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. Ferris Bueller
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Speroni (Henn)
    Otam Christen Jones Mee (Duffy)
    Haz Salah Rich (RLC Gross)
    Kane Austin Morata
    £0.5 bank, 0 FT

    What to do?
    A) stick - RLC likely plays for Morata and Gross for Jones/Mee
    B) Morata > Firminio (-4)
    C) Morata & Gross > Firminio & Sterling/Silva (-8)

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

      a

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

    Klopp on injuries: "Nothing serious after last game but possible that 1 or 2 won't play v West Brom. Moreno isn't ready for sure."

  3. Ten Season Wonder
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    G2G for now? (will address bench issues next GW)

    Pope
    Ota - Mee - Kenny
    Salah - Haz - Sterling - Richarlison - RLC
    (K)ane - DCL

    subs: Elliot; Dunk, Zeegelaar(sus), Morata(i).

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

      gtg

  4. Krafty Werks
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Niasse > DCL surely not worth a hit right? Otherwise i could well find my self playing 4-5-1 with Choupo & RLC in for Morata & Niasse.

    A - Niasse > DCL -4
    B - Play Choupo (have Ward playing in defence) & RLC.

    Thanks.

  5. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Thinking of captaining Hazard. Will likely play up front, on pens, opposition have conceded 26 goals.

    Would you captain Kane or Salah over him?

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

      Both

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

    Its worth to take a hit?
    Begovic
    Kola-Dann-Gomez*-Davies*
    Salah-Mahrez-Hazard
    Austin-Kane-Benteke
    Elliot-Gross-TC-Rosenior*
    0ft 2.1itb

    A)Rosenior->Christensen/Tarkowski
    B)Save

    1. Ferris Bueller
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

  7. jai1212
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Need to do something about the team

    DDG (Elliot)
    Monreal/Christensen/Tarkowski/Morgan (Wimmer)
    Salah/Hazard/Ramsey**/Choupa(Carroll)
    Wilson/Kane (Morata**)

    already used ft
    a. Wilson to DCL and play 5-3-2
    b. Morata to Aguero/Lukaku

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

      Ramsey->Zaha/Richarlison?

      1. Ferris Bueller
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This as well (Rich)!

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

      C. Rams > Richarlison

      1. Ferris Bueller
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This

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

          Why not mine?

          1. Ferris Bueller
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            There you go - goodwill to all

            1. Ferris Bueller
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Now take a look at top of the page please!

  8. ILOVEBAPS
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Ok so down to this!

    a. Ramsey > Richarlison
    b. Daniels > Kenny & Ramsey > Coutinho -4

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

      I couldn't resist doing B.

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

      b

    3. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

    4. Ferris Bueller
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I see B as working well

    5. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      b. looks good for this gameweek at least 🙂

    6. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sweet! Cheers

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

    A. Morata to Firmino for free (Have Salah and Coutinho)
    B. Daniels and Morata to Mariappa and Lukaku for a hit.

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

      I just feel its the right time for Lukaku, but for a hit? What if he is rested.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        A easily

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

          Don't feel its too much?

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Nope. WBA and Bournemouth up next.

            I think there’ll be goals and lots of them

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

        Would be very annoying but I need to get rid of Daniels now and that frees up money for Lukaku.

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A, but only for the short term

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

      a

    4. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      People looking at lukaku are out of their mind. He's been awful , he could easily be dropped at any point.

      Firmino easily

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

        Good point.

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Now is exactly the time to get Lukaku in, your logic was used by people to keep him "why are you getting rid of him, he's in great form and is ticking along with points"

        It's about the future, my only concern would be he is due one rest soon

        1. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I agree here. I think Lukaku will turn it around, yet I also feel that this gw is a good opportunity for Mo to give Zlat a start, and Lukaku a rest -- exactly so he can turn it around, being fresh and eager.

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

          Do a news now search on lukaku.

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

      Thanks all.

  10. Dunlox
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Speroni / Adrian

    Jones / Gomez / Mee / Simpson / Lascelles

    De Bruyne / Salah / RLC / Richarlison / Silva

    Kane / Morata / Calvert-Lewin

    Planning on getting Pogba in when he’s back for Man Utd cover.

  11. FPL_Hazards
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Klopp: "When you have the quality in the squad like we have you have to use it. You can't use the same XI all the time."

    1. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Cue Salah benched then

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      What quaility? Sadio Mane and Coutinho?

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        .... And Salah (obviously)

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

      He's still explaining the team selection for Everton, I see.

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

        Yup. I doubt he'll repeat that mistake tonight.

  12. jia you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    It bloody hurts having Alli + Morata and no Hazard! But I can't bring myself to take Alli out at home to BHA (after holding so long, if he hauled I'd be sick).
    So so tempted to pull the trigger on Alli + Morata to Hazard + Fimino...but I will remain calm and sensible (hopefully)!

    Any other poor suckers Hazardless + stuck with non-playing Morata?

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

      I really don't think Alli is in the right mindset to haul. I watch him give away possession 6x a game every week at the moment

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I hear you mate but I feel Spurs might batter a weary Brighton!

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

          5 goals Vs Stoke and only 1 measly assist tells you about his Goal involvement atm

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

            And I support Spurs!

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

      Pull the trigger already.

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Haha it's after 9pm here so just have to last another couple of hours of keeping my finger off the trigger 😉

  13. james 101
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Ok. Serious question.

    Why aren't we all capping Salah?

    His numbers are ridiculous...

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Some think he might be rested.

      1. james 101
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Though he only played 60 right?

        1. Sgt Frank Drebin
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Yes. Personally I am captaining him, but have some doubts nonetheless.

