Team News

The Gameweek 38 Team News

Laurent Koscielny remains a doubt for Arsenal’s home fixture against Everton. Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino faces a late fitness test ahead of Middlesbrough’s weekend visit, while Stoke’s Marko Arnautovic is a concern for the clash with Southampton.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss Arsenal’s final day home meeting with Everton, while Laurent Koscielny will undergo a fitness test today on a calf problem. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey is “alright” according to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, after being forced off with a knock in the midweek win over Sunderland.

Jurgen Klopp is optimistic that Roberto Firmino will recover from the knock that forced him to miss last week’s 4-0 win at West Ham – the Brazilian faces a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s Anfield showdown with Middlesbrough.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will be without Lewis Cook for the trip to Leicester City, with the midfielder away on international duty with the England U20s. Dan Gosling is fit again following a calf complaint, though, and Andrew Surman is also back in contention following a knee injury.

Winston Reid will miss West Ham United’s trip to Burnley after undergoing surgery on a long-standing knee injury.

Harry Maguire, Evandro and Abel Hernandez are all expected to miss Hull City’s home clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Andros Townsend has been ruled out of Crystal Palace’s trip to Manchester United with an Achilles injury, while Yohan Cabaye (foot) is a major doubt. Eagles boss Sam Allardyce did reveal James Tomkins is likely to be passed fit, however.

Marko Arnautovic is the main injury concern for Stoke City manager Mark Hughes ahead of the trip to Southampton after suffering a bang to his elbow in last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Arsenal.

Swansea City head coach Paul Clement could be without Borja Baston (knee) for the home fixture against West Bromwich Albion, but Angel Rangel and Wayne Routledge returned to full training last week and are expected to be available for selection.

West Brom head coach Tony Pulis revealed there were a couple of “knocks and bruises” suffered during the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday night that need to be assessed, with Salomon Rondon (hamstring) believed to be the biggest concern. Gareth McAuley (knock) and Matt Phillips (hamstring) remain major doubts.

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

1,107 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fantasyamateur
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Alright guys, in need of some special advice from you! Atm placed to win about 600 quid. 18 points up to first place which will win 1200 quid, 23 points down to third who wins 350 quid. I'm mostly trying to secure top two with my team:
    Cech
    Alonso - Yoshida - Clichy
    Alexis - Alli - Hazard - King - Sané
    Benteke - Kane
    Bench: Pickford, Gabbiadini, Stephens, Gibson.

    My rival's team:
    Caballero
    Azpi - Yoshida - Davies
    Alexis - Pedro - Eriksen - Sané - King
    Jesus - Kane
    Bench: Pickford, Gabbiadini, Stephens, Gibbs.

    So, what to do? Thinking a hit to get in both Jesus and Coutinho for Benteke and Hazard. In that way I "block" my rival, as well as getting Coutinho which might take me into first.. But I'm clueless on what is the right move..

    Please help guys!

    1. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes. 2 good moves there.

    2. 1895Reds
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard to Coutinho and Captain.

      Good luck

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

      Taking a hit might not be ideal.
      Just Hazard to Cou if you want.

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

        If I only need to bring in Coutinho, Alli out might also be a solution. The big question is obviously Hazards playing time..

    4. SKENG
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      It's a good plan, do it. Congrats on the win!

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

      United are fielding a weak team. I have a feeling Benteke could score a few?

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

        Yeah, me too.. But Watford looked helpless against Chelsea, and I fear that Jesus and City will destroy them..

        1. Voodoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Last game for the manager though. They will want to put on a good performance for him and the fans.

    6. Cookie1977
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think your rival will also get in Coutino, so yes, I think your blocking move is sensible

    7. Voodoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Haz to Cout sounds good...

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

    Thoughts on this

    1) Will Sturridge start?
    2) Gabbi > Sturridge, Huth > Ake -4?

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

      Might have to bench Mahrez...

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

      that is a very risky (-4)...

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

        You figure? Gabbi might be rotated and Huth won't even play...

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

      Do it

    4. zotter
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sure he will. Liverpool need to score. Sturridge their best goal scorer. Simples

  3. Smoky Johnson
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    BUBZ, what transfers you making and what player has your captain armband?

    1. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      *Much obliged!

  4. ol3andre
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Going into the last round in a 4-5-1 haha. Does this look ok?

