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. umerlfc
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsdale or De Gea?

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

      Ramsdale for me.

      But DDG to be fair had racked up points even with their leaky ways.

  2. Nightf0x
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Rams
    Taa can rudi dalot (lampty)
    Esr jota bowen salah bsilva
    Denis (watkins locadia)

    Which? On -4 already

    A) jota to rash (make it -8)
    B) g2g, watkins comes in if jota/esr doesnt play

    1. Leeroy357
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      b, not worth a minus 4 to get Jota out when you'll want him back next week

  3. Leeroy357
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I'm thinking of doing Son and Reg to Bowen and Dias. Leaves me with £3.5m ITB but not sure there's any midfielders I really want (already have 3 liverpool and City incluing Dias).
    Any thoughts? Any better transfers to make than Bowen and Dias in? I'd rather avoid risking Pep roulette with another City mid given the amount of risks I already have in Jota, Foden and double Chelsea full back.

    Ramsdale - (Gunarsson)
    Trent - Cancelo - James - Alonso - Reguillon
    Salah - Foden - Jota - Son - (Brownhill)
    Antonio - (King) - (Davis)

    1. Ruudy Van
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I think Laporte is a better pick if you need some money

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

        Laporte may not play

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Keep Reg, you probably want him long term.
      Son & Davis to whoever

  4. Ruudy Van
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sell lloris to De Gea for a hit?

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

      No

      1. Ruudy Van
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Is it an issue if the next game off as well?

    2. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      If it was just for one match I'd say no. But I think with the doubts over the Leicester match I'd say yes.

  5. 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

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

    Was Jota in training today? Think I might get Mane for him for a hit. There’s a good chance Jota misses Newcastle too

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

      Mane a strong option too.

  7. The Alli Way
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Jimenez > Antonio or King for a -4? Currently starting Broja up top against Ars

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

    Is anyone considering Rashford as a son replacement?

    At just 1% owned he could be a super differential. Surely he has to go on a run soon playing in a front two with Ronaldo.

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

      Yes, I get Rashford every Season and he's done me well when I've had him, so trying my luck again!

    2. Leeroy357
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Really tempted. Bowen and a City mid are the only other real options and not inspired but Rashford has done nothing for over 6 months to justify a spot so thinking maybe hold off a week or so before moving for him, not sure though

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

        Yeah that's my thoughts as well. Thing is Im not sure I want to double up on West Ham and get Bowen (already have Antonio). Likewise with Bernardo (already have Foden) with COVID doing the rounds think it's a bit risky doubling and trebling up.

        1. Leeroy357
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Exactly the same boat mate, got Antonio and Foden so don't really want Bowen or a City mid.
          I'm going with Bowen because I don't love any of the options but at least he is cheap so have flexibility and he's nailed on which helps when you have Foden and Jota in your side, don't want too many rotation worries

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

    Who to start:
    Jota or Raph?

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

      Jota

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Jota

  10. Goooo Rickie
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    This is going going to be unpopular but anyone fancy Maguire?

    Security of starts over Xmas is tempting me instead of Dalot.

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

      Might get you a goal or two as well.
      You can see his head from space, so surely someone can pick it out with a free kick or a corner from time to time.

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

    Start Jota over ESR?

  12. @persecuted_by_mods
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Fpl down for all you last minute tinkerers

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

        Scenes

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

        Thought I’d missed the deadline

    • Dr. Rog
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Gilmour 2nd sub above Livra 3rd. Opinions sought.

    • fpork
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Best replacement for Dier?
      1) Dalot
      2) Tomiyasu
      3) White

    • sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Assuming both start, who first on the bench:

      1) Broja (ars)
      2) Pukki (MUN)

    • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      FPL down

      1. Yank Revolution
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        This

    • Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      No cash ITB and already used my FT.

      A - Take -8 hit and do Son & Sanchez > Bowen & Ramsdale
      B - Just take -4 hit and do Son > Bowen and go without GK
      C - No hits, let Gilmour come in for Son and have no GK

      Sanchez
      TAA - James - Cancelo - Livra
      Salah (c) - Son - Jota - Bilva
      Antonio - Wilson

      Foster - Gilmour - Duffy - Perica

    • DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

    • Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      FPL down?

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        free wildcard incoming

    • Hig1990
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Bottomed -
      Any changes to this WC? 0.2 ITB

      Didn’t want 2 watford but best value so I went with it.

      DDG
      TAA, Cancelo, James
      Salah, Jota, Bernardo, Bowen
      Dennis, King, Ronaldo

      Gunnarsson, Dalot, Gilmour, Livra

    • Bishopool
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Which WC you would play?

      a)
      Guaita (3.9)
      TAA Cancelo Dalot White Amartey
      Salah Mount B.Silva Odegaard Biss
      CR7 Antonio Dennis

      B)
      Guaita (3.9)
      TAA Cancelo Dalot Ait Nori/Tavares Amartey
      Salah Bowen B.Silva Odegaard Gray
      CR7 Antonio Dennis

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

      Dea Gea or Ramsdale as Sanchez replacement?

      Thank you!

      1. Jimbo-Jones
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        ddg

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

        De Gea I think. Great run of fixtures coming.

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

        Ramsdale

    • Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Take a hit or rely on the bench?

      Guaita
      TAA Cancelo James Livra
      Salah Foden* Jota*
      Ronaldo Dennis Antonio

      Gilmour Luiz Reguilon*

    • Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Wtf I didn't make my transfers yet

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Calm down it’ll come up

    • ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      FPL appears to be down. That's going to cause some consternation...

      1. Leeroy357
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        It had better be back up before 18:30 or a lot of people will be fuming

    • smash
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Gallagher or Broja ...first sub?!

      Cheers.

    • FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Current issues:
      Foden8.1/Jota7.7/Son10.4/Toney6.6/Sanchez4.5/ESR5.7

      Have 2FTs, Willing to take -4, what would you do here?

      Bench: Foster/ESR/Manqillo/Davis

    • Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Just as I was about to make a transfer, fpl site goes down. Kane is the gift that keeps on giving

    • Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      FPL website is down … minutes before deadline SCENES!

      1. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Apparently back up now …

    • Babit1967
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      In wc and have Jota, probably only miss one game right?

      have Dalot first sub anyhows