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. Toonmad
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    praying for a sanchez blank tomorrow so i can feel better when i ship him for cout and upgrade collins to someone next week for -4

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Praying for one of your players not to score. Hmm. You're playing the wrong game, mate!

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

      alot of prayers you need 🙂 🙂

  2. Brazooka
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Pick two to play:

    A) Redmond
    B) Antonio
    C) Stones

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

      Redmond and stones

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A+B

    3. Totti
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A B

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

    Sterling coutinho, sterling, coutinho, sterling coutinho, sterling coutinho, sterling coutinho, sterling coutinho... It's like an alarm clock ringing in my ears all bloody wk.

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Coutinho surely?

  4. _Freddo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Are the scouts trying to be irresponsible with their tweets trying to cause panic, do everyone a favour and give the whole quotes.

    on whether Theo will be available to face Ludogorets…

    He should be OK for Tuesday. If it’s not tomorrow, it’s OK for Tuesday.

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

      Scouts don't own Walcott 🙂

      1. _Freddo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Probably not or want to buy him cheaper next week.

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

      Yeah after seeing the actual full quote I have decided to keep him. The shortened one is misleading.

      1. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        It's like how all the media were quoting pep saying if aguero leaves it will be his choice. They know it implies something that he never conveyed but still feed the news cycle on it

    3. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I've noticed it with other ones too.
      My assumption is like most media today sensational/controversial is always preferred even at the expense of some truthiness

      1. _Freddo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        There's going to be some boiling p*ss tomorrow if he starts and does well and people on here sold.

        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I hope that happens. He is as good as it gets for fpl right now. To sell because he might miss a game deserves to be punished. Especially when that game is Sunderland

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

            Shirley A won't risk him even if he is fit? CL and Spurs around the corner and players coming back from injury? Besides Sunderland the worst team in the league we've been told all week...won't need Wally.

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

              If he aggravates an injury A will be crucified by fans...

            2. _Freddo
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Sunderland is much more important than Ludagorets after dropping points last week.

              He could play his second team in the CL and still get a result.

              He's already hinted that he has to be careful with Ramsey and Giroud so maybe it's bench for both on Sat and start on Tuesday with Theo having his feet up in front of the TV.

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

                Maybe. Walcott's their best player at the moment.

            3. Get up ya bum
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Na if he hasn't damaged himself he will likely start.
              There's no easy games Wenger knows that.
              It's possible this is when Wenger decides to rotate him but wouldn't be to do with the niggle.

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

                Yeah, I guess. I will sleep on it.

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

          Might captain now 😀

  5. Jubilanus / BSC Small Boys …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    whats the answer here?! Problems capitalised!

    1FT 0.8 in bank

    Grant
    Walker, Bellerin, ZUNIGA
    Sanchez, WALCOTT, Sterling, Coutinho, Allen,
    Aguero, Lukaku,

    subs - Pickford, DIAMONDE, AMAT, ROBERTSON

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Downgrade Wally and get Pieters, upgrade Diamonde next week

    2. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Zuniga /Robertson to Holebas/Daniels/Smith/Francis

      She'll be right

  6. Darklord_bg
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I have Walcott and Baines with 1 FT and 0.9 ITB.

    A) Walcott -> Coutinho
    B) Baines -> someone else (haven't decided yet)
    c) Both for -4

    What do you guys think?

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

      B

  7. rohan
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Getting rid of Walcott
    Mata or Arnautovic? Already got Alexis Mane and Firmino

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Chadli?

      1. rohan
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Not exciting enough 😛

      2. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Arnie from those.

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

      Arnie safer pick

    3. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Redmond

    4. Brazooka
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Redmond has good fixtures to come

  8. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Which one would you rather have?

    Coutinho or firmino?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Coutinho

      1. fish66
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Coutinho & i'm a Firmino owner

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I have both right now, but I thiiiiink Firmino due to more touches + shots in the box.

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

        It's really close, though. Coutinho's ownership is quite a bit higher, if that's a factor you're considering too.

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I think the decision would be a lot easier if they were still 0.5 apart on price. But now that they cost almost the same, its really close.

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

            Yep, agreed. I only had Firmino until this GW - was lucky enough to have enough ITB to replace Snodgrass with Coutinho. Feels good not having to dread Liverpool's points getting spread around as much, for now.

            1. Stats Don\'t Lie
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Already have mane. Just deciding whether I want cout or firm along side.

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

    One of those decisions that seemed obvious earlier in the week but I'm starting to doubt myself as the deadline gets closer.

    Pick one to play:

    a) Stones

    b) Williams

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Williams

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Williams

    4. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers all

  10. fish66
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Heaton
    Walker Koscielny Pieters
    Walcott Firmino Sánchez(vc) Snodgrass
    Lukaku(c) Aguero Austin

    Pickford Capoue Amat Smith

    0.8ITB 2FT

    (a) Snodgrass -> Shaqiri + 1FT
    (b) Walcott & Snodgrass -> Snodgrass + Allen + 0.8ITB

    Thoughts?

    1. fish66
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      (b) Walcott & Snodgrass -> Coutinho + Allen + 0.8ITB even

  11. Rabbinton
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Costa to Lukaku worth a FT ?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No

  12. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Those with Sanchez as (c) - are you not worried about Cazorla being out and potentially minimising Sanchez' attacking output again, as we saw last week?

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

      I dont have Sanchez but it wouldnt put me off if I did. It's Sunderland.

    2. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Na I'm not worried.

    3. Darklord_bg
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      More worried about Giroud starting in place of Walcott. This might put Sanchez to the side....but who knows.

  13. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Most Likely scenario is
    A . I transfers Walcott to coutino and wally plays and scores a hatrick whilst coutino blanks.

