Team News

The Gameweek Team News

Riyad Mahrez is set to return to training today and make himself available for Leicester City’s trip to his January suitors, Manchester City.

Wilfried Zaha is out of Crystal Palace’s trip to Everton, while Petr Cech is an injury worry for Arsenal ahead of the north London derby.

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

Reports breaking this morning suggest that Riyad Mahrez is set to return to training today, and will to make himself available for the trip to the Etihad Stadium. On Thursday, Foxes boss Claude Puel had stated in his press conference that he felt that the Algerian winger would be unavailable for Saturday’s clash. But with the latest reports suggesting that Mahrez has now arrived in training, he may yet make the matchday squad. His late return could, however, be seen as a disruption with Puel perhaps more likely to omit Mahrez against the club that triggered the player’s recent absence with their deadline day pursuit.

Elsewhere, Leicester will be without Shinji Okazaki due to a knee problem. The striker could be sidelined for two weeks, with either Kelechi Iheanacho or Demarai Gray set to play up in support of Jamie Vardy at the Etihad.

For City, David Silva will be assessed following an abdominal injury, while John Stones could also return following a knee injury. Pep Guardiola’s men also have Champions League duties on Tuesday evening, when they travel to Switzerland to face FC Basel which could possibly impact on the selection, particularly in defensive areas with Nicolas Otamendi perhaps considered for a rest following 14 successive starts in all competitions.

Marko Arnautovic was pictured back in training ahead of West Ham United’s home meeting with Watford following a hamstring problem – we expect David Moyes to confirm whether the Austrian is available later today. The Hammers boss has also revealed that he is considering fast-tracking new arrival Patrice Evra to the teamsheet against the Hornets.

Heurelho Gomes (back), Christian Kabasele (hamstring) and Tom Cleverley (knock) all remain doubts for the Hornets who could again line up in a 3-4-3 formation following the 4-1 win over Chelsea on Monday night.

Lucas Moura is expected to be in contention to make his Premier League debut for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal. At the back, Toby Alderweireld is also an option to start after returning from injury to play 90 minutes in the midweek cup clash with Newport County. Like Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino may also be considering Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Juventus, though, given the significance of Saturday’s encounter, the Spurs boss is unlikely to compromise his team selection.

Petr Cech is a concern for the Wembley Stadium clash due to a calf injury, so David Ospina will be on standby to start in goal. Nacho Monreal is expected to recover from illness to start.

Everton manager Sam Allardyce may hand recalls to Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson for the home encounter against Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman will be expected to return in defence after being left out against Arsenal having only just returned from a lengthy injury lay-off. His link with Theo Walcott down the Everton right could be a key weapon against the Eagles.

Palace will be without Wilfried Zaha for the trip to Goodison Park due to a knee injury, with new boy Alexander Sorloth in line for his first minutes since arriving in the January transfer window. Hodgson has hinted that Zaha’s absence will grant an opportunity for Chung-yong Lee to gain starts. Julian Speroni and Martin Kelly are also sidelined for the visit to Merseyside, with Mamadou Sakho set to return in central defence in the latter’s absence.

Paul Lambert has revealed that Jese Rodriguez will be included in Stoke City’s squad for the home encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion. Darren Fletcher may also be available to return having missed the defeat at Bournemouth.

Brighton’s club-record signing Jurgen Locadia will be in the squad for the trip to the bet365 Stadium after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Swansea City head coach Carlos Carvalhal has stated that both Andre Ayew and Andy King are available for selection against Burnley. Leroy Fer and Wilfried Bony are ruled out for the rest of the campaign, while Angel Rangel, Leon Britton and Renato Sanches are also sidelined.

Phil Bardsley has been ruled out for the trip to south Wales due to a hamstring strain, while James Tarkowski and Chris Wood remain out. But Stephen Ward is available to return for the Clarets, though he may sit out with Charlie Taylor continuing at left-back.

Christopher Schindler and Laurent Depoitre could overcome minor foot injuries to return for Huddersfield Town as they host Bournemouth at the John Smith’s Stadium. Danny Williams is doubtful due to a hip problem.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe has revealed that both Adam Smith (thigh) and Steve Cook (hamstring) should be in contention for the trip to the John Smith’s Stadium.

Ciaran Clark (knee) and Islam Slimani (thigh) will be assessed ahead of Newcastle United’s home meeting with Manchester United. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho could hand recalls to Phil Jones, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial for the trip to St James’ Park.

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino may consider naming an unchanged starting XI for the visit of Liverpool to St Mary’s.

