[sbu_large_image] Team News
18 January 2013 1040 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

Britain is under a blanket of snow casting doubt over the weekend programme, while Lukas Podolski is, literally, under the weather. The German striker turns to Facebook to drop a minor bombshell: he missed training today but hopes to be fit for Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.

Elsewhere, Jonny Evans is ruled out for United’s trip to Spurs, who themselves look set to be without William Gallas at the back: he remains a doubt with a calf problem. Sergio Aguero is fit and in the mix for the visit of Fulham, Joey O’Brien and Mark Noble are available to take on West Ham’s two fixtures and Southampton sign defender Vegard Forren in time for Monday night’s clash with Everton. The Norwegian joins the Saints new regime on a landmark day at St Mary’s, as Mauricio Pochettino takes the reins from the dismissed Nigel Adkins.

All this and more is collected and collated in our team news section, where you’ll also find our updated predicted lineups.

Rate My Team and the members projections have also been updated to reflect the very latest.

We’ll keep you informed of any new information via our twitter feed, as always.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. ...---...
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    ok

    Open Controls
    1. JT's Dog
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Witty name n grav

        Open Controls
      • Flycroft
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        lol

        Open Controls
    2. United13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Looking forward to the double game week (again)!

      Open Controls
    3. unoaime
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Caught the end of the last post.

      Giroud or Podolski?

      And why?

      Open Controls
      1. Pabster
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Struggling with that myself. Pod should be fit by Sunday, no? Over the two games I figure Pod should log more minutes than Giroud.

        I would probably go Pod but wouldn't feel great about it.

        Open Controls
        1. Grounderz
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Even if it's a cold, I suspect that he might be sidelined for the first game. Giroud looks likelier to get the start and pushes Walcott back to the right. Someone else is gonna grab that left wing spot - be it Oxlade or Ramsey. Speaking of which, what happened to Gervinho? He played left last season.

          Open Controls
          1. 42 Rules
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            ACON ??

            Open Controls
          2. Pabster
            • 16 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            Gervinho is off at ACoN. But your point stands.

            I think either way carries risk.

            Open Controls
            1. Grounderz
              • 14 Years
              13 years, 2 months ago

              I see, thanks, so it's ACoN.

              Open Controls
      2. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Giroud has the higher upside imo. Pod always seems like a safe 4.5 ppg

        Open Controls
        1. Seamy
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          I'm settled on big Oli, depending on pitch inspections etc of course

          Open Controls
    4. charliec1903
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      So....who do you think will start at CB A) Mert B) Kosciellny

      Open Controls
      1. Nice2Michu
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        mert

        Open Controls
    5. charliec1903
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Have Bunn (liv) as GK just now. Should I transfer him out for Szczesny for a 4pt hit? Already have Mert!

      Open Controls
    6. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      That's it, no Walcott from GW24 onwards! 😀

      Open Controls
      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Interesting. Based on fixtures, his new role, better alternatives?

        It's a toss up for me between Theo and Fellaini.

        Open Controls
      2. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry was away earlier. Luiz + Ba > Gibbs + Giroud (-4

        Open Controls
        1. Parm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Ah, t'was as I expected then.

          Giroud(c)?

          Open Controls
          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            For now.

            Open Controls
        2. Pasqualinho
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Well done LR. People were beginning to wonder if you'd ever go through with it.

          Open Controls
          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            Cmon, your allowed to love a player without buying it.

            Open Controls
            1. Pasqualinho
              • 16 Years
              13 years, 2 months ago

              True. But when you talk about transferring them in to the degree that you did, and nothing happens, then folk begin to wonder. I wish you luck - as it turns out today with the slight doubt over Pod it could be a shrewd move.

              Open Controls
      3. isacki: full casual
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        What can theo matter be

        Open Controls
      4. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        why Theo. May be leaning that way myself.

        Open Controls
        1. Parm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Price, the return of Giroud and Champions League games.

          Oh and I like Mata, Bale, Michu & Fellaini more then him 😀 😉

          Open Controls
          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            then consider shipping Ba, not sure you need him AND Mata

            Open Controls
            1. Parm
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              13 years, 2 months ago

              I may get Studge then...

