Team News

The Midweek Team News

Dusan Tadic is back for Southampton after returning to full training. Gylfi Sigurdsson is back in the frame for Swansea, Kevin Mirallas “has a chance” of making Everton’s home clash with stoke, Gabby Agbonlahor is available for Villa after the FA overturn his three-match suspension, whilst Chris Smalling could recover in time for United’s home encounter with Newcastle.

Tomas Rosicky, Yaya Sanogo and David Ospina are available for Arsenal’s home encounter with QPR. Laurent Koscielny “maybe has a chance” for Sunday’s trip to Upton Park, whilst Arsene Wenger has confirmed Aaron Ramsey may be on course to return against Southampton on New Year’s Day.

QPR’s left-back Yun Suk-Young is set to be sidelined “for a while” with the ankle injury that forced him off in last week’s home win over West Brom.

Gabby Agbonlahor is available for Villa’s trip to Swansea after the FA rescinded the three-match ban dished out for his dismissal against United last weekend. Paul Lambert also welcomes back Alan Hutton and Tom Cleverly, after both served one-match suspensions at home to the Red Devils, and is hopeful that Joe Cole will recover from a hamstring injury.

Sean Dyche has refused to rule out a return for Sam Vokes, after the forward continued his recovery from long-term injury with another 90-minute run-out for the reserves earlier in the week. Michael Duff is set to miss out once again for the Clarets.

Curtis Davies remains a doubt for Hull’s trip to Wearside due to a calf complaint. Fellow defender Alex Bruce is available after being forced off last weekend, though manager Steve Bruce has revealed Paul McShane is unlikely to feature unless he issues an apology on the back of recent off-field antics. The Tigers boss has recalled Thomas Ince and Maynor Figueroa from loan spells to deal with a lack of first-team options.

Manuel Pellegrini ruled out Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko until “the second part of January” during yesterday’s press briefing. The City boss also revealed the Vincent Kompany and Stevan Jovetic will “maybe” be back for Sunday’s match with Burnley – the latter has returned to training as he steps up his recovery from injury.

Chris Smalling has a chance of returning for United’s clash with Newcastle. Louis van Gaal revealed the rest of his injured players, including Luke Shaw, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera, won’t recover in time for Friday.

Southampton roll up to Palace without suspended skipper Jose Fonte, though both Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama are available after serving one-match bans last time out. Dusan Tadic has returned to full training after missing the 3-0 win over Everton due to injury.

Anthony Reveillere is ruled out for up to four weeks with a muscle injury for Sunderland, though Billy Jones and Emmanuele Giaccherini are back in contention.

Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful that midfielder Ryan Mason can recover from the knock that forced him off before the break during last weekend’s win over Burnley.

Graham Dorrans (calf) and Boaz Myhill (illness) are expected to recover for the Baggies home clash against City, though Victor Anichebe again remains doubtful due to an ongoing groin complaint.

Gylfi Sigurdsson, Jefferson Montero and Leon Britton are all back in full training and available for Swansea after missing last week’s win at Hull with minor injuries.

Kevin Mirallas and James McCarthy both “have a chance” of making Everton’s home clash with Stoke, Roberto Martinez has confirmed. Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert are set to miss to miss the Toffees’ next two matches over Friday and Sunday, though Darron Gibson may yet be in contention.

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

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1,749 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Black Knights
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Tadic. That's a relief.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      You still have Tadic? 😯

      1. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I've never had him. I think he's been massively overrated on here because of one absolute freak result. People were keeping him because he was on penalties without him even taking one, and then Burnley happened!

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Oh! Yeh, I've never owned him either. I did however own Heaton. 😎 😉

          1. Just A Hat
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Heaton!!

            1. Black Knights
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Merry Christmas to you too Hat. Your contributions are always worthwhile. Have a good one bud.

          2. Black Knights
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Classy choice! 15 pointers from GKs (or JT) are always a delight! Merry Christmas mate, pleasure talking to you recently.

    2. MCH
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Great option in UFPL constantly getting extras.

  2. M.I.A.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Panti
    Baines/Demi/Azpi
    Sanchez/Downing/Yaya/Fab
    Bony/Costa/Austin

    Good to go? Haven't decided on captain yet - will probably stick the armband on Bony.

  3. Fader
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Lloris
    Cresswell / Zabaleta / Hutton
    Sanchez / Yaya / Hazard / Eriksen
    Costa / Giroud / Kane

    who to captain??

    1. Trigg ⭐️
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Think I'm going for Hazard.

      1. Fader
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        West ham can defend. I'm staying away from Chelsea captains

        1. AsAF23
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Im sorry I have Adrian mate
          West ham cannot defend this season.

  4. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    My Boxing Day team will be:

    Hamer,

    Clyne, Baines, Chambers

    Hazard, Yaya, Sanchez, Siggy

    Costa, Bony, Austin

    I have 2 FTs, any idea what I can do with at least one of them?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      What's your bench?

      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Rob Green, Wisdom, Duff, Albrighton. So pretty bad 😆

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Then definitely see if you can sort that out just in case. Any money ITB?

