Team News
13 April 2018 708 comments
James H James H
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Danny Rose is set to miss the first of Spurs’ two Gameweek 34 matches with a calf complaint. Burnley’s Ben Mee will be sidelined for several weeks with a shin injury, Jordan Ibe recovers from illness for Bournemouth’s pair of matches, while Anthony Knockaert and Jordan Ayew return from three-match bans for Brighton and Swansea respectively.

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

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Danny Rose will miss the home meeting with Manchester City due to a calf issue. That should see Ben Davies earn a recall after being rested for two of Spurs’ last three league matches, while Kieran Trippier and Eric Dier are also expected to be included in the starting XI for the visit from the league leaders.

For City, Fernandinho is unavailable for the trip to Wembley due to suspension, while Pep Guardiola may hand recalls to Vincent Kompany, Fabian Delph, Ilkay Gundogan and Sergio Aguero as he looks to arrest a run of three straight defeats.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche has revealed that Ben Mee faces a couple of weeks on the sidelines due to a shin injury, with Kevin Long – at 4.0 in FPL – poised to take advantage of three fixtures in the next two Gameweeks. Johann Berg Gudmundsson (calf) could come back into contention for the home clash against Leicester City, though Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is a slight injury concern due to a tight hamstring. After returning to the bench last weekend, Tom Heaton may replace Nick Pope in goal.

The Foxes will again be without the suspended Wilfred Ndidi for the trip to Turf Moor, while Vicente Iborra is a major doubt due to a hamstring injury. Youngster Hamza Choudhury could be handed a start in central midfield, while Shinji Okazaki will push for a recall in attack.

With a week until their next match – against West Brom in Gameweek 35 – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp may keep rotation to a minimum for the visit of Bournemouth. Jordan Henderson should return after being suspended for the midweek Champions League win over Man City, though big guns Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino are expected to be named on the teamsheet after the Reds’ boss made numerous alterations at Everton last time out. Sadio Mane – having played the last three and with 90 minutes on Tuesday – looks the most vulnerable of Liverpool’s attacking three.

Jordon Ibe looks set to be available for the trip to Anfield after returning to training following illness, while Josh King is expected to earn a recall after emerging from the bench to score his third goal in five Gameweeks against Crystal Palace last Saturday. But Adam Smith remains out for the Cherries with a knee injury.

Roy Hodgson’s options up front were boosted for Crystal Palace’s home encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion after Christian Benteke and Alexander Sorloth returned to training yesterday. Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend could return to the flanks after being deployed as the front two at Bournemouth.

Chris Hughton will be able to call upon Anthony Knockaert for the Seagulls’ trip to Selhurst Park with the winger having served out his three-match suspension. He will vie with Jurgen Locadia and Solly March for the role on the right flank. However, midfielder Davy Propper will miss out as he begins his own three-match ban. Beram Kayal is expected to replace the Dutchman in central midfield.

Mark Hughes will be without the suspended Jack Stephens for Southampton’s home fixture against Chelsea, though midfielder Mario Lemina is expected to be available again following illness. Shane Long is should shake off an ankle knock to compete for a starting role up front, while Charlie Austin is pushing for a return to the teamsheet after his goal at Arsenal. Centre-back Jan Bednarek is being considered for a first Saints start in the Premier League, with Hughes contemplating retaining a 3-4-2-1 formation.

As for Chelsea, Andreas Christensen is likely to return in central defence at the expensive of Gary Cahill, while Tiemoue Bakayoko may be considered for a recall in midfield. Alvaro Morata could get the nod ahead of Olivier Giroud for the lone striker role again.

Jonathan Hogg is fit for Huddersfield Town’s home meeting with Watford after shaking off a knock picked up the tackle which saw Propper sent off in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.

As for the Hornets, centre-backs Craig Cathcart and Christian Kabasele could be considered for recalls.

Swansea City will welcome back Jordan Ayew for the home encounter against Everton following his three-match suspension. Meanwhile, Carlos Carvalhal is optimistic that Mike van der Hoorn and Sam Clucas will be fit to face the Toffees.

Sam Allardyce revealed Idrissa Gueye and Phil Jagielka are both available for the trip to south Wales.

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has on-loan forward Islam Slimani available again after the Algerian was ineligible to face his parent club Leicester City last weekend. But the in-form Magpies are likely to remain unchanged for their home clash with Arsenal.

Granit Xhaka will be assessed ahead of the Gunners’ trip to St James’ Park after missing the 2-2 draw with CSKA Moscow due to illness. Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey could again be rested for Premier League duty, with the Welshman set to be assessed after sustaining a shin injury in Thursday’s tie. Calum Chambers and Alex Iwobi are set to earn recalls.

