Team News

The Weekend Team News

Dimitri Payet looks poised for his first start of the season, according to Slaven Bilic. Tottenham’s Danny Rose is sidelined with a hamstring problem, Alex Iwobi is available for Arsenal, whilst Swansea’s record signing has a chance of making Sunday’s match with Chelsea.

Slaven Bilic confirmed he is looking to hand Dimitri Payet his first start of the season after the playmaker stepped up his fitness with a couple of sub appearances for France over the international break. Manuel Lanzini is now fully fit, whilst Sofiane Feghouli is back in full training and available for the Hammers.

George Friend, Victor Valdes and Martin de Roon have all recovered from injury in time to host Palace tomorrow. Fabio, James Husband and Grant Leadbitter remain sidelined, whilst Gaston Ramirez and Christhian Stuani will be assessed after arriving back late from internationals.

Hugo Lloris is available for Spurs’ trip to Stoke after recovering from a hamstring problem. Danny Rose is ruled out with a similar complaint and Mousa Dembele serves the last of a six-match suspension.

Kasper Schmeichel has recovered from minor hernia surgery ahead of Leicester’s trip to Liverpool. New boy Islam Slimani could be in line for a debut, though Nampalys Mendy and Jeffrey Schlupp are still sidelined through injury.

Alex Iwobi is back in the Arsenal squad after recovering from injury, whilst Alexis Sanchez and David Ospina will be assessed after arriving back late from internationals.

Seamus Coleman is back in contention for Everton’s trio to Sunderland after turning out for Republic of Ireland over the international break. James McCarthy is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing groin surgery and is joined on the sidelines by Darron Gibson. Tom Cleverley is expected to resume training on Saturday ahead of Monday’s match.

Fraser Forster has recovered from an arm injury as Southampton head to the Emirates. Ryan Bertrand could be in line for a first start, though new boy Sofiane Boufal is expected to take up to one month before reaching full fitness after undergoing knee surgery back in April.

Francesco Guidolin is hopeful he can include Swansea’s record signing Borja Baston on the bench as he steps up his match fitness. Neil Taylor will be pushing for a first start after improving his sharpness with a run out for Wales over the break.

Sadio Mane is available for Liverpool’s clash with Leicester after his midweek withdrawal whilst on duty for Senegal. Emre Can, Sheyi Ojo and Ragnar Klavan are sidelined though injury, though keeper Loris Karius has recovered quickly from a hand problem.

Eddie Howe was reluctant to confirm whether Jack Wilshere will make his first start for Bournemouth this weekend after arriving on loan from Arsenal. Josh King is a doubt for the Cherries’ clash with West Brom, though – he picked up a hamstring problem on international duties with Norway and has failed to train since.

Xherdan Shaqiri has failed to recover from a calf complaint and will miss Stoke’s home match with Spurs. Glenn Johnson is back in training and expected to be available, though Jack Butland is out for up to 10 weeks after undergoing ankle surgery Ramadan Sobhi and Geoff Cameron made a late return from international duties and will be assessed. Mame Biram Diouf is almost certain to miss out with a hamstring issue sustained for Senegal over the break.

Palace frontman Loic Remy has been ruled out for “seven to eight weeks” with a thigh injury.Midfield pair Yohan Cabaye and James McArthur are “touch and go”, according to Alan Pardew.

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.

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

1,288 Comments Post a Comment
  1. anish10
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Hows this looking guys?

    Foster
    Valencia Terry Stones
    Ozil Nolito Hazard Capoue
    Ibra Costa Negredo

    Jaku --- Redmond---Friend---Smith

    Will monitor Terrys playing time this week with Luiz back.

    Also play Capoue or Redmond?

    1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      im playing friend over stones

    2. nobwak
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I like this. The Nolito pick takes you away from the template.
      Also playing Friend over Stones.

  2. unlethal
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    RMWCT

    Foster (Heaton)
    Valencia Baines Evans (Gibson Amat)
    Snodgrass Antonio Hazard Sanchez (Capoue)
    Costa Ibrahimovic Bony

    0.3 ITB

    Also, should I play Heaton or Foster this GW? I've made the wrong decision twice already...
    Aguero plan: Costa Sanchez Bony > Aguero Ozil Stuani/5.5

    1. wolves_simmo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Id lose one of Heaton or Foster and play one everyweek!

  3. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Which option do you prefer?

