Team News

The Weekend Team News

Spurs are dealt a massive blow as Harry Kane is ruled out of their trip to Manchester United. West Brom have concerns at the back ahead of a home clash with league leaders Man City, while Bournemouth have mixed news up front as Chelsea roll up to the Vitality Stadium. Here’s our round-up of the team news so far, with eleven press conferences still to come today.

Earlier this morning, Spurs confirmed that Harry Kane has a minor strain to his left hamstring after undergoing assessments.

With a Champions League clash against Real Madrid in midweek, Mauricio Pochettino admitted that his star striker will miss tomorrow’s crucial trip to Old Trafford.

“We cannot take a risk for tomorrow, we’ll see after for Wednesday (v Real Madrid). But tomorrow, it is impossible.”

Fernando Llorente or Son Heung-min will now lead the Spurs attack at Old Trafford, with Pochettino perhaps set to field a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Meanwhile, United’s first-choice centre-halves Phil Jones and Eric Bailly, along with Marcus Rashford, were all pictured back in training yesterday.

Arsene Wenger has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the home encounter against Swansea City.

Martin Olsson is almost certain to miss out for the Swans due to a hamstring injury, while Renato Sanches and Wilfried Bony remain sidelined.

James McArthur and Chung-yong Lee are both doubtful for Crystal Palace’s home fixture against West Ham United due to knocks.

Georginio Wijnaldum has recovered from a knee injury, and is fit to return for Liverpool’s home meeting with Huddersfield Town.

The Terriers’ Elias Kachunga has trained all week following a back injury, and is available for the Anfield clash. Collin Quaner has a chance of being involved after stepping up his recovery from a calf injury.

Roberto Pereyra will miss Watford’s home clash against Stoke City due to a hamstring injury, while Sebastian Prodl and Younes Kaboul remain out.

Peter Crouch (back) is a slight doubt for the Potters, while Bruno Martins Indi remains sidelined.

Tony Pulis will be without Craig Dawson (knee) and James Morrison (achilles) for the home encounter with Manchester City. Gareth Barry (hamstring) and Jonny Evans (groin) remain concerns for the Baggies.

Jermain Defoe is back in training following a hamstring injury and “should be fine” for Bournemouth’s home match with Chelsea, according to Eddie Howe. Josh King has recovered from illness but is now doubtful due to a back problem, while Ryan Fraser will be assessed after picking up a knock in midweek.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche revealed Chris Wood is “touch and go” for the Monday night meeting with Newcastle United due to a hamstring injury, but Sam Vokes could return following an abdominal strain.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of this tomorrow’s 11.30am deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from today’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

2,313 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I never agreed with Mark's rationale that Pep was soft and emotional enough to care about the Aguero record and play him so that he could score at home... but Aguero DID start last week and DID play 120 minutes at home in the Carabao cup so I conclude that Mark was probably right and I was wrong which is not a shock.

    But by this same rationale, AWAY to West Brom, surely Jesus should play, so Aguero can beat this pointless record at home... especially since he played 120 minutes mid week.

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

      Next 2 games are away (WBA, Napoli) I don't think Pep will just not use Aguero for them out of sentimentality.

  2. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Carroll + Lukaku > Salah + Abraham for free gives me this team for the week.
    1.2m itb
    Elliot
    Davies,Jones,Naughton
    Hazard,Salah,Silva,Choupu-Moting,Gross
    Jesus,Abraham

    Foster,Kane,Lowe,Mmemba.

    how does that look?

    1. Carroll,Lukaku > Salah,Abraham and play 3-5-2
    2. The above but do Davies > Ward for -4
    3. above but do Jesus > Lacazette -4
    4. Free hit but lose my 2 FT.

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Not concerned about Davies' nailedness?

  3. Desperately Seeking Dusan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Conte melting down in his presser...

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

    Hazard + Kane > Morata + Sanchez(C) for free?

