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. K.F.C
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    G2G Gents?

    DDG

    Ota, Christensen, Ogbonna

    Sterling, Salah, Son, Allen, Albrighton

    Kane, (K)un
    Speroni, Ayew, Jones, Long
    0FT 0.9ITB
    Long>Mee Next GW
    Cheers and GL to all!

    1. K.F.C
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Sorry bout $#%+ top post!

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      How do you know it's only 'gents' on here? I know Christina frequents these parts.

    3. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Good to go.

    4. K.F.C
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Sorry Ladies :p

  2. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    What's wrong with Lallana?

    1. Bald Eagle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Match fitness problem.

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers Eagle

    2. Punty McPuntface
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      And a slight muscle tear...So was in the paper before wba

  3. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Best double transfer option this week - taking Erik and Arnie OUT?

    A Hazard and Chupo IN?
    B Mahrez and Shaqiri IN?

    Thanks

    1. Darth_Krid
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      A for this week as you have an excellent captain, but much prefer B long term.

  4. Darth_Krid
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Is Vertonghen > VVD a daft move considering Liverpool's defensive frailties?

    The fixtures are superb and in the last couple of games he's been so close to getting on the end of things in the box.

    Already have Christensen and Alonso.

    1. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Looking at the same move but would rather Maguire or Monreal as they are better overall.

  5. Cheshire Duck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Already have Salah and sterling
    2FT

    Would you :
    A) Arnautovic+Lingard => Milivojevic+ Pogba
    B) Arnautovic+Firmino => Milivojevic + Aguero

    1. MGD
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Use FT to fix something else than Lingard or Firmino for now, imo.

  6. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone worth considering from Everton apart from Pickford? Walcott perhaps?

    Thinking ahead for GW27 through to GW31....

  7. raoulduke71
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    MORITZ BAUER !!

    Who's with me?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I prefer Jack

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

    3. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      TC locked in

  8. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Captain:

    A) Sterling (WBA)
    B) Salah (hud)

    1. K.F.C
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling could be a good shout, Salah to be safe

  9. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    GTG? No idea who to cap..?

    Pickford
    Alonso Otamendi Christensen
    Salah Sterling Son Ramsey Lingard
    Kane Firmino

    Foster Mee Ogbonna DCL

    1. K.F.C
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      g2g mate, Salah for safe pick Sterling or Firm for a punt all should be on the score sheet

  10. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Ok I'm thinking FH this week.

    This
    Foster
    Ota Vert Maguire
    Salah Sterling Poggy Son
    Kane Firmino Ayew
    Elliot* Kenny Masu* Arnie*

    To this
    POPE
    Ota ALONSO Maguire
    Salah Sterling LINGARD HAZ SHAQ
    KUN(c) Firmino .
    Elliot* BARDSLEY MBEMBA QUANER.

    No right?

    1. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Save for blanks

    2. fiveyears
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Don't do it, save for blanks. I wasted mine earlier in the season in the name of fixtures and it didn't work!

    3. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      No for me.

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks all

  11. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Play one of C. Wilson, Ogbonna or Jones?

    1. K.F.C
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Jones, I've benched due to having DDG, Kane and son...

    2. Expected Toulouse
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Jones

  12. Amatteos
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Advice please
    Is Son to Hazard worth a -4?
    Thanks

    1. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      If you C him, maybe

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I woukd if I could

  13. tikka mo'salah
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Worth doing a -4 to bring in Haz(C) for Mahrez?

    Current attack:
    Choupo - Salah - Sterling - Mahrez - (T. Carroll)
    Wilson - Kane - Firmino

    1. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      No

    2. balint84
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      who is the captain otherwise?

      1. tikka mo'salah
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Salah at the moment!

  14. columbo
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Is there going to be a Watford presser today? Seemed to have not happened yesterday. Thanks

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Later today.

