[sbu_large_image] Team News
18 December 2015 788 comments
Demí Demí
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Alexis Sanchez has a slight chance of returning for Arsenal’s clash with City. Andy Carroll is likely to miss West Ham’s trip to Swansea, whilst Graziano Pelle has fully recovered from a knee problem as Southampton welcome Spurs to St Mary’s.

Arsene Wenger reckons that Alexis Sanchez has “a slight chance” of recovering from a hamstring problem in time for Arsenal’s clash with City on Monday evening.

Everton midfielder James McCarthy will be assessed ahead of the meeting with Leicester, having missed the Toffees’ recent outings due to a groin injury. Roberto Martinez has also suggested that Phil Jagielka “may be back before the end of the year”.

Remi Garde has revealed that Micah Richards, who has been struggling with a knee injury, is unlikely to be fit and available for the trip to St James Park. Elsewhere, Gary Gardner has emerged as a doubt after picking up a knee injury.

Graziano Pelle is back in contention for Southampton’s home clash against Spurs, with Ronald Koeman suggesting that the forward is fully fit and expected to return to the starting XI. The weekend will come too soon for Maarten Stekelenburg, though, with Paulo Gazzaniga set to continue between the sticks.

Norwich’s Andre Wisdom has been ruled out with the hamstring injury that forced him off last weekend. Matt Jarvis is nearing a festive return but this weekend comes too soon for the on-loan winger.

Andy Carroll is very unlikely to make West Ham’s trip to Swansea due to a minor groin problem, Slaven Bilic has revealed.

Quique Sanchez Flores reckons both Valon Behrami and Sebastian Prodl “should be ready” to face Liverpool on Sunday. The Watford boss also revealed he plans to rotate his squad over the festive period to cope with the busy schedule.

Leicester have suffered an injury blow with Ghanaian international Jeffrey Schlupp set to be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury. Danny Drinkwater has also been ruled out by Claudio Ranieri, after being forced off early with a similar complaint against Chelsea. Robert Huth sits out the trip to Everton due to suspension.

Alan Pardew has confirmed that Crystal Palace have no new injuries ahead of the visit to Stoke. Joe Ledley is fit again and returns to the squad, though Mile Jedinak remains doubtful with an ankle complaint.

Josh King has trained all week for Bournemouth and recovered from the hamstring problem that forced him off against United last weekend. Marc Pugh has stepped up his sharpness with a full week of first-team training, Christian Atsu has trained “a couple of times”, whilst Lee Tomlin has yet to return to full fitness.

Claudio Yacob is still unavailable for West Brom’s clash with Bournemouth. The midfielder remains in Argentina, having flown home due to a family bereavement. Tony Pulis is optimistic that Stephane Sessegnon will be fit enough for the bench as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Seb Coates has emerged as a doubt for the Black Cats’ trip to Stamford Bridge with illness, though Younes Kaboul has recovered from a virus. Seb Larsson and Lee Cattermole remain sidelined.

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 for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Friday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

Demí Roses are red, Violets are blue. Paul Pogba sends, Alexis through Follow them on Twitter

788 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Evasivo
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all, has there been a scoutcast this week?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No scoutcast this week. Mark was unavailable

      1. Evasivo
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Awwww, such a shame but oh well. Look forward to the next one. Thanks

  2. TSILIKAFENEIAKOS
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Today's pressers?

    1. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Watford - 09:00
      West Brom - 09:00
      West Ham - 09:30
      Spurs - 10:30
      Man Utd - 12:00
      Man City - 12:30
      Newcastle - 14:00
      Swansea - 14:00
      Stoke - 14:30
      Liverpool 15:3

      1. A.T
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Where did you find these Hooky?

        1. Jazz!
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Their Twitter accounts have it

          1. A.T
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Ah I see, I couldn't find them on the BBC recently. Thanks

        2. Hooky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Someone posted it on the previous article!

          1. A.T
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks

      2. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        nice

  3. El Patron
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Mourinho gone, Hazard to explode 🙂

  4. Tibbs
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Play 1:

    a) Kolo
    b) Moreno
    c) Nyom

    Thinking Kolorov purely on the basis that I think both games will not be goalless and he might offer an attacking threat?

    1. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Don't be surprised if Kolaroc have 1-2 SoT or an assist

  5. Sjaugen
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is the Differentials article coming out today?
    I feel they are really on the money. Identified Ramsey early etc

  6. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Will we find out if Hazard trainined yday or today?

  7. Carroll to the rescue
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Current defense looks like:

    Evans DARMIAN Kolarov Moreno Dier

    Any suggestions? Obviously, may have to get rid of Darmian-- thoughts on who?

