Team News

The Gameweek 17 Team News

Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata will miss tonight’s trip to Huddersfield Town, while Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out of their match at West Ham United.

Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho faces a lengthy spell out following a calf injury, while a late decision will be made on Ben Mee ahead of Burnley’s home clash against Stoke City.

Here’s our summary of the key team news so far, with an array of big press conferences still to come this afternoon.

Matt Lowton looks unlikely to be fit for Burnley’s home encounter against Stoke City, with Phil Bardsley in line for another start. Meanwhile, a late call will be made on fellow defender Ben Mee.

The Potters, however, will again be without injured pair Bruno Martins Indi and Glen Johnson, with Jese Rodriguez still unavailable due to personal reasons.

Crystal Palace have been dealt a blow with the news that Mamadou Sakho faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to a calf injury, with Scott Dann is line to cement a starting berth. Joel Ward remains out but Yohan Cabaye has recovered from a bang to the knee and is fit to face Watford.

Marvin Zeegelaar will miss the trip to Selhurst Park after his appeal following the red card in the 1-0 defeat to Burnley was rejected, with Jose Holebas set for a first-team return. Elsewhere in defence, Kiko Femenia and Miguel Britos are remain doubts.

Huddersfield Town welcome back Rajiv van La Parra from suspension for the home clash against Chelsea, but on-loan midfielder Kasey Palmer is ineligible to face his parent club.

As for the Blues, they’ll be without Alvaro Morata, who is fatigued and nursing a back injury. Antonio Conte rolled out a striker-less formation the last time the Spaniard failed to start, with Eden Hazard backed by Pedro and Willian.

Danny Drinkwater returns to the squad following illness, while Victor Moses and Antonio Rudiger are among those pushing for recalls.

After being introduced from the bench in the 3-2 defeat to Leicester City following a thigh injury, Christian Atsu looks poised for a return to the teamsheet when Newcastle United host Everton. Jamaal Lascelles was an unused substitute at the weekend and may also return to the starting XI.

Aaron Lennon will be pushing for a recall for the Toffees at St James’ Park after coming on as a half-time substitute in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Cedric Soares returned to training on Monday ahead of the home encounter against Leicester City, with a late decision to be made as to whether he’ll come straight back into the starting XI following a hamstring injury.

Shinji Okazaki is available for the Foxes after suffering a cut to the face against Newcastle last weekend.

Swansea City head coach Paul Clement revealed that Wayne Routledge is a doubt for the home meeting with Manchester City due to some muscle tightness, but Federico Fernandez is expected to return in central defence.

Following the Manchester derby, and with a home fixture with Tottenham Hotspur to come on Saturday, Pep Guardiola could rotate for the trip to the Liberty Stadium. Eliaquim Mangala is set to replace Vincent Kompany, who was forced off with a muscle injury on Sunday, while after being an unused substitute at the weekend, Sergio Aguero is expected to be handed a recall. Danilo, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva are others who may come into contention for starts.

After only appearing as substitutes in the Merseyside derby, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are expected to return to the starting XI for the home encounter against West Bromwich Albion. Daniel Sturridge (hamstring) remains a doubt.

For the Baggies, Matt Phillips remains a doubt ans Gareth Barry is still out.

Jose Mourinho will again be without the suspended Paul Pogba for the home clash against Bournemouth, while Marcos Rojo is a doubt after being forced off with a head injury in the Manchester derby. Phil Jones could be in line for a recall.

Adam Smith is available again for the Cherries after serving a one-match ban, while Harry Arter could push for a recall.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Man City, Mauricio Pochettino may hand starts to Serge Aurier and Danny Rose in the full-back positions for the home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion. Moussa Sissoko is another who could return to the side, but Davinson Sanchez serves the second of his three-match ban.

The Seagulls have no fresh injury concerns, though Anthony Knockaert may be handed a recall after being left out for Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Huddersfield due to tactical reasons.

Following the 1-0 win over Chelsea, David Moyes could consider naming an unchanged starting XI for the visit of Arsenal to the London Stadium, though both Andy Carroll and Chicharito will push for starts having been named on the bench for the victory over Chelsea.

The Gunners will be without Aaron Ramsey, who picked up a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Southampton. Shkodran Mustafi also remains out.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section, together with predicted line-ups ahead of this tonight’s 6.45pm deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter account for breaking news as the day unfolds.

2,037 Comments Post a Comment
  1. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    WC, please any thoughts??

