Team News

The Gameweek Team News

Kyle Walker is a concern for Manchester City ahead of a home clash with Chelsea, but wide man Raheem Sterling may yet make a return. Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines return for Everton’s trip to Burnley, while Spurs have worries in central defence as Huddersfield Town make their way to Wembley Stadium.

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

Pep Guardiola confirmed in his midweek press conference he is optimistic that Raheem Sterling could return in time to face Chelsea on Sunday. The winger missed last night’s win over Arsenal – the first time he has failed to play a part in a league match since Gameweek 9.

Kyle Walker will need to be assessed ahead of City’s home encounter against Chelsea after picking up a calf complaint against the Gunners, though his manager is confident that the right-back will be available.

As City hold an emphatic first-leg advantage heading into the midweek Champions League encounter with FC Basel, rotation looking very unlikely against the defending champions, with the likes of the fit-again Gabriel Jesus expected to start against the Swiss outfit.

Tiemoue Bakayoko, David Luiz and Ross Barkley all remain doubtful for the Blues, but Cesc Fabregas may push for a recall. Antonio Conte could revert to a “false 9” formation after utilising the fit-again Alvaro Morata as the lone striker in last week’s defeat to Man United.

Everton have been handed a significant boost at the back for their trip to Burnley. Earlier this morning, Sam Allardyce Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka are all available for the Turf Moor visit.

Clarets manager Sean Dyche revealed that both James Tarkowski and Chris Wood are in contention to return against Everton, but Scott Arfield (calf) is expected to remain sidelined.

Leicester City forward Shinji Okazaki will have a fitness test today ahead of the home meeting with Bournemouth. The Japanese international returned to training this week following a knee injury.

Jordon Ibe is available to return for the Cherries after stepping up his fitness with a run-out for the reserves earlier this week. Meanwhile, the likes of Adam Smith and Jermain Defoe could also push for recalls after impressing off the bench against Newcastle last Saturday.

Steven Davis and Shane Long remain doubtful for Southampton’s crucial home fixture against Stoke City. Manolo Gabbiadini could push for a recall after scoring the equaliser in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

As for the Potters, both Ryan Shawcross and Peter Crouch are back in contention to face Saints after the pair returned to training on Thursday.

Jan Vertonghen remains doubtful ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s home clash against Huddersfield Town due to an ankle injury, while Toby Alderweireld is set to miss out once again. Serge Aurier is suspended for the midweek Champions League clash with Juventus and is therefore expected to get the nod ahead of Kieran Trippier for the right-back berth.

The likes of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen were rested from the midweek FA Cup win over Rochdale and are set to return to the teamsheet.

David Wagner has revealed that Aaron Mooy remains out for the trip to Wembley, but Philip Billing is available again after recovering from illness.

Leon Britton could be back in the Swansea City squad for the home encounter against West Ham United, while Andre Ayew may be handed the first start of his second spell at the Liberty Stadium.

Hammers boss David Moyes stated there are no serious injury concerns ahead of the trip to south Wales, so Patrice Evra may be fit to start following a gash to his shin.

Watford head coach Javi Gracia will be without the injured Gerard Deulofeu for the home meeting with West Bromwich Albion, but Will Hughes returned to full training this week and is available for selection.

Earlier this morning, Alan Pardew confirmed he will make changes for the Vicarage Road clash in light of a poor performance against Huddersfield last weekend. Daniel Sturridge (hamstring) is sidelined for the next two league matches but Chris Brunt and Jake Livermore will push for recalls.

Georginio Wijnaldum remains a doubt ahead of Liverpool’s home fixture against Newcastle United due to illness. Jordan Henderson will be seeking a recall after being benched in last week’s win over West Ham. Similar to Man City, the Reds are expected to remain at full-strength, given that they hold a 5-0 lead over midweek European visitors Porto.

As for the Magpies, Jonjo Shelvey is a doubt due to a knee problem, while Dwight Gayle may need assessment after suffering from hamstring tightness against the Cherries.

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Chris Hughton may consider naming an unchanged starting XI for the visit of Arsenal to the Amex.

