Team News
24 November 2017 1038 comments
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Tammy Abraham is rated 50:50 for Swansea City’s home clash against Bournemouth. Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are both ruled out for Manchester United. West Ham pair Marko Arnautovic and Andre Ayew are in contention for the visit of Leicester, while Patrick van Aanholt is back in the frame for Palace’s Selhurst Park meeting with Stoke City.

Here’s our summary of the key team news so far, with an array of big press conferences still to come this afternoon.

Jose Mourinho has been the latest Premier League manager to reveal his hand this morning, confirming that both Phil Jones and Eric Bailly miss the Old Trafford encounter with Brighton. Chris Smalling therefore looks assured of his start, with Marcos Rojo perhaps deployed alongside him having impressed on his return to the starting XI on Wednesday. Mourinho also revealed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will again feature from the bench, while Paul Pogba will start but “cannot go more than 65 to 70 minutes” before being withdrawn.

Steve Sidwell remains the only absentee for the visitors.

Marko Arnautovic and Andre Ayew are both available for West Ham United’s home meeting with Leicester City tonight, but Michail Antonio and James Collins remain out of the picture, despite a return to training this week. Manager David Moyes is preserving that pair for a possible return at Everton in midweek.

Meanwhile, Foxes boss Claude Puel has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to the London Stadium, with Robert Huth and Matty James the only absentees.

Patrick van Aanholt has recovered from a hamstring injury, and is available for Crystal Palace’s home encounter against Stoke City. But Lee Chung-yong and Connor Wickham remain out.

Jack Butland and Geoff Cameron are still sidelined for the Potters, while Mark Hughes revealed Xherdan Shaqiri is “okay”, having only been substituted during Monday night’s 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion as a precaution due some tightness he felt before the match.

Rafa Benitez will be without the suspended Isaac Hayden for the visit of Watford to St James’ Park but could risk Mikel Merino as his replacement. The Spaniard is back in training after a back problem, though he could be protected for the trip to West Brom on Tuesday. Left-back Paul Dummett is another who is close to a return and could feature against the Hornets.

For Watford, Kiko Femenia has trained fully this week following the leg problem that forced him over during the 2-0 win over West Ham United, and is available. Troy Deeney serves outs his three-match ban at St James’ Park.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the home clash against West Bromwich Albion. Erik Lamela is close to a first-team return, and could feature among the substitutes.

Baggies interim boss Gary Megson has also escaped any added injuries ahead of the trip to Wembley, with James Morrison and Nacer Chadli his only absentees.

Swansea City head coach Paul Clement has revealed that Tammy Abraham has been unable to train prior to today due to a back injury, and is rated as “50/50” for the home fixture with Bournemouth. Wilfried Bony is set to earn a recall should the Chelsea loanee miss out.

Junior Stanislas and Jermain Defoe will both miss the trip to south Wales, while Simon Francis is suspended.

Southampton have their own suspension to contend with, as Oriol Romeu misses the home meeting against Everton. Mario Lemina is back in training and will face a late assessment with Mauricio Pellegrino hopeful that he can step in.

Meanwhile Toffees duo Tom Davies and Oumar Niasse miss Sunday’s trip to St Mary’s with their own bans. Niasse begins a two-match suspension having been charged with the “Successful Deception of a Match Official” following the penalty award at Palace in Gameweek 12.

Huddersfield Town head coach David Wagner welcomes back Christopher Schindler for the visit of Manchester City to the John Smith’s Stadium, following the defender’s one-match ban. Jonathan Hogg is also available again after missing the 4-0 defeat to Bournemouth due to the birth of his son.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tonight’s 7.00pm deadline, which includes our predicted line-ups. Keep an eye on our official Twitter account for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from the remaining press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly.

  1. The Left Duke #3
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I'm really tempted to captain Silva over Kane....I can feel a haul coming soon

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Problem is Silva not generally explosive. He might get a goal or an assist but Kane could get a hat trick?

