Team News

The Weekend Team News

Leighton Baines remains a doubt for Everton. Angel Di Maria is fit for Man United’s trip to Arsenal. The Gunners welcome back Olivier Giroud, Aston Villa face a central defensive crisis, West Ham have worries over Diafra Sakho and Stewart Downing, while Vincent Kompany returns to training for City.

Olivier Giroud and Mikel Arteta are both in contention for Arsenal’s home clash with United, though Arsene Wenger has admitted “it’s just a question of how ready they are”. Earlier this morning, the Arsenal boss confirmed Danny Welbeck will be assessed later today after picking up a hamstring knock in midweek and went on to say he doesn’t think Theo Walcott will be available. Alexis Sanchez will also be assessed after arriving back late from international duty with Chile.

Villa are bracing themselves for an injury crisis in central defence ahead of Monday’s visit of Southampton. Paul Lambert has confirmed that Philippe Senderos is ruled out with a calf complaint, whilst Ron Vlaar and Nathan Baker are both “struggling” and almost certain to miss out. Alan Hutton is back for the Midlands outfit, though, after recovering from an ankle injury.

Sean Dyche remains hopeful Scott Arfield and Nathaniel Chalobah will be available for Burnley. Arfield picked up a knock in training earlier in the week, whilst Chalobah was forced off on England Under-21 duties in midweek.

Roberto Martinez has doubts over seven players ahead of Everton’s home clash with West Ham. The Toffees boss has confirmed Leighton Baines remains “touch and go” to face Sam Allardyce’s side, whilst Seamus Coleman (Achilles), James McCarthy, Kevin Mirallas (both hamstring), Darron Gibson and Steven Pienaar (both knee) will also be assessed. Gareth Barry remains unlikely to recover in time from an ankle injury sustained in Gameweek 11.

Steve Bruce has confirmed Allan McGregor, Nikica Jelavic and Michael Dawson have trained all week and are expected to be available for Sunday’s clash with Spurs. Curtis Davies has stepped up his recovery from a back problem and returned to training yesterday for the Tigers.

Midfielder Dean Hammond misses out for Leicester this weekend, though Nigel Pearson has revealed Liam Moore (illness), Wes Morgan (foot) and Ritchie de Laet (knock) are all available for selection.

Vincent Kompany has returned to training with City, though reports indicate he only has an outside chance of making the home clash with Swansea.

Angel Di Maria and David de Gea are available for United’s trip to Arsenal, whilst Michael Carrick is expected to recover from a groin problem in time for tomorrow evening’s encounter. Louis van Gaal confirmed Daley Blind is unavailable and is set for scans in 10 days’ time and Luke Shaw remains a doubt after being forced off on international duty in midweek. Radamel Falcao is sidelined for at least another two weeks for the Red Devils with an ongoing calf complaint.

Alan Pardew has confirmed Steven Taylor is “a big doubt” to face QPR at home, with the Magpies also missing Fabricio Coloccini, Cheick Tiote and Rolando Aarons.

Sam Allardyce has confirmed West Ham will assess Diafra Sakho and Stewart Downing after the duo picked up back and knee problems over the international break. The Hammers boss also revealed Andy Carroll is ready to start if selected, though is not 100% match fit.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter stream as breaking news unfolds.

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1,022 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Yun or Dummett?

    (I have Krul in nets)

    1. Misery likes Kompany
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Yun and hope for 0-0

      1. MJ6987
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Then it would make little difference

  2. Demí
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Mourinho asked about all the teams interested in Cech. "In which MIckey Mouse website? In which Mickey Mouse blog?"

    lol

    1. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      😆

      "These two clubs have plenty of previous - you may remember Jose Mourinho accusing the Baggies of being "a Mickey Mouse club" after the sides met in November.
      That match, a fiery 2-2 draw, saw Chelsea awarded a controversial late penalty for a foul on Ramires, and the teams engage in "a 20-man bust-up" after the final whistle.
      Should be interesting to hear what Jose has to say about his opponents today..."

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I lol'd when he said that. He can be quite entertaining at times.

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Goofy the regular Disney No.1 is furious and handed in a transfer request...

  3. dush64
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Krul (Mannone)
    Baines* Moore* Duff
    Sanchez* Tadic* ADM Siggy
    Aguero Costa Sakho*

    Bench: Marney (stk), Wisdom (che), Naylor (mci)

    0FT, 0.2ITB

    Worth taking out Moore for a hit? My benched defenders have horrendous fixtures so I would expect 1pt from each of them.

