Team News
26 February 2019 1777 comments
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We’re at the halfway point in our team news summaries for Gameweek 28, after ten Premier League press conferences were held on Monday.

The other ten are scheduled for either this morning or early afternoon, ahead of the Fantasy Premier League deadline at 18:45 this evening.

Things We’ve Learned

All of the “big six” managers will hold their pressers later today, so the information we have gathered so far may not quite pack the same punch as the injury news to follow at – for example – Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Ben Chilwell (knock) has been declared fully fit by interim Leicester City boss Mike Stowell ahead of the Foxes’ clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday night, with only long-term injury victims Marc Albrighton (hamstring) and Daniel Amartey (leg) unavailable for Gameweek 28.

There’ll be a great deal of interest in how Leicester’s Fantasy assets fare in their first match following Claude Puel’s departure, though Stowell suggested he wouldn’t be making wholesale changes when he leads the team out at the King Power Stadium:

Literally, we’ve had one training session with them because yesterday was a recovery day. We will tweak a few things here and there, but they’re not playing poorly, by the way.

Chris Hughton will make late checks on Glenn Murray (knock), Lewis Dunk (knock) and Jurgen Locadia (ankle), meanwhile, though Solly March (ankle) has been passed fit to play.

Leon Balogun (knock) remains out.

The Brighton boss said:

Balogun would be the only one that’s definitely not available. Glenn [was] introduced to training only the last day, Lewis Dunk as well, Izquierdo is back training. Solly’s trained the last few days, he’s fine. Jurgen’s trained only yesterday.

There was nothing new to report on Tyneside ahead of Newcastle v Burnley, with Rafael Benitez only without Rob Elliot (back) and Ciaran Clark (knock) for Tuesday’s match.

Sean Dyche added that the Clarets had come through their win over Spurs unscathed, so Steven Defour (calf), Aaron Lennon (knee) and Jon Walters (Achilles) remain his only absentees.

Nuno Espirito Santo also has a fully-fit squad to choose from, though his opposite number on Tuesday evening, Jan Siewert, reported a number of issues in his press conference.

The Huddersfield boss said:

Diakhaby’s still not available, unfortunately. I think it will take time. Isaac Mbenza is still injured and Danny Williams, of course. We have some small problems, but not as serious as those three.

Siewert said that he hoped Erik Durm (hip) will return, while Alex Pritchard is available after minor back problems.

Winston Reid (knee) and Fabian Balbuena (knee) have returned to training at West Ham United after their injury lay-offs but Manuel Pellegrini said on Monday that the pair had only participated in “part of the session” so they would appear unlikely to feature against Manchester City on Wednesday.

The Hammers’ boss also said that the club were being “careful” with Manuel Lanzini after the Argentinean’s recent comeback:

We must be careful with him. I think that he played 15 minutes [v Fulham] and he did very well. We will see which is the best way to give him more minutes in every game.

Kiko Femenia (hamstring) and Jose Holebas (suspended) are Watford’s only confirmed absentees for the trip to Anfield, though Javi Gracia said the former is closing in on a return:

In this moment we only have Kiko Femenia injured. He is training and today he trained with the team but he is not fit. He needs more time to stay in the best condition, but he’s the only player not available for the next game.

After a 17-day break, Everton are back in action this evening.

The Toffees are almost at full strength, with Marco Silva only having Yerry Mina (foot) to worry about from an injury point of view – though Kurt Zouma misses out through suspension.

Silva said:

Jags [Jagielka] is OK, working with the team since the break started. Leighton [Baines] also. Mina in doubt, worked last two days and will be in doubt until tomorrow. Let’s see after one more session.

The Toffees travel to Wales to play Cardiff on Tuesday evening, with Neil Warnock reporting that “one or two lads” had fallen victim to the same bug that caused Lee Peltier – who remains a minor doubt for Gameweek 28 – to miss the defeat to Watford on Friday.

Warnock also had plenty to say on Victor Camarasa (calf):

Victor’s training now so I don’t know really know about him. He’s looking on song, back to normal.

