Team News

The Gameweek Team News

A handful of January signings will be pushing for a first league start for their new clubs, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alexis Sanchez the marquee names likely to be on show.

Elsewhere, Everton’s Seamus Coleman and Palace centre-half Mamadou Sakho are back in contention ahead of clashes with Leicester and West Ham respectively.

We await updates from a number of press conferences as the day unfolds, with Antonio Conte expected to issue news on the likes of Willian, Alvaro Morata and Thibaut Courtois as Chelsea prepare for the visit of Bournemouth.

For now, here is our summary of the team news situation as it stands.

Arsene Wenger is expected to hand a debut to Henrikh Mkhitaryan in Arsenal’s clash with Swansea following the Armenian’s move from Manchester United. Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, will be pushing for his first start since Gameweek 16 after cementing his return with an appearance off the bench against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last week.

Renato Sanches is set to miss out for the Swans after picking up a muscle injury in the weekend FA Cup draw with Notts County.

West Ham’s Joao Mario is braced for his Premier League debut after being rushed into a weekend debut in the FA Cup after his loan move from Inter Milan. Pedro Obiang suffered a medial ligament injury in the 2-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic and will miss the home counter against Crystal Palace. Arthur Masuaku starts his six-match suspension after being sent off against the Latics, but David Moyes was handed a boost after Mark Noble returned to full training after recovering from a bruised foot.

As for the Eagles, they welcome back influential centre-half Mamadou Sakho for the trip to the London Stadium, while both Joel Ward and Yohan Cabaye also make returns.

Huddersfield Town coach David Wagner has a concern over midfielder Danny Williams (hip) ahead of Liverpool’s visit to the John Smith’s Stadium, though Terence Kongolo (leg) is expected to be available having shaken off a knock sustained in the weekend cup draw with Birmingham City. He may even make a first Premier League start in a three-man defence should Wagner spring a surprise with his formation later tonight.

The Reds will arrive without defender Ragnar Klavan and playmaker Adam Lallana, while Jurgen Klopp suggested some players are carrying minor knocks, without mentioning any names.

Alvaro Morata is back in Chelsea training after stepping up his recovery from a back problem, though it remains to be seen whether Wednesday’s home meeting with Bournemouth will come too soon. However, Willian has yet to return to training and could miss out. Thibaut Courtois is expected to recover from an ankle problem to return in goal, though David Luiz is struggling to overcome a similar complaint; he carried out individual training on Tuesday.

Harry Arter has recovered from illness ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge, while Cherries midfield pair Josh King and Junior Stanislas are pushing for recalls after returning from injury in Gameweek 24.

Sam Allardyce welcomes Seamus Coleman back to the squad for the home clash against Leicester City, although it remains to be seen if the Republic of Ireland international is ready to start ahead of Jonjoe Kenny. The likes of Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane and Wayne Rooney could push for recalls.

Wes Morgan remains Leicester’s only absentee for the Goodison encounter. The centre-half is back running but not expected to return to training for another three-to-four days.

Rob Elliot will be assessed ahead of Newcastle’s home encounter with Burnley after missing the weekend FA Cup loss at Chelsea with a minor knock. The on-loan Kenedy will also be monitored due to a lack of match fitness.

The Clarets travel to the north East with a number of injury worries. Steven Defour has been struggling with a knee injury, while James Tarkowski is rated as “touch and go” due to a minor groin problem. Chris Wood remains out, but Stephen Ward did return to full training yesterday and could be available. Aaron Lennon is set to make his debut for the Clarets, while Nick Pope is expected to retain his start in goal, with Tom Heaton still building up his fitness following an extended period on the sidelines.

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino will make late decisions on Ryan Bertrand (knock) and new signing Guido Carrillo ahead of the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion. Carrillo – who made his debut as a sub in the weekend cup win over Watford – is short of match sharpness, and may only feature from the bench once again.

Club-record signing Jurgen Locadia is at least a week away from returning to full training, so Glenn Murray is set to lead the line for the Seagulls. Leonardo Ulloa is available following his loan move from Leicester, though, and could feature.

Manchester City have been dealt a major blow with the news that Leroy Sane sustained ankle ligament damage in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City in the FA Cup, and faces a spell on the sidelines. His absence is expected to see Bernardo Silva start alongside Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero in attack against West Bromwich Albion, though Pep Guardiola could even utilise David Silva in the front three and hand Ilkay Gundogan a central midfield berth.

