Team News
9 March 2018 359 comments
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Wilfried Zaha will be monitored ahead of Crystal Palace’s crucial trip to Chelsea after returning to training earlier than anticipated. Meanwhile, Arsenal have a number of concerns in the full-back positions for the visit of Watford, while Anthony Martial could sit out a second consecutive match as Manchester United and Liverpool go head-to-head at Old Trafford tomorrow lunchtime.

Here’s our summary of the team news so far, with a raft of press conferences still to come later today.

Wilfried Zaha has stepped up his recovery from a knee injury and has returned to training as Crystal Palace prepare to visit London rivals Chelsea. Eagles’ manager Roy Hodgson is keen not to take any chances with the winger and it remains to be seen if he will be risked. Timothy Fosu-Mensah is available for the trip to Stamford Bridge after he was ineligible to face parent club Manchester United, though the Palace manager has suggested he will keep faith in Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back.

N’Golo Kante (illness) is expected to be passed fit for the Stamford Bridge clash, having missed Sunday’s meek loss to Man City. Eden Hazard was utilised as a “false 9” at the Etihad Stadium last weekend but is likely to return to a support role, with Alvaro Morata or Olivier Giroud leading the line.

Anthony Martial remains doubtful for Manchester United’s lunchtime showdown with Liverpool after missing the 3-2 win over Crystal Palace due to a knock. Jesse Lingard could retain his place on the right flank, then, though Juan Mata or Marcus Rashford will be pushing for a start after both made an impact off the bench at Selhurst Park.

Jordan Henderson and Andrew Robertson are expected to recover from minor problems to be fit for the trip to Old Trafford, while Georginio Wijnaldum (illness) isn’t expected to feature after recent illness. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane had their minutes managed against Porto in midweek and are set to be unleashed from the start.

Everton will be without the suspended Ashley Williams for the home encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion, but Sam Allardyce still has plenty of defensive options at his disposal, with Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Ramiro Funes Mori all available to return.

As for the Seagulls, Ezequiel Schelotto has been passed fit for the trip to Goodison Park after he was cleared to play following a head injury in the 2-1 win over Arsenal.

David Wagner will hope to have both Aaron Mooy and Alex Pritchard available for the home clash against Swansea City. Mooy has missed the last two matches due to a gashed knee, while Pritchard was replaced at the break after suffering a dead leg in last weekend’s defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

Swans head coach Carlos Carvalhal could name an unchanged starting XI against the Terriers, but Leon Britton is a doubt due to a back problem.

Jonjo Shelvey remains a doubtf for Newcastle United’s home meeting with Southampton due to a knee problem, but the likes of Matt Ritchie and Ayoze Perez are expected to push for recalls after both were omitted from the teamsheet for last Saturday’s trip to Anfield.

Saints have no fresh injury concerns, with Steven Davis, Maya Yoshida and Charlie Austin all still sidelined.

West Bromwich Albion will check on Gareth Barry ahead of the home clash against Leicester City after the midfielder missed the 1-0 defeat to Watford due to a knock.

Foxes boss Claude Puel revealed Shinji Okazaki is available following a knee injury and could be handed the central support role behind Jamie Vardy at The Hawthorns. Ben Chilwell and Danny Simpson are expected to reclaim the full-back berths, with the latter’s chances of a start enhanced after Daniel Amartey was ruled out for a month due to a hamstring issue.

Winston Reid and Sam Byram are both expected to miss the rest of the season after picking up knee and ankle injuries respectively in the 4-1 defeat to Swansea City. But Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins could return for the home fixture against Burnley. Meanwhile, Michail Antonio is expected to earn a recall at left wing-back at the expense of Patrice Evra – the former has now netted in back-to-back Gameweeks.

Tom Heaton and Scott Arfield remain out for the Clarets at Wembley Stadium. Up front, Chris Wood is likely to be handed a recall after emerging from the bench to score the winner in the 2-1 victory over Everton.

Arsene Wenger has a number of concerns at full-back ahead of the home clash against Watford. First-choice pair Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal may well miss out again, though back-up duo Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chambers will need to be assessed after being forced off in last night’s 2-0 win over AC Milan. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will lead the line after being ineligible to play in the UEFA Europa League.

The Hornets have their own worries at full-back, too. Jose Holebas is a slight doubt after picking up an ankle injury in last weekend’s 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, while Kiko Femenia (illness) will also be assessed.

Bournemouth are sweating over the fitness of a trio of wingers for Sunday’s home encounter with Spurs. Eddie Howe expects Marc Pugh to miss out while Jordon Ibe and Ryan Fraser are also injury concerns. The Cherries manager has suggested Jermain Defoe is pushing for a recall after impressing off the bench in their previous home match against Newcastle.

