Team News

The Gameweek Team News

Everton will be without Gylfi Sigurdsson for the trip to Stoke, but Theo Walcott and Idrissa Gueye are both available for the Toffees.

Wilfried Zaha is expected to return to the starting XI for Crystal Palace’s clash at Huddersfield, while Yohan Cabaye and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also back in contention.

Meanwhile, Josh King and Ryan Fraser will be assessed ahead of Bournemouth’s home encounter with West Brom.

Here’s our summary of the team news so far, with a couple of press conferences still to come later today ahead of the reduced Gameweek 31.

Gylfi Sigurdsson misses Everton’s trip to Stoke this weekend after being sidelined for six-to-eight weeks with a knee injury sustained in the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Sam Allardyce could hand Wayne Rooney the No 10 role in the playmaker’s absence, with Idrissa Gueye fit to return following illness. Theo Walcott has been passed fit after suffering from cramp against the Seagulls.

Stoke City boss Paul Lambert surprisingly revealed that Mame Biram Diouf has an outside chance of being fit to for the home meeting with Everton following a shoulder injury. Diouf looks likely to earn a sub role at best, though, with Eric Choupo-Moting, Jese Rodriguez or Peter Crouch expected to lead the line.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has revealed that Josh King and Ryan Fraser will be checked following training later today ahead of the home meeting with West Brom. The latter has been nursing a back issue, while Howe has claimed that King “looks like he’s going to be okay.” after his recent neck injury. The Cherries could continue with Adam Smith on the right flank if Fraser misses out, while Lys Mousset could retain the berth behind striker Callum Wilson if King fails to make it.

Baggies head coach Alan Pardew will hope to have Jonny Evans available for the trip to the Vitality Stadium after the centre-back missed the 4-1 defeat to Leicester City due to illness. Gareth Barry has sat out the last two matches with a knock but he could be ready to return, with Grzegorz Krychowiak expected to make way.

Huddersfield Town have been dealt a blow with the news that Danny Williams will miss the rest of the season after suffering a fractured fibula in training on Wednesday. But Elias Kachunga may have an outside chance of returning for the home meeting with Crystal Palace.

The Eagles, however, have been boosted by the news that both Yohan Cabaye and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will both return to the squad for the trip to the John Smith’s Stadium. Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha is expected to come back into the first XI after impressing on his comeback against Chelsea with an assist off the bench. Mamadou Sakho could also push for a recall after returning to the squad last weekend.

Jurgen Klopp may hand recalls to Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip for Liverpool’s home encounter against Watford. Should Henderson return, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to vie with James Milner for the other role alongside Emre Can, while Matip’s potential selection would see Dejan Lovren drop to the bench.

As for the Hornets, they welcome back Craig Cathcart ahead of the trip to Anfield. The likes of Will Hughes is pushing for a first-team return after stepping up his fitness with appearances off the bench in each of the last two Gameweeks.

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.

455 Comments Post a Comment
  1. G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thank you!

  2. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Meh, playing Man City has no European feel to it. Could be a crazy tie though.

    1. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Imdeed or much of a rivalry. Atleast guaranteed good football tho

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

        I just hope we be smart this time. Can't be playing Lovren etc.

        1. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Ugh don't remind me that goofball and Lallana need to be binned for good

  3. RVP20
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    My team for this week is:

    Baines - Robertson - Schindler
    Salah(C) - Shaqiri - Zaha - Walcott
    Firmino(VC) - Quaner

    Currently 9 playing and I'm not intending on bringing in a GK. Which should I do to finish my team:
    (A) Son > Stanislas
    (B) Kane > Wilson

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

      I'd prefer A for Stanislas, though moving on Kane has its benefits.

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

      Close call. I would say B, just cause Kane is injured

  4. I Have No Idea What I'…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Sakho is back for Palace? Anybody expecting him to start?

    If he’s starting he’s straight in my team!

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

      Moment he starts regularly he's straight back in my side, Zaha + Sakho in my WC32/33 plans (if I don't bring Zaha in this week)

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

    What

  6. Les Bleus
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Barca with the easiest draw. Yawn.

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

    Already done 2FTs, which gets me 8 players (assuming Kenny plays no part).

