Team News
20 April 2018 558 comments
James H James H
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Arsene Wenger has cast doubt over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s involvement in Arsenal’s home fixture against West Ham, but Aaron Ramsey is available again for the Gunners on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp confirms he will name a “strong line-up” for Liverpool’s trip to West Brom ahead of their Champions League clash with Roma. Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero remains sidelined for Manchester City’s title party at home to Swansea after undergoing minor knee surgery earlier in the week.

Here’s our summary of the team news so far ahead of the reduced Gameweek 35, with more press conferences still to come later today.

Arsene Wenger plans to name a strong starting XI for the home clash against West Ham United in preparation for the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. The Gunners boss stated that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may miss out, then, given that the forward is ineligible to play in Europe. Aaron Ramsey is available again following a shin problem, while David Ospina is also fit to return. But Jack Wilshere (ankle) is doubtful and Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains sidelined, though the latter could possibly be back in time for Thursday’s tie.

For the Hammers, playmaker Manuel Lanzini will push for a recall for the Emirates encounter after returning from injury as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City. He could replace Edimilson Fernandes in the starting XI.

Earlier this morning, Jurgen Klopp confirmed he will name “a strong line-up” for Liverpool’s trip to West Brom, despite the Reds having a UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg clash with Roma on Tuesday night. This suggests that the prolific front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will be unleashed at The Hawthorns, handing Free Hit chip managers food for thought ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. In defence, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez are both back in full training, though Nathaniel Clyne remains a doubt due to a muscle problem.

Caretaker manager Darren Moore has revealed thatJonny Evans and Hal Robson-Kanu are both back in contention for West Brom, while Nacer Chadli continues to build up his fitness levels. On-loan forward Daniel Sturridge is ineligible to face his parent club.

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero is likely to miss the rest of the season after undergoing minor knee surgery, with Gabriel Jesus set to continue as the lone striker for the visit of Swansea. Ilkay Gundogan is expected to deputise for the suspended Fernandinho once again, while Nicolas Otamendi should return for the newly-crowned champions after being rested to the bench in last week’s win at Spurs. John Stones (groin) and Benjamin Mendy (lack of match fitness) are still unavailable.

Sam Clucas returned to training yesterday for the Swans following a knee problem and is expected to be available for the trip to the Etihad Stadium. But Luciano Narsingh has been ruled out with a twisted ankle and, while Renato Sanches is back in Wales, he will only return to full training next week.

Jose Holebas is available for Watford’s home encounter against Crystal Palace after missing the 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town due to a back problem, while Richarlison could earn a recall for the Hornets.

As for Palace, they were boosted yesterday by the return to training of Jeffrey Schlupp, but he is unlikely to be ready to return at Vicarage Road. Christian Benteke may again have to settle for a place among the substitutes, with Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend expected to form a two-man forward line once again.

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes must decide whether to hand a recall to Peter Crouch for the home fixture against Burnley after the target man came off the bench to score in the 1-1 draw with West Ham. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Glen Johnson (both groin) and Konstantinos Stafylidis (broken rib) remain sidelined.

Clarets defender Ben Mee (shin) is set to miss out again, with Kevin Long retaining his spot alongside James Tarkowski at centre-half. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (hamstring) and Jon Walters (lack of match fitness) are both doubts, while Tom Heaton will again challenge Nick Pope for the keeper’s jersey.

Everton manager Sam Allardyce has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the home encounter against Newcastle United. Tom Davies is perhaps the player most likely to push for a recall following the 1-1 draw with Swansea.

Following four consecutive victories, Rafa Benitez is set to name an unchanged starting XI once again for the trip to Goodison Park.
Islam Slimani is the most likely to force a change, he provides an alternative option to Dwight Gayle in the lone striker role after replacing him on the hour-mark in last weekend’s win over Arsenal.

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.

558 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Maddamotha
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Jurgen Klopp: “We have to line up a really strong line up v West Brom. We need points to be in the top four”.

    So its settled then, he will field his strongest 11. Wait for Anfield Express.. I know...

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't say settled.

      1. Maddamotha
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        A strong indication, as expected. Win this against WBA, and rest players against Stoke. Salah 100% will start.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Oh yeah, of course Salah will start, but will Firmino.

        2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          100%? lol

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      It sounds like the kind of thing he'd say before benching some key players, to give the players coming in confidence

    3. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Not going to say "I'm going to play my crap players" is he?

      1. joeydelucchi
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        exactly....i reckon he is being clever by this comment.

    4. Wheato182
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Tbh i'm not sure why people on here are thinking he would rest Salah etc, they havent played since last saturday and providing Liverpool are cruising i can see them being withdrawn early on after having a run out, for me the question mark for big rotation has always been on the Stoke fixture between the champs league tie.

      1. joeydelucchi
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        last week he said , 'do we have a game in the week...no...so who is available is available'. this week they have a game in the week and early too...he will rest some players for sure.

        1. Wheato182
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          We shall see, i stand by my comment though and expect a strong lineup this week with big rotation next week.