Serge Aurier is expected to return at right-back for Spurs after missing the 2-1 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League due to suspension. Should Mauricio Pochettino look to rotate, the likes of Danny Rose, Victor Wanyama and Erik Lamela could push for starts, with the Argentine expected to oust Son Heung-min from the first XI.

Mame Biram Diouf will miss Stoke City’s home encounter against Manchester City due to a dislocated shoulder, so either Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting or Peter Crouch look set to start in attack.

As for City, Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho have both returned to training and may be available for the trip to the bet365 Stadium. Fabian Delph is free to play after serving a three-match ban, but is a doubt due to a muscle problem that forced him to miss the midweek loss to FC Basel. Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany were among a host of regulars rested against the Swiss and are in line to return to Pep Guardiola’s teamsheet on Monday night.

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.

359 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. mcrayeps
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    having wolves players next year will be exciting
    Helder Costa and Barry Douglas

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      mmm yes and diogo jota

      1. mcrayeps
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        he is on loan from atletico

    2. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Bonatini at 4.8.

      1. mcrayeps
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        thought bonatini is on loan?

        1. Old Wulfrunian
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I think he wants to stay.

    3. SW6
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Douglas is really good. I reckon I'll own him even if he's 5m

    4. Gríma Wormtongue
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      The cheaters don't deserve to go up

  2. No Totti No Party
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Hi,
    I will sub Sterling OUT, choose 1 week punt?
    A: Arnie
    B:Sane
    C:William
    D:take -4 hit for Arnie and William (otherwise will play 1 from Ogbonha or Choupo)

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

      All good options, but I'd say Sane because of his form

    2. A19
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Sane

  3. JasonG123
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Lost on last page. Which move?
    (A) Jones and Lingard to Schindler and Walcott
    (B) Jones and Sterling/Son to Coleman and Walcott

    I’m thinking (A) is Sterling is in and (B) if Sterling is out?

    1. Totti
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

  4. finnish92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Pogba, Sterling -> Mkhitaryan, Mahrez?

    1. Totti
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      but both won't play GW31
      may be pogba to mehrez only abd save FT

      1. finnish92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I have 2 FT and will use my Free Hit in GW31

  5. JRO093
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Play A) Wilson, or B) Mee or Mee->C)Schindler and play him? (Already have Zanka). Don't want to entertain bringing in non-GW31 players at this point..

    1. Totti
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      C

    2. A19
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Nesvy
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

  6. Scotty B
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Adrian
    Schindler Otamendi Alonso
    Walcott Shaqiri Eriksen Salah
    Deeney Kane Firmino

    Elliot Ibe Duffy TAA

    0.1 ITB & 1 FT

    Which option is better?
    A Ibe > Van La Parra
    B Otamendi > Coleman
    C Duffy > Hegazi/Daniels
    D Save FT

    1. Totti
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. Scotty B
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. And bench whom?

        1. Totti
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          hmmmm very tough question 🙂
          so let's say duffy to dawson if you afford him

          1. Scotty B
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Can't afford. Only have 0.1 ITB so could afford Hegazi bit again who am I benching?

            Maybe stick to what you say and bench Shaqiri?

    2. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      D

  7. Totti
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    i think that wilson could be at risk of losing his starting place
    what do u think guys
    A) keep wilson
    B) change to mounie

  8. Pariße
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Would you buy Walcott for Sterling?

    1. mcrayeps
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      i went for Siggy actually last week.. hope for some return

      1. Pariße
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        A good option as well. Thanks.

    2. Totti
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      yes

    3. A19
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yep I've done that

      1. jpb333
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        just been comparing them and Siggy's home stats are decent and better than Theo

    4. WVA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Neither

      Siggy is better

    5. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Exactly the move I went for. Siggy out of position seems to be the general consensus.

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

      Rooney will play and push Siggy out wide where he is less effective. Walcott better option

  9. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Best mid for 6.7m to complete this front 8?

    Salah shaqiri lingard la parra xxxx
    Kane Firmino Vardy

    1. A19
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Stanislas with GW31 in mind

    2. WVA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Very similar to my front 8, i have Doucoure but he does have a tough fixture 31 but he has been great value!

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Could work, not too many other great options in that budget. Thanks

  10. as33
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Hi all, got 2FT, what to do with my team: Pope
    Alonso, Daniels, VVD, Mee, Collins
    Son, Ericsen, Walcott, Salah, Diame
    Kane, Firmino, Wilson

  11. A19
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I currently have on my bench Ogbonna Shaqiri and Crouch. Given that in my starting line up I have Chilwell, Alonso, Ramsey that are all rotation risks, should I spend a -4 to get Josh King already in even if they play Spurs? Cheers

  12. Prison Mike
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Start one:

    A) Wilson (TOT)

    B) Quaner (SWA)

    C) Robertson (mun)

    1. Totti
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Prison Mike
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Is his place not at risk with Defoe impressing last week?

