Team News

The Gameweek 16 Team News

Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic will be fit for the derby at Old Trafford, though David Silva remains a doubt for visitors Man City. Arsenal has concerns over defender Shkodran Mustafi for their trip to Southampton, while Burnley’s Ben Mee is expected to face Watford at Turf Moor.

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

Burnley will be without key midfielder Robbie Brady for Watford’s visit on Saturday. The schemer faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines after undergoing an operation on a knee injury sustained in the defeat at Leicester City. Meanwhile, Matt Lowton (knee) remains “touch and go” for the home clash against Watford, though manager Sean Dyche has indicated that Ben Mee has a “strong chance” of being available having suffered a gash to his knee.

For the visitors, Miguel Britos remains a doubt due to a leg problem, with head coach Marco Silva to make a decision on the defender today.

Wayne Hennessey, James Tomkins, Scott Dann and Yohan Cabaye have all returned to training ahead of Crystal Palace’s home encounter against Bournemouth and should be available to return. James McArthur (illness) also has a good chance of being in contention but Joel Ward is a doubt due to a groin problem.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe will be without the suspended Adam Smith for the trip to Selhurst Park, so Steve Cook is expected to return to the back four.

David Wagner will again be without the suspended Rajiv van La Parra for the home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, while Martin Cranie is a slight doubt. The Seagulls have no new injury concerns, though may again rotate at full-back and on the flanks.

Spurs will be without the suspended Davinson Sanchez when they host Stoke City at Wembley Stadium, while Danny Rose is a doubt due to an eye injury sustained in Wednesday’s Champions League tie.

The Potters will turn up without the injured Bruno Martins Indi but Geoff Cameron is available again after returning to full training following a head injury. Jese is ruled out due to personal reasons.

Swansea City defender Federico Fernandez is available for the visit of West Bromwich Albion to the Liberty Stadium, having returned from two weeks’ compassionate leave following the death of his father. But after playing 62 minutes for the U23s yesterday to build up his match fitness, he isn’t expected to replace Mike van der Hoorn.

Gareth Barry will miss the trip to south Wales but Matt Phillips and Chris Brunt look set to return to contention for the Baggies.

Shkodran Mustafi is doubtful for Arsenal’s trip to Southampton due to a small thigh problem, with Per Mertesacker on standby to replace his compatriot.

Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno remains a doubt for Sunday’s Merseyside derby with an ankle injury. Jurgen Klopp will decide on Andrew Robertson or James Milner for the role should the Spaniard miss out. Elsewhere for the Reds, Jordan Henderson will return as skipper having been rested for the 7-0 rout of Spartak Moscow on Wednesday.

Leighton Baines remains a big doubt for the Toffees, having missed the last two matches with a calf injury with Sam Allardyce perhaps set to name an unchanged side following back-to-back wins and clean sheets.

Following the 2-1 victory over CSKA Moscow in midweek, Jose Mourinho has revealed that Nemanja Matic will start when Manchester United host Manchester City but he will, of course, be without the suspended Paul Pogba. Phil Jones and Marouane Fellaini are thought to have a chance of returning to contention, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic should also be back among the substitutes.

David Silva is a minor doubt for the visitors at Old Trafford due to a knock which saw him sit out Tuesday’s Champions League defeat, while Sergio Aguero is expected to get the nod over Gabriel Jesus for the central striker role.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section, together with predicted line-ups ahead of this tomorrow’s 11.30am deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter account for breaking news as the day unfolds.

1,055 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Winter_is_coming
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Straight question, help please:

    1) Get Hazard for -8 for next gameweek (can be -4 now and -4 in gw 17)
    2) Just play without Hazard (have Morata, can buy any mid up to 9,4)

    1. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      2 - you would need him to go crazy just to pay of the hit. Coutinho/Sterling/even Ozil are options

    2. McSlu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      -8 seems a bit drastic, but the man is top notch and has easy fixtures for the next 10 GWs, so actually might worth it 🙂

      Otherwise get coutinho as everybodey else. Personally not convinced by him. Could be rotated, and be off in january

    3. SH@KTIMAAN
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Get coutinho

    4. Grendos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He's changed my season since getting him in and I don't see that changing over the next stretch of gameweeks, he's on fire!

