[sbu_large_image] Team News
18 December 2015 788 comments
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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. A.T
    10 years, 10 months ago

    This weeks captaincy looks a two horse race between Lukaku and Mahrez. Who are you putting the armband on and why?

    1. Exeter Gently
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez as he is more explosive and gets more pts per goal etc

    2. st4rt__
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez, just cos.

    3. junitrules
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Ozil at the moment as his current form is world class

      1. A.T
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Fair play

        1. junitrules
          10 years, 10 months ago

          But other than that I think it's pretty even between Luk and Mahrez - think it's win win really

    4. Flycroft
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku, he's been knocking on the door of a huge score for the last 3 weeks

      1. A.T
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Yep I agree. He could've had a shed load last week.

    5. Evasivo
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez - Becuase he's hit double figure point returns, twice as many times as Lukaku has

      1. A.T
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Yep his away hauls have been immense,

    6. FISSH
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I would usually say Mahrez, but Huth being out makes me consider Lukaku..

      1. A.T
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Apparently Leicester fans seem very confident in Benalouane to step up and be a decent replacement.

    7. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Tempting to avoid both and go for a differential, as my team is very template so this could be an opportunity to make up some ground.

      Although with a few games now in quick succession, maybe the next few GWs after this one are a better chance to climb ranks with more people forgetting to make transfers/change captains etc.

    8. King Kav. QC at law
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Kane.

      1. Evasivo
        10 years, 10 months ago

        LOL

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

          ?

    9. Puyol Pants Up
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez because I don't own Lukaku

      1. drughi
        10 years, 10 months ago

        uh oh

  2. junitrules
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Morning people. Everyone got a quiet day at work?

    How am I looking for this GW?

    Butland (Ruddy)
    Bellerin - Zouma - Smalling* (Wolly, Kolorov)
    Deulefeu - Silva - Mahrez - Ozil - Dr Bruyne
    Vardy - Kane (Ighalo)

    Good to go?

    Next week thinking:

    MCY mid > Ramsey
    Kane > Kun
    Smalling/Kolorov > Alderweireld

  3. Bazzy
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Should I get rid of Sterling for Wijnaldum, considering his fixtures coming up?

    1. junitrules
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Sterlings fixtures? They're not bad are they?

      1. Bazzy
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Haha I meant Wijnaldum's. He has a great home record and has 4 home games coming up.

        1. junitrules
          10 years, 10 months ago

          If you have a transfer to use up then go for it

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

      Could work out well, Sterling is a player who is always tempting to keep in your team but will continue to frustrate you. Might be best to just get rid

      1. toerag
        10 years, 10 months ago

        sounding like a Man City manager there... 😆

    3. Exeter Gently
      10 years, 10 months ago

      No

  4. JØ
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Got lost on the last page, would appreciate help!

    I need to bench two out of:
    Toby / Rose / Bellerin / Ward / Evans

    And either De Bruyne or Eriksen.

    Cheers

    1. junitrules
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Rose/Bellerin

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

      Rose and Ward

  5. The Generalator
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Who will get more points this GW ?

    Kane or Kun (if fit)

    1. Sailboats
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Kane 2 points. Kun 1 point.

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

      They'll both be getting 2

      1. Rolls-Royce
        10 years, 10 months ago

        *goals each.

    3. FISSH
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Kun

  6. Worzel Gummidge
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Wish I got Ramsey instead of Sterling last GW. 10 point swing. Anyway FT Sterling to Ramsey or save FT, roll over and reassess next week?

    Doubts Sterling will start.

  7. Camp No No
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Merson: "Chelsea needs a really top manager to challenge for Champions League this season. So, from the top of my head... Wanyama, that's exactly what they need."

    1. Rolls-Royce
      10 years, 10 months ago

      He's a Twa*t

  8. Raddy
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Sanchez has been on my bench since his injury.
    Do I take a gamble and play him over KDB?
    City away form is awful (1 goal in last 4), and so it KDB's (Only 1 goal all season and much poorer stats), so if they were both fully fit, Sanchez is the stronger option.

