Team News
1 April 2016 1617 comments
Paul Paul
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Toby Alderweireld recovers from a stomach bug in time for Tottenham’s trip to Anfield. Arsenal’s Petr Cech remains a doubt, James Tomkins returns for West Ham, whilst Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino is still struggling with a hamstring problem.

Toby Alderweireld has fully recovered from the illness that forced him to miss out for Belgium in midweek. Mauricio Pochettino also revealed that Jan Vertonghen is “very, very close” to being available, whilst Erik Lamela –who picked up a knock during the break – will be assessed once he arrives back from a long-haul flight.

Yohan Cabaye, Mile Jedinak and Emmanuel Adebayor are all doubts for Palace’s trip to Upton Park. Connor Wickham looks set to miss out again but could be in contention for next week, according to Alan Pardew.

Aston Villa caretaker boss Erik Black has revealed that the club are currently conducting an internal investigation. Whilst this is underway, Gabby Agbonlahor won’t be available for selection.

Younes Kaboul, Wahbi Khazri and Lamine Kone are all fit for Sunderland’s home clash with West Brom. Billy Jones is doubtful due to a minor knock, whilst DeAndre Yedlin will be assessed after arriving back late from international duties.

Reports in the local press suggest that Roberto Firmino remains a big doubt due to a hamstring problem, with the Brazilian again failing to train yesterday. Christian Benteke also missed out, though Divock Origi and Philippe Coutinho both took part in the session, with the latter showing no ill-effects from a long-haul flight back fro South America.

Andre Ayew misses out once again as Swansea make their way to the Britannia. Jefferson Montero and Modou Barrow will be assessed after long-hauls flights back from international duties but are expected to be available.

Eddie Howe is optimistic on Josh King and Harry Arter’s fitness after both pulled out of international duties over the last fortnight.

Petr Cech remains uncertain to return in time for Arsenal’s home clash with Watford, though the keeper is back in training today. Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini remain sidelined, though both have a chance of returning next weekend, according to Arsene Wenger.

James Tomkins is available for West Ham’s home encounter with Palace. James Collins and Sam Byram are both “progressing well”, according to Slaven Bilic, but remain sidelined for the weekend.

John Stones has shrugged off a knock in time for Everton’s trip to Old Trafford on Sunday. Roberto Martinez has also revealed that Bryan Oviedo is available after recovering from a chest infection, whilst Kevin Mirallas is also back in the fold after serving a two-match ban.

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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  1. gunner267
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Hi Guys,

    Please RMT

    Butland (Hennessey)
    Bellerin, Simpson,Williams
    Payet, Firmino, Alli, Sanchez
    Aguero (C), Kane Defoe

    Bench: Afellay, Rose, Daniels

    Thanks a lot

    1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Rutland and Firming both injured bud.

      1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Bloomin' autocorrect... Butland is injured, not his lesser-known evil cousin Rutland.

        1. gunner267
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 9 days ago

          Haha thanks mate. Left with defenders then

  2. How I met your Mata
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Which midfielder for this week??
    Fabregas, Erikisen, Mahrez, Mata, Ali or anyone else around the same price

    1. The Generalator
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Fab

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Lanzini

  3. Trigg ⭐️
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Midfield of Alli, Silva, Mahrez, Siggy, Payet

    Should I be worried about no Ozil/Sanchez for this GW?

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Yes.

  4. The Generalator
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    best Palace players for GW33

    Dann? Bolasie?

    I see most people going in with 3 everton and 2 Palace (from what I've seen in here this week)

    1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I'm going two from each, with my two from Palace being Dann and most likely Bolasie, although I'm flirting with the idea of Cabaye because he's on penalties.

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Both decent options, providing they don't weaken your team in GW's 34 and 35.

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Going one Palace (Ward can't afford Dann) and three Everton myself (Robles, Barkley and Lukaku) myself.

  5. Pedram
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Play Alli or Siggy ?

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I'm playing Siggy and benching Alli if that helps 🙂

    2. Lambey
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Siggy for me

  6. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Courtois should be pretty safe for this week for Hiddink's experiment?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Yes of course.

    2. FantaCity
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      What about Azpi, he safe do you think? I want a CHE defender punt but can't afford Ivan

  7. Eden Azzzar
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Hey there I'm in a bit of a Pickle

    My team :
    Hart Forster
    Williams Bellerin Huth Daniels Toby
    Fabregas Alli Siggy Payet Mahrez
    Kane Vardy Aguero

    I know I know hardly any Dgw cover so I can do Two transfers maybe 3 for next week

    I was thinking Vardy out for Lukkaku ? Then this is where I'm stuck no idea where to go to get more cover any ideas
    Sorry for reposting no replies last time

  8. Pochecinno
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Who to get rid of this week for Payet:

    a) Eriksen
    b) Sigurdsson

    1. Eden Azzzar
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Eriksen I think

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Siggy. Eriksen better player in better team

    3. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I did Erik > Payet.