    1. RSe
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Exactly the same problem. Im sticking with that back 3 and praying for Baines' hammy.

      1. dush64
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah :S:S So many potential injuries in a week with poor defensive fixtures.

        1. RSe
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Just noticed it's for a hit - in this case definitely not. I have a FT and as still undecided and probably gonna save.

    2. dush64
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Come to think of it, there's not much possibility with just 0.2ITB. Any other suggestions to get out of this mess?

  4. RSe
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    What we reckon % chance of Cesc starting tomorrow is then?

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      99%

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I think he's OK. Spain made such a big fuss about Cesc and Costa though that Jose might be wise to not play one of them so as to avoid burning all bridges with them in future.

      1. Stoke me a Clipper
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Why would he care what Spain think?

    3. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      If he trained with no probs then he should start.

      Chelsea need to take advantage of their strong fixture list before the business end of the season

    4. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      90%

    5. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      50:50

  5. King Nil Miss ✩
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Jose Mourinho on Chelsea's injury situation: "Nathan Ake is out for a few weeks. John Mikel I don't know, he only got back this morning. Diego Costa is totally recovered, the same with Schurrle. Fabregas hopefully will be fit, Ramires can play, his injury is improving, but he is not in very good condition."

    1. Willis.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Chelsea do lack a lot of depth in central milf. Ramires seems to be injury prone, Mikel is leaving for Africa soon, and Ake is injured. Could see Fabregas being burnt out soon.

      1. TeamSteam
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Strength and depth. Fabregas always does very well in the fall, struggles just over christmas. I guess too much chorizo during the holladays.

        1. Willis.
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Maybe Van Ginkel will be recalled.

          1. TeamSteam
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            I read somewhere that it was unlikely. He said so himself (MVG).

      2. Mulder
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Nigeria are not going to AFCON

        1. Willis.
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Nigeria is in Africa.

          1. Stoke me a Clipper
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            It is. But they didn't qualify

          2. TeamSteam
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            😀

    2. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      On the upcoming Christmas fixture list: "It's a different phase, but it doesn't mean that we can train more. I know it's very difficult for me, and especially for the players and their bodies, but I love it. I look forward to the marathon Christmas period."

  6. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Has anyone asked Maureen about Reus yet

  7. SneakyPete
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Andre Schurrle is not good FPL wise for Costa,Hazard and Oscar. Especially Costa, both his big haul came without him on field

  8. MadridistaRants
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go or should I use the FT?

    Forster
    Bertrand Baines Duff
    Sanchez Fabregas Siggy Downing
    Aguero Costa (C) Austin

    Subs: Hamer, Brady, Naylor, Wisdom

    1 FT & 2.4 ITB

    1. Stoke me a Clipper
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Lot of doubts in that team. I'd upgrade Downing to someone not injured....

  9. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Foster // Krul

    Clyne // Chambers // Baines // Vlaar // Naylor

    Sanchez // Tadic // Siggy // Chadli // Boyd

    Costa // Kun // Pelle

    2FT + 0.5 ITB

    Tadic + Pelle > Hazard + Austin

    Or is it a bad move to sell Pelle with so many yellow flags kicking about?

    1. Misery likes Kompany
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

      1. Misery likes Kompany
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        (it is a bad move)

        1. Count of Monte Hristo
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Losing Tadic for Hazard/Oscar is another side to the argument though? And Austin on form at a patched Newcastle defence and on pens?

    2. Stoke me a Clipper
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Keep Pelle for the time being. I'd be more tempted to get rid of Southampton defense next week. Plus, as you say, he isn't injured at least.

      I think Tadic --> Oscar is more sensible

      Maybe Vlaar --> someone not injured (Dummet?)

    3. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      wait one week, omg!!!

  10. Misery likes Kompany
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Yun or Chambers? Leaning to Chambers...

    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Chambers

    2. TeamSteam
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Debuchy back in training soon. Short term move.

      1. Misery likes Kompany
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        this is to start. I already have him.

        1. TeamSteam
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          O. Then yeah, Chambo. If in doubt, pick the home player.