              Open Controls
              1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                13 years, 2 months ago

                good man.

                am gonna go look at the options with Theo in my team then with Fellaini.

                Open Controls
      5. 4vets
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Jesus... CL opponents everywhere... but I'm looking at that too.

        Open Controls
    7. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Bego

      Baines Luiz Gibbs

      Mata Theo (c) Michu Punch

      RVP Suarez (vc) Pod

      Bunn Sterling Davies Shorey

      No FTs - everything seems OK as long as Pod makes it out?

      Open Controls
      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Yup. I'd play Sterlo over Punch

        Open Controls
        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          You think he will get sufficient gametime though? That's my only issue plus Jase is flying

          Open Controls
          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            Its 49-51

            Open Controls
        2. Absinthe Minded
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          What about Sterling or C.Cole?

          Open Controls
          1. John Nerdelbaum
            • 13 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            What about them?

            Open Controls
    8. Alonso14
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Which games are most at risk this weekend then?

      Open Controls
      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        My local game will be a doubt

        Swansea I think, seems a lot of snow in the Midlands so maybe West Brom

        Open Controls
      2. Eboue
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        My match is off in the cup

        Open Controls
    9. heeljames
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Do we think Dawson is set for the next few games? Ive got him on the WC but can change to Davies if he suddenly loses his spot

      Open Controls
      1. Koflok
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Considering him as well. Have always started in the last few games

        Open Controls
      2. FPLFamily (Lee)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        I would expect Gallas to take his spot back when fit

        Open Controls
    10. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Daniel......... are you nervous yet?

      Open Controls
      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        😀

        Open Controls
      2. Declan
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        🙂

        Open Controls
        1. FPL Daniel
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          For not being in CL? Yes

          Open Controls
          1. isacki: full casual
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            Not that! The gameweek! It's madness. I'm getting nervous TBH!

            Open Controls
            1. FPL Daniel
              • 16 Years
              13 years, 2 months ago

              Hell no, I like this kind of challenges. This is my time.

              And why no place for me ?

              Open Controls
              1. isacki: full casual
                • 14 Years
                13 years, 2 months ago

                I honestly don't know. Too many people to choose from I guess.

                Open Controls
    11. jdogg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Team this week

      Bego
      Baines demel gibbs
      Mata sterling bale santi-vc theo-c
      Suarez ba

      Bunn wisdom berba cuellar

      1ft 0.6 in bank,using wc next week so fancying a 1 week punt,

      Berba to dzeko then bench sterling sound good?x.

      Open Controls
    12. Declan
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      PITCH INSPECTIONS:

      Championship:

      Birmingham v Brighton – Sat – 9am

      Watford v Huddersfield – Sat – 9am

      fwiw

      Open Controls
    13. FORCA INTER
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      just listen podcast and i really like granville opinion about wilshire

      i was thinking about get him in as dgw punt but gone for ,,safer bet'' podoslki

      Open Controls
      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Lovely 4 weeks for you. Congratulations mate 😀

        Open Controls
        1. FORCA INTER
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          thanks mate,i have a very good ride rencetly since i am more focused and i am more on 🙂

          but luck is on my side as well

          you doing brilliantly yourself

          enjoying in doos lwr league....only you,evs and epic are infront of me

          Open Controls
          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            I am gambling this week. Good chance for you to surpass me. 😉

            Open Controls
        2. Feanor
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Jesus, I've gone the other way from the about the same spot in GW 18.

          Open Controls
      2. Feanor
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        I thought of getting him in for Pienaar for this midfield.

        Mata, Carzola, Walcott, Michu, Wilshire

        Then wildcarding.

        Open Controls
        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Putting a lot of eggs in the Arsenal midfield basket! I think you've got every angle covered there 😀

          Could be inspired and I really like the Wilshere punt

          Open Controls
      3. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        a safer, injured, bet 🙁

        Forca mate, Theo or Fellaini after this week?

        Open Controls
        1. FORCA INTER
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          walcott all the way

          Open Controls
          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            even though Fellaini is cheaper, doesn't have Europe and will play in the hole, whilst Theo might go wide?

            Open Controls
            1. FORCA INTER
              • 14 Years
              13 years, 2 months ago

              i'd prefer theo any day no matter where he plays

              last season he played wide and he has been brilliant

              Open Controls
              1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                13 years, 2 months ago

                but last season he played wide right with RvP in the centre.

