(WHU)?

            5. Sadio
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Who to start out of this lot:

              A) Pogba
              B) Eriksen
              C) Jones

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

                Eriksen

              2. roflmaofc
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 3 months ago

                Jones

            6. @FPLStrategist
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              I have Alli, Rose and Eriksen.

              Alli to Coutinho or Lallana or just stick with Alli

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

                Alli

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

                Coutinho. Swansea and Hull in next 3

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

                  Alli hasn't Sun Mid next 3..

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

                    He's got Eriksen though and I love Cout dog 😉

                    1. roflmaofc
                      • 11 Years
                      7 years, 3 months ago

                      Crap.

            7. Roosey
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Which two out of these four do people reckon I should play for this GW?

              1: Williams (cry)
              2: Friend (WHU)
              3: Fletcher (SUN)
              4: Crouch (MUN)