We think he’s closer to fitness than what his guys think, but then obviously you run the risk if you make him play and he breaks down, what are they going to say?

He obviously listens to his physios, medical people and Tom, Dick and Harry from abroad. I thought he was fit ten days ago, so they’ve said they don’t want him playing for ten days. So ten days is up today, I think.

MANAGERS YET TO DELIVER A PRESS CONFERENCE

Unai Emery (Arsenal)
Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)
Maurizio Sarri (Chelsea)
Roy Hodgson (Crystal Palace)
Claudio Ranieri (Fulham)
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United)
Ralph Hasenhuttl (Southampton)
Mauricio Pochettino (Spurs)

INJURY NEWS THAT MAY BE UPDATED ON TUESDAY

  • Arsenal have doubts over Alex Iwobi (knock), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (illness) and Stephan Lichtsteiner (back).
  • Callum Wilson (knee) and David Brooks (ankle) are thought to be medium-term absentees for Bournemouth and are not currently scheduled to return till March.
  • Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) missed out on the win over Leicester City on Saturday, though no timeframe was put on the Palace right-back’s return.
  • Andre Schurrle missed Fulham’s defeat to West Ham United through illness.
  • Roberto Firmino (ankle) was seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches after sustaining an injury in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp said he had “no clue” about the severity of the problem after full-time of that match.
  • Gabriel Jesus (hamstring), John Stones (groin) and Benjamin Mendy (knee) missed the EFL Cup final but Pep Guardiola said all three were “getting better” in a previous press conference on Friday. Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho, who picked up muscle injuries on Sunday, are set to be out for “some weeks”, according to their manager.
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Sunday that he would be “maybe surprised” if Marcus Rashford (ankle) was fit to face Crystal Palace in midweek. Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Jesse Lingard all fell victim to hamstring injuries against Liverpool, while Anthony Martial (groin) wasn’t quite ready to feature.
  • Danny Ings (hamstring) is a major doubt for Southampton’s six-pointer against Fulham, while Michael Obafemi appeared to suffer a recurrence of his own hamstring problem in the defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
  • Mauricio Pochettino said last Thursday that Dele Alli (hamstring) was “maybe one week, maybe ten days, maybe two weeks” away from a playing return.

Predicted line-ups and in-depth team news on the ten teams who have held press conferences already can be found here.

  1. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Grade A superstar question:

    Hayden or McNeil?

    1. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      McNeil is a winger right, so I'd go with him.

      1. how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Hayden has consistent returns though. Hasn't really clocked him.

    2. Kuzser
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      McNeil

    3. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      McMuffin

    4. Bragazeti
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      McNeil

    5. YEAH PITCH!
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      McNeil

  2. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Better double move...
    A. Camarasa and Rash to Almiron and Barnes.
    B. Son and Rash to Sterling and Rondon/Barnes.

    1. tucaoneo
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      There's uncertainty about Sterling's minutes. (A), or just ditch Rash.

  3. willl
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Armband is currently on Doherty.

    Huddersfield can't score and their left side is a joke.

    Am I mad?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah. I wouldn’t advise it.

    2. XabiAlonso
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      It's not mad but wolves don't do clean sheets

    3. jia you
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      GL, also going with Doherty, Hudd literally cant score to save their lives!

  4. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth getting Heaton in tonight (instead of Guaita)?
    No Gw31 keeper currently.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  5. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    When I went to bed, Barnes wasn't going up, he went up!

    1. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      To bed?

    2. The 5% Team
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      haha same here...feels bad, as I'm pretty sure I will still get him today

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

    The longer I think the more I'm inclined to save ft. Am I mad?
    1ft. 2.5itb 
    1) Rashford-> Barnes
    2) Rashford-> Vardy
    3) anderson->mane
    4) gtg 

    Team is:
    Fab
    Pereira robbo Lejeune 
    Salah son pogba McNeil 
    Auba Jimenez Rashford 
    Subs: Anderson, schindler, awb

    1. mik-hail-tal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      3

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Save

  7. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry Bottomed last page
    I have 2 FT and really want to sell both Son + Laca
    To get
    A - Hazard - Rondon / Barnes
    B- Mane - Rondon / Barnes
    C- Rich / Siggy - Vardy
    D- Laca > Vardy
    All this for planning GW 31

  8. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Raheem the Dream (C) anyone?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Big rotation risk this week.