    A) Cech | McAuley | Firmino | King | Lukaku

    B) Heaton | Koscielny | Mane | Bolasie | Defoe

    1. nobwak
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Tough one but probably A.

  4. JoBro
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    First comment!

    1. JoBro
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      damn it, lol

    2. bojack
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Not the first but definitely the most pointless!

  5. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    As I am planning to wildcard in GW6, which option looks best out of:

    (A)
    GW4: Tadic ➡ Sanchez (-4)
    GW5: Ramirez ➡ 5.6 Midfielder OR Gray ➡ 6.6 Forward

    (B)
    GW4: Tadic ➡ Ozil (-4)
    GW5: Ramirez ➡ 7.0 Midfielder OR Gray ➡ 8.0 Forward

    (C)
    GW4: no hit for Sanchez / Ozil
    GW5: Ramirez ➡ Sterling / Nolito OR Gray ➡ Vardy / Lukaku

    ??

  6. Arse Craic
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Lanzini fully fit.... hmmm.

    1. Annus Horribilis
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Double mmmmm.....

  7. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Are we still sure sanchez will play even though wenger hasn't seen him yet??

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I'm wondering the same thing!

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I don't have him but history suggests he'll play - he always seems to when returning from far-flung internationals.

  8. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Damn. Sanchez owners still keeping?

    1. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Why not?

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      🙄

  9. bigdip
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Help pls

    Foster (Jaku)
    Valencia - Holegate - Stones McCauley (Amat)
    Hazard - Cazorla - Barkley (Redmond, Fischer)
    Vardy- Lukaku - Gray (C)

    1 FT and 5.8mn ITB

  10. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    a) Kun & Redmond > Lukaku & Ozil
    b) Kun & Barkley > Lukaku & Sanchez

    Missed Ozil's price rise as I was too indecisive. Really torn on this one, would certainly prefer Sanchez to Ozil but it's tough to take out Barkley with those fixtures.

    1. Bushido
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah ozils price rise messed up my plans

    2. Bullet Eder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Get rid of Barkley if you have Lukaku.

  11. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Chadli or Lanzini?

    1. Bushido
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I have Lanzini but I don't know if he's first choice.

    2. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Lanz

  12. Unusual transfer situations
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    Unusual transfer situations

    In an interview this week Mo Farah revealed that just ahead of one of his races in the Olympics he was on his phone trying to sort his Fantasy Football side. (thanks to Red Lightning for the tip off on this)

    What are the most unusual and awkward situations where you have attempted to make last minute transfers?

    1. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Never. I'm too dedicated for last minute transfers

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      My wife gone into labor 2 weeks ago on Saturday, GW2. At the same time I had around 1 hour left to complete my WC team.

      Had mixed feelings.

      1. nobwak
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Did you manage it?
        Also, congrats.

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Baby girl and mother are fine

          WC team failed

          1. nobwak
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Glad to hear it. Congratulations again.
            Unlucky on the team though!

          2. Sylas
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Congrats!

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Flying from USA to NZ, trying to access the onboard Wifi forgetting that the dates and times meant the deadline was going to pass midflight...

    4. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Probably next Friday my flight and deadline are very close and I'll be rushing from work to the airport but my plan is to save the transfer

    5. one_post_only
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      After one too many drinks at the Christmas party a couple of years ago, ended up at a hotel at 4am with a bird (didn't score).

      Due to my fpl dedication I had set an alarm at ten to make a last minute transfer, bought in Alan Hutton who ironically did score. Every cloud.....

      Also, remember accidentally highlighting the text on the fpl site and Siri reading out my team aloud.. waking her up.

    6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Not a chance of this happening with me. I always have 3 or 4 different options I am contemplating the entire week and I like to push the button first thing on Saturday morning.

    7. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      This doesn't seem to have yielded any good stories.

      Would you like me to make something up?

    8. Nice1Cyrille
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Most unusual and awkward location was whilst traversing Striding Edge on a walk up to Helvellyn in The Lakes, I realised I needed to change my subs order on the bench. Unfortunately, no signal at the back of yonder... still didn't stop me trying for 20 minutes.

