Team News
4 May 2018 544 comments
James H James H
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Romelu Lukaku will miss Manchester United’s trip to Brighton tonight, while Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny faces a spell on the sidelines after being stretchered off against Atletico Madrid last night.

Chelsea welcome back Marcos Alonso for the home clash against Liverpool following a three-match ban, while Kyle Walker, Vincent Kompany, David Silva are all expected to return as Man City entertain Huddersfield on Sunday.

Here’s our summary of the team news so far ahead of Double Gameweek 37, with a whole host of big-name press conferences still to come today.

Man United will be without Romelu Lukaku for the trip to the Amex after the forward suffered an ankle injury against Arsenal. Jose Mourinho is optimistic that the striker will be available for the FA Cup later this month, which suggests he also won’t be ready to face West Ham in midweek.

That could allow Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial to lead the line in the Belgian’s absence, though Alexis Sanchez offers another alternative. Meanwhile, reports in the local press state that both Phil Jones and Eric Bailly have travelled as part of the squad to face the Seagulls. Intrigugingly, they have currently omitted Sanchez from their squad listing.

Brighton welcome back Davy Propper tonight following the midfielder’s three-match ban, while Glenn Murray is expected to earn a recall up front after Leonardo Ulloa was afforded a rare start last time out.

Bruno Martins Indi has been ruled out of Stoke City’s crucial home meeting with Crystal Palace due to a groin injury, joining Eric Choupo-Moting and Konstantinos Stafylidis on the sidelines. Glen Johnson is expected to be in contention, while Jese Rodriguez has been granted compassionate leave for the remainder of his loan contract.

As for the in-form Eagles, Roy Hodgson is again expected to name an unchanged side for the trip to the bet365 Stadium. Jason Puncheon is closing in on a first-team return, but Hodgson revealed that the midfielder, along with striker Connor Wickham, is unlikely to feature before the end of the season.

Eddie Howe revealed that Adam Smith and Harry Arter remain out for Bournemouth’s home fixture against Swansea City. Jermain Defoe may come into contention for a recall in attack at the expense of Callum Wilson.

Carlos Carvalhal will have Federico Fernandez (knee) and Luciano Narsingh (ankle) available for Swansea’s trip to the Vitality Stadium. Fernandez is expected to return in central defence, which is likely to shift Kyle Naughton to right wing-back.

Leicester City boss Claude Puel will be without the suspended Marc Albrighton for the visit of West Ham United to the King Power Stadium. Danny Simpson should return at right-back, then, while Demarai Gray could retain his role on the left flank. Wilfred Ndidi (hamstring), Kasper Schmeichel and Shinji Okazaki (both ankle) are all injury concerns, though Ndidi was pictured in training yesterday and may be fit to start.

After being ineligible to face his parent club Manchester City, Joe Hart should replace Adrian in goal for West Ham United’s trip to the King Power Stadium. Arthur Masuaku and Joao Mario could also push for recalls against the Foxes.

Roberto Pereyra (groin) remains an injury concern ahead of Watford’s home encounter with Newcastle United, but Javi Gracia may hand recalls to Troy Deeney and Gerard Deulofeu – both featured off the bench in Monday’s loss at Spurs.

Islam Slimani will miss the rest of the season with a three-match ban after being charged by the FA for violent conduct following an incident against West Bromwich Albion. Rafa Benitez could hand a start to Jacob Murphy at Vicarage Road, but Christian Atsu remains an injury concern.

James Morrison and Gareth Barry remain West Brom’s only injury absentees ahead of the home encounter against Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs will check on the availability of Mousa Dembele ahead of the trip to The Hawthorns after the Belgian was forced off with an ankle sprain in the 2-0 win over Watford. Victor Wanyama will be on standby to start in central midfield. Elsewhere, the likes of Serge Aurier, Danny Rose and Erik Lamela are expected to push for starts.

Sam Allardyce could name an unchanged starting XI for the home encounter against Southampton, with Nikola Vlasic perhaps keeping his place in the side at the expense of Yannick Bolasie. Mason Holgate is again sidelined, while a back injury will keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin out once more.

Mark Hughes has revealed that the Saints have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Goodison Park. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Shane Long are perhaps the players most likely to earn recalls.

Kyle Walker, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and John Stones could all be available for the home clash against Huddersfield Town after all being pictured in training yesterday. Pep Guardiola is expected to name something close to his strongest starting XI given City will lift the Premier League trophy on Sunday.

As for the Terriers, they will check on Tom Ince ahead of the trip to the Etihad after the midfielder missed the 2-0 defeat to Everton due to a hamstring problem.

Arsenal will be without Laurent Koscielny for the rest of the season, with the Frenchman potentially set to miss this summer’s World Cup with a recurrence of his Achilles problem. Calum Chambers, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could all start against the Clarets, while the Gunners boss could name a full-strength line-up for what will be his final home match in charge. This could allow Alexandre Lacazette to retain his central role, with Aubameyang stationed wide left.