      What would your transfers be if you got him in?

    5. TheAbear53
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Not being rude but you're a bit of an idiot if you still haven't got Hazard in... You won't feel half the benefits now, and with options like Özil and Coutinho coming into the fray they make more sense with the money to spend elsewhere...

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        'Not being rude' 😀

  2. nazrijack
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Who should I ship first..MORENO or MUSTAFI?

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Following.

    2. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Moreno looks to be out longer term

      1. nazrijack
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Mustafi should be back midweek isn't?

  3. SoccerBoi69
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any suggestions on how to improve this? 2FT 0ITB

    DDG
    Mee/ Otamendi/ Kolasinac/ Azpi
    Ramsey/ Sterling/ Coutinho/ Salah/ Hazard
    Morata

    Elliott/ Femenia/ Diouf/ DCL

    1. Fabregasm
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      If anything I'd see if I could upgrade Diouf to Vardy/Firmino by transferring out Azpi for Christensen and maybe Otamendi for Gomez/Moreno. How does that sound?

      1. SoccerBoi69
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Not bad... I wouldn't want to triple up on Liverpool though, and I'm not a fan of Vardy. I was thinking of Azpi to Christensen and Kola to Mustafi (if fit/ in the team) next week. I like Otamendi's goal threat, Christensen seems to get a few chances too. It would almost allow me to switch Morata to Kane. I'm not sure if DDG is worth it over two rotating cheap goalkeepers either. I'm a confused little man, but thanks!

        1. TheAbear53
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          DDG is worth it

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      No Kane is going to sting this week.

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

        Hopefully not, I need another Kane blank to get through the cup round lol

    3. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I think in a 4-5-1 that's pretty good setup. Only change would be if you wanted to shift funds out of defence into attack

  4. Fabregasm
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Having a team consisting of:
    Pope - (Elliott)
    Alonso - Mustafi - Gomez - (Dunk - Kenny)
    Salah - Silva - Sane - Richarlison - Gross
    Kane - Morata - (Niasse)

    Which transfer would be the best, when I have 0,2 ITB?
    a) Mustafi --> Christensen
    b) Sane --> Coutinho
    c) Niasse --> DCL

    Thanks in advance guys, I really appreciate it!

    1. DrunkPhilosophy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. Fabregasm
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, been leaning towards this today as Mustafa might not play

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      B looks good as you have Silva already

      1. Fabregasm
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, Coutinho just seems to be everywhere in the goals and assists and Sane might have had his time pointwise

  5. El Muñeco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Which option looks better:

    A) Sterling, Monreal and Christensen; or
    B) Coutinho, Kolasinac and Mee.

    Quite torn - A does lead to a safer defence long term considering Burnley's changing fixtures and do own Salah.

    1. DrunkPhilosophy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I think A is better long term.

  6. DrunkPhilosophy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Didn't get much response on this last page, would love some answers chaps..

    Fab Elliot
    Kola Ward Christensen Moreno Hunemier
    Salah Sterling Richarlson Ritchie RLC
    Kane Morata Vardy
    1 FT , 0.9 itb

    Ritchie + Morata --> Hazard + DCL(-4)

    Good moves?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      save ft this weekend & use 2 Fts next?

      1. DrunkPhilosophy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah i kind of came to that conclusion when i got no answers, would be stupid to lose Morata now for a -4 and I know i would want him back with these fixtures.. will try to get Hazard next week for -4 while keeping Morata.

      2. Winners900
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        good move, Hazard needs to come in

        1. DrunkPhilosophy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I agree, but I don't want to lose Morata and I would want him with Hazard, so will just do it next week for a -4 and downgrade Vardy/Kola..

