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. LMNO
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Trying to decide on my final 2 players. Currently looking like this...

    Valdes
    Shaw, Morgan, Stones (Smith, Amat)
    Mkhitaryan Redmond _ _ (Fletcher)
    Vardy, Kane, Ibra

    Last 2 mids...

    A. Feghouli, Marhez
    B. Ayew, Oscar

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

      go martial over mk

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B at least gives you a Chelsea midfielder.

    3. LMNO
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Food for thought. cheers

  2. Gol D Roger
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Forster
    Morgan, Shaw, Stones
    Townsend, Hazard, Redmond, Mikhitaryan,
    Gray, Aguero (C) , Vardy (VC)

    I have 1point In the bank

    (Mannone Friend, Amat, Fletcher)

    Anyone else have a feeling Willian is better on the whole for a cheaper FPL coverage on Chelsea?

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

      as above... why go with an unknown when you could just have martial?

      1. Gol D Roger
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        That annoying gut feeling, just have a strong feeling Mikhi is more likely to pull something off, sigh.....

  3. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Best 7.5m mid? Already have Oscar and tadic

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

      Ayew

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

      Ayew

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

      Ayew

    4. Narcissist
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Siggy or Barkley for me.

      I'm waiting to see with Ayew.

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

    Kane, Ibra, Sanchez, Hazard

    Rank in order of most important to have in your team. Top being most important.

    1. Kevtheotter
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      H
      I
      K
      S

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

      Kane - most goals
      Sanchez - more goals than hazard
      Hazard
      Ibra

    3. JIM BOB
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      S, H, K, I

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

        Interesting Sanchez first. Wonder how up to speed he is.

    4. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Hazard
      Sanchez
      Kane
      Ibra

    5. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Not much love here for sanchez. Not sure why. He'll play up front and will guarantee you goals. Id go Kane, sanchez, ibra, hazard

    6. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      IHSK

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

        Ooh, Kane last. Controversial!

    7. DantheManinaPan
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I like all of them, but I'd probably go HISK

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

      Looks like Haz is really fancied. Cheers everyone who answered.

    9. Narcissist
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think you can pick between them, the key this year will be getting them in as they hit form and judging when others are losing form.

      I'm starting with Ibra and Hazard.

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

        Wise words bud. Kind of the reasoning behind my question.

  5. Andrew
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Lamela or Tadic?

    1. Kevtheotter
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      L

    2. The Rock
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      T

    3. Brazooka
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Tadic

    4. TheSharpeEnd
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Thoughts on this team? Just concerned about fixtures for Firmino/Del.

      Maybe Firmino to Alli/Eriksen?

      Any help will result in eternal love.

      Forster (Jako)
      Stones/Valencia/Friend (GMac/Amat)
      Mahrez/Tadic/Firm/Del/(Fletcher)
      Ib/Aguero/Gray

  6. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Daniel's just started following TotalFPL on Twitter 😮

    #busted

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      😯 😯

      *follows TotalFPL*

  7. reason17
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Please help

    Heaton - Foster
    Terry - Valencia - stones - friend - Taylor
    Hazard - firmino - Lamella - Redmond - Capoue
    Aguero - Vardy - gray

    0.5 ITB

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

      Can you clarify what you actually want help with, here?

      1. reason17
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I want to know whether it is good to go. There are quite a few risks in play

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

    A) Tadic & Vardy
    B) Redmond & Zlatan

    1. Kevtheotter
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

        Thanks!

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      A

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

    Good to go ? Not sure about Alli shout, could be Lamela that would allow to upgrade Fletcher or bench

    Heaton

    Valencia Morgan Stones

    Haz Alli Firmino Tadic

    Kun Ibra Diamonde

    Subs - jaku, fry, paredes, fletcher

    Any comment welcome!

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

      Is Diamonde a confirmed starter? If not, that team looks weak IMO.

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

        Agreed. However there is no sure started at 4.5m forward. Who would u suggest to downgrade?

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

          Firmino/Hazard/Ibra

  10. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Don't forget to sign up for my Champion's League tournament! We've currently got over 200 participants so spaces are almost full! Check it out here http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2016/08/03/ffs-uefa-champions-league-201617/ 😀

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      As one of the lowest IDs in that list, I fancy my chances.