Chris Wood will be assessed ahead of the trip to the Emirates after being forced off with a gashed foot in the goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. Ben Mee is still struggling to overcome a shin injury, so Kevin Long looks set to retain his start in central defence.

Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso has served out his three-match ban and is available for the home meeting with Liverpool. The Spaniard is expected to replace Emerson Palmieri at left wing-back, though Willian could again miss out, having been named on the bench in each of the last two league matches.

Jurgen Klopp is expected to name a strong starting XI for the trip to Stamford Bridge, given a top-four finish is not yet confirmed. The Reds boss could rotate in defence should he look to freshen up his options following Wednesday’s trip to Rome, with Ragnar Klavan, Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne providing options in the back four. Danny Ings has started the last two league fixtures up top but may have to settle for a spot on the bench this time.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tonight’s 7pm 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.

544 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. boredjames
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Austin or Jordan Ayew?

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

      Ayes safer
      Austin more upside

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

      Austin

    3. Planet Head
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Ayew if you need 3 strikers next week too

    4. NestorC
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Ayew

  2. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Willian to arnautovich for -4

    Yes or no?

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

      No

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

      Yes

    3. NestorC
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      If you are safe, yes

    4. Mattias
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I've already done that.

  3. Planet Head
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Trippier too risky a pick?

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

      Yes

  4. Leeds-Utd
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Is Sanchez a good triple captain choice??
    I'm chasing in mini league
    Also have Jesus and Kane..

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

      Well, why no

      1. Leeds-Utd
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Is that a No?? Am I better sticking with Jesus?

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

      No

    3. Planet Head
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Absolutely not! Better go with whichever one you think the team(s) above you won't TC

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

        ideally Jesus

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

      Negative. Jesus best in my opinion.

    5. Going Home
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Rumours (hopefully true for my ML scenario) that he has not travelled to Brighton. Would make him a very risky TC

    6. Moses _H
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      might not play

  5. Eden Wizard
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    I've lost the plot

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

      lol

  6. CarrollsPonytail
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    DDG
    Smalling Cedric Chilwell
    Salah Mahrez Arnautovic Gross
    Kane (TC) Jesus (VC) J.Ayew

    Subs: Ryan Ibe Morgan Lowton

    No FT. £1.4M ITB. Pick one:

    A) Leave as is.
    B) Salah - Sterling
    C) Mahrez - Sterling
    D) Other (suggest below)

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

      C all day long

      Mahrez is already on the beach

  7. DR0GBA
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    A) Murray, Willian > JAyew, Alli/Sane (-8)
    B) Lingard > Ramsey (-4)
    C) Hazard, Lingard > Sane, Alli (-8)

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

      A or B

  8. adam28193
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Ramsey + naughton or Arnie + VDH?

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

      first one

    2. Going Home
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Rambo a risky pick

  9. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Raheem Jesus TC locked in

    Sigh

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Both of them?

    2. ljuta zena
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Stop drinking

    3. Plagued by indecision
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I keep switching back and forth between them too

  10. HD7
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    A) Smalling Mawson in for Baily Morgan (-4)
    B) + Sane in for Mahrez for another -4

    Current team:

    DdG (Ryan)
    Vertongen Morgan Baily (Tark, Lowton)
    Son Sterling Mahrez AKing (Gudm)
    Kane Jesus Vardy

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

      B

    2. barton fc
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      b

  11. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Would you do Alonso Salah and Willian to Hazard(or KdB) Chambers and Eriksen for -8? Then Haz(KdB) back to salah for 38.

    1. King Kohli
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

    2. barton fc
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      salah in and out is a -8 dout be will blanc this week so hells get like 6-8 points so kdb or hazard(kdb) will need a score of 14-16 to break even if salah scores and a score of 10 if he blancs. i don't think salah in and out is worth the risk unless its for a captain and i would not caption hazard or kbd myself.

  12. King Kohli
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Currently 37k. Would love to finish top 10k.

    Who would you triple captain?
    A. Kane
    B. Sterling

    1. Mattias
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling may get a rest for the 2nd game. Kane will play both but not fully fit or on form. I'd go Jesus if you have him.

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

      Similar rank to me, so I've got the same conundrum.
      Points to consider....
      1. Mini leagues .....I'm top by over 100 in one and 77 in another but 12 behind in the other and I would like to win it.
      2. H2H league......finished top but this week is semi final play off and again would like to win it.
      3. OR was my priority at start of season but due to a bad start again, I had to review.
      4. Golden boot...... Harry has an opportunity this week to catch/overtake salah and we know he is desperate.
      5. Kane should not be rotated but injury is always a fear with him.

      With the above in mind I have been on Kane TC all this week but against Watford he was woeful. I have Jesus and sterling so that complicates matters.
      Man city double should yield more goals than spurs double but they are likely to be shared out more.
      Summing up I think I will stick with Kane TC but only through fear as his stats ain't too bad. He could easily get a couple of tap ins.
      I realise I've probably made your decision more complicated but good luck with whatever you choose.

