Team News

The Gameweek 34 Team News

Zlatan Ibrahimovic appears destined for a spell on the sidelines, while Andy Carroll has been ruled out of West Ham’s home clash with Everton. Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen could return to face former club Swansea City, but Joel Matip, Lucas Leiva and Ragnar Klavan are all injury concerns ahead of Liverpool’s home encounter with Crystal Palace.

The headline team news undoubtedly surrounds Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who suffered a knee injury during last night’s 2-1 win over Anderlecht in the UEFA Europa League.

The striker had been the top attraction in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) transfer market ahead of United’s double Gameweek fixtures at Burnley and Manchester City, with more than 82,000 managers swooping early for the Swede.

But post-match, United boss Jose Mourinho was far from hopeful regarding the injury, or the one suffered by Marcos Rojo, who was also forced off with a knee problem. While there is no confirmation of a Mourinho press conference, we would still expect some further information on both injuries from the United camp later today ahead of Sunday’s Turf Moor trip.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will make a late call on Dan Gosling, who has missed the last three matches due to a calf complaint. Howe revealed the midfielder hasn’t done a lot of training, so Lewis Cook may earn a rare start in place of Jack Wilshere, who will miss the rest of the season following a hairline fracture to his leg suffered in the 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Middlesbrough head coach Steve Agnew revealed the knee injury suffered by Fabio in Monday night’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal isn’t as bad as first feared. The defender will be assessed this morning to see if he is available for tomorrow’s trip to Bournemouth.

Rudy Gestede did suffer a kick to his heel against the Gunners, but he trained well on Thursday, and should for available for selection. Victor Valdes (rib) and Grant Leadbitter (hamstring) are both ruled out.

Jack Cork (ankle) and Wayne Routledge (hernia) will both miss Swansea City’s home clash against Stoke City. Head coach Paul Clement is hopeful Cork could return for the Gameweek 35 trip to Old Trafford, however.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes is hopeful Joe Allen (hamstring) and Glenn Whelan (illness) will be available for the trip to south Wales. Both players came through training yesterday, and look set to be available. Jonathan Walters has yet to train this week as the Potters continue to manage his knee problem. The Republic of Ireland international was due to train today though, and may be able to feature. Hughes has also hinted at a first-team return for the fit-again Jack Butland between the posts.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic will be without Andy Carroll for the home encounter against Everton, with the forward sidelined due to a knock. Sam Byram and Mark Noble are also unavailable due to suspension, but there is some good news, with Winston Reid back following a groin problem, although Bilic has yet to decide if he will start against the Toffees. Diafra Sakho was due to return to training yesterday, with the forward’s fitness levels to be assessed to see whether he can feature in the matchday squad.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has no fresh injury concerns for the trip to the London Stadium, although on-loan forward Enner Valencia is ineligible to face his parent club.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp revealed Joel Matip, Lucas Leiva (both knocks) and Ragnar Klavan (knee) are all injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s home meeting with Crystal Palace. The trio had all failed to train prior to Thursday, although Matip is hopeful he’ll be able to overcome a minor muscle issue to face the Eagles.

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce has been boosted by the return to training of James Tomkins and Loic Remy. Tomkins’ return looks particularly well-timed given on-loan defender Mamadou Sakho is ineligible to face his parent club.

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.

1,492 Comments Post a Comment
  1. MESSINHO
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Are both Yoshida and Stephens nailed?

    I'm on WC, and currently on Yoshida as I think he's more nailed. But Stephens is 0.3 cheaper.

    1. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      PS: I'm on WC.

      1. itwaswritten
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Stephens in a starter now, yes.

        1. itwaswritten
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          is*

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

      Looks that way. Get both.

      1. MESSINHO
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I'm planning to have Yoshida/Stephens + JWP + Gabbi by GW36.

    3. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Seem to be. Caceres you'd expect to get at least a game or 2 now he's fit

      1. Sess!
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        He's massively short of fitness and has had mental issues. I don't think he'll be used unless they're desperate.

    4. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I shall be doubling up for DGWs

    5. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes as long as Van Dijk doesn't make a miraculous comeback

    6. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Not Stephens, Caceres offers a threat

      1. Sess!
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        He doesn't offer a threat. See above.

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks

      2. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Stephens will play. Caceres was a panic buy when VVD went out. Hes old and unfit plus stephens is doing prrfectly fine. They won't blood him in now

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks

    7. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I've got both on WC 2 weeks ago. Brilliant enablers, even if you only play one of the 2 of them.

  2. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hey guys, only two defenders starting this week and a crocked Andy Carroll who is currently benched. Should I upgrade Amat & Brunt > Holgate & PvA or get Tekkers and one of those defenders? Don't trust Boro.

    Heaton
    Valencia - Mawson
    Sanchez - Zaha - Eriksen - Alli - King
    Kane - Lukaku

    Pickford - Carroll - Brunt - McAuley - Amat

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Do you have AOA?

