Team News

Vardy cleared for EFL Cup semi-final action ahead of Gameweek 25

Jamie Vardy‘s (£9.9m) chances of involvement in Gameweek 25 continue to increase as Brendan Rodgers gave an update on Monday afternoon.

The Leicester City manager was delivering his pre-match press conference for Tuesday’s EFL Cup semi-final second-leg against Aston Villa and explained that Vardy has a good chance of involvement.

While Rodgers is not confident the centre-forward will start at Villa Park, he is confident of including Vardy on the bench at least. All fo that points towards heavy involvement when Chelsea come to the King Power Stadium on Sunday – particularly ominous in the wake of 375,000+ transfers out ahead of Gameweek 25.

“He’s in the squad. He’s worked very hard. We’ll give it another day and we’ll see if he can start. If you’re asking me if he’s 100 per cent, he might be 80 per cent. It’s about the further risk of injury, but I’m confident he will play some part.” – Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers also confirmed that Nampalys Mendy (£4.3m) and Wes Morgan (£4.1m) will miss the trip to Aston Villa.

Those who opted to cover West Ham’s Double Gameweek with Robert Snodgrass (£5.2m) or Arthur Masuaku (£4.2m) will indeed be sweating over David Moyes’ next press conference.

That’s because both players missed out on the Hammers’ FA Cup exit to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

However, Angelo Ogbonna (£4.5m), who was assessed for a back problem ahead of the meeting with the Baggies, was involved, featuring as a second-half substitute for Fabian Balbuena (£4.3m).

John Lundstram (£5.1m) owners may have further cause for concern after Sheffield United’s 2-0 win at Millwall on Saturday afternoon.

Having lost his place for the Gameweek 24 defeat to Manchester City, Lundstram was once again named on the bench for the FA Cup fourth round.

Soccer Football – FA Cup Fourth Round – Millwall v Sheffield United – The Den, London, Britain – January 25, 2020 Sheffield United’s Muhamed Besic celebrates scoring their first goal with teammate Callum Robinson REUTERS/David Klein

Furthermore, his replacement Muhamed Bešić (£4.4m) was arguably the man of the match and capped off his impressive performance with a wonderful goal, curling an effort from the edge of the box into the top corner.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard confirmed after FA Cup action over the weekend that Tammy Abraham (£7.7m) does not have a fracture but also revealed he did not know much of the detail surrounding the forward’s injury.

“He has been getting lightly into the water and all these things. I said yesterday that there’s no fracture but other than that there is still some swelling so I don’t know. I don’t know much of the detail.” – Frank Lampard

Amid transfer speculation linking him with Aston Villa, Olivier Giroud (£6.6m) was absent from the Chelsea team that beat Hull on Saturday evening – but Lampard has confirmed the Frenchman’s absence was injury-related.

“He had a tiny, tiny feeling in his groin yesterday. It was my choice for him not to travel.” – Frank Lampard

Laporte in action for Manchester City

Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) was not involved as Manchester City thrashed Fulham 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium but Pep Guardiola was quick to allay any features of further injury, insisting that the player is just being eased back into regular action.

“He had some fatigue, which is normal after 4 or 5 months. We are not going to take risks. Until we feel he is ready, he won’t play. If he can play against United, he can play.” – Pep Guardiola

However, Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) and Joao Cancelo (£5.2m) will be assessed after their involvement against Fulham.

“Riyad recovered well from his kick and Joao had a big kick with some injury on his ankle. We will see how they recover in the next days.” – Pep Guardiola

Todd Cantwell (£5.0m) was one of three Norwich players to miss their win at Burnley through injury.

With Ben Godfrey (£4.4m) suspended, the attacking midfielder was joined in the physio room by Emi Buendía (£6.0m) and Ibraham Amadou (£4.5m).

“(Cantwell) got some hamstring problems after Tottenham. Nothing too serious but this turnaround is too quick.” – Daniel Farke

Fantasy managers in possession of Cantwell will certainly need to pay close attention to Daniel Farke’s next press conference considering the number of injuries to key FPL midfielders right now.

Sean Dyche also did not risk any of his players recently affected by injuries, Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.9m), Ben Gibson (£3.9m) and Phil Bardsley (£4.3m) all absent from Burnley’s defeat to Norwich.