  11. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Chelsea Presser main points on one post:

    Jose Mourinho reports Nathan Ake is injured (hamstring) and will be out for a few weeks. #CFC

    Jose says Diego Costa and Schurrle have totally recovered. Fabregas trained with the team today and he hopes he can play. #CFC

    Jose says Ramires is not in a very good condition but is improving and can play. #CFC

    Jose says he is only thinking about the West Brom game when it comes to team selection, despite busy period ahead. #CFC

    Jose reiterates he loves the busy period over winter in England, although the clubs in European competition can be affected later on. #CFC

    Jose says there are zero proposals from other clubs to sign Petr Cech. He says the player has contract & is a fantastic professional. #CFC

    Mourinho was also asked about Paddy Power's twitter feed. "Utter c*nts," he replied. "But I like their funny GIFs. They're funny." lolz

    1. Woy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      😆

  12. Fader
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Does anyone know if Sakho is 100% for African Cup and if so how long and when he will be gone? Thinking may be wise to go :

    Downing + Sakho

    Chadli or Siggy + Ayoze

    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't worry about the ACN yet

  13. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    really hope Fab grabs a goal tomorrow. Repay the faith to the holders

    1. Cal1umz
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I'm hoping so too 🙂

  14. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Costa(WBA) or Aguero(SWA) C?

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Costa. I don't have him so have to captain Aguero.

    2. Cal1umz
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I'm going with Costa.

  15. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Mario Balotelli says his #LFC performances so far this season are "7 out of 10".

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      #reachforthestars

    2. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      then we have nothing to be exited about. He has been 3/10 and thats just because he has a good touch.

    3. BeachBadger
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      If that's Mario at 70%, then I guess I can fundamentally say I'm better than Mario Balotelli because I've definitely played 30% better than that 😆

      1. asquishypotato
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Interesting maths there.

  16. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Jose says Christmas period is hard for players new to it, but Diego Costa has worked with a club physio even during a little holiday. #CFC

    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Jose says that despite Diego Costa being one booking away from a domestic suspension, he won't protect him from any game. #CFC

    2. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I bet he has 😉

  17. Top 210 Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    new post

  18. MJ6987
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Playing Krul....play

    A. Dummett

    B. Yun

    Thanks

    1. Cal1umz
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      As you have Krul, I'd go for Yun.

      1. MJ6987
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

  19. Prince of Persia
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Why is there no love for Bartley? Federico Fernandez will miss the next 3 or 4 matches.

  20. ameenkw
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    best defender below 5.0 .. I'm thinking hutton/n.taylor .. any ideas?

    1. Cal1umz
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah I like Naylor, just sucks he has 4 yellows..

  21. Cars and Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Don't know if its frowned upon to post stuff from other fantasy sites. But this article on Southampton is fantastic

    http://fantasyfootballfirst.co.uk/transfer-advice/southampton-twist-stick-game-week-12/

    If mods have a problem, feel free to delete.

  22. Mr. Grv
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    any advice .
    lloris
    iva baines wisdom vlaar dummet
    ADM fab Barkley chadli
    augero pelle Austin

    .6 itb 1ft

    1. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      downgrade defence and get costa!

  23. Henrzd
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    What to do for next few GWs?????

    A) Clyne > Baines
    B) Clyne > Any Chelsea Defender

    1. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Clyne to Azp is what I have done

      1. Henrzd
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        even when ive got enough money for baines?

  24. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Really need help with my WC defenders.

    Pick 2 from:

    Hutton Duff Dummett Yun

    QPR and Villa have best fixtures til Jan wildcard. But Half of Villas defence are injured and QPR are notoriously poor at the back. Thoughts?

  25. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Might we hear anything about this medical assessment that Wellbeck will undertake / has undertaken ?

  26. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Vodafone must be the shoddiest company I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with.

  27. mentoz
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Is it worth taking a hit for Baines -> Azpi? If I do, I have enough money to do Pellè and Clyne -> Diego Costa and Yun next week for a hit. I really want ti triple up on Chelsea and I really want Costa, and I can't see any other way to get him in the next few weeks unless I sell ADM, which I should keep for the next two home matches. Any thoughts?

    Begovic
    Chambers. Baines Clyne
    Wanyama. Di María Sánchez Fábregas
    Austin Pellè Agüero

    Bench: Fabianski, Schlupp, Cattermole, Schlupp

  28. Pinturicchio
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    This one's a puzzler.

    Begovic/Krul
    Baines/Clyne/Cresswell/NTaylor/Moore
    Hazard/Sanchez/Tadic/Downing/Boyd
    Pelle/Aguero/Welbeck

    1 FT, 0.2 ITB.

    A lot of yellow. I want to get Costa in. I want to get away from Tadic/Pelle/Welbeck. I can't figure out how to do it well without taking a -8 hit.

    I may just save the FT and whiteknuckle this week.

  29. RSe
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    What time Everton presser?