      1. Jet5605
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Nope.

        If I get Tekkers & PvA I'd have three Palace which might be too much. Holgate might be more stable for the long term but PvA could explode

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          PvA explode against Liverpool and Spurs?

          1. Jet5605
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Well maybe an exaggeration but Liverpool's defence ain't great although I see Tekkers getting more joy there

        2. Professor Abel X
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I'd leave Carroll benched this week as you have a good 5th mid. And I'd do Brunt to PVA I think

  3. Shaikh91
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What to do with this team? 2ft with 0.3 itb

    jaku Foster

    Alonso Valencia Robertson yoshida friend

    Siggy jwp Son pedro allen

    Lukaku aguero ibra

  4. jackhammer1
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Valdes
    VALENCIA GIBSON Holebas
    Alli Erikson Sanchez ZAHA
    Kane Ibra
    Pickford. Barnes stephens Fuchs

    Going to do a -4 of Ibra and Barnes to 2 of the following.
    A. Rashford
    B. Negredo
    C. Benteke

    Which 2?

    Also is valdes to DDG worth making it -8?

    Cheers

    1. jackhammer1
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sane is my other mid, who I would bench

    2. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A and B for me

    3. Ramseys Rovers
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B & C

  5. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Ibra & Nyom > Negredo/Rashford & Bailly (-4)

    Yay or Nay?

    1. pritish17
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yay

    2. itwaswritten
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Negredo & Bailly YAY. Captain Negredo.

    3. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Y

      1. Professor Abel X
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Negredo

    4. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Alright cheers guys

    5. Ramseys Rovers
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yay

  6. pritish17
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Davies -> Gibson or Aguero -> Negredo or both?

    1. itwaswritten
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Both.

  7. Mark-O
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    This cover photo for this article is so sad 🙁

    1. Sp0rting
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I didn't nose where to look.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      let's put things into perspective here.....compared to what else has happened in football over the last day this is hardly tear jerking

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah. This season means so much to him 🙁

      Whichever company takes those top photos have some terrific photographers. Consistently great pics.

  8. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Currently have:

    Hennessey
    Gibson Valencia Davies
    Zaha(V) King Siggy Sanchez Alli
    Negredo(C) Lukaku

    Pickford Ibra* Huth Yoshida

    Should I:

    A. Keep team as it is and get rid of Ibra after GW
    B. Get in Kane for Ibra and use AoA then have him coming in for Davies

    1. IWR
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Forgot, B would involve a -4

  9. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Llorente a doubt

    http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39605115

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Siggy will do it all on his own

      #Keepthefaith

      1. L'Aeroplanino
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        He can't save them.

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Gylfi's decline correlates with Llorente's absence.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      the new carroll

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Oh ffs...
      http://i.imgur.com/g0BVQZo.gifv

  10. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Play King OR use my FT on Ibra > one of the 3musketeers?

    1. The Wizard of Ozil
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      King.

  11. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I'm enjoying how today's panic was inevitable...Without the injury everyone would have been fretting over Captain Ibra starting Vs Burnley

  12. thunder_mike
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Best GK for GK34+35
    A) Hennessey
    B) DDG
    C) Valdes

    Leaning towards Hennessey atm.

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B

  13. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is Valencia ➡ Bailly worth -4?

    I see Bailly playing bur,mci,SWA and Valencia playing only mci.

    I have no bench. Amat and Lenihan stinking it up.

    WC in gw 36.

    1. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I believe so - and will be doing the same. Not as sideways as it might seem and releases funds.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Exactly.

        Gives me the cash to upgrade my 5th mid to Arnautovic (WHM) next gw to play AOA.

  14. L'Aeroplanino
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Repost

    Heaton
    Alonso Baines Gibson Robertson Amat
    Sanchez Alli Eriksen Siggy Zaha
    Kaku Kane Llorente

    2FT 0 itb

    How many of the moves below will you make? Could be any combinations.

    1. Llorente -> Negredo/Tekkers/Rash (Bench Siggy)
    2. Baines -> Bailly (Robertson)
    3. Heaton -> Henn
    4. Premium mid -> Hazard/King

    Cheers

    1. L'Aeroplanino
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      * (Bench Robertson)

    2. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      2 but bench Alonso

  15. soup natsi
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Have three dgw players. Two most probably won't start both (Valencia, Chambers), one may not take part at all (Valdes). And I want to keep the FT. Am I mad?

    1. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Team below:

      Valdes
      Valencia Chambers Vert
      Sanchez Alli Cout Siggy Sane
      Kane Kaku
      ---------------------------- Jaku Stones Holgate Barnes

      Want to keep Sanchez and Siggy, and can't see any other obvious transfer. Can't afford Barnes > Negredo/Benteke either with 0.9 itb.

