[sbu_large_image] Team News
18 December 2015 788 comments
Demí Demí
Share:

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. Tinmen
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Folks,anyone considering Baines?

    Must still be on pens and delivers well every season

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

      He's not on pens any more.

      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Lukaku is on penalties...

      1. Manu5
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, baines missed one, then mirrallas stole the ball for one, and missed I believe, so now lukaku is on them

        1. Manamongst
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          you would be correct...it was quite hilarious at the time.

    2. A.T
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      They've been very leaky withJags out. By the time he returns their fixtures drop off a bit. I d avoid.

  2. Mr. O'Connell
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Any Sunderland fans on here getting really frustrated with Toivonen starting every game? Thought when Dick left we'd have seen the end of him. Johnson and Defoe the best 2 players after they came on last week. I'd like to see us have a go at Chelsea (as much as it won't happen). Watmore, Lens (well out of favour) and Borini to come off the bench.

    -----------Pants------------
    Jones O'Shea Kaboul
    Yedlin Rodwell M'Vila PVA
    ---------Johnson-----------
    -----Fletcher Defoe------

    1. ZLNR
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I would love to see that as our starting 11, Toivonen looked good(ish) when he first arrived maybe he delivers in training?

    2. che
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Big Sams on about goin to 4 at the back if Coates is out so Toivonen might stay in. I still think we haven't seen the best of him yet. Played with an injury for the two games he was poor in so shouldn't have played. Defo think Watmore is a better impact sub at the minute. Typical luck for us to play them just as they get a new manager in. You can guarentee Hazard and Costa will break their droughts now!

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah you're probably right about 4 at the back. Jones gets caught out too often playing on the right of a back 3 (Everton game springs to mind). Agree with Watmore as well (a combination of his explosiveness off the bench and I feel Defoe simply has to start as he is our only natural goalscorer). I'm not sure whether Jose going is good or bad, I think it actually adds more uncertainty to the result. Think we'll miss Cattermole big time this week. These are the kind of matches he thrives in.

        1. che
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Aye, Catts would love to be fit for it, even Larsson will be a miss. About time Rodwell stepped up to the plate and showed £10 million worth

  3. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Now to conjure up witty remarks involving the name Guus.

    Any takers?

    1. Jax
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Guus Hiddink is evil.

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I have your Coates ready.

        1. Jax
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          sweeeeeet

    2. Mikeharbrw
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Golden Guus?

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        That'll do for now.

        1. Jax
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Hiddinks his name

    3. Art Vandelay
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Jose's Guus is cooked?

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I like this one.

  4. gaz1185
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Sterling > Willian or Bolaise

    Or stick with him?

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Stick.

  5. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    #MiaSanMia! Müller, Boateng, Martínez (alle 2021) & Alonso (2017) haben ihre Verträge beim #FCBayern verlängert! https://t.co/4SrY5tnpXH

    Contract extensions for Bayern

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      None from Pep. Ha!

  6. ToonFly
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Who to buy, who to bench?

    KDB, Mahrez, Ozil, Barkley, Surman
    Kane, Vardy, Lukaku

    Money no problem. For the long term.....Surman to:
    A) Ramsey
    B) Wijnaldum
    C) Coutinho
    D) other

    And then who to bench?
    A) KDB
    B) Kane
    C) other

    1. Sylas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Surman > Wijnaldum

      Bench KDB or Barkleu

  7. My name is an echo
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Wijnaldum in as captain. Who do I bench though?

    Kane, Mane or Coutinho?

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Mane, obviously.

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

      Mane

      1. My name is an echo
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        fair enough - thanks

    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      yikes...none of these guys preferably

      1. My name is an echo
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I know but I am building a squad for inevitable Xmas rotation and really fancy Wijnaldum against Villa

    4. ToonFly
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Kane, no form, SOU good at home

    5. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      trust me folks, mane is going to surely score this week!

      1. My name is an echo
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        could well do - apparently stats are good

  8. Rolls-Royce
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Guys I've/will have this bench for ths GW:

    Stanislas Wolly Nyom

    In order, in case Hazard doesnt start? tempted to do Wolly first sub.

