Team News
12 January 2018 613 comments
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Mohamed Salah looks set to be available for Liverpool’s crunch meeting with Manchester City, while Marko Arnautovic should return for West Ham’s trip to Huddersfield Town.

Jamie Vardy is back for Leicester’s Stamford Bridge visit and Aaron Ramsey will return to the Arsenal squad at Bournemouth following a spell on the sidelines.

Here’s our summary of the key team news so far, with a whole host of big-name press conferences still to come later today.

After being rested for the goalless draw against Arsenal in the EFL Cup, Gary Cahill and Tiemoue Bakayoko are expected to be recalled for Chelsea’s home meeting with Leicester City.

As for the Foxes, they will have Jamie Vardy available for the trip to Stamford Bridge, with the forward recovering from a groin injury. But Wes Morgan and Danny Simpson are both ruled out.

Crystal Palace pair Jeffrey Schlupp and Andros Townsend were forced off with injuries in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup and are expected to be sidelined for the home fixture against Burnley. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still a doubt, so Bakary Sako could push for a start having scored in the FA Cup tie at Brighton.

Stephen Ward and Chris Wood will both miss the trip to Selhurst Park. Manager Sean Dyche expects defensive trio James Tarkowski (broken hand), Ben Mee and Kevin Long (both knocks) to be in contention. Scott Arfield (hamstring) is rated as “touch and go”, though, while Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is poised to make his debut after joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

Chris Lowe and Collin Quaner have been ruled out for Huddersfield Town’s home clash against West Ham United. The latter should be back in contention at Stoke next weekend, however, according to David Wagner.

Marko Arnautovic is back in training and according to David Moyes’ Evening Standard column – back and available to return for the trip to the John Smith’s Stadium, while Michail Antonio remains sidelined with an ongoing groin injury. Moyes has an array of injury worries in defence though this morning’s column also revealed that Aaron Cresswell and James Collins are set to be in contention, with Winston Reid the only real doubt.

Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Chancel Mbemba are all injury concerns for Rafa Benitez ahead of the home clash against Swansea City. Rob Elliot is back in training, although he may be return to the bench with Karl Darlow retained in goal.

Renato Sanches (hamstring) and Tammy Abraham (abdominal injury) appear unlikely to be available for the trip to St James’ Park, while Angel Rangel is ruled out and Kyle Naughton remains suspended. Youngster Connor Roberts could start at right-back.

Kiko Femenia and Will Hughes remain likely to miss out again for Watford’s home fixture with Southampton. Troy Deeney returned from suspension with a goal in the 3-0 win over Bristol City in the FA Cup, and may lead the line for the Hornets.

Cedric Soares and Wesley Hoedt have both returned to training ahead of the trip to Vicarage Road, but Mauricio Pellegrino revealed a decision on their availability will be made on the pair after today’s training session. Jeremy Pied (knock) will also be subject to a late assessment.

Alan Pardew will have to check on Kieran Gibbs (muscle problem), Jonny Evans (foot) and Matt Phillips (hamstring) ahead of the home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Izzy Brown has returned to parent club Chelsea after suffering a serious knee injury but, apart from Steve Sidwell, manager Chris Hughton has a clean bill of health ahead of the trip to The Hawthorns.

Harry Winks is a doubt ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s home encounter with Everton due to an ankle injury, while Danny Rose is likely to remain sidelined with a knee complaint.

Sam Allardyce has confirmed that new signing Cenk Tosun will be in the squad for the trip to Wembley, but Michael Keane misses out with a foot injury.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe revealed that both Josh King and Junior Stanislas have returned to training ahead of the visit of Arsenal to the Vitality Stadium, although a late decision will be made on whether they can feature.

Arsene Wenger stated earlier this morning that Aaron Ramsey is available for the trip to the south coast, while Jack Wilshere has a chance of recovering from an ankle sprain to feature on Sunday. Mesut Ozil is rated as 50/50, but Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal remain out and Sead Kolasinac has a “little chance” of making a return.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been handed a boost after Mohamed Salah returned to full training ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City. Alberto Moreno and Daniel Sturridge are also edging back into contention, but Jordan Henderson remains sidelined.

Vincent Kompany remains a doubt for the leaders ahead of the trip to Anfield, while Ilkay Gundogan will be on standby to start if David Silva isn’t able to feature due to personal reasons.

Manchester United right-back Antonio Valencia is on course to return for Monday night’s home clash against Stoke City, having missed the last four matches with a hamstring complaint. Ashley Young serves the final game of his three-match ban, so Luke Shaw is expected to continue at left-back. Romelu Lukaku is set to start in attack after returning from a head injury in the 2-0 win over Derby County in the FA Cup.