  7. fealdabeirne
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Jesus for lacazette or firminho?

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Firmino

    2. DrunkPhilosophy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Firm.

  8. MFC86
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Moreno out up to 6 weeks damn it

    1. GreenArrows
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Thought klopp said they didnt know how long?

      1. MFC86
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        They just said up to 6 weeks on Sky sports news

  9. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    A) Gross -> RLC (and save 2nd FT)
    B) Gross & Daniels -> RLC & Christensen

    Team:

    DDG
    Otamendi, Mee, Hegazi
    Salah, Sterling, Hazard, Richarlison, Gross
    Kane, Morata

    (Elliot, Daniels, Mariappa, Quaner)

    Cheers

    1. Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure about either as your team looks good this week.

      How about Daniels to Kenny this week and Gross to Shaqiri next week.

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks. I prefer RLC to Gross due to better fixture and Brighton looking quite poor. Shaqiri would be great but I need the spare cash to upgrade Quaner to DCL and (ideally) improve the defence. I want to get Kenny in 2 weeks time, can't see him scoring well away to Liverpool?

        Cheers

        1. Goalosaurus
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Seem like smart moves to get a balanced team, would expect gross to outscore RLC but maybe worth it overall.

          I was thinking Kenny to use up a ft and leave on bench. I would want gross for this week if I did have him.

  10. ronpateluk
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Hey all.

    I have both Kane and Lukaku. Seriously want to ditch Luk but can't bring myself to do it as I know he will go on a streak again. Ditch and get Morata instead?

    Also I think I've lost patience with Sane, replace to Coutinho? (Already have Salah)

    Cheers

    1. Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I would ditch Lukaku to Morata yeah. Always a risk he'll start scoring again but I think worth it.

      I'm also considering Sane to Coutinho, if I had a free transfer would also go for it but its also risky, probably more so than Lukaku to morata.

      1. ronpateluk
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks Goalosaurus.

        1. TheAbear53
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Nope you've left it too late now - he will probably get something this weekend and if not the next few look a steal... should have acted sooner !

          1. ronpateluk
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            hahah now I've gone and jinxed it. Rom x3 capt

            1. TheAbear53
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              For derby ?!

              1. ronpateluk
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 5 months ago

                Only joking.... Rooney Capt

                1. TheAbear53
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 5 months ago

                  Get some rest mate

      2. TheAbear53
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Sane to Coutinho is not half as risky...

  11. Kuneshwar
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Wud u do - 4 for this?
    Azpi/ward/moreno/Rosenoir/Gamez
    If Moreno doesn't play i play with 10 players fr 3rd week running... Wat to do?
    1.7m itb

  12. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Today's press conferences

    9:00 - Bournemouth
    11:15 - Liverpool
    12:30 - Tottenham
    13:00 - Everton, West Ham
    13:15 - Chelsea
    13:30 - Man City, Southampton
    13:45 - Newcastle
    14:00 - Man United

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Always assisting.

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        ..but today he has gone missing in a big GW...

    2. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Delete

  13. Essrick
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Best way to get Hazard into this team?

    I've got 2 FT's and £0.9m ITB.

    Fabs/Elliot
    Kola/Ota/Daniels/Ward/Duffy
    Salah/Silva/Richa/Choupo/RLC
    Kane/Morata/Wilson

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Otamendi, Wilson & Silva out for Femenia, Hazard & DCL if possible.

      1. Oven Glover
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Maybe just Ota & Silva if affordable

    2. TheAbear53
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      You've left it too late now, should really focus on Özil or Coutinho.etc instead

  14. Yordan Letchkov
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    For FT:
    Kiko or Morgan?

  15. Yozzer
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Best defender for Moreno replacement? Have 4.6

    Already have Mee and Zeeglaar

    1. Drafting Away
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Kenny until Coleman comes back
      Or Gomez

      1. Yozzer
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks Kenny could be a good shout

  16. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    2FT's and nothing really to do.

