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.

  1. MartialMatas
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I'm thinking morata to Firmino this gameweek then reevaluate and maybe wildcard next week. What do you think?

    Begovic Elliot
    Otamendi Christensen Mee Naughton Duffy
    Hazard Salah Sterling Richarlison RLC
    Kane Morata Abraham

    1ft 0.1itb
    Wc available

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Save FT

    2. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      If you still have your wildcard, absolutely

  2. HD7
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    G2G ?

    Elliot
    Walker Kabasele Mee
    Coutinho Richarlison Salah Hazard
    Kane(C) Morata DCL

    Subs: Fabianski, RLC, Daniels, Mbemba

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Team is good but Morata Richarlison Mee and Elliot all might not play!

      1. HD7
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I know... hope Richarlison and Mee play... while Fab and RLC show why you need bench

    2. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yep

  3. Stefan Schnoor
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Best option from the following? 1FT, 0.4 ITB

    Fabianski
    Azpi Vertonghen Otamendi Mee*
    Hazard Salah Richarlison
    Kane DCL Morata*

    Gross / RLC / Hunemeier*

    A) Hune -> Kenny (FT) to boost the bench
    B) Morata -> Firmino (FT)
    C) Save and let Gross & RLC come in for any absentees (Mee/Morata)

    Cheers!

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. Neville& Sons
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      C

  4. _Gunner
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Which is a better use of a FT?

    A -Morata >Firmino
    B- Ramsey > Shaqiri

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Not fancy your not Laca?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Your boy*

        1. Leonard hatred
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Do any gooners? 😀

    2. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      if it's 1 of 2FT's then A, if you only have 1FT then let it roll and have 2FT's for next GW

    3. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

  5. Bad Butcher
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    De Gea
    Koła Christensen Mee
    Haz Salah Zaha Gross
    Kane Morata* Abraham

    Bench: Daniels Naughton Caroll

    2FT 0,2 ITB

    What should i do?
    a) Abraham Caroll -> DCL RLC
    b) Morata Daniels -> Firmino Otamendi
    c) Zaha Caroll Abraham -> Richa RLC DCL
    d) something else
    e) save

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      b

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

    Might take a hit for Morata > Kane

    But I need to release 1.2m elsewhere (using FT) so options are:
    Hazard 10.7 - with Morata out that would be stupid
    Salah 9.5 - could hurt
    Sane 8.6 > 7.4 or less e.g. Richarlison

    TL;DR version

    Morata & Sane > Kane & Richarlison for a hit or wait and do it for free next GW?

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Hit Imo.

  7. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    LACAZETTE!!! 😀

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      giroud will start probably

  8. Bill Car
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bit of a doozy for anyone that can help?

    Coutinho/Rooney

    Son/Firmino

    A Young/Aguero

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Is that to ditch, bring in, not really asked a question

      1. Bill Car
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Apologies.

        To bring in.

  9. MUFASA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone think that Kane could be rested with one eye on the MCI game (3 days later)?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Minutes will be managed for sure.

    2. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      He's got 65 minutes in him. Poch will be keen to keep momentum.

    3. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      He was rested recently in CL

    4. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, they played really well with Llorente

    5. luke25
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I always think they should rest Kane, for instance against Stoke, perfect opportunity to take him off early. He'll end up suffering from burnout later in his career I think like Rooney.

    6. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      No chance, he's gunning for Shearer's record

    7. nevins84
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I cant see it , he is just hitting form and Spurs cant risk points at the minute

  10. Lumberjack
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Who should start...

    1 - Adrian (ARS)
    2 - Fab (MCI)

    A - Abraham (MCI)
    B - Mariappa (cry)

    Cheers

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      1
      B

      1. Lumberjack
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

  11. Siva Mohan
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Mee definitely out this GW?

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. Leonard hatred
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Late assesment, so possibly limited minutes tho

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        it's 0 or 90 for CBs

  12. ludaslol
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts, this is my team for this GW.

    Fabianski
    Kolasinac zappcosta samling ward
    A. Sanchez Hazard Couthino Richarlison
    DCL Kane (c)

    1. ludaslol
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      First sub, Diouf or RLC?

  13. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bench who from these two guys?

    A) Masuaku (ARS)
    B) Albrighton (sot)

    Thank you

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. Neville& Sons
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        A

  14. britlander
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed, reposting:

    My team's current best case:

    Foster
    Otamendi / Femenia / Mbemba
    Hazard / Salah / Sterling / Richarlison / Carroll
    Kane / DCL

    Elliott / Naughton / Mustafi / Morata

    Is there anything there that's worth taking a hit for? Worst case is Femenia and Mbemba don't start, giving me only Ota and Naughton in defense. Richarlison and Sterling could be rotated though I don't think either is likely. Hopefully big Sam is happy with DCL's contribution over the past few weeks.

    I was leaning towards Foster > Pope for a hit, but with all the new problems that hardly seems worthwhile...

  15. Karan_G14
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Best option out of these?

    A) Morata & RLC ➡️ DCL & Sterling (-4)

    B) Morata & RLC ➡️ Austin & Sterling (-4)

    C) Morata ➡️ Firmino (Triple Pool attack)

    Leaning towards A
    My thoughts:

    Everton have better fixtures than Soton and DCL has less competition.

    Sterling a good long term option rather than Firmino (Triple Pool attack).

    Thanks 🙂

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A if you're gonna do cheap

      1. Karan_G14
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Will have a midfield of
        Haz Cout Salah Sterling Richarlison

    2. Neville& Sons
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B. Im liking Sterling at the min. and considering getting him in. Just not sure if he will be rested.

