Team News

The Gameweek 37 Team News

Roberto Firmino will be assessed as Liverpool head to West Ham. N’Golo Kante is available for Chelsea’s trip to West Bromwich Albion this evening but Laurent Koscielny remains doubtful as Arsenal visit Stoke City.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman will be without Maarten Stekelenburg (groin) for the home encounter against Watford. Morgan Schneiderlin is available again following a thigh complaint, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ademola Lookman and Jonjoe Kenny are all away on international duty with England U20s. Muhamed Besic will be named among the substitutes following a serious knee injury.

Watford will again be without Miguel Britos (calf) and Craig Cathcart (knee) for the trip to Goodison Park, but head coach Walter Mazzarri will welcome back Jose Holebas from a foot injury. The Italian has yet to decide whether the Greek defender will come straight back into the starting XI, though on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Matt Phillips remains out for West Bromwich Albion’s home fixture against Chelsea due to a hamstring injury, but Hal Robson-Kanu will undergo a late fitness test to assess a similar complaint. Baggies head coach Tony Pulis hopes defender Jonny Evans (ankle) will be fine after he had to be substituted in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Burnley.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte revealed there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to The Hawthorns, with midfielder N’Golo Kante back in the squad after missing the 3-0 win against Middlesbrough due to a thigh problem.

Danny Drinkwater will miss Leicester City’s trip to Manchester City due to a thigh injury suffered in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Watford. Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare will also be without Wes Morgan (hamstring) for the trip to the Etihad, while Robert Huth is doubtful due to a foot injury.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has been handed a boost after Dan Gosling returned to contention ahead of the home fixture against Burnley. Ryan Fraser is dealing with a slight Achilles issue, but the Cherries boss is hopeful the winger will be able to feature.

Burnley defender Ben Mee is expected to remain out for the trip to Bournemouth due to an ankle injury, but Michael Keane (knock) could be available to return after training with the rest of the squad on Thursday.

Middlesbrough interim head coach Steve Agnew could again be without Victor Valdes (rib), Daniel Ayala (ankle) and Gaston Ramirez (pelvic injury) for the home meeting with Southampton. Midfielder Adlene Guedioura is also a slight doubt due to a groin injury.

Saints boss Claude Puel has no fresh injury concerns following Wednesday night’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, but Charlie Austin could be ready to return to the squad following a shoulder injury. Matt Targett and Jeremy Pied are also close to being available again.

Angel Rangel and Wayne Routledge have returned to full training ahead of Swansea City’s trip to Sunderland. Both players could come into contention to be named among the substitutes.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the home meeting with Arsenal.

Laurent Koscielny (calf) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hamstring) are both doubts ahead of the Gunners’ trip to the bet365 Stadium.

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce has a number of injury concerns ahead of the crucial home clash against Hull City. James Tomkins (ankle) and Yohan Cabaye (knock) are the two injured players most likely to return, with the pair said to be making “good progress.” Joel Ward (broken nose) and Andros Townsend (Achilles) are slight doubts, but the pair are likely to be fit enough to start. Big Sam revealed he may also consider taking a “calculated risk” on defender Scott Dann, who has missed the last seven matches due to a knee injury.

Hull midfielder Lazar Markovic has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ankle injury, but Omar Elabdellaoui is available again for the trip to Selhurst Park following a back problem.

Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate will miss West Ham United’s home clash against Liverpool, with both players undergoing season-ending surgery. Noble will have an operation on Saturday to rectify a long-standing abdominal injury, while Kouyate underwent wrist surgery on Tuesday. Diafra Sakho is also out for the rest of the season, while Andy Carroll remains unavailable due to a groin injury.

Roberto Firmino and Lucas will be monitored for the visitors at the London Stadium, while Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana could return to the starting XI, according to Jurgen Klopp.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tonight’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.

1,283 Comments Post a Comment
  1. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Play Pickford or Forster?

    1. Mickeylicious
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      pickford i would say

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

    No WC last gw means this choice:

    A) KDB+ T.Carroll
    B) Sane + Siggy

    Current front 8
    Sanchez - Hazard - Alli - Siggy - T. Carroll
    Kane - Lukaku - Anichebe

  3. chanvoodoo
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Anything about Firmino?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      is being assessed ahead of the game, a doubt

  4. Ravager
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Honestly hesitant on pulling the trigger from Lukaku > Jesus with my free...but I don't have any City assets. Should I or not?

    Thinking Lukaku could get a haul against Watford today.

    1. Elwood
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I watched the last two games and Lukaku was rubbish. Eve overall were poor.

      I'd get Jesus in.

      1. Ravager
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Hope they stay poor too. Thanks

    2. The_Colonel
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Free scoring city vs stuttering Everton, no brainer if you don't have anything else pressing

      1. Ravager
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Do have other things pressing but this allows me funds to do them anyway. Thank you!