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

        why? he's been rested. played 65 last game. we don't play next midweek

        100% nailed to start

        1. james 101
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          So... Are you captaining him?

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

            No, Kane

            1. james 101
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Why mate?

              Massive gap in form (points)

              1. james 101
                • 14 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Salah averaging almost double.

                1. Whats the Huth
                  • 10 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  You're a member - look at stats

                  Haz is smashing even Kane

        2. Fantasy Gold
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I’m captaining him 🙂

        3. james 101
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          He's destroying everyone for form.

          Only Haz comes close. And not that close.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Plenty of people are. Mainly those that spend 10 mins on their team each week and captain the best player in the league this season.

  14. TSN
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Morata+surman > coutinho DCL for (-4)?

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

      Yes

  15. Nightf0x
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    mahrez niasse to coutinho rooney
    -(or)-
    kola rlc to coutinho klavan

  16. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I'd trade a Kane captain fail for an Alonso brace and clean sheet tonight.

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

      Same

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

      I'd trade a Kane capt fail for a Duffy goal in a 1-0 win

    3. tokara
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      wont happen i sold him

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Who? Alonso?

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

          Alonso

          1. La Roja
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            lol

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Damn right

    5. Whats the Huth
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Oh please god
      please

      Not having Kane is wrecking my brain

    6. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Oooooooooh yes.

    7. dark91
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I would trade a Kane captain fail for an Alonso red card and 3 own goals

  17. Veezeeboy
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Another Kane theory is here!
    We all know Harry Kane has inconsistent this season in terms of his scoring pattern. Instead of performing well continuesly , he is scoring big and then scoring low. But HOW can we know when he is gonna do well? Answer lies in where West Ham United are playing.

    Gameweek # | West Ham United playing at | Harry Kane points

    1 | Away | 1

    2 | Away | 1

    3 | Away | 2

    4 | Home | 13

    5 | Away | 2

    6 | Home | 13

    7 | Home | 13

    8 | Away | 2

    9 | Home | 16

    10 | Away | 0

    11 | Home | 2

    12 | Away | 1

    13 | Home | 8

    14 | Away | 6

    15 | Away | 2

    16 | Home | 12

    In the 9 gameweeks where West Ham have played away , Kane has scored 17 points. That's less than 2 point per game.

    In the 7 gameweek where West Ham have played home , Kane has scored 77 points. That's 11 points per game.

    Conclusion : Make Harry Kane your captain whenever West Ham plays at home.

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      You browse /r/fantasypl as well?

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      What a waste of time.

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Not quite, it was worth a laugh lol

      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Oh dear, it certainly is.

      2. Ferris Bueller
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Well spotted WR

      3. Pep says
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This was also plagiarized. Original poster is a reddit user

  18. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Klopp on Moreno: "He's not ready, for certain. We send him to different doctors to know a little bit more but it's possible it's not that long. It's not decided."

  19. GreenArrows
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    G2G?

    Pope
    Mee Otamendi Jones
    Hazard Salah Silva Richarlison RLC
    Kane (C) DCL

    Elliot Kenny Duffy Morata**

    0.1itb 0FT

  20. Over Midwicket
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Klopp is pathetic. Just play Firmino, Coutinho, Salah and Mane to boost your freakin' goal differene, you nobhead

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

      +1

  21. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best Morata Replacement? 1FT, 0itb.

    Elliot
    Christensen • Otamendi • Ward
    Salah • Richarlison • Hazard • Coutinho
    Kane(C) • Morata** • DCL

    (Fabianski / RLC / Kiko F / Duffy)

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      bench

  22. Whats the Huth
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I dont have Kane. So might was well take a 'risk'

    A/ Kun captain?

    B/ Hazard Captain?

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

      B

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

      B

    3. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

  23. arndff_
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who do you prefer?
    (a) Lukaku (have DDG)
    (b) Aguero (have Otamendi)
    (c) Firmino (have Salah, Coutinho)
    (d) Austin
    (e) Someone else

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

      Tough one. A for the minutes and because he can't get any worse

      1. arndff_
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks... An awful situation with Morata’s injury.

  24. FPL_Hazards
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Adam Lallana is training "completely normal" but Joel Matip remains on the sidelines. "We have a few knocks [from Sunday] that we have to wait on. It's possible that one or two may not play." #LFC

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

      Ah, is that why Salah came off?

  25. Snevitz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Thinking of Sane and Morata to Hazard and Rooney for a -4.
    Yes or No?

    I could just do Morata to Rooney instead?

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

      Morata to Firmino

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

      Either. But Haz is a gem. If he was classified as a striker everyone would have him

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

        Disagree, would dampen his appeal if he was classified as a striker imo

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

    A)Morata to Firmino and save 1FT
    B)Morata to Firmino and Fabianski to De Gea
    C) Morata to Lukaku and Jones to Kenny

    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      C

  27. Strchld
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Would you do Morata to DCL for a hit. Probably its only -2p, because probably dont gonna have playing XI.
    That can avoid me to do next week TCarrol to Mane or Coutinho for free.

    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Probably not, no.

  28. Kevin Twine
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Gonna strengthen my bench (fun times)

    Best option here?

    A) RCL

    B) Milvojevic

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      b

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

      depends from your rank

  29. AF90
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Should I hold on to Morata? Already made my transfers.

    Gomes (Foster)
    Otamendi, Maguire, Daniels (Naughton, Rosenior)
    Salah, Hazard, Richarlison, Sterling, RLC
    Kane (C) DCL (Morata)

  30. Tshelby
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Kane (c) because FPL cup opponent has him, dead team, as captain or make it Salah or Coutinho?

    Despite the cup Kane is a good option for captain imo