[sbu_large_image] Team News
19 December 2014 1482 comments
Paul Paul
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Kevin Mirallas misses Everton’s trip to Southampton. Dusan Tadic is ruled out for the Saints, whilst Graziano Pelle is doubtful. Hull’s Michael Dawson is out for up to five weeks, Bojan is back in training for Stoke, Theo Walcott will be assessed ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool, whilst Mario Balotelli is set to serve a one-match ban for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Nacho Monreal, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be assessed tomorrow, according to Arsene Wenger. The latter is set for a late test after failing to train, whilst the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere remain on the sidelines.

Marian Chamakh is ruled out of Palace’s trip to City, though James McCarthy is set to feature despite sustaining a rib problem. Adrian Mariappa and Jonny Williams are back in training and the former could make the squad if he proves his fitness.

Kevin Mirallas is out of Everton’s trip to St Mary’s with an ankle problem but is expected to recover for the festive fixtures, according to Roberto Martinez. James McCarthy, Leon Osman, Darron Gibson and Tony Hibbert are all doubtful for the Toffees.

Alan Hutton, Kieran Richardson and Tom Cleverley are all suspended for Villa’s home clash with United. Paul Lambert is still without the likes of Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker at the back, whilst Ashley Westwood remains out with a knee injury.

Hull are set to be without Michael Dawson for up to five weeks with a hamstring tear, whilst Tom Huddlestone serves the first of a four-match ban at home to Swansea.

David Nugent is back in training for Leicester after stepping up his recovery from an ankle problem, though the likes of Kasper Schmeichel and Matthew Upson are still unavailable for the trip to West Ham.

Mario Balotelli has been handed a one-match ban by the FA for recent social media posts and will skip Liverpool’s home clash with Arsenal.

Alan Pardew was handed a boost ahead of Newcastle’s derby home encounter with Sunderland, with reports in the local press confirming Jak Alnwick is set to recover from a shoulder injury to take his place between the sticks. Moussa Sissoko is likely to recover from a midweek knock, whilst the Magpies boss also expects Papiss Cisse to recover from illness.

The problems are mounting for Southampton ahead of the weekend home clash with Everton. Ronald Koeman has three players – Morgan Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama and Florin Gardos – all suspended, whilst Dusan Tadic and Jake Hesketh join Jack Cork on the sidelines through injury. Graziano Pelle and Steven Davis are both doubtful and are set for late fitness tests.

Bojan has returned to training for Stoke after recovering from a hip injury sustained last weekend. Mark Hughes is confident on the Spaniard’s availability for Monday’s visit of Chelsea and also has Marc Muniesa back from injury, though Stephen Ireland (knee) is a doubt.

Chris Brunt has recovered from a hamstring injury and returns for the Baggies’ trip to Loftus Road. Georgios Samaras is sidelined, whilst fellow forward Victor Anichebe is a doubt due to a groin injury.

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.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. Billy Ketsu
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Manchester Evening News football journalists on City's possible line-up this week:

    http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/panel-men-writers-pick-man-8311601#ICID=sharebar_twitter

    Looks nice for Yaya owners....

    1. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      That would be great. But I can't see it.

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      They are always wrong.

    3. Screaming Midget
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      They were wrong last week. Said Dzeko wouldn't start.

      1. @ImpressiveTackl
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        So they were right then? 😛

        1. Screaming Midget
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Ha ha!

        2. Fitzy.
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          😆

    4. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      People are forever putting Yaya in the hole... He is better deeper!

      1. @ImpressiveTackl
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        You're forever putting Yaya in the hole ya dirty fecker.

      2. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Mrs. Yaya agrees 😯

    5. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      And Kolarov owners!

      Though the second guy says 'I'd keep Clichy at LB' and then his graphic drops him for Alekis.

      1. @ImpressiveTackl
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        That's the power of Kolarov, he doesn't care if you say you aren't picking him, he still appears in your team graphic.

        1. Le Limpar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          lol

    6. Screaming Midget
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      This is C Palance... City should attack attack attack. They won't need to bother defending then.

      1. Screaming Midget
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Palace, even.

    7. Djerbil
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I would play this

      ------------Hart--------------------
      --Zaba----Demi--Mangala--Clichy/Kolarov--
      -----Fernando-----------Yaya--------
      ----Navas---------Nasri---------Milner--
      ------------------Silva----------------

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        This.

        With Nasri and Silva interchanging.

    8. Black Knights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      The very first thing I thought was Fernando and Fernandinho could play centre mids, pushing Yaya into the hole. That would suit me fine.

    9. Raddy
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Between them they have guessed most of the possible options for the attacking 4..

    10. Hanniballus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nice to see a predicted lineup with Jovetic. He will be a fantastic differential if he plays!

  2. Ginkapo FPL
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Today's presser times:

    Liverpool - 11.00
    Man United - 12.30
    Chelsea - 12.45
    Man City - 12.45
    Spurs - 13.00
    Newcastle 13.15
    Sunderland 15.00

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You did a good job in the third movie.