Jack Wilshere is a doubt for the Gunners after missing the 3-0 defeat to Manchester last night due to an ankle problem. Nacho Monreal (back) looks set to miss out again, but the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Alex Iwobi could come into contention after a dire display against Man City last night.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that Jeffrey Schlupp and Martin Kelly have both returned to training this week ahead of Monday’s meeting with Manchester United. James Tomkins is available, having recovered from cramp, but on-loan defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is ineligible to face his parent club.

Meanwhile, Phil Jones remains doubtful for the trip to Selhurst Park, while Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo are expected to miss out once again. Jesse Lingard could come back into the XI after netting the winner on his introduction from the bench against Chelsea last time out.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s 11.30am 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.

252 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Crystal ball time, assuming both players start, who scores more this GW, Son or Mahrez ?

    1. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Son

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Son

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

      Son but Mahrez will get points too

    4. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez

    5. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Son for me. He's a machine when he's in form

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

        No Spurs bias there Pumpkinhead ? 🙂

        1. Yozzer
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Haha I love the guy. One of my fav players

  2. vardys party
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Pope
    Vvd otamendi alonso
    Sterling salah doucoure Walcott
    Kane (c) firmino Wilson

    (Eliott Mawson Masuaku Carroll)

    1 ft 0.9m itb

    Save or transfer

  3. makaveli123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Brought Vertonghen and Deulufeo in last GW. What a mess

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Indeed

    2. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Good decisions, bad luck.

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

      Unlucky mate

  4. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Think I'm going to save. Anybody see a move they like? Got a ft and 1.2 M itb.

    Adrian
    Bavies Robertson Mee
    Salah Mane Shaqiri Alli
    Kane Kun Wilson

    xx Dawson xx xx

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Just minotr whther any games likely to be called off, esp. Mee. Otherwise, cracking team - Kane+Kun will be awesome next two

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ya maybe upgrade my 4th Defender

    2. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Got enough to upgrade Alli to Eriksen?

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yep but prefer Eriksen

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          So upgrade it loo

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            lol*

            1. Lateriser 12
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Meant Alli oops

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Who are you captaining this GW LR? Salah is a machine but Kane has Huddersfield

                1. Lateriser 12
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Not decided yet. I keep dilly dallying.

  5. Zizou
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Was thinking of rolling a transfer this week so essentially to have 3 going into 31 (-4) but now wondering should I get rid of sterling
    Adrian pope
    Dunk Kenny alonso vvd naughton
    Salah Walcott sterling rlc mkhi
    Kane firmino Wilson

    What yous reckon any advice appreciated

  6. Bobby_Baggio
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Save FT or use it guys? Only got 0.1m ITB

    Fabianski
    Dunk - Alonso - Dawson
    Sterling - Mhki - Salah - Walcott - Mahrez
    Kane - Firmino

    Tomkins - Quaner - Jones

    1. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      save

  7. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Might be a good idea to have a free hit plan ready for tomorrow just in case there’s massive postponements.... Utd Arsenal City Chelsea should players all playing later in the weekend after the storm passes....

  8. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Would you suggest some transfer here?

    Unfortunately I can’t afford straight Wilson ➡ Firmino, neither Albrighton ➡ Mane/Eriksen/Alli/Mahrez :/

    Pope
    VVD - Jones - Mawson
    Salah - Sterling - Walcott - Albrighton
    Kane - Aguero - Wilson

    Elliot - Ogbonna - Christensen - RLC

    1 FT
    bank: 3.2

    1. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Wilson to 'cheap'. Albrighton to Mane

    2. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ogbonna out for Ben Davies. Kun to Firmino for GW31?

  9. Viper
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Literally completely forgot Ross Barkley signed for Chelsea until reading this. Has he even played in the league yet?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ross who?