  2. Dotherightthing
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Kaku for Kun on a free transfer?

    1. Yordan Letchkov
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. The Fed
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      If you already have Kane then yes. Morata has better fixtures, so could be an option aswell.

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Morata if you don't have him

      1. Dotherightthing
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I've got Morata-Kane-Kun

  3. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Start Elliot (WAT) or Speroni (STK)?

    1. Yordan Letchkov
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Speroni

    2. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Tricky one.

      I would probably go with Speroni I think. Watford very attacking. Woy hopefully drilling Palace defence.

    3. Mingo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Speroni. Richarlison is particularly good away and Watford seem to score plenty of goals.

    4. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I've got speroni

    5. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Clean sheet and fixture odds can be found here:
      http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/16998477

  4. Yordan Letchkov
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Please help me for finding the right move(s) for this GW:

    Current def (3 to play):
    Jones, Mee, Moreno, Francis, Duffy

    A) Jones -> Smalling
    B) Jones -> Mustafi
    C) Jones + Francis -> Smalling + 4.5 def for -4

    Thanks and good luck!

    1. Outlier
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Personally I’d transfer Moreno out before Jones. Jones may only be out for a week then he’ll be back in the starting lineup. Moreno’s by no means guaranteed a start, he’s a liability

    2. M00N
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Smalling will be in and out of the team its just another transfer out. Out of those options I'd go B

  5. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Would u start Elliot or Fabianski this GW?

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm starting Fab although I can't really see either keeping a clean sheet. (I own both)

    2. Mingo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Same conundrum for me. I can see both getting 3 points really. I have Daniels and Richarlison to factor into my decision.

  6. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Sell Simpson or Fernandez

    1. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Leicester better defensively. Fernandez.

  7. The Chief
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    If you already owned Morata and wanted more Chelsea exposure, would you get in Hazard or Alonso/Azpi?

    1. Outlier
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard if you can afford him

    2. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Really hard to say in isolation but I guess maybe one of the defenders as getting Hazard would slightly dilute the captaincy value of Morata. Very tricky to compare though.

    3. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I've got Alonso and Morata and pretty happy with it.

    4. FPL_Hazards
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Haz on fire

    5. Mingo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I have Azpi and Hazard, looking to get Morata for Jesus next week.

    6. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard.

    7. The Chief
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks everyone, tough dilemma. Too expensive to own all three.

      Leaning towards Azpi following Conte's defensive record last year.

      1. Mingo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        It is indeed, it's a lot easier to go for the cheaper City assets. I wildcarded in GW8 with the intention of getting Azpi and Hazard for this run of games. Without the WC it's tough to afford them. It's a gamble as I'm going without Sane and Salah but there's every chance that Chelsea will steamroller teams for a while now.

  8. Reuser
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bear me out on this one....

    With increasing doubts about Lukaku's ability to deliver value, do you think the following -8 may be worth considering?

    OUT: Naughton/Jones, T Carroll, Lukaku
    IN: Otamendi, Sane, Wilson

    Current plan is to take a -4 - Jones and Sterling to Dann and Sane. But for 4 points more (and risking a Lukaku haul), I can restructure my side and have cash ITB to upgrade my only non-player (Mbemba) at a later date.

    1. The Fed
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Keep Kaku

  9. RealSocialDads
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Play one:

    1. Kiko (new)
    2. Abraham (bou)
    3. Mee (ARS)

    Currently on Kiko

    1. Matt Sk
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Tammy

    2. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'd play Abraham with Kiko then Mee on the bench.

    3. Deano
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Isn’t Tammy at home?

      1. RealSocialDads
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah he is, my mistake! Look overwhelming for Tammy here, scared of benching Kiko he's looked good recent weeks but Tammy makes more sense

  10. FC Hakkebøf
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys. A little bit off topic. But I have some questions for a different (danish) fantasy game .. (basically same point system, except transfers are a lot cheaper and you can only pick 11 players which means no autosub). Im playing in a huge prizepool group so would really appreciate your help.

