Team News

The Midweek Team News

Jermain Defoe is doubtful for Sunderland’s trip to Leicester. Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny is sidelined for a home clash with West Ham, who welcome back Michail Antonio. Fernando Llorente remains a concern as Swansea entertain Spurs, while Palace have problems at the back for their trip to St Mary’s.

Laurent Koscielny has been ruled out of Arsenal’s clash with West Ham due to the ongoing Achilles complaint that forced him off against Man City on Sunday. Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain face late tests but could be in contention.

Michail Antonio is back for the Hammers after making a quick recovery from a hamstring injury. Aaron Cresswell will miss the next couple of matches, though Diafra Sakho has stepped up his fitness levels and has a chance of making the bench.

Marc Albrighton has recovered from illness in time for Leicester’s match with Sunderland. The Foxes need to make do without skipper Wes Morgan, though, who remains unavailable due to a back problem.

Jermain Defoe is doubtful for the Black Cats after missing training due to a knee issue picked up against Watford at the weekend.

Manolo Gabbiadini has failed to recover from a groin injury in time for Southampton’s match with Crystal Palace. Sofiane Boufal is uncertain to feature after sustaining a muscle problem during training.

Palace have mounting concerns in defence ahead of their trip to St Mary’s, with Scott Dann, James Tomkins and Patrick van Aanholt all ruled out by Sam Allardyce earlier this morning.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns from a three-match ban in time to face Everton. Jose Mourinho has doubts over the availability of Paul Pogba, and also conceded that he reckons Juan Mata is out “for a long time”.

Morgan Schneiderlin and Aaron Lennon remain unavailable for Everton’s trip to Old Trafford, though Ronald Koeman is hopeful that the former could be fit in time to face Leicester on Sunday.

Fernando Llorente remains “touch and go” for Swansea’s match with Spurs as he struggles to overcome an ankle problem that kept him out of the weekend goalless draw with Middlesbrough.

Harry Winks has been ruled out for Spurs with an ankle complaint, while fellow midfielder Victor Wanyama will undergo an assessment on a back problem.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was somewhat elusive in this morning’s briefing, hinting at “a couple of concerns” that he refused to elaborate on ahead of the trip to Liverpool.

Xherdan Shaqiri remains sidelined for Stoke’s clash against Burnley, while Peter Crouch (knee) is a concern.

Middlesbrough’s Fabio is ruled out for at least the next two matches with the concussion that forced him off at Swansea. Gaston Ramirez is set to be assessed after limping off at the Liberty with an ankle injury.

Matt Phillips remains a big doubt for West Brom’s trip to Watford – the wide man has no more than “an outside chance” of shrugging off a hamstring problem in time for tonight’s clash.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of this evening’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Tuesday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

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1,744 Comments Post a Comment
  1. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Best Mane replacement?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on your squad

  2. Viprin
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Should I start Maguire or Brunt?

  3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    moreno in and milner winger

    Milner on the wing and pens, being overlooked here?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'd have him for 6.4

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'd love to see Moreno as a left mid. Poor defender, good at getting forward.

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Poor crosses as well though

      2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        or perhaps that trent alexander fella

  4. chaboi1998
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I'm considering welbeck as the third striker slot at the moment

    1. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      too much rotation risk for me.

    2. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Huge differential

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

      Doesn't score enough goals and likely to be rotated.

    4. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      will be hooked regularly after 70 minutes if he starts

  5. Jersey
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    need some opinions . . . thanks in advance.

    bench one:

    King (liv)
    Barnes (STK)
    Lukaku (mun)

    1. JoroBG
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      barnes

    2. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Barnes

  6. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Llorente to Origi (-4) worth it with the Mané news?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah

    2. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I did it all the same

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No but Carroll maybe

    4. tractorboy1
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Hmm, I could do this. Carroll, or Origi. I would go with Carroll I'm pretty sure but could just wait until next match and avoid the hit.

    5. QueefParkRangers
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I ditched for Vardy

  7. Sarnab
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Foster
    Alonso Bavies Pieters
    Alexis Alli Eriksen Siggy
    Lukaku Costa Carroll

    Pickford Brunt Deroon Amat

    1.3 in the bank, 0 FT

    I have my WC, BB, AOA, TC all available. This season I cannot really decide when to use my chips.

    Please help..

    1. JoroBG
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      bb 34 wc 36 tc 37 aoa dont know 😕

    2. Max City
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      TC 34
      WC 36
      BB 37

  8. Going Home
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Origi or Carroll?

    Surely Sturridge won't be fit to start before next weekend after a long absence. Need one or the other to cover three weeks

    1. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      i'd play Carroll.