    1. Sancidino
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Did exactly the same!

  5. Sancidino
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Coutinho to Sterling for a hit?

    1. Sancidino
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      *salah

  6. Rrendan Bodgers
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is Coutinho out too?!

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

      Looks likely.

    2. Rrendan Bodgers
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      ... No yellow flag

  7. Rrendan Bodgers
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    This game week is breaking my balls!
    Got rid of Jones to Otamendi. Then Lukaku to Aguero. Was pleased with myself saving 2ft!
    Heard Kane is injured and nowCoutinho.
    Never a better time for a fee hit surely?

    1. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Bear in mind that if you do use the chip, next week you will get Jones and Lukaku back. Plan wisely.

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        This.

        Coutinho to Salah for -4

        1. Rrendan Bodgers
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers early breakfast!

      2. Rrendan Bodgers
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers Boris! I still think it might be wort the hit. I have Sterling, Aguero Coutinho, Kane and two non-playing Def's.
        Been working on a new team that's looking pretty good, will have to do Coutinho out for Salah though.
        Shame to have to use it so early in the season though, especially after losing the two free transfers!

  8. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Best option here?

    Ederson, Elliot
    Luiz, Cederic, Duffy, Mee, Fernandez
    Richarlison, Coutinho*, Sterling, RLC, TC
    Kane*, Kun, Morata

    I could field 11 players but yet then I'm not sure if Sterling and Kun will play..

    A) Free hit
    B) Kane -> Laca (-4)
    C) Coutinho -> Salah (-4)

    1. Rrendan Bodgers
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I have a similar problem. No Coutinho, Kane, doubtful Aguero and Sterling. Think I'm going to take a free hit

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Coutinho to Salah
      Sterling to Sane/Silva

      I can't see Sterling playing and I own him.

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Take a -8?

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Ah already used your FT?

          I still would if you think Coutinho and Sterling won't play, as it would effectively be a -4 then.

  9. El_Shaw
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else not panicking and just benching Kane? So much fuss in here.

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah just benching, stupidity to lose him and for a hit...no chance.

    2. Rrendan Bodgers
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't mind so much of I didn't have Aguero, Sterling and Coutinho to worry about as well

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Also have Kun & Sterling but no Coutinho. Am actually gonna captain Kun and pray!!

    3. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'm doing both. Benching Kane is logical and the panicking just comes naturally to me.

  10. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed - I'm tearing my hair out, what would you do with this?

    Elliot
    Jones Davies Mee Naughton 4.0
    Silva Sterling Ritchie Atsu Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Vardy

    3.2m - 1 ft - No WC

    Ritchie to Richarlison?
    Sterling to Salah?
    Upgrade 4m defender to cover Kane being benched?
    Kane out?
    Something else?

    1. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go Atsu over Ritchie to Richarlison. Or Vardy to Morata or Laca.
      But don't panic. All's good.

  11. dee_top
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Guys, what do you think, my WC team’s on fire?!

    Pope/Elliot
    Daniels Jones Otamendi Duffy Rangel
    Richarlison Sanchez Salah Sane RLC
    Morata Aguero Diouf

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'd do Daniels and Rangel to 2x 4.5m.

      With all the rotation and injury issues you want subs that actually play.

  12. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Hart
    Ota Lascelles Kola
    Eriksen Richarlison Silva Brady
    Abraham Lukaku Kane

    Forster RLC Naughton Dawson

    I have 1 FT was going to do eriksen> salah but with Kane injury
    should i do kane>aguero/morata

  13. burkeyoa
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is it worth taking a -4 hit to swap Kane to Laca (c) for this game week.

    I also have Coutinho who is probably out also and that leaves me with no real standout (c).

    1. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Same issue. I think no.

  14. zeepeee
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Free hit chip activated
    1st draft

    Pope
    Otamendi | Monreal | Moreno/Gomez
    Silva | Salah | Richarlison | Sanchez
    Lacazette | Gabbiadini | Morata

    How does this look? Dont really Moreno/gomez and gabbiadini tbh, any better players for these positions?

