Team News
1 December 2017 877 comments
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Alexandre Lacazette will miss Arsenal’s home fixture against Man United, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is a slight doubt ahead of Stoke City’s home meeting with Swansea City.

Big-hitting midfielders Eden Hazard and Mohamed Salah are in line for a first-team recall after falling victim to rotation in midweek.

And Leroy Sane is also expected to recover from illness to return to contention for Man City’s home match with West Ham.

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

Chris Hughton revealed Gaetan Bong will be available for Brighton & Hove Albion’s home clash against Liverpool, with the left-back recovering from a minor niggle. He looks set to replace Markus Suttner in the XI after missing out in midweek. Manager Chris Hughton could also consider resting Glenn Murray with the striker having played in midweek and just one caution away from a ban; Tomer Hemed may get the nod.

Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho are poised for a first-team return for the Reds after both were named on the bench in the midweek win at Stoke. Similarly, James Milner and Jordan Henderson are also pushing for returns after earning minutes off the bench against the Potters.

Eden Hazard and Cesar Azpilicueta look set to return to the Chelsea teamsheet for the visit of Newcastle after being named as subs for the visit of Swansea last Wednesday. The fit-again Victor Moses also featured as a sub against Swansea and could now be named in Antonio Conte’s starting line-up.

Sam Allardyce will have Oumar Niasse available for his first match in charge of Everton, with the forward returning for the home clash against Huddersfield after completing a two-match ban. However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin could retain his start in light of the midweek 4-0 win over West Ham. At the back, Leighton Baines and Michael Keane remain big doubts for the Toffees.

Christian Fuchs will return to the squad for Leicester City’s home meeting with Burnley. The Austrian missed the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur due to the birth of his daughter and could replace Ben Chilwell at left-back. Demarai Gray will be pushing for a return to the teamsheet after being utilised as a sub in midweek.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has revealed that defender Matt Lowton is “touch and go” for the trip to the King Power Stadium due to a knee injury, with Phil Bardsley in standby to deputise again. Steven Defour is expected to shake off a minor knock, though.

Eric Choupo-Moting (ankle) is a minor doubt for Stoke’s home encounter with Swansea City, though manager Mark Hughes is very optimistic on his chances of being available. The Cameroon international could return to the lone striker role after being handed a support berth behind Peter Crouch last time out.

Tammy Abraham is available for the trip to the bet365 Stadium after being ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea but Federico Fernandez remains out following the death of his father.

Will Hughes remains doubtful for Watford’s home match with Spurs after limping off with a hamstring problem against Man United in midweek. Roberto Pereyra could start alongside Richarlison if Marco Silva retains his recent 3-4-2-1 set-up.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will be able to call upon Harry Winks at Vicarage Road, with the midfielder recovering from illness. Erik Lamela and Son Heung-min featured as subs in midweek and will be pushing for starts against the Hornets.

New West Brom boss Alan Pardew could be without Matt Phillips and Christ Brunt in his first match in charge. The Baggies boss is expected to retain youngster Sam Field in his XI as he goes head-to-head with former club Crystal Palace.

Roy Hodgson will make late calls on Jeffrey Schlupp, Scott Dann, Luka Milivojevic and Yohan Cabaye, who all sat out training on Thursday due to knocks ahead of the Hawthorns encounter. The Eagles boss also confirmed that Christian Benteke is “fit and ready to play” after completing his first 90 minutes of the season in midweek.

Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette will miss the home encounter against Manchester United due to the groin injury he picked up in the 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town. Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud look set to vie for the lone striker role in Lacazette’s absence, while Alexis Sanchez is expected to recover from a small hamstring problem to start.

The Red Devils have concerns in midfield, though, with both Marouane Fellaini and Nemanja Matic doubtful. At the back, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly look poised to miss out again, with Jose Mourinho expected to employ a three-man defence at the Emirates Stadium.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will make a late decision on Junior Stanislas (groin) ahead of the visit of Southampton to the Vitality Stadium, with the midfielder rated as 50:50.