  3. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    RVP and Gru amongst forward favorites. Gotta love it.

  4. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Updating.......

    Good luck

    1. Djerbil
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      ??

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Pens down

  5. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Please RMT for this GW, all feedback much appreciated

    Foster
    Baines Azp Naylor
    Fab Sanchez Downing Yaya(c)
    Sakho Costa Austin

    Subs: Elliot Siggy Duff Hutton 1FT 0.5 ITB

  6. Le Limpar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking QPR's chances are less about WBA's 'strong' defence (the stats are skewed by them playing 1-2 away games less than most other sides) - and more about whether QPR's home dependence eventually becomes a burden for them. i.e. playing under the pressure of knowing these home games are their only chance of points. At present it seems to be working for them, but it could spill over into increased pressure and caginess. But maybe it's too early in the season for that.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yep. That is January angst.

      1. Le Limpar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        It'll all be festive cheer and blue and white santa hats and all guns blazing this weekend though right?

    2. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Think this is in danger of over analysing. Good home game against a poor defence. Austin is a good choice for captain.

      1. Le Limpar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, probably right. Ta.

    3. Podge
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He knows they cant defend so they'll just attack.

  7. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone fancy a go at Southampton's front six?

    Mane - WP - Isgrove - Reed
    Long - Mayuka

    You what?

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe Boruc for Reed?

    2. Woy
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Bertrand, Mane, JWP, Isgrove/Mayuka, Reed,
      Long

      (saints fan)

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Ah cheers Woy, with back three?

        How you reckon you'll fair?

        1. Woy
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          4-5-1 formation imo.

          Back 4:

          Targett Fonte Toby Clyne

          Bertrand will be playing ahead of Targett imo, like they were against Sheffield.
          Berty has a stable attacking threat, and I think mane will be pushed further centre - or it could be the opposite with berty in the centre as playmaker and Clyne/Mane pushing up either side of him - Targett giving Mane backup when (not if) he loses the ball.

          Everton 3-1 frustratingly.

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks for that, useful...

            1. Woy
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Let's just say I'm playing Bertrand over Clyne.

          2. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Surely Toby will go into midfield again?

            1. Woy
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              see below.

              Could very well happen - I'm just speculating

    3. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think Long up top on his own and Aldeirweld at DM in front of Yoshida and Fonte. Batten down the hatches.

      1. Woy
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        This also.

        Toby could be DM and bertrand could play CB with targett next to him.

        1. Whazza
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Yoshida ?

          1. Woy
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            sucks

            1. Whazza
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              😀 Can't see Bertrand playin CB when Yoshi is available

              1. Woy
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                fair.

  8. Caesar, Hot Mustache
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Leicester's record from crosses is pushing me towards Downing (C). stop me people :look:

    1. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      It's not a terrible shout if you don't have Austin or a west ham striker.

  9. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I genuinely think I will get a red arrow through my lack of West Ham players alone. That is the game I am most scared of. Sorry Doos, but COME ON LEICESTER!

    1. davies
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      COME ON!!!

    2. Black Knights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      What a crazy world we live in, where West Ham have FPL assets aplenty and Downing is the most popular player in the game.

  10. A guy
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Carroll or Giroud?

    1. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      For one week only? Carroll

      Long term giroud

  11. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Bottom of last page

    Forster to Hart worth -4?

    Presume the -4 will be easily repaid given City fixtures (cpl, wba, bur, sun) ?

    1. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No imo. Just do it next week for free.

  12. Wajidiqbal
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Will Courtois play against Stoke..?

  13. Bollemuza
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Is Hazard taking a totally different role when Chelsea are playing away? I mean, he has only got 2 assist (or 26 pts out of his total 95) in away games this season.

    1. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Do a comparison of hazard at home and away last season in the area. Wouldn't captain him for sure

      1. Nickofoz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I'm a Hazard captainer and a non-member, do you mind explaining?

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Hazard hasn't scored away from home since early January in the PL...

  14. King Huth
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Best striker to rotate wid austin?

    Kane? Any other better option?

    1. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Sakho?

  15. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who's more likely to win this week.

    Spurs or West Ham?

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Hammers...

    2. Wajidiqbal
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Both... but spurs ' s chances is very high....

    3. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Bookies have Spurs slight fav's.

      But Leicester have lost 4 on the trot and Burnley were half decent vs Southampton.

    4. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Hammers for me, just - because of WHL form so far this season.

  16. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    buried
    Check out my latest punts article if you haven't already:

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/12/17/gameweek-17-best-punts/

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Picking Dunne is absolutely psychotic! 😉

      1. thepuntmaster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        that's what i do best 😉

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I'm fully expecting him to notch on Saturday now. 😆

  17. Billy Gilmore
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Best FPL player picture I've ever seen 😆

    http://cdn.ismfg.net/static/plfpl/img/shirts/photos/153475.jpg

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      😆

    2. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Cattermole & Cleverly's offspring?

