Team News

The Weekend Team News

Dele Alli is back in training but will be assessed ahead of Spurs’ clash with Watford. Andy Carroll could be back for West Ham, Palace are hit with long-term injuries to a couple of key midfielders, whilst West Brom’s Jonny Evans is ruled out for a fortnight with hamstring problems.

Dele Alli will be assessed tomorrow after being withdrawn early on due to dizziness in the midweek win over Norwich. Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed the midfielder is back in full training, saying “all the signals are good” ahead of the home encounter against Watford. Ryan Mason will also be assessed as he steps up his recovery from injury.

Andy Carroll returned to training on Monday and will be assessed ahead of West Ham’s trip to Southampton. New loan signing Emmanuel Emenike is also available after receiving his work permit, whilst Angelo Ogbonna will “hopefully” be fit, according to Slaven Bilic, after missing the midweek win over Villa due to illness. Sam Byram has been ruled out for a week after sustaining a small injury in training.

Tomas Rosicky could be out for up to three months after suffering an injury setback whilst on duty for the arsenal under 21 side. Danny Welbeck is set to step up his recovery with a run-out for the Gunners’ second-string later today.

Palace midfielders James McArthur (ankle ligaments) and Jason Puncheon (hamstring) are set for lengthy spells on the sidelines, with the former likely to miss the rest of the season. Joe Ledley remains out for two more weeks with a thigh injury, though Alan Pardew reckons Yohan Cabaye has a “very good” chance of returning from injury, whilst Dwight Gayle is available after returning to full training. Emmanuel Adebayor is “almost ready” to start and will have another cameo appearance, though Connor Wickham misses out through suspension.

Claudio Ranieri will make a late decision on the fitness of new signing Daniel Amartey ahead of Leicester’s trip to City tomorrow lunchtime.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe reckons Josh King – who made an appearance off the bench in midweek – is now up to full fitness. Junior Stanislas remains a doubt, though, with the Cherries set to make a late decision on the winger’s fitness.

Jeremain Lens is a major doubt for Sunderland after being forced off with a groin problem in midweek. Yann M’Vila is expected to shrug off a foot problem to continue in the centre of the park, whilst Younes Kaboul is back in the squad after overcoming a hamstring injury.

Jonny Evans has been ruled out for a couple of weeks with the hamstring injury that forced him off against Swansea. James Morrison and Chris Brunt also remain on the sidelines for the Baggies, Tony Pulis has confirmed.

Ki Sung-Yueng has been ruled out of Swansea’s clash with Palace after being forced off with concussion in the 1-1 draw with West Brom. New manager Francesco Guidolin has revealed that Alberto Paloschi “could” be in line for a first start on the back of an impressive sub performance at the Hawthorns.

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.

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2,223 Comments Post a Comment
  1. madame shelly
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    so lukaku will probably play by the sounds of it ?

    may as well use 1ft of 2 to boost the defence a little on the off chance that he doesn't, rather than swap him out just yet no ?

    1. Woy
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      yes

    2. Trigg ⭐️
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm keeping. WBA at home next week, too.

      1. madame shelly
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        yeah, worth the hold till gw27 I think, at least

  2. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Payet, Mahrez, Alli, Eriksen, Gosling

    Lukaku, Kane, Vardy

    Do I need to get rid of any of those this week? 2 FTs.

    1. Pochecinno
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Can you do Gosling to Stoke/Swansea player?

      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        This could be a good shout actually. Siggy for Gosling?

        1. Pochecinno
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Good call. he has the form and penalties/set-pieces

          1. Trigg ⭐️
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Might give me a benching headache, but no other pressing transfers.

    2. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Do you have about £10m itb? If so get Kun for Lukaku

      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I meant Aguero, no idea why I wrote Vardy 😆

    3. Trigg ⭐️
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Aguero, not Vardy!!

    4. RustyBz
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'd want either Ozil or Sanchez in there.

  3. luke25
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Have Courtois in goal and was buzzing how quickly he got to three saves in the Watford game. Then no more for the rest of the game, grrrr

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Same 🙂

      Can't complain with 7pts though!

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah very true!

      2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I was lucky I played Spiegel and got Courtois off the bench 😎

  4. Japan Boy
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Any horse racing fans on here?

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yep

      1. Japan Boy
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Done any ante post betting for Cheltenham?

        1. Ron_Swanson
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          I've had a little tickle on Vroum Vroum Mag but that's all for now. You?

          1. Japan Boy
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Really? Not sure about that one! I've gone for Douvan Faugheen Yanworth and Thistlecrack in an acca

            1. Ron_Swanson
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Odds on that?

              1. Japan Boy
                • 8 Years
                8 years, 4 months ago

                About 14/1 mate

    2. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      My dad owns horsies. I can't stand it. The ones with zulki's.
      Was some big thingy in Paris last weekend right?

