Team News
10 December 2021 2159 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
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We’ve got all the important Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news information for Gameweek 16 in our Friday press conference summary.

You can catch the headline updates from Wednesday and Thursday’s pressers – featuring Brentford, Leeds United, Southampton and Watford via this link here.

For much more detailed information, check out our Predicted Line-ups page (which is being refreshed on Friday evening) and Injuries and Bans feed plus Az and Neale’s video here:

And for other help and advice, from our weekly Scout Picks to team reveals, head to our complete Gameweek 16 guide below:

LIVERPOOL

Adding to an already-depleted week for many FPL squads, rumours surfaced on Thursday evening that Diogo Jota would be a doubt to face Aston Villa. Jurgen Klopp has addressed this, saying that the decision on whether Jota plays could go either way.

“Diogo [Jota] felt something after the last Premier League game, didn’t train yet. We will see – maybe he can train today. Then he is an option. If not, then not.” – Jurgen Klopp

Divock Origi is fit, while Roberto Firmino (hamstring) returned to training this week and could feature. Joe Gomez and Naby Keita made appearances in Milan after calf and hamstring problems, meaning Nathaniel Phillips (cheekbone), Curtis Jones (eye) and Harvey Elliott (ankle) are the main absentees.

CHELSEA

Ben Chilwell (knee), Mateo Kovacic (Covid), N’Golo Kante (knee) and Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring) will miss out again but Jorginho (back) is expected to play through the pain barrier against Leeds.

Thomas Tuchel helpfully confirmed that Reece James and Edouard Mendy would start on Saturday.

“Trevoh Chalobah, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell are out. [Jorginho] did the last two training sessions and I think he will do what he did the last games: play through pain and do what’s needed.

Reecey will start as a wing-back and we’ll find another [option in midfield].” – Thomas Tuchel

MANCHESTER CITY

Pep Guardiola unsurprisingly didn’t give us anything clear cut on Phil Foden (knock) and Nathan Ake (back), while Gabriel Jesus (knock) wasn’t even mentioned in Friday’s presser.

“We will assess [Foden and Ake] this afternoon, we have training in a few hours.

“He still has these niggles but every time he’s better and better. He will dictate and say how he feels after games. But in December, with this amount of games and knowing Phil, he will want to fight to be there. We will see how feels.” – Pep Guardiola on Phil Foden

MANCHESTER UNITED

After naming a fully-changed side for their midweek clash with Young Boys, many of Ralf Rangnick’s star men are fresh to face Norwich City. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was stretchered off after full time against the Swiss, having collided with an advertising board.

“We have Aaron [Wan-Bissaka], who received one or two knocks [in midweek]. Nemanja Matic has a bit of a cold. I wouldn’t call it ‘flu, he is negative, tested for COVID, and I am still hoping he can be available but we have to wait.” – Ralf Rangnick

Paul Pogba (thigh) and Raphael Varane (hamstring) are still sidelined for the Red Devils, with the availability of Edinson Cavani (tendon) and Anthony Martial (knee) uncertain.

ARSENAL

Sead Kolasinac (ankle) will miss the visit of Southampton, while Arsenal’s medical team said on Friday that Emile Smith Rowe and Bernd Leno would have to be assessed for groin injuries ahead of Saturday’s game.

“He’s trained today and he’s feeling much better after we lost him for the last game. Hopefully, he will be available to play. The rest is OK.” – Mikel Arteta on Emile Smith Rowe

Gabriel Martinelli has been passed fit.

LEICESTER CITY

The advertised pre-match press conference from Brendan Rodgers hasn’t materialised yet, so we’re in the dark as to the latest fitness news from the Foxes camp.

James Justin (knee/match fitness), Wesley Fofana (leg) and Ricardo Pereira (thigh) are thought to still be out, while seven players – including Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman – didn’t make the trip to Napoli amid fears of Covid infections.

“We’ve had some positive (COVID-19) cases, some are generally not well, so we haven’t taken the risk. We will have seven (players) unavailable. (Who they are is) something you’ll see in time… It’s been (over the) last few days really. In general, you’re starting to see a few more cases and, for us, it’s always about the health of our players.” – Brendan Rodgers

WEST HAM UNITED

Angelo Ogbonna (knee) has been joined on the sidelines by Ben Johnson and Kurt Zouma, both of whom picked up hamstring injuries in the win over Chelsea last weekend.

David Moyes’s press conference was low on injury news so we’re still unsure over the availability of Aaron Cresswell and Ryan Fredericks, neither of whom was sighted in training in midweek after missing out in recent weeks.

EVERTON

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh/toe), Tom Davies (knee) and Yerry Mina (calf) remain out, while Allan is a fresh concern after minimal involvement in training this week.

“Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] is getting closer. Yerry [Mina] is not available. Rondon is available, has been training. Allan has done today half a training session. Davies, maybe next week he will start with the team.”