    2. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      misunderstood.

      Carroll in for sure of those 2.

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Carroll

    4. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Carroll

  9. Viprin
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Brunt or Maguire?

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I've done Maguire. His attacking threat has disappeared.

      1. Viprin
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        But Boro don't score goals,so cs pts likely in the bag?

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Have you got Jaku?

          1. Viprin
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            No

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              I'd probably go for Maguire then. A real tough one TBH.

    2. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Brunt

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Brunt. Fully expecting a Deeney haul

  10. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    A)Play Siggy or Yoshida?
    B)Captain Sanchez or Vardy?

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A) Siggy
      B) Flip a coin

    2. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      S & S

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yoshida and Vardy.

    4. QueefParkRangers
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A
      B

  11. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Holebas or Brunt?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Brunt, better team, OOP and some set pieces

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        This

      2. Scheister
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Excellent point, cheers!

  12. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Ah do you see Sanchez as a better option than Vardy? He's playing out on the wing and hasn't looked like getting a haul.
    Just wondering.

    1. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy fixtures turn after this week and CL will be a factor.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        For captain Sess

        1. Sess!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Ah sorry...got to be vardy. We are total pish.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Yep. Easy decision for me.

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Think he'll lead the line vs West Ham

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Well if he does that's different

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I think its a high risk reward kinda thing pretty horsey.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Is that all it is?

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Any of them can blank, any of them can score big, hit and miss... Sunderland has comparatively poor defense

      1. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Sanchez played on the wing for most of his career, and has produced fantastically. He has also played there this season, and still produced.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Also he looks a different player recently.

          1. tm370
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            He has scored 30 points in his last 4 games....which is actually slightly higher than his PPM average this season. He also played well for Chile.

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Noted. Thanks.

  13. ILOVEBAPS
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is King a doubt? Someone replied to a post earlier saying that he was.

    1. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      How didn't mention him in his presser.

      He did say "“We have a couple of injury concerns that I don’t want to go into ahead of the game."

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers.

  14. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Everyone getting rid of Costa???

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No

    2. jam
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      For Zlatan this weekend I think.

  15. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    How much of a threat is Sturridge to Origi now? Really would like Origi now

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Liverpool fan still not much don't think Klopp rates Studge much as a first team starter.

  16. jam
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Zaha's fixtures. Eesh.

    1. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Palace fixtures in general are poor but Leicester (CL) and Arsenal (no Kos) games might not be as tough as they seem on paper.

    2. Funkyav
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      is Eesh good or bad?

      1. jam
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Bad!
        But yeah maybe he is fixture proof at that price.

    3. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      i don't dislike his fixtures as much as most others seem to.

      Will be seriously looking to get him in GW33.

    4. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      form over fixtures tho isn't it

  17. bluetiger
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Mane Siggy Costa > Sanchez (c) Zaha Vardy? Currently leading mini league by less than 10 points and around 32k overall

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      -4 or -8?

      1. bluetiger
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        -8. Should have mentioned still have wildcard left. Worries me not having Sanchez or Vardy but I can't just get one of them with current funds

  18. WVA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    A.play brunt
    B.Llorente > Carroll -4

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. JoroBG
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      b but to origi?

  19. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    What's the view on Llorente he a doubt this GW?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      touch and go

    2. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Sounds touch and go. Could be on the bench

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Worth replacing for a -4 then?

        1. Numb
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Depends who you could play otherwise and who you would bring in

    3. Viprin
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Could come on from the bench

  20. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Been looking into stats for inspiration for captaincy this week, as I own Vardy, Sanchez, Alli, Eriksen and Coutinho who are all good options. Some food for thought (just from stats though, anything could happen of course!):

    - The last two times Liverpool played Bou at home it was 1-0 to Liverpool

    - Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last four premier league matches, and have kept two consecutive clean sheets (against Sou and Swa)

    - Liverpool's last six defeats have come from teams in the bottom half of the table

    - The second to last time Arsenal played West Ham at home it was 3-0, but Sanchez was replaced by Welbeck in the 65th minute. The last time they met at the Emirates West Ham won 2-0, with Sanchez again being replaced in the 67th minute.

    - There have been four hat tricks in Arsenal West Ham meetings, Arsenal vs Liverpool is the only fixture to see more in the competition.

    - Arsenal have won only one of their last 8 midweek fixtures, West Ham have won 6 of their last 7

    - Eriksen seems to love playing away at Swansea, in their last 3 meetings he's scored 3 goals and assisted 2 more. Taking home matches into account too, he has been involved in 5 goals and 4 assists in his last six against them.