The Baggies, meanwhile, have several injury concerns for the trip to the Etihad Stadium, with Jonny Evans, Kieran Gibbs, Gareth McAuley, Jake Livermore and Hal Robson-Kanu all doubtful. Daniel Sturridge could be available to make his West Brom debut after joining on loan from Liverpool, but new centre-half Ali Gabr seems unlikely to feature.

Hugo Lloris and Christian Eriksen are expected to recover from illness to face Manchester United at Wembley. They took part in a first team recovery session on Monday, along with Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose and Erik Lamela, though it’s uncertain whether the latter trio will be available.

Alexis Sanchez is pushing for his first league start for Manchester United after arriving from Arsenal. The Chilean was stationed on the left against Yeovil in the FA Cup on Friday night and his impact could force Anthony Martial onto the right, with Juan Mata potentially the man to make way.

Stoke City manager Paul Lambert has no fresh injury concerns for the home fixture against Watford and may consider naming the same side that beat Huddersfield 2-0.

New Watford head coach Javi Gracia will take charge of his first Premier League match at the bet365 Stadium, and will have to check on Heurelho Gomes (back), Molla Wague, Tom Cleverley (both hamstring) and Troy Deeney (illness) after they all sat out the 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup. New arrival Gerard Deulofeu is eligible to make his debut against the Potters.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of this evening’s 6.45pm deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter account for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Tuesday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

667 Comments Post a Comment
  1. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you captain?

    a. Kane
    b. Salah
    c. Sterling
    d. Firmino

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    Sané/Arnie to Mahrez/Shaq for -4 is a no brainer right?

    1. liiusions
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah I'd say so although I'm tempted by B Silva over Mahrez

      1. El_Shaw
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I've been looking at him but I want to have Mahrez for Swansea at home next week.

      2. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yes - and definitely Mahrez

  3. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Alli ->

    A) Mahrez -4
    B) B Silva -4
    C) Hold

    Cheers 🙂

    1. El_Shaw
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C) although if you have Son and Kane then maybe A)

      1. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        C and then A next week

  4. tm370
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    There seems to be alot more interest in Bernardo Silva than David? There isnt much difference between their price and David is surely higher in the pecking order? And he didnt play against Cardiff

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      It's his personal situation and not knowing when he's going to play that has him as a bit of a non option for the time being.

  5. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pulled the trigger last night on Arnie to B.Silva to avoid price changes and I felt like a differential punt (and didn't want to lose Kane).

    Hennessy (Speroni)
    Alonso Otamendi Gomez (Mee Kenny)
    Salah Sterling Son Lingard B.Silva
    Kane Firmino (Depoitre)

    Still have 1 FT left and 0.2m ITB, should I get rid of Son as have Kane also for Spurs tough fixtures?

    A) Pogba
    B) Walcott
    C) Mkhi
    D) Shaqiri
    E) Pedro
    F) Save FT

    1. El_Shaw
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Keep Son for this week, he's good at Wembley.

    2. Johan Queef
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I did the same last night.

      I'd save the FT if I were you. Reassess next GW.

  6. ignis88
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Just pulled the trigger on Masuaku, Arnautovic -> Bardsley, Shaqiri (-8). Held out for the week, but knew the anxiety was gonna destroy my whole day today if I didn't go through with it. It's only a game after all 🙂

  7. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    G2G?

    DDG
    Alonso Otamendi Kenny
    Salah (c) Sterling Lingard Mahrez Shaqiri
    Kane Firmino

    Elliot Ayew Ogbonna Dunk

  8. AC Tomasso
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    A) B. Silva B) Pedro C) Mkhi

    1. Me Spurs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C

  9. MrMajeika
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Really agonising as of who to bring in for arnautovic.
    Can't decide between Albrighton, Choupo or shaqiri. Any advice?

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Use your membership. Look at the stats tables and use the player comparison tool.

  10. Alboz11
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Tips for improvments!?

    my Team:

    DDG
    Christensen - Alonso - Otamendi
    Son - Sterling - Salah - Lindgard - Arnautovic*
    Kane - Depoitre*

    Subs : Eliot - Alexander-Arnold - Quaner - Rangel

    * = thinking of subbing

    not so happy with the team atm.

