Team News
12 August 2016 3369 comments
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Jan Vertonghen recovers from injury in time for Spurs’ trip to Goodison. Laurent Koscielny is still unavailable for Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool. Ashley Williams misses out for the Toffees, who have worries at both ends of the pitch, whilst Southampton have defensive concerns as Watford roll up to St Mary’s.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is optimistic that left-back Stephen Ward will shrug off a hamstring problem in time for the home clash against Swansea. Jon Flanagan has stepped up his fitness in training, whilst Ashley Barnes (hamstring) is expected to miss out.

Alan Pardew was somewhat reluctant to give away any information for Palace’s clash against West Brom. The Eagles boss conceded he’s still trying to get one or two players “up to full speed”.

Laurent Koscielny is “not ready” to return for Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool, according to Arsene Wenger.

Ashley Williams misses his debut for Everton due to a lack of match fitness, according to Ronald Koeman. Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lukaku are doubtful for the visit of Tottenham, though Phil Jagielka has been passed fit.

Claudio Ranieri has no injury concerns for Leicester’s trip to Hull, though the champions are without Robert Huth due to suspension. The Foxes manager has admitted he doesn’t expect his side to reach last year’s fitness levels “until the fifth or sixth game”.

Aitor Karanka has revealed that Bernardo Espinoza, Daniel Ayala and Grant Leadbitter will all miss Middlesbrough’s home encounter against Stoke.

Southampton pair Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares will have their fitness assessed after a late return to training due to their exertions for Portugal in Euro 2016. Ryan Bertrand misses out with a knee injury.

Glen Johnson is Stoke’s only injury worry for their trip to the Riverside. Marko Arnautovic is expected to feature after stepping up his recovery from a minor hamstring issue, whilst Xherdan Shaqiri is available, having shrugged off a knock.

Jermain Defoe has declared himself available for Sunderland’s trip to Man City. Jan Kirchhoff, Billy Jones and Seb Larsson all remain doubts.

Francesco Guidolin has admitted that Swansea’s record signing Borja Baston is unlikely to be involved in the weekend trip to Burnley.

Jan Vertonghen has recovered from the ankle injury that forced him to miss Euro 2016 and is available for Tottenham’s trip to Goodison. Mousa Dembele serves the third of a six-match suspension.

Brice Dja Djedje has been ruled out of Watford’s trip to St Mary’s, whilst fellow new boy Isaac Success is almost certainly unavailable, too. Midfield duo Valon Behrami and Adlene Guedioura are set to have their fitness assessed.

Gokhan Tore has resumed training ahead of West Ham’s trip to Chelsea on Monday evening. Diafra Sakho is still sidelined with a back problem, whilst Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Darren Randolph have all recovered from knocks. Slaven Bilic has admitted Dimitri Payet isn’t fit to play 90 minutes, though the Frenchman is expected to play some part in the Stamford Bridge showdown.

Junior Stanislas has been ruled out of Bournemouth’s clash against United on Sunday. Eddie Howe has admitted he has “one or two niggles” to contend with in the squad.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s opening day 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.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

  1. moz_1983
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Heaton + Jonny Evans
    or
    Foster + other 4.5m?

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Foster + Heaton

    2. Cal1umz
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I've gone with Heaton, with Kone and Friend. Worried I have no WBA though :/

  2. payasito
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    routledge as the 5th mid (no siggy) or capoue/fletcher and 0.5 ITB? Leaning towards routledge as I believe the others have no attacking force whatsoever. What do you guys think?

  3. Musicholic
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    A) Redmond , Eriksen , Fischer, Townsend, Firminio

    Or

    B) Tadic, Lamela, Fischer, Townsend, Firminio

    Too Confused about this.

    1. nobwak
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Sorry but this really grinds my gears. It's Firmino. There's no 3rd "I" in his name.

      I like A, but maybe change Fischer for Feghouli... as good as Fischer's fixtures are, Feghouli rotates so bloody perfectly with Redmond.

      They're both very strong though, could flip a coin to make that decision for you in all honesty.

    2. DP7657
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A for me, but it's a tough call. Redmond OOP plus the guarantee of points from Eriksen over Lamela takes it IMO.

      1. Musicholic
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly why I am so deluded since the whole day. This is really taking my head apart. I really think its more of a flip coin tbh.

    3. bennyp
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A

  4. Manani
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    who to get for 5m defender (except for Stones)??

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Reid

      1. Jarnathan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Why go West Ham over Leicester? West Ham have looked very leaky

    2. Fragzurp
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      morgan

    3. bennyp
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Williams

  5. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I know these pages are flying but if you could rate my team it would be appreciated.

    Gomes
    VVD,Stones,Zabaleta
    Mahrez,Lamela,Siggy,Bolasie,
    Aguero,(C)Kane,Okazaki

    Bench:Hennessy,Feghouli,Yoshida,Kone

    1. Bleach †
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Im honestly thinking that Siggy, Bolasie, Okazaki are poor picks 🙁

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I get Bolasie & Okazaki could be poor picks but Siggy really? He takes the set piece taker for Swansea.