Jose Mourinho is expected to switch to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 system for the home fixture against bottom side West Bromwich Albion, so one of Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial are likely to start in place of Ander Herrera. That would move Paul Pogba back into the double pivot alongside Nemanja Matic

Baggies interim manager Darren Moore has revealed that Nacer Chadli, Sam Field and Daniel Sturridge are all back in training ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. Jonny Evans (knee) remains a doubt.

Manuel Lanzini (knee) and Aaron Cresswell (knock) will be assessed ahead of West Ham United’s home fixture against Stoke City. James Collins remains doubtful due to a hamstring injury.

The Potters will again be without the injured Eric Choupo-Moting (groin), while Konstantinos Stafylidis (broken rib) is set to remain out. Charlie Adam serves the final game of a three-match ban.

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.

708 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Kizza_10
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 18 days ago

    Should I bench boost with these players on the bench or wait till 37 ?

    Nordfelt, Silva, Robertson, Alexander

    1. Kizza_10
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 18 days ago

      Already taken a -4 hit for Dea Gea

    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      don’t B.B. that bench. 3 single gw players all rotation risks and a keeper who won’t play

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Don't BB

  2. Trippier Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 18 days ago

    Has Alexander Arnold lost his place to Clyne now would you say?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      No, think Clyne is back-up atm

  3. RVP20
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 18 days ago

    Which should I choose?

    (A) Auba & Mustafi > Lukaku & Christensen
    (B) Auba & Son > Kane & Lingard
    (C) Auba, Vardy & Son > Kane, Lukaku & A.King

    My team at the minute is:
    DDG - Ryan
    Alonso - Smalling - Mustafi - Morgan - Lowton
    Salah - Mahrez - Son - Willian - Kenedy
    Auba - Vardy - Barnes
    2FT - 1.0itb
    * Planning on using BB this week

    1. Jimjam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      B for me

  4. Newms
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 18 days ago

    On a FH team -

    Vardy, Cork and Tarkowski or Alonso, Austin and Gudmunsson?

    1. Jimjam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      First sounds better to me.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      The second has more attacking threat

  5. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Is bavies nailed? Suddenly some posts on him

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Rotation lessened with Rose injured...

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 17 days ago

        Will he drop in price today? Plus long-term is bavies nailed not just this dgw

          1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 17 days ago

            I saw that mate. So surely dropping right?

            1. G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 17 days ago

              Way too early to tell tbh, check if you can in about 12 hours, but looking likely if sales continue at the same pace only 512 (approximately) transfers needed...

    2. Ragabolly
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Rose is injured for the first and maybe the second, so the risk on bavies is smaller

  6. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Pope* (Maenpaa)
    Smalling*, Lowton*, Morgan* (Robertson, Van der Hoorn)
    Salah, Sterling, Son*, Mahrez* (King)
    Lukaku*, Aubameyang, Firmino

    2FT, 0.0 in bank

    So I haven't planned particularly well, and have already used my free hit.

    Any obvious transfers for this week, or am I ok?

  7. Rik Waller
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    (bottomed)

    That HT about Lukaku being rotated has given me the willies.

    Is there some truth to it or is it just more pro-Kane propaganda?

    1. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Missed on game this season with concussion. Taken off at 13 minutes the match before due to that concussion. Also taken off after 76 minutes against Huddersfield.

      Aside from that he has played a full 90 every game this season. No matter how congested United's fixtures have gotten, he's always played. I don't think that'll change.

      1. Rik Waller
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 17 days ago

        But this is the first time United have had an FA cup semi-final 3 days after a fairly unimportant prem game.

        Won't Jose wanna keep his only striker fresh for the last competition they can win?

        1. Somalion
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 17 days ago

          As you say, he's his only striker.

          Jose also wants 2nd place and has made that clear enough. Yes he will want to look after his players, of course, but he can also do that by making sure Lukaku doesn't overdo it in the matches he plays. Maybe he even loses a few minutes against West Brom.

          What's funny is that for some reason this thinking doesn't apply to a just back from injury Harry Kane. Has the extra day on his side, but if Mou is gonna rotate Kaku against Bournemouth I don't see why Poch can't rotate Kane against Brighton.

          FWIW, I think both will play the majority of the minutes available.

          1. Somalion
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 17 days ago

            That should have read "Maybe he even loses a few minutes against Bournemouth"

          2. Rik Waller
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 17 days ago

            Yeh I hope you're right and I think this will turn out to be the case.