    But there is, of course a risk of a Sanchez cameo.

    Thoughts?

  9. The Raging Bull
    10 years, 10 months ago

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

    person pictured in the hat is NOT hazard, it is Ivanovic.

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah saw that on sky sports last night.figured it was Ivan.seen the pic and then saw them running and he was the only one wearing a cap like that.I felt like miss Marple.

      1. The Raging Bull
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Ivano is sporting a stubble at the moment. It is certainly him. No sign of Hazard, i'm not sure he is fit.

        1. DA Minnion (Former great)
          10 years, 10 months ago

          I agree.don't know what to do with him now.

          1. The Raging Bull
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Surely you have sufficient cover in your team to come off the bench should Hazard not play, which is highly likely.

            1. DA Minnion (Former great)
              10 years, 10 months ago

              Well I suppose Alderweild or kolarov but I've only a bench fodder 5 th mid.would like to save transfer this week and consider my options next week.

              1. The Raging Bull
                10 years, 10 months ago

                Stick kolarov as first sub.

      2. toerag
        10 years, 10 months ago

        😆

  10. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Surely Firmino has got to go, right?

    1. Camp No No
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Not now, not Firmino! 😯

    2. Davido989
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Depends if there's news of him starting false 9. Yet again, team leaks have been wrong too

    3. Evasivo
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I did Firmino>Wij

    4. Venom Snake
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I would give it one more week

    5. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Hmm I've got two FTs so decisions decisions..

  11. Cantona90
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Shall I do Van Dijk to Wollschied and Kane to Costa this week for -4?

    1. Bouncebackability
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 10 months ago

      definitely not.

      1. Cantona90
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Wow you've had some high placed finishes.

        What transfer should I make then?

        De Gea Butland
        Bellerin VD billyjones Francis Moreno
        KDB Ozil Ramsey Mahrez Couthinho
        Lukaku Kane Vardy.

        My team is so similar to my rivals but he doesn't have Couthinho or KDB. KDB is currently on my bench.

    2. SouthCoastSaint
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Mad

      1. Cantona90
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Or brilliant?

        1. SouthCoastSaint
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Ha that was childish 😉

          Remy could even start. I just don't believe this whole "players not trying" nonsense

          1. Cantona90
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Haha I know

            1. Cantona90
              10 years, 10 months ago

              Okay? The rest of my comment after that has disappeared haha.
              I said that the club themselves have admitted a divide between him and the players. Hiddink had a good record. About 2 goals a game last time. I need to do something to catch up my ML rival our teams are too similar

  12. RiflaFC
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Im looking for a twitter account that tweets the PL-presser times. All help appreciated.

    1. Evasivo
      10 years, 10 months ago

      the times are all listed on Page1 of this article

      1. RiflaFC
        10 years, 10 months ago

        TY.

  13. Bouncebackability
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 10 months ago

    One to bench out of KDB, Kane and Mane.

    Leaning towards KDB. I'll probably get shot down for that..

    1. junitrules
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Mane

    2. Morbius
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Debating KDB myself though I don't have Mane.

      One of them 2.

    3. Bazzy
      10 years, 10 months ago

      KDB has only got 1 goal and 0 assists to his name in 5 away games. I can see why you're thinking that.

      1. Bouncebackability
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Yes, that is what I'm looking at. I shouldn't even have put Kane in the list really as not seriously contemplating benching there. Mane has let me down last few weeks, but Mane hasn't looked too bad just hasn't had the breaks.