      Wildcarding next week, just scared of no Payet this GW.

      1. Pochecinno
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Same here. Both will be out on next week's WC anyway

    4. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Cheers all

    5. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      A

  9. Rains of Castamere
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Massively tempted to WC in 33 but holding my nerve for 34. Here's why:

    (This might help others who also have no BB left)

    1) Can use TC on Lukaku in 33.
    2) Fixtures in GW33 aren't great; I prefer my current team in 33 and a fresh WC team in 34 when the fixtures are good.
    3) Gives me a heads up on rival teams who are likely to WC in 33; I can block if necessary.
    4) Will know more about Liverpool assets and potential rotation risk or injury news as they could be out of EL by then, Dortmund second leg is between 33 and 34. People throwing Liverpool assets in for 33 could see them rested that gameweek. Should know better by 34.
    5) WHU vs MANU cup replay is between 33 and 34. Loading up on their assets in 33 could be folly if there are injuries or red cards - these possibilities increase if it goes to ET.
    6) Extra time for the likes of KDB, Hart, Kompany, Cech, Rooney etc to prove their fitness - we may still be in the dark by GW33.
    7) Big question mark over City assets in GW33 (WBA) as they still have PSG second leg a few days later and their season almost rests on that. People WC-ing in 33 could bring in the likes of Sagna, Otamendi, KDB, Aguero etc and see them all rested that GW. By 34, they could easily be out of Europe and we know that rotation will then be limited as they'll need to put all their eggs back in the qualifying for CL basket.

    Just my tuppence worth. Obviously those with BB left or no WC will have a different strategy.

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Well I'm WCing 34 since I have no BB 😀

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Yeah. It seems a no-brainer really. The obvious disadvantages are not being able to TC Sanchez in 34 which would have been my ideal choice. And not loading up hugely on CPL/EVE assets in 33. But I can still get 4 that week without using my WC which is enough IMO.

        The benefits for WC34 outweigh the disadvantages quite considerably.

        1. ARKANOIIDE
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 9 days ago

          Wait - people are loading up on CPL assets? 🙂

    2. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      the BB thing is the kicker there.

      Good luck mate

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Cheers mate. Shame to have no BB but can still get 4x DGW in 33, 11 DGW in 34, 11 SGW in 35 and 11 DGW in 37 so can't grumble.

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Yup, GW34 is a no brainier if you haven't got BB.

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Cheers pal. Been on the fence all week but now sticking to my guns.

    4. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I'm actually considering WC'ing in 34 even though I have my BB intact, for the reasons you list. Will then plan for bench boost in GW37. Looking at BB only, BB34 is obviously better than BB37, but I think the points you mention may outweigh that. The big risk is of course that much can happen between GW34 and GW37 also.

  10. _Gunner
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Play Alli or Arnie ?

    1. get_in
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Trying to figure that out myself, think I am leaning towards alli - with Stoke defence a shambles I think arnie might have to play deeper to do a job in midfield

      1. _Gunner
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Thinking the same, Am loosing Siggy to get Ozil, benching headache because of that.

        1. Cevap
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 9 days ago

          why not get rid of Arnie? rather have Siggy personally

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Arn.

  11. Energetics
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Best 1 week punt?
    A. Butland to Courtois
    Bench Butland, play Hennessey
    B. Silva/Siggy to Oscar
    C. Silva/ Siggy to Sanchez
    D. Silva/ Siggy to Ozil

    1. Cradders
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      B to Oscar or Cesc

  12. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Thoughts on Alli > Fabregas (-4)?

    1. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Nah

    2. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      No

    3. ARKANOIIDE
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Considering this myself, hard decision.

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Fabregas does play Villa but Alli can do damage away from home ...

    4. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Cheers lads.

    5. Lambey
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Nope

  13. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Best City mid option out of Coutinho and Lallana, assuming Firmino is out?

    1. GoonerByron
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      *Pool, don't know why I said City

    2. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Cout, but Lallana is an interesting pick

    3. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I'd say they're equally likely to score you points, but Lallana is cheaper, so pick him.

  14. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Captain Sensible a bit late this week?

    1. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      not really. think it typically comes out on Friday's

  15. Jatz10
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Sell Cedric and get Azpillicueta this week. Barkley and Lukaku next week -4?
    Or save a transfer and buy Barkley, and Lukaku next week?

