Team News
29 December 2017 907 comments
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Harry Kane hopes to recover from illness in time for Spurs’ clash with Swansea on Tuesday night. Wayne Rooney is available for Everton’s trip to Bournemouth, while Andreas Christensen could return for Chelsea’s home meeting with Stoke City, who face a defensive crisis for the trip to west London.

Here’s our summary of the key team news so far as we await this afternoon’s press conferences.

Fantasy managers were thrown an unexpected curveball earlier today as Mauricio Pochettino conceded that Harry Kane has been struck down by illness ahead of the first match of Spurs’ double Gameweek 22.

The Spurs boss had this to say on the matter:

“He’s ill. He’s cold, like me! The doctor was there at his house, like with all the players when they don’t feel good. We’ll see tomorrow if he can train and be here. But it’s not a big issue. Today I don’t know if he’ll be available or not.”

The striker is apparently optimistic of recovering in time for the Wembley clash, with his fitness now a major factor to consider, with many looking to wield Triple Caaptain chips in light of his back-to-back hat-tricks against Burnley and Southampton.

Fernando Llorente is the likely candidate to deputise against his former club, though Pochettino could even opt for the in-form Son Heung-min to lead the line should Kane miss out.

Over 134,000 FPL managers have brought in the Spurs striker despite the lack of a Gameweek 21 fixture, making him the second most popular acquisition up front. He is also the most sold striker in the Gameweek, with over 158,000 parting company.

Those still holding may now think twice over playing their Triple Captain, while non-owners now face a dilemma – do they bring Kane in and run the risk of him not being available for both matches?

Given that Spurs don’t play until Tuesday now, it’s very unlikely that we will get any further official update ahead of Monday’s 11.30am deadline.

Now on to the Gameweek 21 news….

Eddie Howe has revealed that he will make late calls on a number of players ahead of the home clash against Everton, with Charlie Daniels, Andrew Surman and Harry Arter all doubts. Junior Stanislas is sidelined with a groin problem.

Meanwhile, Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Wayne Rooney has recovered from illness, and is available for the trip to the Vitality Stadium. James McCarthy “should be available”, but Idrissa Gueye (hamstring) is more likely to return against Manchester United in Gameweek 22.

Andreas Christensen missed the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion due to illness, but could return for Chelsea’s home clash against Stoke City after reportedly returning to training yesterday. This could see either Gary Cahill or Antonio Rudiger drop to the bench.

Mark Hughes will be without the injured Ryan Shawcross for the trip to Stamford Bridge, while Kurt Zouma is ineligible to face his parent club. According to the Potters boss, Erik Pieters “has an outside chance” of being able to return, but Bruno Martins Indi and Glen Johnson miss out, leaving Stoke desperately short of defensive options.

David Wagner looks set to hand a recall to Laurent Depoitre for the home meeting with Burnley after the Belgian was limited to a second-half substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw against Stoke.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche revealed that Stephen Ward remains doubtful ahead of the trip to the John Smith’s Stadium due to a knee problem, while Chris Wood is rated as “touch and go.” James Tarkowski continues to serve his suspension.

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson is out for around a month with a hamstring injury, while Jurgen Klopp could consider handing a recall to Sadio Mane for the home encounter against Leicester City.

The Foxes will be without Danny Simpson for the trip to Anfield, with the defender sidelined for four to five weeks with a hamstring injury. Daniel Amartey is available again after serving a one-match ban, and may deputise at right-back.

Florian Lejeune and Isaac Hayden remain doubts for Newcastle United’s home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion. Mikel Merino, Matt Ritchie, Christian Atsu and Dwight Gayle are all set to push for starts having featured on the bench against Manchester City.

Pascal Gross and Anthony Knockaert are expected to be handed recalls for the trip to St James’ Park, while on-loan midfielder Izzy Brown returns to the squad after being ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea.

Roberto Pereyra was withdrawn with a knock in Watford’s 2-1 win over Leicester but is expected to be in contention for Swansea City’s visit to Vicarage Road. Will Hughes (hamstring) remains doubtful, while Troy Deeney continues to serve his four-match ban.

New Swans head coach Carlos Carvalhal is expected to hand a recall to Tammy Abraham for his first match in charge. Ki Sung-yeung (calf) is a major doubt, but Leroy Fer (back) should be available.

Chris Smalling (groin) remains a major doubt for the home fixture against Southampton, while Matteo Darmian (knock) and Anthony Martial (knee) will be assessed after sitting out the 2-2 draw with Burnley. The latter was pictured in training yesterday, though Antonio Valencia is not expected to be available as he continues to nurse a hamstring problem.

As for Saints, they’ll again be without injured duo Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand, while Charlie Austin is both suspended and laid low by a hamstring injury. Steven Davis, Dusan Tadic and Manolo Gabbiadini could push for recalls at Old Trafford.

