Team News

The Weekend Team News

Theo Walcott will undergo a late fitness test as Arsenal make their way to Sunderland tomorrow lunchtime. Scott Dann is back in contention as Palace entertain Liverpool, whilst Junior Stanislas remains a doubt as Bournemouth travel to ‘Boro.

Theo Walcott is set to be assessed later today with a “very minor” hamstring problem, according to Arsene Wenger. Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal also require late tests, though Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud are back in contention. Lucas Perez is out for six-to-eight weeks with an ankle injury.

Andrew Surman has recovered from illness ahead of Bournemouth’s clash with Middlesbrough. Eddie Howe has admitted he will make “a late call” over the availability of Junior Stanislas, who missed out last week with a calf complaint.

Hull’s Adama Diomande has been charged with violent conduct, following an incident in their midweek cup win over Bristol City. The club have until this evening to reply, with the Norwegian facing three matches on the sidelines if found guilty. Mike Phelan is already without the services of Robert Snodgrass, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury.

Slaven Bilic revealed West Ham “have a few knocks” ahead of their trip to Everton but went on to say “all those who played (in midweek) should all be fit and available for Sunday”. The Hammers boss also confirmed that Andre Ayew is “very close” being able to start after returning from injury in the 2-1 cup win over Chelsea.

Andre Gray is available for Burnley’s trip to Man United after serving a four-match ban. Stephen Ward has recovered from a knock and Sean Dyche is optimstic on George Boyd’s fitness, though Steven Defour remains “touch and go” with a hamstring problem.

Jason Puncheon remains a “slight doubt” for Palace’s clash with Liverpool, though Alan Pardew has confirmed that Scott Dann is now available for selection.

Daryl Janmaat returns to the Watford squad for tomorrow’s visit of Hull. Isaac Success is expected to be ruled out until after the international break, whilst Craig Cathcart, Kenedy and Stefano Okaka all remain sidelined.

Ben Chilwell joins Nampalys Mendy on the injured list for Leicester’s trip to White Hart Lane. Matty James is still unavailable as he builds up his match fitness.

Geoff Cameron is a doubt for Stoke’s clash with Swansea on Monday evening due to a knee problem. Phil Bardsley is likely to miss out – he’s been granted compassionate leave following the death of his grandfather.

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.

1,029 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Was going to save my FT to next week and do Baines to Fuchs next week but with doubts surrounding game time for Baines, Walcott and Amat should I just do the transfer now and bench Fuchs (TOT) just in case to make sure I can field an XI?

    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Why are so many people chasing points with Fuchs

      1. Brap.
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Cos he's a G at home

        And Leicester have some easy homes

      2. Konig Luther
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        don't think pick Fuchs is chasing points, because he's the best def to pick from Leicester

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Leicester are very strong at home, have some nice fixtures coming up, Fuchs is on set pieces and I think if they wrap up the group this week in Champs League thier league form, particularly away from home, should pick up.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      That's what I would do. Get him in.

    3. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      idea of your squad would help
      but never a fan of buying a player to bench. I would be tempted to play fuchs, Leicester still on great home run

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        FWIW:

        Heaton
        Baines* Kos Smith Holebas
        Sanchez Firmino Walcott*
        Aguero Lukaku (c) Benteke

        Pickford, Capoue, Amat*, Snodgrass*

  2. Gregorini
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Should I play Pieters or Friend?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Pieters

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Pieters.

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

      Pieters.

    4. Gregorini
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks guys

    5. Big Red Dog
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Friend

  3. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Ok, 2 FT's...

    A. Wally > Arnie (and save 1FT)
    B. Wally+Williams > Courtinho+Pieters
    C. Other suggestions?

    Current team:

    Heaton
    Lovren Williams Walker
    Sanchez Son Firmino Walcott
    Deeney Kun Lukaku

    (Jaku, Capoue, Amat, Evans)

    Thanks 🙂

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      C) Williams to Pieters and save a FT

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

        This. Stick with Walcott for the week then go to Cout next week.

  4. Elijah's Wood
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Think i can get away with rolling my FT in order to have 2 next GW?

    Heaton
    Clyne Bellerin Amat PVA
    San(c)hez Firmino Antonio
    Aguero Benteke Austin

    // Pickford - Evans - Walcott* - Snodgrass**

    Have been trying my best to stop myself from transferring out snodgrass for the moment as having 2 transfers allows a better upgrade but now Theo is out for the weekend maybe i should just follow suit and get Coutinho

    1. Brap.
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Is Theo nailed out?

      Play him and have your first sub sorted

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

      Chances are you will want Coutinho next week anyway over Walcott, even if fit.

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      yeah you should be good. Amat may not play so Evans likely to come in. I would start Walcott though. If injury is serious he prob won't be risked.

    4. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Amat probably won't play either. Seems a bit risky.

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Wait, is Theo out?

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Giddy up horsey...