Jan Bednarek (£4.4m) returned to full fitness for Southampton’s 1-1 draw with Spurs while Jannik Vestergaard (£4.6m) missed out with a concussion.

Danny Ings (£7.0m) played the full 90 minutes but Shane Long (£4.6m) and Cédric Soares (£4.8m) were both out with knee injuries of varying severity.

Also, Stuart Armstrong (£5.2m) joined the injury list for the Saints on Saturday, forced off with a muscle problem in the 44th minute. Moussa Djenepo (£5.2m) was his replacement, and the most likely to claim Armstrong’s place if he is not fit in time for Gameweek 25.

“(Armstrong) had a problem with the hips. I hope it’s not that bad but he’ll have a scan tomorrow and then we’ll know more.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Oxford saw new loan signing Nabil Bentaleb (£5.0m) make his debut although Valentino Lazaro, who joined from Inter Milan, was not registered in time to play.

Bentaleb looked a little rusty in his first outing although displayed some glimpses of the skill he has been brought to Newcastle for.

Meanwhile, Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m) was back in the Magpies’ side after missing Gameweek 24 and was one of Steve Bruce’s better performers.

Joelinton (£5.5m) and DeAndre Yedlin (£4.4m) overcame their respective flags and both played 90 minutes at St. James’ Park.

Nigel Pearson revealed last week that Danny Welbeck (£5.8m) could play a part for Watford in Gameweek 25 while Tom Cleverley (£4.8m) and Will Hughes (£5.3m) are also making progress.

It will be interesting to see what impact these players have on the first-team at Vicarage Road as they continue their upturn in form under Pearson.

However, those still invested in Ismaïla Sarr (£6.2m) may have another transfer on their hands as there was a less than positive update on the winger.

“I don’t think he will be ready for next week, but we’ll see.” – Nigel Pearson

We will bring you the latest implications of the FA Cup fourth round results, replays and fifth-round draw on Tuesday.

Which FPL assets topped goal threat, creativity and clean sheets this month?
816 Comments Post a Comment
  1. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    mane to salah with FT?

    Hendo button
    taa rico lunds dunk cathcart
    kdb grealish mane cantwell doucoure
    ings bobby kun

    1. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yay

  2. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    "The Catalan tactician has indicated there aren't any serious problems with the Algeria international.
    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated Riyad Mahrez has recovered from the discomfort he felt in their 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win over Fulham on Sunday.
    The 28-year old was in evident pain when he was subject to a rash tackle by Joe Bryan.
    As a precaution, Guardiola substituted Mahrez and on came Raheem Sterling in his place."

    https://www.goal.com/en/news/manchester-city-boss-guardiola-provides-update-on-mahrezs/tnm639995ld7117ahiab21jnh

    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Possibly already posted but read a few comments asking on Mahrez

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Guess if he makes the bench Wednesday night he is fine for the weekend then.

  3. Rushford
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best trio gåing forward

    A) Vardy, Aguero, Traoré
    B) DCL, Auba, Son
    C) DCL, Aguero, Son
    D) Aguero, Auba, Traoré (-4)

    1. Rushford
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Going

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A, as I dont like Spurs fixtures

  4. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If Mane is injured for say 3 or 4 weeks, is reverting from the double LIV attack model to the double LIV defence model a good move??

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Doing the same

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        How you doing it?

        I’m thinking Mane Soyuncu >> Traore Robertson

        1. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Similar one! Mane Kelly to Traore Robbo

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think it’s fine, but so is Firmino with the likes of Norwich and West Ham coming up. 50/50 call depending on how the rest of your team’s set up, I’d say

  5. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know if Rico is injured? Howe is playing first team in defence other than Simpson so a bit strange that Rico isn't even in the subs.

    1. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rested for PL

  6. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    RMWCT

    Henderson Pope
    TAA VVD Lascelles
    KDB Salah Grealish Fleck
    Sergio (C) Jiminez (DCL placeholder for Ings)

    Bench:Pope,Lund,A.Traore,Stephens

    I can get a striker up to 7.4 million as a one-week placeholder until I get Ings after Liverpool

    Thanks.

    1. Going To Win This Year
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Template, mines looking similar. I've gone button and upgraded vvd to Robertson

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Fair enough!

        Just think they will get similar points (maybe Robertson slightly more) and I would like to BB soon anyway.