    Butland
    van Dijk, Kenny*
    Salah(c), Stanislas, Shaqiri, Pritchard
    Firmino, Wilson

    A. GTG
    B. Sterling > Zaha (-4)
    C. Kane > King (-4)

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

    Here's a thought.
    City facing Everton in gw32 and Liverpool facing Crystal palace just days before the first leg of their UCL quarter final. Expecting lots of rotation. Boosts the appeal of a gw32 wildcard?

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Boosts the appeal of having just Salah from those 2 teams.

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

        Agree with this. I was holding onto my wildcard for gw33 mainly to keep 3 Liverpool assets for the palace game. This might change my thinking.

        1. Karan14
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Palace are anyway Pool’s bogey team.

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

        Good point. Might need to reconsider. Otoh, the Spurs - Chelsea matchup in GW32 points towards GW33 WC

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Liverpool can't rotate, City can.

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

        But if they did, who would be at risk? Salah, Firmino an Mané hopefully still starting?

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

          Mane if any. I think rotating fullbacks might be the most likely, and perhaps a CM.

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

            txs, will keep all for GW32 and hope for returns

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

            I think VvD could be also rested gw32

  9. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    So will we get an update re king and Fraser later today?

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

    Is Baines still on penos?

    1. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Still?

      I suspect he almost certainly will be now though.

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Better than Rooney and soggy is off the pitch. Question whether tosun takes em now

  11. Dele
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Did I miss the post for times of pressers today?

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not posted yet.

  12. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best option for this week?

    A) Mane &
    1) Wilson (out of form)
    2) Benteke (got subbed at 45’)
    3) Mounie (Have Van La Parra)

    B) Mane &
    1) Baines
    2) PVA

    C) Stanislas & VVD

    Getting a striker means I will have to bench Niasse.
    Leaning towards C.

    Cheers! 🙂

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I would go C

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C

  13. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    zaha or stanislas for -4 worth it???

  14. Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone thinking about Benteke? CPL look closer to full strength.. maybe worth a punt?

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      He just might be. But he was subbed of at 45’ last match.

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

      Tempted, that's why I've held off Mounie.

      2 goals all season?

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Consistent returns, Zaha back.

        If he gets the start I think he could easily get returns

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

          My problem, I have 1 forward spot and 1 midfield spot.

          Walcott, Shaqiri, Salah, ____
          Firmino, Wilson, ____

          I would love Zaha but I think Stanislas might be the smarter pick.

          Leaves me with Mounie or Tekkers, really unsure.

    3. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I am thinking about him.

      It's between him or mounie

    4. Jonny JAB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      CB Subbed at HT in the previous game is actually a good thing IMO for this week.

      Sorloth has 'fatigue' according to Roy and rumored to be suffering with a hamstring problem which makes Benteke even more likely to start and hold down 90 mins. Going off his FPL history most likely gonna get an assist but not score aha! As a CPFC I hope he can start adding more!

    5. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Check my hot topic. He's definitely flying under the radar.

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

        No he's not 😉

        1. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Hahaha, you again! 😉

  15. The Final Boss
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    offtopic ucl draw

    bayern vs sevilla

    bbarca vs roma

    juve vs real

    pools vs city

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

    Baines, PVA or A.Smith?
    Stanislas, Zaha or Mounie?

    (have Walcott, Wilson & McArthur already)

    Cheers.

  17. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Transfers made... -8 for 11(ish) players. Lets gooo

    Pickford
    Baines, VVD, Schindler
    Salah, Stanislas, Zaha, Shaqiri
    Firmino, Mounie, Quaner

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

      8
      8 7 2
      11 8 8 2
      6 2 1

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      interesting team, good luck

    3. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not bad.

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

      Grow a pair Buz, captain Baines!

    5. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      This makes Baines for a -4 more tempting.

  18. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    One important think from howe's presser. He said king is okay but also said he has a couple of other niggles. Who is that??
    Stanislas??

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

      The couple of niggles are King and Fraser.
      Stanislas wasn't even mentioned.

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        No Stan wasn't mentioned. I know. He said we have couple of other niggles. See bournemouth website

    2. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      King and Fraser

    3. Master Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Would have preffered Howe to say King was ready to go.
      Should I still risk Kane -> King for a hit ? or should I play safe with Wilson/Mounie ?
      I think Palace have a chance of a good game. They have been unlucky recently and thats against the top teams

  19. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Have 7 players for gw31, make it 8 mahrez to stan (-4) ?
    A) yes
    B) no

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

      I think yes.

