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

    On a bench boost this week. Any suggestions who I can transfer Blind to for -4? Max'd out on Southampton & City with £5.2m max to spend.

    a] Jones
    b] Bavies
    c] Fuchs
    d] other?

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

      Look, I know as a transfer it has all the glamour of a public toilet, but I did Blind to Brunt

  2. Tommyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    If you knew Hazard would start both would you captain him?

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

      No

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Why wouldn't he start both?

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

        If Chelsea wrap the title tonight, he might be rested for Watford.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Oh, I see.
          *removes VC armband*

          @TommyG
          IF I knew he were starting both, then I would make him VC to Jesus. Would be a good option though.

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Quite possibly yes, with Sanchez vice.

    4. Darklord_bg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes...but there is big doubt of that so no.

  3. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Managed to sneak 15 DGW players in for BB. Gtg?

    Caballero
    Alonso Mustafi Holding
    Alli Fabregas Sanchez Haz Sane
    Jesus Kane

    Pickford Yoshida Stephens Anichebe

    1. KLOPPTOMANIA
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Looks decent. Haz and Alonso may be minutes limited.

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Where is JT?

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

        Not happening. Is this ok

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Absolutely. Finally you're back to your sensible choices. Looking good btw with "sensible" punts

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

            Cheers pal

    3. Bolasie Come Home
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah looks great! Only managed to get 14 myself

    4. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I like the Mustafi pick - fairly nailed and a goal threat

    5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Alonso
      Alli
      Fabs
      Holding
      Haz
      Anchiebe 4 or less points only

      All potential reduced mins. But a strong team

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

        Well then the same for many others. I can't completely dismantle my team with no WC pal.

  4. bring_on _the_fantasy
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Holding or Benalouane?

    Benalouane more nailed but tough fixtures!

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Holding of the two. Benalouane will do well to get 3/4 points even if he plays both games.

  5. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    DDG Pickford
    Alonso huth yoshida Stephens Maguire
    Sanchez hazard Alli King Pedro
    Kane Jesus anichebe
    0.4 ITB 1 FT
    GTG? Will huth start both games?
    Don't like going in with a doubtful player!
    Cheers!

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

      Dont think he will. I have almost identical team. Considering Huth to Cedric or Alli + Huth to Sane + Kompany. Thoughts?

  6. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Thinking Gab, Gab, Haz to Lukaku, BDavies, Fab.

    Then good to go?

    Cech/Pickford
    Kompany Yoshida Stephens Huth Gabriel
    Eriksen Hazard king Sanchez Sane
    Gab Jesus Vardy

  7. JIC
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Who do you take out to create funds out of;

    Kane
    Costa
    Hazard
    Sane

    and in what order?

    1. Taking The Mkhii
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Costa
      Hazard
      Sané
      Kane

    2. 404_FC
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      costa

    3. Lucky_Z
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      3214

    4. Darklord_bg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard
      Costa
      Sane
      Kane

  8. Arsène Around
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    BB Squad

    Cech - Jakupovic
    Stones - Stephens - Cahill - Holgate - Pieters
    King - Hazard - Sanchez(c) - Eriksen - Zaha
    Kane - Costa - Gabbs

    Going to do:
    A
    Stones > Gibbs
    Pieters > Yoshida
    Hazard > KDB (-8)

    Or
    B
    Stones > Holding
    Pieters > Clichy / Davies (Will Clichy play 180 mins??)
    Hazard > KDB (-8)

    Which option is less mental? Need 49 points on league leader (He's got no BB)

  9. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Firmino out to a DGWer (-4) due to potential injury? If so who?

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      City Mid probably

      1. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Sane?

      2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Got jesus and sane

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

      Cesc?

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Got 3 Che

  10. Bis_78
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    -8 point hit for my Bench Boost???

    Randolph > Caballero (already done)
    Stones > Stephens / Holding
    Origi > Jesus

    Also thinking -12 to get rid of Gabriel???

  11. Phil Dagger ⭐
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Get Pedro or Fabregas ?? Any Consensus? Think Pedro will start vs W.Brom?

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

      Pedro
      With Kante fit, fabregas minutes will be reduced IMO

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

        I had the same dilemma for my team against the scout picks. Went for pedro

      2. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Agreed.

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

      Pedro

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

      Pedro

    4. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      cheers Pedro it is

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

    Repost. 1ft,0itb. BB active.

    Cech, Pickford
    Alonso, Monreal, *Huth*, Yoshi, Stephens
    Sanchez(c), Hazard, Eriksen, Pedro, King
    Kane, Jesus, Anichebe

    A. Huth to Cedric
    B. Eriksen + Huth to Sane + Kompany

  13. Kabayan
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Need your advice guys...
    A. Vert + Mustafi + Sane
    Or
    B. Stephen + Gibbs + KDB
    Thank you
    (Already have Monreal and Yoshida and wanna City's Mid)

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

      A

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

        Cheers

  14. HazardAGuess
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Caballero / Pickford
    Alonso / Vertonghen / Monreal / Stephens / Holgate
    Sanchez (C) / Hazard / Eriksen / Sane / King
    Kane / Jesus / Gabbiadini

    0.0 ITB; 2 FTs.

    Holgate > Holding worth a shout?

    Don't love Gabbi, but the downgrades are uninspiring; the upgrades are a bit too pricey. Any thoughts?

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

      Great team!