    B. I keep Walcott,he doesn't play and capoue comes off the bench and blanks.

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

      Wally won't play tomorrow. 2 important matches coming up next. Ox in form surely they can handle Sunderland.

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        You're probably right.would make sense not to risk him.

    2. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      My personal rule is if in extreme doubt, don't make a transfer - Both scenarios are gonna be painful, but with B at least you haven't wasted a transfer.

  14. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Best time to use AOA chip? im considering using it this GW my team would look like this:

    Grant
    Williams Holebas
    Capoue Mane Redmond Sanchez Son
    Austin Aguero Costa

    Subs:Pickford,Martina,Bailly & Love

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

      Use it, that chip doesn't matter that much anyways

  15. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    With the Walcott news who should I have first sub?

    A Capoue (HULL)
    B Smith (mid)

    Cheers lovely peeps

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

      A

    2. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

      No chance of starting Smith?

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Holebas Walker Pieters

  16. gemmalmr92
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Any news on Milner? Just went on fpl and a flag has suddenly appeared, already done my ft and now Walcott and Milner

    1. gemmalmr92
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      ..are flagged :/

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He's an injury doubt for the match. LFC presser!

    3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Something on the tweets on the homepage

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

      Had a virus during the week. Not sure to start

  17. mgrea
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Foster
    Williams Clyne Kos
    Alexis (c) Payet Allen Firmino
    Deeney Kun Luk

    Pickford, Holebas, Amat, Fletcher

    0.4 ITB 2FT

    Will most definitely play Holebas, not sure who I'll drop probably Allen. Any ideas for my transfers?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Amat to Pieters

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

      Play Holebas over Williams?

      1. mgrea
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks guys

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

    Can really see Capoue scoring this week. Hull are sooo bad.

  19. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    1 FT & 0.4 itb

    Heaton
    Mustafi - Clyne - Holebas
    Sanchez - Firmino - Walcott - Allen
    Aguero - Lukaku(c) - Wilson

    Pickford - Pva - Amat - Snodgrass

    A) Snodgrass -> Redmond
    B) Pva -> Pieters/Smith/Francis
    C) Walcott -> Lallana
    D) Save

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A

  20. davies
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Doesn't sound promising about Walcott

    AW mentioning a test and his availability for Tuesday

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Would likely indicate he either starts or doesn't feature at all

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

        Yeah suppose so

  21. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guys

    Pick 1 to bench Pls?

    A) Vertonghen ( Home to Leicter)
    B) Holebas (Home to hull)
    C) Williams (Home to Everton)
    D) Lovren (away at Palace)

  22. BIG TONES
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    GTG?

    Grant (Pickford)
    Kosc - A.Smith - Holebas (Amat - Collins)
    Sanchez (c) - Payet - Firmino - Allen (Fletcher)
    Lukaku - Deeney - Aguero

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

      Yup. Who's your vice?

      1. gaurava1216
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Curse of the early KO!

        1. BIG TONES
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Don't believe in superstitions

      2. BIG TONES
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Deeney, prob won't matter though

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

          Ah same here. I need to get my captain right this week though.

  23. NRK
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    What do you think for 1 FT?

    A) Payet --> Coutinho (Already have Firminho. Liverpool plays CP away)
    B) Foster --> Cech (Possibility of a CS, plays Sunderland away)

    1M ITB.

    1. Shano23
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Why would u want to get rid of Payet?

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

        Playing Everton away, I felt might be a tricky match up.

  24. crazyasianac
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Stanislas (when fit) and Aguero
    or
    KDB and Austin/Deeney.

    If KDB, will be playing a midfield of KDB, Alexis, Walcott, Sterling with Costa, Lukaku, Austin/Deeney up front.

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

      No Pool mid. I'd get one asap.

  25. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guys

    Play 1:

    A) Antonio (away at Everton)
    B) Capoue (Home to Hull)

  26. okan58
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    0 FT.
    Bank: 0.1

    Heaton
    Walker - Stones - Holebas
    Sanchez - Coutinho - Allen - Sterling
    Lukaku - Aguero - Austin
    Subs: Pickford, Sigurdsson, Collins and Amat.

    What should I change?

  27. Zareos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I am one of the unlucky ones with Snodgrass. I do not have enough money to bring in Redmond this week but I have 2 FTs but 0 ITB. I have double Arsenal in defence and Capoue as my 4th mid). Which option should I go for:

    A. Cech and Snodgrass to Heaton and Redmond; or
    B. Snodgrass to Allen this week and then Cech and Capoue to Heaton and Redmond next week.

    My gut says B because I don't want to love double Arsenal defence against Sunderland to bring in players against Chelsea and United. Thoughts?

    1. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

  28. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone feeling sticking the C on a pool player this weekend?

    Thinking Firmino..

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

      thinking lukaku deeney allen 🙂
      looking for risk this gameweek

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

      Would definitely consider if I had him

  29. WHY ALWAYS MESUT?
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Who would you play out of these two?

    a) Antonio vs Everton away
    b) Austin vs Chelsea home

    Need to decide for a draft league. Thanks!

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

      austin for sure

      1. WHY ALWAYS MESUT?
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Thinking that but Antonio playing as a striker is tempting.

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

          antonio plays right as westham plays 3/4/3

          1. WHY ALWAYS MESUT?
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Played striker midweek with Bilic full of praises.

    2. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Austin

      1. WHY ALWAYS MESUT?
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers.

  30. Totti
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    good to go?
    Boruc
    walker coleman holebas
    sanchez firmino coutinho allen
    aguero lukaku deeney
    Pickford snod evans amat
    1 ft and 1 in the bank