[sbu_large_image] Team News
2 February 2016 1246 comments
Paul Paul
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Aleksandar Kolarov is available for City’s trip to Sunderland. Yohan Cabaye faces a late fitness test as Palace entertain Bournemouth, Remi Garde has a number of worries as Villa head to Upton Park, whilst Jordan Henderson is expected to return for Liverpool’s trip to Leicester.

Tomas Rosicky is the only new injury concern for Arsenal’s clash with Southampton – the Czech international has been ruled out of tonight’s Emirates encounter with a thigh injury sustained in the weekend cup win over Burnley.

Remi Garde is sweating over the fitness of six players as Villa head to West Ham. The Frenchman reckons that Rudy Gestede, Libor Kozak and Carlos Sanchez will “probably” miss out, whilst he’s also uncertain over the fitness of Ashley Westwood, Kieran Richardson and Alan Hutton.

Yohan Cabaye faces a late fitness test on an ankle problem ahead of Palace’s clash with Bournemouth later this evening. Eagles boss Alan Pardew has revealed that Joe Ledley is set to miss out with a knock, whilst Connor Wickham sits out the second of a three-match ban for violent conduct. Pardew also confirmed that Emmanuel Adebayor will be in the squad, going on to say that the new boy “looks terrific” in training.

Leicester new boy Daniel Amartey is not ready to make his debut as he steps up his match sharpness, though could be in contention for the weekend. Claudio Ranieri has confirmed that Shinji Okazaki is available after recovering from a knock, though Jeffrey Schlupp and Matty James remain on the sidelines.

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge, Martin Skrtel and Divock Origi are set to return to training later in the week as they step up their recoveries from injury. Jordan Henderson is expected to return, though, after missing the weekend cup clash with West Ham due to his ongoing heel problem.

Aleksandar Kolarov is available for Man City’s trip to Sunderland, though Fabian Delph misses out with a minor calf complaint.

Norwich boss Alex Neil is hopeful that Alex Tettey has recovered from illness in time for the visit of Tottenham. Gary O’Neil serves out the last of a three-match ban, whilst new centre-half Timm Klose is nearer a first start after stepping up his sharpness in training.

Steven Davis remains sidelined for Southampton’s trip to Arsenal this evening. Ronald Koeman has yet to make a decision over Graziano Pelle’s involvement, though has conceded that “it’s a possibility” he will hand Charlie Austin a first start for his new club.

Marko Arnautovic, Glen Johnson and Jon Walters underwent a light training session yesterday after missing Stoke’s cup loss at Palace due to knocks. Potters boss Mark Hughes has revealed that the trio “should be available”, providing they emerge unscathed. Marc Wilson is sidelined for 10-12 weeks with a knee injury sustained at Selhurst Park. New boy Giannelli Imbula did not sign in time to be registered for tonight’s clash with United but is expected to be available for the weekend encounter against Everton.

Ryan Mason is back in full training ahead of Spurs’ visit to Norwich. Jan Vertonghen and Clinton Njie are the only absentees, according to the club’s official website.

West Brom are optimistic on the availability of Ben Foster and Darren Fletcher for the visit of Swansea – the duo missed the weekend FA Cup draw with Peterborough due to injury. Chris Brunt remains a doubt, though Saido Berahino is expected to recover from a dead leg sustained on Saturday. New loan signing Alex Pritchard has been registered in time to make his debut.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tonight’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Tuesday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

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

    I don't get the 'I have a crap bench' brag, still. The player will score points, whether he is on your bench or you don't own him. At least if you do own him, you have cover for unexpected injuries or blanks.

    1. Eden Hazardous
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      TOTP brag is still 😎

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

      Bench points up there with YC's with the most frustrating thing in this game.

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

        They may be frustrating but they don't mean you score any less than the person who didn't own them at all.

        1. Puyol Pants Up
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          But they do mean you have less money 🙂

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

            See below as to why that isn't the same problem as it has been in previous seasons.

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

          Yeah I know, just people hate a strong bench because it brings bench points. I'm all for a strong bench, fwiw.