  13. PvA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Repost from last article:

    Just reading Pulis' quotes and he didn't see happy with WBA

    He was basically saying the window wasn't what he wanted, but now they just have to carry on and get results

    I'm less confident with a WBA defensive double up now

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I think it's just a matter of time before he walks

      1. PvA
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Same, really not sure bout this double up now

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
          7 years, 9 months ago

          This could be the major problem. Wouldn't be surprised to see him leave

      3. @persecuted_by_mods
          7 years, 9 months ago

          I'd be more confident in them defensively now, pretty much the majority of their targets were attacking players. I was afraid he'd tinker too much and lose that defensive resilience they have

          1. PvA
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            But if he plays defensive then the fans get on his back for not attacking

            Think he might leave soon

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Oh I agree it's a bad situation for Pulis and the club. But purely from an fpl perspective defensively they'll be fine until he leaves

        • jmcclory123
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          " Alexis Sanchez and David Ospina will be assessed after arriving back late from internationals."

          sooooooo.... don't get Sanchez with my FT?

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Up to you. He's always assessed after he returns from internationals and usually starts

            • Pork Pie Sausage Roll
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              It is a risk, but I think he'll play

            • noquarternt
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              If he's alright he'll play- just gotta believe or not believe.

            • Beavis
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              He always plays.

          2. Costa's Counsellor
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Lest we forget all the things over the years that Wenger "did not see".

            I'm sure he had dinner with Alexis last night 😉

          3. Dugout
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            I'm looking at Giroud as a differential option alongside Lukaku and Benteke.
            His stats from end of last season are excellent - but the big question: how many minutes will Wenger give him?

            For the same price I could have Rooney...

            What are your thoughts?

            1. ceejay106
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              I have both Lukaku and Benteke. Kaku has trolled me many times in the past, but I do think he's due a good run given Everton fixtures and 2 goals for Belgium midweek (albeit against poor opposition). Rooney too much of a risk for me.

            2. Vedas
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              I have punted on Giroud, he should play at least 70 minutes in my view.

          4. Kalou
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Is Antonio 100%nailled?

            1. Beavis
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Not 100% but should be his spot to lose now.

              1. Kalou
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Thanks because:)

                1. Kalou
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  *beavis*

          5. MundayMagic
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Foster
            Shaw/Terry/Stone
            Hazard/Lamela/Redmond/Barkley
            Aguero/Ibrah/Gray

            2FT .... Aguero + Redmond >> Benteke +Sanchez. Seems my go to.

            Or do I WC , I have doubts with Lamela , you'd think being Spurs top performer thus far his place in the team is okay , aware he arrived late from international duty.

            Thoughts???

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

            all set ?

            Foster Jaku
            Valencia Williams Masuaku Evans Amat
            Haz Ozil Sterling Antonio Capoue
            Ibra Lukaku Benteke

            0.3m in bank.

            Will be something like:

            Kaku + Tekkers + Sterling -> Kun + 6.5m + 6m (-4)

            1. nobwak
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Yes, it's basically the quintessential template team, apart from Masuaku.

          7. Beavis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Is a defence of: Valencia, Williams playing every week and a rotation of McAuley, Amat, Wilson too light?

            1. Costa's Counsellor
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Friend Evans Kone Souare Amat

              That's mine. You'll be fine with that.

              1. Bullet Eder
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Brave. Front 8 must be amazing?

                1. Costa's Counsellor
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Sanchez Hazard Firmino Barkley Capoue
                  Costa Ibra Gray

            2. Bullet Eder
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Not too light IMO.

            3. Clump
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Not if the funds elsewhere bring points.

              1. Beavis
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Interesting, cheers lads.

          8. Chucky
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Will Sanchez start against Soton? 🙁 Sanchez to Ozil?? thanks

            1. Karan14
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              If he's fit he will start. Can't see Wenger resting his best player after an playing start to the season. Probably taken of at 60-70mins if Arsenal have a 2 goal cushion.

              1. Karan14
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Okayish start**

              2. Chucky
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                thanks

          9. PvA
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            RMT (on WC):

            Foster
            Shaw | Stones | Evans
            Hazard (c) | Coutinho | Redmond | Sanchez (v)
            Ibra | Lukaku | Benteke

            4m | Capoue | Holebas | Amat

            1. nobwak
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              As you're on a wildcard I'd swap William's in for Stones. I don't have the flexibility to do it myself, but I would if I could.

          10. Tornado
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Defoe or benteke?

            1. Kalou
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Am going Defoe I think...on form.

          11. Rains of Castamere
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Could do with making another 0.1

            Any of these likely to rise again tonight?

