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. D0GS B0110XS FC
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    quick poll, will costa play
    a- yes
    b - no

    1. S.Agueroooooo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A - 70% confident

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

      A. Just my opinion of course

  2. zelio78
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Start:

    a) Albrighton
    b) Zaha
    c) Neither, transfer out for a hit

    Other mids: Coutinho, King, Sanchez

    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. Kingtekkerz
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

    3. leocarter27
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B

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

      B

    5. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Zaha is a no-brainer for me.

    6. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      After hearing the Man Utd team news, definitely Zaha.

  3. Pap Le Cissier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Bit of help here guys 2 ft to burn, current team

    Cab
    Alonso Monreal Davies
    Haz Sanchez Eriksen Sane Albrighton
    Kane Jesus

    Pickford Yosh Stephens Anichebe

    Already looking at Eriksen to Coutinho but can't see where to use the second!

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

      Does Eriksen to Coutinho give you funds to do Albrighton to King?

      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Nope

        I'm wondering if there's other transfer options I'm missing or overlooking

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

      How much itb?

      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Only .2

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

          Albrighton to Stanislas

          1. Pap Le Cissier
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Ooh! Worth considering!

            Other option could be to do Montreal to Terry and hope he gets a farewell penalty take! 😀

    3. cjw176
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      How about Hazard+Albrighton on to Coutinho+King?

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

        He should keep Haz. I agree with him selling Eriksen for Coutinho.

      2. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Despite his blanks I'm reluctant to lose Hazard. What a conundrum!

    4. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks for the input gents, back to work I go

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

    i'm chasing, 16 points behind in my mini league. Leader has Haz. Would you ...

    a) Haz & JWP - Cout & Pedro / Fab (-4 bench Gabbi)

    or

    b) Haz & Gabbi - Cout & Giroud (-4)

    or

    c) Gabbi - Llorente (no hit)

    cheers lads

    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      C, captain choice could make all the difference

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        16 pts just with the captain choice?

        Could work but not easy

    2. zelio78
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      c)

      that was my move for the week

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

    Cool, Conte just actually gave ZERO info in is presser..

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah, that's what he does...

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      He did indicate that Courtois would play. Not much, I know - but it's more than zero.

    3. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      More exciting

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

      Said one objective is to help Courtois win the Golden Glove, so there's something...

  6. pax888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    REPOST

    What one transfer would you make?

    0.2m in the bank.

    Cech
    Monreal Yoshida Stephens
    Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Fabregas King
    Kane Jesus

    Pickford Smith Kelly Anichebe

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard>Coutinho

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

    So Sturridge is not good diff pick for 38 if Firmino is fit? Wil we know for shure?

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

      Sturridge is risky with Firmino possibly back, but given how poor Origi has been, I think Sturridge could keep his place anyway

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

        I second this.

  8. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone think Gabbiadini will explode final week, to pick up troll of the season award?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No

    2. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      wont play

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I hope he does, literally.The tool.

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

      Given the way this season has gone, I wouldn't be surprised.

      Can see another striker I would want instead of him so will either play him or play an extra defender (Gibbs maybe).

  9. leocarter27
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is there a striker in the price range of 6.8m who would be worth a -4? Cheers

    1. zelio78
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Llorente may come up big but not sure if its worth a hit. If you're thinking of moving Gabbi then do it.

      1. leocarter27
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Got Rashford but unsure if to just play 442 or take a gamble

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

      Bench Gabs and play a defender.

      Best case scenario he has a great game and you end up a couple points up.

    3. dhamphiir
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Llorente

    4. TheGloriousViking
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Vokes maybe

  10. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    20 points in front leading my ML.

    what would you do?

    a. Firmino > Coutinho

    b. Firmino & Costa > Sanchez & Llorente for - 4

    Rival has both Sanchez & Costa but I have Kane & Jesus.

    Thoughts?

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

      Sanchez and Vokes

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I have Ozil as well lads

  11. Egyptian Giza
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    gabiadeeny & alli > stanislas and kane for a hit. yay?

    1. zelio78
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      all day

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

      Sounds good

  12. JogaSemmedo
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    1pt behind ML rival with £300 to winner.

    He has Kane, Lukaku & Gabiaddini upfront. Pretty sure his transfer done is Hazard to Coutinho.

    I have Costa & Jesus up front. Looking at Ozil to Coutinho too.

    Question is do I need Kane? Or back Costa? Costa to > Kane would require a hit too.

    1. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kane

  13. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts anyone? 1FT. 1.4 in the bank. Chasing a 13 point lead.
    Gabbiadini to Origi sound good?

    Caballero
    Monreal - Alonso - Holding
    Redmond - Pedro - Sanchez - Sane
    Gabbiadini - Jesus - Kane

    Pickford - Vertonghen - Stephens - Albrighton

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

      No I don't think Origi is nailed on to start.

      Vokes or Llorente are better options in my opinion

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

        Both of those would be differentials so I'll definitely consider it. Hopefully Klopp drops some clues.

  14. dhamphiir
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Claude Puel says there is a chance @chazaustin10 could start against #SCFC in the final game at St Mary's. #saintsfc

  15. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Rooney likely to start?

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

      Yeah - reckon it will be his goodbye

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

      Yes

    3. dhamphiir
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Mourinho suggests that Rooney will "probably not" feature vs Palace on Sunday

      http://www.espnfc.com/english-premier-league/story/3129325/wayne-rooney-unlikely-to-play-at-old-trafford-again-this-season-mourinho

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

        Well that shat on that

      2. Top 210 Club
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Timing lol

  16. reeceyboy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is Cahill likely to start?

