Team News
23 September 2016 1956 comments
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Romelu Lukaku is set to return to full training ahead of Everton’s clash with Bournemouth. Olivier Giroud remains doubtful as Arsenal host Chelsea, whilst Daniel Sturridge is a slight concern for Liverpool’s Anfield encounter with Hull.

Here’s the team news so far…

Olivier Giroud faces a late test on his ongoing toe complaint ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea. Arsene Wenger has also conceded that Aaron Ramsey looks set to remain sidelined until after the international break.

Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum are available for Liverpool’s home match with Hull after both were left out of the midweek trip to Derby as precautionary measures. Jurgen Klopp revealed Daniel Sturridge “should” be available after missing three days’ training, whilst Joe Gomez has stepped up his recovery from injury but is not yet fit for selection.

Xherdan Shaqiri has stepped up his recovery by returning to training ahead of Stoke’s clash with West Brom. Mark Hughes confirmed the Swiss international will be assessed after being sidelined since Gameweek 1. Jon Walters is a doubt for tomorrow after missing the midweek cup loss to Hull due to an ankle problem.

Middlesbrough pair Christhian Stuani and Jordan Rhodes have both recovered from minor injuries and are available to face Spurs at the Riverside.

Kasper Schmeichel has recovered from concussion but remains a minor doubt for Leicester’s trip to United with a muscle problem. Nampalys Mendy and Matty James are still sidelined and Marcin Wasilewski is suspended after being dismissed in the midweek cup loss to Chelsea.

Winston Reid has been passed fit by the West Ham medics ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Southampton.

Scott Dann has been ruled out of Palace’s clash with Sunderland, with Alan Pardew revealing he could also miss the Gameweek 7 encounter against Everton. James Tomkins is available, though, after recovering from the knee problem that forced him off against Stoke on Sunday.

Ronald Koeman expects Romelu Lukaku to return to full training today ahead of Everton’s clash with Bournemouth. The Belgian has stepped up his recovery from the toe injury that forced him off in the home win over ‘Boro. James McCarthy and Darron Gibson should return in around three weeks.

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

    Not sure what I think of my defense: On a WC so possible change anything you think will make it better. Thoughts?

    Walker Lovren PVA Holebas Amat

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Williams instead of PVA

      1. AleksanderVN
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Thansk. I dont like Evertons fixtures for Clean sheets tbh. More fan of a PVA with revenge in mind after last GW 🙂

  2. GuillermoDickero
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone looking at Robertson on a WC? Hull have some decent fixtures coming up, more so than some of the other 4.5 defenders

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      He'd be the first 4.5 on my teamsheet if I was on a WC

  3. ZakyJ
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Zuniga going to start getting game time or should i pick up Kelly from CP?

  4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    I am getting antonio, every transfer this season has been a disaster. Antonio will now shift back to RB with the injuries I bet 🙁

    1. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      *starts looking for a way to go with Payet over Antonio*

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'm calling it now, Antonio is this season's Mahrez. He'll be matching KDB and Sanchez for points come the end of the season

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        +1

        He is gonna go close to 200 pts.

      2. JurgenRocks
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        What about Capoue?

      3. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I think Michu is the better example. Headers galore 😀

      4. nobwak
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Unless West Ham win the league and Antonio wins Player of the Season, then no, he's not this seasons Mahrez.

        1. TokyoRisingSun
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          I use Mahrez as an example of someone who's performing way out of his price bracket. Antonio's underlying stats are insane

    3. nobwak
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Don't do it then?

    4. WINNING!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Scratch Antonio from wildcard transfer in Payet....happy days:)

  5. Jasoooooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Do you guys think that Arsenal will tighten up down back after the Chelsea game? Arsenal have amazing fixtures from GW 7 onwards

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Yes.

    2. Demí
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. Getting Kosc on WC

      1. KingNidge
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Ditto

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        likewise

  6. FF Dirtbag
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Do people think that sterling is going to rise again tonight?

    1. WINNING!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      His wife says yes!

      1. Jasoooooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Hahahahaha lol

  7. buttigieg93
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, need some advice before the deadline. Have 0.7 in the bank and 2 FT's available.

    Which is best please.

    A)Hazard/Benteke>Kun/Barry
    B)Hazard/Ozil/Benteke> Kun/Firmino/Snodgrass(-4 Hit)

    Heaton/Jak
    Valencia/Williams/Evans/Collins/Amat
    Hazard/Ozil/Sterling/Antonio/Capoue
    Ibra/Lukaku/Benteke

    1. JurgenRocks
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      A

  8. FALCAO & MOU
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    GotnTadic GW 3, has got me 2 assists since then, I know he is kind of a wait for him guy, should be pretty good if he scores as much as he did last season at 7.3. Will I get a blast this week vs WestHam?

