Team News

The Midweek Team News

Jermain Defoe is doubtful for Sunderland’s trip to Leicester. Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny is sidelined for a home clash with West Ham, who welcome back Michail Antonio. Fernando Llorente remains a concern as Swansea entertain Spurs, while Palace have problems at the back for their trip to St Mary’s.

Laurent Koscielny has been ruled out of Arsenal’s clash with West Ham due to the ongoing Achilles complaint that forced him off against Man City on Sunday. Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain face late tests but could be in contention.

Michail Antonio is back for the Hammers after making a quick recovery from a hamstring injury. Aaron Cresswell will miss the next couple of matches, though Diafra Sakho has stepped up his fitness levels and has a chance of making the bench.

Marc Albrighton has recovered from illness in time for Leicester’s match with Sunderland. The Foxes need to make do without skipper Wes Morgan, though, who remains unavailable due to a back problem.

Jermain Defoe is doubtful for the Black Cats after missing training due to a knee issue picked up against Watford at the weekend.

Manolo Gabbiadini has failed to recover from a groin injury in time for Southampton’s match with Crystal Palace. Sofiane Boufal is uncertain to feature after sustaining a muscle problem during training.

Palace have mounting concerns in defence ahead of their trip to St Mary’s, with Scott Dann, James Tomkins and Patrick van Aanholt all ruled out by Sam Allardyce earlier this morning.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns from a three-match ban in time to face Everton. Jose Mourinho has doubts over the availability of Paul Pogba, and also conceded that he reckons Juan Mata is out “for a long time”.

Morgan Schneiderlin and Aaron Lennon remain unavailable for Everton’s trip to Old Trafford, though Ronald Koeman is hopeful that the former could be fit in time to face Leicester on Sunday.

Fernando Llorente remains “touch and go” for Swansea’s match with Spurs as he struggles to overcome an ankle problem that kept him out of the weekend goalless draw with Middlesbrough.

Harry Winks has been ruled out for Spurs with an ankle complaint, while fellow midfielder Victor Wanyama will undergo an assessment on a back problem.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was somewhat elusive in this morning’s briefing, hinting at “a couple of concerns” that he refused to elaborate on ahead of the trip to Liverpool.

Xherdan Shaqiri remains sidelined for Stoke’s clash against Burnley, while Peter Crouch (knee) is a concern.

Middlesbrough’s Fabio is ruled out for at least the next two matches with the concussion that forced him off at Swansea. Gaston Ramirez is set to be assessed after limping off at the Liberty with an ankle injury.

Matt Phillips remains a big doubt for West Brom’s trip to Watford – the wide man has no more than “an outside chance” of shrugging off a hamstring problem in time for tonight’s clash.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of this evening’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Tuesday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

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1,744 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sergeant Garcia
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench? Cant make a decision :s

    A) Siggy (TOT)
    B) Lukaku (mun)
    C) Grosicki (MID)
    D) Carroll (ars)

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Though if Valencia sits out they won't be at full strength.

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

          Why would Valencia sit out?

          1. Sergeant Garcia
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Apparently he did not travel with the squad. Only twitter rumours tho.

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Strong picks. I would bench Lukaku tbh

    3. Lav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Wow very tough. Honestly C for me.

      A is on set pieces/pens, B always a threat, D should perform against a struggling Arsenal backline

    4. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      C

    5. Max City
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A

    6. Big Hippo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      C for me.

    7. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      C

    8. weaver93
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      c

    9. Sterling Chap
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      C

    10. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers guys, C seems popular, although Jonty named him as the goals imminent leader 😮

    11. Page 302
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      C for me as well. Nobody ever deleted their team after benching Grosicki...

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

    GTG here? Bench correct? On a -4

    Foster
    Alonso / Walker / Valencia / Robertson
    Sanchez(c) / Eriksen / Siggy
    Lukaku / Vardy(vc) / Carroll

    Pickford / King / Roon / Pieters

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I would start King over Lukaku

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I wouldnt. Both tough fixtures. but for me, King is finished. (for 3GWs at least)

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      nice team similar to mine

      1. Lav
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. Do you have King?

        1. Ten Season Wonder
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Nah.

        2. Ten Season Wonder
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          or Walker or Vardy. they are the only three diffreent

    3. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg.

  3. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg?

    Jacu
    Vertonghen Yoshida Valencia SWard
    Eriksen Coutinho Siggy Alli
    Costa Barnes

    Pickford Brunt Lukaku Mane
    1ft 0.4 itb

    Thanks

    1. Lav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      GTG

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

      Lukaku not even first sub?

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I think Lukaku will get 2 points and Brunt will have more chances to return.