      1. columbo
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks mate

  15. Frasmac
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Eriksen to Mane (-4) for slight differential?

  16. LAMELA_AND_CONSUELA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Question to the owners. What to do with Courtois? Other keeper Elliot.

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Wait for presser. Same pair here. I will keep anyways and play 10 if unavailable because already took a hit

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I have the same two keepers. I think Courtois is in line to play, but Chelsea press conference may give a bit more info.

  17. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Stoke is about to buy Badou Ndiaye. Do you people know him/his profile?

    From his playing position it looks like Allen would be the most under threat here?

  18. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    @Virgin, have you decided on you C? Are you going with Eden?

  19. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Hows this??? Who do i captain?? And would you change anything??

    Pickford
    Jones,alonso,vvd
    Pogba,mane,shaqiri,albrighton
    Kane,aguero,ayew

    Bench, elliot, cork, zanka, martina

    1. K.F.C
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      G2G, Captain Kun

  20. Solly The Seagull
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    What do you think captaining Sterling over Salah if I have only Sterling from City and Salah+Firmino from Pool?

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      What does it matter? Just pick the one who you think gets the most points.

      1. MGD
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Wow, you are a genius Cloudsky 😉

        1. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Wouldnt go that far but Id say Im smarter than you. 😉

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling has a very good record at home and West Brom have a few injury problems, so he should be a solid choice.

    3. K.F.C
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Go for it mate!

  21. Tazah
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    so i want mahrez ~ pogba ~ bilva for rich/sane but can only have two..... should i:

    a)get bilva this week, upgrade rich to mahrez next
    b)get mahrez this week, updgrade rich to pog next
    c)use the money and get kdb and keep rich?

    thank you as always guys

  22. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone know when the Sanchez bandwagon start?

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      straight after this gw i should imagine

    2. balint84
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      surely will score against spurs

  23. balint84
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    my head says Hazard
    my heart says De Bruyne
    my temper says not spend another -4 and play with Alli once again

    who to buy or not?

    1. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I really fancy haz this week, but I'd say kdb over time and cash

    2. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      So it's Alli > for a hit?
      if so Haz for the hit

  24. Pachi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Play one..
    A) jones
    B) kenny

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Coin toss. I'd lean jones by a knats chuff

    3. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      A

  25. gunner 2727
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Brought in hazard and aguero with intention to cap aguero. Having haz temptations. So

    Captain

    A) aguero
    b) haz

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      a

    2. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      A for safety
      B for punt

  26. liboo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Start ogobonna or Duffy ?

  27. Visionaries
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Arnie > ??
    A Choup
    B Shaq
    C Albright (Have Mahrez)

    Masu > ??
    1 Maguire
    2 Mee
    3 Monreal

    or
    Arnie & Kane > Hazard & Vardy -4

    1. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Can you sort them both? Like arnie masuaku to Bernie and chilwell/dummet?

      1. Visionaries
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        I can for a hit, but Masu would only be on the bench this week anyway, so will do it after deadline prob

        1. gunner 2727
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Also handcuffs you for weekend tho, not a bad hit to take if team improves significantly and transfer option for weekend

          1. Visionaries
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Trust me I am considering it. I can't help myself when it comes to hits

  28. N00B
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Martial or Mkhitaryan ?

    1. JJO
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      The nailed one M

      1. Amsterhammer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Which one is that. We don't know if Mkhi is nailed or will be phased in and we don't know how Sanchez will affect Martial's minutes. Wait and see for me.

        1. JJO
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Mkhi will be nailed.
          And even if Martial play he will be on right and its not his posiition+ he will play lit less games than mkhi

          1. JJO
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            *lot

    2. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Martial by a country mile, bargain imo

  29. JCrosbie
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    1. Wilson

    or

    2. Diouff

    1. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Wilson.
      Diouff not nailed, and shite

  30. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Daniel Sturridge has sprained his wrist signing WBA loan contract.

    More to follow....