                Open Controls
      4. Grounderz
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Let's hope for the best, shall we? I should have gone with Giroud instead - it was either him or Mr Pods but, as you said, gone with the safer one.

        Open Controls
    14. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      JKisthe1 you there? It's time to renew the Manchester Going To Watch A Pub Game Live But Ending Up Talking About Fantasy Football Club (Population: 2)

      Open Controls
      1. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Sounds fun! Where'd you have in mind?

        Open Controls
        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          either Tib St. Tavern or Footage. If you're in Manchester, you're welcome to join us

          Open Controls
          1. isacki: full casual
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            Seconded, the more the merrier

            Open Controls
          2. Beavis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            I would join but have exams next week so will only be watching our game on Sunday from home! Another time definitely though.

            Open Controls
            1. isacki: full casual
              • 14 Years
              13 years, 2 months ago

              Good that we're all regulars, just say the word, I watch live games almost every weekend.

              Open Controls
          3. thetinkerman
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            I'm not actually in Manchester at the moment but just wondered where you guys would go. I think it would blow my mind to be in the room with people from these very pages...

            Open Controls
      2. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Indeed mate, working Sunday but might be able to make one tomorrow/ is there an early game or a you thinking Midlands derby?

        Open Controls
        1. isacki: full casual
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Trying to avoid the Midlands derby at all costs but if it comes to it I'm happy to go because we'll hardly be watching that game anyway lol. No early game tomorrow, thanks a bunch PL. A 3pm kickoff would be grand - not sure which clubs you hate the most, Liverpool v Norwich, City v Fulham... there is Swansea v Stoke too.

          Open Controls
          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            Does the Footage show 3pm games?

            Open Controls
            1. isacki: full casual
              • 14 Years
              13 years, 2 months ago

              Nope, but Courtyard does for sure. They usually show multiple 3pm kickoffs in fact. Ideal place to go now I think about it!

              Open Controls
              1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                13 years, 2 months ago

                never heard of that, where is it?

                Open Controls
                1. isacki: full casual
                  • 14 Years
                  13 years, 2 months ago

                  In central near Oxford Road Rail Station - Chester St, off Oxford Road. Right next to the Quadrangle off Oxford Road with Nandos, Zouk etc.

                  http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/66419/
                  http://www.flickr.com/photos/raver_mikey/6173359487/

                  Open Controls
                  1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    13 years, 2 months ago

                    yeah, sounds good to me. You got my number, let me know

                    Open Controls
                    1. isacki: full casual
                      • 14 Years
                      13 years, 2 months ago

                      Can you text me again so I can make sure I've saved it!

                      Open Controls
    15. Footiegirl
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Anybody considering Joe Cole at £5.6m, nearly £1m less than Nolan. Is this a real option?

      Open Controls
    16. unoaime
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Is Sagna guaranteed to play both matches?

      Open Controls
      1. Declan
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        I hope not.

        Open Controls
        1. RD84
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          NOT HELPFUL! 😛

          Open Controls
        2. unoaime
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Is that a no?

          Open Controls
      2. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        I'd be very surprised if he doesn't

        Open Controls
      3. teddy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Jenkinson must be in with a small chance, but Sagna's probably 90% chance of the 180.

        Open Controls
      4. Grounderz
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        I reckon he will.

        Open Controls
    17. Eboue
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Is RVP aguero pog a decent affordable option for front 3?

      Open Controls
    18. FORCA INTER
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      can't wait to downgrade my favorite player suarez to sturridge

      i think he will be the player who will match RVP untill end of the season cause he taking so manny shots and he is so selfish

      wildcard strikers : RVP,Aguero,Strridge with nice mix of temple team of Michu,Bale,Mata and Walcott in midfilded

      can i stay in top 1k with team like that?cause more less everyone have same players...

      Open Controls
      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Of course you can. I like it.

        Open Controls
      2. RD84
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Damn you, Forca -- I had just put the Sturridge debate in my head to rest until now!