    3. Eden Hazardous
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      +1 btw

      We will be laughing when the blanks come 🙂

    4. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Especially in the second half of a season and when blanks/DGWs kick in - you have to have a strong, playing, flexible 15 IMO

    5. KOLASINA(C)
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      "Crap" 5th mid - more cash to get better heavy hitters and no benching headache. What's not to love?

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

        But we've had so many unexpected bargains this season that you can manage to have the 'heavy hitters' (few have been worth it) and still a decent bench. If you got Alli and Mahrez in early, they were hardly bank-breakers anyway.

    6. Puyol Pants Up
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Crap bench = more money itb.

      People pay 5.5 - 6.0 for a 5th mid and bench them 80% of the time, and the 20% time they do start them they blank/score less then the player you benched to field him and it's slightly upsetting. I mean, I get frustrated when my 5th mid gets an assist 🙁

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

        Actually, I've generally rotated Alli and Mahrez, depending on fixtures.

    7. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      It's a purely emotional thing - a poor bench gives you clarity over decisions and peace of mind. What it doesn't give you is more FPL points but that isn't always the aim it seems. It's a bit like people choosing their captains based on what day/time the match is played. Zero logic but people take comfort in it.

      For what it's worth my bench is currently weak and earlier in the season it was strong. Both gave me problems.

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

        I do try to be as logical as possible.

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

          Me too. It's why I put up with Alli bringing in bench points as my 5th midfielder for so long - I was sure he'd be auto-subbed in at some point over Christmas but it never happened.

          I think my management style is more suited to a very cheap 5th midfielder as I always aim for fully nailed on players so I rarely get any auto-sub points.

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

            (And I don't trust myself to make the right choices if I have a strong squad to pick from!)

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

            As I say, I've been rotating Alli and Mahrez since Leicester have been quieter. No idea if it's worked properly but I've never had to throw my computer out of the window 😀

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

              More power to you - if you get that technique right you get more points than the fodder route I reckon, it's not easy though!

    8. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      The thing is though, let's say one week two FPL managers have an autosub coming in

      Player 1 gets Gosling
      Player 2 gets Alli/ Ighalo

      Yes at the end of the season Player 2's 5th mid/forward will outscore Gosling, but what he needs to outscore Gosling on that particular week for it to be justified. Careful management of transfers means you shouldn't have to rely on a 5th mid for more than 1 Gameweek imo.

      I believe the only time you should have a strong front 8 is when using AOA

    9. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Not a brag, just fact.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Although Daniels and Bertrand on the bench isn't the worst. Stanislas not great.

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

        Lots are Andy, even if you aren't 🙂

    10. Eden Hazardous
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Lucy , do you still have Ighalo? or did you sell for Austin?

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

        Sold for Kane. Austin for Lukaku will happen sooner or later.

        1. Eden Hazardous
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Ah..cheers

          Who would you bench between Mahrez/Ighalo this week? I am benching Ighalo atm

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

            I would do the same.

            1. Eden Hazardous
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 3 months ago

              Thanks a lot! 🙂

    11. rozzo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      When it comes to bench boost time I wonder if they will still brag about how crap their bench is

    12. Mr Alex
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I understand this argument and it is very logical, but for me I still have a dirt cheap midfielder for the following reason: If I owned, hypothetically, both Alli and likelihood is that I'd chop and change in regards to who has the better fixture. Because of this it is possible that I miss out on lots of points due to wrong benching decisions. As we have seen this season, players are far from being restricted to scoring in the easy games. I'd much rather keep the player who I think will score most in my team for the whole time, so I'm guaranteed to get his points.

      Also, the money saved on the fifth mid can surely be used to upgrade a starting XI player?

      However, if I had plenty of money is going spare, I'd see no issue with having a Barkley on the bench week in week out, playing him on the odd occasion when Alli has, say, Man City away.

      1. Mr Alex
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        *and Barkley

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

    Keep Silva for the next 2 home games (Leicester, Spurs) or punt on Firmino who plays Sunderland and Villa? ..... I have Aguero

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

      Berb has both.
      Berb is smart.
      Berb is getting a lot of hauls.

      Be like Berb.