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Might well happen. West Ham defence are awful. Though Masuaku injury might be a blessing in disguise..

    2. Jasoooooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Go for it!!! Nice punt, he will go big this GW

  9. MavKing14
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Firmino or Mane ?!!

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Both?

      Ive gone for mane myself but thinking if doubling up.

      1. MavKing14
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I'm gonna drop Hazard to trade in either Mane or Firmino !

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          I did hazard > mane.

    2. WINNING!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I prefer Firmino but, Mane could be your man.

    3. JurgenRocks
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Mane

  10. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    I swear there is nothing I want more this gameweek than for lukaku to not play or to come on as a sub and blank.

    1. Moss
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Ok.

    2. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Incoming hatty 😉

    3. Bullet Eder
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      He will play and he will score. I don't own him either but that is just wishful thinking. Make the points up elsewhere.

  11. Laporte In A Storm
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Loving this season because of all the headaches. So open, and that's making this wildcard very difficult. Thoughts to this?

    Foster / Jaku
    Walker / Williams / Smith / Amat / Love
    KDB / Firmino / Antonio / Capoue / Snodgrass
    Aguero / Lukaku / Costa

    0 itb

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good.

    2. GHB
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Don't think defence is strong enough. Downgrade Costa to Deeney /Benteke and use funds to strengthen

      1. Laporte In A Storm
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Honestly, there aren't enough points floating around in defence compared to the big hitting strikers. I'm looking at Baines - if Everton shore up a bit and he keeps getting assists, then I could see a downgrade upfront being worth it, but until then, I don't think there's a defender worth one of these strikers.

    3. WINNING!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Costa is the key is will he continue on his goal scoring spree....

    4. Wardinator
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      You're right Kompany, defence is fine, my WC defence is even cheaper

  12. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Don't get this, "I don't want 3 Watford players" angle. One's a cheap rotating defender, the other is the best 5th midfielder in the game, and Deeney is looking like the only one who will be permanently played in people's teams and he looks, touch wood, the best value in that bracket.

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Many teams are set up with Amat, Holebas along with another 4.5 def making Holebas almost a must start for the coming GWs. While Capoue is becoming 4th mid of many teams. So the 3 watford players angle is coming from those who are actually going to play 3 watford.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Agreed, that the angle is flawed.

      Disagree Deeney is the best option - prefer Defoe or a punt on Rashford

  13. Kuqi Monster
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Most nailed watford defender that isn't holebas?

    1. Dino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Why would you want another Watford defender?

      1. Grand Thibauto
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Fixtures I guess

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Holebas is injured

        1. Dino
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          wtf? how long is he out for? damn there goes my wc plans 🙁

      3. Kuqi Monster
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        fixtures + holebas may be injured

    2. GHB
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Probably Britos

    3. GHB
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Janmaat out for around 6 weeks and his replacement Amrabat down as a mid

    4. L9
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      zuniga is gonna play i guess if holebas is injured??

  14. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Play Koscielny or Evans?

    1. MavKing14
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Evans

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Evans

  15. ZakyJ
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Do we think Zuniga going to start getting game time or should i pick up Kelly from CP? (WC)

    1. GHB
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      No he won't mate

  16. MartialMatas
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    I have ~15.8m to spend on 3 Defenders to go with
    Heaton Pickford Amat Holebas
    suggestions?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Williams, lovren, walker.

    2. Dino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Baines, Williams, lovren

  17. Daniyal
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Play Jaku vs Liverpool
    Or Play Foster vs Stoke (also playing McCauley)

    1. MartialMatas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Foster

  18. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Play these 3:

    Valencia, Bellerin, Dawson

    Or

    Bench one and play AOA with Capoue

    1. maxxxus
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Bellerin and Valencia , bench dawson imo

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Play aoa and bench Valencia

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks guys still undecided

  19. maxxxus
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Cech - Pickford

    Holebas - Baines - Walker - Lovren - Arnat

    Snodgrass - Capoue - Firminho - Sanchez - Antonio

    Rashford - Lukaku - Aguero

    RMWCT plz

    Unlimited transfers this week so I want to make the most of it. Any suggestions?? Much appreciated!

    Maybe get Sterling or Mane and for an extra city/liverpool coverage and get the money out of the defence (drop Walker/cech)

    What do you guys think?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Cech is a good shout as it save 0.5m over Koscielny, and 1m over Bellerin, but will his save points be worth 1.5m over Pickford week in, week out?

      Front 8 is great for obvious reasons, and you're more likely to play Capoue over Snodgrass in some games, where as I'm going to find it difficult to bench Antonio.

      It's really solid... could easily do very well.

      1. maxxxus
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks will Holebas play or should I switch to Zuniga?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Holebas is the more reliable pick. Just listen out for news on whether he's out this week.

