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Dele Alli will be assessed tomorrow after being withdrawn early on due to dizziness in the midweek win over Norwich.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. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Is Targett going to be benched against West Ham ?

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      50/50

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

        should i play him over Bellerin ?

        1. The Man Pastore
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          I wouldn't' even if he was starting 100%

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

    i dont care if lukaku is fit or not

    -he is out of form and has blank in gw 27

    -vardy was long term transfer as well

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

      You sound bitter

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

    do Lukaku to Kane now? Have exactly enough funds now.

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

      Do it

    2. Jones Town
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Should have done 2 days ago! Yes, do it

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

        haha yeah it's easy to say now

    3. Adds04
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Why have you been waiting?

    4. tigermania_78
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      i would wait on this transfer for another couple of days, then you won't be able to afford it. why this wasn't done 2 days ago is beyond me. Lukaku was out of my team at half time, no stuffing around!!!

  4. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Ozil -> Sanchez (c) (-4) mental?

    If I keep Ozil, I might actually captain him...

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Did that yesterday, thou for free.

    2. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Why would you sell a captain candidate?

      1. Az
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        For a better captain candidate 😉

    3. Pedram
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yea Ozil created 10 chances last week, he's due some points imo

    4. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not mad but daft. 😉 Do it if it would make you feel better.

    5. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm holding off on doing it, and that's with a FT.

    6. Adds04
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Only if you are doing something useful with your other transfer

  5. Bibelnissen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero to score: 1.87
    Kane to score: 1.84

    Leicester goals conceded last four: 1
    Watford goals conceded last four: 4

    And for members, compare Leicester's and Watford's defensive stats over that four game period. Look at SITB conceded and Big Chances conceded particularly.

    I'm mightly tempted to (C) Kane over Aguero. Anyone else?

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

      Good stats-yea.

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm with you on that.

      I think Leicester will sit deep and just unleash Vardy / Mahrez on the counter when possible.

      Lei would take a 0-0 all day.

      1. Bibelnissen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Exactly. Let's not forget that the reverse fixture ended 0-0 aswell. Don't think City will be too disappointed with a draw tbh, although they obviously will go for it.

    3. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I am.

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

      I am going with Kane

    5. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      It's just that I have Kane, Alli and Toby who all are capable of attacking points.. If City go mental Aguero is my only City player.

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Kane could be rested too, small chance but there was some article suggesting it

      2. Bibelnissen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, I see your point, I don't have Alli so Kane is my only Spurs attacker.

        Struggling to see CIty go mental in this one.

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Me too,but at home and with Aguero in form it's quite possible..

  6. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else getting peeved off with Dawson lately?

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I got him in a few weeks ago for easy(ish) fixtures, but i still don't know if i want to play him

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      yep

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

      Nope. very satisfied with him. 2 goals and 8 clean cheets for 5m. owned him since GW5.

    4. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes. He'd be out if I had a ft.

    5. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      WBA 2 CS in last 14...

  7. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    A mahrez to firmino for a hit, bench lukaku
    B hope lukaku starts and if not mahrez comes in no hit

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      Not even sure if thats a serious conundrum.

  8. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Who for the armband?

    Currently on B.

    A) Kun
    B) Naismith
    C) Ozil

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

      Gtg!!

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Play safe with Naismith or false with Kun.

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

      A. Kun could easily destroy Huth/Morgan.

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

      Nah, too much of a punt. An early goal, and City - Leicester might be a goal fest.

    5. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B

  9. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Reckon Sagna will start? Or Zabs?

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

    If ShawX and Wolly are out, who plays at CB for Stoke? They only have Muniesa left.

    6 goals conceded in the last 2, fill your boots Rom.

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

      Hmm Lukaku against a stoke defence without first choice centrebacks Shawcross and Wollsheid

      Lukaku sellers need to hide behind the sofa

      1. Yome
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        He hasn't been confirmed fit for the game: "Lukaku has shown improvement with his back injury. We hope he can join training today". He is not back to training yet!
        He is out of form anyway and Stoke is a difficult ground.

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

          Did you watch the interview? He said that he is very positive he will start and he has been moving much more freely.

    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Is Wilson around?

      Reverse fixture was 4-3 😀

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

        Wilson is injured. I assume Bardsley would fill in at CB

        1. Az
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          christ
          Lukaku (c)

    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You had enough stick from the Everton fans yet? 😀

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

        Not yet. Want to wind them up a bit more 😉

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

    Who's the Scout Picks champion this week? Where does it get announced?

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

      Beavis is the champion. Doesn't really get announced until the article but he made a post the other day

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

        Cool thanks, I'm assuming if you are picked you get an email?

  12. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Not convinced on either alli or lukaku starting. Holding off getting alli and thinking lukaku > costa. Thoughts?

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Get YCosta

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

        How is he doing mentally?

    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Alli was ill. He'll be fine.

    3. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      apparently stokes best CBs are all injured.. community abuzz with lukaku (c) posts.

  13. Doolittle
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Morning all. Got my benching right?

    Hennessey
    Bellerin/Alde/Moreno
    Ozil/Alli/Payet/Wijnaldum
    Aguero(V)/Kane(C)/Vardy

    Bench: Butland/Mahrez/Dawson/Nyom

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      All in order Doolittle.