            Negredo
            Sterling
            McAuley
            Capoue

            1. Beavis
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Sterling will rise. Negredo only if the transfers pick up the pace significantly.

              1. Rains of Castamere
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Good to know. Will take the 0.1 SV on Sterling and get rid in the morning.

          12. Bullet Eder
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Please vote on which is best. The Arsenal midfielder will become Cazorla and the striker will become Aguero, while the other will be kept.

            A. Sanchez, Firmino, Zaza

            B. Ozil, Antonio, Costa

            1. Costa's Counsellor
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              A but with another striker

            2. PvA
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              B

            3. Backup Dancer
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Personally find plans like this silly, good chance you won't want to lose Ozil or Sanchez

          13. Bolivian Seaman
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            The price boost adverts on the sky game make me want to lose all my ethics

          14. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Wildcard needed?

            Foster - Jaku
            Baines - Ivanovic - Shaw - Souare - Love
            Lamela - Hazard - Redmond - Cazorla - Capoue
            Ibra - Costa - Negredo

            3.2 ITB for Aguero, currently on -4. W/C would go on Love to A.Valencia defence + Ivan to Bellerin + Lamela to Bolasie with perhaps Negredo to Benteke.....

            1. boombaba
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo santi cazorla oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo santi cazorla

          15. boombaba
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            concerns over sanchez game time this week?

          16. Rains of Castamere
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Just a heads-up, they're talking on the Bournemouth forums about Brad Smith (4.0) potentially replacing Daniels soon. Not this week as he's been on international duty and back late from Australia, but could be the week after.

            1. Clump
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Straight in my team if he does. Looked a footballer last year when he got the chance.

            2. Manaf
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Interesting. I can go three never bench defenders plus Amat and Smith for the wildcard

          17. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Is it just me, or is Sanchez not even in good form? His stats aren't very good, not a patch on last year. He failed to score or assist in 180 minutes vs Bolivia and Paraguay for Chile. His goal last gameweek was pretty flukey, and his assist was just him being bundled over in the box. He wasn't being seen as much of an option before that game.

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Having a positive day Bubz?

              1. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Always

            2. Eton Rifles
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              just get Ozil and save yourself the headache

              1. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Not having Sanchez is a headache too though

            3. Bolivian Seaman
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              I see that too and he played twice as a striker.

            4. PvA
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Lol

              1. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Constructive

              2. PvA
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Good points actually

                You can't deny he is explosive when he's in the mood

                I'm trying to decide between him and Payet

            5. Karan14
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Please don't say all this I've already got in him for a hit. 1 more flukey goal and I'd be more than happy.

            6. Beavis
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Ozil's are even worse, if that helps.

              1. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Id expect them to be, at 1.5m less. But yeah ozil's shot stats always concern me

            7. Gideons Rolling Another One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Totally agree. His stats are off, especially when compared to others. Silva's stats are better and no talk of him. Pack mentality I think.

              That said he is obviously quality and he is a good captain option vs Hull, whom he scored a brace against two seasons ago.

              1. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Its a really tough one. No idea whether to get him or Ozil. I love Sanchez but my team looks beteter with ozil

                1. boombaba
                  • 11 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  bet you team looks even better if you put cazorla in too but there high prices for a reason i guess

                  1. Bubz
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 9 months ago

                    true, but ozil is a heavy hitter, one of the top points scorers last year

                2. Gideons Rolling Another One
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Personally going Sanchez myself. If his stats are up I'll put the armband on him against Hull for sure. If his stats stay low, then I can always move to Ozil. Plus, as Jonty puts it, if Sanchez goes goal pie and you don't have him in your team, its not so easy to put him in with funds spread around the rest of the team.

                  1. Bubz
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 9 months ago

                    Very true, very true

            8. nobwak
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              I agree that his form isn't great and that he can do better, his haul last week was perhaps flattered him a little.
              However his other assist was an absolutely inch perfect pass for Ozil... not JUST getting bundled over in the box.

              1. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                oh I forgot about that one lol

                1. nobwak
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  I have Ozil by the way. I would have had him regardless because he's my favourite player in the world... but you're right, you can make a better team with the extra cash having him frees up.

            9. Backup Dancer
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              I agree, seems like a case of buying last weeks points.

              I think the fact he 'scores in bunches' is swaying a lot of people too.

              Last year when he got his hat trick his stats were ridiculous, so I'm happy waiting.