[sbu_large_image] Team News
19 December 2014 1482 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

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. Somalion
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    In their last 3 home games Stoke have conceded 6 goals...

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Been saying this all week. 😀

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

        MNF as well... Stoke love to attack... Talking myself into (C)osta or Hazard here 😉

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Ive got Hazard here. They've shipped quite a few down their right side, the opposition's left 😀

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

            I quite like that thinking 😀 Will decide later on but right now I can't see past either of those two or Austin.

            1. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Austin is another candidate! I think Hazard being a mid, more BAP, and in better form, edges it for me

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

                This is true. My concern for Hazard is the reintroduction of Fabs, not sure if it will benefit him or encourage him to return to a supporting(ish) role. Also his away form, 6 goals and 3 assists this season, only 2 assists came from away matches. 0 goals...

                1. Davido989
                  • 15 Years
                  11 years, 3 months ago

                  I agree with you, I just feel Cesc's presence hinders Hazard's points. But the man is in form, and Stoke are terrible

                  1+1=2 😉

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

                    Quite the conundrum. Hazard in better form, Costa better history of getting returns in away games (4 goals), Costa more likely to have reduced gametime.

                    Austin it is 😆

    2. â­ Bemba_Da â­
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      hull were going to concede 10 last week v chelsea but didn't

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

        Just the two did me fine.

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          +1 I was happy with Hazards return

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

        And how many points did Hazard score?

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

    Check out this article I wrote previewing this weekend's Tyne-Wear game -

    http://www.90min.com/posts/1671574-the-3-players-that-will-be-key-for-each-side-in-the-tyne-wear-clash

  3. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Foster
    Baines . Azpillcueta . Yun
    Hazard . Sanchez . Downing . Siggy
    Austin (vc) . Costa . Bony (c)

    Elliot . Naylor . Boyd . Hutton

    1. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Hi all, is my team in tact? 1.7 in the bank and 2FT

      A. Costa --> RVP and save a FT
      B. Baines & Siggy ---> Yaya and Davies
      C. Other?

      1. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        other option is Siggy --> Eriksen

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

        If Mirallas is out, this might be the week that Baines get the offenisve returns. I would do A, as I'm not a big fan of Costa.

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      A

  4. mentoz
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    RMT

    Fabianski
    Azpi, Yun, Schlupp
    Yaya, Hazard, Alexis, Siggy
    Rooney, Lukaku, Austin

    Bench: Guzan, Chambers, Wisdom, Wanyama

    1FT 0,7 ITB

    Is this good to go? Or should I play Chambers over Schlupp? I can't see any of them getting a CS, but think Schlupp has a bigger goalthreat than Chambers.

    A) Azpi > Zaba
    B) Siggy > Downing/Milner
    C) Lukaku/Rooney > Giroud
    D) Save FT

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

      And should I Captain Yaya or Austin?

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

        Yaya

  5. Ne0
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who do I get for Bertrand?

    A) Yun
    B) Ben Davies
    C) Naylor
    D) O'Shea

    I also have Yaya and Bony which can affect the Yun choice.

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

      Yun is a bargain, and you might want to use the WC around the 17. january anyways. O'Shea got some nice home fixtures from now till the end of the season.

      1. Ne0
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Trying to use the January WC as late as possible so want the best pick till then.

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

          O'Shea them, if you have other defenders that rotates well with his home matches.

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

        Bargain for what? 1 poimnt every week? Cant believe anybody would want a qpr defender but then again I have Baines so I cant exactly talk.

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

          I got rid of Baines in GW 16 and transfered in Yun in GW 17. Which has gotten most points after GW17? 😉

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

            Sorry, GW 12 and 13.

        2. Ne0
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I want a bargain with some point potential and reasonable safety of starting. That may be too much to ask though.

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

      Definately not Yun, he's off to Asia cup soon

      1. Ne0
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        That is my thinking too, but can't find the best option other than him.

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

          I think B Davies is a good option

          1. Ne0
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            I am leaning towards B Davies at the moment.

    3. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      C or D

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        sorry B or C

        1. Ne0
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks, will probably go B then. But I like how Naylor is more nailed than Bavies

    4. Rafabio
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      B

  6. rozzo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Is it worth bringing in Cresswell either though he has Chelsea and Arsenal coming up?

