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

    "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."
    - Paul, FFS

    Dzeko --> Lukaku seems the perfect move now!

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

      Lukaku will be the next bagonwheel.

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

      It does!

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

    They should still release 'The Interview' but instead of Kim Jong Un they should go after Sepp Blatter. That would be wholesome fun for all the family.

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

      lol..but they should seriously release the movie

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

      😆

    3. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I am a bit torn on the issue. I am all for freedom of speech; however, doing a comedy centered around the assassination of a still living head of a country is fairly poor taste.

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

        Sepp Blatter isn't a head of a country

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

          He thinks he is. Part of the problem.

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

        I would usually agree however Kim Jong Un is a monster.

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

      That would be a perfect film.

      Blatter did recently have a film (puff piece) made about FIFA. He wanted di Caprio to play himself.

      Went straight to DVD, was meant to be vomit inducing....

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

    My team is looking thusly:

    Fabianski (Alnwick)
    Dummett - Azpi - Wisdom (Clyne, Hutton)
    Yaya - Haz - Alexis - Siggy (Boyd)
    Costa - Rooney - Kane.

    My question: I want a city defender for the upcoming games, but have 0 ITB.

    I can afford EXACTLY to go siggy to downing and clyne to Mangala for a -4. Would you do it?

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

      Yea

    2. Cesc, Drogs & Rock and …
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yes.

  4. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Manchester United ‏@ManUtd 55s56 seconds ago
    Louis van Gaal says Angel Di Maria is getting close to full fitness and could be on the bench for tomorrow's game at Aston Villa. #mufc

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

      wooow, hes on my watchlist 😉

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

    Di Maria likely to be on the bench tomorrow - LVG

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

    Baines > Zab

    Yay or Nay?

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

      No. Baines on free kicks with Mirallas out. Southampton poor these days. Tadic and maybe Pelle out gives Baines a good chance of a clean sheet too.

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

    Who to play Yun or Saylor ?

    Think Saylor can finally score from the corner kick 😀

    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think S. Taylor is more likely to concede, but I guess they will both concede 🙂

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

        Its derby, should be tough game and 1-0 for newcastle...still dont know what to do

  8. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Manchester United ‏@ManUtd 6s6 seconds ago
    Van Gaal feels #mufc can improve even further after six successive wins and adds he's still looking for "the perfect game".

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

      All depends on your idea of the perfect game. For me it would have to include RVP getting knocked out by the ball

      1. Ser Football 42
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        As he scores a header though

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

          from 50 yards

  9. Kuqi Monster
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I can get two more games out of chambers right?

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

      Enjoy your -2 pointers.

    2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I am

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

      I'll be chuffed if he plays against QPR

      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Nice holiday grav 😉

      2. Sess!
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I'm banking on it.....so he probably won't.

    4. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Not as guaranteed as some people seem to be making out. This week, yes, next week not so nailed.

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

      Yeah I'm going to try and get QPR out of him (have other transfers to be made for now) and then ditch.

      1. Kuqi Monster
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        that's what I'm hoping to do as well, but if he's not expected to play against QPR then I may get rid now...

    6. UnderstandablyDistraught
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Should do

  10. Tom1912
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Lost on last page: Team is currently this:

    Fabianski
    Dummett - Fonte - Chambers
    Fabregas - Hazard - Sigurdsson - Sanchez
    Costa - Sakho - Bony

    Subs: Jakupovic, Colocinni, Wisdom, Boyd

    Considering:

    A) Colocinni > Demichellis and make Sakho captain
    B) Fabregas > Yaya Toure make Yaya captain

    Thoughts? Will get £9.3m for Fab as have had him from the start and his current cost is £9.6m Is it silly bringing in YT with ACN looming? It's just my main FF rivals all have him and I'm worried they'll all make significant ground up this week unless I manage to nail a captain choice

  11. 1314
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    with such a weak team Soton has now , should start Clyne or Yun ?

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

      Yun

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

      yun

  12. Pinoche
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Falcow time

    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Are you really captaining Eriksen?