    Foster
    Zanka Mee Trippier
    Salah Hazard Richarlison Zaha Gross
    Kane(C) Morata

    Elliot Otamendi Niasse Simpson

    A) Niasse > DCL
    B) Simpson/Zanka > Kiko

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe get rid of Trippier.

  17. DrunkPhilosophy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Klopp on Moreno: "We need to have further assessment. I cannot say much about it. It’s a very rare thing. So far the specialists aren’t sure [how long he’ll be out for]. If it’s in a week or a little bit longer we have to wait for that. There’s damage around the tendons.”

    🙁 🙁 🙁

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      not good

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Sounds like he's fecked himself right up in his fecker.

  18. Pep says
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Where can I watch presses??

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Pressers

    2. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      respective club TV (or Sky?)

    3. The Bad Seed
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      https://sport.optus.com.au/epl/featured/2097

      might be worth creating an account once.

      1. Pep says
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Live ones?

        1. Big_Andy_GAWA
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Google it.

          1. Pep says
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            I did but thanks andyway

        2. The Bad Seed
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          no idea, i usually log in on the same day and the pressers are all uploaded.

    4. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Club tvs

  19. Footiew
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy or Firminho? Firminho will cost me -4 to get in though, could just wait until next week and do it for free

    1. Drafting Away
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Wait definitely

  20. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Should i outright bench Jesus? Would be for Choupo(tot)

    1. Drafting Away
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      No always play jesus even off the bench he could be involved

  21. Solly The Seagull
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Firmino+Alonso or Morata+Christensen (Have Salah and Hazard already)

  22. okan58
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    0 FT
    Bank 0.5

    Foster
    Daniels - Mee - Kabasele
    Richarlision - Salah - Zaha - Sane
    Morata - Kane - Firmino
    Subs: Elliot, T. Carroll, Smalling and Rangel.

    Should I change something?

    1. Footiew
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Think Sane could be improved. Not a starter and valencia will have hom in his pocket (bias view)

  23. Drafting Away
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Pick one to play please

    A) Valencia home to city
    B) zeegelaar away to Burnley

    1. Footiew
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Valencia

  24. MFC86
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Moreno to kiko for a hit?

    I wouldn’t normally but I have Mee and Mbemba as well so might only have two playing defenders

    1. Drafting Away
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Doesn't justify the -4 unless kiko keeps Cowan sheet

      1. Drafting Away
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Clean *

        1. MFC86
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Good point

  25. farqy
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    The burning question on everyone's mind (obviously) is..... Son or Coutinho? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Coutinho is definitely the new wave around here.

    2. Footiew
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Both are great options. Think Son just edges it as other midfielders arnt firering

  26. xHolmesyx
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    GK: Ryan
    Defence: Ward, Daniels, Maguire
    Midfield: RLC, Salah, Hazard, Sterling, Richarlison
    Forwards: Kane (c) Morata

    Bench: Elliot, Niasse, Moreno (inj) Cedric (inj)

    1FT 0.6 ITB

    A) Daniels > Christensen
    B) Cedric > Femenia
    C) Save
    D) Suggest other please?

  27. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone intending to bench Daniels instead of selling? My two benched defenders are Marriappa and Mbemba, so might make sense to keep Daniels and sell one of the other two. Fixtures pick up from GW20, too.

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Me

  28. Totti
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    for -4
    mustafi to 5.2 def max
    sane to coutinho
    yay or nay?

  29. Yozzer
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Double up on kiko and Zeeglaar a bad idea?

    1. xHolmesyx
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. Zegelaar under slight risk with holebas and you're looking for trouble doubling up with Watford as they're quite leaky.

  30. Sbee_10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Hello, need advise
    Fabi
    Azpi-Ward-Lowton-Maguire
    Gross-Salah-Hazard-Sterling
    Kane - Morata

    Crouch - Dyer - Mbemba on bench
    itb 0.4m

    gtg?