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

      Cabal you sign me in
      I have a problem on this phone

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

        Haha
        Can you?

    3. That Fantasy Guy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I filled the form and then joined - do I need to send an email or has my filling in the form sufficed?

  11. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Got 1.5 ITB.

    Worth downgrading Valencia -> Williams and upgrade Deulofeu to Firmino ?

    Foster - Jaku
    Valencia - Stones - Evans - Friend - Amat
    Hazard - Alli - Deulofeu - Redmond - Capoue
    Aguero - Zlatan - Gray

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

      Yes. Get firmino

    2. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Yes.

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

      Tried to think of something against that move but couldn't. Solid move.
      Even though I'm not too convinced by Firmino but definitely a better option than Deu

  12. ajwgtc
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on my team please?

    Foster
    Friend / Shaw / Stones
    Hazard / Firmino / Tadic / Lamela
    Ibrahimovic / Aguero / Gray

    Bench: Jakupovic, Fletcher, Amat, Parades

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

      Exactly my team except Capoue instead of Fletcher

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

        Nice, think I may have to switch them too. All the best to us haha

  13. JIM BOB
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I'm in a draft league, which sees me having the option of Vardy or Firmino?

    Who should I prioritize?

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

      For the whole season, right? Vardy!

      1. JIM BOB
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Yep, whole season

  14. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I know everyone posts these but could do with a quick RMT, i think i'm nearly there.

    Foster Heaton

    Valencia Stones Friend Pieters Amat

    Sanchez Tadic Barkley Feghouli Leko

    Aguero Ibra Gray

    I know the midfield is a little weak but wanted aguero and ibra

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

      Solid squad, you're good to go.

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

      Not sure Barkley is the best option at that price. But could be a good differential

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

      No Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham or Leicester cover would scare me, midfield look lightweight

    4. dja81
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe swap feghouli for gw1

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

      Solid aside from Barkley/Feg/Leko
      Get Oscar/_/Fletcher or Capoue should look better

      1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Barkley was a last minute pick to get in ibra. Lack of Chelsea concerns me but I'm not arsed about Leicester. Leko is my wildcard pick. I'll have a look at Oscar now, seems a solid choice. Thanks all

  15. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    GET RID OF ONE 😀 😀

    A ) Ayew
    B ) Tadic
    C ) Lamela

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Lamela.

    2. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I can't 🙁

    3. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A, wait and see for me

    4. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      C

    6. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      C

    7. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all 🙂

    8. trequartista
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      C

  16. Narcissist
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    5.3% (9.6%)
    1.1% 16.8% 29.9% (2.9%) (7.7%)
    0.9% 8.0% 9.2% 16.9% (0.5%)
    39.4% 40.8% 6.5%

    Good combination of favorites and differentials.

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

      Who are the diffs?

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

      Interesting!

      Here is mine:

      5.3% (13.6%)
      18.0 % 25.4% 5.3% (7.7%) (2.9%)
      16.9 % 9.9% 9.9% 5.3% 0.9%
      40.8% 23.1% (11.5%)

  17. The Finnisher
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any love for Bolasie in the hole?

    1. dja81
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      What ever floats ya boat

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

      No love coming from me to Bolasie in the hole.

    3. Jøssy ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Not personally. Always frustrated me. One I may keep an eye on, but not for GW1

    4. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Oo'er missus!

  18. Tim2012
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Eriksen or Lamela

    and

    Tadic or Redmond

    What two would you pick?

    1. dja81
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Tadic lamela

    2. Jøssy ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Tadic & Lamela

  19. dja81
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    My comment got lost on last page..has ake been playing midfield in preseason Bournemouth fans?

  20. GinjaWhinja
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    G2G:

    Heaton (Foster)
    Fuchs Stones Valencia (McAuley, Amat)
    Hazard, Lamela, Redmond, Firmino (Capoue)
    Vardy, Aguero, Musa

    Fuchs to VVD next week and possibly Musa to Carroll/Gray if he is benched.

    1. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      How will you know if Musa is benched?