  4. Big Hippo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Play Valdes (hul) or Pickford (lei)? Leaning towards Valdes

    1. xtremesid
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Valdes

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

      Valdes

    3. Bunk Moreland
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Valdes.

    4. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      V

    5. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      VV

  5. xtremesid
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Sanchez or Vardy captain?
    Trail ML leader by 76 points. He does not have Vardy.

    1. Lav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy

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

      Vardy

    3. Sterling Chap
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy

    4. xtremesid
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all - Vardy it is.

  6. MALDINI'S EYES!
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Last wc slot.

    A) Tadic
    B) Siggy

    1. xtremesid
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Siggy - better games coming up

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

      A

      1. Peggi
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        10 vs 8 games

        1. MALDINI'S EYES!
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Can switch im gw 35 though.

          1. Peggi
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            you could have more pressing transfers come then, easier to go Tadic now

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

        A (DGWs in mind)

    3. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    Tried three times guys. Any ideas?
    How sure is Stephens to start in the coming few GWs?
    If yes, can Soton stop Palace from scoring? Can play him first sub if Valencia is rested.

    1. xtremesid
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I feel Palace will score

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No idea

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

      Stephens has played 90mins for quite a few weeks, at 4.0 he's a good enabler and currently playing if needed from bench. So I've got him but 3rd on bench. Will most likely upgrade to Bertrand for the DGW.

    4. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure Stephens is nailed.
      Do not see a CS for either side in that game. 2-2

    5. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I think Stephens is a good shout for starts.
      Make him first sub if your other defender is just bench fodder.

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

      When wis VVD is back? I doubt Stephens will be starting by DGW

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        VVD is out for the rest of the season but there is a chance that Caceras may come into the team for Stephens

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

        VVD out for the season. Or majority of at least.

        We will play Stephens unless we fall into relegation trouble.

        1. willgriggsonfire
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Reply fail. Thanks for the input!

      3. willgriggsonfire
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks for

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

      Thanks for the suggestions all!
      Alonso Valencia Baines McAuley are the other ones.
      Would keep him as an enabler then I think.

    8. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Stephens is expected to start.
      I too think Palace will score though.

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

    Bench one please!
    A. Valencia(eve,H)i have Lukaku...
    B. Alonso(mci,H)
    C. Robertson(mid,H)
    D. Barnes(sto,H)

    1. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Hard one, D probably.

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

      D.

      A. might not play though

    3. Sterling Chap
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      D

  9. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Should I bring Origi in -4 or play Pieters in a 442?

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Get some Origi in your life.

    2. Sterling Chap
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Depends where you are in your ML. Origi, if chasing

    3. Dazzler365
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure on this either, do you think stoke and Burnley will be 0-0?

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

    I'm playing Llorente, which means likely I'll need to use 1st sub. So who would you put 1st?

    a) Morrison vs Watford
    b) Baines vs ManU
    c) Stephens vs Cry

    1. Lav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      C

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

    Firmino, Coutinho, Ali, Eriksen
    Carroll, Costa, Lukaku

    This is my front 7 for gameweek 31. Who should I captain?

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

      Alli is Mr Consistent

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Sanch.... oh. Um...

      Coutinho

    3. Max City
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Alli

    4. Sterling Chap
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'm on Cout but might switch to Alli myself

  12. columbo
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Llorente and Mane to Origi and Alli worth a - 4 please lads?

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, I would do those moves.

    2. dark91
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yup, looks good

    3. SP Polymorphism
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I did this but Origi was mostly as pool cover for my ML.

    4. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      mane to Alli certainly is - other one depends on the rest of your team though

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

      Mane > Alli only, Llorente not worth a hiot unless your entire bench is injured??

      1. columbo
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks lads.. Only got Valencia and Capoue to cover Llorente. Could see Llorente only making a 1 pointer too.

    6. LeicesterA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Did exactly that.

  13. Legomane
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Heaton
    Alonso Valencia Davies Pieters
    San(C)hez Alli Eriksen Sigurdsson
    (V)ardy Lukaku

    (Pickford Llorente TCarroll ASmith)

    0 FT 2.6 ITB
    Thoughts very much appreciated –
    My main ML rival has Couts and is talking about doubling with Origi - I have no L‘pool cover…
    My plan is to get Aguero(c) in next wk - but I will need to raise 0.2 funds at present.
    Valencia 'news' is leaning me toward B, as my bench is pretty scruffy for this week.

    A
    31. Siggy > Coutinho (-4)
    32. Coutinho Vardy > Sane Aguero(c) (-4)
    (or keep Couts and find 0.8 elsewhere)

    B
    31. Llorente > Origi (-4)
    32. Vardy > Aguero(c)

    C
    31. Strap on a pair
    32. Siggy Vardy > Sane Aguero(c) (-4)

    1. Lav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

    URGENT:

    Play Pedro or Alonso?

    1. dark91
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Pedro

    2. Bunk Moreland
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      They are both playing WB, one of them gets 4 points for a CS, the other gets 1. You make the call.

