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. beso
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    How about Son & De bruyne >> Coutinho & Sane
    i want to match my rival's players and reduce the risk that he overscore me, i'm 24 points above him

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

      In general I'd say no way, but in your mini league scenario I'd say yes

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

    Choosing the right Captain this week seems like the only difficult decision between having a great week and a so so week.

    Completing my first year in the official FPL game and in the last 10 weeks have moved up from 1.1 million rank to now under 200,000 mostly all thanks to you guys. Thanks for all the help, and getting ready to go fantasy sports cold turkey until August.

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

      Yeah unless all the popular picks get similar points

      Kane my pick

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

        After yesterday. I'm going with Kane over Sanchez and Jesus

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

    What's the deal with Eriksen? Was he injured?

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

      wait for presser, rested or a niggle most likley

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

      I think Poch came out and said something along the lines of

      "His hole was on fire lads, four trips to Boojum in one week, extra hot salsa on each of em, even my da wouldn't be able to handle that and jaysus he'd destroy one of them there jalapenos before bed and still get his bit off me ma"

      So he should be fine for the weekend.

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

        lmao

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

        Sarcasm again (sigh)

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

          ...well I personally think he'll be fine for the weekend but it's complete and utter speculation as the presser hasn't happened yet, so nobody knows.

          Not exactly sure how else I'm supposed to answer..

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

            If you'd had 4 burritos in a week you'd be feeling it too my good man.

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

            No worries, man. I guess I just see that most every question is answered with some kind of attempt at getting a high score on the sarcasm index, and I finally had to say something. I don't get it, and I think the way to answer is either: "I/we don't know, or don't answer. However, I also realize that is my own issue to grapple with. I cannot change a forum culture.

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

              Ah I was just the straw to break the camel's back, I've done that before, no problem at all at all.

              I guess I just try to add a bit of flair to the "We're not sure but my 50/50 guess falls on this side of the coin"

              It's tough to come on here and thanklessly answer questions with the same generic "Not sure, wait for pressers" every time.

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

                You are a good man, and correct. Thanks for indulging me. It really is my thing to deal with. I come on the boards to try and get some useful info, and feel like I have to sift through a lot of attempts at jokes to find the pearls. Yet, that's a fantasy forum, so I gotta deal.

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

                  Completely understand. Twasn't always the case.

                  I think they had a good 2 or 3 years before I joined.

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

      No was on the bench

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

    What are my fellow Zaha owners doing? playing??

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

      Good luck finding them

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

      I would confidently play him if I had him. Buying him now, however, is a punt too far for me right now.

    3. Gommy
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Ignore the Troll, a fair few others will still have him as a 5th midfielder, having not long had a DGW.

      I'll be playing him against what should be an inexperienced United side.

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

      He's on the bench for me, but only because King, Lallana, Alli, Sanchez, Costa, Jesus and Kane

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

    Heres what I think will happen:

    ARS-EVE 1-1 (Giroud, Lukaku)
    HUL-TOT 0-3 (Kane 2, Eriksen)
    CHE-SUN 2-0 (Pedro, Costa)
    LIV-MID 3-0 (Sturridge 2, Coutinho)

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

      More like what you need to happen.

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

      Any chance u own Pedro citing sturridge kane eriksen

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

        Nope. Just Kane Eriksen.

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

      I think this won't happen - fancy a £1,000 bet? 😉

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

    Any good strikers under 9.5 except Giroud and Jesus?

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

      How much is sturridge

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

        9.6 missed the gabbi price fall last night. So annoyed

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

      Benteke

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

      Tekkers and Llorente

  7. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Haz> Coutinho Gabbi> Llorente
    for a -4 hit ???

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

      Just Haz -> Cout.

      Bench Gabbi and play a defender?

      1. fplking14
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        my defender on the bench are robertson and holgate

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

      Don't think so would rather play a defender and have 4 points than get llorenete

      Will need to score and assist at least for not to pay off

      1. fplking14
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        my defenders are robertson and holgate

  8. La Vida Latte
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    1 eriksen -> cout
    2 haz -> cout
    3 gabbi -> origi

    Thanks!

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

      2

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

      2

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

      1

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

      2

    5. La Vida Latte
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks!

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

      2

  9. 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. Sorry for repost

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

      Looks good. No hits needed I'd say

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

    Hazard is one of the players I am most scared of this week. Surprised so many are selling him. He starts and scores imo

    1. Hands Guber
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      As a Hazard owner and with only one assist in the last 4 games I can't say I share your optimism.

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

        I mean, I hope I'm wrong. Just think Chelsea are going to destroy Sunderland in this last game

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

      I've been set on selling him all week for Coutinho but now having a change of heart.

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

      That is why I am on the fence about selling Haz, Alli or Erik to Cout. I see you made your Erik > Cout decision. It is good, either way, to get it done. I am still not ready!

      1. Sgt. Schultz
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        On the same fence

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

      Even if he starts he looks like he has no interst in scoring at all

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

        Just have a feeling he is going to score big this week. Hope Im wrong

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

          He was never going to score big if I had kept him - so he might but I won't feel like I have lost out

          Now got Costa, Azpi and Alonso to rip up Sunderland

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

    Hazard (c) will keep me entertained this week given I have nothing to play for

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

      Just like Hazard 🙂

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

      Won't be much entertaining if hes not on the pitch

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

    play Yoshida or Ben Davies?