    1. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'd hold as Darmian isn't out long term.

      1. Carroll to the rescue
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Even with 3.4m ITB?

        Rest of the team looks like:

        Evans darmian Kolarov Moreno dier
        KDB Mane Mahrez Coutinho Wanyama
        Kane Lukaku Vardy

        1. Hooky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Yes I'd save the FT and just bench Wanyama, Darmian and one of Kolarov/Moreno/Dier

        2. clempro
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Similar backline, gonna hold Darmian for a bit... who are you benching ?

  8. Slippery Pete
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    DOOSRA... Any Inside Mail on Lanzini for this week? COYI

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      BILIC: "Lanzini and Payet are doing really well. Lanzini should be ready for the Villa game and Dimi should start to train in ten days"

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        This is the worst Doosra imitation ever . You didn't change your name or your grav 😉 . Thanks for the info though I miss Payet

      2. Slippery Pete
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Sweet thanks

  9. pingreen
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Butland (CRY)
    Toby (sou), Moreno(wat), Dawson (BOU)
    Coutinho (wat) KDB (ars) Mahrez (eve) Ozil (MCI)
    Vardy (eve), Lukaku (LEI), Kane (sou)

    Barkley (LEI), Van Dijk (TOT), Richards (new)

    1) Right benching choices?
    2) Any need to use my FT?

    1. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Have this VVD or Alderweireld dilemma too. Leaning towards VVD now.

    2. Grumpy Camel
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, and no. Try to avoid playing one of your defenders against one of your attackers so bench VVD

  10. nolunolu
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Mane
    B) Barkley
    C) Ighalo

    would bench Mane but not so sure now he's up top

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

      B for me

    2. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B tough call though

    3. Rabbinton
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Mane is up top?

      1. BabyB
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        he was last week but i think Pelle is likely to be back this weekend.

  11. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Pick 2 to play?

    Moreno, Kolarov, VVD, Nyom

    Thanks

    1. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      First 2

    2. Tibbs
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Was the exact back line to me before I did VVD>Dawson

      Would play VVD/Kolo. Cant see WAT/LIV or ARS/MCI being goalless for attacking threat alone.

  12. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    who should i bench?

    butland
    cedric dawson francis williams moreno
    mane mahrez ozil coutinho kdb
    kane lukaku vardy

    currently on: mane francis cedric
    in this order
    confused with mane and kane...with mane playing upfront having great stats

    1. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Think that's about right

  13. FAITHNOMORENO
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    hey fellas
    would you save FT this gw with this team:

    myhill
    azpi / moreno / bellerin
    KdB / Ozil / Mahrez / Barkley
    Kane / Giroud / Vardy

    subs: Hennessey - O'Shea / Bertrand / Hoolahan

    thanks for your comments.

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      For sure. Looks good to me

      1. FAITHNOMORENO
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        thanks for the kind response. would you captain vardy this week?

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Mahrez would be my choice.

    2. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yep think so

      1. FAITHNOMORENO
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        thanks buddy.

  14. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    To all you locals out there, from a Norwegian in London. Two questions!

    A) Is there seriously no way to watch the 3pm kickoff without being at the actual match?

    B) Would I be able to watch a championship match without spending a lot of either money or time getting the ticket?

    1. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      there will be some pubs that screen the 3pm kickoffs illegally.

      Depends - to a Norweigan the price of a Championship ticket is probably a small amount of money 😉 Maybe about the same as 1.5 pints of beer in Oslo

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        LoL. For the price of three pints in Oslo you probably get Arsenal season ticket

    2. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A) I'm sure then will be a pub somewhere that has a dodgy feed with the games (someone from London may be able to help you with that)

      B) Brentford v Huddersfield is the only Championship game in London this weekend and will set you back at least £23 a ticket.

      http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/brentford-v-huddersfield-town-ticket-news-19.12.15-2784450.aspx

      1. KKluigi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        You'll get about 3 pints of beer here in Norway for £23.

  15. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    If there are any Sky players about, check out my new post: http://wp.me/p6Zd12-pb

    Thanks 🙂

  16. DannyBoy....
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Who to BENCH out of Walker, Bertrand & Monreal?

  17. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all! I'm able to use the internet again after watching a certain film last night.

    Those 24 hours were tough! I even missed the Mourinho news until very early this morning.

    Hows it going?

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Did it live up to the hype?

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Mourinho? Nah.

