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. Expected Toulouse
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    (1-1) Southampton v Leicester and
    (1-2) Palace v Watford score predictions?

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      2-1
      2-2

    2. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      0 - 0
      2 - 1

    3. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      1-1
      1-1

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

      1-1
      2-2

    5. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      2-1
      1-3

    6. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      1-2
      1-1

  2. Big P
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Captain?

    A) Lukaku (BOU)
    B) Firmino (WBA)
    C) Eriksen/Alli (BHA)

    I’m worried Lukaku will be rested!

    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Firm. Mr Z could be in for Utd

    2. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Would be wary of Spurs, Lamela could get starting spot for either of the two.

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

        Lamela plays right of centre -> eriksen the risk

        1. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Eriksen has previously played left on many occasions.

      2. how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I think alli more at risk than eriksen. But a good point.

  3. cheeky_ash
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    The Morata news has put me in an akward position as I only had him as the only big hitter up front....just took a -8 to get in Kane...not happy!!!

    So team is:-

    Pope (Elliot)
    Jones Ward Christensen (Kenny / Long)
    Sterling Hazard(vc) Salah Silva Coutinho
    Austin Kane(c) (Niasse)

    1. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      You will be after his hattie

  4. tbhogal
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    G2G or are any changes needed guys? Have 2FT's

    Begovic (Elliot)
    Mariappa,Ward,Alonso (Sakho,Dunk)
    Salah,Hazard,Sterling,RLC (Gross)
    Niasse,Morata,Kane

    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Move morata out with 1ft

    2. cheeky_ash
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Morata is injured

  5. mgrea
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Firmino or Vardy over the Christmas period?

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

      Firmino

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

      Firm mate yeah! Vard stats are poor since manager change

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

      I prefer Vardy. He actually plays high up the pitch (on the shoulder of defenders), whereas Firm gets shoved wide. Vardy pretty nailed too, unlike Firm

      V isn't getting as many chances lately but think he'll keep rocking over. Unlucky not to get the assist Vs newc because of the Perez OG

      1. mgrea
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Good shout. Liverpool fixtures enticing me

  6. Gazpilicueta
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think it would be worth doing these transfers for a -12?
    a lot of points but could work out?

    Morata > Aguero
    Sane > Hazard
    Abraham > Calvert Lewin
    Shaqiri > Gudmunsson

    1. Pegboy
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I don't hate it, as long as you choose the right captain out of Kun and Hazard

    2. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, go for it. Think that Aguero (C) and Haz will get you 40 together this week. (yes, I have Aguero (C).)

    3. La Vida Latte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      -12 rarely pays off. I would take it easy with the hits...

  7. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I've settled on my team for this gameweek. Usually means disaster

  8. Kodap
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Who to captain this week?

    Salah - Kane ?

    1. Michelle Davin
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      No idea either.I think Salah...

    2. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Special K

  9. Ange Ball
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Please pick one to play.

    A) Richardilson
    B) Lofts Cheek
    C) Calvert Lewin

    Thanks

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

      A

    2. Deece
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      ACB that order for me

    3. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A no brainer

    4. calmc92
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A or C. Personally would go for A since watford are playing well, usually in open games and palace need a win so both teams will be attacking. Also, Sakho is a big miss for palace in defence.

  10. Deece
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Courtois
    Mee* Kiko* Daniels
    Hazard Salah Coutinho Sterling RLC
    Kane Morata*

    Elliot Naughton Mbemba* McBurnie*

    5 likely injured / non starters. 1 FT 0.0m in bank

    A) Daniels -> Tarkowksi (1 FT) and hope that Kiko and Mee are fit and just play Naughton

    B) Daniels + Naughton + McBurnie -> Kenny + Ogbonna + DCL (-8)

    C) Daniels + Naughton -> Tarkowski + Kenny (-4)

    D) Morata -> Firmino (bought Morata for 10.3) and play Daniels / Naughton

    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      D

  11. calmc92
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Will Lukaku start? Looking at bringing him in for Morata since Morata is out and Lukaku's run of games are favourable. I know he's out of form but these are the games he scores goals. Not wanting Firmino due to already having 2 Lpool players and Lacazette doesn't appeal to me at a revitalised solid west ham (although he will end up scoring 2 now i've said that).

    1. cheeky_ash
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      The issue is that Ibra may start some of the games over xmas if Mourinho losses patience with Lukaku????

      Watch this space.

      1. calmc92
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Yea i'm worried about that, although Ibra could sit in behind Lukaku in the middle of the 3 in a 4-2-3-1 or even join him upfront. Lukaku needs goals to get his confidence back and at home to Bournemouth it's as good a chance as any. Just going to do it and hope he plays.

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

          I'm considering this or downgrading and upgrade RLC to someone like Mahrez sterling son

  12. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Current defence

    Ddg Elliot
    P.jones Daniels Davies Otemendi mee
    Which 3 to go with?
    Keep or ship Bern Davies? For who?

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

      Davies to christensen. I shipped davies this week, highly doubtful he plays against Brighton and very unlikely he'll get any more than appearance pts at the weekend.

  13. FPL ElasticO
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Need some replacement advice for these players.....Got 16 mil for 2 transfers....
    A. Morata
    B. Sakho

    1. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Depending on rest of team.
      Aguero (C) & Kenny (or other cheapie) top of mind.

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

    When Wenger says Ramsey is out for a short period, that could be until january?

    1. Expected Toulouse
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Remember what he said about cazorla. Knowing Ramsays injury record could easily be sometime.

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

      Yes I agree, is it worth taking a -8 to get ramsey out and build a bench?