    Speroni-Fabianski

    Gomez-Jones-Christensen-Naughton-Mee

    Sané-Salah-Hazard-Shaqiri-Surman

    Austin-Kane-Firmino

    1. Scout Pics
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      If I was on a WC I'd have four or those players.

    2. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Sane is not in his best shape. Maybe Zaha, Sterling or Silva instead

    3. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      any suggestions then? thanks

    4. SkeletONv01
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Why are you wildcarding now? What is your team now? Did you already hit the WC button?

    5. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      yes already actioned 🙁
      losing ground quickly and need key players fast

      1. SkeletONv01
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Would want Cout if WC, and do something with keepers. Maybe Sane>Cout, Firmino>DCL, upgrade keepers.

  2. Kenny Dogleash
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Choupo-Moting and Morata
    To
    Coutinho and......

    Which 7.6m striker?

    1. SkeletONv01
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I would just get DCL and bank the cash to upgrade elsewhere 🙂

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Austin?

  3. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Best defender for £5.3M to complete my defence for next 6 weeks or so?

    Pope
    Kiko(inj) - Otamendi - Duffy - Winmer - £5.3

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Jones?

      1. danishdynamite
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        In theory yeah, but in practice he'll probably only play 1 in 2

    2. Scout Pics
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Kenny

  4. G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    What's all the panic about? My bench is full of 3 red flags and Kiko ain't gonna make it so I guess I'll just make do with 10 players this week and then reassess for GW18...

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I'd probably make a transfer mate 🙂

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Another one? I've already taken a bloody hit lol

      2. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Gomes (Elliott)
        Kiko, Azpilicueta, Kola, Duffy (Mustafi)
        Hazard(C), Salah(VC), Cork, Sterling (Chalobah)
        DCL, Lukaku (Morata)

    2. JJO
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Better check your logic

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Shucks! I hear you but do I really want to take ANOTHER hit for -8 bringing in a defender?

        Gomes (Elliott)
        Kiko, Azpilicueta, Kola, Duffy (Mustafi)
        Hazard(C), Salah(VC), Cork, Sterling (Chalobah)
        DCL, Lukaku (Morata)

  5. dimitros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Are Morata and Ramsey 100% out?

    1. Differentiator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. Scout Pics
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    3. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Yes...

  6. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Total points prediction for this game week please:

    a. Hazard + DCL = ?
    b. Choupo-Moting + Gross = ?

    1. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      a. 9
      b. 5

  7. dimitros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Get Bony or DCL as 3rd forward?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      DCL

  8. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Pick one for draft team tonight:

    A) Terence Trent Darby
    B) Aurier

    1. Scout Pics
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A and I wish you well

    2. AndyCook
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Aurier as will almost certainly play

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn’t it be a great week to play a free hit?
      Some plum fixtures

    4. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Wilson to?

      A. Niasse

      B. DCL

      C. Quaner

      D. Ayew

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        B

    5. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Best captain pick for this GWk??

      A. Kane
      B. Hazard
      C. Salah/ Coutinho

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        C, A, B

      2. Teror
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        That's the 15 point question

      3. Home Late From Age
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        C

    6. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      0.2 off of Choupo + Morata _> Lukaku + Cout. Might go for KDB + Firmino but I really want Coutinho. This is hard.

      1. Differentiator
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Kdb and firm sounds good. Though prefer Vardy 😉

        1. Kavorka
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Vardy rest vs Palace? Man city and Man utd after GW18.

        2. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Just sold him. Wasnt doing it for me.

    7. AFC49
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Morata > Firmino (-4)?

    8. aidmata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Elliot Foster

      Naughton Mee Kiko Mbemba Christensen

      Hazard Salah Carroll Sterling Richarlison

      RCL Kane Morata

      Sell Morata for a hit? If so, who is the best replacement - got funds in the bank so can get anyone.

      1. Home Late From Age
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Not for a hit

    9. zeepeee
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Foster
      Otamendi | Kiko* | Mee*
      Mane | Salah | Eriksen | RLC | Chopou
      Kane | Morata*

      Elliot, Abraham, simpson, mbemba

      Team not looking good for this gameweek
      How's Morata + Chopou > Hazard + DCL? (-4)

    10. as33
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Morata>Calvert lewin and Gross>Hazard?

      1. Teror
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        YAS. SLAY QUEEN

      2. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Yes.

        I'm doing the same with either Gross or Choupo-Moting getting sold.
        Which of these 2 would you sell?

