Team News
10 December 2021 2159 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
Share:

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

    Last minute choices..

    DDG
    TAA Cancelo James Alonso
    Salah Jota Bowen
    Vardy Antonio King

    Steele / Gallagher ESR Livramento

    1. Bench Jota due to injury concern?
    2. Who to play? Gallagher (EVE) or ESR (SOU)?

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Start ESR
      Although benching Jota is risky he could haul off the bench as well..

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

    Thoughts on a -8 hit. Had already made my FT this week before the Spurs game called off.

    Jesus + Son > Ronaldo + Bowen.

    Any thoughts much appreciated.

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

      Yes yes yes

  3. Chalobah's Witness
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    what's the matter with Son?

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

      No game this week and possible Covid

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

      COVID.
      Spurs v Brighton game postponed.

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

      Dropped

  4. Jacktastic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Injury doubts-Jesus and Jota to
    CR7 and Gilmour. Dilemma!

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

      I'm doing Jesus+Son > Ronaldo+Bowen.
      Have Jota, but not taking any more hits.

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

        Can’t stretch to that unless I take a minus 8

  5. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    What a great time for the FPL site to go down

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Glad I did my moves

  6. Amartey Partey
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    FPL site down. So many people trying to make last-minute panic transfers!

  7. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Free Wildcard?!?!

  8. The Reptile
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Have Sanchez - Worth Foster to Bachman for free? or just go with no keeper this week

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

      2 points upside

      1. The Reptile
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I suppose Watford have to keep a clean sheet at some point!

  9. Over Midwicket
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Thank God I'm not the only one..

  10. Shultan
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Fpl back up!

  11. Bod
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any suggestions on this?

    Mendy
    Reguilon* TAA Jansson
    ESR* Salah Townsend Bernardo
    Vardy Saint Max” Benteke

    Raphinha Livramento Kilman

    2FT 0.7m ITB

    Probably need to shore up the defence for this week, but Raphinha (fixtures) and Townsend (form) are also appealing to replace, and the forward line… urgh

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

    And it's back

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

    Until 1st WC deadline:

    A) DDG

    B) Ramsdale

  14. Konstaapeli
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Own Toney, Jota, Foden and ESR. Only Livra & Brownhill on bech. Any of these worth doing?

    A) Foden/Jota > Bilva -4
    B) Toney > Watkins -4
    C) Foden/Jota, Toney > Bilva, Antonio -8
    D) ESR, Jota, Toney > Bowen, Bilva, Benteke -12

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

      A the better move

      but B is def out so between those two maybe just do B so you atleast have cover if Foden Jota miss out

  15. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    A) ronaldo, davis
    B) antonio, Toney
    Rest of bench would be livra and broja

  16. ZimZalabim
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I own Foden Jota and ESR and have already taken a hit for ronaldo

    Do two of these play this week ? Shd I shift one on for another hit ?

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

      If the site allows

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

    Play ESR or Jota?

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

      I'm starting Jota with ESR first sub.

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

        Currently the other way round for me......

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

        This seems sound...I have the same 2 players.

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

    If we all constantly hit refresh again and again and again on the FPL site that should fix it. Usually works..

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

      on it

  19. Redranger
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Start:

    A) White
    B) Dennis

  20. DagheMunegu
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Which one to Bowen ?

    A Gallagher
    B ESR

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

      whats the word on ESR ?

  21. People in Preston
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    FPL back. And breath...

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      or "breatheeeee..." 😆

    2. People in Preston
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      ...or even breathe.

  22. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Jesus to Ronaldo -4
    Yes or no?

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

      Yes. Done the same myself.

      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks, done it. That's all the motivation and persuasion I needed. Can't wait for it to backfire 🙂

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

          Don't blame me. It's not like I'm qualified to give any sort of advice. On anything..Ever...

  23. John Colby (C)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Salah or Ronaldo for captain - anyone please?

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

      I have Salah (C) and Ronaldo (VC).

      1. John Colby (C)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers Nedsmula - Villa’s defensive set-up has looked very impressive under Gerrard though.

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

          It's a good shout. I just think, with Jota potentially out, Salah will be more likely to score. This is based on nothing more than a complete hunch. Not data driven whatsoever. It'll probably backfire horribly.

  24. zes
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Not seen much on here about Rodgers comments saying the Leicester game might be called off. anyone worried?

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

      Is that the Spurs v Leicester game on Thursday?
      Hope so!

  25. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Guys,

    Toney to King for a hit and bench Jota? (Would be getting King in after this GW, anyway.. )

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

      YES!

  26. BremerHB
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Son -> Bowen and GTG? Or hits needed?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James Alonso
    Salah Jota Bowen
    King Wilson Antonio

    Foster Raph Livra Brownhill

    1. Bod
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      How many FT do you have? Raphinha as a pretty bad run of fixtures…

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

        Just the one. Happy to have him on the bench for this week what with the Jota news. Son has no game so is the priority transfer out for me!

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

    Either of these worth a -4 hit (£0.2 ITB)?:

    A) Sanchez -> Guaita
    B) Gunn -> Bachman

    Having Bachmann may give me cover for Sanchez' blank in GW24 (if Foster doesn't come straight back into the team) but it's risky.

    Both moves would leave me with very little wriggle room to do Raphinha to Bowen next week.

  28. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Who to offload this week?

    Regulion
    Jota
    Raphinha

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

      Reg or Raph

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

    Wilson to Ronaldo worth a -4? Or free next week?

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

    What to do with Jota and ESR flags?

    Taken a -4 already (Sanchez, Kane, Toney to De Gea, Ronaldo, King).

    1) Leave it, Raphinha in from the bench
    2) Take another -4 to do Raph to Bowen, start Bowen

    0FT 0.4ITB
    De Gea
    TAA Cancelo Rudiger James
    Salah Jota* Gundogan ESR*
    Ronaldo King

    Steele Raphinha Livramento Street

    Cheers!

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

      similar situation and on a -4 and im thinking it makes sense to just leave it and see what the jota situation is over the next few days and then maybe move him first for bowen and then see what esr situation is as well and do a hit then.

      Thats my thinking at least

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

        and ur bench is better than mine

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

        Thanks