Team News
28 November 2017 1584 comments
James H James H
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With today’s 6.45 pm Fantasy Premier League deadline drawing ever closer, we’ve collated the latest facts and speculation surrounding the midweek teamsheets, while also presenting our predicted line-ups here.

Here’s our summary of the key team news so far…

Brighton have no new injury concerns for tonight’s home encounter against Crystal Palace, with Steve Sidwell remaining their only absentee. Chris Hughton seems likely to recall Jose Izquierdo on the left flank, though, after Solly March was afforded a start at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Christian Benteke will be pushing for his first start since returning from injury for the Eagles. James McArthur made way for the Belgian at the break against Stoke last weekend and could be the man to miss out, with Andros Townsend moving to the left flank. Scott Dann and Julian Speroni dropped to the bench against the Potters and offer alternatives to James Tomkins and Wayne Hennessey.

Ahead of Leicester City’s home meeting with Spurs, Claude Puel has hinted at rotating in order to cope with the schedule. Ben Chilwell, Islam Slimani and Shinji Okazaki will be hoping to come into contention, with Demarai Gray and Marc Albrighton the most likely to drop to the bench. Long-term absentees Robert Huth and Matty James are the only players unavailable.

Spurs winger Erik Lamela is available for the King Power Stadium encounter after more than a year out through injury, though minutes from the bench look the likeliest scenario. Rotation at wing-back/full-back could be on the cards, with Danny Rose and Serge Aurier potentially coming in for Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier. Either Moussa Sissoko or Mousa Dembele could be set to replace Harry Winks, who is a doubt due to illness. Son Heung-min also looks likely to be ousted from the starting XI as Mauricio Pochettino freshens up his options.

Troy Deeney returns from a three-match suspension in time for Watford’s home encounter with Man United. Yet the success of a recent move to 3-4-2-1 means he may have to settle for bench-warming duties, with the more mobile Andre Gray leading the line again. Roberto Pereyra and Andre Carrillo offer further options in the final third but the form of Will Hughes suggests he will retain his place alongside Richarlison. In defence, Miguel Britos faces a late assessment, with Sebastian Prodl on standby to replace him.

As it stands, Man United defensive pair Phil Jones and Eric Bailly seem set to remain sidelined for the Vicarage Road trip, though the fit-again Marcos Rojo could come in for Victor Lindelof at centre-half. Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his own comeback with further minutes off the bench against Brighton last weekend, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan also featured as a sub in the Seagulls encounter. They offer alternatives to Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, though it remains to be seen whether Ibrahimovic is fit enough to start should Jose Mourinho look to manage the minutes of Romelu Lukaku. However, reports state that Marouane Fellaini hasn’t travelled with the squad.

Ahead of a visit from Newcastle, West Brom caretaker boss Gary Megson may continue with the 3-5-2 formation that harvested a 1-1 draw at Spurs last Saturday. The likes of Gareth McAuley, James McClean, Hal Robson-Kanu and Grzegorz Krychowiak will all be pushing for starting roles after being named on the bench at Wembley Stadium, though Chris Brunt remains doubtful due to a calf complaint.

The Magpies, meanwhile, head to The Hawthorns without injured trio Jamaal Lascelles, Christian Atsu and Paul Dummett. Mikel Merino will be pushing for a return after signalling his comeback from injury with minutes off the bench last weekend. Up front, Rafa Benitez may well reassess his recent move to 4-4-2 in light of Saturday’s home hammering by Watford. This could allow Ayoze Perez to return in a central support role, with Aleksandar Mitrovic offering an alternative up front.

Arsenal welcome Huddersfield to the Emirates tomorrow evening, with Mesut Ozil facing a late assessment on the illness that forced him to miss the weekend win at Burnley. With Theo Walcott still sidelined with a similar complaint and Alex Iwobi doubtful due to a leg problem, Danny Welbeck could join Alexis Sanchez in the central support role. Jack Wilshere appeared off the bench at Turf Moor but may have to settle for a sub role again. Per Mertesacker offers an alternative in defence should Arsene Wenger wish to rotate.

Rajiv Van la Parra serves the first of a three-match ban for the Terriers’ trip to north London. This could allow Elias Kachunga to be handed a start, while Steve Mounie offers an alternative to Laurent Depoitre up front. David Wagner’s tendency to play with three central midfielders against tougher opponents is likely to continue, while at full-back, both Chris Lowe and Florent Hadergjonaj could come in for Scott Malone and Tommy Smith if Wagner rotates.

Bournemouth will have defender Simon Francis back available for the home clash against Burnley after serving his one-match ban. He could oust Adam Smith at right-back, with Eddie Howe admitting that he faces a selection headache. The Cherries boss could also rotate elsewhere, with Lewis Cook and Benik Afobe the most likely to get the nod. Harry Arter and Callum Wilson could make way, then. Jermain Defoe faces a late assessment but Junior Stanislas is still unavailable.