            Just a little nervous over it now as the matches are quite close together.

            1. Rik Waller
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 17 days ago

              Poch won't bench Kane because he wants them goals innit

  8. Pariße
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Any suggestions? I'm looking at Eriksen, Lukaku, maybe Sanchez.

    Ryan, DDG
    Alonso, Christensen, Bailly, Morgan, Lowton
    Mahrez, Son, Lingard, Gross, Gudmundsson
    Kane, Aubameyang, Vardy

    1ft, 0.5m itb

  9. FF Dirtbag
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Son Heung-Min

    Will he play both games?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      No one knows

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      He should get minutes in both, but whether he'll start both is another question.

      Personally, I think he will start v Man C... then Lamela will start v Brighton

    3. Ragabolly
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      I think he will come off the bench in one game

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Rest @bri maybe

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Doubt he'll start both.

  10. JoeSoap
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Which week would you play TC?

    GW34 Lukaku (WBA, bour)
    GW37 Kane (NEWC, wba)

    The remaining one will be my BB.

    1. Ragabolly
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Kane for me

    2. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Defo Kane

    3. moz_1983
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Seriously considering swapping my TC34/BB37 plans for BB34 and TC Aguero (BRI & HUD).

      1. JoeSoap
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 17 days ago

        City have good fixtures. Depends on what team they put out.

    4. the vanisher
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Kane

    5. Trippier Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      As I have no FH for 35, I'd take hits to BB this week, so TC Lukaku (thinking about Kane too actually) for this weekend

    6. JoeSoap
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Thanks all. Definitely prefer Kane GW37, don't trust Lukaku even though I will likely captain him this week.

  11. Going Home
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Liverpool semi final dates

    24 May (H)
    2 May (a)

    This is the best we could hope for to minimise rest/rotation (minimise, not exclude), right?

    1. Going Home
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      24 April, obviously

  12. Yellin' in my Ear
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    For a bench boost team:
    A) Kane and King
    B) Lukaku and King
    C) Auba and Pogba
    Cheers.

  13. Marv25
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    A) Alonso & Alli
    B) Smalling & hazard

    Pick one for FH 34 only

    Thanks

  14. Holding Matip
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Bench:

    Sterling vs Spurs away
    or
    J Ayew vs Everton home

    1. Going Home
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Never bench Sterling. Goals and assists for fun. Against anyone. Even if he only gets a cameo

      1. Holding Matip
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 17 days ago

        I feel he may be "rested" after his sub par performance vs Liverpool, that doesn't matter because Ayew can auto sub on - cheers

    2. Root
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Ayew

    3. Marv25
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Of those two bench jayew

  15. the vanisher
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Who scores more in 34?

    A. Arnautovic

    B. Willian

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Willian, just.

  16. Dr Van Nostrand
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    It's confirmed Tues-Wed for Pool so makes rotation prediction trickier

    1. Going Home
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      I think that plays to our (Liverpool player owners) favour. Means there are 72 hours after the WBA game before the home game against Roma, then 84 hours before Stoke, then 108 before the away game in Rome and then 84 hours before the league game (Chelsea)

    2. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Think Klopp could do a half and half player rotation for GW35 and GW36 like he did in the autumn at times rather than for just GW36 that is sandwiched in between the UCL ties. GW37 is safe tho since it's Sunday and Chelsea.

  17. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    I've seen a few people mention this already, Anfield Express had a (supposed) screen-grab of Roma selling tickets from their match with Liverpool yesterday: https://twitter.com/AnfieldExpress/status/984501761850445826

    Turned out to be 100% accurate, at a 1 in 12 probablity. That's either a lucky guess or very suspicious.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      1 in 12?

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 17 days ago

        home leg 1/2 x 1/3 = 1 in 6

        1. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 17 days ago

          That was my thinking.

      2. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 17 days ago

        1 in 3 to draw Roma, 1 in 2 for Liverpool to be away second, 1 in 2 for Wednesday over Tuesday:
        1/3 x 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/12.

        Not saying it means a fix but if either Roma or the person who faked this they should think about going to a casino ASAP.

        BTW I saw the original post on AE before the draw.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 17 days ago

          Ah. Didn't clock the date too. Odd indeed.

        2. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 17 days ago

          Sorry terrible middle paragraph, you get the idea.

        3. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 17 days ago

          If it was fixed I wouldn't be complaining if I was Liverpool.

          1. Camp No No
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 17 days ago

            Meanwhile, at Madrid they might start to think that somebody at UEFA doesn't want them to win third in a row.