    Fabianski

    Huth, Wollscheid, Dier

    Mahrez (c), Ozil, Ali, Antonio

    Vardy, Aguero, Kane

    bench : Forster,Sigurdsson,Jagielka, Cedric

  16. pax888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    A - Lanzini & Deeney

    or

    B - Bolasie & Rashford

  17. Pochecinno
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Best United defensive cover aside from DDG and Smalling?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Problem is, there's no one. Rojo if I had to choose. But even as a pick, he's literally horrific for BAPS and gets no attacking returns.

    2. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I say Rojo, but only a guess

    3. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Really think it needs to be one of them, unless somebody picks up an injury this weekend.

    4. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Cheers fellas

  18. Sjaugen
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    The potential upside of Traore starting, is better than Siggy scoring right?
    Stoke to park the bus in leu of the injury list?

    1. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      they can park the bus, but will they be successful?

      1. Sjaugen
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Traore going wild/starting is my key worry

        1. Cevap
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 9 days ago

          understood - was expected to start last GW too, and see how that turned out 🙂

  19. Pierce34
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Would KDB be a rotation risk in GW34 given his (presumable) lack of match fitness? Early question I know, but I'm on my WC now...

    1. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      absolutely he will. needs some game time to see how he gets on

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      His away form is awful!

  20. elcholo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Like many, looking for 1 week punts with my 2FT. Thinking of Butland + Siggy out, but for whom? 12.8M combined.. Currently thinking Courtois+Willian...

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Willian might not play or could start on the bench

      1. elcholo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        that's a bummer, can't afford any of the better chelsea options unless I downgrade butland (my other keeper is forster)

  21. gunner267
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Choose 3 to start

    Daniels, Rose, Bellerin, Wiliams, Simpson

    1. Milner4eva
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Dan Bell Simp

    2. get_in
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Bellerin, Simpson, Daniels

    3. ARKANOIIDE
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Bellerin Simpson Rose

    4. Pariße
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Bellerin SImpson WIlliams

  22. Kun Tozser
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Will Ivan be playing this weekend?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Why not?

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Guus reports that Pato will be involved in the squad tomorrow and the remaining eight games might be a time for some experimentation. #CFC

        Give any youngsters a run out?

    2. djpete
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I am also slightly concerned about this.

  23. Milner4eva
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Injury to DDG, Mertesacker, or Clichy and everything changes.

    1. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Isn't that always the case?

  24. Pariße
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    To buy and play:
    A) Bellerin
    B) Antonio (AOA)

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      A

  25. ol3andre
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Does anyone following Manchester United know if Northwick-Jackson will get playtime vs Everton?

    1. ol3andre
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Borthwick-Jackson*

  26. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    wtf hearing that Mourinho took charge of the Nigeria football team?

    Is this an April Fool's 'joke'?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      What do you think? 😆

    2. Pariße
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      This is obviously true 🙂

    3. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Expected better from you Daas

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        But this makes no sense!!

  27. Gooner Kebab
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Silva to:
    a) Fab
    b) Alexis

  28. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Another time for the Friday crew..

    Currently own Sissoko+Silva with 1 FT.

    It's either Sanchez in for Silva or Payet in for Sissoko essentially:

    A) Sanchez (c) + Sissoko
    B) Payet (c) + Silva

    Thoughts? Surely B? I'd really like Sanchez though....

    1. Lambey
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Yea B for me easily

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      A!

    3. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      B

    4. FantaCity
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Assuming you have Ozil , I would certainly want Payet this week

      1. FantaCity
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Ah ... I see you don't. Is it worth a hit?

        1. andy85wsm
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 9 days ago

          Not sure I want to take a hit to take Silva out when he has Bournemouth, even if it is away but I'll consider it

    5. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Being an absolute rebel and taking a -4 not an option? 😛

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Once upon a time it would have been...

    6. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      B. Palace are champions of losing the ball all the time

    7. get_in
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      B all day for me

  29. faux_C
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    My theoretical WC team looks so much better with Darmian instead of Smalling. Please tell me this is fine? 🙂

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I'm afraid it may not be ...

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      It's not fine

    3. faux_C
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Bahh. Spoilsports!

    4. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Rojo's a better option, the games he's missed are due to injury not rotation.

  30. kenzo.
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    I had posted this some time ago and 4 people suggested going for C..... tinkering a little i found another trio.... so which trio sounds the best?

    A. Smalling Jagielka Milner (Almost all 3 assured a start, no coleman). 0.2ITB
    B. Rojo Coleman Barkley (Rojo gametime but best midfielder of the 3)... 0.4 ITB
    C. Smalling Coleman Lennon (Ideal 2 def but Lennon)... 0.4ITB
    D. Rojo Jagielka Coutinho (best midfielder but worst defence)... 0.1ITB

    Still C?

    1. KickIt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Yep, still C.