    4. SouthCoastSaint
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I think this is the week Mane trolls everyone. The new Eriksen

  14. Venom Snake
    10 years, 10 months ago

    I can see the likes of Cresswell, Zarate, Rondon and Fellaini doing very well in the next few weeks

  15. Runaway
    10 years, 10 months ago

    I don't like this new WC timing system. If you decide to keep it until the very last moment (like me) you have to use it just before GW19. There are just 40 hours between the last match of GW18 and the deadline of GW19! Worst timing ever! Pushing you to use first one at the very beginning and the second one at around GW32-33 before DGWs which means 30GWs without WC. Even with this 2 half 2WC system, the latest time to use the first one should have been the deadline of GW20 (which is the exact half point). Anyway, I think I will use it next week just before the festive period.

    1. junitrules
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Normally the Jan WC I just used so I didn't lose it.

      Will be doing the same with the first WC, probably after GW 18 too

    2. Venom Snake
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Surprised anyone has been able to hold it for so long

      1. Runaway
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Actually, %30 of first 10K, %55 of overall still holding

  16. Davido989
    10 years, 10 months ago

    it's designed for gw3

    1. toerag
      10 years, 10 months ago

      this

  17. Puyol Pants Up
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Rumors going around that DDG is out for the weekend with a dislocated finger.

    I have only 1 playing GK 🙁

    1. toerag
      10 years, 10 months ago

      i have all season !!

    2. Ziro Becomes One
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Mother#$&*/#$/

    3. junitrules
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Tempted to ditch Smalling then, even if he is fit

    4. Davido989
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Any source?

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Our friend Ben Dinnery, and just the general twitter public.

        No confirmation yet.

    5. Venom Snake
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Norwich to win could offer very decent value if that's the case

    6. DA Minnion (Former great)
      10 years, 10 months ago

      This would be all I need.Mc carthy you tool.

  18. Bubz
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Reckon Pulis will keep Bournemouth out this weekend?

    1. Jazz!
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Yes, imo

    2. Ha.
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Can't see it myself

    3. A.T
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Nope 1-1

    4. Mull
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Imagine if you said this two months ago. 🙂

    5. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 10 months ago

      No. Not a chance.

      1. Mull
        10 years, 10 months ago

        We'll see.

        1. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          10 years, 10 months ago

          They have players out of position, who have lost form, and who were not ever passing well, in any case. Bournemouth have some of the best passers in the League, and pace as well. I just cannot see it. Sorry.

          1. Mull
            10 years, 10 months ago

            So you don't think playing 4 CBs is a good idea? 😉

            1. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              10 years, 10 months ago

              Funny that you should say that ... 😆

    6. Dr Dream
      10 years, 10 months ago

      No.

  19. Ziro Becomes One
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Foster returns to training! Nice.

  20. Pringle
    10 years, 10 months ago

    What do you prefer?

    A. Play Bellerin, bench Kolarov and save FT
    B. Ivanovic in for Kolarov and bench Bellerin

    1. Davido989
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. junitrules
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. Venom Snake
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A

    4. RiflaFC
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A

    5. toerag
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A all day

    6. Pringle
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks all!

    7. Arteta
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A

  21. SouthCoastSaint
    10 years, 10 months ago

    I don't own Lukaku

    Ighalo to Lukaku for free?

    1. SouthCoastSaint
      10 years, 10 months ago

      And captain him

    2. Puyol Pants Up
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Ighalo has outscored Lukaku over the last month or so.

      No.

    3. Cantona90
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Mad

      1. SouthCoastSaint
        10 years, 10 months ago

        It's the ownership and captaincy of Lukaku that concerns me

        1. Cantona90
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Suppose. But you can't justify removing one of the form strikers in the league. Even if his fixtures are crap. But then you finished higher than I ever have last year so don't take my advice haha.

          No other strikers you can swap? If anything it's beneficial to keep Ighalo because of his low ownership (I actually don't know what %)

          1. SouthCoastSaint
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Doesn't mean I won't listen to opinion of people that finished below me! Kane is the he other option to get rid of. Ighalo has tough fixtures coming up. Not everyone can do a Vardy!!