    1. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      he will be conceding in those games for sure

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

      Might be wise to wait till after those two matches.

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

      Doesn't sound like it, does it!

  7. Punty
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone seen Kane and Eriksens statistics at WHL in the pl so far this season?:p

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      it would be so spurs if it turns out to be spurs 0-1 burnley

      1. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        thats the problem with Spurs

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

        If Heaton saves another penalty I will find him and put a ring on him.

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I had a dream his was worth 5.6m

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

        It wouldn't surprise me at least!

        In 8 games at WHL Eriksen has blanked in 6 of them
        In 4 games at WHL Kane has 1 assist, (Games include home to NEwcastle 1-2, home to Stoke 1-2 and home to CPL 0-0 )

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          🙄

          Cheers for that! A tad surprising

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

      Eriksen is on 31 points from 8 home games, which include QPR, WBA, NEW, STO, CPA. That's less than 4 points per game with those fixtures, so I'm guessing the stats aren't good?

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

        He has only gotten returns in 6 of the 8 games, and most of the games have been "easy" like Burnley

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

          Yeah, very poor. You'd expect more than 31 points from all those games. I'm not worried about not owning him at all, mainly because he's a Spurs player and they're so flaky.

    3. dinamika
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      There have been 21 goals scored in the last four meetings in all competitions between Spurs and Burnley, with at least five in each game.

    4. FISSH
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Spurs have turned a corner, wouldn't worry about it.

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

        Don't think one good game is enough to turn a corner

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

        There have been 55 goals in the last 12 meetings between Spurs and Burnley at White Hart Lane; an average of 4.6 per game.

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

          When were those games played? Burnley have been in the PL one season in the last 37 years...

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

            2008/9 2009/10

  8. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Is my bench order ok?

    Dummett Chambers Boyd

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

      I am having the same problem. I am tempted to move Chambers up.

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah that's what I was thinking

  9. For Fuchs Sake
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go, or shall I do Clyne to Zab or have 2 FTs next week?

    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Save the transfer, gtg

  10. HP.
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Clyne or Bolasie first sub?

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

      bolasie

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

    I have download Gargatron but have no idea how to load it....help someone please!!

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

      If you then look at your points page in Chrome, you should see something in the toolbar on the right hand side. Hit that and the magic will happen.

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

        Legend, thank you

  12. The Brit.
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Tough choices this week.

    My defence atm is Ivanovic, Zabaleta and Wisdom with Chambers and Dummett on the bench. But I have a feeling arsenal could keep a clean sheet and QPR might bag a couple.. thoughts?

    Also, having a team with Yaya, Sanchez, Hazard & Costa means captain choice is a nightmare. I'm on Hazard at the moment as I think he will put about 7 past us on Monday but I'm getting the feeling Yaya is set to explode soon.. again help!

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

    Most goal attempts at home leaderboard (Clubs playing at home in GW17)

    QPR 145
    Liverpool 133
    Stoke 127

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

      No Balotelli should diminish Liverpool's attempts

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

        He must be up to 40 shots now?

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

          42 which is same number as Costa 😀

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

            Wow. Jeepers, that is feckin' crazy.

      2. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Lovren has had quite a fair few too!

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

      😯

      Austin swinging it again.

  14. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Hutton suspended saved me a dilemma as I captaining RVP. Always hate captaining a player against one of my own defenders.

  15. Pringle
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    @Doosra. I have seen earlier that you think Clichy is a rather safe option in the City defence. May I ask you to sum up your arguments?

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

      Zabaleta not quite the same since the WC.
      Chaos in the CB area.
      Clichy has had a terrific run, and his stats have actually been improving over the last 4 to six game weeks.
      Kolarov may well play left midfield, as he has done in the past.

      That is as far as I can go. Also, I have decided on a Chelski defender when the opportunity arises.

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

        This has been my train of thought as well. There was an initial period of rotation for Clichy but he's been on a run of consistent starts now. Would think he's safe.

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

          Thanks!