  2. Jsadler95
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Any advice for my free hit team:

    Pickford
    Van Dijk Baines Mustafi
    Salah De Bruyne Sterling Zaha
    Lacazette Jesus Firmino

    Dubravka Kiko Long Loftus-Cheek

    1. Lemongrab
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Looks solid.

    2. camarozz
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Like it a lot

  3. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Morning all.
    Any news?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Looks like Arsenal and Liverpool are both gonna play strong lineups.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers bud.

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Arsene Wenger stepped down

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        You WHAT?

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Oh my God the tweets.

  4. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    My FH team, benching headache, but protecting against rotation.

    Butland and non-playing 3.9m
    Lowton, Kompany, PVA, (Baines 2), (Robertson 3)
    Salah, Mane, Zaha, Mili, Sterling
    Jesus, Lacazette, (Barnes 1)
    1.5m itb.

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Thoughts on my sub-order or choice?

    2. Jsadler95
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I'd play both Baines and Robertson over Lowton and Van Aanholt if it was me. But that's up to you. According to bookies Everton 8/5 CS, Liverpool 5/4 CS whereas Burnley are 21/20 CS and Palace 2/1 CS.

      1. timmmuh
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Agreed Baines and Robertson for me

  5. Larry White
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    What time approx does the Liverpool team get leaked usually by AE?!

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      4am

      1. Captain Vantastic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Always

    2. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Klopp's jumped the gun.

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      If it does, some time this evening.

  6. Teror
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    FH team thoughts?

    Pickford
    Tomkins - Bauer - Long
    Sterling - Salah - KdB - Mane
    Firmino - Laca - Jesus

    (Nordfelt - Kiko - Cork - Hegazi)

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Nice - any itb?

      1. Teror
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        None unfortunately. I probably won't go so front 7 heavy but it's appealing.

  7. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    When is Man City's presser or has it already happened? Cheers

  8. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Quite tempted by a Heaton & Pope double up on FH, but that would mean ditching Lowton (not a massive issue!)

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Why? Pope will start.

      1. ViperStripes
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Just incase

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I'd rather spend the money elsewhere.

    2. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't. Pope is gonna start (see what Dyche said recently). Waste of money on the FH.

  9. QuintonFortune25
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    How's this FH team?

    Butland
    Bellerin - Baines - Klaven
    Salah (c) - KDB - Sterling - Zaha
    Jesus - Laca - Firmino

    3.9GK - King - Long - 3.9DF

    My main concerns are no Mane and Klaven likely to start or not. Guess I'll just gave to wait til leaked line up tho

    1. Jsadler95
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Klavan won't start. It'll most likely be Van Dijk and Lovren as Lovren was back in training yesterday. What about doing Bellerin to Mustafi and Klavan to Trent?

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Okay cheers, yes will probably do that. You reckon TAA will play?

        1. Jsadler95
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I'd assume so, Gomez is back fit but looks like that positions is pretty much nailed for Trent now after how he's performed recently. Like you said maybe wait for the leaked team sheet but I'm pretty confident he'll be playing and Klopp will play our best squad.

  10. Jinkys Oars
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Need a keeper this week as DeGea is out and Elliott has lost his place, needs to be 4.6 or under.

    Thinking Dubravka or Gomes.

    Any better suggestions?

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Dubravka. Looks good for the rest of the season, including a double in 37.

      1. Jinkys Oars
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah he's looked decent from what i've seen of him

        1. Hart-ake
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Also don't think Gomes plays these days.

      2. WE GO FOR IT
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Dubravka

    2. Goalosaurus
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Gomes lost his place to Karnezis but Dubravka seems the better option in either case.

      Other cheap keepers this week are Foster and Hart/Adrian which don't seem to great.

      1. Jinkys Oars
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Decision, (and transfer), made, cheers lads!

  11. daviyb
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    dilemmas....

    - Should I triple captain Salah?
    WBA already gone, Salah going for Golden Boot... I'm using bench boost next week and free hit week after

    - For a 4 point hit should I get Sane or Ramsey ? or not take hit?!

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I'd use FH this week. BB in 37 and TC in 38. Regardless of which you choose, too much risk for TC this week. I'd TC in 38.

      Who will you be selling?

      1. Regin
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Why 38? 37 with DGW surely better to TC Kane.

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Actually, yes! 37 TC. and BB whenever your bench looks decent.

          1. daviyb
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            I reckon though with upcoming plethora of non league games, we do not have anything close to the full picture as to where all of these double gameweeks pan out in terms of player availability... the FH is much more valuable then I reckon

  12. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Bring in Sane or Sterling? (not FH)

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Ster

      1. Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Sterling. That's what I'm doing.

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling

  13. Cruz88
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    If it is the case that Wenger will play an EL test-team, does that mean Mustafi is also at risk? Does he normally play in EL?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      He plays El too i believe

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Wouldnt surprise me if Mustafi is dropped from the EL team

      1. Cruz88
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I just checked and he's the only defender who actually played the last 4 EL games, why do you suspect he'd be dropped?

