Team News
9 September 2016 1288 comments
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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.

1,288 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Still Unsure
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Community - does any one have or know where I could find a matrix table of the fixtures for the season, that shows the results so far, too?

  2. makaveli123
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    People freaking out about Sanchez. Not the first time he has arrived late from South America.

    1. rnrd
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      yes, but this time, he has an important PSG - Arsenal game on tuesday night too

      1. makaveli123
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Take a look at last year. Played 84 minutes against Stoke after the int'break and 90 minutes in CL a couple of days later.

        1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          then got injured a few weeks later

        2. PvA
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Did he play on the Wednesday before and come back late?

    2. PvA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Champions League game on Tuesday loool

    3. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Amateurs

    4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Different scenario this year.

  3. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    A) Ibra + benteke + rodwell + monreal (433)
    B) Lukaku + benteke + sterling + 4.5 def (343)
    C) barrow + ibra + lamela + monreal (442)
    D) diomande + ibra + lamela + bellerin (442)

    1. Bushido
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      For A would Rodwell be a starter? Otherwise I'd go for B.

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        No. Rodwell and capoue would be benched mids.

  4. gaz1185
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Worth pressing the WC button for this?

    Foster | Pickford
    Stones | Masuaku | Williams | Souare | Amat
    Hazard | Sterling | Cazorla | Antonio | Lamela
    Ibrahimovic | Lukaku | Benteke

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Benching headache

      1. gaz1185
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Not for a United fan, Sterling & Stones will be on the bench this GW 😀

        I could also switch Antonio & Benteke > Payet & Stuani, but seems more of a risk.

    2. Bushido
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      That's a good all round team.

    3. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      You can't seriously be contemplating the WC with that team can you?

      1. gaz1185
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        & why not?

      2. Eskimooo
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        He means that's the team he will have with wildcard , not already has

      3. Carlton_Goal
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I think he means that's the team he'll get if he uses his wildcard

  5. Bushido
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Repost
    Which team is better?
    A
    Heaton-Jaku
    Shaw-Valencia-Evans-Bains-Amat
    Alexis-Hazard-Fer-Perrarya-Capoue
    Bony-Ibra-Vardy

    B
    Heaton-Jaku
    Smith-Valencia-Evans-Bains-Amat
    Payet-Ozil-Perrarya-Hazard-Capoue
    Bony-Ibra-Lukaku

    You cash suggest improvements. Thanks

  6. Petr Chec Yourself
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Is walcott any good over ozil/ Sanchez

    1. Bushido
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Nope, Walcott isn't guaranteed a starting place now that the majority of the team is fit.

      1. Petr Chec Yourself
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks!

    2. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Your username is an apt response here : Petr chec yourself.

      Walcott is to huge a gamble IMO. There are more reliable players you can get at his price. News that Sanchez is arriving late and the fact that ARS have PSG on Tuesday suggests he might have his game time limited. I'd go with Ozil

      1. Petr Chec Yourself
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah i agree, its too risky! Ozil seems to be the best choice.

    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      It's a punt, it's not without risk but he could be gold.

      1. Petr Chec Yourself
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        It seems a little too risky at this stage! Ozil seems the best option.

  7. Niemi
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    bottomed

    Bellerin vs. Koscielny

    Is Bellerin worth 0.5 extra? Bellerin averaged 4.78 per match, 4.64 per match.

    1. Bushido
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      No

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      We'll see I guess. I think so though. More baps and more attacking threat.

    3. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Go with Cech and save yourself 0.5m

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

    Ozil or Payet ?

    1. Shirokov(c)
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ozil.

    2. jmcclory123
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      At the minute I am swayed toward Payet's upcoming fixtures.

    3. Carlton_Goal
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Payet has more goal potential, Ozil is more consistent at providing assists

  9. Shirokov(c)
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Alright lads, I need a low-down on who are the best 4.5m defenders? (bar WBA)

    A) Collins: Great fixtures coming up but doubts over how long he can stay first choice ahead of Ogbonna

    B) Friend: Nothing amazing but looks a solid player, Boro's fixtures are bad though

    C) Kone: Tasty fixtures (3 out of the next four are at home) but Sunderland have looked leaky so far

    D) Other

    Right now, I'm leaning towards Kone.

    1. Bushido
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Smith (didn't check his fixtures) but he's a quite attacking.

      1. Shirokov(c)
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        The fixtures are decent but Bournemouth just can't defend.

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

      Collins, or maybe Pieters ?