            1. Cantona90
              10 years, 10 months ago

              I would personally rid of Kane. I am thinking the same. He's not just not scoring, his stats are terrible.

              1. Cantona90
                10 years, 10 months ago

                Plus he could possibly be rested. Pochetino has hinted at as much (dunno how to spell his name)

  22. junitrules
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Going forward who's the best prospect, Silva or KDB

  23. Eden Hazardous
    10 years, 10 months ago

    For a draft league ,

    A)Gazzaniga
    B)Boruc
    C)Rudd

    Choose one please

    1. Bouncebackability
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Boruc if you have to.

    2. Arteta
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A

      1. Arteta
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Oh, Soton vs Spurs. B then.

      2. Eden Hazardous
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks!

    3. Venom Snake
      10 years, 10 months ago

      B

    4. Eden Hazardous
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Not only for this GW , long term

      1. Jazz!
        10 years, 10 months ago

        B then. Gazzaniga only has 1 more game in him

        1. Eden Hazardous
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks!

  24. Tinmen
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Folks, which transfer should i make?

    A) Bolasie to Coutinho/Ozil

    B) Schmeichel to Myhill/Butland

    1. junitrules
      10 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. SouthCoastSaint
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Not myhill. Foster back in training

      1. The Raging Bull
        10 years, 10 months ago

        He won't get back into the team unless Myhill makes a howler.

  25. Mull
    10 years, 10 months ago

    So it's up to Everton to stop Leicester this weekend. May as well take another 200k off my rank before the week starts.

  26. Rolls-Royce
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Paul Merson on Ars Vs City

    -"I'm going for Arsenal to win this one, and go on to win the title comfortably. 3-1 "

    Comfortably, eh.,? Has to be most deluded & biased pundit.

    1. Mull
      10 years, 10 months ago

      3-1 isn't that bad of a prediction because if Arsenal show up they're better than any team in the league. The 2nd bit is idiotic though.

      1. Eden Hazardous
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Yup yup...completely agree with this

    2. Eden Hazardous
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Well not 'confortably' but I am also backing Arsenal to win the title

      Man City are playing like a team of individuals atm , no cohesion in their team

      1. Dr Dream
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Agreed. Strangely disjointed at times.

      2. Somalion
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Not surprising when that's all they are.

      3. Jazz!
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Leicester to win the league! 😉

    3. Somalion
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Still waiting on his Giroud for the Golden Boot prediction to come in.

    4. Jax
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Arsenal to bottle it again non shocka.

  27. Rainmaster
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Sigurdsson or Bolasie?

    1. junitrules
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Bolasie

    2. SouthCoastSaint
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Siggy! He who dares!

      Attacking prowess seemed limited under Monk. Got lots of shots away last week

    3. Dr Dream
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Bolasie. I wouldn't be too sure Siggy starts in the Failse 9 again.

      1. Rainmaster
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Little late since i logged off: Thanks a lot guys. I'm going with Siggy.

  28. AMP
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone considering to bring in Costa?

    CHE might start to play differently to show off

    1. SouthCoastSaint
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Too basic a view for me. Remy could even start

    2. Morbius
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Chelsea might. Costa wont.

      1. The Raging Bull
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Hiddink is an arm around the shoulder manager, surely some of those egos in the side will respond to that?

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 10 months ago

      No

    4. A.T
      10 years, 10 months ago

      It's a case of wait and see with that one I think.

    5. DA Minnion (Former great)
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I don't give into the theory that Chelsea will be brilliant from now on.its not that easy to turn things around when things are going so bad.I would avoid him.

  29. junitrules
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Ighalo or KDB - bench one

    1. drughi
      10 years, 10 months ago

      KDB

  30. Chicken-Mandy
    10 years, 10 months ago

    de gea
    moreno toby bellerin kolarov richards
    hazard kdb ozil mahrez sinclair
    vardy kane lukaku

    who do i get rid of between richards and sinclair, who is more of a problem in my team i have 1 FT?