    3. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      But 2 games is more than 1. And he's called Jesus!

      1. Ravager
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers for the replies everyone

    4. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I don't think Lukaku will score anymore for the season

    5. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      If you want a decent differential this week then Lukaku is it, could easily outscore all the DGW strikers.

      1. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Differential on here maybe, but a 40% owned player is NOT a Differential.

  5. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Pickford > Cech
    or
    Capoue > Albrighton

    Any of these worth a -4?

    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Pickford to Cech maybe?

  6. balint84
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    and the last question:
    pedro or cesc?

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      fab

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

    1) koscielny to
    A) otamendi
    B) kompany

    de bruyne instead of
    A) hazard
    B) alli

    1. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B in botj

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

        but hazard might not start the second game

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I was going to get rid of alli but he is now playing 2 weakened teams. Leicester may not have a defence. So I am getting rid of hazard. Has gone missing before when the title has been won

  8. Paully Walnuts
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Thinking of DDG and Chambers to Willy and Monreal for a -4. I have no other City or Arsenal defensive players at the moment.

    Any views?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Don't sell DDG, he should play both.

    2. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Go for it.

    3. meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sounds reasonable to me

  9. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Jaku > Foster/Pickford for a hit? Will be my 5th...

    1. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No

  10. Think
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Repost

    Plz suggest optimal transfers

    A) Hazard+Gabbiadini+Manqillo > Pedro+Jesus+Monreal (have chec) -8

    B) Hazard+Sane > KDB+Pedro -4

    C) Hazard + Gabbiadini > Pedro+Jesus -4

    D) Hazard+Capoue > Silva+ Pedro -4

    It's all down to priority of transfer out ( Gabi-Hazard-Manq-Capoue)
    And transfer in (KDB/Jesus-Pedro)

    Help before last roll of dice.Thanks.

    1. The_Colonel
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Really don't think Hazard will do anything?

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        This. Keep Hazard

      2. Think
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Covering with pedro and desperate to ship out Gabbiadini. Can only improve Gabbiadini with fund from somewhere and don't want to loose Sanchez or Alonso.

        1. The_Colonel
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I Gabbiadini is your primary concern then its either A or C

          1. The_Colonel
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            *if

    2. Arn De Gothia
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      a

  11. manbenpig
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Willy, Cech
    Alonso, Monreal, Stephens, Huth, Maguire
    Alli, Hazard, Sanchez, King, Albrighton
    Kane, Jesus, Gabbi

    1FT, 0.2 ITB, BB active

    Was set on Maguire to Yoshida, but with Huth a doubt I probably need to do something with him as well.

    A) Maguire to Yoshida, keep Huth
    B) Huth to someone up to 5.1 (Davies?), keep Maguire
    C) Both for -4
    D) Huth to Clichy, Maguire to 4.3 (-4)
    E) Something else

    Completely torn, any suggestions appreciated!

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      C

      1. manbenpig
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        thanks

  12. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Best option to complete this defence? Budget 4.9m

    Ddg Pickford
    Luiz Toby Bertrand holding xxxx

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yoshi

      1. TokyoRisingSun
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        This

    2. Elwood
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Davies

    3. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Wait on Poch press conference but Ben Davies maybe if Danny Rose isnt fit. Otherwise Danny Simpson or Jack Stephens.

  13. Patio Kev
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Am on Bench Boost this week with 1 FT but 2 yellow flags and £0.0m ITB

    Which transfer would you prioritise ?

    Huth to Ben Davies (Or any other £4.9m or less but not Southampton)
    Kosc to Monreal (Or any other less than £6.1m not Chelsea or Man City)

    Am already fully loaded up on Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal & Southampton.

    1. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yep. Do it

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Monreal

      1. Patio Kev
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, really cant decide between which one to choose, will be gutted if Kosc does make it if I move him out but will be even more gutted if I only end up with 13 players on Bench Boost.

  14. nonprophet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is a minus 12 to get Sanchez in for ozil to crazy..I'm leading mini league by 63 so it would essentially be a 51 point lead and it would leave us with same team apart from 2 players?

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Does the other guy have Sanchez?

    2. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yep

      1. TokyoRisingSun
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Then yes.

        1. TokyoRisingSun
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I mean go for it

    3. The_Colonel
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      If your only objective is to win your mini league then it makes sense I guess.

    4. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nope, go for it, if winning your mini league is more important to you than improving your OR. Definitely a viable tactic.

    5. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks guys. A really appreciated. After the start I had I'd be more than stoked on top 100k and mini league win

  15. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Just looking for a few more comments - pages moving fast!

