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. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    My team comes down to this...

    A) Hazard and Vardy
    B) Oscar and Aguero

    1. UshFPL
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B by a long long stretch

  2. Pompel
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Is Wayne Routledge a good placeholder while awaiting the budget bandwagons to crystallize? Saves a valuable 0.5 over the likes of Ibe/Gradel/Ramirez. Suppose he should be considered fairly nailed on.

    1. Athletic Bilbo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      He's on form too

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Looks a good pick in his own right

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

        I am sorry he is not in enough rmt's . There is no place for such out of the box thinking on here . I am flagging this comment 😉

        1. Pompel
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          😀

    3. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Routledge is a much better pick than them all.

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

      Cheers guys - will defo look at him to save £

    5. Bored Ape Jota Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      With both Williams and Ayew gone, I am hesitant to invest in Swansea goon, including Routledge. At the same time I am tempted by Amat as a supposedly nailed on 4.0 def.. 😐

  3. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I love folks attempts to spell Deulofeu..

    10/10 for effort.

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      There's a reason he's known as Del boy 😉

    2. aehii
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Its a pain in the arse.

  4. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Is getting Ibrahimovic worth it if it means having Lamela + Redmond combo in midfield?

  5. siunt1
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Foster-Pickford

    Stones-Mcauley-Evans-Kone-Morgan

    Sanchez-Hazard-Silva-Redmond-Capoue

    Aguero-Gray-Carroll

    With 1.5m ITB

    Is that good?

    I know it is WBA defence overload, but I like a Pulis defender so I am going to stick with it.

    How can I improve or use the 1.5m?

    Thanks

  6. Hypnos
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    A) Hazard & Redmond
    B) Firmino & Tadic

    1. Musicholic
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. Hypnos
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

  7. Cal1umz
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    A.
    ------------Heaton-------------
    --Valencia-Stones-Friend--
    Hazard-Eriksen-Tadic-Deulefue
    ------Ibra--Aguero--Gray------

    Subs - Jaku - Capoue- Kone - Amat

    Or

    ------------Heaton---------
    --Valencia-Evans-Friend--
    Hazard-Firmino-Erkisen-Redmond
    -------Aguero-Ibra-Gray------

    Subs - Jaku - Capoue- Kone - Amat

    Not sure if defence is too weak on B.

    Thanks!!

    1. Silvinho
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A

  8. Rossaldinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I'm going without Aguero for now. Big question for me is Mane or Firmino? I support Arsenal but it is clear that central defence is weak and Liverpool may have opportunities. Everyone on this site seems to be going for Firmino but I now have funds for Mane. Opinions please as I think Mane will run into positions that Firmino may open up and hence is the better bet to score goals.

    1. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      you lost me at "...without Aguero..."

      1. Rossaldinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Cevap - Yes consider me mad but please answer the question!

        1. Wings Fan
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Firmino, but I still think being Aguero-less is a bad move

          1. Rossaldinho
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Wings Fan - understood but Firmino will create chances for Mane running in to striking positions I think

            1. aehii
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              I have both and no aguero too. Ultimately there isn't much point having the same team as everyone else. I think mane is inconsistent, but unlike Walcott last season will play every game. I think Liverpool are dynamic enough to allow mane to play as a forward. I think firmino will play as a false 9 and like you say drop deep allowing mane to make runs. I think he'll have a better season, last season I had him and at the beginning he missed a load of sitters. But Liverpool play a lot of big sides away in the next few months, perfect for space and counter attacks. Walcott also scores against big sides, I think either the opposition attacks and allows counters or the defence is too static because they're so fixated on keeping shape and not making a mistake.

              Liverpool don't score from crosses, that's my only issue, if he's not breaking through he's not going go to get many assists with crosses.

              Mane and vardy swapped for musa and aguero later on is possible with more changes.

  9. Trae44
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Really want to get Mahrez but can't find a way to fit him in 🙁

    1. Cevap
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      can't have em all Trae.

  10. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Ibra selected by close to 40% and Rooney only by 6% ...

    No love for Rooney at all? Cheaper, will be playing up-front (behind Ibra), on set-pieces, out to impress Jose ...

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

      He was pretty meh during the community shield tbh..

  11. GGGIULY
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    heaton or foster??

    1. UshFPL
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Foster

  12. Boothy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Best 4.5m Derfender?

    Let's have a comment off 🙂

    1. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Friend

      1. King in The North
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        This

    2. Coco Umbongo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Kone.. soon

  13. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I feel that because England had such a shambolic Euros, we are some what neglecting the likes of Kane, Alli, Barkley. Does anyone agree with this or am I just talking baloney?