    DDG (most likely Pickford).

    Azpi - Yoshida - Alderweireld

    Sanchez - Eriksen - Alli - King - Sane

    Jesus (c)

    Subs: Pickford, Nyom, Gabbiadini, Rashford.

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      That's 3-5-1

  5. TheBusDriver
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Who should I triple captain?

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

      Kane

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

          Don't trust anything this muppet says! Can't even keep his word!!

          1. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            *clapping hands emoji*

    2. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      The 64 thousand dollar question right there.

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Costa

  6. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    @TelegraphDucker
    Aguero concerned about how reduced playing time for #mcfc next term would affect potential World Cup place with #arg

    Where should he go?

    1. Voodoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Atletico.

    2. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      PSG

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

      *cough* even with playing time, still barely done a thing for his NT.

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

    I think my last signing of the season will be Sam Vokes. Couldn't get more exciting than that! 😀

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

      What's with all the Vokes love? Got gubbed by a team that needed to win but three CS prior.

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

        Become a member and I'll tell you why. 🙂

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

        You can't buy Aguero with the Gabbi money.

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

    Willy
    Yoshida Alonso Azpi
    Sanchez Hazard Sane Alli King
    Kane Jesus

    Pickford Stephens Benalouane Anichebe

    1 FT

    Had a monster DGW (195) and managed to haul back a huge deficit (140 points 3 weeks ago) in my ML to 1 point in the lead...

    But what move do I need to make to give me the best chance possible of winning GW38??

    Thanks

    1. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Haz out to Coutinho.

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

        That

  9. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    JM: "@paulpogba is fine. Strong guy. Strong mentality. He needs to play on Sunday."

  10. Voodoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Guys can you help?

    If I'm 15 points behind in my ML and I have Kane but the guy on top doesn't, and it's safe to assume he will take a hit to get him in and captain him..

    Do I:

    A) Captain someone else such as Costa (who he doesn't have)
    B) Captain Kane anyway?

    Also, is it worth trying to do the opposite to him in all areas? So if he has Forster in net, do I play Caballero even though I have Forster too?

    Cheers.

  11. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Mourinho on Fosu-Mensah, "Fosu-Mensah will play on Sunday."

    TFM wagon?

  12. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Friday pre-knee-jerk team check - no hits so far;

    44 f*****g 2

    CABALLERO
    ALONSO HOLDING VERT YOSHI
    SANCHEZ ALLI COUT SANE
    KANE (C) JESUS (our saviour)

    Cech Gabbi (I hate you) T.Carroll Valencia

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

      Don't shout dude

      Jeez

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I'M EXCITED! It's cup final day for me on Sunday. (Winners Day)

  13. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Caballero
    Alonso | Monreal | BDavies
    Sanchez | Hazard | Sane | King
    Jesus | Kane | Gabbi
    Pickford | Yoshida | Holgate | Capoue

    2 FT & 0.3 ITB

    A. Hazard + Gabbi >> Coutinho + Giroud
    B. Hazard + Gabbi >> Coutinho + Llorente
    C. Sane + Gabbi >> Coutinho + Vokes

    Please suggest, thanks.

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A looks decent. I'd probably do B though

    2. Apollo Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

      A

    4. Invincibles
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A, giroud on fire

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

    So after a gw which rocketed me from 61k to 23k i seriously hope to get into the top 15k...so any advice is most welcome...here is my AOA team which I am gona put out:-

    Caballero

    Alonso Davies

    Sanchez King Sane Fabregas Alli

    Kane Gabbi Jesus

    Bench:- Pickford Holding Yoshida Kelly

    1 ft and 0.6 itb...whom would u bring in here and defensive pairing is gtg??
    Thanks in advance 🙂

  15. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Jose on Sunday's squad: "Joel and O'Hara. Mitchell. Harrop. Gomes. McTominey. Fosu-Mensah. Axel. Plus 3/4 first-team players to play 1 half"

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      "3/4 first-team players to play 1 half"

      is it a friendly?

  16. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Don't let Kane, Coutinho and Sanchez Hauls distract you from considering equally capable Captain option Jesus.
    Has the Easiest fixture out of the 4, WAT who literally are without any CB

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Jesus has looked mediocre since coming back from injury. (City fan)

      1. Football Weekender
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Surprised to hear you say that, I know plenty of City fans who would disagree.