Crystal Palace’s Joel Ward is not expected to be available for the home clash against Manchester City after missing the last five matches due to a calf injury. Elsewhere, Eagles boss Roy Hodgson could freshen up his midfield by handing a recall to James McArthur.

Vincent Kompany limped off with a calf problem in the 1-0 win over Newcastle United and looks set to miss the trip to Selhurst Park. Fabian Delph (knock) will be assessed having missed Wednesday’s victory, while Leroy Sane is expected to be handed a recall in attack. We’ll be hoping for an update on David Silva later today, with City yet to comment on his Tyneside absence.

West Bromwich Albion head coach Alan Pardew is likely to be without Salomon Rondon for the home meeting with Arsenal; the forward picked up a hamstring injury in the goalless draw against Everton. Hal Robson-Kanu may replace the Venezuelan up front.

The Gunners are set to be without Nacho Monreal once again, with the Spaniard struggling to overcome an ankle injury. Arsene Wenger could continue with a 3-4-2-1 set-up, allowing Sead Kolasinac to retain his role at wing-back.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s 2.00pm deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter account for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Friday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

907 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. liiusions
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Wow Kane! Surely we can't TC him now?

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      What?

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        See last page.

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      It's Friday...the game is on Tuesday. Surely you don't have to think about it now.

      1. liiusions
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        Deadline is Monday morning, doubt we'll hear anything more before that

  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Kane.........

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      With Swansea being next, maybe Poch gives Llorente a start?

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        could happen, old club and all 🙁

  3. GXNG
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    De Gea
    Christensen / Ake / Kenny / Duffy
    Sterling / Richarlison / Hazard / Salah(C)
    DCL / Quaner
    (Elliott / Masuaku / Son / Kane)

    The only players that can hurt my rank not having this week are Firmino and Morata right. Coutinho likely to get rested imo.

  4. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Thing is, Alli might even be a better choice for TC anyway.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Said no one ever

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        We'll see.

        1. Ambrosiana Inter
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 16 days ago

          What’s tc?

          1. Debauchy
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 16 days ago

            torture chamber

            1. Ambrosiana Inter
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 16 days ago

              Lol got it triple cap

  5. Differentiator
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Didn't get a reply last shot

    What would you do? 0.2 ITB and 1FT

    Pope (HUD A)
    Jones (SOU H) - Alonso (STK H) - Duffy (NEW A) - Long (HUD A)
    Rich (SWA A) - RLC (MCI H) - Salah (LEI H) - Cout (LEI H)
    Luk (SOU H) - Morata (STK H)

    Elliot (BHA H) - Stephens (NEW A) - blank - blank

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      This post is just an eye sore

    2. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Save. Monster squad.

    3. Luton_Fan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Stick

  6. _figu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    I have both Hazard and Morata. Is that differential enough? I'd really like to go big on Chelsea and captain Hazard. Safe choice would be captaining Salah and for the first time in a while actually hope he does well.

    Don't have Coutinho or Firmino either so sensible option would be to captain Salah, right?

    1. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Momstick with the blues

      1. Ambrosiana Inter
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        No stick with the blues

    2. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Go gut . Both Salah and Haz should be in the points but more upside if Haz hauls

  7. The Great Statuto
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Hi folks. Not played my wildcard yet. Do I have to do so by this weekend's games deadline or by midnight Saturday to save me losing it?

    1. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Yeah

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Closes at deadline

  8. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Is DCL (C) vs bou too punty?

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Dcl will be rested

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        Yes, I fear this. Could be down to 9 or 10 this week, but many will be in the same boat.

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Might not even start.

    3. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      He'd be lucky to make my starting lineup

    4. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Insane

      1. Dave Bauer
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        I mean absolutely insane.

  9. Luton_Fan
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Got kenny last night b4 price rise that didnt happen and kind of regret it. Think lascelles would have been better option. Brighton and swans home in 2 of next 3. 🙁

    1. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Wow u sold lascelles?didnt u know he ll keep clean sheet and score from free kick?

      1. Luton_Fan
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        No im thinking i should have got in over kenny.

        1. Ambrosiana Inter
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 16 days ago

          Being honest with u I stopped looking at price rises sites as they get it wrong most times and put extra pressure on transfers...they cloud your brain and can’t concentrate on anything else but that player who s about to drop or rise...I have sane I dropped last night but I don’t care

  10. Ambrosiana Inter
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    With Arnautovic on the bench my midfield looks like this: sterling,sane,rlcheeks,Zaha...given that palace and Man City play each other would u:
    Sell Zaha for fabregas or Richarlison
    Keep bearing in mind that if I sell either one of Zaha and rlc I won’t be able to buy them back as previously bought them for 6.8 and 4.5 and they are now at 6.9 and 4.6
    ?????

  11. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Did Jay jizz on Harry's Xmas dinner?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Bought him a dodgy lasagne

    2. _Make
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Yuck.

      Also, is it radioactive or something?