  10. thunder_mike
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Pope
    Alonso VVD Chilwell
    Salah(C) Sterling Walcott Mahrez
    Kane Firmino Wilson

    Elliot C-Moting Duffy Masuaka

    A) Save FT
    B) Sterling > Alli (0.1 short of getting Eriksen)
    C) Masuaka > Huddersfield defender or Ake

  11. Rik Waller
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Pressers today?

  12. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    No FH chip or WC

    Adrian
    TAA Otamendi Alonso
    Sterling Walcott Shaqiri Ibe Salah
    Firmino Kane
    Subs:Elliot Quaner Duffy Schindler

    2.5m ITB & 1 FT

    Which option is better? A-D is -4
    A Alonso & Ibe > Bavies & Mahrez
    B Duffy & Ibe > Mariappa & Mkhi
    C Alonso & Ibe > Mariappa & KDB
    D Alonso & Ibe > Williams & Eriksen
    E Quaner > Deeney
    F Sterling > Eriksen/Mahrez

  13. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I just can't decide on who to have as third Liverpool Mane or Firmino (sterling or aguero would be the makeweight)

    Rivals have Firmino so the safe option is just to go for him, but i have a nagging feeling Mane might be better.

    What do you think?

    1. JohnnyMagrinho
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Could you not get both? Do you have Salah also?

        Mane is looking better every week, regardless of how poor he's been playing (even though he's been scoring or assisting, he's not looked that great - I've watched a lot of Liverpool this year and he's been one of our worst performers until recently).

        I think for value you'll struggle to beat owning Firmino. The guy is a beast of late and nothing to imply he's going to let up any time soon.

        I have Salah, Mane and Firmino in my team. They're just guaranteed to start every week and they're on fire. Sane is a good shout at City - he was stupidly good last night but I'm not sure if he'd be guaranteed as much game time as Mane due to Sterling, Silva, Silva etc...

        1. ShaunGoater123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Salah and VVD so only spot for one unfortunately.

          Yeah Sane was awesome last night and definitely on the radar.

          Firmino is such great value and at least if he stops doing well it affects my mini league rival. Less upside with him for me but also considerably less downside.

      • Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Also have to make the same choice! Think it comes down to playing it safe and getting Firmino or take a risk and get Mane but leaning towards Firmino

      • Batchain
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Mane has scored 4 in his last two games, so, on form. You really have to have them both though

        1. ShaunGoater123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks all.

          I have VVD and salah as well so can only get one.

          Such a tough decision! If I get Mane then it frees up a Auba slot for the run in, if arsenal show any form and i fancy him to do beteter then Mkhi.

          But....Firmino is killing it at the moment and everytime he does well it affects me in a few leagues.

          1. JohnnyMagrinho
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Depends on how much money you have I suppose.

              I'd view it as Mane will score more points every week than VVD, so if you can afford to get rid of VVD for another defender and bring in Mane along with Firmino that would yield more points.

              If not Firmino who else would you be looking at? I can't think of anyone for similar value who's worth it other than Vardy and he's just not part of an incredibly attacking, lethal front 3 like Firmino is.

              How much do you want to invest in Liverpool over the next few weeks? They do play in GW31 so it's a good chance (if you have 3 players) to make up some ground on others.

              1. ShaunGoater123
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Yeah i definitely want a third liverpool. 100%

                Taking VVD out would cost me 4 points so i'm reluctant to do that as much as having 3 liverpool attackers would be great

                If I went Mane i would probably get Auba as my third striker next week. If i went Firmino I'd look at sterling to Mkhi / Ramsey or maybe Sane or spurs midfielder.

      • Donny_Rover
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Somehow still top of all my mini leagues so not sure whether to stick or twist with this lot. Thinking of doing Alonso + Ayew > Schindler (tough game this weekend, I know, but good thereafter & GW31 where I have no chips) + Aubameyang (Arsenal surely will do alright in the next two fixtures, could be a big differential?!). No points cost and would leave £0.5m in the bank.

        Schmeichel (Begovic)
        Mawson Van Dijk Ota (Alonso, Gouldson)
        Salah Shaqiri Walcott Sterling (RLC)
        Kane Firmino Ayew

        Time for a gamble? What to do about RLC & Sterling?

      • Deece
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Worth a -12? Feel I need to freshen things up.

        Alonso + Jones* + Ibe* + McArthur*
        ->
        Davies + Robertson + Ramsey + Arnie

        * = Unlikely to pay / start / unlikely to ever score more than 2 points.