  15. Waynoo
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    this GW needs to end

  16. berka85
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Kane & Sterling (-4) -> ?
    A: Firmino & Salah
    B: Lacazette & Salah
    B: Firmino & Sanchez (will close door for a quick Kane return)

    or keep sterling?

    1. Ryssel
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Lol, just keep kane.
      Use a FT to fix your bench instead

      1. berka85
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Went for Kane->Firmino and kept Sterling 😀

  17. hogree
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Start 2 of these:
    Dunk (SOU)
    Maguire (EVE)
    RLC (WHU)

    1. berka85
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Mag & RLC

  18. hogree
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Captain:
    Salah
    Jesus
    Lacazette

    What's the feeeeeeling?

    1. berka85
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Salah...

    2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus no... because he's not nailed on... I'd say Salah. But Liverpool do struggle against small sides at home now and then and Arsenal love a struggle and do their best to frustrate the Emirates crowd against weaker opposition too... but in theory Lacazette should do well.

      But Salah if I had to pick one.

  19. Desperately Seeking Dusan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is there a better place to listen to press conferences rather than the BBC? I was hoping to hear something on the actual team from Guardiola but all I see there is a bunch of rubbish about whether he'll support England or Spain U17s.

    1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      read rather than listen.

  20. Jinkys Oars
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Start Fabianski or Elliot? (already starting Lacelles).

    Captain Salah or KDB?

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Elliot

      KdB (both good options though)

  21. Blens
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Guys - could really help with my team..been tanking with a bad start.
    Pickford (Begovic)
    Valencia Van Aan Bellerin (Ake)
    Salah Brady Carroll (Gueye) Gross
    Chicha Luka Aguero

    1) Worried about Aguero game time - so perhaps Jesus is a better option
    2) Chicha hasn't done anything for me - who should I swap out for (have 2.8 ITB)
    3) Should I swap Gueye for Richarlison

    Any advice gratefully received!

  22. Stat Sloth
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I am chasing, chasing hard. Way too far behind leaders in mini-leagues, but I have high hopes for the upcoming months.

    This week's dilemma:

    a) Go for RLC as backup for Kane, even though he might not start?

    b) Go -4, doing Hegazi to a def who will CS this GW, and play him instead of Kane and RLC.

    If b, please advise on who to bring in. Really not sure who I should bring. Current def is SWA/NEW - SWA/MUN/SOU/WHU/Hegazi.

  23. SUPER 11
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Sturridge starting GW10?

  24. KT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Rules Question: I bought Aguero this week at 11.5 now up to 11.7(and may go higher). If I now play my free wildcard and sub him do I lose that increase?

  25. Aaaatsu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Please,
    Rate my WC team.

    Speroni
    Moreno, Jones, Mee
    Gross, Richarlison, Salah (c), Silva, Hazard
    Aguero Diouf

    Bench: Elliot, Mariappa, Daniels, Kane

    Any suggestions? Would you do something else with the bench?
    Speroni vrs. Elliot? Mariappa, Daniels?

  26. cuporbust
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    My First and second captain choices are now both doubtful, Sterling and Coutinho, so I'll probably be left with my Vice Cap. So should I choose Richarlison or Morata?

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

    WC team G2G?

    Speroni
    Jones - Ota - Ward
    Salah - Silva - Richarlison - Gros
    Aguero - Morata - Lacazette (C)

    Bench: Dunk - RLC - Fernandez (Elliot)

    2.4ITB for Laca > Kane next week if back

  28. Boxwoods
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Play Forster or Elliot this weekend?

  29. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    dumb question for the veterans out here..

    I have already taken a -4 hit earlier this week. If i activate my free hit chip, will that -4 be erased?

    I get that next week I will be left with the same players I have today, but sure Kane and Coutinho will be fine by then and my team will look good again.

    Thanks in advance!

  30. flipthebuzzard
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Sure there's loads of these Kane related moves up, but;

    Laca and Haz for free
    Or
    Morata and Sanch for - 4