For the visitors, Chris Wood will push for a recall after returning from injury as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. Ashley Barnes is most likely to drop out, while Scott Arfield could also push for inclusion in a wide role.

After only appearing as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool, Cesc Fabregas looks certain to return to the starting XI for the visit of Swansea City to Stamford Bridge. David Luiz will also be vying for a start in central defence if Antonio Conte looks to rotate. Andreas Christensen‘s place in the defence will be of particular significance to Fantasy managers, with the Dane having started the last three Gameweek outings.

The Swans will visit Stamford Bridge without Federico Fernandez, who has been given compassionate leave to return to Argentina following the death of his father, while Tammy Abraham is ineligible to face his parent club. Head coach Paul Clement has little options available in those areas, though will likely rotate in midfield.

Leighton Baines looks set to be ruled out of Everton’s home fixture against West Ham United due to a calf injury picked up in the 4-1 defeat to Southampton, while Michael Keane was forced off with a knock in the same match, and is a doubt. Tom Davies is available again after serving a one-match ban, though Oumar Niasse remains suspended.

The Hammers will still be without the injured Chicharito, Michail Antonio and James Collins for the trip to Goodison Park, but Marko Arnautovic (knee) looks set to be available having trained on Monday.

As always, Pep Guardiola’s teamsheet will be keenly anticipated. Gabriel Jesus will be expected to return to the starting XI for Manchester City’s home encounter against Southampton after sitting out the last two outings. And, after starting the last five matches in all competitions, Raheem Sterling looks to be a rotation risk, with Bernardo Silva a possible starter. Guardiola’s options at the back are more limited, though he may consider resting Vincent Kompany with the weekend fixture with West Ham in mind.

For the Saints, Oriol Romeu is available again following the midfielder’s one-match ban, while Mario Lemina may also push for a start after returning from injury as a substitute last weekend. Charlie Austin will be expected to start up front after his brace, though manager Mauricio Pellegrino may opt for the mobility of Shane Long.

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes revealed Ramadan Sobhi is fit for the home clash against Liverpool, but Geoff Cameron remains sidelined. Hughes could consider a start for Peter Crouch against his former club.

Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino look set to be handed recalls for the trip to the bet365 Stadium, after surprisingly being left out of the starting XI against Chelsea, but Emre Can (muscle problem) and Dejan Lovren (knock) remain doubts. We may also see rotation at full-back for Liverpool, with Trent Alexander-Arnold a possible starter.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of this tonight’s 6.45pm deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Account for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from today’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

  1. Rashers
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Would you play

    A. Moreno (Stoke a)
    B. Mee (Bou a)

    Thanks

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

      B

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

      Mee

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

      B

    4. KUNingas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B

    5. Rashers
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks all

    6. calmc92
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Still think if Burnley concede, Ben Mee will pick up some bonus points and there's a potential clean sheet aswell.

    7. Leonard hatred
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Youu

  2. PlayBoys FC
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Better option?
    A) Ali or Silva, Firminio to Hazard,Wilson or other 6-7itb
    B) Ali or Silva, Firminio to Morata and midf 6-7itb? Please help

  3. Ribus
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Elliot
    Otamendi | Kola | Daniels
    Hazard | Salah | Richarlison | Groß
    Kun | Morata | Firmino

    Fabianski | Moreno | Chalobah | Rosenior

    Gtg? Kun is my main concern.. think Jesus will start.

    1. Leonard hatred
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I panicked and took a hit too replace Kun with Jesus whist sat on the bog doing fantasy football earlier.

      Shit move tbh.

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

    Can't wait for the next leg of the Everton Comedy Defending Roadshow tomorrow night

  5. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    sometimes when a choice is so impossible that you can't answer it will FPL reasoning or logic you need to think outside the box.

    therefore a parenting manual will be used for this gameweek's captaincy.
    the children, little alvaro and little harry, are fighting over the last biscuit. neither child deserves it more than the other one as they have already had one each. the parent is advised to give neither child the biscuit in this scenario. so instead the biscuit will be given to little gabriel who hadn't had a biscuit. he was to pre-occupied fighting with little sergio over the slide to even notice the biscuits.

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

      I have given my biscuit to Mo, who has been a very good boy for some weeks, now. 😉

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      🙂

    3. The Wise Owl
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Are we talking ginger nuts or jammy dodgers?

      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        ginger nuts helps the analogy. too crumbly to split in half

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

      Little Gabriel is going to go berserk

    5. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hardly worth them fighting over my biscuits - I call them One Point Creams

  6. ZakyJ
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Jesus & Lukaku & Carrol > Hazard & Morata & Niasse?

    I would have to take i -4 for it as i cant stage it over 2 weeks which i dont like but still the right move?

  7. KUNingas
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    G2G? 1FT and 0.1 ITB. Ballsy playing Mee instead of Richarlison?