  5. Hooky
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Is Sinclair likely to be up front for Villa this weekend with Ayew, Kozak and Gestede out?

    1. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ayew to serve the ban right?

  6. Pochecinno
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Which would you rather have in your squad:

    A) Payet
    B) Alli

    1. Cojiro
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      alli comfortably

    3. 1zverGGademN
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Payet

    4. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B

    5. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B

      Coming from an owner of A

    6. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Own both. Will ship payet soon if hes not careful

      1. Pochecinno
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks All.

        I'm thinking of doing Payet to Alli which is why I'm asking

  7. Viprin
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Will Targett still play?

  8. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts if you please:

    Butland

    Toby Bellerin Jagielka

    Ozil Payet Mahrez Alli

    Aguero Kane Lukaku

    Subs: McCarthy Gosling Simpson R.Bennett - 1FT 4.5mitb

    A) I'm thinking of moving on Jagielka to a SOT defender with blank in mind and Martinez appearing to be rotating his backline more often now

    B) Upgrading R.Bennett with blanks and nailed-on-ness in mind

    C) Save, having 2FTs next week will be more beneficial to me

    1. Prøphet
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ship Bennett and get a SOU / CHE / WHU defender. Ivan if you want - got him in for a hit! 😀

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        ^this

      2. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I may as well get rid of Jagielka though with the blank coming for one of these teams def

        1. Prøphet
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Also an option, but would ship bennet first honestly for a non-blank defender. SOU maybe the best bet

          1. Your Mum's Athletic
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            cheers

  9. Cojiro
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed: How should I get Sanchez and/or Alli in to this team?

    DDG, Schwarzer
    Bellerin,Toby, evans, Ward , Targett
    Ozil, Payet, Mahrez, Barkley, Surman
    Kun, Kane, Lukaku

    2FT, 0.0 ITB, thanks

    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't, you need to sort out Evans and Targett, the former first, in my opinion anyway

      1. Cojiro
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        ok thanks

      2. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Agree those should be priority.
        But you might do Surman + Luka -> Sanchez + Naismith/Paloschi

  10. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    If lukaku gets a brace this weekend id love it

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Id hate it

  11. The EJJ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Nyom no longer first choice, right?

    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Looks that way. Paredes is pretty sh*te though so he'll probably come back in eventually

  12. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Moreno to Wimmer madness?

    1. Pochecinno
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not madness, no. Word of warning though, I don't see Wimmer getting any attacking or bonus points (not they've materialised for Moreno though)

  13. LeicesterA
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Going Ozil, Firmino, Mahrez, Alli, Kane, Aguero and Vardy as my front 7 this week and benching Payet.

    People really seem to do a dis-service to Leicester. They've scored the second most goals of any Team this season, and regardless of the style the play, they have achieved their position on merit and by doing what works for them.

    1. luke25
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Next two games will define their season I think

  14. Prøphet
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    To go back on the Lei title contending topic:
    Just want to say that football is not all about stats. I believe they are a decentish indicator, but not to base things like who wins the title. There are so many things that should be factored. Due to them not having everything highest this season stats wise, doesnt mean they arent there for a reason or that they will do worse. I really do not, but to each its own i guess.

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      The Leicester topic is still being discussed 🙂

      1. Prøphet
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Ha, delete this then! 😀

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Agreed - there is no stat for "bottle". Looking at Leicester's fixtures, you could say it is their title to lose.

    3. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I agree. I dont really follow stats.

      Theres so many more factors that go into football. Nerves, form etc.

      If it was all statistical we could be millionares from gambling

      1. DF
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Many are you plonker. How do you play cards?

        1. KingOllie
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Blackjack? Unless you are counting the cards the house still has a tiny advantage. Like 50.5%

          1. DF
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            I was thinking poker.

      2. Prøphet
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Different sports different ways to look at it. I absolutely agree with this, football cant be just judged by stats or how a player performs.

  15. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Sometimes I imagine that some people instead of watching a game on TV sit in front of a computer and watch excel spreadsheets update in real time 😀

    1. Woy
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Don't you know it.

    2. Prøphet
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Might be true! 😀 To each its own

    3. Pochecinno
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      *watch FFS comments

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Well I did follow the midweek games on Twitter but I only had my phone 🙁

        1. Pochecinno
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          I was following FFS during games at the beginning of the season. It's so much better just watching the football

          1. Prøphet
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Thats what i do, i tend not to visit FFS during the games and just watch football

    4. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Are you referring to Jonty?

