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. Olee
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Any thoughts on this mess?

    Pope
    Otamendi-Kiko*-Naughton
    Hazard-Salah-Sterling-Richarlison
    Kane-Morata**-Niasse
    Elliot-Mee*-Mustafi**-RLC

    1FT, 0,5 ITB

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

    This is for -4

    Morata > Firmino
    Daniels > Otameni

    Gives me:

    Pope - Adrian
    Otamendi - Alonso - Ward - Moreno - Duffy
    Salah - Hazard - Richarlison - RLC - Carroll
    Kane - Firmino - Vardy

    Worth the hit?

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

      How much does it leave you ITB? Squad looks good but hopefully a mill and a half min to give you some flexibility

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

        £1.3m. Havent been chasing rises

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

    Play RLC or Mariappa?

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

    Morata and TCarrol out
    DCL and Coutinho in for -8?
    Probably not even having starting XI this week.
    Having worried about, Mee, Gomez, Richalison (rested?).

    Or just Morata to DCL (probably hes starting) so can do it for -2 if he got 2p.
    And next week TCarrol >> Mane or Coutinho.

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

    Chances of Christensen benched this GW? Looking to downgrade Azpi to him, to enable mid upgrade to Couthino later

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

      Young player, could get a rest at some point

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

        Maybe not worth wasting a transfer , just adding more rotation risk to the squad.

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

    Thoughts on my next move? 1Ft and 2m itb

    Pope --- Elliot
    Alonso Gomez Kiko -- Duffy Daniels
    Richarlison Fab Salah RLC Gross
    Kane Firmino -- Morata

    A: Morata >> Aguero/Lukaku
    B: Daniels >> Smalling..as kiko/gomez may not play
    C: Gross + Morata >> Hazard + Calvin (-4)

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

      A for Luk

  7. 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!!

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

    Ogbonna or Masuaku?

    ( prolly ideal answer is none, still if you had to chOse one)

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

      Very tough. Masu I guess

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

      Masuaku

  9. james 101
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed...

    Start 2

    A. Naisse.
    B. Mariappa
    C. Kiko.
    D. Mee.

    Currently I'm set up like this:

    Pope.
    Otamendi. Kiko. Mee.
    Hazard. Salah. Sterling. KDB. Coutinho.
    Kane. Murray.

    Elliot. Naisse. Mariappa. Duffy.

    THANKS - and good luck!!

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Wish naisse was starting

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        (And staying on!!)

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

    Captain?

    Hazard
    Salah
    Kane

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Kane safest

      Sarah most exciting

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Ha. I mean, that's probably true.

        But I meant salah

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

      With Morata out I'm going with Hazard(C), Salah(VC)

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

        Great shout, Hudd have conceded the most of that lot as well.

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

    Coutinho captain anyone?

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I'm tempted.

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Not against it

    3. james 101
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Currently yes

      No idea if that'll last!

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

      o/

  12. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    No team has conceded more set piece attempts this season than Brighton.

    Another reason for Poch to start Llorente and bench Kane.

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      You're really stretching here mate

    2. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      This is a great example of a confirmation bias 😛

    3. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Eriksen says hello

    4. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      What's your argument here?

      He's still in your team, so are you selling or just saying don't captain.

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

    Play Mariappa or RLC?

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Rlc

  14. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Klopp on Solanke: "He's in a fantastic way. He could have played more confident but he's a young boy. We all have to learn how to deal with expectations. He made a chance for Sadio. He's a smart player."

    Anyone taking a hit for Bobby F concerned?

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

      Surely Firmino will play

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

      Klopp on Ings: "Danny is fit. But the others are good as well and that makes it a bit difficult for Danny. It makes more sense for him to play 90mins for u23s than a few mins, but on Sunday I thought it was a good idea to involve him."

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Don't be daft. Klopp is just talking up the kid. It was his decision to play him against Everton, after all.

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

      He'd back the Ox if he had to, but we all know he's kinda crap

  15. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Tempted to get Wazza into my team?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I wish I could foresee if he's going to play the #10 role or Siggy will be there and he'll be stuck out wide.

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

    QUUUAANNNNEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

    just practicing

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      ..... GET BACK IN THE (BARGAIN) BASEMENT !!!!!!

  17. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Which defender will pay back a -4 with bells on, this GW?

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

      Ota or Alonso

    2. Snapes on a Plane
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Valencia / Otamendi

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Anyone a little cheaper? 🙂

  18. Snapes on a Plane
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Replacement for Ramsey?

    A) Sterling ( no city cover)
    B) Coutinho (own firm and salah)
    C) Son
    D) Martial

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

      B

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      They're all really good picks. I have A + B and have been considering adding C or D.

      Coutinho if I had to choose.

  19. 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. CAPTAIN CRESPO
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      B - 4 points nailed

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A

  20. balint84
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    what to do with Daniels?
    I have Mee+Clark both are not nailed + duffy on bench and christensen a starter

  21. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    mahrez niasse to coutinho rooney
    (or)
    kola rlc to coutinho klavan

  22. CAPTAIN CRESPO
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else got a Wildcard still? I was saving it for just before GW 21 but really don't like the look of this team with the injuries..

    I have:
    Ramsey and Morata both out.
    Foster (LIV)
    Daniels (MUN)
    Gross (TOT)

    Would you take a -8 or play Wildcard?

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

      Wildcards you only have a few weeks left to use it before you get a new one

    2. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      wildcard

    3. STEP rOVERS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      WC

  23. machickenz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Sakho, Morata and Ramsey flagged. which option lads?
    Already have Salah
    a) Firmino + Son + Valencia
    b) Aguero + Richarlison + Ward
    c) Firmino + Coutinho + Ward

  24. Fpl-king
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Which move sounds better?

    (A) Morata + Lee To DCL + Coutinho

    (B) Morata + Kiko/Daniels To Firmino/Rooney + Otemende

    Current team:
    Courtois-Elliot
    Monreal-Daniels-kiko-Clark-gamez
    Hazard-obiang-Salah-Lee-surman
    Morata-Kane-Lacazette

  25. Blanka
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Purchase price for Morata was 10.2 selling price price is 10.5.

    If he drops to 10.7 is 10.5 still my seeing price?

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      no, difference is rounded down if required

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

      Nah 10.4

    3. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      10.4

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

        Thanks all! Now Firmino in for a - 4 or not?!

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

          Or relying on Niasse.

  26. luisgarcia
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    it seems to me no one is considering Kun as a Morata replacement

    im torn between

    A. keep Morata, play RLC or Long (bur) or
    B. Morata-->Kun for -4

    rest of team is

    elliot pope
    kola ota ward long daniels
    salah cou sterling richarlison rlc
    kane morata dcl

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Sergio surely starts

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

      B. Sergio defo starts this game IMO

  27. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Aight lads. -4. All set?

    Elliott (Foster)
    Alonso Mee Otamendi (Dunk, Francis)
    Hazard Gray Salah(c) RLC (Choupo)
    Kane Vardy Firmino

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good 🙂

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers

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

    Morata>Calvert-Lewin and Gross>Hazard? -4

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

      Yes

  29. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Since Cedric was back in full training yesterday, surely he will start against Leicester tomorrow?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Hope so, but Southampton did look solid against Arse.

  30. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Klopp on Moreno: It is possible that it is not that long, but it is possible it could be six weeks.