  9. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Ended up doing Rashford > Vardy last night.

    Apologies in advance to all Vardy owners 😉

    1. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      ive had vardy 3 times this year ,done nowt,has joined eriksen and lukaku in my hall of shame ,really crap ,never again...

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Understandable.

        I’m just gambling on Leicester finding a bounce in their step now Puel has gone.

        I’m sure I’ll regret not getting Barnes/Rondon instead by 10pm tonight.

        1. Jordan.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          certainly a gamble ,but good for you its your game after all ,but I fancy barnes and 3m coins might be better ,gl m8..

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers same to you

    2. Bragazeti
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Can't wait for the party 😆

  10. BigAsGiroud_
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Start FA(mci) or Bednarek(FUL)?

    1. Bragazeti
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      FA

    2. The 5% Team
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'm going Anderson...City without Laporte, Fernandinho and 120 min played.

      have no choice though, with Rashford, Firmino and AWB on bench

  11. QUEN
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    TAA or chillwell going forward?

    1. Bragazeti
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      TAA to cover the inevitable Pool clean sheets

  12. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Pool def in for a hit? Lot of $ ITB.

    Fab
    Pereira/Doherty/Shaw
    Salah/Mane/Pogba/Son
    Kun/Barnes/Jimenez

    Hart/Bednarek/Puncheon/WB

  13. Whazza
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    What's to be done here without WC and TC lads?
    2FT 0.6 bank.

    Guaita Patricio
    Robbo Doherty Kolasinac AWB Bednarek
    Salah Mane Son Pogba Puncheon
    Auba Jimmy Rash

    1. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Any ideas gents?
      Was thinking AWB to Schar perhaps

  14. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you rather play here?

    A) Dendonker (hud A) +4

    B) Bardsley (new A) +4

    C) Rondon (bur H)

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      In all honesty over 1 game there will be nothing in that - but if you need more for 31, go for C.

    2. The Albatross
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      C

  15. child of God
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    With puel gone, Harvey barnes has been good enough to remain in the lineup, right?
    Would you be worried if you owned him?

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe a little - don't buy don't sell probably. Should be fine.

  16. Champions League Varane
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Already taken a hit..- should I swap rash for Rondon or just start Schär?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      start Schar. Unless you're doing FH32...then maybe. At least wait until pressers today of course.

  17. merin
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this chip strategy?

    DGW32: TC (MUN/MCI/CHE)
    BGW33: Free Hit
    GW34: WC
    DGW35: Bench Boost

    1. The Albatross
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      And 31?

      1. merin
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        No chip in 31. Planning it with FTs until then

        1. romer
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          How many dgw players will you have by 32?

          1. merin
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            For now, with my team, I'll have at least 10 DGW players in DGW32, and just 4 players playing in BGW31.
            I'm strongly considering changing FH to BGW31 instead, as I think BGW31 has lesser teams playing than BGW33, so I'll be harder to find good players.

            Patricio Hamer
            Robertson Laporte Doherty Pereira AWB
            Salah Son Pogba FAnderson Stephens
            Aguero Rashford Jimenez

            1. how now brown cow
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              But how many of your gw32 team will play in 33?

              Im not sure tc 32 outweighs the downside of 4 players in 31.

              Personally I'd FH 32 and get some blank players in.

              1. merin
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                atm its just Pereira in my team that plays in GW33 that also played in GW32.
                Given that I'll probably have 2FTs by that time, its 3 players that plays in GW33, maybe more.

                Planning to get players that play in BGW31 now, might cost some points in the runup, and there are few to choose from aswell.

    2. The 5% Team
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      wanted to go for this strategy as well. But this kinda forces me to keep Rashford, Firmino and AWB...meaning 3 injured players on bench for at least next 2 GWs

      what about you?