ASTON VILLA

Danny Ings (thigh) and Matt Targett (head) have been pictured back in training for Villa, although Bertrand Traore (thigh) and Leon Bailey (muscle) are still out. Trezeguet played and scored on Monday for the under-23s after recovering from a knee injury.

“We have a couple of kicks from yesterday, but we think they’re all going to pull through. Morgan Sanson wasn’t feeling too well but we’ve had good news and he’ll be back in to train. Obviously, Bertrand and Leon (Bailey) will be missing.” – Steven Gerrard

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Eddie Howe is managing “couple of knocks and niggles” ahead of Sunday’s game at Leicester. Fabian Schar (rib) and Ryan Fraser (hamstring) are expected to recover from minor issues, whilst Ciaran Clark will be back from his suspension for the red card against Norwich City. Paul Dummett (calf) is the only ongoing injury.

“We’re looking OK within the squad in the sense of Covid, we have testing today but a clean bill of health at the moment. A couple of knocks and niggles, Schar had a rib problem earlier in the week, he missed a bit of training, but hopefully will be OK.” – Eddie Howe

CRYSTAL PALACE

Patrick Vieira confirmed that Joachim Andersen (hamstring) has been back in training ahead of the Everton game. James McArthur (hamstring) isn’t quite ready yet despite his own return to the grass, while Nathan Ferguson (match fitness) will need more training and under-23s game-time before being considered.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Bruno Lage confirmed that Marcal, Conor Coady, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Willy Boly are all fit for the trip to Manchester City, leaving only long-term absentees Jonny (knee), Yerson Mosquera (muscle) and Pedro Neto (knee) on the sidelines.

BURNLEY

Sean Dyche says that Maxwel Cornet (thigh) only has an “outside chance” of facing West Ham, while Ben Mee’s shoulder is “settling down” but the defender will face a late check.

Connor Roberts (illness) is also a doubt.

NORWICH CITY

Dean Smith has reported that two of his players have tested for Covid-19 after feeling unwell during the week, with neither names nor results given. Another couple are carrying injuries, meanwhile.

Smith also confirmed that Mathias Normann has had pelvic injections but is more likely to face Aston Villa in midweek than make the weekend. Additionally, Milot Rashica (groin) is likely to miss the festive period but Todd Cantwell is available. Christoph Zimmermann (ankle) and Brandon Williams (ineligible to face parent club) will not be part of the squad this weekend.

FPL Marc Broadcaster, writer and overthinker. Hoping that ‘differential potential’ will catch on.

  1. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    2 FTs, did want Ronaldo but other fires to put out now.

    Sanchez, Son > DDG, Bilva?

    Sanchez*
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Alonso
    Salah, Jota*, Son*
    Antonio, Wilson, Dennis

    Steele*, Raphinha, Sissoko, Livramento

  2. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Arsenal fans. Is Smith Rowe likely to start?

    1. fricky_
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I reckon he will, yes

  3. Jebiga
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Last piece of the puzzle.

    1. DDG and Rudiger

    or

    2. Guaita and James

    ?

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      2

    2. thegaffer82
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      James every time (despite most recent form).
      Dalot best way into Utd DF anyway

  4. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Captain Salah or Ronaldo?

    1. marcos11
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Gone Ronaldo but hard to bet against Salah

  5. sufcben
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Jota to Mount worth a -4 hit this week?

  6. thegaffer82
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Play Broja or take a hit for Raph > Bowen?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Broja Adams is injured

  7. I Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    DdG
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Alonso
    Salah, Jota, Saka
    Ronaldo, Antonio, Dennis

    Steele; Raphinha, Livramento, Gilmour.

    0 FT 0.0 ITB

    A) Good to go
    B) Raphinha -> Bowen -4 (bench Jota)

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      gtg

  8. More Cowbell
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Is there any keeper out there worth doing a -4 for?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      DDG will pay you back

      1. HonestBlatter
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        No because PUKKI will PARTY

  9. Botman and Robben
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sorry if this has been asked before, but did Jota train today? Start ESR over him?

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'm trying to decide which one of those two to start and which to bench as well.
      Currently got Jota starting and ESR on the bench.
      I bet neither plays!

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Gallagher 2nd on bench if none plays.

    2. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Didn't train yet

      Start Jota, will probably start or no sub appearance

  10. Alli
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    For a hit
    A. Son, Toney > Ronaldo, Bissouma
    B. Son, Toney > Antonio, Mount

    Ramsdale - Foster*
    Cancelo - Rudiger - TAA - Livramento - Manquillo
    Salah - Raph - Jota* - Son* - Bilva
    Toney* - Wilson - Dennis

  11. Sid07
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    1) Son to Silva
    2) son to Bowen
    3) son + ESR to Silva + Bowen (-4)

    1. GE
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      C

  12. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Alonso still a good option? Thinking of bringing him in but worried its a short term move and Chelsea not looking as solid defensively

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Not really

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers, having 2FT gives me almost too many options with 3 or 4 of my team missing

  13. KirkhamWesham
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Is an 8pt hit still too much for this team?
    I, usually, hate 4pt hits, let alone 8.