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

      Moooo

  13. The Chosen One...
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    RVP, Falcao and Mata all starts = Rooney pure midfield

    1. Ser Football 42
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think so

  14. Mr. Grv
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    regretting Barkley to Oscar last gw move with Kevin out and Barkley scoring and saints worn out.

  15. tw
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    fabianski gilks
    baines bertrand naylor dummett moore
    sanchez haz cesc siggy downing
    dzeko benteke austin

    a) dzeko > giroud
    b) dzeko > kane
    c) dzeko + benteke > rooney + kane (-4)

    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Will you be benching Siggy? Probably A.

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

        between siggy and tekkers

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

      You really dislike the shift key, don't you? A

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

        😀

        cheers!

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

      B

    4. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I like Lukaku, considering him?

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

        I was but then realized I don't have enough in the bank to afford him

  16. Pinoche
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    @Pepin Yes most probably. This is the week to gamble with the captaincy decision given the low risk even if he fails to deliver.

    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I still think a large chunk of the top 10k will captain Costa, though.

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

        Costa will get his customary one goal, 1yc and no baps

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

      who are you thinking about captaining?

      and is your thinking that there's a good number of captaincy options this week with no major front-runner so a captain fail won't hurt as much?

  17. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Is Steven Fletcher nailed on when he is fit?

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

      He last played against City and is there top scorer with 4 goals! Wickham and Altidore have failed...he played 29mins last GW...he should start!!

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

        Thanks 🙂 Really think I will get him. There is a lot of goals in Newcastle vs Sunderland derby and he got some nice fixtures.

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

          I am thinking between him and Lukaku..but leaning towards Lukaku at the moment

        2. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I wouldn't. He might score this weekend but our fixtures turn ugly again in a few weeks. So many other options like sakho, kane, austin in that price bracket.

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

            But u play very good against big teams 😀 Is he 1st striker there and nailed on for Christmas fixtures?

  18. rattan64
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Silva anyone? Likely to play in false 9 position. Captain for me...

    Forster
    Baines, Kolarov, Wisdom
    Silva (c), Hazard, Sanchez, Siggy
    Costa, Bony, Austin

    1. 1314
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      bony austin ahead of him..

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I got him last week ? Happy to have him but wouldn't captain him

  19. Jebiga
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    nobody mentioned mata these days !?

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

      Di Maria is back soon and LVG doesn't seem to like him that much.

    2. 1314
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      too many options..with his price gotta sacrifise some premium ones..

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

    I wonder how many of those 6 wins a row Herrera bought.

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

      What

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

    Hart
    Baines Azpi Evans
    Downing Hazard Silva Sanchez
    Costa Bony Fletcher

    Hamer Yun Wisdom Isgrove

    Correct bench? AND Who to captain?

    First to 50 wins HAHA

    1. Milan 0
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Costa is probably the safe captain option

  22. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Everyone is going on about Man City and Chelsea all year about the two horse race for the title. If United spend wisely on their defence in January they could win it. They will get results!

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

      Chelsea team is far superior to that of Man U. It's not happening

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Chelsea's team was far superior the last 3-4 years

      2. 1314
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        that's what he mentioned if wise spendings are done..chelsea has improved this season because of solid signings of fab , costa and matic..

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

      No.

    3. 1314
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Thank you 😉 anything can happen with half season to go , but frankly united has been shaky,probably down to no fixed squad so far..

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I agree so much with this comment but at the same time they have had to compromise a bit because of injuries. I think come February United will have a great regular solid XI if everyone is fit of course!

    4. Red Star Toro
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      being United fanboy I like this

    5. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      In all honesty though all the hype about City and Chelsea before the season started and United are only 8 points behind? That being a shite United riddled with injuries all season so far also? They definitely will get champions league at a minimum top 3 imo

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

      I don't believe United will win it however a few weeks ago Chelsea were "unreachable" and not even City stood a chance.

      1. 1314
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        unlikely with current squad..could be a different story if 2 good players are signed , which i personally doubt though..