  10. Fantasy123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Is triple Everton (Williams, Barkley, Lukaku) too much for 2 weeks?

    Planning on rom > aguero as soon as kun is back

    1. PvA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      No

    2. Shirokov(c)
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Mmmm, not really but if Everton flop one of the weeks it'll be detrimental for your team.

      1. Fantasy123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Got money itb for Costa instead, think that's a better option? I just fancy Lukaku and know he'll explode if I take him out..

        1. Shirokov(c)
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah I definitely prefer Costa anyway. Lukaku is in terrible goalscoring form.

  11. itwasnther
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Any news if Aguero is injured?

  12. Prison Mike
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Was all set on doing Lamela to Sanchez for a hit...

    After hearing Wengers comments would Ozil / Payet be a better option?

    1. thep025
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Same doubt here....

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I'm sure Sanchez will be fine, just got back last night as planned and Wenger hasn't seen him yet. I'd go Özil though.

      1. Prison Mike
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Alright thanks

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

      Same here, think I will go with Ozil/Payet now

      1. Prison Mike
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah same, which one are you leaning towards?

  13. Captain Vantastic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Arsenal already 5 points behind league leaders which could be 6/9 points by the time they play. No way he can afford to rest Sanchez

    1. thep025
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      In a quandary now. I want to get in Sanchez but Ozil seems way safer....

    2. Licky
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      It's the fourth game of the season.

      1. Captain Vantastic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Your point?

    3. More Tragic
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      🙂

    4. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      True. Also, the season has just started so doubt playing will be feeling as fatigued. This would be a different conversation were it to be mid February. That said, I'd be surprised to see him complete the full 90min.

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

      Think he will, maybe he will start but he won't play a full game imo

  14. Pedaso Pirates
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    On a WC, appreciate comments:

    Foster/Jaku
    Valencia/Stones/McCauley/Friend/Amat
    Hazard/Ozil/Lamela/Payet/Capoue
    Ibra/Benteke/Zaza

    0.8 ITB

    1. Guy Demel's SH
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I like it. Especially the Zaza pick.

      Any plan for getting Aguero back?

      1. Pedaso Pirates
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. Has to involve Ibra and a midfield downgrade (Lamela)

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

      I'd go Bony over Zaza

  15. I am 42
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Foster Jakupovic
    Shaw Stones Friend Pieters Amat
    Hazard Özil Payet Ramírez Capoue
    Ibrahimovic Lukaku Benteke

    anyone worth a hit?
    1.2m in the bank

    1. I am 42
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      benching order
      Jakupovic Capoue Pieters Amat

  16. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    WCers going with Sanchez or Ozil?

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

      i've been tortured by this one all week but at the moment sat on Cazorla instead

    2. Sergeant Garcia
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ozil

    3. Shirokov(c)
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sanchez, easy.

      1. Chucky
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Can't see him playing for 90 mins

        1. Shirokov(c)
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Oh, I didn't think this question was just in regard to this week only.

    4. I am 42
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sánchez & Antonio + 1m or
      Özil & Payet

    5. thep025
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Tempted by Sanchez but Ozil seems so much safer now.

    6. Bushido
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I went with Sanchez but I should have went with Ozil.

    7. The Tinkerman
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ozil.

  17. some witty pun
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    how does this WC team look?

    foster (jakup)
    evans collins williams (stones) (amat)
    ozil(C) hazard antonio bolasie (puncheon)
    ibra lukaku benteke

    2.0 ITB so i can bring back aguero

  18. Dr. Rog
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Should I
    a) Research, plan and think for myself and make transfers accordingly
    b) Seek re-assurance that im adhering to the template

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

      b

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Definitely B

  19. Randell
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Mandanada or Hennessey ? is one of them nailed on ?

    1. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      It's the former's spot to lose

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Mananada.

  20. Stuberry
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Any tips on this wildcard team?

    Foster
    Jagielka - Valencia - Holebas
    Antonio - Barkley - Sanchez - Hazard
    Ibra - Negredo - Benteke

    Pickford - Capoue - Kone - Holebas - Stones

    0.7 ITB

    Plan is:

    Negredo or Benteke ---> Aguero
    Sanchez ---> Fer/King/Janujaz/Puncheon

  21. Gassemannen
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    How nailed on is Cazorla?

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I expect to see rotation especially for tougher games, where Xhaka might be paired with Coquelin or Elneny. Don't forget Ramsey too

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Very, in my opinion.

  22. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone know Burnley's second choice goalie. Pope or Robinson?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Robinson was on the bench in the last game.