As for the Reds, they have concerns over Joe Gomez and Adam Lallana for the Saints’ encounter. Jurgen Klopp’s selection may also factor in the midweek slate of Champions League matches, with Liverpool travelling to Porto on Wednesday night.

Antonio Conte will be without the suspended Tiemoue Bakayoko for the home encounter against West Bromwich Albion, but Marcos Alonso is expected to be fit to return after missing Monday’s loss at Watford due to fatigue. Pedro (knock) and Ross Barkley (hamstring) remain doubtful, while Olivier Giroud could make his first start, with Alvaro Morata (back) expected to miss out again. We will know more following Antonio Conte’s press conference at lunchtime.

Jonny Evans, Kieran Gibbs and Jake Livermore all remain very doubtful for the trip to Stamford Bridge, while Grzegorz Krychowiak is also an injury concern due to a thigh problem.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s 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.

426 Comments Post a Comment
  1. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Difficult choice of which 3 defenders to start this GW.. Which 3 would you start out of these?

    Jones - Bellerin - Daniels - Ogbonna - Mee

    Currently on Jones, Daniels, Mee but unsure....

    1. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Close call would go like you

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Jones, Daniels, Mee

      Wouldn't touch West Ham defence at the moment and Arsenal will get beaten.

    3. eclipse
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Bellerin Jones Daniels

      I see goals in Ars v Spurs and Bellerin has license to get forward. Do

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

    who to captain:

    1. aguero
    2. salah

    thanks

    1. jose1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      King Kun

    2. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

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

      Salah

    4. JRO093
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Same question for me. Salah the 'obvious' choice, but Kun lower odds to score and playing at home... besides a bit more of a differential pick..

    5. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Salah

    6. eclipse
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      it's a boring season - just captain salah every week

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

    Good to go lovely people?

    Hennessey
    Alonso / Otamendi / Jones
    Sanchez (C) / Salah (vc) / Sterling / Walcott / Choupo-Moting
    Kane / Wilson

    Speroni / Ogbonna / Depoitre / Kenny

    1ft, £0.0itb

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No, it’s not.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I’d Captain Egyptian lad

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

      gtg, risky (C) but could well pay off

    3. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      nice differential captain this week that. can see utd turning them over

    4. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd play any of your bench ahead of Choupo

      1. william prunier
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Lol

    5. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

    6. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Depoitre in chopo out
      Other than that G2G

  4. jose1
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Correct me if I’m wrong. Would the best strategy be avoiding a FH in a blank game week and load as many playing players as possible. And use the FH and WC in the double game weeks?

    But still having a TC still available and not using on a DGW would be a waste as well which puts me back to square one.

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

      My plan is:

      Get as many GW31 players from now until that week
      WC GW32
      BB/TC GW34
      FH GW35
      BB/TC GW37
      Enjoy seeing 10K OR after GW38 🙂 (in my dreams)

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

        Imo this is the best way to go. Planning to do the same.

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Safest bet is to use TC on a DGW, no question.

      Would suggest WC the week prior to a DGW to enable you to use TC. If you still have FH, best used on the first BGW when there are fewer fixtures and those teams playing have players you don't want stinking up your team for the following weeks (I'm looking at you Stoke)

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      DGW's have a way of going wrong.
      1 Many get rested in one of the games.
      2 When there is little on the game, managers prioritize
      3 Some big hitters (Salah for eg) you will want to keep regardless of DGW's
      4 SGW's are more reliable in terms of play time.
      5 GW38 has an impact too when players "take the day off"

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

      Have to wait for fixtures.
      Don't load yourself with garbage with that 1 week in mind as you'll be costing yourself pts in the end.

  5. WrightnBright
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which mid to take a punt on for this week 6.2 or under?

    Lingard > ?

    Have 2FT but will likely only use 1 I think

  6. New Article Posted
  7. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any concerns over Aguero's minutes given the champions league match on Tuesday? Pep has played Sterling up front previously

    1. jose1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Got me sketching

    2. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      More concerned over Salah tbh. But reckon both play and hopefully we see a goal from each.

  8. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I think Hazard (c) is a masterstroke of the week

  9. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who to start in nets? (they are playing against each other)

    Pope
    Fabianski

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

      Fab

    2. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Whoever is away or has the potential to make more saves.

  10. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    When did Russell Brand join Leicester?

  11. Another Hoops
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Old news but I've just seen Alderwield* is back for Spurs. going to monitor this weekend but at 5.8 could be a real bargain.

    Think might get in next week.

  12. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pope or Adrian?