  16. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Captain?

    A Alli (cry)
    B Negredo (bou,SUN)
    C Sanchez (LEI)
    D Eriksen (cry)
    E Hazard (SOU)
    F Zaha (liv, TOT)
    G Lukaku (wha)
    H Kane (cry)

    So many options buu not a clear one...

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B/G

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B for me

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      H
      G
      B
      D
      A
      F
      E
      C

  17. RustyBz
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Aguero is a bit of a worry, considering Jesus is lurking and they have the FA Cup semi at weekend, is he not?

    1. VS10_
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Manchester evening news said Jesus could make a return against Arsenal, but I'm not sure if he has actually been in team training yet. Pep will provide an update soon.

  18. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Rashers or Zaha for (c)?

  19. GHB
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Any ideas on the West Ham attack?

    With Carroll out will Lanzini go further forward behind striker?

    He has seemed really deep recently and wondering whether to take him out this week

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Just leave West Ham alone.

      I knew what I was letting myself in for with Carroll but I'd have been getting rid this week anyway and with Antonio out there's really no one else in that team you'd really want.

  20. ROOTY7
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Any changes to this wilcard team lads?

    DDG Pickford
    Alonso Bailly Stephens Yoshida Gibson
    Hazard Sanchez Alli Zaha JWP
    Negredo Benteke Kane

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I like it, a lot. Maybe Holgate instead of Stephens.. just don't see SOU keeping many cleanies despite the doubles. Also allows you an upgrade option of Negredo to Gabbiadini next week!

      1. ROOTY7
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks mate! Yeah i would like Gabbi, didnt really consider that. Any beter options in that price range than Holgate? Would like a GW37 DGW player.

    2. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Oh dude, almost the same team as mine, also on WC.

      The only difference is, I have Stones instead of Stephens to be able to get Gabbi next week.

  21. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Who do I bench here!?
    Sanchez Alli Hazard Townsend King Kane Benteke Negredo

    1. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      King

    2. Phreak4piano
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      King

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      King

    4. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Unanimous. Thanks

    5. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      King

    6. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sanchez.

      King is essential right now IMO.

  22. thomashl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Any news on Alonso?

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Presser coming up soon

  23. Phreak4piano
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Gtg?

    Pickford
    Valencia Alonso Gibson
    Sanchez Alli Eriksen Sane Zaha
    Kane Benteke
    (Heaton // Mawson Anichebe Stephens)
    1FT, 1.7itb

    1. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Very nice. Care to help above?

      Who are you captaining?

  24. Fuchs Mane Kante
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Bench this week consists of
    Heats
    King
    Alonso
    Baines
    How has this even happended -8 no doubt.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Bench players to outscore your DGW tatt. Guaranteed.

      1. Fuchs Mane Kante
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Will be the third consecutive season lol.

  25. Barbarians
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    who to play

    Heaton (man)
    or
    Jaku (wat)

    Valencia/Davies or Pieters (swa)

    ?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Always play Heaton at home.

  26. Ramseys Rovers
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Are all of these worth -12?
    1) Valdes -> De Gea
    2) Mawson -> Bailly
    3) Sterling -> Zaha
    4) Crouch -> Negrado
    .
    Team would be:
    DDG
    BAILLY VALENCIA Davies
    ZAHA Sanchez Alli King
    NEGRADO Kane(C) Lukaku
    .
    Subs Heaton Robertson Davies Yoshida
    Will be WC in 36

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Meh, probably not but just do it anyway.

      What really do you have to lose?

    2. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Brave, but I actually think it is, so long as they all play both which they should

  27. Sp0rting
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Already on a -8 (strategy, of course).

    A) Lose Ibra for another hit? (Tekkers/Costa?)

    B) Bench Ibra and play Tom Davies against WHU and hope he assists Kaku?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Go for it. Hit me baby, one more time!

  28. Fuchs Mane Kante
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Might even (c) the pog.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      lol

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Oh dear lol

  29. Yellin' in my Ear
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hello all and happy Friday. Really struggling to see what to do this week, only two DGW players but don't really want to drop any of the SGW ones (apart from maybe Heaton but can't afford Hennessy or Guzan for Pickford without a hit). Any ideas?

    Heaton (Pickford)
    Alonso, Valencia*, Gibson*, (Baines, brunt)
    King, Sanchez, Coutinho, Alli, Eriksen
    Kaku, Kane (Crouch)

    Cheers.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Crouch for Rashford/Negredo?

      1. Yellin' in my Ear
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Can't afford unfortunately

    2. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sorry should say 1Ft, £0.1m itb

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      King to Zaha then.

  30. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Fantastic draw for Man Utd and England. Reckon Ajax and Lyon would have taken them over 2 legs.

    1. Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Town when Aspas knocks them out 😉

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Id love it but would be bad news for English football