  5. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Now we just need Pep to say Kun's been playing with an injury...

    1. Brap.
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Stress-fracture of the pride

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Then he would be lying because he said he is fully fit a week ago

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        unless he was lying then...

        😉

  6. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Does anybody know anything on Harry Kane? When is he expected to be back?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      he is back in training now. My case would be back after international break

  7. Baz
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    With their whole squad fit, is Alonso first choice for Chelsea? Or will it depend on formation? thanks

    1. some witty pun
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      First choice

    2. Brap.
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I believe he's nailed as nailed can be

  8. Moose™
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Captain Son. Crazy?

    1. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Do it, if i dont captain Deeney i will captain Alli, can see Leicester conceding more than twice tomorrow

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No. Leicester are crap away from home

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

    With Walcott looking likely to miss out, I'll need a -4 I think:

    A) Play Amat/McAuley (no hit)
    B) Sigurdsson (-4)
    C) Lallana (-4)
    D) Arnautovic (-4)
    E) Shaqiri (-4)
    F) Allen (-4)

    1. Brap.
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A)

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Should mention - it's Snodgrass I'll be selling, not Theo.

      1. Brap.
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Well that's a bit different

        Who'd you like longer term?

        Maybe Allen to keep some $$ flexibility

        I think all your suggestions are pretty marginal choices to be honest

        Could chip in with points but not long-term point Gs

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

          I have 7.6 for a mid. Sigurdsson looks the best long term but next 5 Gameweeks, a Stoke mid could do well I reckon.

          1. Brap.
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            True

            I don't rate Arnie

            Shaqiri could be explosive or rope

            I'd go cheeky Allen

    3. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

    4. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Amar is probably not playing and City will score vs West Brom. McAuley has attacking threat though. I would take the hit. Flip a coin between B, D and E

      1. Champione
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        *Amat

      2. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, I'd like D if it wasn't for the 4 YCs - that could come back to bite me soon. Never been that sure on E but seems the safest Stoke option for now. B is more a long term one with Swansea's fixtures turning good in a couple of weeks. It's a tough one!

        1. Champione
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          ah, I didn't think about the 4 yellows. Siggy is usually more consistent, while Shaqiri is a bit like Coutinho used to be - hit or miss from long distance shots

  10. maratus
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Rashford to Austin for -4 worth it? (or some other mid price forward?)

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Not Austin this week. A punt on Deeney (HULL) could be worth it

  11. GE
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Want a 3-defence of maximum £15.
    What's the best mix?

    A) Alonso, Holebas, Pieters
    B) Dann, Holebas, Smith
    C) Fuchs, Holebas, Lovren
    D) Other combinations?

    1. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      C for me

  12. Champione
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Play

    A) Lovren
    B) Capoue

    1. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

      1. Champione
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        triple Watford against Hull. Need a goal galore

  13. RobinNdaHood
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guys,
    2 ft, 0 itb.

    Which of the following moves:
    1. Snodgrass and capoue --> Redmond and Fletcher
    or
    2. Snodgrass and Williams --> Redmond and Pieters

    My team is:

    Heaton / Jaku

    Verthongen / Williams / Holebas / Evans / Amat

    Sanchez / Firmino / Sterling / Snodgrass / Capoue

    Aguero / Lukaku / Benteke

    1. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      2

  14. KISSES
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    If you arent getting shot of Wally, are you playing him with a first sub ready or keeping him on the judy?

    I assume a hamstring isnt even worth a cameo for Wenger?

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

      I'm just keeping him in my lineup for now.

  15. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Merson's 6 a side team has Walcott and no Sanchez.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No Salami?

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Probably already has Cheesus Navas and Wayne Peppe-Rooney in the side knowing him

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Chili Kun Kahn?

  16. RyanC
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    A while since I've posted here. Would you say I'm all set? And I'm right to start Austin over Capoue, yes?

    Pickford (Heaton)
    Holebas Pieters Lovren (Smith Amat)
    Sanchez Walcott Firmino Coutinho (Capoue)
    Austin Lukaku (c) Aguero

    I realise my defence is pretty lacking in big price options, but it seems to be picking up the points (for now). Just shifted Baines too.

    Looking okay? Right captain choice?

    Thanks. Appreciate any input.

    1. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Looks good

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

        Thanks. 🙂

    2. Brap.
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      G team

      I'd start Heaton though cos that's my dawg

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

        Cheers. Tough call!

    3. Big Red Dog
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Sanchez (c) over Lukaku. WHU with 5 at the back looking soilid.

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

        Cheers. Yeah, torn between those two. West Ham looking better lately.

    4. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Team looks good mate.. Captain im also going with Lukaku this week.. Would start Austin over Capoue.. not sure about liverpool/arsenal midfield only though... Walcott not going to be benched?

  17. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    2 FT and not sure what to do with Theo?