        1. Bleach †
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          late pre-season, unmotivated..but anyhing can happen, go for it 🙂

    2. Toby Lerone
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Get rid of zaba and gomes. Siggy might not start

    3. Manani
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      not sure about okazaki. don't really rate him as a fantasy prospect.

      defence is also a bit too expensive IMO, and hennessy may not tart

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I'm thinking Deeney > Okazaki only have £7.0 in the bank?

  6. Toby Lerone
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    GTG?
    Foster
    Valencia Stones Morgan
    Mahrez Hazard Deulofeu Redmond
    Kun Ibra Gray
    Subs:
    Jaku, Friend, Amat, Leko

    Cheers

  7. andrinho
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    a,b or c?
    a) Van Dijk(first 5 fixtures)
    Watford (H) Man Utd (A) Sunderland (H) Arsenal (A) Swansea (H)

    b) Fuchs(first 5 fixtures)
    Hull (A) Arsenal (H) Swansea (H) Liverpool (A) Burnley (H)

    c)Walker(first 5 fixtures)
    Everton (A) Crystal Palace (H) Liverpool (H) Stoke (A) Sunderland (H)

    Feel Van Dijk & Fuchs have 3/5 whereas Walker has no Top 4 teams but no "easier fixtures." Fuchs also has better bonus potential.

    Which one should I choose? Thanks

  8. Judas
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Liveprool have 4 of their first 5 games away from home. Which include Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea...

    Do we really think Firmino will be banging in the goals?

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Look how many goals Liverpool score away from home...

    2. Nabs Kebabs
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm an Arsenal supporter and we are an easy fixture for attackers gw 1 lol.

      Firmino looks more likely to start up front in tougher games aswell.

    3. nobwak
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I think that Liverpool will have a very strong season. So yes.
      Plus, they thrive on big games against strong opposition.
      You'd have gawped at Leicester's fixtures last season, and how wrong you'd have been.

    4. GRM 23
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      So inconsistent, depends which team turns up, could bang in 3 or 4 on one of their streaks so I'm praying for a strong start. Although mostly likely to go to pieces as usual..

    5. merin
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      No, I don't.

      Thats why i don't have him in my team (yet)

  9. Duffington_Steel
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Why no love for Martial? HES A MIDFIELDER THIS YEAR GUYS

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Alot of people favour Ibra

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Want to see how he fits in to Mou's system

    3. LC1
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      If I didn't have Ibra he would be the first player in my team

    4. kraftwerker
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Poor Euros and quiet preseason. Potentially a great pick but one to monitor early doors imo.

    5. Jarnathan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Price + Competition

  10. Johnny Drama
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one lads:

    A) Tadic-Lamela-Ayew
    B) Firmino-Redmond-Ayew/Lamela

    If B, who?

    1. freddiegriffin17
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B - Ayew

  11. Tiamani Warrior
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    in his two "big" FPL seasons how many of Hazards goals were pens? will he get back on them?

  12. SW6
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Borja Baston. A player that scored just 1 less goal than Bale in La Liga has come to the PL and no bandwagon... and he plays two newly promoted teams first up. If he's around the 6.5 mark I'm gonna take a punt on him

    1. Toby Lerone
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      He isn't playing first game?

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Will he start straight away?

      1. SW6
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Who knows. Might have to as Swans have no established strikers. Llorente has hardly been there much longer

  13. Musicholic
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    A) Redmond , Eriksen , Fischer, Townsend, Firminio

    Or

    B) Tadic, Lamela, Fischer, Townsend, Firminio

    Too Confused about this.

    Anyone who thinks Lamela would be a hit, Please justify

    1. Johnny Drama
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I would say B

    2. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      He always gets at least 1 assist and links up well with Kane,Ali & Eriksen.

    3. Sandy Ravage
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B - Lamela is likely to start, is the cheapest route into the Spurs attack, and could get as many goals and assists as Eriksen.

  14. Albert Cole
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Stones and Courtois
    or
    Terry and Hart?

    1. Musicholic
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Terry and Hart.

    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      S&C

    3. Johnny Drama
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      1.

  15. freddiegriffin17
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    final RMT of the year:

    DDG (Jaku)

    Walker Stones Morgan Shaw (Mcauley)

    Hazard Firmino Eriksen (Kante, 4.5)

    Aguero Lukaku Long

    Only player im not sure on is Lukaku, planning to get Ozil in there when fit, and also Giroud if Arsenal dont sign a striker. Any suggestions for Lukaku ? thanks.

    1. jackjones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe Eriksen/Lukaku to Vardy/Ayew or Kane/Townsend? Please RMT

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Stones / Morgan > Walker or 4.5 defender to facilitate upgrade midfield and Eriksen / Lukaku > Lamela / Vardy or Deulofeu / Kane

  16. thep025
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    How does this look? Any recommended transfers?
    Foster/Heaton
    Shaw/Stones/Friend/Pieters/Amat
    Hazard/FIrmino/Lamela/Townsend/Capoue
    Ibra/Aguero/Gray

    Three questions-
    A)Townsend or Deulofeu or Shaqiri?
    B)Do i downgrade one of the keepers to jakupovic and upgrade Lamela to Tadic? Won't the GKs be too weak then?
    C)Firmino over Eriksen right?