      1. Expected Toulouse
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Depends. Basically if you won't field a full starting line up this week because of Ramsays injury, i would do that. However, if you have players who can replace him then don't take a -8.

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

          I have 10 starters at best

          1. Expected Toulouse
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Ok. Can you post your team? Hard to know what to do without seeing it.

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

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

              0 FT, 0.1 ITB, I am thinking:

              Ramsey + 4.5 --> Lanzini + Crouch (I can only afford a 4.9 Forward if I take a 6.8 MID)

              1. Expected Toulouse
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                I'd do Morata + Ramsay to Dcl/Austin + Coutinho. Or Just Morata to Firmino.

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

          can be 8 to if richarlison and christensen is benched..

  15. 404_FC
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    a) aguero + young
    b) firmino + son
    c) rashford or rooney or dcl or austin + coutinho

    thanks

    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      ABC in that order for me. Tough between B and C (this week only)
      Bit more long term B.

  16. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    1FT. 0.8 ITB. What would you with this team?

    Hennessey
    Azpilicueta Otamendi Ward
    Hazard Salah Richarlison RLC
    Kane Morata* DCL
    Speroni | Gross, Mariappa, Daniels

    A) Daniels > Jones
    B) Gross + Morata > Coutinho + Rashford (-4)
    C) Gross + Morata > Silva/Sterling > Firmino (-4)

    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Keep Daniels I think. At least he plays. Just Morata to Firmino? Wouldn't take a -4

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

        Not even for Silva/Sterling as long-term options?

        1. mgrea
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          No I think GroB needs to be held onto for his next 2 fixtures after tomorrow

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

            So Silva/Sterling won't outscore him?

            Tbh I'm not that keem on Firmino, but I'm happy to have him as part of a package that's an improvement on Morata + Gross haha.

            So I'd rather save the transfer and play Gross than sell Morata to Firmino only 😀

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

    Think I’m taking the Lacazette gamble... G2G?

    Elliot
    Christensen • Otamendi • Ward
    Salah • Richarl • Hazard • Coutinho
    Kane(C) • Lacazette • DCL

    (Fabianski / RLC / Kiko F / Duffy)

    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Gtg

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

      Good luck! Hope he does well

    3. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Nice team, solid.

  18. Pegboy
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Shameless re-post...

    Pope
    Otamendi Ward Gomez
    Salah Hazard Sterling Richarlison Carroll
    Kane(c) DCL

    Bench: Elliot* Mustafi* Morata* Fernandez*

    £0.1, 1FT

    Very likely to not be able to field 11 and looks like Mustafi could be out for the weekend too.

    a) Mustafi > Christensen
    b) Mustafi + Morata > Kun (c) + Kenny
    c) Save and pray

    1. cheeky_ash
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      a for me

      1. Pegboy
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks!

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

    Would you

    A. Play Gross

    B. Play Wilson

    C. Wilson - > DCL -4. Bench Gross

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

  20. Ravager
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Is there a Daniels replacement worth it up to 5.0?

    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Not if you can bench him, at least he is nailed.

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

        Was thinking this. Sadly, I have a free to burn and I think I want to keep Morata in this week...so this is a hard one.

  21. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bringing in cout for Gross. Which should be my enabler?

    A. Alonso to Morgan/Kiko
    B. Morata to Austin

    Thanks..

    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Both could be good. I'd move Alonso to Kenny or someone who is nailed.

      If kiko has been confirmed fit then that looks great.

  22. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Stuck for forwards in Draft and looking to take a one week punt - which of these (really bad) options do you prefer?

    A) Barnes vs Stoke (H) (team news has him potentially starting)
    B) Ibra vs Bou (H) (probably won't start but could get mins off the bench)

  23. Gazpilicueta
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Captain.....

    A) Hazard
    B) Kane
    C) Salah

    Votes please!

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

      C but B will probably get a goal or two.

  24. Kenny Dogleash
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    What’s the current thinking around Morata. Worth ditching? Have Kane and Niasse. Not terribly excited by other options.

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

      What price did you buy at? Worth ditching if 10.4 or over IMO

      BTW, Kennel Dogleash 😉

  25. jia you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Morata + Alonso + Sane to DCL + Kiko + Shaqiri (-12)
    Decent move to save cash?

  26. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Was thinking of getting firmino in but worried he's started 2 of the last 4 in the league

    Also Ings is back to fitness, Klopp has shown he will give solanke minutes and sturridge is lurking. Recipe for disaster?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Over xmas rotation probably.

    2. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed.

    3. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I think now CL is over should be OK. Klopp will have been burned by Sunday and tbh the other Fab 4 boys could just as easily get less minutes.

      1. GENERATION X
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        ...the chemistry is missing without the majority of them on the field...

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

    Hey masters!

    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

  28. theBoose
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Who is priority number one to transfer out? I have 1.0 itb.

    A) Elliot
    B) Mbemba
    C) Hughes
    D) Ramsey
    E) Morata

    1. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      D if you have a playing GK? Ramsey looking out for a few weeks (from Arsenal fans)..

  29. C'mon the Fylde
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Captain: Salah or Hazard?

    With Morata out, Hazard is likely play Morata's role.

    Salah, however, is taking it in!

    1. C'mon the Fylde
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Raking* Stupid predictive text

  30. kfreeman93
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    -8 for Morata to Lacazette or Firmino ?

    Team is:
    Pope
    Monreal - Kenny - Jones - Otamendi
    Richarlison - D.Silva - Salah - RLC
    Vardy - Kane

    subs - Mee* - Gross - Morata*

    Concerned about neither Jones or Mee playing, so best to have 3 strikers instead by replacing Morata?