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
    7 years, 2 days ago

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

    1. S.Agueroooooo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      A - 70% confident

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      A. Just my opinion of course

  2. zelio78
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      A

    2. Kingtekkerz
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      A

    3. leocarter27
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      B

    4. TheDogTor
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      B

    5. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Zaha is a no-brainer for me.

    6. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      After hearing the Man Utd team news, definitely Zaha.

  3. Pap Le Cissier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

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

      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 days ago

        Nope

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

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      How much itb?

      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 days ago

        Only .2

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 days ago

          Albrighton to Stanislas

          1. Pap Le Cissier
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      How about Hazard+Albrighton on to Coutinho+King?

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 days ago

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

      2. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 days ago

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

    4. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Thanks for the input gents, back to work I go

  4. jzee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      C, captain choice could make all the difference

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 days ago

        16 pts just with the captain choice?

        Could work but not easy

    2. zelio78
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      c)

      that was my move for the week

  5. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 days ago

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

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Yeah, that's what he does...

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      More exciting

    4. Pigsinblankets
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

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

  6. pax888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Hazard>Coutinho

  7. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 days ago

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

    1. Kingtekkerz
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
        7 years, 2 days ago

        I second this.

  8. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 days ago

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

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      No

    2. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      wont play

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      I hope he does, literally.The tool.

    4. DHWizzo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
    7 years, 2 days ago

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

    1. zelio78
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
        7 years, 2 days ago

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

    2. DHWizzo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Llorente

    4. TheGloriousViking
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Vokes maybe

  10. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Sanchez and Vokes

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 days ago

        I have Ozil as well lads

  11. Egyptian Giza
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 days ago

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

    1. zelio78
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      all day

    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Sounds good

  12. JogaSemmedo
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Kane

  13. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days 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
        7 years, 2 days ago

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

  14. dhamphiir
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
    7 years, 2 days ago

    Rooney likely to start?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Yeah - reckon it will be his goodbye

    2. reeceyboy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Yes

    3. dhamphiir
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
        7 years, 2 days ago

        Well that shat on that

      2. Top 210 Club
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 days ago

        Timing lol

  16. reeceyboy
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 days ago

    Is Cahill likely to start?

    Not sure whether to bench him or Yoshida?

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Caballero to Mignolet, bench Rashford

  18. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 days ago

    Happy Friday gents and gentesses! 🙂

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

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Very much.

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

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

  19. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days 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
    7 years, 2 days ago

    Alli owners, what do you do?

    Do you think he will play?

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 1 day ago

      Why do you continue to avoid Kane?

  23. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 days ago

    Coutinho officially purchased.

    Now to decide on a captain...

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Who did you sell for Coutinho? Thanks.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 days ago

        Eriksen

    2. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Captain your new purchase.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 days 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
          7 years, 2 days ago

          The former for sure.

    3. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Sold Eriksen im guessing?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 days ago

        Yep

  24. Deus
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days 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
        7 years, 1 day ago

        Yeah, I know, thanks))

  25. Pigsinblankets
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Got to be Hazard

    2. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
        7 years, 1 day 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
    7 years, 2 days ago

    Lallana over Cout love?

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

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

    2. Sp0rting
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
        7 years, 2 days ago

        Stats are pretty terrible I must admit

  27. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Captain Kane and start Yoshida imo

      1. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 day ago

        Echo that exactly what I was thinking!

        Bring Coutinho in?

  28. rohan
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 days 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
      7 years, 2 days ago

      JT is quite a brutal move

  29. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 days ago

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

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 days ago

      Haz might not play I reckon

    2. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
        7 years, 2 days ago

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

    3. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 days 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
    7 years, 2 days ago

    Haz & Sterling to Eriksen & Martialpunt?