    A) Morata or Hazard?
    B) Lacazette or Sane?
    C) Trippier or Smalling?

    All cost just about the same..

    1. TOBY1
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      hazard sane trippier

    2. M00N
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard
      Sane
      Someone else

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Probably this, especially with no autosubs and heading into Christmas you need someone who should play every game.

    3. Outlier
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A) Hazard, B) Sane, C) Smalling (for this week, but would not keen him long term once Bailly and Jones are back)

    4. RealSocialDads
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard Sane Tripppier

    5. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      No auto subs? Sounds better than FPL with no dirty undeserved points

    6. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Wow lads. Thanks for all replies. There seems to be consensus. Ill go for Haz, Sane and Trippier then!

  11. Fernando Torres
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    A) Sane + Sterling + Otamendi (-4)
    B) Sane + Richarlison + Azpi (-8)
    C) Hazard + Richarlison + Otamendi (-8)

    What do we think does better? Thanks!

    1. Matt Sk
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A) imo, Richarlison fixtures are awfull, could you get Pogba over Sterling maybe?

      1. Fernando Torres
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I could do but would be a -4 which isn't worth it.

  12. Big Sam Time
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    How this look for this gw??? Any advice welcome

    Ederson
    Daniels, ward, moreno
    David silva, zaha, ramsay, Choupo
    Kane, morata, lukaku

    Bench, elliot, cork, naughton
    Zabaleta

  13. L9
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    jones owners are u ditching ? thinking of bringing in smalling for this week and then mustafi (HUD home). is smalling nailed atm?

    1. M00N
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Just go Mustafi, no point in using all your transfers over the nest 2 GW's for a defender.

    2. Outlier
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I’m not ditching him. I believe he’ll only be out for this week then straight back in. I’ve had him for a long time so would lose a lot of value by getting rid of him short term. Smalling is only nailed for this week

    3. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Smalling should play this week but far from guaranteed once everyone is fit. I'd just go straight for the Arsenal defence rather than spend an extra transfer personally.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        *Tottenham

  14. Stat Sloth
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Dear enlightened compatriots,

    My defense line is currently:

    Jones (out), Azpi, Naughton, Hegazy and Cresswell.

    In addition, I have a "red" forward. Seven other att/mid looks fine, and will probably start. Which makes me want to play 3-5-2, and I should have a playing def as first bench.

    Would you do a -4 to get a better defender in, for either Naughton, Hega or Cressie? In case, which one? Got 5m itb, so money not an issue here.

    1. Stat Sloth
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Thank you for your response. It all makes sense now.

  15. Deano
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Was worried about Kaku’s start/minutes this week until reading Mou’s PC quote. Surely with Z lurking he will have to turn it on like his goal last week.

    1. M00N
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I think Zlatan will reduce his minutes, but not as much as most think. They will play together more often than not for me. Just might get stuck out wide which maybe a problem.

  16. Totti
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    captin:

    A) kane
    B) sane

    1. M00N
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Sane looks on for big points this week. Too bad I don't own him.

  17. M00N
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Don’t usually ask this kind of question, but a little stuck. Any ideas on how to sort this team out?

    Speroni / Elliot

    Jones* / Daniels / Ward / Kiko / Hunemeier

    Eriksen / Richarlison / Salah / Carroll* / Romeu*

    Morata / Kane / Aguero*

    1.3m ITB

    Thinking of changing to 3-5-2 or 4-4-2. Aguero to Sane basically, just don’t know if Wilson is a good option as a 3rd striker. Think I need a few more weeks to judge, was all set on Niasse.

  18. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    who are people going for as captain:

    1. Kane
    2. Lukaku

    1. The Fed
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Kane, more explosive.

    2. RealSocialDads
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

    3. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Kane but I don't own Lukaku. Tricky one!

  19. Sterling Chap
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Best move with me 1 FT... I'm thinking Abrahams > Wilson. Do you agree?