    2. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Get your tin hats out folks!

    3. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      …or a fake? I'm not a photoshop specialist, but to me the dates seem like they've been added afterwards, at least.

      Also, the number of idiotic comments under the tweet is, well, expectable, but still saddening.

      1. how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 17 days ago

        I saw this tweeted yesterday in fairness.

        1. Camp No No
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 17 days ago

          Ok. Then if fake, an incredibly lucky scam artist. 😆

        2. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 17 days ago

          Anfield Express are clearly time-travellers. Explains the advance team news too.

          1. how now brown cow
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 17 days ago

            A good point.

  18. Ten Season Wonder
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    @RAGABOLLY
    I wanted to get your advice on this? as you said you don't believe in 'cover' means I don't need to show you the rest of my team;

    Please pick best trio to go with; DGW (BB active)

    A). Alexis, Mahrez, £5.5m mid, K.Long (for -8 hit)
    B). Alexis, Sonny, Gross, K.Long (for -4 hit)
    C). Pogba, Mahrez, Gross, Alonso (NO HIT)
    .
    .
    *fwiw - If I decide to bring Alexis in, He WILL 100% be my captain. current rank 80K

    Thanks 🙂

    1. MGD
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      C imo

  19. Lubic87
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Assuming I play all my DGW'ers + Salah, my current bench is Ryan, Aubameyang, Sterling, Mustafi

    Do I bench boost now as planned, or wait until 37 and try have more DGW'ers? 2 FT's in the bank. No Triple Captain.

    Advice appreciated.

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      NOt the worst bench in the world. Auba should score,.

  20. Swagat
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Current Team is

    DDG Ryan
    Alonso Lowton Morgan VDH Tarkowski
    Salah Mahrez Son Willian Gross
    Lukaku Aubameyang Barnes

    2 FT, 0 ITB

    Thinking about doing
    Son>Lingard
    Aubameyang>Kane

    Or any other way to get Kane in?

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      That's probably the best option for you bro

    2. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      In the same boat. Who will be your C?

      1. Swagat
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 17 days ago

        Lukaku

  21. Mahrez The Magician
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    BB with :
    Karuis-Robertson-Mustafi-Zaha
    A/ Yes
    B/ No

  22. Naboo
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Any reason everyone thinks Valencias is nailed for both DGW games? He's clearly first choice but doesn't that just heighten the chance he will be rested for FA Cup?

    Trying to decide between Smalling & Son vs Valencia & Lingard

  23. Trippier Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Who to bench this weekend for Auba to come on? Chilwell or Gudmundsson?

  24. birdman55
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    How are we all, help required. Currently 20 or so points clear of second in two leagues.

    DDG Myhill
    Schindler Ake Robertson Mee Monreal
    VLP Mahrez Salah Miki Willian
    Auba Vardy Firmino

    Mee > Long
    Ake > Chilwell
    Monreal > Tomkins
    Miki > Cork

    Worth it to fund below at -20 expense?

    Auba > Kane
    Firmino > Lukaku

    Any other suggestions?

  25. as33
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Son>Pogba? BB this gw:
    Smeichel/Hennesy
    Schelotto, Alexander,Vertonghen, Lowton, Chilwell
    Son, Mahrez, Hazard, Lingard, Gross
    Auba, Kane, Barnes ?

  26. finnish92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Willian or Pogba?

  27. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Who Scores More ?

    A- Willian + Vardy TC
    B- Milivojevic + Lukaku TC

    1. H-Over United
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 17 days ago

      Willian (1/1), Vardy (2/0)
      Mili (1/0), Lukaku (1/1)

  28. carlosice
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Hi All,

    Chasing a 80 point mini league rival, would you:

    A) Son & Auba to Kane and Lingard
    B) Son, Salah & Auba to Sanchez (c), Kane and W Hughes ( for a -4)

    Thanks

  29. H-Over United
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 17 days ago

    Missed the Wildcard Train last week, so i have to deal with this...

    Auba & Shaqiri -> Lukaku & Lingard (-4)

    1) Yes or no?
    - Rüdiger (A) or Christensen (B) for Otamendi (-8)

    2) Triple Cap or BB (Mee & Elliot without a Game)?
    Team:
    Fab/Elliott
    Ogbonna/Mee/Long/Robertson/(Otamendi, Rüdiger, Christensen)
    Salah/Lingard/Alli/Mahrez/RLC
    Kane/Lukaku/Barnes
    If TC = Kane (A) or Lukaku (B)?