Stoke Under 18s manager Kevin Russell helmed yesterday’s press conference and revealed Erik Pieters and Bruno Martins Indi both returned to training on Thursday, although the pair still need to prove their fitness ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. Ryan Shawcross is unlikely to recover from a calf injury in time to feature against his former club.

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.

613 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go? No frees but considering Son -> Lingard for a hit.

    Adrian
    Jones, Christensen, Duffy
    Salah (vc), Sterling, Richarlison, Arnie, Son
    Kane (c), Morata

    Fabianski; Ottamendi, Ogbonna, DCL

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

      GTG.

      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nah hold off the hit

  2. Pacer.
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Has anyone ever attempted to observe the frequency of (FPL) substitute use across a season. I'm on a wild card and I have a couple of options and one of them has me rotating two players such as Stones and Mustafi as first sub. I honestly don't think the other options are much stronger teams

    sometimes the optimum team costs less than 100 million. in this case, and at this time of the year, is a strong sub worth it?

    1. MTPockets
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Would be hard with non-constant blanks, injuries, rotations etc.

      I'm already nowhere near affording some of the WC team's posted, inc benches. If you can afford it would try to build a strong overall squad as that will be the difference.

  3. navin
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Repost

    Christensen or Vertoghen for this week?

    Pope
    Shaw . Jones . Alonso. xxx

    1. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Chris. Tottenham fixtures aren't great

      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Sorry, for this week only.. hmm, I'd probably hedge and go Vert

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

    What would you do?
    Elliot
    Vertonghen-Schindler-Jones
    Salah-Sterling-Atsu-Alli-Arnie
    Kane-Firmino

    Adrian-Wilson-Ogbonna-Robertson
    1ft 1.5itb

    A)Vertonghen->Alonso
    B)save

    thanks

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

      B.

  5. Boomerang V
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I regret having sold Salah for 9.7, that means I will loose .4 to get him back.

    Unless I get Mané for 9.3 and go without Mo from now on.

    Do you think Mane can match Salah in points from now until end of season?

    Or is it too risky?

    By matching I mean he can score 15-20 more or less points than Salah.

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      It’s risky due to ownership but Mane is a great player and could match him. Been lacking consistency and form but that could come. Salah is a season keeper for me though.

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Mane doesn’t score tap ins

    3. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      You should have thought about this when you removed Mo at the first

      1. Boomerang V
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I thought Mo was going down in price, but he never did. But you are right. It was a huge mistake.

  6. Ask Yourself
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Which is more important. Double chelsea defence or hazard (know both aren’t ideal)

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

      I'd rather have Alonso than any other Chelsea player.

      I have Azpi and seriously considering changing him to Alonso.

      1. The Overthinker
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I did this sometime back

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard is owned by 8% whereas Alonso/Azpi 24/23%. Make of that what you will. All will do well.

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah nice cheers chaps

    4. Homo Neanderthalensis
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Alonso & Hazard is my combo atm

  7. Bonus magnet
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    if you had Hazard and Kane

    would you do Aguero-> Lukaku

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

      No

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      ?¿?

    3. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No. Not sure what the relevance of Hazard and Kane is though

  8. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Everyone want Alsonso. Will he bring so many points that he must be a member of your team? His price is high (7.3). Thank you!

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

      I want him.

      And Yes.

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

      Think of him as a midfielder and you'll get over the price tag. He's also awarded more points for being OOP.

    3. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A midfielder who gets clean sheets and bonus. He is a bargain.

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        And takes free-kicks.

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

        exactly

    4. Hungry Singh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Plays as a winger at the very least. Incredible goal threat. Well worth 7.3m.

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

      5.6M less than Kane and only 9 points behind .... whose price is high?

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

        Never really thought of it like this, good point. Still cant find a way to get him in my team though haha. I think the lack of viable forwards is making it hard this season.

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

    Who would you charge out of this? Kind of thinking a defender or save.

    Pope
    Kenny Otamendi ogbonna
    Salah Hazard, richalson son Arnautovic
    Kane morata

    Bench Eliot Calvin lewin Naughton long

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      How many FTs and budget? Would get Kenny out first.

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

        I have .2 and one ft

        Maybe Liverpool 4.4 defender?

  10. The Final Boss
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Eriksen and rlc to lingard and arnie for a hit??already have son and Kane in spurs.

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

      I dont understand the hype about Lingard. I would never take him in for a hit

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        He is in great form and scoring goals. For that price he is worth having.

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

          Yes I know but I think his nice run of points will run towards an end. I have seen most of the games and I think he has been a little bit lucky. But I agree if he still is nailed and can contiune is form he is a great pick. Personally I took Pogba instead because he is a bigger differential for me and I think he will score some points.

          1. Big Mac 24
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            PPG from Pogba will remain top draw until seasons end, great pick if as long as he's not playing a defensive mid role.

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

    Chances of Elliot starting? Guess I should start Elliot over Fabianski?