    2. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yes

  20. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Kenny > Baines (-4)

    Does it pay off?

    Already own Michael Keane

    YES OR NO

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

      No

      1. #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        thanks starting to think no is the best option too

  21. TooDifficuIt
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking now of losing Sterling to Stanislas

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      makes sense

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

      Sterling v Everton will be handy. Can you sell someone else?

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

        He may not play it due the CL game

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

          On the other hand he could play both

  22. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    After what Howe said about Fraser, would you keep him and hope, or turn him to Stanislas for a hit?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      i'd hold, there's every chance he comes off the bench worst case

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

      Keep

  23. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling to stanislas
    Or
    Kane to mounie/benteke

    I have Wilson but no attackers from palace or hudder

    1. SkeletONv01
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Benteke? Lol.

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

      Sterling v Everton will be handy.

    3. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A 1000000000000000000000000%

  24. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Playing the free hit chip. Last upfield pick?:

    A) Wally
    B) Tosun
    C) Benteke
    D) Zaha

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      D

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

      Zha one million percent

  25. I Have No Idea What I'…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Free hit G2G?

    Begovic
    Ake Sakho PVA Baines
    Stanislas Salah(c) Mane Zaha
    Tosun Firmino

    Foster Mounie Shaqiri Coleman

    Reason for B’mouth defensive picks is West Brom have only scored 7 away all season.

  26. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Team is on -4 so far...

    VVD
    Stanislas Shaq Salah
    Firmino Wilson Mounie

    A) 7 players is Enough
    B) Get Baines
    C) Get Zaha
    D) Get Butland

    *Wildcarding in GW32

    1. SkeletONv01
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

      I wouldn't hit for a defender this week. Mane would be worth another hit imo.

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

        Ah, just saw you have VVD so no room for another Pool player.

  27. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    -4 to field 10... looking good?? WC 32/33.

    Arnie >> Zaha
    Son >> Stanislas
    Kane >> Mounie

    Pickford
    VVD • Kiko • (Otamendi)
    Mo(C) • Choupo • Stanislas • Zaha
    Firmino • Wilson • Mounie

    (Elliot, Mahrez, Duffy, Christensen)

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

      As good as any, I'd say. Small green this GW

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

        Cheers bro

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

      I commented on last post.

      Don't think Mounie is worth it. Would rather Baines

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

        Not sure I fancy double Everton defence 🙂 also, a lot of my mini leagues actually have Mounie (but only 3-5 players) so him hitting a double/Hatrick would ruin my 10 man team

  28. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Repost - Palace now have great fixtures till end of season, just noticed. And if they are to stay up, Zaha will play a big part in it.

    Dont have WC anymore - maybe better to bring in Wilf than Stanislas??

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

      I agree! Zaha is my top target this week

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

      I would say they are level pegging. Both essential this week.

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

    Already taken one hit, fielding this team:

    Begovic
    Mariappa
    Salah Mané Walcott Stanislas
    Firmino Wilson Mounie
    (Elliot, Alonso, Otamendi, Ogbonna, Dunk, Sané)

    Don't feel like taking a hit for any defender (or PvA/Baines/Coleman maybe?) , but is Sané -> Zaha/RvLP/Shaq worth an additional hit? All depends whether Sané is likely to start GW33 I guess, in which case it would be better to keep him.

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

      Shaq was in my thoughts a few days ago, but not so now.

      Only consider Zaha & Stanislas for mid options imo

      (just see you already have Stan)

      Baines a good option. I think Baines is wotht a hit

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

        I wouldn't hit for a defender this week.

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

          Baines is likely to be on pens.. He will be whipping balls in the area all game too. High chance of assists.

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

        Tempted by Baines, if just for the fun. But ideally would like players who also have a good GW32 fixture, as I want to wait until GW33 with WC.

  30. eazy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Just listened to Scoutcast and don't agree on taking hit for defenders. Anyone else agree?

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

      Possibly PVA, Baines, Goalman or VVD. Possibly attacking returns too

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

      Attacking defender such as Baines, COleman, PVA could pay off. But generally I agree.

      Although GK could also bring some save points too