          1. Trigg ⭐️
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            0.1

            Could do Duff > S. Taylor, I guess, for a playing defender.

            1. Wilshere Knowledge
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Hmm, are you still keen on Costa? I'd be inclined to downgrade him to release some funds. Your lack of depth is very worrying. Chambers will be imminently dropped, Costa could be rotated, and Bony has Gomis and now Oliviera to compete with..

              I'd probably do Costa to Benteke and upgrade elsewhere.

              1. Trigg ⭐️
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Tough one, as the strikeforce seems a little lightweight without him. And Costa usually scores at home.

                I just hate the thought of losing a transfer 😆

                1. Wilshere Knowledge
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  If that's the case, I would do Duff to Taylor. 🙂

                  1. Trigg ⭐️
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Newcastle have a couple of home fixtures coming up at least. I just like my team for next GW, that's all!

                    Cheers for the help though, definitely helped me sort that mess out.

    2. M.I.A.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Bring in a City defender and you're set!

      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        For Baines at home to Stoke, though?

        Thinking Baines to Zab AFTER Boxing Day.

        1. M.I.A.
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          I'd do it for Clyne.

          1. Trigg ⭐️
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            I wish I could!

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Change Costa/Chambers or anyone from your bench

  5. mrmrscott
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Bony captain, done!...... Merry Christmas everyone!!

    1. Champagne supernova
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Do you think Bony will breach Villas defence, they seem very resilent at the moment.

  6. Nobodinho
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go? 1 FT 0.9 ITB

    Lloris
    Zaba, Wisdom, Azpi
    Boyd, Haz, Toure, Siggy, Sanchez
    Austin, Costa

    Guzan, Sakho, Dummett, Tomkins

  7. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Is it time to get Theo?

    1. M.I.A.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Not yet but may well be very soon!

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        His first match back has always been strong

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Not yet. Not until the WC I think. He won't get more than 20 mins here and there yet.

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      No.

      Still isn't fit, and isn't even trusted to come off the bench, let alone start.

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      On Jan WC Sanchez will become Theo

  8. Chambo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    To captain:

    Bony
    or
    Giroud?

    1. Nobodinho
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Bony imo.

    2. Woy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Giroud tbh

    3. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Bony

    4. Chambo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers everyone

    5. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Bony

  9. AsAF23
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go guys?
    Adrian
    Baines azpi mangala
    Downing siggy sanchez yaya
    Costa giroud Austin

    Myhill chambers Hutton Marney
    Question who do I captain and should I play any of the bench plyers instead of the current line up.
    Suggestions are most welcome. Thanks

  10. M.I.A.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any other Demi owners hoping Mangala picks up a YC next game so Demi is nailed for the game after lol

    1. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Dont be hating bro

      1. M.I.A.
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Lol sorry!

        But I need Demi to play 🙂

  11. thegreathoudini
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Pantilimon
    Taylor / Azpilicueta / Clichy
    Hazard / Sigurdsson / Fàbregas / Yaya Touré (vc)
    Giroud (c) / Austin / van Persie

    All set to go!

    1. Woy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Nice

  12. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    My team is:
    Guzan / Given
    Azpi / Baines / Hutton / Naylor / Moore
    Yaya / Hazard / Sanchez / Siggy / Downing
    Costa / Kane / Austin

    I'm 150 points ahead in my ML and 2 FTs, so would like to take a risk:

    Moore, Costa > Falcao, Demichelis

    Any comments for this move, please ?

    Merry Christmas!

    1. Woy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Ballsy, Costa could outscore Falcao - but why not.

      1. trinzoo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I didn't watch last Chelsea game but Costa doesn't look to dangerous lately - does he ?

        1. King Henrik
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          I am captaining falcao

  13. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I want to get in Panty!

    1. MCH
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Really?

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panti

      1. Woy
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        lol

  14. chrisdale98
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Worth doing bony to giroud for free?

    1. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      No!

    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Absolutely not.

    3. Chambo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      obvious troll is obvious

    4. SomewhatPleasing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      No

  15. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Would anyone here do Oscar to Hazard. It would be on a free.

    I much prefer Hazard, but hate wasting a transfer like that which Oscar could be adequate coverage.

    1. Woy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Yes - but hope that Haz plays.

      Oscar is only good with Hazard imo, so good transfer

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Oscar is on pens without Hazard though.. 😉

    2. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Not for me think both will play but

      Oscar will def play

      Hazard a doubt

      Save swap

  16. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Siggy (c)

    Anyone

    1. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Bony for me, Syd.

    2. Trigg ⭐️
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm definitely glad I'm keeping him. Can see something from him on Boxing Day.

    3. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Repost

      Good to go guys?
      Adrianq
      Baines azpi mangala
      Downing siggy sanchez yaya
      Costa giroud Austin

      Myhill chambers Hutton Marney
      Question who do I captain and should I play any of the bench plyers instead of the current line up.
      Suggestions are most welcome. Thanks

    4. Chris_H
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      This is one of those weeks where any captain is half decent so go with your instinct!