    1. spatel2
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      v similar to mine:
      DDG
      Jones Alonso Ota Christensen
      Sterling Son Lingard Salah
      Kane Wilson
      Ogbonna, Quaner, Arnie

      1.7itb -Missed the boat with Arnie > Mahrez, just 0.1 short

      Really struggling with options:
      1. Kane + Arnie > Augero & Mahrez -4 hit , then swap Kane back in 3 games
      2. Arnie > (a) Shaqiri / (b) B Silva / (c) Albringhton / (d) Milivojevic / (e) Iwobi, (F) Walcot, (G) someone else? No hit
      3. Arnie + Son > B Silva + Mahrez -4
      4. Arnie + Son > Hazard / KDB + Albri / Mili -4 hit

      I’m currently thinking Arnie + Son > Hazard / Mili - hit

      1. Alboz11
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        right now im thinking to swap arni/son to Pogba/mili or KDB/mili

        i just dont feel Hazard atm... the same with Poga, but with Alexis in the team i think Poga will get som good link up and points.

        KDB is the "safe" option but seems that everbody has him on their team, so im leaning more on Poga/mili

        what do you think? with Poga/mili i have 2.3 mil ekstra.

  11. as33
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    So B.Silva is nailed now?

  12. Me Spurs
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Torn between martial and pog, worried Sanchez will eat into martial minutes esp with rashford as option out left also, but martial playing so well

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Pogba is surely the safer bet. But I do feel Martial keeps his place as long he is playing like he is now.

  13. MrMajeika
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    was planning on doing a double transfer next week for -4. son to mahrez and Kenny to jones. Should I just take the -4 this week and do son to mahrez now?

    1. Me Spurs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Son on fire at Wembley leave

  14. RubberDucky
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Any Press Conference Updates today?

      1. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Plenty. Check scout tweets.

    • DDD909
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Mid/Def needed, bank 13.2

      a) Walcott / Monreal
      b) Walcott / Stones
      c) Miki / Smalling

      1. Me Spurs
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        C don't touch stones

    • RubberDucky
        6 years, 2 months ago

        If Elliot is fit is he 1st choice for the Newcastle GK spot this GW?

      • Blens
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Couple of my mids are crocked both Hammers :-(....any suggestions?

        Pope (Speroni)

        Ota Zeeg Mee Aurier (Alex Arnold)

        Salah Son Lingard (Arni, Obiag)

        Aguero Kane Depoitre

        0.1 ITB 1 FT

        I know not the best but any suggestions?

      • Ray Kinsella
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Top of my monthyl mini league but only an 18 point gap...

        Would you do Arnautovic/Son to Hazard/Shaqiri to try and seal the deal?!

        Only really got Aguero upfront with Wilson and Murray so need firepower...

      • adz0rz
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Worth doing?

        Kane > Firminho
        Lingard > Pogba
        Christensen > Alonso

        would cost me 4pts as have 2 FT's

        1. spatel2
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Kane > Kun
          Christensen > VDK

          1. adz0rz
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            already have Gomez

            Team is;

            Courtois

            Otamendi, Jones, Gomez, Christensen (Tomkins)

            Lingard / Sterling / Salah (Gross / Carroll)

            Aguero / Kane (Mcburnie)

      • Malkmus
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        A'noon all. GTG? 0FT, 0.5 ITB

        Adrien (Speroni)
        Ota - Jones - Alonso
        Sterling - Salah (c) - Lingard - Son - Mahrez
        Kane - Firmino

        Subs - Ogbonna - Duffy - Quaner

        Ta !

        1. nikolasmav
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Class team... maybe Lingard > Shaqiri but I think Lingard's minutes will dry up with Sanchez on the squad

      • nikolasmav
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Whod you reckon is the best GK next 5 weeks? I had Ryan in because of fixtures but chances of Brighton keeping many clean sheets wasn't sitting well with me

        1. Teror
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Courtois

          1. nikolasmav
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            He not injured?

      • Teror
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Is there any reason why I shouldn't do my transfer right now? Not sure what's making me hold back.

      • WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Pick one:

        A. Alli + Lanzini -> Mahrez + Shaqiri (-4). Sell Arnie next week.
        B. Alli + Arnie -> Albrighton + Hazard (-4). Sell Lanzini next week. C. Lanzini + Arnie -> Mahrez + Choupo/Allen (-4).

        In A and B, Wilson plays and Arnie/Lanzini on bench. In C, Wilson stays on bench.

      • Benditlike
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Hi.
        Having a hard time deciding what to do with my team.

        Current squad:
        Foster
        Alonso - Jones - Ota - Mee
        Son - Arnie - Sterling - Salah
        Kane - Firminho

        Bench: Elliot - Ogbonna - RLC - DCL

        A: Son, Arnie and Firm > Aguero, Shaqiri and Ox (or other mid max 6,9)
        B: Son and Arnie > Mahrez and Shaqiri - leaves 1.0 ITB

        Or any other suggestions??

        1. Benditlike
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          BTW: A is -4 and also leaves me with 1.0 ITB