  9. JAC THE CAT
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Stanislas best cheap 5th midfielder?

    1. Prøphet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I think so

    2. FredUpAlready
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Yes.

  10. Bhaskarpatel
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Ok let me clarify. Time to ship out Kevin De Bruyne? Costs a pretty penny and rotation risk given he himself has said that he's feeling tired....

    Getting closer to a price drop so worth selling?

    1. Jax
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Sunderland home next so no.

    2. Etch
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'm considering it for Wijnaldum this week as I don't think Arsenal-City will be a high scoring game. And then once Aguero is up and running again I'll probably get Silva in somewhere.

  11. Jax
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Anybody doing MNF captain?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Tempted to put armband on Kun ahead of Lukaku/Mahrez.

      1. Jax
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        risky with is injury history, only back, doubt to start, playing arsenal away.

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah but he's Kun and differential, Arsenal no rock solid. Predicting an open game. But will play safe in the end.

  12. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Didn't Guus almost singlehandedly destroy a Dutch side that just one year ago was a WC semi finalist?

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

      yes, he was very poor and tactically naïve

    2. Prøphet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Thats the one

  13. Nespinha
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    0.4£ Bank // 1 FT ----- PLEASE HELP! // ONLY DIFFERENTIAL OPTIONS PLEASE

    Mignolet, Ruddy.
    Sagna, Zouma, Moreno, Francis, Targett
    Eriksen, Coutinho, KDB, Arnautovic, Sinclair
    Ayoze, Aguero, Pelle

    A) Consider Hennessey/Myhill
    B) Consider WBA defenders or Ward (Palace)
    C) Wait for Aguero fitness before anything
    D) Two of the above
    E) Wait this week

  14. Mikeharbrw
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Play one out of Moreno (wat) and Alderweireld (sou)

    Cheers

    1. Jax
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Moreno

    2. Springbank
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Alder

    3. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Spurs don't do cleanies

      1. Mikeharbrw
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        neither do pool atm and Southampton can't hit a barn door atm.. leaning towards aldy

        1. Jazz!
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Moreno. I'm benching Rose myself for Moreno

          1. Mikeharbrw
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 3 months ago

            I have Igalho tho.. I think theyre both as likely to get attacking returns.. aldy and moreno I mean

  15. John t penguin
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    i need to stop treating my FT like getting my pocket money as a kid.
    by Friday evening I have got two giant gobstoppers, six liquorish laces, a dib dab, two packets of space dust and a dozen Chelsea whoppers. I then wonder why I wake up on Saturday morning feeling sick

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      pass it on here 🙂

    2. Ziro Becomes One
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      The cool kids have two saved. 😎

    3. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I would give you a +1 but I have no idea what you are talking about.

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Ah what the heck, it's Christmas.

        +1

      2. John t penguin
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        you have never had a Chelsea whopper?
        they are like chocolate cocaine

  16. Redbull Sucks
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Please pick 1 to play, reposting

    a. Bellerin (City h)
    b. Coleman (LEI h)
    c. Francis (WBA a)

    1. Springbank
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Bellerin

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      b

    3. Sylas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Coleman

  17. jonny77
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Will Smalling be fit?

    1. Jax
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      no

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        You don't think he will be?

        1. Jax
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          heard he's unlikely. sure wait for presser.

  18. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    and a pardew is a pear tree

  19. FPL Wisdom
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Guus Hiddink is in London for talks now, if appointed he'd be in place for the weekend surley.

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      shorley*

    2. Jax
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      watford home game first game imo

    3. John t penguin
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      is there not rules about registering to be officially in charge. FA have rules about making sure they are fit and proper person

  20. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Bench Barkley, Ighalo or KDB?

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

      Ighalo

    2. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Barkley

    3. InSaneMan-e
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Barkley for me
      Iggy on form. Keep for 1 week then bench him all you like.