  12. navin
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone thinking of keeping Kane for the rest of the season?

  13. lugalooch
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Which one of my big hitters should I ditch to spread funds round my team? Or is it crazy to get rid of any of these for the options available

    A) Hazard + Francis > Alonso + Sterling
    B) Kane + Francis + RLC > Firmino + Jones + Son (-4)
    C) Morata + Francis > Aguero + Duffy

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

      A

  14. dimitros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pope,Adrian
    Alonso,Jones,Ogbonna,Kenny,Holgate
    Salah,Sterling,Son,Lingard,Arnautovic
    Kane,Firmino,DCL

    Have enough money to do:
    GW24: Holgate to Stones for free
    GW26: Firmino(to play Spurs that week) and Kenny to Ayew and Azpi
    GW27: Arnautovic to Mahrez

    1. dimitros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Is it good?

  15. navin
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    This would be GW24 team.. Not GW23..

    3-5-2 or 4-4-2 depending on Duffy / Ogbonna / Milivojevic fixtures.

    Pope . (Joel Pereira)
    van Dijk . Alonso . Christensen . (Duffy . Ogbonna)
    Salah . Sterling . Lingard . Arnautovic . (Milivojevic)
    Agüero . Kane . (Quaner)

  16. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Aguero or Kdb?

  17. tbhogal
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Arnie for Lingard on a FT a good move?

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

      Nah, good fixtures for arnie

  18. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    DDG Elliot
    Vertonghen Otamendi Dunk Masuaku Fernandez
    Hazard Sterling Sane Arnautovic Richarlison
    Kane Firmino Andersen

    Saving FT This week.

    Hazard Sane Vertonghen > Kdb Mane Christensen (-4) next week?

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

    Should I start otamendi (liv) or ogbonna (hud)?

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

      Ota

    2. Pep Pig
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Never bench a premium player. Ots is a threat at both ends

    3. Athletic Bilbo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Play the one you think is most likely to get a clean sheet, regardless of value. I benched Ota v Spurs (1pt) and played Dunk (7) and Mee (6)

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

    Bench one:
    A)Arnie
    B)Wilson
    C)Atsu

    thanks

  21. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Armband on Kane, would you VC Salah or Morata?

    1. Pep Pig
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Either. It's probably irrelevant though mate

  22. jayzico
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Sup chaps

    Having my worst season ever. So going for differentials in my WC (ie Tosun)

    Would you change anything here?

    Ryan
    Alonso VVD Shaw
    Salah Lingard Sterling Mahrez
    Kane Kun Tosun

    Bench Krul, Dummett, Kelly, Carroll

  23. jam
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Lindelof or Shaw for a cheeky punt? Who's more likely to play over the next few weeks..?

    1. Pep Pig
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Shaw. Too much competition for Lindelof with a fit Jones, Smalling and Rojo

  24. mickyblue
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guys,

    First post on here, had a good few weeks but need to address my double WHU and ship Gomes due to not performing in a fair few weeks.

    Adrian (Gomes)
    Jones - Alonso - Ogbonna (Kenny) (Long)
    Salah - Sterling - Son - Lingard - Arnautovic
    Kane - Firmino (DCL)

    1FT (0.9ITB)

    I want to gain some Brighton cover due to their fixtures- Duffy/ Dunk/ Ryan.
    Do I:
    A) Swap Ogbonna for Brighton defender and stick with Adrian between the sticks?
    B) Swap Kenny for Brighton defender and keep both WHU assets?
    C) Hold FT and swap Stones for Ogbonna and bring in Brighton def?
    D) Swap Gomes for Ryan and rotate with Adrian?

    I'm stuck!

    Thanks!

  25. troller
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    5.8 mid as a punt for this week only suggestions plzz

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      choupo

    2. Athletic Bilbo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Gross

  26. Ser Bronn of The Blackwater
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Doucoure or Hegazi to start in my team this GW?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      the douc of death

  27. MTPockets
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pep: "Gabriel Jesus was in Barcelona yesterday with Dr Cugat. I think he could be ready in two or three weeks for Basel in the Champions League".

    Hypothetically cements Aguero for another 5 PL games.

    1. Athletic Bilbo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure about your maths there. This week +2 more

      1. MTPockets
        8 years, 7 months ago

        They have 5 PL games before Basel.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      hypothetical cement isn't very strong

    3. Mauricios Cappuccino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      sanchez

  28. Ghost Gooner
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Salah flag removed 🙂 Hopefully this prevents a drop

  29. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Is it only me, but I can't get excited by any squad that has both Richarlison and RLC in mid-field.

  30. PocketZola
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    go big or go home

    ddg
    alonso christ ota duffy
    salah sterling son erik ling (c)
    kane(vc)

    subs. pereria, dcl, holgate, quaner

    ..........prob scrap average