        Open Controls
        1. FORCA INTER
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          but think about it?he will play as lone forward and suarez and gerrard will create so manny chanses for him

          io seriously can't see him doing bad for liverpool and with that prize i think he will be must have very soon

          Open Controls
          1. RD84
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            You're right, I'm altering my WC team now -- lets me get Nolan in for this week too which I'll drop for a cheapie next week.

            Open Controls
      3. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Looking at the same front 8, but am currently deciding between Walcott and Fellaini. But I'm with you on the rest

        Open Controls
      4. Koflok
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Damn, exact front 7 😀

        I'm guessing that 3 striker is gonna be a template soon enough too huh. Especially if Sturridge does well in this couple of games.

        Open Controls
      5. Parm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Yes.

        Open Controls
      6. isacki: full casual
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Bloody hell Forca I was thinking about Sturridge against Norwich and seeing the world's biggest Suarez fan happy to switch to him is really convincing me.

        Open Controls
      7. FPLFamily (Lee)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed. Sturridge will be this season's Siggy. Can see a lot of value between now and the end of the season

        Open Controls
      8. Absinthe Minded
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        After GW25?

        Open Controls
      9. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        I like the players, I like the template. Could be a winner!

        Open Controls
    19. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      has fiso crashed again on 1700?

      Open Controls
      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        That's where it's stuck for me.

        Open Controls
    20. Koflok
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      West Brom ground staff making "concerted" efforts to make sure the Hawthorns is ready for Villa game.

      http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/albion-v-villa-update-607738.aspx

      Open Controls
    21. UKG
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      1 FT and 0.4 in the bank. Wildcarding next week so may as well use the FT. Was thinking Luiz > Verm? And should I start Berba or Puncheon?

      Cheers!

      Bego

      Demel Luiz Gibbs

      Mata Walcott (c) Felliani Michu

      Suarez Berba RVP

      Ruddy Puncheon Nelsen Cameron

      Open Controls
    22. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Who to bench from a front 8 of:

      Walcott Bale Fellaini Michu Noble
      RVP Ba Tevez

      ?

      Open Controls
      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Ouch.

        Open Controls
      2. Koflok
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Ba probably

        Open Controls
      3. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Snow will make the decision for you I reckon.

        Open Controls
        1. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Yup. Think I might bench Noble. Got O'Brien for "coverage" and Noble always comes good for me off the bench.

          Open Controls
      4. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Noble

        Open Controls
      5. John Nerdelbaum
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Tough. Ba

        Open Controls
    23. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Guys, start 3 out of Luiz, Demel, Gibbs and Baines.

      Currently on baines, Luiz and Gibbs.

      Open Controls
      1. boro_faithful
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Baines, Gibbs, and Demel.

        Open Controls
        1. Absinthe Minded
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          +1

          Open Controls
      2. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Drop Luiz.

        Open Controls
      3. cruzex
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Luiz on the bench

        Open Controls
    24. Darren Caskey
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Got a FT before WC next week, any way for me to use it? 0 in bank.

      Bego (Federici)

      Sagna, Demel, B Davies (Nelsen,Clark)
      Walcott, Cazorla, Bale, Mata (Sterling)
      RVP, BA, C.Cole

      Open Controls
    25. boro_faithful
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Gooners, is Mert likely to start both games this week?

      Open Controls
      1. Djerbil
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Likely but not guarenteed

        Open Controls
        1. boro_faithful
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Ta.

          Open Controls
      2. bitterandstout
          13 years, 2 months ago

          he will. Koscielny is on a red.

          Open Controls
          1. boro_faithful
            • 13 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            He served his suspension midweek. That is all.

            Open Controls
      3. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        just a little thing, swansea's 'next match' needs changing on team news

        Open Controls
        1. unoaime
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Hoddle not in the starting XI = fail.

          Yup.

          Open Controls
        2. SW6
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          I'd start Keegan ahead of Zola

          Open Controls
        3. boro_faithful
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Mark Hughes?

          Open Controls
      4. Nice2Michu
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Is henriquez likely to start for wigan?

        Open Controls
      5. Absinthe Minded
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Gibbs for -4
        a. Luiz
        b. Nasty
        c. Rafa
        d. Stick
        thanks

        Open Controls
      6. Eboue
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Play Davies or demel ??

        Open Controls
        1. Absinthe Minded
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Demel for DGW

          Open Controls