Team News
12 December 2017 2037 comments
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Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata will miss tonight’s trip to Huddersfield Town, while Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out of their match at West Ham United.

Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho faces a lengthy spell out following a calf injury, while a late decision will be made on Ben Mee ahead of Burnley’s home clash against 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.

Matt Lowton looks unlikely to be fit for Burnley’s home encounter against Stoke City, with Phil Bardsley in line for another start. Meanwhile, a late call will be made on fellow defender Ben Mee.

The Potters, however, will again be without injured pair Bruno Martins Indi and Glen Johnson, with Jese Rodriguez still unavailable due to personal reasons.

Crystal Palace have been dealt a blow with the news that Mamadou Sakho faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to a calf injury, with Scott Dann is line to cement a starting berth. Joel Ward remains out but Yohan Cabaye has recovered from a bang to the knee and is fit to face Watford.

Marvin Zeegelaar will miss the trip to Selhurst Park after his appeal following the red card in the 1-0 defeat to Burnley was rejected, with Jose Holebas set for a first-team return. Elsewhere in defence, Kiko Femenia and Miguel Britos are remain doubts.

Huddersfield Town welcome back Rajiv van La Parra from suspension for the home clash against Chelsea, but on-loan midfielder Kasey Palmer is ineligible to face his parent club.

As for the Blues, they’ll be without Alvaro Morata, who is fatigued and nursing a back injury. Antonio Conte rolled out a striker-less formation the last time the Spaniard failed to start, with Eden Hazard backed by Pedro and Willian.

Danny Drinkwater returns to the squad following illness, while Victor Moses and Antonio Rudiger are among those pushing for recalls.

After being introduced from the bench in the 3-2 defeat to Leicester City following a thigh injury, Christian Atsu looks poised for a return to the teamsheet when Newcastle United host Everton. Jamaal Lascelles was an unused substitute at the weekend and may also return to the starting XI.

Aaron Lennon will be pushing for a recall for the Toffees at St James’ Park after coming on as a half-time substitute in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Cedric Soares returned to training on Monday ahead of the home encounter against Leicester City, with a late decision to be made as to whether he’ll come straight back into the starting XI following a hamstring injury.

Shinji Okazaki is available for the Foxes after suffering a cut to the face against Newcastle last weekend.

Swansea City head coach Paul Clement revealed that Wayne Routledge is a doubt for the home meeting with Manchester City due to some muscle tightness, but Federico Fernandez is expected to return in central defence.

Following the Manchester derby, and with a home fixture with Tottenham Hotspur to come on Saturday, Pep Guardiola could rotate for the trip to the Liberty Stadium. Eliaquim Mangala is set to replace Vincent Kompany, who was forced off with a muscle injury on Sunday, while after being an unused substitute at the weekend, Sergio Aguero is expected to be handed a recall. Danilo, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva are others who may come into contention for starts.

After only appearing as substitutes in the Merseyside derby, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are expected to return to the starting XI for the home encounter against West Bromwich Albion. Daniel Sturridge (hamstring) remains a doubt.

For the Baggies, Matt Phillips remains a doubt ans Gareth Barry is still out.

Jose Mourinho will again be without the suspended Paul Pogba for the home clash against Bournemouth, while Marcos Rojo is a doubt after being forced off with a head injury in the Manchester derby. Phil Jones could be in line for a recall.

Adam Smith is available again for the Cherries after serving a one-match ban, while Harry Arter could push for a recall.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Man City, Mauricio Pochettino may hand starts to Serge Aurier and Danny Rose in the full-back positions for the home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion. Moussa Sissoko is another who could return to the side, but Davinson Sanchez serves the second of his three-match ban.

The Seagulls have no fresh injury concerns, though Anthony Knockaert may be handed a recall after being left out for Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Huddersfield due to tactical reasons.