  13. Waynoo
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Hazard hasn't exactly done much this season

  14. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Which one is worth it?
    1. Vardy Gross to Jesus Fernandes -8
    2. Barnes to Ayew -4
    3. Willian to Ramsey/Arnie -4
    4. Morgan to VDH -4
    5. Vardy Salah to Jesus Pogba -8

    More than one of these?

  15. arndff_
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    On how many % was Barnes last night?

    When I looked @FPLstats, Walker and Gross (IF I'm not wrong) were over -100 whilst Barnes wasn't.

  16. NestorC
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    I am chasing about 20p and my rival will TC Sterling, should I TC Jesus or Kane(he do not own him)? Cheers

    1. TOADFISH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      If Kane scores well then owning him should be enough to close the gap.

      I'd captain one of the City boys.

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

      Think in your case it needs to be Kane in the hope City have an off day / Kane has a blinder

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

    D.Silva or Sane?
    Only for this GW

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      insane

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

        You mean Sane? 😉

    2. Jayv807
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Sane, most of Silva’s hauls were away games

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

    I can't be arsed owning Kane and hoping he blanks. That's what will happen if you TC someone else. Nothing but pain and misery. Kane TC it is!

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

      Or be bold and transfer him out...

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

      I've kept my TC all season for this moment.

      If I went against Kane now and he hauls it will hurt big time!

      Happy just owning the City boys.

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

      Think im with you on Kane. But the thought of watching City without a captain playing is daunting, especially Huddersfield home.. could be a 5/6/7 niller.

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

        True but it wont be as damaging to rank if a city player goes mental, as opposed to Kane going mental

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

          But theres more chance a City player goes mental

    4. Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      But you can be arsed hoping Sterling and Jesus blank?

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

        Well their effective ownership wont be anywhere near as high

  19. Jayv807
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    On a -4, A few rotation risks I know, but otherwise G2G? Playing bench boost

    DDG, Fab
    Davies, Smalling, Maguire, Yedlin, Ogbonna
    Sterling, Sane, Son, Pogba, Arnautovic
    Kane, Jesus, Ayew

    Anything worth a hit?

  20. luke25
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Chilwell likely to be benched one of the games in my opinion, Fuchs leaving at the end of the season and I imagine they'll want to give him a start to say goodbye

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

      I fear this too
      Would you play Tomkins over Chilwell?

  21. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Please help me decide

    Christensen, Lowton, Iwobi & Barnes > Cedric, Smalling, Fernandinho & Rashford (-12)
    Christensen, Lowton & Iwobi > Smalling, Fernandez & Ramsey (-8)

    Any ideas and thoughts would be welcomed

  22. TOADFISH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Is Son & Morgan > Arnie & Smalling for a -8 too much, guys? Have a horrible feeling the former is going to give me a big fat 3 points.

    Or is Morgan > Van der Hoorn -4 a smarter play?

    1. wolves_simmo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Son could score well.

  23. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Current team

    DdG (Ryan)
    Vertongen Alonso Morgan (Simpson Lowton)
    Salah Sterling Kenedy Lingard Willian
    Kane Jesus (Barnes)

    Which option?
    A. Willian to Pog
    B. Alonso to Smalling Willian to Alli -4
    C. Alonso to Chambers Willian to KdB -4
    D. Option C plus Salah to Eriksen -8

    Thanks

  24. Bleach †
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone else think that Laporte will play both games?

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Got him in last week on that assumption- thought they would rotate Ota and Vinny. Bit more worried now Stones back in mix

  25. Mackans
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Who to start at draft?

    A: Demarai Gray (WHU, ARS)
    B: André Ayew (bou, SOU)
    C: Bertrand (eve, swa)

    1. luke25
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Andre

  26. arndff_
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Is VdH nailed on?

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

      No, depends on formation.

    2. Viper
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Yes but if they change formation, he's the one that will go

  27. Totally J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Are any of these worth hits? Already have sterling. Please help. I’m scared

    A. Mahrez to sane (-4)
    B. Vardy and Willian to Jesus and Tadic (-8)
    C. All of the above (-12)

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

      C

  28. FPL Mentor
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    RMT

    Fabianski
    Azpi Smalling Davies
    Sterling Sanè Son Pogba Lingard
    Kane(C) Jesus

    (Ryan, Barnes, Klavan, Lowton)

    Good to go?

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

      The best I've seen

    2. #FPLBhuna
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      v nice

  29. Viper
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Mawson or Cedric?

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

      If you've got the cash Mawson.

  30. willl
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling home PPG: 8.71
    De Bruyne home PPG: 7.41

    Very interesting, I was planning KDB captain due to amazing home form, but looks like Sterling is the best option.

    1. luke25
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      De Bruyne has higher peaks and lower troughs though so it's whether you need to make a gap up or not I reckon.

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

        Nonsense, points are points.

        1. Jude Rooney
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          That's you told!! Bit harsh.....

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

            Harsh? What difference does it make if you score 8+8 or 2+14?