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

    This team ok for bgw 31?

    Begovic
    Kiko, Bauer, Moreno
    Salah, Richarlison, Shaqiri
    Firmino, wilson

    Can only get 9...

  2. asif316uk
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Arnautovic to who?

    8.6m to spend

    A.Shaqiri
    B. Pogba
    C.Martial
    D. Save

    Can't afford mahrez..

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

      A

    2. Mino Raiola
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      of those i would go pogba. gonna play it all if fit, and now got even another attacking player which will boost his output (unlike martial, who may suffer from less gametime)

    3. Akeem
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      B

  3. supersham
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Og.. cant see the hammers keeping \ clean sheet

    1. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Ogbonna probably my worst buy of season

  4. Mino Raiola
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Any ideas? i might try a punt for Son, but has delivered so good for me so doesn't feel right....

    just let it burn?

    2FT, and 0,2 ITB

    Pope
    Otamendi, Jones, VVD, Alonso
    Sterling, Salah, Lingard, KDB, Son
    Kane

    Adrian, Ayew, Quaner, Long

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

      Sort out Long with 1FT.

      1. Mino Raiola
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        shit only have 0,1 ITB, dont see any options to replace him with, do you?

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

          Mate, there's no way Mino Raiola only has 0.1 in the bank

          1. Clifford☯
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            🙂

          2. Mino Raiola
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            lol

    2. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Long to Dunk (or another starting def)

      1. Mino Raiola
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        tnx! unfortunately i typoed and only have 0,1 ITB... hmmmm

        1. Ciro Di Marzio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Simpson from Leicester might get his place back, 4.3m

          1. Mino Raiola
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            would have done it in a sec, but don't have the cash and dont really see someone i want to downgrade... iguess its for another time

  5. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Who to get ?

    A- Hazard
    B- Mahrez

    1. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Hazard

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I prefer hazard this gw but mahrez probably better value over next 4-5 fixtures

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      What Drughi said

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

    Start ogobonna or Duffy?

    1. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Have a similar situation with Og and Dunk. I’m starting Dunk atm.

  7. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Double Spurs attack for the next 3 is not looking great. Team is looking great except no Utd defence (Jones coming in next week). Would you do any of the following moves?

    A) Kane to Kun (c) for a -4
    B) Son to Pogba next GW -4

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I’m planning on doing B next GW

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

    Support needed;
    Shaquiri or Ramsey --> 6.9m Budget

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

      Shaq

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Choupo

      1. McSauce
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Choupo over Shaq?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          I did

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Big Shaq

  9. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Mkhitaryan on the wing sounds horrible. No.10 surely?

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

      That’s where Ozil plays

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Think I’d prefer Ozil out wide. I guess he is just one to monitor for now, seems to early to get in

      2. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Ozil right and Mkhi central would be my guess

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Aye

        2. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          But Wenger said wing this morn

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

      Surely he played his best at Dortmund coming in from the left?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Too weak in the prem there IMO!

  10. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    So Mkhi or B.Silva then?im selling Son defo,tough games coming and Lucas Moura is also coming to spurs so Sons gametime will be limited.

    1. Mino Raiola
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      also tinkering about this, but son has been amazing, and feels wrong to let him go. maybe a tough game this week, but dont see why he would stop delivering agains the next two....

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

        You right.but also long term want mkhi,im gooner also.

        1. Mino Raiola
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          i guess it makes sense. I might do that swap also. people say form over fixtures, but after this week and a brace from mkhi, the form might be in his favour....

  11. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Best option:

    A) Hazard + JAyew -4
    B) BSilva + Lingard

    Somehow Im afraid Silva and Lingard arent nailed and owning Haz with those fixtures may be wonderful. Thoughts?

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

    Sané --> Choupo
    next week Alli --> Sanchez?

    yes/No?
    (I don't fancy a -4 this GW for Alli -_> Sanchez)

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

      No point in getting Sanchez in this week for a hit V Spurs away, do for free against Hudd home

  13. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Btw I would recommend a lot of posters on here to back to basics and learn about game mechanics.

    Triggerlips article here explains it well.

    https://www.triggerlips.com/index.php/team-structure/

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

      Thanks for the advice.

