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. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Play Lingard or Walcott, or use my transfer to get Shaqiri for one of them (pending the news on the game later)?

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ideally both...

    2. Big Ping
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I fancy some returns from Lingard this week. Play him I say

  2. enrico.palazzo
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Would really appreciate some help here

    2 FT 0.1 ITB

    Adrian (Elliot)
    Alonso - Mee - Simpson
    Walcott - shaq - sterling - mahrez - Salah
    Kane - Firm

    Schindler, DCL, Obgonna

    Thinking

    Sterling > eriksen
    DCL > Quaner (For bGW)

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

      Quaner for the BGW isn’t a great idea.
      Sterling > Eriksen good move if your not planning to want Sterling back in your team

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        He would get 1-2 min points though, I need to find the transfer.

        Any other ideas?

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

          So would DCL probably. Wouldn’t waste that transfer.

          Ogbonna to Francis maybe?

          1. enrico.palazzo
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Will consider. Cheers

  3. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think baines will come as sub or start?

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

      I think if he is fit he will start it is not as if Martina has given BFS much of an selection headache.

    2. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Sub

  4. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else think VAR is being sabotaged by The Hood?

    On a scale of how poor it has been, it is at the most extreme end. I find it incredible how bad the system is and how it has been used. You literally couldn't make it up, the extended time waiting for a decision, the atrocious calls and that squiggly offside line.

    I understand there should be 'teething problems' but it has just been farcical.

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

      It would not surprise me if the FA are forcing it to fail. Giving their little brainless puppet refs orders to make a mess of it. They wouldn't want to lose a grip on maniupluating their big marketing team . Bet you all thought of the same too 😆

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

        * same team

        1. nobwak
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Spurs?

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

      Needs to be given time to work and i think it got a lot of things right.
      Losing games to bad decisions has been farcical forever but we have got used of it.Lets give VAR a chance.

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

        This

        A great idea that need a bit of moulding and shaping. If other sports can use it then no reason football can't. People don't like change..just need to get used to it

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

          I think the crowd need to hear whats being said on the refs intercoms for big decisions like rugby to get them involved.
          When they streamline VAR i reckon it will add to the drama.

      2. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        It's a good idea of course, but so far it has caused chaos. You can't tell me you watched the Spurs Rochdale game and thought it was good?

  5. adam28193
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    if worried about postponements captain kane. no chance wembley match will be called off

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

      Kane vice

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        What he said - just have Kane vice

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

    Fab
    Mariappa Alonso Vvd
    Sterling Salah Hazard Walcott shaqiri
    Firmino Kane

    Daniels Dcl Mbemba

    Can I save transfer or does something need to be done.
    0,1 in the bank

  7. zdrojo187
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who to play?
    A Daniels (LEI away)
    B Holgate (BUR away)

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

      B

    2. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

  8. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Priority to replace?

    Dunk
    Sterling
    Lingard
    Simpson.

    1. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Sterling because of his injury concerns

    2. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I will sell Dunk. He is awful.

  9. JohnnyMagrinho
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Apologies if this has been clarified before - I've not been on the site as much recently as I normally have been this year - but are we all set for GW31 fixtures now? Is it just the four games that are being played or are we set for any other shuffling of fixtures?

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I believe just the 4, yes

      2. CFC1990
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah unless postponements this weekend

    • asif316uk
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling + Wilson > Arnie + Vardy

      Yay or nay

    • CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Doing awful recently and down to 27k now but would you save your 1FT if you had my team:

      Fabianski (WHU)
      Alonso (mci), Van Dijk (NEW) , Jones (cry),
      Son (HUD), Shaqiri (sot), Eriksen (HUD), Salah (NEW), Mahrez (BOU)
      Kane (HUD), Wilson (lei)

      Adrian (swa), Ogbonna (swa), Daniels (lei), Quarner (tot)

      I have 1.9m itb

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

        What a great team. Save ft for sure

        1. CFC1990
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks mate

      2. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ouch down to 27k I would probably just delete my team

        1. CFC1990
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Still happy but was pushing 10k a few weeks ago.

      3. nobwak
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Both a humble brag and a massive slap across the face to the majority of people on here to describe being ranked 27k as "doing awful".

      4. JohnnyMagrinho
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Ha, if you're in top 30k I'd say you don't need to be asking for help mate!

          Doing a damn sight better than a lot of us, congrats and all but yeah, I think you got this.

      5. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hello guys. What would you do here?

        Pope
        Van Dijk, Mee, Daniels
        Salah, Hazard, Walcott, Sterling
        Wilson, Kane, Firmino

        subs: Adrian --- Milivojevic, Dunk, Ogbonna --- 1 FT, 0.7 ITB

        A) Sterling -> Mahrez
        B) Sterling -> Alli (not enough cash for Eriksen)
        C) Save FT
        D) Something else, what?

        1. CFC1990
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A

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

          I’m doing A unless there’s a big postponement I think

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

        Is there a Man City press today?

        1. MTPockets
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Post-match yesterday
            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM71NwQyy8E

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

          Thoughts on the below team? Willing to take a hit

          A) Wilson Lingard >> Niasse Ramsey (-4)
          B) Alonso Lingard >> Bellerin Ramsey (-4)
          C) Alonso Sterling >> Bavies Eriksen (-4)
          D) Save FT

          Foster
          Alonso, VVD, Jones
          Salah, Sterling, Mahrez, Shaqiri
          Kane, Firmino, Wilson

          (Elliot, Lingard, Ogbonna, Mbemba)
          1 FT, 0.2 ITB.