        Feel any of the replacements are capable of hauling 12 points on there own.

        1. Batchain
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          This is a hail mary, but worth a punt I reckon.

          1. Deece
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            That it is. I’m 2k OR rank and still top of my ML by 30 points. But I’ve fallen from top 500 and seen my lead drop from 100 points over the last 4 weeks so I feel I need to switch it up.

      • FDMS All Starz
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Keep or sell sterling?

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Sell him if you don’t want him back

        2. Batchain
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          He's gone. To Mane.

        3. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          sell sell sell

      • Richd
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        So many players I dunno what to do with

        Phil Jones
        Alonso

        Yet then I have two Watford. Richalison and Kabalese. Both have a game in 31. One is doing nothing and the other is injured with no return date. It’s frustrating to say the least and do I want to keep starting Richarlison?!

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Keep Alonso
          Monitor Jones and replace if still injured.

          Focus on players that definitely WONT play then the ones that are playing but not in form

        2. Batchain
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Even now, forget 31. 31 is a troll week.

      • OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Going to be a tough few GWs without my WC.
        At least I still have my FH and BB chips.
        Going to need bit of luck and make some “clever transfers”....

      • Totti
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        bench one:

        A) wilson
        B) doucoure
        C) milivojevic

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A

        2. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Surely C?

      • No_Mo_Salah?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A. Aguero and Alonso to Kane and Davies; or
        B. Aguero and Otamendi to Kane and 5.1m (Dawson?).

        I will be playing by WC after GW31. Cheers.

        1. Totti
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A

      • Jaok
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Jones to?

        VVD or Robertson or Davis.

      • FPLMarc
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Is anyone else thinking of doing my plan: WC now, because those with good fixtures now are also set for DGW34?

        I'm just desperate to get rid of Walcott, Choupo, Wilson, Ogbonna, Alonso etc.

        Lloris, Hennessey
        Jones, Monreal, Fernandez, Dummett, Mariappa
        Salah, Hazard, Arnie, Mahrez, Kenedy
        Kane, Firmino, J Ayew

        (FH31 and 4/5 transfers until DGW34 for the likes of Aubameyang, Zaha)

        1. Numb
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah I've seen other doing that

        2. FantaCity
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, I wrote the same last week, and played my WC. I think the long-term benefits will out-weigh the precision of playing it in a specific DGW, or in GW32 .... and plus I was super-bored !!

      • oi no professionals
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Is Jones > VVD and Vertonghen > Davies worth a -4 hit?

      • Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I wonder if any Premier League club will take a punt on Mario Balotelli he is a free agent now and could come in handy to one of the teams fighting to stay in the league if managed correctly.

        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          He's so bad

      • The Darkest Knight
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Help needed....!!!!

        Adrian
        VVD / Chilwell / Daniels
        Salah / Hazard / Mkhitarayan / Sterling*
        Aguero / Firmino / Murray

        (elliot* / jones* / Zeegelar* / Loftus cheek*)
        1 FT ... 0.9 ITB

        Just look at that bench.... !!!! and advice....
        Should I do
        Aguero + Jones >> Kane + Dawson for -4???

      • Numb
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Will we get any update today from Pep or is that it now?

      • MannionUK
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Team:

        Fab
        Alonso, Dunk, Maguire, Daniels
        Sterling, Mane, Salah
        Kane, Aguero, Ayew

        Migs, RLC, McArthur

        Migs on bench stopping me tripping on Pool.

        -8 for

        Migs, Aguero, Sterling to Lloris, Eriksen, Firmino

        What you think?

      • FrankieTheGent
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        This might sound obsessive but given the weather forecasts Arsenal away to Brighton on Sunday might be the better captaincy options.
        or Maybe Man United Monday Night.

      • oi no professionals
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A. VVD or
        B. Robertson

      • the snazzy viking
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        If you want City cover later on in the season then your best bet isn't going to be Sterling, unless you were one of those that bought him really early and you want to conserve team value

        Sane at 8.4 and D.Silva at 7.9 will be steals I tell ye'