    1. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I have had Kane since I drafted my team - I laugh at the 'poor euros' comments, slow start comments... when he scores 2 against everton... people will say 'I knew this would happen'

      1. AJ24
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        I completely agree with you. I will probably be one of those regretters, as i have gone with Vardy. I have however got Alli and Barkley,

    2. Bleach †
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      ppl would neglect barkley anyway imo

  14. Ramok
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I got a tought one for you lads A) Firminho + Williams + Townsend or B) Hazard + Redmond + Amat

    1. BIG TONES
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Williams not playing this week so maybe go Morgan instead

      1. Ramok
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Got schmaichel allready and williams on bench for now, evans up

  15. King in The North
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Feeling a bit unbalanced paying 13m for Aguero but others seem to have cracked it. How's this shaping up:

    Schmeichel
    Valencia VVD Stones
    Firminio Barkley Hazard Tadic
    Kun Long Gray

    Subs: Foster Cabaye Friend McCauley

    Any suggestions appreciated. Just feels like I'm missing some obvious choices (e.g. LEI & TOT)

    1. gaurava1216
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      McAuley to 4M
      Cabaye to 4.5M
      Upgrade Barkey to Leicter/Spurs Cover

  16. smix
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Ayew or Siggy ? Will Ayew start the first game ?

    1. gaurava1216
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      ayew no... Siggy will feature

    2. jimbo90
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Siggy wont start. Get Tadic

  17. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Why Foster and not Forster?

    1. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Money

    2. pilgrimchris
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      money

    3. Hypnos
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      money

      1. Teddy Brewski
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        in a rich man's world

    4. pilgrimchris
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      it's all about the

  18. UshFPL
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Is Oscar nailed on to start Gw1?

  19. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Stuck here... Please help? A or B?

    A) VanDijk + Tadic + Lamela + Gray
    B) Morgan + Redmond + Gaston + Vardy

    Thanks!

    1. UshFPL
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B

  20. Rossaldinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Mane or Firmino and why?

    1. pilgrimchris
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      i went Firmino - consistency plus i'm assuming he'll start upfront. difficult decision though, I do like Mane

      1. Rossaldinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Fair point

    2. King in The North
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'm going with Firmino. Gives me 0.5 ITB, Klopp loves him, likely to playing false 9, and having been new to the league last year he settled well in the second half and racked up points. Mane is explosive but inconsistent so waiting on him for now.

      1. Rossaldinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        like the reasoning

    3. Bored Ape Jota Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Who will perform best? Toss a coin.. So the 0.5 is the decider for me.

  21. GGGIULY
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    GK:foster / jakupovic
    DEF: stones / shaw / friend / amat / smith
    MID:hazard / tadic / eriksen / firmino / capoue
    ST: aguero / vardy / gray

    Any suggestions?? was thinking of dropping hazard for payet but still unsure.

    1. Teddy Brewski
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Having 2 x 4.0 defenders will end in tears

  22. pilgrimchris
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    hazard or mahrez, can't decide?

    1. cheeky moses
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      haz

    2. Kane Toads
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      haz

      1. pilgrimchris
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        despite his traditional slow starts to seasons and the fact that Hull are there for a spanking tomorrow?

        1. Kane Toads
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Do you have Vardy? I have Vardy hence I favour Haz..

  23. Super_Frank
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    James Chester off WBA has joined Aston Villa. Not sure if anyone has him in their team, but if you do, get him out of it.

  24. O12
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Go with Foster or Mandanda?

  25. Ashjrobbo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Latest in a long line of drafts:

    Foster
    Walker/Valencia/Friend
    Eriksen/Mahrez/Firmino/Fischer
    Kun/Vardy/Gray

    Bench: Jaku/Højbjerg/Koné/Amat

    1.5ITB

    Any better 4.5 defs you'd pick over Koné or 5.5 mids over Fischer?

  26. cheeky moses
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    a) ibra + gradel
    b) vardy + tadic

    1. Kane Toads
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I have B).

    2. Teddy Brewski
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B

  27. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Morgan away to hull OR Friend Home to Stoke? Who to start in my team?

    1. Kane Toads
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I would think Morgan...

  28. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Is Hull a trap game for those looking at Vardy?

  29. pilgrimchris
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    any love for Musa instead of Vardy?

    1. Teddy Brewski
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Nope not yet