      3. Home Late From Age
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Yes if for free

    11. Teror
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      D.Silva or Mahrez long term? Already have Sterling.

      1. Lee8686
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Things are picking up a little at Leicester so I'd go mahrez

    12. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Bench is Morata Moreno Hunemeier. Take one out for a hit? 0.6m itb

      1. Teror
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah

    13. Zlat-man
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Zeegelar, Hunemier - not playing

      Other defenders are
      Alono, Christensen, Yedlin

      Use ft to have a better cover if either of the later three dont showup?
      Ir bank the ft?

    14. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      RP: In the market for an 8.7m midfielder. Mahrez and Siggy look intriguing, but ultimately I think it's between:

      A) Silva
      B) Sterling

    15. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Madness to do Alonso & Ramsey -> Otamendi & Sterling for a hit? I also have Morata, Moreno out and Niasse a doubtful starter..

      1. Teror
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Nah that's a good one

      2. Differentiator
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        I wouldn't.

    16. Sol
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Just saw the news Morata owners who you getting ?
      I got Kane Niasse *Morata

      1. Yozzer
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Firmino for a hit reluctantly

        1. Sol
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Ok thought so cheers

    17. fantasywizard
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Hu guys! Would really appreciate your feedback on my team! Cheers!

      Courtois, J.Pereira
      Ward, Gomez, Daniels, Otamendi, Chilwell
      Hazard, Gross, Rich, Salah, Sterling
      Morata, Kane, DCL
      0.1 ITB 0FT

      Morata+Gross ----> Mahrez+Rashford
      How nailed do you guys think Rash is right now?
      Or
      Morata+Gross ----> Firmino+Gray+2.6ITB
      or should i hold fire?!
      Any suggestions welcome!!

      1. Differentiator
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        B. Really like the Gray pick. Think it's a smart differential

        1. fantasywizard
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks for the feedback! What about replacement for Morata? Rash, Vardy or Firmino? I'm intrigued by Rashford. Is he a sure starter now?

    18. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Gomes
      Azpi Monreal Masuaku Mee
      Salah Coutinho Hazard RLC
      Kane(C) Firmino
      Elliot Niasse Carroll Duffy
      G2G? Start Niasse over anyone?

    19. Le Blues
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      *Bottomed on last page*
      RMWCT

      Pickford (Speroni)

      Jones Christenson Otamendi (Mee) ( Masuaku)

      Hazard Salah Richarlison Sterling (RLC)

      Kane Firmino (DCL)

    20. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe instead of posting about who may be rested or rotated we should start a thread of decent or good picks that will have minimal RnR...I'll start...

      Kane
      Zaha
      Shaqiri
      Otamendi
      Silva
      KDB
      Hazard
      Vardy
      Rooney
      Mahrez
      ....

      Actually...it's a long list...so the real question is...Why get Firmino?

      1. Differentiator
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Lack of rotation is why I value Vardy so highly

        1. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Well, I've just brought him in - 2 points every GW like clockwork!

          1. Differentiator
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            😀

          2. Dr Dream
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            It's only a week or two ago that we were saying the same about Firmino...Things change...

            If anybody thinks Vardy won't score any more this season they need to think again..

    21. Scheister
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Morata and Sane to Firmino and Hazard worth -4 today??
      Usually stay away from taking a hit, but leaning towards this one, as bench isn't great at the moment. What do you say?

      Pope
      Alonso Ward Jones Mariappa
      Salah Sane Sterling Richarlison RLC
      (K)ane

      Elliot Niasse Dunk Morata

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Yes.
        Firmino and Hazard would be worth a -12 this week.
        Do it!

    22. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Just for this week.......
      Martial
      Aguero Kane Firmino

    23. aborg
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Guys....an unbiased reply please. Is Son a good alternative captain to Kane?

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Last week, yes

        1. aborg
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Lol....for this game if he plays the whole 90 mins I mean

    24. Balotellitubbies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Pope - Elliot
      Mee - Kiko - Azpi - Daniels - Fernandez
      Rich - Hazard - Salah - Gross - RLC
      Kane - Morata - Niasse

      1 FT & 1.4 ITB

      What to do here? Defence is pretty much screwed, but should be ok for next week so not sure whether I want to waste a transfer there.

      May look at Morata -> DCL & RLC -> Coutinho for -4. Reasses next week and monitor Niasse & DCL. Could potentially go huge in midfield.