    Elliot (Krul)
    Moreno Kola Mee Otamendi (Jones*)
    Sane(c) Silva Salah (Carroll* King*)
    Abrahams* Kane Lukaku(vc)
    1.3ITB / 1FT

  20. #Swish41
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team would be appreciated:

    DDG (Elliot)
    Daniels Davies Mustafi (Moreno Mee)
    Salah Sane Pogba Richarlison (RLC)
    Kane Morata Wilson

    Davies didn't play midweek so looks set to play this weekend.

    In 2 weeks Davies/Wilson > Azpi/Niasse (for free) for the Chelsea run.

    Thoughts?! Thanks!

  21. Champions united
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    if tammy doesnt plays in GW13
    GW14 is against chelsea(he is on loan )

    tammy>wilson or any other for a hit (0.9 ITB)
    1)Yes
    2)No

  22. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one.

    A) Richarlison (new)
    B) RLC (STO)
    C) Wilson (swa)

    1. The Fed
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      RLC

    2. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      RLC for me.

      Richarlison has been pretty explosive away from home, Wilson just scored a hat trick.

      RLC might get an assist but can't see big points there really.

  23. HD7
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Have Kane Lukaku Jesus Salah...
    Who would you captain and why?

    I forgot when was the last time I chose the player with the most points in my team as Captain... oh well.

    1. The Fed
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Kane, more explosive and on pens.

      1. HD7
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Elliot
        Walker Mustafi Daniels
        Sterling Richarlison Salah RLC
        Kaku Kane (C) Jesus

        Subs: Fabianski, Mee, Tarroll, Mbemba

        here it goes...

    2. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Kane a good option but last chance for me

  24. twoplustwo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Good to go this week? Plan is to drop Kane or Jesus for Salah and a cheapie mid (Zaha to Bentekkers?) next week depending on how the weekend plays out.

    Gomes

    Azpi Ota Daniels Vert

    Zaha Richarlison Sane

    Morata Jesus Kane (C)

    Subs: Elliot, Ward, Cork, Tarroll

  25. FPLord
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling, Kun > Sane, Morata best option with 2FT?

    1. The Fed
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Need to see rest of team, but sounds good.

    2. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm on the latter, looks good

    3. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      yep

  26. Malkmus
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Is Mariappa nailed?

    1. FPLord
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      no, but he is likely to play this GW

    2. The Fed
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      No, not according to team news

    3. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      he isn't nailed- He could play himself into the team, or he could end up on the bench and only play cause of injuries. I have him and think he is a decent 5th defender

    4. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      best possible 4.0 option

      1. Malkmus
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers all, very useful

  27. Deeney-is-a-god
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    thinking about doing aguero, richarlison-> firminho, hazard -4
    Could delay the hazard transher though, but want to get aguero out as I don't think he will play

    1. FPLord
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      not sure, Richarlison has a good fixture this week as well. Kun > someone and save the other transfer

  28. FPL ElasticO
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Which of these transfers are worth investing for hits?? Got 1 FT

    A. Kun >> Morata
    B. Kun & Chalobah >> Hazard & 5.5 Striker
    C. Naughton >> Daniels

    1. The Chief
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

  29. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    No Bailey or Jones....a perfect excuse to play Gross!!☺️

    1. M00N
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Captain Murray

      1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Hmm...could have done it..but transferred him out for niasse

  30. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Pope
    Davies Jones* Daniels
    Hazard Eriksen Salah RLC
    Kane Jesus Wilson

    (Elliot Wimmer Ward Carroll)

    0FT 0.1ITB.
    A. G2G, keep faith that Jones will return...
    B. Jones > Mustafi (-4)
    C. Jones > Maguire (-4)

    (Plan to use FT Jesus > Morata next week, so will cost -4 to take out Jones either way...)

    1. The Fed
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B

      1. The Fed
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Actually, just play Ward from your bench

        1. The Fed
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Or Wimmer lol

    2. The Chief
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Just play Ward, -4 and likely 2 points from Ward, not likely to be worth a transfer..

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers guys