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

        Cheers Kris.

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

      great team

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

        Thanks mate, I feel like I've had a good team for the last couple of months and I can't get any higher than I was in GW10/11!

    3. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'd consider benching Payet playing out wide against a very solid Saints before benching Mahrez coming back into form away at City without Kompany.

      You have Vardy so it's a risky double up but no other partnership has been as profitable this season.

      Thoughts on Payet vs Ighalo?

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

        Have you done a comparison tool of Mahrez and Payet IM? Even though Mahrez is looking sharper, I think I've got to back Payet.

        Tough call, I'd bench Ighalo I think.

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Yup I'm currently benching Ighalo, cheers 🙂

          Payet is looking better than Mahrez, agreed, but I personally think he's up against a tougher defence (looking at this week in isolation) and Payet is nowhere near as effective playing out wide as opposed to CAM. Lanzini back in will hopefully shove him more central, but for now I'd prefer Riyad.

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

            Hmmm, I hadn't realised Lanzini was back. Bit of a coin toss.

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

      Looks gtg

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

        Cheers Hooky. Are you a Pink Floyd fan? Think you missed my story the other day.

    5. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm playing Dawson over Moreno if that helps.

      I know it's a bit like choosing between a sieve and a colander but that's how the coin fell...

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

        Ahahaha it is. I believe Doosra used the phrase yesterday: like 2 bald men fighting over a comb 🙂

        1. Costa's Counsellor
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Ha, I'll definitely steal that one.

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

      I'd swap Mahrez and Payet

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

        Thanks mate, it's certainly a tough call.

  14. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bench Mahrez or Payet ?

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Out of those two, Payet.

    2. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm currently benching Mahrez.

    3. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm benching Mahrez.

    4. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I have same problem. I would say payet

  15. The Curse of Falcao
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hennessey
    Bellerin Dann Toby
    Mahrez Payet Alli Sanchez
    Lukaku Aguero Kane

    Butland|Gosling|Smith|Simpson

    1FT
    £1.6 ITB

    Any ideas for this lads, or save?

  16. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Follow up from last page, who would you bench out of these 3?

    A) Mahrez (mci)
    B) Payet (sou)
    C) Antonio (sou)

    Thanks! 🙂

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

      Antonio, just so not to double up.

  17. DGWjegy
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    kane has much better stats than aguero and easier fixure

    are people that afraid of aguero that they've been overlooking other options?

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

      I'm captaining Kane.

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

      Most are not it seems here. Kane C for me

  18. Takedog1
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Pick 3 to play

    Sagna zouma bellerin dawson

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      The first 3

      1. Takedog1
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

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

    Alli, Eriksen, Payet, Mahrez, Gosling

    Lukaku, Kane, Aguero

    Any of those need selling before this weekend?

  20. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Will Lukaku troll keepers or sellers?

    Let's face it, he gonna troll someone.

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Troll from the stand hopefully

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

      I may as well keep.

      If Im gonna get trolled, I don't want to waste a transfer in doing so.

    3. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Keeeepaaaas, the same way he failed in the last 4 weeks, the stats were there, I was always only giving him 1 more chance, the injury just compounded that.

    4. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      keepers... you wont score many if your shot accuracy is hot garb

  21. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Henn or Elliot this week?

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

    After stoutly defending Mert after the Chelsea mess up he drops him for Gabriel . How concerned should I be as a Mert owner ?

    1. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      very concerned.

    2. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Full on, furrowed brow concerned.

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

        😆

  23. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Save FT? 0.6 itb

    Butland
    Bellerin - Toby - Moreno (Cress,Simpson)
    Özil - Sanchez - Payet - Alli (Gosling)
    Lu - Ka - Ku

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Save

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks.

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

      cress on bench could backfire , save ft

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        It could but I expect Soton to score atleast one. Altough not confident about Moreno either

  24. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    the return of trollkaku

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He has never gone away

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Can't wait for those LOL @ Lukaku sellers post.

      FYI Andy...I won't be the one whos posting those

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

        cant wait for lukaku to blank again

  25. BigAsGiroud_
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Start Ighalo or Alli???despite alli may have healthy trouble..don't think Alli can do something about Watford's defense..and Ighalo may have chance to score although start Alder

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Alli

  26. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one

    a. payet
    b. Antonio
    c. alli
    d. lukaku

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      antonio

  27. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys, no comments about Lukaku by Martinez?

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

      Shown improvements, back in training. Should start, but only has trained one day

  28. Joey Barton and Friends
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Jevans to Wimmer or Simpson as my only transfer this week?

  29. adidasOriginals
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Help! I need to bench one of the following.

    Alli, Mahrez, or Payet the only real options for me

    Here is my front 8
    Ozil (bou) Barks (sto) Alli (WAT) Mahrez (mci) Payet (sou)
    Aguero (LEIC) Vardy (man c) Kane (WAT)

  30. Backup Dancer
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bellerin (bou) or Dawson (new)?

    Scared Dawson will score on my bench but not confident of a clean sheet.

    1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Bell