  13. AsdcavirPT
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Pope Elliot
    Otamendi VVD Alonso Hegazy Kenny
    Salah Sterling Walcott Shaqiri Carroll
    Kane Firmino Wilson

    2FT 2.3ITB

    Kenny -> Schdinler (Next GW: Pope, Carroll -> Butland, Townsend)

    Good plan?

    1. Totti
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      yes but may be zaha instead of townsend

      1. AsdcavirPT
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        No money... Only 6.0 left on a midfielder

  14. drokkeh
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Looking to do J Ayew -> Firmino in for GW31.

    Would need to drop lingard for someone cheaper to afford this.

    A) Stanislas
    B) Van La Parra

    Thanks

    1. mcrayeps
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. George James
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

  15. SW6
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Let's settle this then, who would you rather own for GW30 & 31?

    A. Coleman
    B. Walcott
    C. Siggy

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Only one of them has ever had a PL hattie, and only one has had a brace this season ... highest ceiling is Walcott imho but no guarantee he will get anything 🙂

    2. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. WVA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      C

    4. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

    5. George James
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      C

  16. Arctic monkeys
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is the cut score for the cup out yet ?

    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      60 and a rank of 200k-ish

        1. Arctic monkeys
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers

  17. Fabregasm
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Would you transfer out DDG (LIV, blank) this GW for Pickford (BRI, sto) or Lössl (SWA, CPL)?
    As a second option I can play DDG this GW and then transfer him out for Begovic for GW31?

    1. mcrayeps
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Pickford

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Just change your bench keeper ?

    3. WVA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Pickford has been a disaster, go for Lossl

    4. Fabregasm
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I'm going to wildcard after gw 31 🙂
      I think both Swans and Palace have been decent on away turf though, but Lössl's fixtures just seem better than Pickford's

  18. Champions united
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Play arnie or shaq

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Arnie

    2. WVA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Arnie

  19. Aubaaaaa
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Chances of Wilson and Defoe starting together?

  20. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    1. Is there anyone else obvious for (C) besides Kane?

    2. Is Sterling > Son worth -4?

    1. Maddamotha
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      No
      No

    2. jpb333
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero

      No

    3. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Kane C nailed for me

      Move not worth a -4 imho

  21. NATSTER
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    It sounds like Ibe might be able to involve this week which is positive for next week when I actually need him.

    Any Ibe owners here? Keep?

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Keeping. More pressing matters and is only on my bench anyway

  22. Pariße
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone getting Rooney? Everton haven't really been up for it defensively, there might be more potential up front.

    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He has now gone 12GWs without attacking points... no thanks

      1. Pariße
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        lol they haven't been up for it offensively either 🙂

    2. jpb333
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Rooney isn't nailed

      1. Salah'd n Sauce
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Should be nailed to the bench

    3. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Has the same potential as Milivojevic. Just waiting for that pen

  23. OldBenKenobi
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry if it’s been said a million times already but when is the City presser today as I didn’t see it in the HT
    (Anxious Sterling owner)

    1. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      MEN posted this at 12:36:

      Pep's press conference is coming up in an hour

      The boss will be giving team news and his observations ahead of Monday’s trip to Stoke.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        the game being on Monday isn't ideal, will probably say Sterling's 'in contention' or something similar

        1. Oven Glover
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I have no City coverage so I’m hoping for a couple of curveballs from Pep 😉

  24. Champions united
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    For gw30
    1.elliot>lossl or pickford(-4)
    2.play ddg blank in GW31

    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Cant you just play him this week and do for free next week

      1. Champions united
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yes can do but tending towards lossl as he can give a cleanie

  25. Pariße
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Play 1:
    A) Lössl (SWA)
    B) Adrian (BUR)

  26. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Would you rather have Eriksen or Sigurdsson this weekend?

    1. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Eriksen

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Eriksen by a country mile

  27. timPgoodwin
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Afternoon! I have 2 FT's and £2.3m in the Bank - Willing to use both FT's but don't have my WC left so looking to keep a solid team for BGW31 but have one eye on the DGW's in 34 & 37 (will use FH it 35)

  28. timPgoodwin
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Afternoon! I have 2 FT's and £2.3m in the Bank - Willing to use both FT's but don't have my WC left so looking to keep a solid team for GW31 but have one eye on the DGW's in 34 & 37 (will use FH it 35)

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

    Apologies for the silly question but how do I check if my team link is up to date on my account ?

    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You have no link atm. Go here and add it: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/profiles/tlf/

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

        Cheers, what box do you enter the team link into?

  30. teneighty
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    With Ogbonna a doubt and a weak bench I need to address the RLC-problem that I have pushed ahead of me for too long now.
    Would really like a fit for fight Pritchard in my GW31-team but bringing him in now when he is a doubt for the weekend feels very sideways. Any other good midfield option for 5.5 over the next two gameweeks?