Team News

The Weekend Team News

Romelu Lukaku recovers from a calf problem in time for Everton’s Goodison Park clash with Sunderland. Andy Carroll remains a major doubt as West Ham travel to Watford, while Middlesbrough have a string of injury concerns in defence ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace.

Romelu Lukaku is available for Everton’s home match with Sunderland after recovering from a calf complaint. Ronald Koeman has also confirmed that Kevin Mirallas and James McCarthy are back in contention, with all three returning to training earlier in the week.

David Moyes has revealed that Jordan Pickford is back in training for Sunderland’s Goodison trip, though went on to say “we’ll have to see if he’s ready”. Steven Pienaar is doubtful due to a calf problem, while Jan Kirchhoff remains sidelined, despite stepping up his recovery with a return to training earlier in the week.

Middlesbrough have concerns over a trio of defenders for their trip to Crystal Palace. Antonio Karanka has confirmed that Antonio Barragan remains on the sidelines, while both George Friend and Calum Chambers have failed to train and are set to be assessed.

Andy Carroll has yet to train ahead of West Ham’s match with Watford and is a big doubt for the Vicarage Road showdown. Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku and Andrew Ayew all back in contention.

Craig Cathcart, Sebastian Prodl and Valon Behrami are all doubtful for the Hornets. Juan Zuniga has recovered from illness, though Costel Pantilimon, Nordin Amrabat and Christian Kabasele remain sidelined.

Sean Dyche is mulling over his Burnley midfield options, with both Steven Defour and Johann Berg Gudmundsson sidelined through injury for the trip to Hull City, while Jeff Hendrick serves the last of a three-match suspension.

Simon Francis is expected to be ruled out of Bournemouth’s visit to the Hawthorns, while Eddie Howe is set to make a late decision on the fitness of Jack Wilshere.

Tony Pulis was typically vague this morning ahead of West Brom’s clash with the Cherries – the Baggies boss revealed his squad have “one or two niggles” but failed to elaborate.

Ki Sung-yeung, Nathan Dyer and Jefferson Montero are all ruled out through injury as Swansea City make their way to league leaders Chelsea.

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 page accordingly to keep you informed.

737 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jim Moriarty
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Mane - Leicester away
    Kane - stoke home
    Hazard - Swansea home
    Lukaku - Sunderland home

    How do you decide on captain between those ? Lukaku because it's Sunderland for me

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Costa - home Swansea
      He has goals vs them and the only he has reached double figures this season

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

    Who will score more points?

    A) Ibra (blank BOU blank mid WBA
    B) Costa - 4 points (SWA whu blank sto CRY)

  3. Smoky Johnson
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    GW26 captaincy: Costa vs. Lukaku

    Costa vs SWA: Has not scored in over 3 PL-games. 1 shot on target in over 4 games, almost never scores more than a goal plus assist in PL. Swansea have improved significantly under Clement.

    Lukaku vs SUN: Scored 4 goals vs Bournemouth just 20 days ago. Also scored a hat-trick vs Sunderland earlier this season.

    Sunderland have conceded 22 goals away this season.
    Swansea have conceded 26 goals away this season.

    Chelsea have scored 33 goals at home this season.
    Everton have scored 25 goals at home this season.

    Recent two PL meetings:
    EVE-SUN 3-0, SUN-EVE 0-3
    SWA-CHE 2-2, SWA-CHE 1-0

    Feels like Lukaku edges it.

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

      Nailed it

  4. Philip Jones's Diary
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Should I play:
    A - Tom Davies (SUN)
    B - Jonny Evans (BOU)

  5. Tomcooper9
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is alli to firmino for a hit madness? Used my FT to do sanchez to mane. Would still leave me with eriksen, just thinking that liverpool mids could score well over the next few fixtures.

    1. Rossaldinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      no its not madness but don't you have anyone else you could sacrifice?

      1. Tomcooper9
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Current midfield: mane, siggy, alli, eriksen, phillips. So i guess it would be between eriksen or alli if i risked it?

        1. Rossaldinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Don't think you should double up with Firmino - you have 2 Spurs midfielders who could do well (I have them both too) but i have iwobi so I'm looking to bring in Firmino (I can't afford Mane). Take out one of the Spurs midfielders next week and bring in Sterling

  6. Jeremiah
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Ibra > Lukaku a no brainer?