Following the 1-0 win over Chelsea, David Moyes could consider naming an unchanged starting XI for the visit of Arsenal to the London Stadium, though both Andy Carroll and Chicharito will push for starts having been named on the bench for the victory over Chelsea.

The Gunners will be without Aaron Ramsey, who picked up a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Southampton. Shkodran Mustafi also remains out.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section, together with predicted line-ups ahead of this tonight’s 6.45pm deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter account for breaking news as the day unfolds.

2,037 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. true_Jerry
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Martial or Son as a 2 week punt to cover for Pogba ?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Close one
      Both? 🙂

    2. Mr. Jenkins
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Son

    3. JJO
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Son probably

    4. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      id nearly gamble Martial

    5. true_Jerry
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      They have city next though

      1. AndyCook
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Son will only play at home

    6. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Same dilemma! Think I fancy Martial a bit more because I don’t really want 2xSpurs attack vs City.

    7. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Son

    8. AndyCook
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Neither as both may only play 1

      1. true_Jerry
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        it’s a punt, have 8 mil to spend on midflider, who should I get ?

      2. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        If anything Martial is more dangerous vs tired legs.

    9. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Son, even he only plays one?

    10. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think zaha?

      At least you know he will play both matches, can't see son andmartial blth starting the next two.

  2. Hardly Athletic
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    1FT and 0.8ITB.

    Foster - Elliot
    Alonso - Tarkowski - Lowton - Duffy - Mbemba
    Hazard - Salah - Silva - Richarlison - RLC
    Kane - Jesus - DCL

    What should I do?

    a. Elliot > Pickford
    b. Lowton > defender up to and including 5.4
    c. Mbemba > defender up to and including 4.8
    d. Jesus > Lacazette/Firmino
    e. Alonso > Otamendi
    f. Something else
    g. Save transfer

    1. Mou Sucks
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      e

    2. justlikehoney
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'd probably go Mbemba or Lowton to an Everton or Watford defender, I've got Kabasele and Kenny who are both good cheap picks in my opinion.

      D is a decent option and probably the more exciting move, can't say anything for certain but you would likely think Jesus might be benched for this GW as well.

    3. JJO
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      d with Firmino although Im not his fan
      or b/c to Kabasele or someone like him for future fixtures

    4. Capitan_K
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      D Firmino

  3. JJO
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Which 3 to play from this bunch?
    A) Mee
    B) Cuco
    C) RLC
    D) DCL
    E) Fabregas
    F) Ritchie

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      E A D

      1. JJO
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        thanks

    2. osullg26
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A b d

      Everton will sit back away from home even though it's Newcastle

      1. JJO
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        thanks but not sure Im gonna play 5 defenders when mids have ok fixtures

    3. JJO
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Its gonna be hard to decide from this lot
      Maybe I should just keep Morata,save transfer and play 4 of those guys

  4. Bad Butcher
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Abraham -> DCL for -4?

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      100% no IMO. I actually think Abraham is the best of the bad 3rd strikers

    2. mad_beer ✅
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No chance.

    3. Jude Rooney
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Seriously?

    4. Home Late From Age
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not for a hit

  5. zeepeee
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Repost

    Foster
    Otamendi | Kiko* | Mee*
    Mane | Salah | Eriksen | RLC | Chopou
    Kane | Morata*

    Elliot, Abraham, simpson, mbemba

    Team not looking good for this gameweek
    How's Morata + Chopou > Hazard + DCL? (-4)

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Like it, because Haz is class

      1. zeepeee
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks 🙂

  6. DoobNoob
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Thinking of playing the freehit chip this week

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      whats your current team?

    2. Jude Rooney
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Don't bother

    3. George James
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I am. no choice really with the amount of injuries

  7. pls
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    hey guys best zeeg replacement

    A: Jones
    B: christensen
    C: otamendi

    1. Home Late From Age
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      C,B,A

      1. JJO
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        +1

    2. osullg26
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Christensen..