      ...well it's the exact same as mine, just Monreal instead of Bailly & Yoshida for Holgate. 1FT an personally not sure if I should bother with a move.

      😉

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

        ... I'm seeing double.

  15. 404_FC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    reposted

    pick 1 for this week

    a. kane (hav alli)
    b. welbeck (hav alexis)
    c. vardy

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

      C

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kane

    3. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kane without a doubt.

    4. Bis_78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kane. He wants golden boot.

  16. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed

    Worth replacing Blind for a -4 (Already on a -8)? If so, best replacement I can get for 5.9?

    1. 404_FC
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      monreal or stephens + upgrade

      1. Disco Stu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Have Mineral and Yoshida. Was thinking Mustafi

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

      Hop on the Brunt bandwagon

      It's a bit lonely so far

    3. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, Monreal/Mustafi.

  17. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    With no real news on Koscielny, I guess it's Kos -> Kompany right?

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      yes Komp or Monreal looks best choice

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

      That's my FT - bit dull, but hey!

      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks guys

    3. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Aye

    4. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yip, sounds good

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

      No Mustafi love?

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

      Is it a FT?

      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, my FT

    7. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Who's your goaly. I'm on willy and Pickford so thinking monreal or holding

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

      Same boat here, considering Monreal or Kompany

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

        Keep forgetting I have Caballero meaning I have 3 MCY already. Monreal it is

      2. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Ah, good point. I have Willy, which means more thinking!

    9. GHB
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think I'm going Otamendi - don't want to go from one injury prone to another!

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

        Good point

      2. Prøfeßör …
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        True, from one injury prone player to another.

        Although Otamendi is a rotation risk with Stones back.

        1. GHB
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I know - can't make my mind up on that basis as well

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

    A) Huth + De Roon + Lukaku > Yoshida*+ Albrighton + Jesus (-8)

    B) Huth + De Roon + Lukaku > Clichy+ Albrighton + Jesus (-8)

    Already own Stephens

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

      B

    2. 404_FC
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      b

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

        Cheers

    3. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Wouldn't get rid of Lukaku

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

        Thinking that as well honestly. But if I don't, only person I can get in for Huth is Holding.

  19. Taking The Mkhii
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Gabbiadini to Defoe for -4?

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

      No way IMO

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      nah

  20. Boydinho
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    is 4 SGW too much or should i take one of them out for a DGW for a -4 Currently having Llorente, King, Daniels, Maguire in my BB-team

    1. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hard to ditch any of them for a -4

      Definitely keep Llorente and King imo.

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

        Daniels is the most appealing but then they have Burnley at home. May as well keep all four

  21. Kanteisking
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Costa or Kane. That is the question

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kane. This is the answer

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

        I was hoping you would say Kane

    2. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Costa for me, great record v WBA and Watford

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

      Both, but if i had to choose one, look at my grav 😉

  22. FPL123456
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Foster//Pickford
    Davies/Holgate/Yoshida/Bailly/Stephens
    Sanchez/Hazard/KDB/Fabregas/Albrighton
    Vardy/Gabbs/Jesus

    0.2 ITB, any changes or GTG? No FT.

    1. FPL123456
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      *Playing bench boost*

  23. DR0GBA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Yoshida or Holding?

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

      Holding for me, though i got Yoshida and 3 other Gunners

      1. DR0GBA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Is he likely to be benched more than played?

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

          He should start, 2 straight CS. Not up to date with their injury list though

  24. NachoMan
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    On a Bench Boost. G2G?

    Cech, Willy

    Azpi, Stephens. Yoshi, Holgate, Smith

    Eriksen, Hazard, San(c)hez, Sane, King

    Jesus, Big Victor, Kane

    Tempted to get Holding in.

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Good to go except PVA upfront.

  25. UTFB
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Who do you reckon will do better...

    A. Blind and Fabregas
    B. Kompany / Vertonghan and King

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

      Komp and King

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

      B

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

      B

    4. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B

  26. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Kelly, Townsend and Hazard

    to

    Benalouane, Sterling and Sanchez (-8)

    No brainer? Particularly with two SGW players getting ditched?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't be so sure, could be good moves though

  27. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What to do with this defence? 0.8itb

    Gabriel, Bertrand, yoshida, Stones, benalouane

    1. Bis_78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I have Stones and Gabriel problem.

    2. Bis_78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'm thinking Stephens and Holding but then there is also Gibbs.

  28. KeepCalm
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is Anichebe nailed for the DGW?

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

      Does it matter, 4pts isn't an amazing tally.

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

        He's a starting forward. Got to do something

  29. Joey Barton and Friends
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Why are people saying Hazard will get limited minutes? I was planning on captaining him

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Chelsea could wrap up the title in the first game, meaning a youngster could fill in against Watford.

      1. Joey Barton and Friends
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        To be honest I just dont see that happening.

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

          His minutes will probably be managed though since they have the FA cup final left aswell.

  30. hannibalos
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Robertson my only non DGW player at 4.3M.

    Have NO money in the bank.

    Keep for the DGW or transfer out. Unfortunately there are not any serious competitors at 4.3M max with DGW and good fixtures that will play both games.

    Prodl maybe? Someone else? Keep?

    Tough choice.

    1. hannibalos
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Forgot to mention. Have Bertrand so not too keen for another Saint defender.

    2. Johqvist
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I guess Holding is the best bet.