  17. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Repost as lost on last article. Is it wise to play Clyne over Chambers this week with Wengers recent comments, are we expecting Chambers to be rested?

    1. SW6
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Even if they both play I think Clyne is the best choice. It's close though

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Well I will be playing Austin so maybe Clyne could be the best option

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      If he is rested, he will autosub out...

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        True barring injury it's probably 90 or nothing

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Chambers will 100% play.

      Koscielny and Bellerin aren't ready for Friday.

      I think play at home to a potentially second string QPR side is as good as it gets tbh.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Hooray. 🙂

      2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Ok no bigger Arsenal fan than you that's for sure so I will go with it

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Oh god, the pressure is too much! 😆

      3. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Well Debuchy played CB the last game so couldn't Bellerin cover RB??

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Wenger said that, like Koscielny, Bellerin wont be ready for Friday.

          The only change that could see Chambers dropped with Kos and Bellerin out, would be Flamini at right back with Coquilan next to Ox in midfield, but I can't see that happening, especially as, if Kos is back, Chambers wont play against West Ham.

          Debuchy will play centre back though.

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            No I don't see that happening either I agree. Didn't realise Wenger had made them comments either though

  18. andres
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    A costa, moore => giroud (c), xxx (-4)
    B moore to 5.0

    Forster (mccarthy)
    Zab azpi naylor chambers (moore)
    Yaya alexis hazard (downing boyd)
    Bony austin costa
    1ft, 1.0.

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm resisting selling Costa for -4 prob not wise. B.Davies for Spurs at 4.4 could be good this week but you'd have to bench next two gw's. Sunderland def or Debuchy?

  19. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Yun out for 6 weeks with ankle ligament damage.
    Clint Hill could cover as left back, though he is usually played at centre half.

    Bad news for Yun. But good news for Sanchez, if selected.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Will no doubt see Traore filling in, no?

      1. PlayPercentage
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        QPR forum I was reading seemed to think Hill would play.

    2. Richd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Whys it good for Sanchez?
      Do you support QPR?
      Isn't Hill a much more defensively solid player?

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        He runs like an old lady and has a turning circle of an oil tanker! 😆

      2. PlayPercentage
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Hill is a bit slow to play at left back, in my opinion.
        I am a Yun and Sanchez owner.

        1. PlayPercentage
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Maybe Traore will start. But FPL has him classified as a midfielder.
          No clean sheet 4 pters.

  20. M.I.A.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I'm slightly tempted to captain Fab the more I think about it.

    He can unlock any defence just his lack of goals makes it less appealing.

  21. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    with yun injury, and already yaya and zabaleta in my team, is bringing another city defender smart move and which one ?

    guzan
    azpili, zaba, hutton
    hazard, sanchez, downing, yaya
    austin, costa, bony

    1FT
    3.2 in the bank

    sub: elliot, boyd, yun, saylor

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Redknapp concedes Yun Suk-Young will be out "for a while" with ankle injury

    Best ultimate cheap defender now?

    1. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Steven Taylor

    2. PlayPercentage
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Hutton is 4.3. A massive price difference.
      I can't think of anyone cheaper who is a nailed on starter.

    3. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Will his price drop?

      Taking out the player 3rd on my bench for a hit isn't really an option atm unfortunately.

  23. Rafabio
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Anything official on Hazard and his knock?

    1. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Praying he's out this week :)))

  24. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Chambers to Clichy? What do you think?

    I can only sell Clyne to get Zaba or other expensive City defenders, but I'm keeping Clyne atm.

  25. SomewhatPleasing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any love for Kane this week?

    I think he may get the armband out of my lot.

  26. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    So people reckon Bony (c) is a decent option?

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Yes he is the safe option

    2. Chambo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      no, horrible

    3. Jönny
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      think I've just about settled on him over Rooney, Sanchez and Hazard. Unless We hear anything to suggest Hazard is nailed on for a start.

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Very good option imo one of the best this gw

  27. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    We need to find out about Stones and Distin.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Actually, Stones is 5.2. Bah.

      1. King Nil Miss ✩
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Alcaraz @4.3 😉

    2. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Distin has been awful this season

      Needs put out to pasture 🙂

    3. SW6
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Distin has started 11 PL games this season and not got a single CS 😯

    4. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm staying away from Everton defenders

  28. kalmoffit
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Play my 'Chelsea to struggle' team that has Downing and Kolo Toure or Azpilicueta and Milner representing Chelsea win.

  29. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Balotelli ?????

    Inspired or sheer madness

    1. Just A Hat
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Inspired, I'd captain him if I had him

    2. SomewhatPleasing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Good luck with that

    3. Punty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Very good pick IF he starts, but that's the main worry

    4. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Brilliant. You needn't worry at all about the minor detail that he hasn't scored this season or that he's on 4 yellows.
      Genius captaincy too.

  30. Proggy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Giroud - Austin - Costa sound good?

    1. Punty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Almost as good as Giroud Austin Bony