          1. CFC1990
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I reckon C. Please respond to mine above

          2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I'd steer clear of Arsenal at the moment, certainly not bring in 2?!

          3. Side Salah
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I would have Arnie all day long over Ramsey. Just to confuse matters, haha.

          4. nobwak
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Jones and Sterling to Bavies and Ramsey?

        3. dee_top
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          The best transfer this week:
          A) Sterling to Arnautovic for free
          B) Sterling to Shaqiri for free
          C) Sterling+Ota to Mane+Robertson for -4
          D) Hazard to Mane for free

          Help guys!

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

          pope (elliot)
          otamendi VVD francis ogbonna 3.9
          hazard salah mane doucoure milivojevic
          kane aguero wilson

          1FT 0.3 itb

          A) bench wilson and save free transfer
          B) francis to mariappa or any 4.2 defender and wilson to deeney (-4)
          C) VVD to robertson and wilson to deeney (-4)

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

          Ok Defender for £4.6M for the next 3 gameweeks?

          Current defense:
          VVD Otamendi Bauer Ogbonna Holgate

        6. damiang2233
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I presume everyone is on this today since we are snowed in

        7. teneighty
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Keep Sterling or go for Mahrez?
          My benchcover is weak to say the least (Ogbanana, Dummett and RLC).

          1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            If you got in on Sterling early, I'd say keep

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

              He is down to my purchase price now so no loss if I sell.

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

            Tough one. Bench won't matter most likely, as Sterling will get some minutes at least. I'd probably go for Mahrez

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

              But then it’s Stoke after that when you would want Mahrez... Why not upgrade Dummett to a decent defender for the next 3 weeks who could also cover if Sterling isn’t ready... GW31 playing defender ideally

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

                When you’d want Sterling I mean

              2. teneighty
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                The only defenders that I would consider with a GW31 fixture (bar Liverpool where I am maxed out) are the Hudds guys but they play Spurs this week.
                Evertons next three look decent but with Coleman and Baines back I don't have enough cash for the starters.

            2. teneighty
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Leaning towards the Mahrez option. A playing Sterling has a higher ceiling but I usually prefer to minimize risks.

        8. damiang2233
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          My team at the moment with 2 FT and 0.1m ITB.

          Pope Fabinski
          Otamendi Jones Mustafi Kenny Davies
          Pogba Sterling Salah Shaquiri Ibe
          Kane Vardy Wilson

          Any smart transfers that I could make.

          Thanks in advance!

          1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Kenny's time is up?

            1. damiang2233
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              A lot of that teams time is up 😛 thats the problem

              1. Kenny
              2. Pogba
              3. Mustafi
              4. Ibe

              Maybe a few more too nut any thoughts on replacements?

        9. Can’t beat em so&hell…
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I really am stuck. I've got 0.4 and 1FT. I think I have too much Chelsea. Verts an issue this week but like him long term. FH in 31...

          Courtois/Adrian
          Alonso/ Verts/ Daniels/ Chilwell/ Schindler
          Salah/ Sterling/ Willian/ Lingard/ Tarroll
          Kane/ Kun/ Ayew

          What would you do?

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

          Who is priority to get rid? Jones or sterling or take a hit to get rid of both?

          1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Jones. Sterling could even be back this weekend?

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

            Jones definitely if injured still
            Sterling should be fit

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

            I also havee both... but they said Sterling might play the match..

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

            Well Sterling might play and then has Stoke... Jones very doubtful (out of form/favour) and then has Liverpool

        11. The Mighty Whites
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          overkill having simpson, mahrez and vardy?

          1. Ghost Gooner
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Vahrez is enough

        12. 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???

        13. AF90
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Have 8 players for GW31 so feel I can transfer Sterling out this week;

          Best replacement for next 2 weeks? Have £8.9m

          A) Arnautovic
          B) Sane
          C) Son
          D) Alli

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

          Should I SELL AGUERO for KANE????
          YES or NO?

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

            Yes

        15. gigilomba1994
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          University survey on sports app, can you please help me filling out this survey? only takes 1 minute to complete. Any help is much appreciated! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kjbf92PawbVdkh_VxRFBSxNkT2WwQxNmoMuTLUkmZxM/edit

        16. NATSTER
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Who would you bench please ?

          Foster
          VVD - Otamendi - Alonso - Mariappa
          Salah - Mahrez - Shaqiri - Iwobi - Ibe
          Kane - Aguero - Firmino

          Sub : Speroni / Rosenior / Ibe / ??

          (A) Iwobi (bha)
          (B) Mariappa (WBA)
          (C) Alonso (mci)
          (D) Ota (CHE)

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

            Iwobi all day long

        17. Kuzser
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Would you do 1 or 2 with the following team?
          1) Alonso -> Robertson for free and then bring Firmino in before btw
          2) depoitre and sterling(bought him for 8.5)->Firmino and cheap mid under 5.2 for -4.

          Pope
          Ota Mee ogbonna (Alonso Christensen)
          Sterling Salah shaq mahrez Walcott
          Kane Wilson (depoitre)