    Jaku/Pickford
    Walker Stones Mustafi Evans Amat
    Mane Walcott Hazard Bolasie Capoue
    Rashford Kun Lukaku

    Should I get rid of Stones for Pieters/holebas?
    Should I change keepers?
    Should I get rid of Rashford?

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

      I'd make Rashford a transfer priority over Walcott.

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers mate - maybe transfer both out?

  18. ANON.
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Should I take a hit for Williams + Walcott to Francis + Coutinho/Firmino?

    1ft, 0.2 in the bank

    Heaton
    Valencia, Williams, Holebas
    Mane, Sterling, Walcott, Redmond
    Aguero, Ibra(c), Lukaku

    Pickford, Amat, Evans, Fletcher

  19. Snibal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Unfortunately I've brought myself in the horrible situation in which I need to replace my non playing 5th midfieder ( Maloney, 4.5m) with a playing midfielder (4.4 or less) so I can upgrade my non playing Collins ( 4.4) to someone who's playing (4.5 or 4.6). I was thinking Hojberg in for Maloney and Francis in for Collins. Any better 5th midfielders out there that are 4.4 max?

    1. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Fletcher maybe?

      1. Snibal
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah I was thinking of de Roon or Fletcher as they are guaranteed starters, but I was hoping Hojberg would have a slightly bigger chance to score some attacking point?

    2. Krul Runnings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      De roon 4.3

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

      De Roon is 4.3 now I think

  20. Joey Barton and Friends
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    No mention of Aldeweireld. Is he still out?

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    2. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      still waiting for the Tottenham press conference

    3. SneakyPete
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Toby Alderweireld (knee nerve) won't be fit in time for the Leicester game tomorrow

  21. Psojkee
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Arsenal players trolling me every time i've bought they. Giroud red card 14/15, Ozil 15/16 at the start of the season, Sanchez in 15/16 at the start too, Chambers 14/15, when i decided to buy him, but at the next gw, he did 1+1 and cleansheet vs burnley (H), it was his only assist action of the season, now i've bought Sanchez and Walcott in, and both did nothing + Walcott is injured...
    I hate Arsenal

    1. Psojkee
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      their*

  22. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Can anyone else see Walcott getting either a start or no minutes at all tomorrow?

    Surely given the form he's in, Wenger will be wary of giving him minutes tomorrow?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Minutes of the bench that is, assuming he doesn't start ^

    2. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah he'll be starting or not in the squad

    3. Yome
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      The scout tweets says he should be OK for Tuesday. I presume he will not play this weekend ready for UCL.

    4. Brap.
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Feel like the Ox has earned the start

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers everyone. Might well start Allen ahead of him then.

  23. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Right boys. Time for advice

    Foster JAKU
    MONREAL Valencia Stones Friend GARDOS
    WALCOTT SNODGRASS Sterling Firmino Capoue
    Kun Lukaku Costa

    2ft 0itb

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

      Snod to Allen? Frees up some funds for Coutino next week.

    2. Worzel Gummidge
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Why have you randomly put capitals in? Stop it. That is my advice.

        1. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          It means these players are problems

          1. Worzel Gummidge
              7 years, 7 months ago

              ok, Walcott and Snod would be my first problem to sort. Rest can wait IMO

              1. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                Thanks

      • Lumberjack
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        So if Walcott , Baines and Amat all don't play I'll end up playing McAuley (MCI) and Defoe (ARS) and no subs. Worth a hit to avoid this??

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Nah, they could both score.

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

            More hopeful of McAuley tbh...thanks

      • SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Mata expected to start this gw? Thinking Wally > mata for free. Or any other United mid worth getting in? Cheers

          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          My early thought was to sell Wally but is there any point selling one of the most in-form players in the league only because he won't feature in one game? Highly doubt it. Mata will barely play any games against top opposition and that's a fact.

        1. Brap.
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          You just know Mourinho gave him a roasting for his defensive lapse on the Hazard goal

      • You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Not a lot I can do with this lot as already on -4 but after this GW what should I do? 0ITB

        Pickford - Jaku
        Mustafi - Stones - Holebas - Kingsley - Amat
        Coutinho - Firmino - Sanchez - Allen - Marney
        Aguero - Zlatan - Benteke

        1. Brap.
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Alerts to:

          Stones out if the CS drought continues

          The Aguero Decision

          Benteke back to form or no

          Minor Jaku worry

      • Moose™
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Snoddy -> Redmond for -4 hits. Do it?

        1. RiflaFC
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          sure that Redmond will play now that Boufal is in the mix? Perhaps consider Bolasie?

          1. Moose™
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Already have Kaku. Other option?

            1. RiflaFC
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Shaquiri, King for a punt, Mata?

      • LewanGOALski
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Stoke or Bournemouth defender?

          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Stoke.

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Stoke for me.

      • Brian (Not the Messiah)
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Are any 4.3 mids nailed on?

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          De Roon?