      1. Vincent Adultman
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Those Bill memes can absolutely do one

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

        Question is, how many GW27 blank players does Berb have? I already have Lukaku, Aguero and Silva. So i have to replace one of them if i want a playing 11 and i want Firmino

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

      Firmino

  3. 50 Shades Oshea
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    drop moreno or baines? went big for double and backfired...

    moreno for reid...

    or

    baines for ivan

    thanks

    1. Juventino4life
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Moreno

  4. masewindu
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Play
    Damian or Targett??

    Mahrez or Firmino?

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

      Isn't Darmian injured+

    2. FPL Emu
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Darmian and Firmino

  5. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Happy Tuesday guys!

    Care to help me bench one of these?

    Mahrez, Ayew, Özil, Alli, Payet

    Aguero, Kane, Lukaku

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

      Ayew probably.

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

      Ayew

    3. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Ayew, just.

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

      If I had to ... Ayew

      1. FPL Emu
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Funny - totally unambiguous. And I got Ayew in this week. HahA.

        Thanks

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

    G2G ?

    Cech
    Toby, Collins, Bellerin
    Mahrez, Alli, Sanchez, Payet(v)
    Lukaku, Aguero(c), Kane

    Schmeical, Hoolahan, Simpson, Targett

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

      Similar team looks good.

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

        My only fear is having 3 Spurs and 3 Arsenal. Not sure if that is wise?!?

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

          Yep all your eggs in the Arsenal CS basket. I have the front 7 and Tody

  7. 50 Shades Oshea
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    ok in bad areas for gw 27?

    I went big hoping for the double...

    players got blanks are the following:
    moreno, silva, aguero, lukaku, wiji, baines, elliot.

    got 1ft who to drop?
    was thinking moreno, but next two after Leicester... maybe wiji...

    thanks

    1. 50 Shades Oshea
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      wiji would be out for ayew, moreno out for reid or baines out for ivan

      1. 50 Shades Oshea
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        could even drop lukaku for austin/adebayor

  8. pingreen
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    1) Butland or 2) Schmeichel?

    A) Ozil or B) Wijnaldum?

    Wijnaldum scores more at home, but he's against Everton who are letting in goals for fun.

    Leaning towards 2B

    1. 50 Shades Oshea
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      1a

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

    Anyone see Saints winning at the Emirates today? Wouldn't surprise me.

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

      I see a draw

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

      Hard to call, it can go either way...

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

      No chance

    4. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      1-1 😀

      At least that's what I'm hoping for...

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

        I'd prefer a 0-0, need a Forster CS 😛

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

          Don't own a Saints defender and, as you may have guessed, my friends ML is full of Saints fans so more Saints players around than the average ML.

    5. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I would be as shocked as I was with the 4-0 at St Mary's.

    6. mad_beer ✅
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      1 - 1. Austin and Giroud.

    7. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      hopefully Southampton score

  10. Ponduskongen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Quickpoll, who should play this week?

    A) Vardy
    B) Mahrez

    Thank you in advance for your input.

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

      Vardy

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

        That was my choice as well

  11. Yome
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    What should I do with this lot? I have 1 FT and 0ITB
    Hennessey (Rudd)
    Bellerin, Ward, Simpson (Jagielka, Moreno)
    Ozil, Alli, Wijnaldum, Payet (KDB)
    Aguero, Kane, Lukaku

    Save and sell KDB tonight before the drop?
    KDB to Gosling/Stanislas... to avoid benching headache and avoid a GW27 blank player?

  12. King H
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    what games are on tv tonight ?

    and what channels ?

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

      West Ham vs Villa, BT

      1. KOLASINA(C)
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Seriously? No Leicester vs Liverpool in GB?

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

          Nope

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

      West Ham vs Villa on BT Sport t'is all.

    3. King H
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      thanks

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

    I think Southamption will score tonight, Bellerin is going on my bench.

  14. Krul Runnings
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Anybody ever heard of/used footballindex?

    1. Eden Hazardous
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I have heard of EuroClubIndex...but I think you mean something else

  15. foley_fd
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Bench one

    A - Mahrez
    B - Barkley
    C - Alli

    This will bug me all day.