        2. A Defender's Nightmare
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          It's true that he has been playing really well but he played every match lately 'cause Kolarov was injured. Whenever both are fit they have always been rotated. I reckon he'll be rested this GW in favour of more attack minded Kolarov.

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

            I can't argue with this. I have tried to convince myself to bring in Clichy but I am avoiding for now and will watch eagerly.

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

        Great info. Thank you very much!

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

      Clichy only started 5 of the first 9 when both were fit. That's pretty much 50/50. More of the same to follow now that they're both fit again.

  16. Punty
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go?

    http://imgur.com/YnhMdmu

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

      Get the armband off Sterling and give it to Austin.

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling captain and benching Giroud 😯

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

        My captain is set in stone, can't change that, but do you have other suggestions for benching?

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

          Well, you can't bench any of those Mids, think it could go either way whoever you bench.

  17. Essrick
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    A Williams or Siggy first sub?

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

      siggy!

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

    Please RMT. Any major moves I should make?

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

    Subs: Elliot Siggy Duff Hutton 1FT 0.5 ITB

  19. Gideons Rolling Another One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Worth taking a -4 hit to swop Costa to RVP?

    1. Big Sum
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      swapping out costa for a hit when he is healthy?

      1. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Say no more. I will log off and shut down.

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

      Nope

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No.

  20. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Any chance of Di Maria playing this week?

    Thinking of taking an 8 point hit in Ultimate FPL for Aguero + Di Maria -> Nasri + Carroll for 1 week?

  21. Pistol
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Help please, should I:

    a) save my FT
    b) Moore > cheap playing def
    c) Siggy > Downing

    Adrian/Elliot
    Baines, Azp, Yun (Wisdom, Moore)
    Haz, Yaya, Sanchez, Siggy (Boyd)
    Costa, Bony, Austin

    Thanks!

  22. Dial Square
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Bench two from Dummett, Azpi, Debuchy, Yun?

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

      Yun and Dummett

      1. Triple P
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        +1

    2. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Debuchy Dummett

  23. thunder_mike
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who to give the armband to out of these lot?

    Hart,
    Bertrand Azpi Baines
    Nasri Hazard Downing Sanchez
    Bony Costa Austin

    Hamer Siggy Duff Hutton

    Captain
    A) Austin
    B) Hazard
    C) Sanchez

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Hazard

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Austin

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

    I can't see Yaya outscoring Silva this year....

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Seriously ? . Free Kicks + Pens and I think Yaya is going to step up with Aguero out . Maybe not this year when Aguero is back but when Aguero is back I'm wildcarding and this year is too long a term any way

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

      Oh.

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

    How nailed on is Bartley? looks a bargain.

    1. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      It's his place to lose now.

  26. Kerrazy
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Something wrong with Azpili?

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

      What you mean?

    2. Big Sum
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He has two right feet,but he can play as a left back

  27. DF
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I am very excited about tomorrow's early kickoff. I'm betting everything on a city romp and have taken a hit to bring in Zabaletta and Kolorov(c). Yaya has the (v) to cover a non-start and Naylor and Wisdom come off the bench to fill in if necessary. With such a big spread of captain choices this week, getting it right will be massive, but as importantly, getting it wrong will inflict relatively little damage.
    I'm off to Brunton Park for Carlisle so the joys of league 2 relegation preparation will soften any disappointment caused by punt!
    Good luck all. See you after.

    1. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      risky - if Kolarov doesn't start he could very well come on for just a few minutes

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

        Worst case scenario, I agree. Would be a nightmare.

  28. Mull
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Di Maria or Jovetic likely to start tomorrow?

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

      I doubt either will tbh. Jovetic possibly out of the need for a striker...

  29. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Couple of community articles just posted.

    FantasyNicks offers up his top premium and top budget gwk 17 picks

    While Ludo's latest is essential reading for those with two keepers from the same team.

    Both can be found here.....

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/category/community-submissions/

  30. Fergies fledgling
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Best Citeh defender to get in? I can afford anyone except Zaba

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

      Toure.

    2. Big Sum
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      1. Hart
      2. Kompany when he's healthy
      3. Clichy because he is cheaper than Mangala/Demi/Zaba