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      papal tingz mate

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        excuse me

        1. Bonus magnet
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          lol, google papal

  13. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    play 1 of the following;

    a Lingard

    b. Willian

    Cheers
    Lads

    1. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Tough I'd go B

  14. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    G2G lads? Saving my FT...

    DDG
    Ota Mee Alonso
    Sterling Richarlison Salah(C) Lingard
    Firmino Kane Wilson

    Adrian, Duffy, Atsu, Hune

    1. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      G2G

    2. ronpateluk
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Im not sure Lingard will play

  15. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    pick one to start

    1. Josh King (vs Huddersfield away)
    2. Niasse (vs palace home )

    1. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Niasse

    2. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Niasse

    3. ronpateluk
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd actually go King

  16. Silencetheweak
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    GTG?

    Adrian (Foster)
    Otam Jones Mee (Dunk Christ)
    (S)alah Shaq Ling Sterling (Son)
    Firm Wilson Kane

    1FT, 0.7itb

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

      Play Son, bench Lingard

  17. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    G2G lads ?
    Hennessy
    Alonso Ogbonna Francis
    Salah(c) Sterling Pogba Hazard
    Kane Vardy Wilson
    --------
    Speroni GroB Hegazi Chilwell 0 itb 1 FT
    A)Kane to Kun for punt only this week?
    B)Other?
    C)Save
    Thanks much appreciated

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

      C) and gtg

    2. ronpateluk
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      c

  18. Lazaretti
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Some assistance needed. 2FT 0,1 itb need to use 1FT willing to prepare for GW 31

    DDG
    Jones - Alonso - Gomez - Mee
    B.Silva - Salah - Sterling - Lingard
    Aguero(C) - Kane
    Speroni - Milivojevic - Crouch - Dunk

    A) Dunk to Bauer
    B) Dunk to Mariappa
    C) Dunk to Prödl
    D) something else

    Thank you much appreciated

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

      A

  19. ronpateluk
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Happy Friday all

    Having both Kane and Kun restricts in so many ways. What do you all reckon?

    DDG (Elliot)
    Jones Ota Kenny (Chillwell Hunemeier)
    Salah Sterling Mkhi Walcott Cork
    Kane Kun (McBurnie)

  20. Mahrez The Magician
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I prepare for GW31 cuz i have not my FreeHit and i havn't 11 to start this GW so ...
    Should i bring a Liverpool defender now for Christensen !?
    If yes , who !? Van Djik , Robertson or another one !?

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

      Stoke defender ? Maybe save your Liverpool slot for an attacker ?

  21. LSP
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    How we looking

    Pope
    Fernandez Jones Otamendi Alonso
    Lingard Son Sterling Salah
    Aguero Kane

    Bench: Elliott, Milivojevic, Quaner, Kenny

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

      Salah (vc) Aguero (vc)

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

        I'm drunk. Salah (c)

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

    Walcott or Deulofeu

  23. EssexGhost
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    help need please ...

    Pope
    Jones Alonso Otamendi Mee
    Walcott Salah Sterling
    Aguero Kane Wilson

    Elliott RLC T.Carroll 3.9m

    £0.0 ITB
    2 x Free Transfers

    Any suggestions for improvements (Still have all chips in place)

    Dont really want to burn a free transfer but at a loss as to what / where to improve? Poss lose the Burnley double up?

  24. yanks250125
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    need to bring in a value GK. should I get: (FDR in parenthesis)
    A) Lossl 4.6m (2-2-5-2-2-2-2-2)
    B) Begovic 4.5m (2-2-3-4-2-2-2)
    C) Foster 4.4m (4-2-2-3-3-3-2)

  25. Jinkys Oars
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Captain KDB or Salah?

  26. Blens
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Crikes - injuries in my side and going backwards in my leagues - help please. 1 FT and 1.6ITB

    De Gea Elliot

    Hazard Salah Son Ibe Rich Zaha

    Aguero Firminho Okazaki

    With Zaha and Oka injured what would you do?

    1. Dundo
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Got one too many mids there mate...

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

        Yes probably true - should I save Transfer this week then?

        1. Dundo
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          No I mean you can't have more than 5 mids total. You're listing 6. So which 5 do you actually have in your team?

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

        Sorry no Salah! Subliminally I thought (and prayed) I had him

  27. Urchin
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which option here?

    A. Alonso and Atsu to Coleman abd delofue (-4)

    B. Save FT and start choupo and Ibe

  28. Akey678
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Someone put me out of my misery:

    Keep Lingard

    Or

    Transfer for Deulofeu

  29. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else considering benching Alonso (mun) in gameweek 28?