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

      Davies

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

      I'm playing both but if I had to pick, I'd go Davies

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

      Davies

  13. LVG's Army
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Rivals expected to captain Kane or Coutinho. Would you say Jesus or Sanchez or Costa is a better differential captain choice? - And is it worth the risk of not going Coutinho/ Kane? Thanks

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

      Would go with jesus

      The city game has all the ingredients for a thumping

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

    Is there a Spurs press update today?

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

      Yes

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

    Hi all,

    Just trying to sort my team for this weekend. Which 3 should I play:

    A. Yoshida
    B. Stephens
    C. Mustafi
    D. Davies
    E. Gabbiadini

    I'm currently on A, D and E.

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

      A,B.D

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

        Thanks!

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

          Kaku gonna bully Arsenal and Gabbi may start on bench if Austin starts

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

            Yeah, I fancy Everton to score. Even in the Sunderland game Arsenal looked likely to concede so Mustafi is almost certainly on my bench.

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

      Bench E and B

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

        Thanks. Think I agree with this.

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

    G2G?
    Did Alli to Cout FT

    Forster
    Bavies Mawson Kompany
    Coutino Alexis KDB King Cesc
    Kane(c) Jesus(v)

    Pickford Gabbi Yoshi Holgate

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

      Yoshi over mawson

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

        Had that but have Forster and scouts seem to love Mawson this week

  17. Give The Todd Some Love
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Watford's only fit CB is f**king Mariappa, could be a cricket score. I'm terrified of Jesus this week, no way to get him in. Sergio could also be a good shout this week.

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

      I'm on Jesus (C)

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

      Sane will go mental

      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Hopefully, he's all I've got

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

      Was thinking Cost to Aguero (C) with Jesus (VC)

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

        Thatsa point, not much mention of Aguero around this place. Do it

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

          Haha just posted up a -8 for Aguero Eriksen Lallana in for Costa Hazard Sterling

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

      Yeah fancy jesus to explode

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

      Not worried that he isn't playing striker?

  18. abreu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    "Conte says it is important that every single player here has pleasure being at Chelsea. #CFC"

    There is something hidden in that, surely

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

      Eduardo to start 😯

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

        My immediate thought was something about Costa again, but who knows

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

      Ooooh might get a surprise

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      JT to open 'massage parlour' at the ground?

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

        for his ego?

  19. Hobolicious
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hazard or Alli out?

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

      Hazzy

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

      Alli

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

      Same dilemma. Thinking haz

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

    Anyone considering Origi, or is he too risky in terms of actually starting?

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

      Depend on Firmino's fitness

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

      not for me

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

      Forget starts

      he is cap even when he does

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

    Slim 4pt lead in ML

    1FT:
    A. Alli > Coutinho
    B. Cedric > Davies (to nullify one of his diffs. Even makes sense to give up -4 to do that)
    C. Other

    Armband:
    1. Sanchez
    2. Kane
    3. Other

    My team
    Heaton
    Cedric, Kompany, Holding
    Sanchez, KDB, King, Alli
    Lukaku, Jesus, Kane
    (Jaku: Brunt, Holgate, de Roon)

    His
    Caballero
    Alonso, Davies, Monreal
    Hazard, Sane, Eriksen
    Costa, Jesus, Kane
    (Jaku, JWP, Lingard, Gibbs)

  22. Conveyancing Reptilian Over…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Who'll score the most points?

    A. Giroud
    B. Llorente
    C. Vokes
    D. Azpi

    Also... is it worth using AOA to field Albrighton? Or just play Monreal?

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

    Those thinking about buying Coutinho, is him playing deep a problem? Or does the fact he bombed on west ham dispel any concerns?

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

    Please can we all just take a second, to laugh a Harry Kane's free kicks. Poor boy is TERRIBLE at them.

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

      His x-bar from 40 meters on his comeback was pretty impressive...

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

        Wouldn't your name be better as Hazardous Mata-Real?

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

      I'll take a minute and laugh at all the people who did not captain him yesterday.

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

        Do Sanchez cappers count?

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

          Yes. Even 8 points is a decent margin in our game.

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

            Yeah fair point, I'd have been within 10 of top 10k......I'll take your laughing

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

              One of the few things I have done right in this roller coaster season.

  25. The Dynamics
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    On average, do more goals get scored on the final match day games than other gameweeks?

    I'm just thinking whether I should use my all out attack or not

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

      yes,check hot topics

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

    Following the presser, Costa (and most of rest of first team) likely to be starting?

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

      its a guessing game

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

        Definitely. I'm no less confident now than I was before the presser haha

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

    Which 2 to play?

    A) Vert
    B) Monreal
    C) Yoshi
    D) Stephens

    Thanks!

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

      AB

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

    with conte giving nothing away,who is the safest mid to bring in
    A)fab
    B)willian
    C)pedro

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

    Anyone tempted by a Batman punt ? Team news section has him in starting line-up

  30. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Play Vertonghen or Yoshida?