    - Alli has been involved in 11 goals in his last 11 games (8 goals 3 assists)

    - Spurs score an average of 2.3 goals per game against Swansea. Spurs' highest win rate (82%) and goals per game average (2.6) come against Swansea

    - Leicester have scored 11 goals in their last 4 games, as many as they scored in the last 14 games in the previous campaign (but I suppose they are tilted towards attack rather than preserving their lead this time around). Vardy has scored 3 goals against Sunderland, he's only scored more goals against Liverpool in the league

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Conclusion?

      1. Cruz88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Conclusion is that Vardy still seems a good option, and Eriksen is being overlooked (as well as Alli)

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Hot topic hussy.

      1. Cruz88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Just passing on info :p

    3. CAPTAIN BLACKLIST
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Great stats, all aboard the Vardy (C) wagon! Before Sunday I would have said SanChez all the way but he looked listless against City - most effort he produced was for the massive bearhug he gave Pep at the final whistle - coincidence?!

    4. Ridcully
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen (C) is tempting.

      1. Cruz88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Did you go for it?

        1. Ridcully
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I chose Vardy in the end. Eriksen would of been great, especially with the late points.

  21. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Good to go??

    Heaton
    Valencia - Alonso - Mustafi
    Coutinho (c) - Firmino - Walcott - Siggy
    Aguero - Lukaku - Negredo

    Foster - Nyom - Lanzini - Jones*

    0FT, 0.3 ITB

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Mustafi is a waste of money and Walcott just sucks and Negredo is far from scoring a goal. Not really the best team

  22. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    On his performance in the derby. Koeman said Lukaku "was not sharp [he was feeling] a little tired."

    https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/848855698079453185

    that's not good news, so what is koeman saying here? run of 2 games coming up in a short period, will we see a rest?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Somehow I don't see Lukaku being rested... too important

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        true, just annoying if he's going to be tired playing next few games will it impact his output?

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I wouldn't worry about it. He's a beast 🙂

    2. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Sounds like it doesn't it

    3. Funkyav
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      nope he cant rest Lukaku atm with all the injuries they have,

      Koeman was just making excuse to the media

    4. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Haha don't worry he won't be rested. No one else can lead the line like him.

    5. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/03/everton-not-good-enough-ronald-koeman-liverpool-lukaku-barkley

      “The next step is if you go to teams like United and to stadiums like Old Trafford and be yourself. Go to them and be yourself, be confident in yourself; believe in the gameplan, believe in our qualities and how difficult we can make it for those strong teams.”

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        No way he's rested.

    6. tokara
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      luk wont miss big games like this and fighting for golden boot

  23. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Mane and Fabio out, Llorente a big doubt and Valencia and Lukaku rumoured to be rested, it's time for a few hits!

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I am way ahead of ya. King also a doubt.

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        damn, might need to take him out

      2. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Got him as well

  24. WVA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Snodgrass likely to start?

  25. Oddjobleff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Have we heard from Poch yet? Is Walker injured or was he just rested?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      All Spurs fans I know said he was rested.

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not heard but Rested

    3. Oddjobleff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Cool. Thanks

  26. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who's more likely to play (this week only)?

    A) Llorente
    B) Defoe

    1. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      B

  27. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    0.1 short of Davies, damnit.

    Funes Mori to:

    A) Yoshida
    B) Stones

    1. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A....dgw imminent

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yosh

  28. Edge
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Need some advice for my WC team please!

    Valdes (Pickford)
    Davies Valencia Alonso (Stepehns, Holgate)
    Sanchez (vc), Alli, Zaha, Eriksen (de roon)
    Ibra, Lukaku, Vardy (c)
    (0.1 itb)

    Defensive bench quite weak and I'd struggle to bring Kane in.
    Any other issues or suggestions? Already played the WC.

    1. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Lose Alonso and upgrade stephens/Holgate > Yoshida/boro def. Night allow you to get ddg too.

      1. Edge
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Stephens not nailed on for long?

    2. JoroBG
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      it looks good to me

  29. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    If you owned DeRoon, would you play him GW34?

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes definitely.. consider bench boost if you still have it

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        no chance i'm gonna be playing BB then lol

        saving it for a full 15 playing a double

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yup

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      yes but I would expect anything more than 3

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        um maybe a 4 haha

  30. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I'm about to do Coleman > Davies

    Is it safe to get Ben Davies for a couple of weeks?

    Or is there a better option for the next 3/4 weeks?

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      He look the best defensive option under 5m