  18. DaveBensonPhilips
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Foster Krul
    Baines Dummett Yun Hutton Naylor
    Alexis Haz Siggy Eriksen Boyd
    Costa Benteke Austin

    1FT, 4.2ITB

    Siggy, Costa > Yaya, Bony (-4)?

  19. flatterball
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Current defence
    Caulker (WBA) Clyne (EVE) Baines (sou)

    benched
    Wisdom (qpr) Jagielka (sou)

    Based on the Southampton team news, promote Jags and demote Clyne?

  20. Courtois in the Rye
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone think Chambers to Ben Davies is a decent use of a FT? Good fixture this weekend and decent ones over Christmas, frees up money and attacking threat whereas Chambers has tougher fixtures and place under threat.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Not for me.

      Chambers should play against Liverpool and QPR, which could very well be 2 clean sheets.

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Do you think he'll start against QPR? I thought Kos would be back for that?

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          But if Kos is fit, he will no doubt be saved for the tougher game away to West Ham.

      2. Courtois in the Rye
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks for intel and useful to hear from an Arsenal fan. There does seem to be at least a risk that he misses one of those games.

        Also personally, I know Liverpool aren't playing all that well but in a big game at Anfield against a relatively makeshift Arsenal defence I don't personally see a clean sheet. And your fixtures are generally quite tough over this period.

        I might save the FT though, it's certainly a 'luxury' transfer that probably isn't necessary and have two next week could be very helpful.

    2. Hasselbaink Forever
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'm considering that very move for those very reasons

      1. Courtois in the Rye
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Difficult one, the thing that makes me nervous about Chambers is that with Christmas fixtures and Debuchy back he surely will miss a number of games.

        Davies certainly seems to have made it as first choice now and will undoubtedly play tomorrow with Rose having played midweek but with Europa and League Cup out of the way until the New Year I expect to see Rose get at least one game over Christmas - hopefully the Burnley FA Cup game.

        1. Hasselbaink Forever
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah I'm probably going for it, I also have 0 in the bank so the 0.6 will be useful

  21. Esalman
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    a. Will Caulker start?
    b. Will Jovetic start?

    1. A.T
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      B no

    2. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'm trying to find out the answer to A. It seems like he may have been dropped as a slap on the wrist for the Christmas party thing ('fell over' in a pub when QPR and Palace players 'met up').
      In which case he'd start. Harry not mentioning it at all makes me think he's fine.
      He's been pretty much ever-present for them so be very surprised if he's dropped again.

    3. Hanniballus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      B. Will have more info at 12.45. Citys presser.

  22. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    What kind of game time do we see Lampard getting over the Christmas oeriod?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      30 minutes here and there. Not worth getting with so much rotation on the horizon, imo.

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        You're probably right. Although thirty minutes here and there is all he seems to need.

  23. Wajidiqbal
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Courtois Alnwick
    Coloccini Janmaat Baines Caulker Trippier
    Larsson Hazard Eriksen Besic Boyd
    Costa Pelle Lukaku

    1 FT 2.4 in the bank...

    What changes to be made...?

    1. Hasselbaink Forever
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Start with Pelle and Larsson out

      1. A.T
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Actually this.

      2. Wajidiqbal
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Ok Thanx...

    2. A.T
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Besic out first. Then Larsson.

    3. Lambey
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Besic Larsson Pelle Trippier and one of Janmaat or Colocinni out

    4. Black Knights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      What an odd situation to have gotten yourself in.

  24. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I see that Carroll is down as being on pens for WHU when Noble is out. Is there anything to back this up? Wondering which of Sakho/Carroll to bring in this week....

  25. Mohit20
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Will azpi start this gw??

    1. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'd think so.

  26. Angin out the Begović
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Actually thinking of captain Chadli 😀

  27. Bollemuza
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Is Benteke --> Sakho or Carroll worth a -4? And which of the WH players would you pick?

    1. Angin out the Begović
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Sakho

  28. Wajidiqbal
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who will start as goalkeeper for Chelsea against Stoke..?

    Courtois or Cech..?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Should be Courtois, if he has recovered from injury. Should get updates later today.

      1. stachman
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Is there a chelsea presser today? Why do you think, there will be any more updates on Courtois later today? I'm stuck with him as only goalie, so it's pretty important for me:)

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Yeh there's a presser. I haven't heard any news recently, so I'd expect some. I think he is expected back though.

  29. starbows
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Eriksen OR Sterling?

    1. Angin out the Begović
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Eriksen due to fixtures but if Chadli starts he will steal the show 😉

  30. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    This is my current team - http://imgur.com/4ulookC

    Think I'm pretty set on doing Dzeko to Kane. Should I leave it at that or take a -4 for Duff to.....City defender?

    Pretty sure Clichy will be rested this week.