      Jay, you need to tell us what you have been eating and/or if you have visited North Korea recently. Public health issue.

  12. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Why was the spurs w.ham game cancelled this G.w?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Unable to adequately police Wembley on NYE

      1. Ambrosiana Inter
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        B......s

      2. J T
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        nothing to do with police, the met have enough of them don’t worry.
        I think it was because a lot of public transport was closed around London, would have been mayhem

        1. J T
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 16 days ago

          Not enough drivers for the driver-less trains

  13. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Nooooo Kane....

  14. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Will Firmino / Salah be rested?

    1. Mr Arsenal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      No - Coutinho more likely.

  15. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Harry Kane declared ILL

    1. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Just to add to the confusion

      1. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        Exactly!

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      I wish they specified what kind of illness it was.

      Man flu? He’ll be fine.

      Throat infection? He’ll be fine.

      24 hour bug? No worries.

      Proper flu? We know he’s out

      1. Brap.
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        It's the shits bruv

      2. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        I will have to look for the transcript of the conference or the video

  16. raoulduke71
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Who to play?

    a) DCL
    b) Kenny

    Who to Capt?

    1) Haz
    2) Salah

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      A

      Coin toss

      1. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        I did 7 rounds of tossing; Hazard 2 vs Salah 5

  17. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Best budget striker 5.5m or less?

    1. Mr Arsenal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Crouch

    2. KJT123
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      qua ner

    3. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Quaner

    4. Luton_Fan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Quaner for the $$$

  18. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Alonso (C) might not be a bad shout this week.

    1. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Mmm i wouldnt

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Chances for Alonso to be rested?

      1. Brap.
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        For whom?

        Kenedy before he goes to Newcastle?

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 16 days ago

          For that guy that played in the cup

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 16 days ago

            Just bought Alonso so I m happy

    3. Pieterke30
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      yep

      seems like a good week for him to hit 20+ points

  19. Speédy
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    We non-owners cursed Kane 😆

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Don’t know why you’re laughing you missed out on 2 hat tricks

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        Double that

      2. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        Exactly ooooooooo

  20. XabiAlonso
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Llorente TC anyone 8)

  21. Top 210 Club
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Rooney passed the swine flu onto Kane :(o

    1. Pieterke30
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      ahah, that he did

  22. TSN
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Play pope or elliott?

    1. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Elliot

      1. TSN
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        Thanks mate

  23. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Kane will have having a massive new years eve bash. Will take a few days to recover, getting in the excuses now but no thought for our fpl teams 🙁

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      lol at Kane owners

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Fake illness as moving to Real Madrid

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        The end of Kane as we once knew him 🙁

    3. Pieterke30
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Makes Son an even better pick than he already was

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        TC Son

        1. Pieterke30
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 16 days ago

          Well, be my guest.

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 16 days ago

            It's only a game
            #dontbedullard

            1. Pieterke30
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 16 days ago

              Nah, it's much more than that

  24. Rash
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Funny how the FPL gods always throw a spanner in the works when a key week of the season draws near.. perhaps some tough calls to be made

  25. YoungPretender
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    2FTs, 0.1ITB

    DDG
    Zanka Christensen Otamendi Gomez
    Richarlison Zaha Salah Hazard Gray
    Morata

    Elliot Niasse Kane* Masuaka*

    Niasse > Quaner?

    1. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      I’d do it

  26. Sam feasts
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Kane being ill is a massive spanner in the works for the DGW, the uncertainty levels give me anxiety already.

    1. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      It means you’re ready for GW21.

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      It’s the short turnaround between games that is most concerning.

      Could easily be rested for Swans in preparation for the London derby 48 hours later

  27. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Kane > Morata(c) locked in.

    1. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      And then are you going to buy back Kane?

    2. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      What if u already have morata?

  28. FPL_Hazards
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    Where does the Depoitre recall news in this article come from?

    1. Rash
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Sheer guess work imo

  29. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    TC now a differential unless we hear some news before Tuesday.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Which is doubtful really considering it's new years monday

    2. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Think to save the chip for the end of the season.

    3. Brap.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Can't see Tom Carroll doing *that* much

  30. arndff_
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 16 days ago

    What to do...? 1FT, 1.2ITB

    DDG
    Ota Christensen Dunk Long
    Hazard Salah Coutinho Sterling
    DCL Quaner

    Elliot Kane Arnautovic Ogbonna

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 16 days ago

      Similar boat below. Tempted to either stick or sell Coutinho. I think he might only play 1 of the 2 max

      1. arndff_
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 16 days ago

        We're about to sink, mate. 🙁

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 16 days ago

          My guess would be Coutinho benched and the rest all play. I think a lot of people will have issues though so perhaps it’s not that bad

        2. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 16 days ago

          Just make sure you nail the Captain! 🙂 who you thinking?

          1. arndff_
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 16 days ago

            It's on Hazard now... But not sure.