      1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Your welcome cheeseburger 😉

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

          You’re*

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks Virg

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Kun & Kane then for the strikers! 🙂

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

    Here's my abomination

    Ederson
    Ota, Alonso, Gomez (Masu)
    Sterling Salah, Mahrez (Arnie)
    Kane, Firmino, Wilson

    A Arnie > Shaq
    B Arnie > Choup
    C Mas & Arnie > Shaq & Mag/Jones -4
    D Arnie & Kane > Hazard & Vardy -4

    1. Planet Head
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      D

  15. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Forget about Kun now & Kane later, -8 here or there, Sanchez over Hazard or Stoke fodder ... the big point swings will be during the blanks and DGWs for those with all their chips intact 🙂

  16. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Current team....

    Elliot (Foster)
    Ota Ogbonna Mee Christensen (Holgate)
    Salah Arnie* Sterling Son (Atsu)
    Kun (C) Kane (DCL)

    2 FT and 0.2 ITB

    Willin' to go -4....so 3 TF to use. Arnie will go, but......

    should i give my midfield or defence priority with the other TF's?? Suggestions? Won't get Alonso though...

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I got a transferblock...Anybody who can help me out?

  17. Clifford☯
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Bench Dunk or Kenny?

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

      Bench Kenny

    2. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Both 😉

      Probably start Dunk though - nailed and SOT can't attack

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      kenny

  18. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    With only the WC, BB and FH chips left (TC already wasted on Kane), which of these looks the best strategy?

    A)
    GW33 = WC
    GW34 = BB
    GW35 = FH

    B)
    GW33 = WC
    GW34 = BB
    GW37 = FH

    C)
    GW31 = FH
    GW33 = WC
    GW34 = BB

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Check out the article - I don't think TC being used changes much in regard to the strategies suggested.

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Ok will do, cheers. I guess a lot still depends on FA cup results so it probably makes sense to keep all options open. Masuaku -> Gomez this week does that!

        1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Gomez not nailed.

          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Looks pretty nailed to me - TAA only featured during congested periods right?

            1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Yes odd game he gets dropped though. Should start 90% of games

      2. Clifford☯
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        +1

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Review when more is known about or may be extrapolated from actual team fixtures - this will be the governing factor

  19. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Play Ogbonna or Jones?

    Thanks in advance

    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Close call. I fancy Spurs to score so I'd go with Ogbonna.

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

      Jones. Jose will park that big red bus. West Ham will lack attacking threat due to no Arnie and Lanzini so could spend a lot of time defending. Palace are capable of scoring

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Jones

  20. asif316uk
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Best mid option to replace Arnautovic.

    8..6m budget

  21. GreenArrows
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    My biggest conundrum....start one:

    A) Duffy
    B) Ogbonna
    C) Kenny

    1. Planet Head
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      A or B. A for me

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      A

  22. Planet Head
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    GTG?

    Schmeichel (Adrian)
    Alonso Mustafi Mee (Martina S.Cook)
    Salah(v) Sterling Ox Gudmundsson (Milivojevic)
    Kane Firmino Aguero(c)

  23. Greko82
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo is better:

    A) Moses + Rudiger
    B) Alonso + Zouma

    Thanks

    1. Planet Head
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      B

  24. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    What's everyone doing with Arnie?

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

      Selling

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

      Getting rid

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      gone

    4. Brap.
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Nothing! Why, what have you heard? I'm just the housekeeper

    5. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      We're selling. Actually sold already.

  25. Big Jono
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Start pope or Adrian?

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

      Pope for sure

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      pope

      1. Big Jono
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

    3. Planet Head
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      You're like the third person to ask that question this week - guess it's a popular combo. Pope - easy 🙂

  26. Bobby_Baggio
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Morning you lot. Shall i save my FT or do Son > Mahrez/8.7m? Cheers all

    Adrián
    Alonso • Otamendi • Jones
    Salah • Sterling • Son • Mkhi • Lingard
    Kane • Firmino

    Tomkins • Quaner • Dunk

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

      I'd do that tbh

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

    Salah or Aguero captain??

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

      Auero mate

  28. Mino Raiola
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Is there any DEF for 4,1 that are worth having? last on bench...

  29. Efan Ekoku Pops
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Is it worth doing Arnie + Son > Shaq + Mahrez (-4)

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

      tempting but probably wouldn't for -4

  30. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Best replacement for Arnie?
    Shaqiri? Chopo-moting? Ramsey/wilshere?

    Or just hold?

    Ddg Elliot
    Kenny ogbanna otamendi christensen 3.9
    Salah sterling ox lingard arnie
    Kane Kun quaner