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good team but I think needs Perez in there if you don't have Vardy. Just my own opinion

  7. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Nketiah G

    Bournemouth 0-2 Arsenal

  8. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Sheffield are closing in on signing midfielder Verge from Genk

    Lundstram its time we see goodbye 🙁

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Say*

  9. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Are Arsenal good or are Bournemouth just awful

    1. Mo Salah No Mane
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Bournemouth are beyond awful

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Careful. Arsenal could easily concede three goals in the second half.

  10. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Sheffield United fans who’s at risk in the midfield with Sander Berge move?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone?

  11. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Arsenal cruising on the South coast without Laca and Auba

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Auba should be cashed in to barca 🙂

  12. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any Mane news?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Still injured

  13. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    No sign of Mane in training photos

  14. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Somebody please stick those lines up someones arse

    1. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      So much time wasted. I agree. Pointy end first.

  15. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is this looking like a good plan??

    Henderson
    TAA Lundstram Dunk
    Mane Salah KDB Grealish
    Vardy DCL Greenwood

    McGovern Rico Soyuncu Dendoncker

    1 FT, 2.5 ITB

    GW25: Soyuncu Mane >> Robertson Traore [-4]
    GW26: Greenwood >> Ings
    GW27: DCL >> Jimenez

    Thanks all

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes it is- I am planning something very similar

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        What’s your moves DD?

        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Week 25 Mané to Traoré, Kelly to Van Dijk
          Week 26 Haller to Ings and Vardy to Aguero or DCL to Aubameyang

          That is if don’t hit WC!

  16. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ok, just don't make fun of me yet but is Mezut Ozil a good punt or?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Pepe, if you want a mid from Arsenal.

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nope. Ozil won't get you any FPL returns now I'm afraid. Plenty of 7m or under midfielders in better form than him to choose from.

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      When can we make fun of you?

  17. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Does anybody know what has happened to Mark Sutherns? I miss his insight.

  18. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy flag removed!

    (C) GW25

    On board for the backlash 🙂

    1. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Im keeping him for the Chelsea game

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        He’ll get chances on the counter hopefully

    2. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Planning to C too!

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Let’s fly together brother

  19. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Van Dijk/Perez or Robertson/Traoré?

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

  20. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Lund TO O Connell?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lascelles or Stephens

  21. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Saka and Martinelli playing really well. Fraser on the otherhand is having a stinker.

  22. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any thoughts on this...

    Option 1
    Vardy + Mane OUT
    Aguero + Mahrez IN

    Option 2

    DCL + Mane OUT
    Aguero + Traire IN

    1. Fernando Torres
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      *Traore

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I prefer option 2

  23. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    How’s my WC team looking?

    Henderson
    TAA,Lascelles,O’Connell
    Salah,KDB,Grealish,Mahrez
    Auba,Firmino,Deeney

    McGovern,Fleck,Williams,Tanganga

    Anywhere that could be improved?
    0.0 ITB

  24. Riggs
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ryan Button
    TAA Soy Rico Kelly Lundstram
    KDB Mane Salah Maddison Cantwell
    DCL Vardy Ings

    2 FT, 0.1 ITB
    Does my team needs a WC? Or with the 2FT I will be good to go?

  25. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    GW25. Vardy C or too risky? Playing Chelsea (H)

  26. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I could use some advice . Which Forward pairing ? ( I have Ings)

    A)Vardy and Jiminez
    B) Aguero and Wood
    C) Auba and Jiminez

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      D) Pukki and Auba

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        although I'm going to try to get all three of Vardy Jimenez and Auba

  27. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What do we make of these moves:

    Tosun + Martial -> Aubameyang + Fleck (-4)

    GW25 Team:

    Ryan
    TAA VVD Robertson
    Grealish Maddison KDB Fleck
    Aubameyang Vardy Jiminez

    Button Traore Lundstram Dunk

  28. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I know I shouldn’t be tempted to Wildcard but with Button, Soyuncu, Lundstram, Rico, Cantwell, Manè and Greenwood (and Vardy) all in my team it’s going to be a struggle.

  29. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guys...Dont see much love for Auba....great fixtures .....would you do Tammy out for Auba ??

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Im considering this. It is just that Arsenal are so unreliable

    2. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      For free?

      Who is your other strikers?

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Vardy and Ings

        1. Henryyy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I would get Jimenez

  30. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If Mane is out for a few games reckon Mane -> KDB is worth a -4?