    Not sure whether to bench him or Yoshida?

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think so. Luiz sits out for Terry and the rest is the full team imo. Maybe Willian starts ahead of Hazard

  17. leocarter27
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this? 0ft 0.3itb

    Caballero / Pickford

    Alonso Monreal Yoshida Vert / Ake

    Sanchez Alli King De Bruyne / Carrick

    Jesus Kane / Rashford

    Cheers guys

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

      Caballero to Mignolet, bench Rashford

  18. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Happy Friday gents and gentesses! 🙂

    We all excited for the end of this season? 😀 😀

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

      Very much.

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

      Reborn really 🙂 DGW ending a season long misery.
      Having a succesful season yourself?

  19. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Rival is 12pts ahead and has Costa + Lukaku + Jesus, I have Kane + Jesus + Haz.
    Would you:
    A) Ship Hazard and get Costa in to block him (Anichee being the small change here), and hope for Kane to make my day?
    B) Or just pray Costa doesn't run riot and try to cover Chelsea attack with e.g. Cesc or Pedro?

  20. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    So if we assume that Terry is playing and Azpi will get his entire season's worth of minutes, who makes way? Cahill again?

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think Cahill plays. Him and Terry had a good partnership in the Chelsea team and England squad and Cahill I'm sure would love to play alongside him one last time.

      Luiz imo misses out, rest stays the same unless Willian comes in ahead of Haz

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

    Alli owners, what do you do?

    Do you think he will play?

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I do. He is young and it is the last game of the season. I imagine he may come off early though (like 70'), but I know nothing. I think Poch plays his full squad with select early subs. I gather that may be the case for every game.

  22. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Thinking Big Vic and Hazard to either:

    Costa and Coutinho OR

    Sturridge and Fabregas.

    Much prefer the second two choices, but I reckon the first two are 'safer.'

    Thoughts. . . ?

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

      Why do you continue to avoid Kane?

  23. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Coutinho officially purchased.

    Now to decide on a captain...

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Who did you sell for Coutinho? Thanks.

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

        Eriksen

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

      Captain your new purchase.

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

        Do you think Liverpool will put their foot on the gas when 1-0 up or shut up shop? Probably the former right...

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

          The former for sure.

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

      Sold Eriksen im guessing?

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

        Yep

  24. Deus
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What to do here?

    DDG
    Alonso, Stephens, Monreal, Davies
    Sanchez, Coutinho, King
    Kane(C), Jesus, Costa

    Jaku / Xhaka, Clichy, TCarroll

    0FT, £2.1 ITB

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      DDG won't play and I wouldn't fancy Jaku in goal. That's your biggest concern, rest is fine

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

        Yeah, I know, thanks))

  25. Pigsinblankets
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Really can't decide who gets the chop between Alli, Hazard, Sane here, any help for the last throw of the dice this season?

    Jesus and Coutinho in.

    Costa and __ out
    A) Alli
    B) Hazard
    C) Sane

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

      Got to be Hazard

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

      I think Hazard used up his chances the last few games - sold and replaced with Coutihno

      My axe is hovering over Alli ... poor returns for the last few weeks ... but do any others pay off?

      Ozil costs an extra hit but would give me Migno instead of Cech in goal - Firmino could be an option - Siggy or King are options

      Top 100K or bust (29 points away) for me ....

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

        Taking out both Chelsea attackers when they have Sunderland at home just feels wrong. Sane probably has the lowest ownership and less likely to hurt if he bags, less than Alli anyway?

        Not a huge fan of any of those options you mentioned, but in your situation I suppose worth taking a gamble!

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

    Lallana over Cout love?

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

      I've gone Cout myself but I must admit I was interested in Lallana for a final day differential punt instead.

    2. Sp0rting
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I like Lala, I really do.

      Always busy, always working hard for the team. But not delivering often enough.

      Nice differential, not so good chance of points.

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

        Stats are pretty terrible I must admit

  27. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Any help would be muchly appreciated if you can spare 5 mins..

    This weeks mammoth 182 pointer means I've reeled in my ML leader from 150 to 25 points. Could still do this!

    He's in trouble as he has De Gea, Valencia, Gabbi, and Rashford! He owns Sanchez and Jesus, but not Kane, Hazard or any Liverpool mids...

    Who should I captain and would you make a transfer or leave it be...

    And which of Capoue, Yoshida or Stephens gets the start?!

    Caballero
    Toby Holding Alonso
    Hazard Sanchez Alli King
    Kane Jesus

    Subs Pickford Capoue Yoshida Stephens Anichebe

    Cheers!

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

      Captain Kane and start Yoshida imo

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

        Echo that exactly what I was thinking!

        Bring Coutinho in?

  28. rohan
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Good to go then? Last hit of the season

    Cech
    Yoshida. JT. Vert. Monreal
    Sanchez. Pedro. KDB. Coutinho
    Kane. Jesus (C)

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

      JT is quite a brutal move

  29. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Why is Haz --> Cout such a popular move? I don't buy it personally

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Haz might not play I reckon

    2. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Cout is hotter than Haz
      Liverpool have a very meaningful game
      Haz may not start

      These points are all debatable, but hardly difficult "to get."

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

        Hotter than "not very hot" isn't necessarily hot. Blank, Blank, Haul isn't form.

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

      With 2,3,3 for his last 3 games (WAT, WBA, MID), its been more a case of wanting to kick Haz out of our teams

      Coutihno looks the best option as a replacement but in truth, anyone would have done to save me having to watch Hazard for another gw, hoping in vain that he can be arsed to score me some points

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

    Haz & Sterling to Eriksen & Martialpunt?