      1. merin
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I'll wait and see what OGS has to say about Rashford. If he's injured for long i might do Rash -> Barnes and maybe get Rashford back with a FT later on.

        Considering switching FH to BGW31 though, as it's problably less teams playing in GW31 than in GW33

        1. The 5% Team
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          yeah, that's an option. But this means using 2 FT on one player, and losing value in the process as well.

          1. merin
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah, kinda sucks. Might just bench him until he's back though. Let's see what OGS has to say 🙂

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I think this ok alternative to FH32 with good 32 DGW players

    4. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I am am using ft to get my team ready for 31, may one only 9 or 10 players but I will be happy with that.

      32 fh

      33 is pretty much same team as 31 as the teams in 31 will most likely be available in 33

      34 wc

      35 bb

      36-38 tc when I feel it's best

      1. merin
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I thought about this aswell, but since I consider DGW32 such a good option for TC, I want to use it there instead of later on.

  18. Who Ate All Depays?
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Fabianski
    Robertson, Bennett, Yedlin
    Salah, Pogba, Son, Hayden
    Aguero, Auba, Rondon
    (Hamer, Felipe, AWB, Kiko)

    Any changes suggested for a hit:

    A) Son -> Mane
    B) Kiko or AWB -> Doherty or Pereira
    C) any other suggestions

  19. We ain't got no histor…
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Lads

    Help me bench one:

    A. TAA
    B. VVD
    C. Lindelof
    D. Benett
    E. Richarlison

    Thanks in Advance

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      C

  20. Jimi
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Mane to Sané for free??? Got no city cover

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No way

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'd consider the opposite

      1. Jimi
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Simple. Thanks

  21. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    2ft
    martial to mane

    rashford to barnes

    done ,quite pleased really and 2 more for bw31

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yep good moves

  22. JT11fc
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Who to captain?
    1 auba
    2 salah

  23. Champions League Varane
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Any1 captaining Jimenez/wolves - have Auba,Salah,Sterling,Pogba,Kun etc..

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      2

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Rf

    2. Moderately content penguin
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      May well

      Considering bringing in Murray next week for a cameo and then King and Arnie - I can get 10 for 31 going that

      Huddersfield really are that bad

    3. Louis Van Gaalstones
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      The captaincy is currently on him, but I'm nervous about not captaining Salah (I'm top of my ML by 30 points, feels risky)

      1. Moderately content penguin
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Don’t think I will simply because I have triple Wolves and Salah is the obvious defensive move.

        How many of your rivals have Jim?

        1. Louis Van Gaalstones
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          There's only 2 within reaching distance and they both have him, same with Salah. One has Kun who I'm gambling on not playing this week.

  24. Fantasyamateur
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Alisson
    Doherty - Lascelles - Pereira - Robertson
    Salah (C) - Son - Richarlison - Pogba
    Agüero - Jimenez

    Bench: Rashford, Camarasa, Laporte

    1FT, 1.3M ITB. G2G?

    Also I just joined the FFS-league and now find myself 78 in the live HOF.. Is this a good score or are there not too many in it?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I have seen better ways for bragging but well done.

      1. Fantasyamateur
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Sorry if its a brag! Actually curious if it is any good, but by your response I guess the answer is yes, haha.

  25. Hy liverpool
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    With no salah i have vardy/Hazard/Sterling all captain options!

    Son to mane (c) worth a hit?

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn’t.

  26. Traction Engine Foot
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one:

    A Lascelles
    B Bednarek

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I have same problem, burnley are in good form at the moment so B

  27. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Morning folks!

    Best replacement for Kamara, AWB and Holebas?

    Have Shaw, Pereira , Doherty atm. Thx!

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Taa/robbo newcastle defender

    2. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      clyne and bench him, useful for bw31 and hudd gw30

    3. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      AWB out for long?

  28. Daghe Munegu
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Laca to Kun for free? Also have sterling

  29. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Oooo Rashford to Vardy is really tempting!

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yaaaay

  30. Clarity
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Is rashford to vardy for free worth it?

    Thinking Rondon might offer the same for 3m less