    Please help! On BB

    Willy/ Pickford
    Alonso/ Yoshida/ Stephens/ Gabriel **/ Holgate *
    Sanchez/ Hazard/ Alli/ Sane/ King *
    Jesus/ Kane/ Anichebe

    * SGW but plum fixture
    ** not playing

    Biggest issue is clearly Gabriel. I’ve got 0.5 in the bank so do I go for…

    A) Gabriel ---> Holding or Gibbs (sticking with Arse but risky playing time)
    B) Gabriel ---> Fuchs (nailed, DGW but not great fixtures)
    C) Gabriel + Holgate ---> Holding and Fuchs (cost me a -4 and give up a plum SGW for a dodgy DGW)
    D) Gabriel + King ---> Holding + Fabregas (bring in another DGW but both dodgy time wise)
    E) Can you see anything better?

    1. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Gabriel > Brunt

    2. Mike82
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Gabriel to Gibbs for me, hold on the others, Everton good fixture at home for CS, King at home to Burnley looks too.

    3. meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Gabriel to Gibbs (60+ minutes in the last 4 matches, 3 CS)

  16. 404_FC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    what do u think about ars def if all fit?

    a. ox/ber - kos + mustafi + holding - monreal (gibbs)
    b. ox/ber - kos + mustafi + monreal - gibbs (holding)

  17. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What should I do with Koscielny? Keep him or transfer him out? If out, to whom then?

    (*) playing BB this week

    Thx!

    1. mcrayeps
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      city def

    2. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      get Monreal

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Wait for an update from wenger then decide

      1. The_Colonel
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Wenger already said only has a small chance of making it

        http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20170511/team-news-latest-on-koscielny-the-ox

    4. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      The question of the week. Idk... it's pretty much a coin flip, I have him too

    5. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I keep
      Stoke is very tough game and Arsene know this. I am not sure he can afford playing without Kosc and what he stated makes me think he already had this in mind when he did not play Kosc as a precaution against southampton

  18. Gonna mesut up
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Darmian to play both games? Worth swapping out if not?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Prob not - worth swapping for Monreal or Kompany

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Risky. Bailey probably more nailed

  19. mcrayeps
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    there is no Chelsea in PremierInjuries

  20. Vlad
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    with Kante back... does it make any sense to take a punt on Fabregas? ? ?

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      You'd imagine fab will have to get some time over the dgw. Especially after his performance in Monday.

  21. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone going for vardy cap?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      o/

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        atm
        may switch to KDB if i got him

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No chance.

  22. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    best choice here guys

    A. Alli and Gabriel to KDB and Davies (-4)
    b. Hazard and Gabriel to KDB and Alderwield (-4)
    C. Gabriel to Kompany

    chasing my ML rival and he is 32pts ahead and have
    sanchez Hazard Alli King

    so was leaning towards a or b and captain KDB probably,,, but i may be wrong

    thoughts ?!

  23. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    KDB--king--siggyyy-hazard---(carrol)
    jesus--lukaku--kane

    GTG on wc????

  24. Sergeant Garcia
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Need to ditch Kos & Huth already :/

    Who to bring in? Monreal safest bet in Arsenal defence?

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      yep. Monreal and Vertonghen if possible

    2. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Ha ha - same here, see my comment above.

      Am leaning towards chancing Kos playing in 1 game and swapping Huth for Ben Davies for the same assumption.

    3. Das Phantom
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I am doubling up on Arsenal for M&M.
      Own Monreal and getting Mustafi.
      Blind+Gabriel > Stephens+Mustafi

  25. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is there any Arsenal presser before deadline today?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Doesn't look like it

  26. ignis88
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What's best:

    A) Play King

    B) Bench King, play Holding (-4)

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

      A

  27. Delhidynamo
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Which of these will pay off better this week?

    A) Ake to Yoshida

    B) Blind to Monreal

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      both

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

      Both

  28. mcrayeps
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Kosc + King -> Stephens + Sane worth for -4 hit?
    or just Kosc -> Kompany

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kos to Kompany

  29. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    BB active
    Best move for a hit?
    A) Gabriel to Kone? (won't need him for AOA in 38)
    B) Gabriel to Holding (not sure if he'll play both games)

    Willy Pickford
    Yoshi Gabriel Alonso Bailly Stephens
    Sanchez Fab Alli King Sane
    Kane Gabbi Jesus

    1. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I like kone

  30. willgriggsonfire
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all!
    Cech Caballero
    Monreal Alonso Kone Stephens Yoshida
    Eriksen Sanchez Hazard King Capoue
    Jesus Kane Gabbiadini

    Playing BB.
    Am I gtg?
    Was thinking between Jones and Yoshida but got the latter.
    Anything else you'd suggest?

    1. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Gtg