  16. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Which of these would u choose on a WC?

    Gomes/ Adrian/ Fanianski.

    Speroni, ........
    Otamendi, Christensen, Mee, Kenny, Mariappa
    Current defence.

    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Gomes. Great fixtures

    2. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Lose Christensen and get DDG. You have a few risks in that defence (Chris, Kenny, Mariappa) and so need some certainties.

  17. PlayPercentage
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Ben Davies is going to get benched for the easy match on Wednesday, isn't he?
    And he will start away at Man City.
    I wish I had got rid of him a few weeks back. Same dilemma every week, but there are always more pressing problems.

    1. luke25
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Got that issue with Aguero, just frustrating to have trying to predict when they'll play

  18. OldBenKenobi
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Don’t get why so many people are dumping Morata? He was due a rest anyway and it’s likely only for 1 GW. Must not have any other issues with the rest of their teams?

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      4YCs and a lack of good performances. It is a fair point - I brought in at 10.0 though so much harder decision

      1. Sims
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        would u sel him if u got him at 10.5?

        1. Differentiator
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah

          1. Differentiator
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            He'll probably be 10.6 by the time the next game at weekend starts tbh

            1. Sims
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              doubt it

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Let 'em sell

    3. bobbyt1
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Possibility of him missing weekend as well and he's on 4 yellows so could end up missing 3 games over Christmas.

    4. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I know I need Kane back in for the DGW, Morata on 4YC's, seems like a good opportunity given Spurs fixture this week.

    5. I Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I was fully expecting him to be rested anyway so this doesn't change much for me. Happy to play RLC in his place. If he's out at the weekend too then that will prompt a rethink.

  19. Vlad Tepes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    In panic guys, what to do with this team? I have a feeling that I only will have 10 players or less this week...

    Fabianski, (Elliot)
    Otamendi, Kolasinac, Christensen, Tarkowski (3.9)
    Shaqiri, Richarlison, Hazard, Salah (RAMSEY)
    Kane (MORATA, 4.5)

    0 FT, 0.1 ITB. (Did Gross --> Shaqiri on sunday, would not have done that today)

    I am also fearing that Richarlison and Christensen may get a rest. If Ramsey is out long is worth taking a -8 hit to do something like:

    Ramsey + 4.5 --> DCL + X

    Cheers.

    1. Neville& Sons
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Lingard?

  20. _Make
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    My team's fixtures:
    Stoke (x2)
    Huddersfield (x2)
    West Ham
    West Brom (x2)
    Palace
    Swansea
    Newcastle
    Brighton (c)

    Perfect on paper. 24 points incoming...

  21. NachoMan
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Newcastle fans. Is there any hope for Elliot getting back between the sticks??

  22. Sims
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    which combo gets more points this week?

    A) Coutinho & Choupo Moting

    B) Sterling & Richarlison

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

      Cout 10, CM 2
      Sterling 5, Rich 5

    2. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      This GW or this actual week?

      The answer is probably B because Choupo is terrible but Coutinho is a fantastic pick. Pool are going to absolutely smash WBA and Cout is always involved.

      1. Sims
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        sorry yes this whole week

        1. Differentiator
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          B

    3. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      b

  23. JJeyy
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A) morata ---> Firmino (have cout and salah)
    B) Play Mariappa

    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Tough. Obviously A could harvest more points but B more sensible with Morata back at the weekend more than likely

  24. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Take a -4 already
    If I do a free hit now, will I still be charged the hit and revert to that team next week??

    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Transfer gets wiped as far as I know

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Even if I gained/lost value?

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Only your original team gains or loses value

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      The hit is cancelled and you revert to the team you had before any changes

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      No. I took a -12 before I played the free hit(same GW). -12 wiped off.

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks all

  25. Viper
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    It's like pulling teeth, could someone please give an opinion 😆

    A. Moreno & Wilson - > Kenny & Austin

    B. RLC & Morata - > Coutinho & Austin

    2Fts.

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe Moreno, RLC & Morata ➡️ DCL, Coutinho & Smalling/Christensen?

  26. EmreCan Hustle
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I can think of a 100 reasons why Lukaku shouldn't start, but anyone see him being rested?

    Morata to Lukaku for free?

    Zlatan hasn't done much either.
    Lukaku plays all midweek games in UCL.
    Needs his confidence back.

    Should start right?

    1. _Make
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'm sorry but 'needs his confidence back' is precisely the reason why you shouldn't pick him. Let him get it back on someone else's time. I still think he will start though.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Need a Morata replacement. Thoughts? Have Kane and Niasse.

        3 defenders injured.

    2. Ode
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      He's a big lad, needs a rest

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        🙁

  27. gwok
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Smailling - Doucoure
    OR
    Mariappa - Richarlison

  28. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Am I the only one who brought in Kabasele + Son.?? Havnt seen either mentioned much. Starting to think it wasn't wise.

    1. Speédy
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Differentials bring you huge greens.

      1. camarozz
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Only if they score big!!

  29. Puyol Pants Up
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    My last 4 GW ranks:

    GW 13: 11,823
    GW 14: 5,251,354
    GW 15: 93,725
    GW 16: 24,513

    Crazy.

    1. dark91
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I thought that was your OR for a moment which would have been crazy indeed

    2. Viper
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Wow, brilliant. Three of those scores are higher than my highest gwk rank

  30. I Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Start Elliot (EVE) over Foster (liv) and hope he starts? I could see Foster making a few saves against Liverpool but will probably concede more than Newcastle.