Leroy Sane remains a slight doubt for Man City’s home match with West Ham after missing the midweek win over Southampton through injury. Pep Guardiola fielded Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus together for the first time since Gameweek 5 against the Saints, but the Argentine has now started each of the last three up front and could be rested to the bench if Sane returns to contention.

The Hammers are set to hand Adrian a rare outing in goal as the on-loan Joe Hart is ineligible to play against his parent club. Meanwhile, Michail Antonio is in line for his first start since Gameweek 9 after signalling his return from injury with an appearance off the bench in Wednesday’s loss at Everton.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of this tomorrow’s 11.30am 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.

877 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Pompel
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Tricky decision, choose one to bench:

    A) Calvert-Lewin (HUD)
    B) Groß (TOT)
    C) Richarlison (LIV)

    1. Evasivo
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A for me

    2. 404_FC
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      another ?

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

        No, others are big hitters, + 3 defenders

        1. 404_FC
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          C for me then

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

      A will likely be benched anyway

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

        Seeing your username, you might be a bit niassed?

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

      A for me

    5. Unbowed Unbent N'Golo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Precisely the same predicament here, but you have the liv and tot the wrong way round. Currently benching DCL, but nice to have him first option off the bench!

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

        Yep, having Sterling Sané double-up, first bench option will probably need to come on anyway

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

    Hi,

    Anybody know where rooney played midweek? do you reckon he will start this weekend?

    Big sam no doubt will play him as much as he can

    thanks

    1. 404_FC
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      i dont see why he will not start

    2. Benster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yep, I'm convinced he'll do well under Big Sam over the next 4 weeks so he's come straight into my team

  3. Evasivo
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Final bench spot?

    Ryan
    Ottamendi Daniels Simpson Ward
    Hazard(vc) Sterling Salah RLC
    Kane Vardy Morata(C)

    Elliott. ........ Carroll Rosenior
    1FT + 0.0itb

    1. Jayv807
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Can’t get much for 0

      1. Jayv807
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Bad joke, Ward to bench

      2. Evasivo
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Did you read the post?

  4. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    No idea what to do here, help please;

    Foster
    Alonso Moreno Daniels
    Salah RLC Richarlison Sterling
    Kane Morata Laca*

    Elliot* Mee Lowe Chalobah*

    0.3 ITB & 1 FT

    A) Laca ➡ Jesus(c)
    B) Laca ➡ Vardy
    C) Chalobah Laca ➡ Sane Niasse -4
    D) Other

    1. 404_FC
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      b for me

      i think jesus will not start next week , but who know it's pep call

    2. Evasivo
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I would just upgrade Elliot

      1. La Roja
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Foster has Palace mate. I need to deal with Laca injury

        1. Evasivo
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          No Foster is fine, I just mean generally it's a good move to replace now.
          Didn't realise Lacazette was injured? It's then straight out for Vardy

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

    Have 2 FT's. Any suggestions on trades considering I have 2 flagged, Sanchez and Sane.

    Gomes Elliot
    Otamendi Monreal Naughton Clark Mbemba
    Sanchez Sane Salah RLC Cork
    Kane Morata Calvert

    1. 404_FC
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      che def?

      i think sanchez will start

      sane 50/50

  6. grooveymatt65
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hi guys, how does this team look, anything worth changing? i was thinking of doing Zaha to a Jack Cork (and play RLC as a fourth mid) and then Pogba to Hazard for -4 but for long term how does this sound?

    Depends if people think Hazard and RLC will outscore Pogba and Zaha..... i have 0.8 itb...

    team i have now

    Pope/ Pereira

    Monreal Simpson Alonso/ Naughton Rangel

    Salah Silva Zaha Pogba/ RLC

    Morata Kane(c) Wilson

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed team (with 0.3 itb):

    Pope/ Pereira

    Monreal Simpson Alonso/ Naughton Rangel

    Salah Silva Hazard RLC / Cork

    Morata Kane(c) Wilson

    thanks for your help!

  7. FF Dirtbag
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    - Got Bottomed :'(
    How does the team look for the weekend?
    Courtois
    Monreal Ward Daniels
    Hazard(c) Salah Silva Richarlison
    Kane Morata Niasse

    Elliot; Loftus-Cheek, Duffy, Mbemba

    Anything you would change? 0FT and 0.9 mill in the bank.