  16. cricketmad787
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Play Zouma, Evans, Bojan or Vardy?

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

      Vardy, definitely

  17. Collins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Bottomed on last page...comments appreciated...

    Good to go?

    Cech Mc Carthy
    Ivan Toby Koscielny (Daniels, Targett)
    Payet Sanchez Firmino, Alli (Hoolahan)
    Valencia Aguero Kane

    Cash in the bank to swap valencia later on...

    1. Saint & Reevesy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Good team. And a Great team for this week.

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

        cheers! 🙂

  18. Trigg ⭐️
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Seeing people benching Ozil has pretty much convinced me to sell him.

    1. Milner4eva
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      It's convinced me to play him.

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

    im top of my cash league, and I am pretty sure most of my rivals will have, and play Ozil.

    I have Sanchez and Ozil, shall I go for a gamble and play Sanchez or be safe and play Ozil?

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

      As they're 2 of the Top 3 projected midfield scorers this week, I'd be severely tempted to play both.

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

        Then I have to bench Mahrez?

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

          Of the three? If you have to - yes.

  20. Kane Train
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Which One:

    A) Silva, Souare, Valencia

    B) Mahrez, Reid/Dawson/Byram, Lukaku

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

    FFFix users

    What would you do if you woke up to see that your team was hacked?

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Why would it get hacked by FFFix?

      1. KOLASINA(C)
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        This.

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

        Some users have signed up via FPL email and password, if I'm not mistaken?

        1. KOLASINA(C)
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          They have no interest in doing that.

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

          They don't hack your account. It's just a computerised system

        3. Dr Dream
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          So why would it get hacked?....

          Setting up a site like FFFix is an awful lot of trouble for somebody to go to just to get access to a few FPL accounts to hack them.

          And why would anybody want to anyway.

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

        Because you give it your log in details. But I think there is a way to use it without doing that.
        Having said that why leave the house? You may get stuck by lightening.

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

      I'd be more worried about what else they'd done to me while I was asleep.

  22. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Would you rather have Kane or Lukaku this week?

    1. Saint & Reevesy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Kane

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

      As a Lukaku owner, Kane

    3. Ten Season Wonder
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Kane

    4. mad_beer ✅
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      As an owner of both, Kane (C).

    5. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Kane probably, although they will both score i reckon

    6. Zizoulicious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Kane unfortunately

    7. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks all.

      Feck may have to get him in now

  23. Saint & Reevesy
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Which two do you play out of these three:

    Firmino (lei)
    Alli (nor)
    Mahrez (LIV)

    Have Payet and Sanchez starting and up front Kane, Kun, lukaku.

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Last two imo

  24. Ten Season Wonder
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Afternoon all,

    Does anyone know if there's been a Scoutcast lately?

  25. DameCorp
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Quicky, bench one?

    A) Evans (SWA)
    B) Bellerin (SOT)
    C) Cresswell (AVL)
    D) Dier (nor)

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      D

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

      A

  26. st4rt__
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Butland
    Cress - Toby - Daniels (Moreno/Wolls)
    Mahrez - Alli - Ozil - Payet (Stanislas)
    Giroud - Lukaku - Aguero (c)

    What do I do? 1 FT and £6.6m ITB.

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

      Save

      1. st4rt__
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Really ?

        1. Baby Cuties
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          yeah, definitely solid enough

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

          Definitely

    2. Saint & Reevesy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      cashed Up!

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Save or Moreno > Zouma

  27. Juventino4life
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Bench mahrez or firmino.
    Leaning firmino as mahrez is playing away, Leicester is rested.

  28. Puyol Pants Up
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Bench gloat 🙂

    Walker, Nyom, Surman

    I'm not expecting many points 😎

  29. mad_beer ✅
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    So hungry. Boring lunch again today. 😐

    1. Baby Cuties
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      reminds me of that moment in Peep Show where Dobby makes Mark a couscous salad for his packed lunch

      "oh no, not this flavourless misery sand"

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

    Meh, still very undecided on the defenders i should field. Not sure i like the feeling.
    A lot of people have similar issues i see.