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I hear Hiddink has the job . People have lost their minds and expect an immediate bounce back I'm staying away

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Hiddink was decent enough last time though wasn't he? I'm still looking at Ivanovic but unfortunately need to do Firmino to Ramsey I think

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          It was the year they were robbed against Barca in the semi and Drogba lost it in front of the cameras 🙂

        2. Bazzy
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          He is also the same guy that sabotaged the 3rd ranked Dutch football team

      2. Prøphet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Thats what i heard. Mateja Kezman said for the croatian newspapers that Hiddink told him he is taking over Chelsea. THey should be on good terms since he trained him, how legit this is i have no idea. Would take it with a lot of reserve tho.

    3. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I haven't seen any spoilers around yet. Going to watch it this evening myself.. Very excited!

    4. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      and how was the ridiculous 8 then?

  18. Gooner Kebab
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Morning, final day at work for the year, woo hoo!

    1. Evasivo
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Likewise, and hungover as hell so not much getting done today!

      1. Gooner Kebab
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        almost there buddy 🙂

  19. Shifty
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    "I hope that PSG can bring Messi to Paris one day," Di Maria said to RMC. "Everything is possible. It is all about money."

    The shite that comes out of Di Maria's mouth....

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      ADM in a big money MLS move is a matter of time.

    2. FISSH
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Di Maria's face annoys me

      1. Leaf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Great player

  20. Gideons Rolling Another One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Last two weeks plated Mane ahead of Deulofeu. This week was planing to save a transfer and bench mane and play Deulofeu.

    However, that'll mean I've got four players in the Everton Leicester game. So ...

    Play Mane?
    Play Deulofeu?
    Sell Mane to someone and play them?

    Cheers in advance.

    1. A.T
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Can you play both?

      1. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Don't think so ... KDB / Ozil / Mahrez

        1. A.T
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I'd probably bench Mane myself.

    2. mad_beer ✅
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I would sell Mane. Not sure who to recommend as I don't know the make up of your team.

      1. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Appreciate that. Rest of the midfield is KDB / Ozil / Mahrez

        Players I'd considered: Sigurdsson / Bolassie / Ramsey (But don't fancy 5 players in 1 game this GW)

  21. Evasivo
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    GTG & save the freebie?!

    Gomes
    Cresswell Francis PJones
    KDB Ozil Wijnaldum Mahrez(C)
    Ighalo(vc) Vardy Lukaku

    Schmeichel Kolarov Moreno Westwood
    1FT & £7.1ITB

  22. BuK II
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Was also set to ship Hazard 'til Mourinho left. Now I'm back to square one...

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Is he fit though?

    2. King Kav. QC at law
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Waste of money.

  23. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I'm going to be away this weekend so would appreciate any advice before I go! Am I good to go - I have a relatively strong bench and don't know whether to swap anybody.

    Butland

    Toby Skrtel Smalling

    Mahrez KDB Ozil Bolasie

    Lukaku Ighalo Vardy

    (Ruddy Bellerin Alli Francis)

    1. A.T
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good to me

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good from where I am sitting

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Spot on, cheers gents.

  24. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    So we're not getting any Chelsea team news this week ?

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No presser might get some news about hazard and his injury

      1. Leaf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        That's what I'm hoping

        Well actually hoping for no injury

        1. King Kav. QC at law
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          He has a serious injury. The manager said that on Monday. And, he's rubbish because he doesn't get many points. Might as well have Lucas.

          1. Leaf
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            He got plenty the last 3 seasons though

          2. Leaf
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Hazard to Lucus done

  25. Eric Banternaaa
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Save Transfer?

    Butland
    Moreno | Dawson | Azpi
    Barkley | Bolasie | Ozil | Coutinho | Mahrez
    Lukaku | Vardy

    McCarthy | Kun | Bellerin | Huth

    0.7ITB 1FT

  26. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Think I will join the Wijnaldum punt train, means benching headache. Who to bench? Or will I bother?

    A, Kane
    B, Barkley
    C, Vardy

    1. King Kav. QC at law
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A.

    2. piotas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

  27. The Mighty Whites
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Got 4.6 to replace Richards, shall I get a Watford DF or Wollscheid?

  28. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one to bench please:

    1. Moreno
    2. Toby
    3. Ward

    1. piotas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's a ward one

  29. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Pic from Chelsea training yesterday. Is that Hazard bending down?

    http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/12/17/14/1450363471361_lc_galleryImage_Chelsea_FC_via_Press_Asso.JPG

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It looks like him in the hat

  30. McQueen
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one, if Aguero is fit please.

    KDB,
    Ozil,
    Mahrez,
    Barkley,
    Stanislas

    Aguero,
    Kane,
    Lukaku

    1. King Kav. QC at law
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Aguero.

      1. McQueen
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers!

    2. piotas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Stanislas is Aguero fit