    3. WALOR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      C A B

  8. osullg26
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    On Wildcard

    De Gea (Speroni)

    Alonso Valencia Christensan Holgate Otamendi

    Hazard Salah Shaqiri Richarlison Rlc

    Rooney Kane

    Played five at the back all year and I'm in top 15k so sticking with it.

    Wondering should I do calvert lewin and silva instead of Rooney and Shaqiri?

    Overall thoughts?

    1. AndyCook
      8 years, 7 months ago

      For a five at the back the rest of the team is rubbish

    2. Capitan_K
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Get a 3d forwad

  9. Stimps
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go? On a -4

    Courtois
    Kolasinac Smalling Mee
    Hazard Salah Sterling Richarlison
    Kane (c) Firmino Austin

    Elliott RLC Mariappa Daniels

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yep

    2. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      gtg nc team!

  10. George James
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Free Hit time unfortunatley...

    GTG?

    Lloris
    Jones Mangala Tarkowski
    Salah Coutinho Hazard Gudmundson
    Kane Kun DCL

    JP / Kenny / Mariappa / RLC

    1. AndyCook
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Would not take Lloris at that price. Gudmunson also an odd pick. Get Shaqiri and go cheap in goal and lose RLC for a 4.3

      1. George James
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        cheers for input mate

        1. COLLIN QUANER
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I actually like the Gudmunson pick. He's been getting consistent returns when he plays 90 minutes. For 5m you can't go wrong with Burnley's nice run of fixtures

  11. Zlat-man
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Zeegelar, Hunemier - not playing

    Other defenders are
    Alono, Christensen, Yedlin

    Use ft to have a better cover if either of the later three dont showup?
    Or bank the ft?

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Could be plenty of rotation so make the change

  12. Dudley7
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guys worth taking a -4 hit to get Morata out for Kun ?

    Dea gea / Speroni
    Kolasnaic Azpil Ward Memba Moreno
    Salah Richarlson Hazard LC
    Morata* Kane C Calvin lewin

    1. Home Late From Age
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No

  13. hogree
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Speroni
    Maguire - Christensen - Tarkowski (Wimmer - Dunk)
    Richarlison - RLC - Hazard - Salah (T Carroll)
    Morata - Kane (C) - Vardy

    Bit nervous, got Wimmer coming in for Morata off the bench but still feel a bit weak. Anything for a hit, 0.3 in the bank? or GTG?

  14. Kane Train
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    People holding Morata, if he comes back on the weekend and gets carded he is suspended. Is it worth holding when he could play 1 match in 3 weeks thats if he is back from injury this weekend

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      if hets carded he is suspended for league cup match not premier league

      1. Sims
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        he won't play in the league cup match anyway so expect him to start the next 2 league games at least

      2. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        & now i'm less worried 🙂

    2. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      damn... that's good thinking! I was def holding but that's worrying

  15. No Totti No Party
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Morata -> Aguero for free.
    Have Hazzard and no City player.
    Yes or No?

    1. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Definitely

    2. JJO
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I would
      And I have Fabregas instead of Haz and thinking about that move
      You should be ok with Haz

    3. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      might do the same

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

      Y

    5. Home Late From Age
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

  16. ignis88
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Please help, need more opinions:

    So, the Morata conundrum. Do I take a hit and bring in Firmino, or do I play Niasse? Already taken a -4 this week, cup opponents doesn’t have Morata in his team :/

  17. justlikehoney
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Last time Morata was out with that hamstring injury earlier in the season I got rid of him and got Jesus in who got 13 points. So I think it is possible to more than make up for an hit but Chelsea's upcoming fixtures are so good that you are going to want him back most likely.

    Saying that I could afford any striker I like, Lukaku or Aguero even but I've decided to hold, hope I don't regret it.