      1. Gimli son of Gloin
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Definitely inclined to bench Barkley over Ighalo.. it's KDB I'm considering though

        1. InSaneMan-e
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Nah, Keep KDB
          Unpredictably good. He will play considering he didn't start last time around

    4. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      kdb

  21. ZakAFC_
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    What to do this week?

    Butland (Ruddy)
    Kolarov, Moreno, Toby (Dawson, Huth)
    De Bruyne, Özil, Mahrez, Barkley (Wanyama)
    Kane, Lukaku, Vardy

    1FT, 4.3 ITB

    1. InSaneMan-e
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Nothing lol
      The real question you have is
      "Who should I captain this week?"

    2. Sylas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Start Dawson over Kolarov

  22. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hi...any advice here?....6.1itb. ....Planning to hold this week and then do Kane and Delofeou to kun and Ramsey for Xmas....does that sound sensible?....Team for tomo is..

    Ddg
    Vvd Dawson Moreno (kolarov oshea)
    Ozil mahrez kdb Delofeou (drinkwater)
    Kane ighalo lukaku

    1. InSaneMan-e
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Makes sense..
      Iggy has a tough run coming up, but Kane has been bad these 3 weeks

  23. Arteta
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Which goalkeeper do you think will get the most points this season?

    1. Jax
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Butland

    2. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      DDG because I have him.

      1. Sjaugen
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Rumors are DDG injured his finger this week. Got a playing 2nd GK?

        1. Ziro Becomes One
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Do not spread the rumour. We will know shortly in the press conference.

    3. FISSH
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Butland.. and I sold him >.

    4. InSaneMan-e
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Cech i think
      Butland will start conceding soon, and De Gea plays for Utd...

      1. Jet5605
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Butland is great for save and bonus points though

  24. Jax
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    KDB and Kane will be back in people's teams next week.

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      🙂 That's a relief as a Kane owner

    2. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Already in mine 😎

      Got Kane after all his hauls though 😕

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Doubt it but hope you are right.

    4. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      People sold KDB?

      1. Jax
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        yeah madness. going down in price tonight.

        1. Sjaugen
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          AHAHAHAHA just checked. Both him and Kane are dropping. WTF sellers?

  25. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Would Man Utd fans take Jose instead of LVG now? Very good chance of delivering a title or two within 3 years before the usual implosion. Would Utd fans take that?

    1. Jax
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      man u have rubbish players.

      1. Jet5605
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I'd wager that Jose would manage to turn Fellaini into a beast again. I reckon he could win the title with 3 new signings

      2. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        that never stopped them before

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I would take it without thinking

    3. InSaneMan-e
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Not yet no
      Jose needs some time out
      Maybe in the summer, or later, then yeah.

      But it's proven he can't stay at a club for more than 3 years.

      1. Prøphet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Still very early in his career and he has won everything with clubs so far.

    4. FPL Wisdom
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      i think we should have got him in before moyse!

  26. nobwak
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Butland (McCarthy)
    Darmain, Moreno, Toby (Mertesacker, Sagna)
    Coutinho, Mahrez, Ozil, KDB (Redmond)
    Vardy, Lukaku (c), Ighalo

    1FT, 6.2 ITB.

    A) KDB >> Wijnaldum.
    B) Darmian >> Zouma/Dawson (please specify)
    C) Save FT.
    D) Something else, suggestions welcome.

    Thanks guys.

    1. InSaneMan-e
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      C sounds decent
      If Darmian is back do C, otherwise Zouma is better than Darmian?
      Wij is good, but getting rid of KDB is...risky

  27. InSaneMan-e
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    So who's everyone captaining?
    It seems that all the usual captain choices have some tough fixtures.

    I'm leaning toward Coutinho ahead of Kane, Lukaku, KDB and ighalo

  28. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hazard looking likely to start against Sunderland?

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Round and round the speculation goes.

      What's the truth? Nobody know.

  29. England's Number 1
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-citys-kevin-de-bruyne-7031090

    Quick head up... this is one of those pointless articles where the headline and the quotes mean different things.

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I guess you could say the title isn't a true 'reflection' of the content.

      Eh? Get it? Reflection, cos' the paper is called the 'mirror'?

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Jokes are never funny if you have to explain them

  30. TheFootballHub
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    name one team you think will keep a clean sheet this week???

    1. Jax
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      WBA

    2. ST United
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Kidderminster Harriers