    DDG
    Alonso, Mustafi, Daniels, Mee
    Salah, Sane, Pogba, RLC
    Kane (C), Morata (VC)

    Elliot, Richarlison, Moreno, Niasse

    1. Ribus
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Play Richarlison over Mee

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

    this chelsea swansea game is a red herring! cue sweaty 1-1 with kante and fer goals. (alonso, morata and hazard owner)

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

      1-4. Hazard Hattie. Hazzie?

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

        morata with the other goal, all assisted by alonso?

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

    Best 3rd choice striker to have over the coming weeks???

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

      Ladapo.

    2. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Niasse

    3. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Niasse. Sam will make him king.

  10. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Davies ---> Alonso for free

    Or

    Davies and Silva ----> Hazard and 4.6def for -4

    Already have Morata

    1. Live Lad
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A crucial decision. If you choose first option, quite difficult to get Hazard. Depends a lot on how much you want Hazard. I did A but for you the option with Hazard is better.

    2. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Take the hit

  11. AusBest11
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Need help decide.

    Who to play?

    A) Ward
    B) Cullum Wilson
    C) Daniels
    D) Moreno
    E) Doucoure

    Current line up Team

    Elliot
    Otamendi Monreal Daniels moreno
    David Silva Hazard(v) Salah
    Wilson Kane Morato(C)

    Bench: Fabianski Ward Caroll Doucoure.

  12. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hazard captainers uniteeee

    1. Weasel51
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      \0

    2. Ribus
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Come on

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

    Sorry guys but where do I find my fpl Id on the app.ta

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

      Don't think it's possible on the app, sign in via the web browser on your phone.

  14. DAZZ
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Most important and toughest captaincy choice of the season so far! Especially when you own 4 solid options! Ive flipped from Kane to Morata vice versa numerous times now, cant decide!

    1. calmc92
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      If you're in touching distance in your league, go with the crowd with Morata. If you're 50 or more points behind I would risk Kane.

    2. Live Lad
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Same. I'm going Kane or Morata but can't decide.

  15. Waynoo
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    why are people getting rid of Jesus?

    1. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      They've lost the faith.

    2. Ribus
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Rotation. Yeah he may start this gw, but it is always a gamble, even this gw

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

      Swapping for morata most likely. Personally I think he’ll be the highest scoring Man City player tomorrow.

  16. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Swans defend pretty well away from home

    1. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Until now.

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

    Couple of quick one gents
    1) start RLC, Richarlison or Moreno
    2) start pope or Elliot?
    3) captain Kane or morata?

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

      1) Richi
      2) Elliot
      3) Morata

  18. Cok3y5murf
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    How come Salah isn't a popular captaincy pick this week? Rotation fear?

    1. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Don't think Morata is less likely to be rotated than Salah. Hazard and Kane, yes.

  19. The SK
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Which one would you bench?

    A) Dunk (CRY)
    B) Ward (bou)
    C) RLC (bha)

    Thanks.

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      C

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

      A

    3. EMERGING STAR
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I think A

  20. George James
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here guys or GTG?
    0ITB

    Elliott
    Azpil - Mee - Mustafi
    Salah - DSilva - Richarlison - RLC
    Morata - Kane - Lukaku

    Pereria - Carroll - Cedric - Huney

  21. SAY MY NAME
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    anyone else have the problem of not receiving email notifications of responses?

    started happening about a week ago, anyone with better computer savvy than me have any suggestions as to how i could resolve this? thanks

    1. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Christ, email notifications of replies would be the last thing I'd want. Be thankful!

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        😀

  22. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Christensen pretty nailed now? Conte's comments from a few weeks ago about him being the future were encouraging

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

      No

    2. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Nope

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

    Start Daniels or Wilson vs. Burnley?

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

      No idea, my captain

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

        Re Jesus ^

    2. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Always attack

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

        ty ty

  24. DAZZ
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Otemendi is a ridiculous captaincy punt isnt it? What am i thinking, its come down to this

    1. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      In good goalscoring form...

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

      Let's hope no own goals this time again.

    3. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Log off and take 5 deep breaths.

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

      He was the little Gabriel all along

    5. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      1 point in the last four GWs... he's certainly due a big haul!

  25. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Ello ello.
    Would you
    A. Play Simpson at home to Spurs
    B. Transfer Lowe to a 5.7 max defender, like Mustafi for a hit.

    Other Defenders: Ward - Daniels - 4m

  26. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    have found a niasse and hazard alternative (not that it's necessarily needed as they are both fine options!).
    austin and coutinho. also leaves a little spare pocket change to upgrade otamendi to alonso

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      No thanks AB.

    2. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not for me

  27. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    You're a smart arse, Deano.

  28. Invincibles
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    How many points clear will City be by 1st Jan?

    Im going for 13

  29. El_Shaw
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Is it bad to WC after midweek games due to less price rises?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      No.

    2. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Nope, used mine this GW

  30. Sims
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Gonna laugh so hard when lukaku blanks tonight?

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You tell us

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

        I'm asking the community this time

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Why?