    1. jackjones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A) Townsend
      B) No and Yes
      C) Yes
      Please RMT below

  17. jackjones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Ok third time lucky. Maybe I need a gravatar. Would someone mind RMT please?

    Foster, Heaton
    Shaw, Stones, Morgan, Friend, Kone
    Hazard, Firmino, Redmond, Albrighton, Feghouli
    Kun, Ibra, Gray

    1. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Albrighton risky, Feghouli pitch time risk, Kone uncertain due tot he Everton rumors

      1. moz_1983
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        These would be my observations as well. Decent team though.

    2. Wardinator
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Too many points on the bench and likely selection headaches

      1. jackjones
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks lads, all good points. But what transfers would you suggest?

    3. freddiegriffin17
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      What formation are you playing? Also, I would replace Kone with a west brom defender.

      Mind rating my team?

    4. thep025
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good. Albrighton and Feghouli are slightly risky.

      1. jackjones
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        If I swapped Kone/Redmond/Albrighton for Amat/Ayew/Capoue is that better? Means I get Ayew in, and less points on the bench

  18. Sjaugen
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Musa + Hazard more risky than Vardy + Ayew?

    1. DP7657
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I've gone Vardy and Ayew, think it's slightly safer

      1. Sjaugen
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Irrationally afraid of Haz

  19. Nespinha
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Lloris, Jaku
    Stones, Shaw, Morgan, Mcauley, Paredes
    Payet, Coutinho, Kante, Redmond, Ibe
    Ibra, Musa, Aguero

    Any advices?

    1. Judas
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      parades, payet and musa are all uncertain to start

      1. Nespinha
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Musa is a punt. Payet will play a part and after start all games. Paredes just as money saber but should change him

    2. vova
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Downgrade Kante to a 4.5 Capoue/Fletcher, upgrade Coutinho to Firmino.

  20. vova
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys, pretty close to finalising my team. Decided to abandon the arly WC plan and just go with a normal team. Please tell me how this looks:

    Foster Jak
    Shaw Stones McAuley Pieters Friend
    Hazard Firmino Tadic Fischer Capoue
    Aguero Ibra Gray

    0.5 itb

    Cheers 🙂

  21. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Just seen how solid Middlesborough were defensively at home last season. Hardly conceded at all. Might have to play Friend vs Stoke...

    1. Ted Striker
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Championship though innit

      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Stoke arent very good

        1. Ted Striker
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Very true. I've got Friend too for what it's worth, I'm just cautious about reading too much into defensive records from the Championship. Hull and Burnley both kept 20 clean sheets.

  22. FootballGeorge
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Bit of a different team I've planned: thoughts appreciated :

    Would appreciate some thoughts on this team... Still not sure about siggy or Gradel... Thanks !

    Heaton Foster
    Shaw Kone Friend Stones Pieters
    Sanchez Gradel Redmond Haz Capoue
    Kun Vardy Gray

    My main concern is no Liv/Utd attack ....

    Thanks

    1. DP7657
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Kun Vardy Gray 🙂

  23. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one

    A
    Mahrez HAZARD Firmino REDMOND
    Kun Gray VARDY/COSTA

    B
    Mahrez OSCAR Firmino ALLI
    Kun Gray VARDY/COSTA

    A OR B??

    1. FootballGeorge
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A , Vardy

    2. vova
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A with Vardy

  24. LevonCD
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    best 4.5m keeper to concider for the next couple of weeks?

    Mandanda? Foster? Vadles?

    1. FootballGeorge
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Foster

    2. Cal1umz
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I've gone for Heaton

    3. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Vadles for me.

  25. merin
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Please RMT

    Foster Jakupovic
    Valencia Fuchs Friend (Pieters McAuley)
    Hazard Alli Tadic Ramirez (Capoue)
    Aguero Ibrahimovic Gray

    1. FootballGeorge
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Solid

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Speaking of Pigeons. Do you get your news sent via them?

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Ha. Touche.

  26. MedC
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Repost as bottomed on last page:

    Is anyone looking at Lewis Cook at Bournemouth? The Guardian has flagged him as one to watch. https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/12/premier-league-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekend

  27. JayBomb
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Quick Q.Pick 1 please

    A Kun and Musa
    or
    B Kane and Costa

    Cheers

    1. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A because of kun.

      1. moz_1983
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Kun is essential, but prefer the strength of B to be honest!

  28. Sponge-worthy
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I think I'm almost done.

    Jus the defender issue. 11m for two defenders to spend. Currently have Shaw and stones.. But i don't really know if they're the right ones for me. What should I do?

    1. Musicholic
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      think harder.

      1. Sponge-worthy
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I know, i can't though.

    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Terry and Valencia or Stones

      1. Sponge-worthy
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Terry..might be good.

  29. sthelenslad92
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    A) Gray / Carroll / Long?

    B) Capoue / Leko?