        1. Bubz
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Because he's been absolutely shite recently

          1. Cruz88
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Well haven't all Arsenal defenders? Can't drop them all 🙂

            1. Bubz
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              True, but he has been specifically at fault for a few goals

    3. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      He said that those who were rested after Moscow may need a game so I would pick the one who was rested that game and was playing in Moscow

  14. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Who plays when Bellerin doesn't .
    Thank you please.

    1. Speédy
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Chambers plays there

    2. Demba Demba
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Chambers I think

    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      That's what i thought, thanks guys.
      Seriously considering Bellerin and chambers backup

    4. Demba Demba
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Decent chance both start anyway

      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Ah.

    5. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Chambers rarely plays there, Its been ainsley maitland niles for the most part this season. Chambers is preferred as a centre half

  15. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Jesus in for Auba for a hit? Looks good for the rest of the season, but if Auba ends up starting, could be madness...

    1. QuintonFortune25
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah for rest of season Jesus will be the man

      1. Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        And my thinking is, Auba has United next week anyway...

  16. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Is Firmino back in the FH template?

  17. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Little worried what kind of impact this Wenger news has on Arsenal fan tv

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Depends who they appoint as new manager. If it's somebody like Brendan Rodgers, there will be a lot more entertainment to come

      1. Chelsea Rangers Loyal
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I can't tell you how much I hope that Arsenal appoint Brendon Rodgers!

        1. Teror
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          It'll be Brendan or Benitez.

  18. Ten Season Wonder
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Ramsey chances of starting this weekend??

  19. yakirh
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Will Auba start?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Only Wenger can answer that question.

    2. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Only Wenger knows if he starts. Seems unlikely he won't get any minutes at all

    3. Demba Demba
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      He looked pretty terrible last weekend against Newcastle...I think he'll go Lacazette and Welbeck with an Auba Cameo for 30 mins assuming its wrapped up

    4. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      If you believe Wenger - he may not start

    5. Old Gregg
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Wellbeck is made of Glass. Not worth the risk starting him.

  20. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    So 3 Liv attackers, Jesus, Sterling, KDB/Sane, Laca/Ozil, Zaha are main attacker picks, right?

    1. Teror
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Yes but also D.Silva and Aubamayang

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        The latter isnt gonna start but Silva, maybe

  21. Teror
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Are we overlooking D.Silva?

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Probably

      1. Teror
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Why are we doing this?

    2. Sedemuda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I'm not.

      1. Teror
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Good man

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      No!

  22. MFC86
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Those without FH how many players you hoping to have playing? Currently on 8 after 2 FT

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      8

    2. Regin
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I have used my FH for g34 which was a disaster. Only 59 pts. But I do have exactly 11 players for gw 35.

  23. Darklord_bg
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    The million dollar question: Auba or Laca?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I'll answer for half a million dollars

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Think that Wenger answered that yesterday

      1. Darklord_bg
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I don't think he said who will definitely start.

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          He gave a strong hint, right. Why we try to be too clever?
          If you think he was bluffing than ok

          1. Darklord_bg
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Won't be the first time.

            He was very noncommittal.

    3. Teror
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Aubamayang. Lacazette is a donkey that hasn't hauled since GW6.

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      probably laca now

  24. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Will Mané start ?

    1. Teror
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Asking on behalf of a spermmer.

        1. Teror
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Who, your mum?

  25. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    First real go at this FH stuff. Looks fine, Anfield Express permiting?

    Butland
    Bellerin Baines Robertson
    Salah KDB Sterling Zaha
    Laca Firmino Jesus

    Hen Chambers Long King

    1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      If you can afford that then I wouldn't do much more! just swap Chambers and Long

      1. CloudSky
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Got 0.3 itb if anyone can see any improvements. Chambers my Bellend cover if he doesnt play so Im tempted to stick him ahead of Long.

  26. Aubaaaaa
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Ozil likely to start?

    1. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, it's him or Mane in FH for me.

    2. Teror
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Didn't start the last two. No reason he'd start this one.

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      i'd say so

  27. Old Gregg
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Could do with an Arsenal Express too

    1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      they said check back later

  28. FF Dirtbag
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Hows the FH look?

    Ederson (Nordfeldt)
    VVD PVA Baines (Long Dummett)
    Salah Mane Sterling Zaha Arnautovic
    Lacazette Jesus (Perez)

  29. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    I reckon Arsenal will be up for sending Wenger off in style last few games of the season so am leaning towards Ozil instead of Mane on FH. Too risky ?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Thats just weird.

      1. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Freaky no way in the world weird or tempting to take a punt on Ozil weird ?

    2. timmmuh
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I’m with you on Ozil

    3. dvdguy
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I’d pick Ramsey instead

      1. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Not a guaranteed starter due to recent injury and Europe. Probably will though, really like him too.

  30. Aubaaaaa
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Choose 1:
    A. Walker
    B. Otamendi
    C. Kompany

    1. timmmuh
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Kompany for this week