  20. JasonG123
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Which pair:
    (A) Costa and Snodgrass
    (B) Deeney and Firmino

    1. maxxxus
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      B) Deeney and Firminho due to upcoming fixtures

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      B

  21. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Ok, have flirted with Baines + Coleman, and Ibra + Walcott, but this is the first WC team that's giving me a tingly feeling lol.

    Pickford - Jaku
    Zuniga - Koscielny - Lovren - Baines - Amat
    Sanchez - Coutinho - Sterling - Antonio - Capoue
    Lukaku - Aguero - Rashford

    nowt left ITB

    Thoughts? A Rashford price rise would allow Deeney in a couple of weeks after Utd's two home games.

    1. KingNidge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      That is rather sexy

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Think I can relax a bit now, Nidge. Was pulling my hair out at times this week. Love this game 😉

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Very good team

      1. Grand Thibauto
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Jakupovic won't be starting soon. You may have to play Pickford week in week out

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah, he's a risk, but one I think I have to take in the short term. There'll be other changes and I may have to spend a FT on a goalie. I did get Jakupovic at 4m so have a bit of time if he loses his place, before I lose money on him.

    3. maxxxus
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I would much rather have Firminho than Cout. Maybe drop Koscielny to get that moneyzz

      I like the attack though 🙂

      Can u take a look at my team above?

      Cheers

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I thought that about Firmino over Coutinho but I paid for membership last night and Coutinho looks a different player this year. I can't get the rest of the team if I go with Firmino.

        Thanks! Will take a look at your team.

    4. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Is Zuniga gonna be a starter? Is his Janmaat's replacement?

      1. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Is he*

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          There's rumours of a Holebas injury, so I think Zuniga starts this one. He's a left wingback, but can play on the right. That's all I need as Koscielny comes in from next week onwards. Can't afford more than 4.4m at the moment!

          1. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah, I've got Holebas and heard of the rumours. Fair enough. Btw, you an active Town fan or is the username just a reference?

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 5 months ago

              Yep, up the Spireites! Living down in Reading now so don't get to see them as much as I'd like.

              1. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 5 months ago

                Cool. I started back as a ST holder again last season, just in time for one of our worst home season in years. I live in Manchester but make it back for most home games and as many away as I can do. Helps that so many are around the NW and Midlands.

  22. bennett661
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this?

    Foster/Heaton
    Kolarov/Simpson/Lovren/Amat/McAuley
    Sanchez/Stirling/Antonio/Snodgrass/Capoue
    Kun/Lukaku/Rashford

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Am liking the front 8. I think Rashford is definitely worth a punt for the next 2 at least.

      1. bennett661
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers lad, I'm happy with front 8.....it's what's behind that I'm worried about! No real stand out defensive options so far.

      2. bennett661
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Just noticed your front 8 is almost identical to mine! Great minds!

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          It's just a great blend of reliable fantasy performers and a pinch of risk thrown in for excitement!

  23. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Firminho or Antonio? For medium to long'ish term (4-5 GW's)

    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Both.

      Easy.

  24. Swans4life
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Mane or fim ?

  25. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    sticking to my no aguero and no ibra risk taking strategy. Looking at the following 2 transfers.

    Vardy to Lukaku
    Iheanacho to Rashford

    Taking a (-4) hit

  26. r0scr0w
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Quick Poll please guys. A or B the better front 8:

    A.
    Firmino, Alexis, KDB, Puncheon (Capoue)
    Aguero, Lukaku, Deeney.

    B.
    Firmino, Alexis, Antonion, Sterling (Capoue)
    Aguero, Lukaku, Deeney.

    1. Patty
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      B

  27. Kaptenen
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    should i play Snodgrass (LIV) or Capoue (BUR) ?

  28. maxxxus
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Hi guys need some advice!

    Cech - Pickford

    Holebas - Baines - Walker - Lovren - Arnat

    Snodgrass - Capoue - Firminho - Sanchez - Antonio

    Rashford - Lukaku - Aguero

    RMWCT plz

    Unlimited transfers this week so I want to make the most of it. Any suggestions?? Much appreciated!

    Maybe get Sterling or Mane and for an extra city/liverpool coverage and get the money out of the defence (drop Walker/cech)

    What do you guys think?

    1. L9
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      pretty similar to mine id u see below my post :p

    2. Milan1986
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I like it that way but be aware that Rashford is not a long term asset

  29. L9
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    cech pickford
    lovren walkers stones/williams love amat
    antonio sterling sanchez firmino capoue
    kun kaku diomande
    thoughts?

  30. Patty
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Which is best?
    A. Williams, Evans
    B. Coleman, Amat

    1. aleksios
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      a