    1. 404_FC
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      niasse maybe not start

      so i will play RLC over niasse

      1. Benster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        All RLCs returns have come at home, and they are away this week. Niasse more likely

    2. Benster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Stick

  8. gomez123
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Should I keep Jesus this week again??..have Kane and Morata!!

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I’m thinking to buy and captain him!

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Have a good bench and don't captain him. Simples.

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I wouldn't buy him but if you have him and have other problems. Solve your other problems and cover his possible rotation.

    3. 404_FC
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      if u dint sack him for hazard , i will keep

    4. JONALDINHO
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'd keep. Aguero has started 3 in a row while Jesus was subbed off early last game. Home to West Ham I can see Jesus possibly hitting double digits

  9. GoRedz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I have Choupo, Sane and 1 FT.

    Are Mané and Young good options ?

    1. JJO
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      no
      And Mane got a knock I think

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

        cheers

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

      mane is a good differential, but i prefer coutinho for the price
      and prefer ramsey than young

  10. jia you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Did Mark really get Christensen in for Dann for a hit?
    I have both Dann & Jones and I'm tempted but having thought about it, surely not worth it just to break even, it can wait a week!

    1. 404_FC
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      yep dann not nail

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I know but need Christensen clean sheet just to break even!

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

      Do it

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Well who am I to argue with Mark's decisions but think I'll pass, cue Christensen goal, CS & bonus 🙂

  11. 404_FC
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    repost from bottom

    will u do this?

    a)T.Carroll + Jesus to Hazard (C) + Crouch ? for -4
    b) save FT this week

    is crouch nail for role 9 ?

    fabianski
    walker kola gomez
    salah sterling gross rlc t.carroll
    kane morata jesus

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Nope

      Personally, jesus will start and get 10+ figures this

      1. La Roja
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        GW.

        1. 404_FC
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          how u sure he will start?

          i think peps love aguero + sterling

      2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        10 figures? 😆

  12. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    When is the City presser?

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

      13:30

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

    A) Kane (c), Sane, Daniels, Courtois
    B) Kane, Hazard (c), Dunk, Foster

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

  14. JONALDINHO
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Pope - (Elliot)
    Otamendi - Mustafi - Daniels - (Ward) - (Mbemba)
    Hazard - Salah - Sane - Richarlison - RLC
    Kane - Jesus - (Ladapo) 2FT 0.9ITB
    Ladapo to Niasse and Hazard(C)?

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

      do it

  15. The Head-Ake
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I just realised I don't know how to have a gut feeling so I'm going with stats and some random spinwheel I found online. Going with Salah this week. Any reason I should pursue Haz or Kane?

    P.S : I won't blame y'all late dw 😉

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

      Bookies think Haz and Kane have higher chance of scoring anytime

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Should I go for Haz?

        1. The Head-Ake
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          I think Im'ma just keep Salah on

    2. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Salah or Haz have fairly equal chances to haul. Kane & Spurs would be under pressure, you could consider that as well.

    3. fattfattygavgav
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Stats I can work with but I don't like the sound of this spin wheel. I'm going with Kane but what do my guts know?

  16. SUPER MOKH
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Pope (Elliot)
    Azpi-Ota-Moreno-Daniels (Hunemeier)
    Salah-Hazard-Sane-RLC (Surman)
    Kane-Morata-Abraham

    1ft, 0.2itb

    A. Sane > Sterling
    B. Abraham > Niasse
    C. Keep
    D. Other option

  17. GreatCarragherReef
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    is the consensus that Christensen is nailed? I've been away from from internet for a few weeks

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I don't believe so as he just played 2 games already in the same week.

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

        cheers, would allow me to upgrade Abraham if I went for him over azpili

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

      He's quite nailed yeah

    3. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He is called Christ so he is nailed.