    7. money face bandwagon
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      lol

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        How you can "lol" at this makes me "lol" ? Probably a pool fan missing Suarez and the top half of the table

  23. Just A Hat
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    INTERESTING FACTS FROM JUST A HAT

    Wayne Rooney has scored more goals against Villa (12) in the Premier League than he has against any other side.

    Villa have lost half of their last 60 home games in the Premier League and only averaged a point per game at Villa Park during that run (W15, D15, L30).

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

    Hull are unbeaten in their last six league matches against Swansea (W4, D2).

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

      There have been more hat-tricks in the games between Liverpool and Arsenal than any other fixture. 😉

      1. Just A Hat
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        😮

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

      You forgot about Brad Guzan though. 😉

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

      Hmm..goalfest in Spurs vs Burnley. So who to choose now? Kane or Fletcher?

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

        surely you aren't going to let this influence your decision.

    4. money face bandwagon
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      haha interesting facts..though someone posted about liverpool vs newcastle being one of the most goals encounter and sterling to score back then...we all know what happen

  24. einienufc
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    any news on who to be city's false 9?

    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I can't see Pelle wanting to give that sort of tactical info away.

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

        true. silva is maybe the safest pick, but tempted to get milner.

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

        this!

    2. Red Star Toro
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Pelegrini considers playing himself

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

        would love to see him out there. he has the height for it.

  25. Sweetpea
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Play Chambers or Wisdom?

    Weally weally not sure

    1. JasonG123
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I don't think either will keep a CS. I'd probably go Wisdom.

  26. Camp No No
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Arsenal must still be favourites against Liverpool, but sure the injury/suspension situation evens it up. It must hurt Arsenal that when they were already missing Koscielny, Wilshere and Ramsey, now Johnson got injured too and Balo is suspended.

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

      😆 And Lovren injured as well.. 🙁 Why always us!?

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

      😀

    3. Just A Hat
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      when was the last time Arsenal beat a top 4 team?

      I use the term top 4 to describe Liverpool just to make it easier

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

        That's the thing though, Liverpool are just a name now. They had that great game last year where they battered us, but that apart, they hadn't beaten us at Anfield in the previous 6. They've only beaten us twice in the last 14 PL games against us.

      2. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Let me precise your question: when was the last time Arsenal beat a top 4 team _away_ from home. They did that all the time at home last season, and I would say the last one was either Southampton just recently (if Pool counts) or City in the shield. Last season they beat Pool at home twice.

        However, this match is played at Liverpool, so your point is very valid. If you look a bit closer to Arsenal's stats, theres an absolutely drastic difference between their home and away matches against the top-6. But if you go and check it, keep quiet about it.

  27. Red Star Toro
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Where can I find briefs of today's pressers?

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

      In the knickers drawer

    2. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      The FFS twitter account will give you the salient points

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

    Rate my team please...

    Goalkeepr - Hart
    Defenders - Cresswell / Azpilicueta / Baines / Zabaleta
    Midfielders - Sigurdsson / Downing / Sanchez
    Strikers - Austin (c) / Costa / Bony

    Bench - Yun / Bolasie / Milner

    1.4m in the bank, 1 free transfer

    Thank you

    1. Milan 0
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Good team, very standard. I would start Milner though personally

  29. boredjames
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Really dont know what to do this week. Have Guzan so should really upgrade Elliot but only have 0.6. Tempted to go for Panty but cant see him keeping a clean sheet. Alternative is to sell Baines and get someone better for -4. But that seems wrong with Mirralas out.

    Guzan (elliot)

    Bertand, Baines, Wisdom (Yun, Hutton)
    Sanchez, Hazard, Downing, Eriksen (Boyd)
    Costa, Austin , RVP

    Any thoughts?

    1. Milan 0
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Good but no city or chelsea coverage at the back

  30. JasonG123
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who to get for Oscar?

    (A) Yaya (c).
    (B) Nasri (c).
    (C) Eriksen (captain Sanchez).
    (D) Downing (captain Sanchez).

    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      C