  18. Jönny
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Have spent one of my frees on Tammy->DCL already. Have another free and now 0.6 ITB. Had planned to do a defensive upgrade, but I also have Morata with Carroll as my 8th attacker. Would you do....

    (a) Upgrade Carroll, perhaps to RLC
    (b) Winks -> Kenny
    (c) Daniels -> Kenny
    (d) -4 spent to change both Carroll and one of my defenders

    (Current defence = Otamendi, Kiko, Mee, Winks, Daniels)

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A. Rlc isn't great but he plays high up the pitch and is decent

      1. Jönny
        • 17 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Tending towards that, but I may only have 2 defenders if I go that route - or even 1 if Winks gets benched,

        1. Jönny
          • 17 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Winks is obviously Wimmer, whoops!

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Why Daniels to Kenny over Matusaka or Gomez?

      1. Jönny
        • 17 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Not Gomez as worried about rotation (admittedly, Kenny could be a risk in that respect too...) and not Matusaka as I'm vaguely thinking about getting Adrian in a week or so.

        1. Jönny
          • 17 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Also Mat has Arsenal this week.

        2. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Makes sense

  19. farqy
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A) Morata -> Aguero (FREE)
    B) Morata, Wilson, Shawcross -> Aguero, Austin, Tarkowski (-8pts)

    Cheers big ears!!

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Stat Sloth
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Prince Charles?

    3. Home Late From Age
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

  20. Sol
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Can't open fantasy page anyone having same problem

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Works fine for me.

      1. Sol
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

    2. aborg
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Deadline...
      Lol kidding

      1. Sol
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Lol

  21. zeepeee
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Chances of Mane starting?

  22. Stat Sloth
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Joseph Dave Gomez (LIV)

    vs

    Christopher Lloyd Smalling (MUN)

    Who do YOU prefer?

  23. Kushal
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    My cup rival will surely kane (c)
    I am on salah (c) currently and took (-4) hit for morata > firmino
    Hazard richarlison are my differentials so salah captain or kane?

    1. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Don't think about your cup opponent at this point.

  24. Snapes on a Plane
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who to replace Ramsey with?

    A) Sterling ( no city cover)
    B) Coutinho (own firm and salah)
    C) Son
    D) Martial

    1. Kushal
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      C

    2. carpenio
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Zaha

  25. Vlad Tepes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Arnautovic or Lanzini?

    1. brenks
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      L

  26. irfanm66
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Whom to start between RLC or Masuaku?

    1. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      RLC

    2. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      RLC

  27. Nomar
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    DDG
    Mee, Azpi, Trippier
    Salah, Hazard, Groß, Richarlison, RLC
    DCL, Kun (c)
    Elliot, Daniels, Duffy, Morata

    Play this lot and save for 2 FT this weekend or go large and take 8 point hit to get Kane back?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      stick for sure!

      1. Nomar
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        That's my thoughts too.

        Thanks, Kennet.

        1. kennethrhcp
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          gotta reply to the old posters on here 😉

  28. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    DDG
    Tarkowski Christensen Otamendi
    Hazard Richarlison Salah Sterling
    Kane DCL Morata
    (Perreira RLC Kenny Kiko)

    a) Bench Morata and play RLC/Kenny
    b) Transfer out Morata for a striker 10.5 or less (free)

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A: & coin toss between RLC & Kenny... nearly leaning RLC

  29. Sponge-worthy
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What about Morata out for Laca?

    I was about to bring aguero in but I realized i don't have any money.

    I don't want to bench Morata because i have that Niasse (that's right) as third striker.

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Expect Giroud to start

      1. Sponge-worthy
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Damn that giroud!

  30. There Can Be Only One
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pope
    Christensen - Otamendi - Mee
    Hazard - Salah (c) - Sterling - Kdb - Coutinho
    Firmino - Murray

    Elliot - Niasse - Mariappa - Daniels
    2.0m itb, 0ft

    G2G? Any suggestions?

    Will do kdb to Sanchez next week