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

    Due to budgetry constraints my GK choices are limited, better option:
    A). Hennessey
    B). Grant

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

      Hennessey

    2. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'd have neither and just keep Speroni if you have. Save up FT to get Ryan/Pope/Fab later

  19. Trovsmash
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Niasse or benteke in draft?

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

      tekkers

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

      Niasse

    3. Brehmeren
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Benteke

  20. Lukakuna
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    What would you spend a transfer on? Honestly have no idea:

    Pope
    Azpi / Ota / Moreno
    Salah / Sane* / Sterling / Richarli
    Kane / Morate / Abraham

    (Elliot / Mee / RLC / Duffy)
    2FT 0.1ITB

    Cheers

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

      Wait on Sane news. If ok Duffy (4 yellows) to another cheap defender.

  21. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I know this shouldn't influence captaincy decisions but any idea how Chelsea/Hazard have performed in the lunch time kick off in past, any decent hauls last season ? We all know Harry Kane seems to do well at 12.30 !

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

      What happened to him against Arsenal?

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

        Good point, produced in many other 12.30 kick offs though....what about Chelsea ?

    2. Going Home
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      And in the NLD. And away from home. But look how that played out last weekend 🙁

  22. Going Home
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Where's that Powell chap from Monday/Tuesday? Would like a heads up on Chelsea starting XI for this weekend. And if he has any info on Citeh too...

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

      After the grief he got the last time i doubt he'll bother and keep any info to himself. 🙁

      1. Going Home
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I wish I could have seen his face when the squads were announced. Assume he just sat laughing at the posts on Wednesday evening...

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

      I would guess for
      Courtois
      Rudiger - Christensen - Cahill
      Moses - Kante - Bakayoko - Azpi
      Willian - Hazard - Pedro

      1. Going Home
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Pretty much what I would expect. Maybe Morata in for Willian, but 50/50 imo. Certainly not on the armband this week

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

        Think Fabregas would be in there. Will need him and his passing range as Newcastle will sit back like Swansea.

    3. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      he did get slated a bit didnt he

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

      Would be good if he actually gave more detail on where he got the information, without making it too obvious. Otherwise for all we know it was educated guesswork and the Hazard one was a no-brainer after Conte comments.

      Azpi has also been pretty much 'Mr Chelsea' since a certain other defender retired which could also have been covered by Contes comments about the best getting a rest.

  23. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Is Sane out?

  24. Robman
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    some help with wild card rules please.
    If I have not played my 1st wildcard yet, can I play it anytime up to Dec 30th, and then play the second wild card at anytime in the rest of the season, or does the second wildcard have to be played by a certain date?

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

      1st in 2017
      2nd in 2018

    2. Going Home
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      First before 30 December 2017
      Second any time after 1 January 2018

  25. Sillet Bang
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Ryan
    Kolo Azpi Mee
    Gross Salah KDB RLC
    Kane Morata Gray

    Lossi Valencia Cork Ferrmina

    How am i looking kids?

    1. Going Home
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Needs more Ramsey (but otherwise solid)

      1. Sillet Bang
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Out of cash!

    2. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Don't fancy benched Valencia for his price.

      1. Sillet Bang
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Only this week

  26. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hi guys, better C Salah or Haz this week?
    Thanks.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Think Hazard based on opposition defense

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

      Hazard. Can't see Salag getting more than one return

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

    Which one would you bench?
    A) Abraham (stk)
    B) RLC (wba)
    C) Richarlison (TOT)

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

      hmm, Probably RLC

    2. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      RLC

  28. JogaSemmedo
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Best David Silva replacement after this week up to £9.2m?

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

      sterling

  29. Mattc
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Who to bench:
    A) loftus cheek (wba)
    B) groß (liv)
    C) richarlison (tot)
    D) Niasse (Hud)

    Current team is:
    Azpi-otamendi-trippier
    Richarlison-salah-groß-sane
    Kane-firmino- niasse

    (Lössl - loftus-cheek - mee - ward)

  30. Jacket Potato
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Afternoon lads, good to go for the weekend?

    Fabianski
    Azpi, Mee, Dunk
    Hazard(C), Salah, Sterling, Gross, Rich,
    Morata, Kane(VC)

    Bench: Elliot, Niasse, Naughton, Long

    1ft 0.4 itb