        Regardless, his FPL returns haven't been mediocre.

        1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          They haven't - they have been brilliant. He spent 100 minutes of the past 180 minutes on the floor.

          Don't get me wrong, he's brilliant. But he doesn't look amazingly sharp just yet.

          1. Football Weekender
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            True about the minutes on the floor, Leicester in particular kicked lumps out of him all game.

      2. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Mediocre, but returning points for fun...

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

      Agreed. Just concerned that Aguero starts ahead of him...not that they can't start together...

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

      Can see Watford getting battered

  17. paza12
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Alli, Sanchez or Hazard to Coutinho? Cheers.

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Why the hell would you transfer out the San Man.

      Easily Haz.

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

      Hazard in this case
      Wait for pressers though

  18. Voodoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Terry an excellent choice for last game? He will start surely?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Best XI to start .. celebration time.

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

      Not surely

  19. EP
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A) hazard, Anichebe > T.Carroll, Sturridge
    B) Hazard > Coutinho
    C) Alli > Coutinho

    Got 2 FTs, option A leaves me with no Chelsea cover aside from defender. I have Kane so losing Alli may be better? Will probably bring in Matip for Davies anyway.

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

      Don't like A, think coutinho will outscore hazard most likely

  20. Invincibles
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A) hazard > coutinho
    B) alli > coutinho
    C) blind(bench) > matip

    Chasing 20pt lead so need a big score, rival has hazard and alli

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      AAAAAAAAAA

  21. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    15k OR currently. Need to differentiate to have a chance at Top 10k perhaps?

    Cech
    Alonso Monreal Yoshida
    Sanchez Hazard Alli Sane King
    Kane Jesus

    Caballero Stephens Holgate Anichebe

    0.1 ITB & 2 FTs

    A) Hazard + Jesus -> Coutinho + Sturridge(C)
    B) Hazard + Monreal -> (C)outinho + Matip
    C) Alli + Monreal -> (C)outinho + Matip

    Any other suggestions? All major MLs wrapped up and no hesitation in taking risks. Thoughts?

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't lose Monreal or Jesus. Ridiculous.

      Take those red-tinted glasses off!

      Just Haz to Cout.

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

        How about Hazard + Alli -> Coutinho + Mahrez?
        Or Hazard + King -> Coutinho + Willian/Fabregas?

        1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          No

  22. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What do you prefer?

    A. King + Matip
    B. Origi + Yoshida

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

      A

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

        Rationale, can only see origi scoring 7pts max, and don't see yoshi getting a cs

    2. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

      Thanks all!

  23. Smoky Johnson
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    If I had the possibility of working with FPL on a full time basis I would jump out of bed like theres no tomorrow. Spending most of my free time reading, talking, breathing FPL.

  24. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A. Gabbi -> Llorente(-4)

    Or

    B. Play Yoshida?

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

      Play Yosh

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        DIS

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

      If chasing I'd do it

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

      Cheers all.

  25. Blue Gaffer
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Tadic & Gabbiadini-----Coutinho & Barnes -4 yes or no?

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Not Barnes for a -4. No way. Try find someone else

  26. Teror
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What are Haz / Costa owners thinking? I have both but can't decide if I should drop for a -4 or not.

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'm keeping Diego (subject to presser). Plan to do Sterling to Lallana

    2. Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Chelsea press conference coming up in the next hour - hopefully we'll find out more then.

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

    Haz >

    A. Coutinho

    B. Sanchez (-4)

  28. aborg
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What about Batshuayi? He is a good forward to play this week?
    Will he play though guys?

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Loftus-Cheek could return big too 😉

      There are more nailed options (with equally good chances of returns) at that price. But, to be fair, it could pay off bigly

  29. Infamy, Infamy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    ML rival has Son, I have Alli. I'm ahead by 53. Makes sense to bring in Son for Alli? He has taken a hit this week, so I could do the same to then upgrade Holgate to Matip.

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

      You're more than fine.

    2. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Unless he gets rid of Son to bring in Alli and then Alli hauls 😉

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

    What would you do if you had Costa and not Kane?

    A) Keep Costa and captain him
    B) Keep Costa and captain Sanchez
    C) Sell Costa for Kane (-4) and captain Kane

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

      C.

      Glad I have Kane. Not glad I have Costa.