      1. KingOllie
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        And Doosra

      2. Pochecinno
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I think he means our resident Posh Hammer

      3. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Not singling anyone out - there's plenty of people that like stats.

        Was obviously helped by recent discussions but not aimed at anyone directly.

        I don't watch half as much football as I'd like to so perhaps I should be looking at stats more - would potentially help my awful rank.

    5. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      we all used to watch footy on ceefax

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Those were the days. We had a ceefax conversation recently. 303 ftw

        1. Rhinos
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          The thrill when the page didnt update, often meant a goal

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            When it rained, all the pages messed up

    6. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      maybe that's an idea! I've watched a team all year who no doubt have great stats but deliver the most mind-numbingly tedious football

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        LvG trying to win the possession stats tables

        1. pompeyfan
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          de Boer is doing a similar job with perhaps worse results.

  16. Djemba-Djembas right foot
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Anybody think Naismith is a decent differential this week?

    Payet Ozil Ali Mahrez (Wiji)

    Kaku Kun Kane

    Thinking of Naismith for Kaku for the week.

  17. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    G2G? Subs correct?

    ------------------DDG-----------------

    --Walker------VVD-----Moreno--

    Sanchez---Ozil---Alli---Mahrez

    ----Lukaku----Kun---Kane(C)---

    Dawson, Stanislas, Morgan (McCarthy)

  18. luke25
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    You just know if Moreno gets attacking points it will be an assist in like a 2-2 draw

  19. Kuqi Monster
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    start butland or hennessey?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      But

  20. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Too risky to keep Lukaku if I already have Alli, Stanislas, Wollscheid doubtful?

    1. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Na, luk and alli will play

  21. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Opinion guys? Save it or do westwood to mahrez to cover for alli and lukaku?

    Butland
    Toby bellerin moreno
    Ozil Payet alli firmino
    Lukaku Kane aguero

    McCarthy targett Evans Westwood

    1Ft 4.7

    1. BabyB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Looks solid LR. I'd save it. Be amazed if alli doesnt play and lukaku sounds promising and there are no clearcut replacements this week.

      Will be valuable with the blanks/doubles coming up.

  22. RustyBz
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    How ridiculous is the following:

    Toby + Ozil -> Wimmer + Sanchez (free)

    1. ver_sparda
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Too sideways

    2. Mesh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A bit sideways

    3. Pochecinno
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Very ridiculous. Ozil might outscore Sanchez. Toby definitely will outscore Wimmer

  23. ver_sparda
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Play two
    A) Creswell
    B) Baines
    C) Simpson
    D) Targett

    1. GS456
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A and B. I'm trying to decide whether to play Targett as well, but doubting if he will start.

      1. Salah Fingers
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Play him, if he doesn't start then your 1st sub will come in, win win situation!

        1. GS456
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Very true.

  24. Mesh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Any news on Wollsheid please?

    1. GS456
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hughes presser later

  25. HRISTO STOICHKOV
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Tough one!!?

    Cech

    Toby (vc) --- Sagna ---- Azpi--- Dann

    Payet --- Özil --- Alli ---- Arnautovic

    Valencia --- Agüero (c)

    Bench: Butland / Mahrez /Vardy/ G.Johnson /

    I have 1 FT and 00.00$ in the bank.
    Please guys help me out!

  26. GS456
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Is Collins (sou, nor) in next 2 worth a transfer for souare?

    Or shall I save it?

    Defence of Butland, Bellerin, Targett, Jagielka, Souare, Simpson. Feels very weak this week

  27. dicky2014
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Ighalo or Mahrez to bench?

    1. HRISTO STOICHKOV
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Both of them.

      1. dicky2014
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        That means i would play Richards and Neil Taylor

        Are you sure haha?

        1. dicky2014
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          or*

          1. HRISTO STOICHKOV
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            You have more chances to get more point from them.

  28. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Got myself into a little dilemma guys! 3/5 of my defenders are going to be blanking for GW27, however I also really want to do Lukaku to Vardy for gw 27also...what's my best plan of action over the next 2 weeks?

    2.0 in the bank

    De Gea Hennessey

    Moreno Simpson Williams Sagna Jagielka

    Sanchez Wanyama Payet Alli Mahrez

    Kun Kane Lukaku?

    1. Pochecinno
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Start by getting of one of those 3. The ones who plan to bench at least

    2. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Sagna -> Sou defender

      1. flippetyflop
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        What do you guys think about Sagna to Wimmer?

  29. Judas
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bench on this Gw:

    Moreno (SUN)
    Cresswell (sou)
    Dawson (new)

    1. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Dawson

  30. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Would you get a Chelsea defender even if you play DDG this GW?