    I've got big problems with players not playing.

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo TAA James Livramento
    Jota Raphinha Salah ESR
    Davis Wilson

    Foster Toney Reguilon Son

    1. Mighty Banana
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Take the hits.

      They're not as bad as most people make out.

    2. thegaffer82
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I’d definitely sell Son that for freaking sure…

  14. M_Rega96
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Is worth another -4 to have a playing GK? Get mixed opinions

  15. Prison Mike
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Yay or Nay??

    Sanchez -> Guiata (-4)

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Depends who your sub keeper is?

      1. Prison Mike
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Non playing 4m

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

      Nay

    3. Boss Hogg
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      What's the minimum score Ramsdale or DDG will get this week? 2 points? I think it's worth it.

      1. toystory2wasok
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        2 points would make it not worth it...

  16. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Is it best to do Son + Sánchez --> Bernardo + Ramsdale (-4) to get XI out?

    Sánchez*
    TAA -- Cancelo -- James -- White
    Salah (c) -- Jota* -- Raphinha -- Saka
    Wilson -- Dennis

    Foster* -- Livramento -- Son* -- Toney* [1FT + 0.8m ITB]

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  17. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    If you had Raphinha and Jota on the pitch and just cover of Cornet and Livramento on the bench. ..

    Would you take a hit to get Bowen in?

    Cheers and good luck guys.

    1. I Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Think so yeah.

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Isn’t Cornet a doubt too?

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        He's a big doubt.

        So Livramento covers Jota.

        But I'd probably sell Raphinha.

        So if I hold with no hit I'll get a green arrow tonight in all likelihood!

    3. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I would

  18. KT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Captain vote please
    Salad v Ronnie

    1. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Salah.

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Salah in case Norwich come back with positive tests

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Not an issue. Just have Salah as vc.

    3. Boss Hogg
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'm going with Ronie.

  19. Heiro
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    James or Alonso

    Ronaldo or Antonio ( have Bowen)

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      James
      Ronaldo

      Easily

    2. Flying Dutchman
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      James and Ronaldo

  20. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Start Jota or Watkins?

    1. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I think that Jota will not play.

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Gerrard back at Anfield.
      The players will be busting a gut for him, don't think this is gonna be easy for 'Pool.
      Can see Watkins getting something tbh.

    3. Cojones of Destiny
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      watkins

  21. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    What to do?

    Sánchez, Foster
    Alexander-Arnold, Cancelo, Rüdiger, James, White
    Salah, Jota, Bernado, Smith Rowe, Gilmour
    Antonio, Vardy, Dennis

    1 free transfers and 0.6 in the bank.

    Thank you!

    1. GE
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Save

    2. GE
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Or Sanchez -> Ramsdale

    3. Abaddon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Sanchez to DDG

  22. NoName
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Already on a -8. Livramento is the only bench cover for Jota. Reguilon to Dalot -4?

    1. GE
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      No

      1. NoName
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

  23. GE
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Son or Jota -> Mount (-4) worth it?

    (Brownhill and Livramento subs)

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      surely Son

    2. FITZ-G
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Son as he he confirmed out and may still miss another 1 game Jota still has an outside chance.

  24. FITZ-G
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Hello all,

    Was looking to replace son with Jota but with him being a doubt, will wait 1 week.

    2FT
    Son ——-> Bowen
    D.Luiz ——-> Mount or B.Silva.

  25. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Have Jota. Bench is Livra Raphinha

    Best option

    A Raphinha Son > Bowen Gray
    Wilson> CR7 next week

    B All 3 transfers this week for a -4

  26. Mufc202020
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Tough one this. Please share your thoughts.

    Bench 1

    A) Bowen
    B) Antonio
    C) King
    D) Saka
    E) Dias
    F) Rudiger
    G) Gundo

    Also have Cancelo & Alonso

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      F

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      D

  27. acidicleo
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Is Charlie Goode (Brentford) nailed?
    Or is he covering some injury temporarily?

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Covering injury

      1. richarlison2348
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I am going for him on WC, any other 3.9 or 4 playing?

        1. acidicleo
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          williams of norwich maybe.

  28. Woy_is_back
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Lukaku to start?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      highly likely

  29. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Jota
    B) ESR
    C) King
    D) Dalot

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Hope 3 play?

      1. corderz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Would be nice. Who first bench out of those?

  30. JONALDINHO
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Jota -> Mane -4?