      Deadline is an hour before - we're not playing Fantasy Euros here.

      1. GinjaWhinja
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Haha I'm happy to take the risk and after Hull City...get him out.
        Leicester going to win 6-0.

        1. Jairzinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Hull fan here. Agreed. Captaining Vardy. Mahrez also in my team.

      2. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        He meant for next week.

        1. Jairzinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Ahh got it!

    2. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I very nearly went with Musa too. Even if he comes on at 55/60 minutes, I can see him running riot against a poor Hull team.

      (I stuck with Vardy).

  21. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    a) Sanchez Hazard Redmond Duelofeu Capoue
    b) Firmino Hazard Tadic Duelofeu Ramirez

    1. Texas Pete
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      Who's your 3rd forward?

      1. Tmel
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Gray

        1. Jøssy ⭐
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Who's your second?

          1. Tmel
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Vardy

            1. Jøssy ⭐
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Very nice front 8 then (assuming you have Aguero)

    3. Jøssy ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B

  22. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    It's gonna be a great day.
    Looking forward to see the madness on here develop as the day goes on.
    Then full panic stations tomorrow morning.

    Brilliant stuff.

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Bonkers to a new level today & tomorrow Crunch 😆

      Would be interesting to do a word count map for Zlatan, Vardy, nailed on, donkey etc...

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        🙂 yeah that would be a great watch

  23. Texas Pete
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Morning peeps.

    Willian, Fabregas or Oscar. Who's your pick for a 7.5 chelsea mid? Currently on Willian.

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

      If you really forced my hand I'd say Willian but for me there's better options away from Chelsea at that price point.

    2. GinjaWhinja
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Oscar. Pens and Free Kicks and seems to be ahead of Fab in the pecking order. He is a Conte player. If I had the 0.5m I might upgrade from Lamela but will find the funds after West Ham...

      1. GinjaWhinja
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Being a CFC fan, I have watched pre season and he looks like a new man. His problem has always been consistency but if he can sustain this form....he is going to get forward so much. He is perfect for a 4-3-3 which Conte seems to favour now. Rather than the 4-2-1-2-1 that Chelsea seemed to play last season.

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

      If Oscar plays, him for sure with pens

  24. Punty McPuntface
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Who's the best 4.5 mid apart from Fletcher?

    Was on kightly but hear he may not start!

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

      capoue, played in the n10

    2. Texas Pete
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Capoue is the one nestling in my team at the mo.

    3. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Capoue for sure

    4. LMNO
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      stick with fletcher, watfords fixtures are tough

    5. Jøssy ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Capoue

  25. Andrew
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Firminho or Lamela

    Have no other Spurs or Liverpool coverage

    1. Jøssy ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Very tough one!! Much depends on what you would do with the 1.5M left over.

      I'd have to say Firmino if they were the same price, but they're not.

      Lamela could be fantastic value. I have him (and I have Mané)

  26. SweepaKeepa
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Dear Scouts, I think Rob Holding is much more likely to start than Stuart Holden.

  27. TekkersFC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    How did Rooney end up in my team?...

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

      Must of sneaked in, get him back out

    2. Jøssy ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Drinking???

    3. Narcissist
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      You're experiencing what is known as "The Hodgson".

  28. TheEgyptianKing
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    RMT Will ya 😛

    Foster (Jako)
    Morgan - Friend - Stones (Mcauley- Smith)
    Redmond - Mahrez - Hazard - Siggy (Capoue)
    Gray - Aguero - Ibrahimovic

    Siggy --> 6.5
    Mccauley --> valencia ???

  29. fatherted
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    First RMT this year...here goes.

    Hennessy Foster
    Stones Shaw Morgan VVD Friend
    Hazard Tadic Eriksen Coutinho Ibe
    Aguero Long Gray

    Any areas to improve on?

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

      Think Firmino and Mane are better picks than coutinho :]

      Ibe good choice but 5th choice at 5.5 is not worth it, consider getting mahrez in

  30. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any posters on here know how missing a season affects your HoF rating?

    😉

    1. A.T
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      It tends to make you constantly moan and bang in about it all the time.

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        😛

      2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        🙂

    2. Jøssy ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Ask LR