  23. Taribo West on a free
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Quiz time: Who are the five tallest current Premier League players?

    1. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Long?

    2. Chucky
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Crouch,Ibra,Courtois?

      1. Taribo West on a free
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        2/5 (not Ibra)

    3. Taribo West on a free
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      (Four are gettable, one is really tricky)

    4. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Got to be Jermain Defoe

    5. Jeremiah
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ibra
      Mert
      Crouch
      Pantilmon
      Carroll?

    6. I am 42
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Costel Pantilimon casts the longest shadow of any Premier League squad member, towering a mighty 203 cm from the ground, or six foot eight if you like.

      He’s followed jointly by Southampton’s Fraser Forster and Stoke’s Peter Crouch who both stand 201 cm (6’7”) tall. Crouch is in fact one of just two outfield players amongst the 10 tallest Premier League players. The other is Per Mertesacker who, at 198 cm (6’ 6”), is in joint sixth place.

      Arsenal’s young goalkeeper, Matt Macey made the Gunners’ 25-man squad and at 200 cm (6’7”) in height he is the fourth tallest player to be named in a side’s squad.

      Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois completes the top five at 199 cm (6’6”) tall.

      http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/swansea-city-tallest-strikers-premier-11858677

      1. Taribo West on a free
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Well done Mr Google. Ruined my fun.

        1. I am 42
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          arent your answer from google too 😀

    7. Taribo West on a free
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Answers -
      Costel Pantilimon: 203
      Fraser Forster: 201
      Peter Crouch: 201
      Matt Macey: 200
      Thibaut Courtois: 199

      No points to the Googler.

    8. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Crouch
      Forster
      Courtois
      Mertsacker
      Carroll

    9. HammersFan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Carroll would be one?

  24. Big Mac 24
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    My Wildcard effort, rate it if you feel it's worth that 🙂

    Foster (Jaku)
    McAuley Baines PVA (Valencia, Amat)
    Haz Caz Ozil Antonio (Capoue)
    Costa Gru Lukaku

    Going hell for leather!! Costa + Caz most likely will make way for Kuhn in two weeks with the two FT

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Arsenal fan by any chance? 🙂

    2. Guy Demel's SH
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Arsenal overkill imo. Is Giroud nailed on?

      1. Big Mac 24
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I kind of expected the Arsenal comments, and no i'm not an Arsenal fan! I just see loads of goals in that team and they have great fixtures over next 6 weeks. Considered Zaza and Benteke for the 3rd striker spot, but both are unproven right now so went for the donkey, who averages 15+5 a season, playing 3/4 of the games.

  25. Podolskistan
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    any suggestions on my wildcard team

    jakupovic hennesy
    bellerin holgate mcAuley morgan collins
    capou sanchez barkley Hazard antonio
    ibra negredo gray

  26. MundayMagic
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    I keep reading reports that Lamela is set to be rested, with him arriving late from international duty and Sissoko in line to make his debut.

    Is Lamela >> Antonio . -4 points worth it? Or is it more likely Lamela will start?

    1. Podolskistan
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      4 points hit should be avoided, but Antonio has decent run of fixtures

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Yes for an FT, no if you're taking a hit.

  27. zalar88
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    thoughts on my WC team ? thanks a lot...

    foster (pickford)
    valencia, evans, baines (friend, amat)
    antonio, haz, ozil, firmino (capoue)
    ibra, costa, gray

    any changes? captain ?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Pickford's probably lost his place, maybe go double Burnley goalkeepers and double West Brom defence?

    2. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Gray tough fixtures and potential ban. Do you really want him ?? You could bring him back later when fixtures ease. A lot depends on if you have an aguero plan.
      Like your defence and your midfield is same as mine except Firmino/Antonio.
      Good luck.

  28. Chicken-Mandy
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    best 4.5 defender or below?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Galloway, Evans, Friend, Pieters, Saoure.

  29. QuintonFortune25
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    A - Payet and Ozil
    B - Sterling and Sanchez

    1. Podolskistan
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A.

    3. jmcclory123
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Well that's a very easy one for me.

      Sanchez is a doubt with arriving home late/PSG champs league on Tuesday and Sterling has a game against a United defence who have conceded 1 in 3 games and Mourinho will typically lock the game down defensively.

  30. SuperMario
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    A. Sanchez, Lukaku and 4.4 DEF (-4)

    B. Antonio/ Ozil & Lukaku (free)

    1. Podolskistan
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      B

    2. jmcclory123
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      B by a mile