      1. Misery Loves Kompany
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        On the flip side of this one should get a minimum of 2 points whatever the weather whereas the other could end up on minus score if City turn it on...

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

        Cheers

    3. Misery Loves Kompany
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Pedro for me

    4. SP Polymorphism
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso if Moses is fit

    5. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso, Chelsea to play defensive.

    6. Peggi
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso, both will probably play wing back but you have a chance of a CS from Alonso

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

      Alonso

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

      Have you got a different deadline to everyone else making your post more urgent than the 30 others on this page?

      1. Harrybvb
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Nah but I'm going to bed since it's midnight where I live lol

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

          good answer

  15. Shirokov(c)
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Foster
    Alonso, Valencia, Davies
    Sanchez(c), Alli, Eriksen, Sigurdsson
    Lukaku, Defoe, Llorente

    (Pickford; Pieters, Capoue, Amat)

    Worth a hit to get rid of either Defoe or Llorente? Have 2.8m in the bank.

    1. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I done Llorente to Benteke, dgw in mind doing so..

    2. weaver93
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      nope

  16. Beanz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Stirling to Sanchez for a hit?

    1. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldnt for a hit

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

      oh yes

      1. Legomane
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        san(C)hez

    3. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah

    4. weaver93
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      only if he;s capt..

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

      Yep, but be warned terling can occasionally score big, but Sanchez more likely.

  17. Misery Loves Kompany
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Afternoon all,

    Can't decide on keeper for this week - De Gea (EVE) or Jakupovic (MID) currently on the latter.

    Also, bench order correct?

    Jakupovic
    Valencia - Bertrand - Robertson
    Sanchez(v) - Alli - Son - Redmond
    Aguero - Ibrahimovi(c) - Lukaku

    De Gea - Pieters - Alonso - Oviedo

    1. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      jaku

  18. H-Over United
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one...
    a) Davies
    b) McAuley
    c) Robertson (have Jaku)
    d) Pedro

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      McAuley. I see a Deeney screamer coming.

    3. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      c

  19. adamrjp
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Please HELP!
    Vardy or Sanchez?

    1. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Sanchez more pts per goal, reckon they will score similar amount

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

      For captain or to get in?

      1. adamrjp
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Captain! I've been on Vardy all week but tempted to switch. I'm top of my league - pressure is on!

        1. ScotDougie
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Similar situation here I sit second , first and third own Sanchez but no Bercy could make or break me !!!

          1. ScotDougie
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            No. Vardy

  20. Gizmo13
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Jaku Grant
    Valencia Cahill Walker Brunt Robertson
    Siggy Son Morrisson Carroll Mane
    Aguero Lukaku Llorente

    Mane to Coutinho or Eriksen (FT) and transfer Ibra in for the weekend?

  21. Tinzelbat
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Heaton or jaku?

  22. Gervinho's forehead
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all!

    Foster
    McAuley - Alonso - Walker
    Lanzini - Eriksen - Sigurdsson - Mané**
    Vardy - Lukaku - Llorente**

    Pickford - Mirallas - Williams - Amat

    2FT 3.7 ITB

    I was thinking Mirallas + Llorente > Alli + Origi?

    What to do???

    1. weaver93
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Mane - Sanchez??

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

      Mane + Llorente > Sanchez + Origi

      1. Gervinho's forehead
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks, I have done exactly this 🙂

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

    GW 31:
    A) De Gea
    B) Jakupovic

  24. Max City
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Foster (wat) or Grant (bur)

  25. wilsonito
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Where's all this talk about Valencia not playing come from?

    1. vardys party
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Photos of squad at hotel I think. He'll either play 90 or 0, so not much risk if you have a good bench

  26. George James
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Why is Fabio not red flagged? And when is chambers due back?

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      He is red flagged for me!

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

      He is red flagged. Maybe you're playing Brazilian FPL?

  27. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hold off getting Ibra for Kaku for a few weeks?

    1. vardys party
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, Kaku great fixtures coming up. Switch to Ibra in gw34

  28. QPRUTD
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Chances of a Spurs Cleanie????

    Thinking of starting both Walker and Davies...

    1. Lav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      High

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Very very high.

      ...and so are their chances of a CS.

    3. QPRUTD
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      My other defenders are
      Evans, Cedric and Robertson

  29. vardys party
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Pickford
    Gibson Vert Valencia
    Zaha Son Alli Sanchez (c) Siggy
    Lukaku Costa

    (Hennessey Yoshida Kaboul Gabbi)

    Gtg?

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

    Last time I book got San(c)hez, was -4 hit when he played away at West Ham. The rest is history...

    Bought him last night for -4 again.

    Blank this time?

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

      Bought sanchez*

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

      Nope because I have done the same 😉