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

    Kane to Ronaldo for sure but other free transfer...
    A) Raphinha to Bowen
    B) Jota to Bernardo
    C) Both for a hit
    Pukki and Livra on bench if that matters

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

      A

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

      A

    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      A biggest upgrade

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

      B has bigger upside this week, but A is sound long term. However, since Bernardo should play this week, I might get him now. Predicting long term isn't easy these days.

      1. Baps Hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Okay, I belong to minority and for me this is coin toss territory. I sold ESR for Bowen (Son to Bernardo) and I am keeping Jota tbh.

    6. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A for now, do B next week with further news on Jota (I feel he could play)

  2. FredUpAlready
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    a) Benteke and Brownhill
    b) Locadia and Saka

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Catastrophe
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Neither probably. Would Brownhill be rooted to 3rd on the bench? Difficult to advise without seeing the rest of the Team.

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

        This is my current team. On a WC.
        De Gea 3.9
        TAA Cancelo James Dalot White
        Salah Jota Bilva Bowen Brownhill
        Ronaldo King Benteke

        And yes Brownhill is my 3rd sub

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

    DDG or Guaita +0.6 if l have Dalot?

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

      DDG

  4. Malinwa
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Start 1:
    A) Dennis (BRE)
    B) white (SOU

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A enjoy your Friday evening.

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

      A

  5. sfcspartans
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bench order… Watkins, Raphinha, Livramento?

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Gtg

  6. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Haven't taken hits in a while... ASM--->Origi (-8)? Haha

    1. tankle
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      God no

  7. Ian Davis
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Best 4.5 midfielders?

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

      Ramsey, luiz

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

      Brownhill and save the 0.1

  8. StellaMan
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Best Son replacement? Money no object

    Also Dalot or Coufal for sub £5m defender?

  9. tissae
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Would you do Son -> Bowen for -4, considering I have Antonio already?

    Sticking with Son may leave me with 10 playing only.

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

      I'm ditching Son given I have 3 spurs
      .......Bowen is a good option. City midfielder perhaps?

    2. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mount or B Silva over Bowen imo - but depends who you already have

      1. Silva’s Left Nut
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Mount is a very short-term pick. Doesn’t usually pay off imo

  10. Manani
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    gtg?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James Rudiger
    Salah ESR Jota Gallagher
    Antonio Dennis
    (Watkins Raphinna Livermento)

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yep

  11. tankle
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bench 1:

    A) King
    B) Mbuemo
    C) Jota
    D) ESR
    E) Antonio

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      C

  12. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Asking in another way, accepting it's down to the players. But in general:

    A) -12 hit and 10 players
    B) -16 hit and 11 players
    C) FH

    Cheers!

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Reached -12 with Sanchez, Toney, Son, Jota and ESR, so hit the FH button

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

        Ooh -12 with those , defo FH

      2. Catastrophe
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I'm really torn on what to do. -12 and 10 players (9 if ESR doesn't play) is going to be a disastrous week. If I don't FH I'll be left with Kane, Reguilon, Raphinha & Gallagher next week and the players I want in will of course have risen in price. But could rectify with a -4 or even without a hit next week. Hmm..

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          The way I’m looking at it, is I don’t want Ronaldo over the Xmas period - just because I think he’ll be rested/rotated more than most. But I do want him for Norwich. FH allows me to do that while keeping players I want long term (Jota, ESR, Son).

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

            Fair point.

      3. Catastrophe
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Hmm, that's AFTER -12!?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          no, transferring them out would be -12.

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

      A or C, u will need FH later this season

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

        Cheers. I'd always reserve FH for a BGW but that's been a disappointment previously. FH should give me a huge boost this week on top of competition where lots of Teams will be taking hits and perhaps not fielding 11. Trying to talk myself into it I guess...

    3. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      you're really living up to your name! - they are huge hits. I'd normally prefer to save FH for DGWs but in your case would consider it now

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

        Cheers - and yes, I can't disagree 😀 OR 100K so not too bad but this week (the first week this season with early transfers) is absolutely looking catastrophic...

        1. V-2 Schneiderlin
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          thats a good rank - seems a shame to take so many hits - good luck!

  13. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    FH team

    Bachmann
    TAA • Cancelo • Alonso • Dalot
    Salah • Bruno • BSilva • Barnes
    CR7 • King

    0.0 ITB

  14. iL PiStOlErO
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    WC team. Rudi is my differential in ML. What about Jota? Just bench or switch to city mid now?

    DDG 3.9
    TAA Cancelo Rudi Tierney Guehi
    Salah Jota Bilva Bowen D.Luiz
    CR7 Dennis Broja

    1. tankle
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I would go second City mid

  15. sergioaguero67
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Best Jota replacement?

    Bowen or Mount?
    Please help

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Bowen or city mid

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mount

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

      Bowen

  16. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA, James, Cancelo
    Salah, Jota, Raph, ESR, Gallagher
    Ronaldo, Antonio

    Foster, Livra, Regulion, Locadia

    Would you take a hit to beef up this team or roll as it is? Only one playing sub and two flags

  17. donbagino
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    1FT - What to do having 0,3 itb and:
    ESR, Jota, Salah, Raphinha, D. Luiz
    Jesus, Antonio, Vardy

    Jesus, ESR and Jota questionable
    a) Raphinha -->Bowen
    b) Jesus --> ??? (no idea who)
    c) Jota --> B. Silva
    d) save FT and bench Raphinha or D. Luiz
    e) ?

  18. Cheeky Onion
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    On WC:

    Was originally going to bench Jota for this GW, but with Bobby back in training I feel his minutes will again be limited even when back to full fitness. Tempted to ship for Mount and look to get him back in for AFCON

    Reasonable or just hold?

    1. Bruno Commando
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Sounds like a plan

    2. Feed tha Sheep
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I’m in same boat and thinking the same will keep money ITB to get him back

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

    Son to:

    A) mount
    B) bowen
    C) rashford

    If a or c, will get bowen next gw for esr/jota

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Bowen

  20. derdourily
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    A) Toney > Antonio -4
    B) just play Gallagher

    Need answers please, so confused.

    1. Bruno Commando
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    3. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      B. He has a good fixture and could easily outscore Antonio

    5. Home Late From Age
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

  21. Bruno Commando
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Team and subs gtg?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James Rudi
    (S)alah Bernardo Jota
    CR7 Antonio Dennis

    Foster ESR Livra Brownhill

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah G2G

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

    GTG?

    Guaita
    TAA Cancelo James
    Salah(C) Jota Gundogan ESR
    Ronaldo(vc) Antonio King

    Foster Johnson Brownhill Reguilon

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah looking good

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

      Looks great

  23. Firmino
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Livra or Brownhill first on the bench?

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Livra

  24. tibollom
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    G2G guys, bench order ok?

    Guaita
    taa james cancelo
    salah(c) jota bsilva bowen
    antonio dennis wilson

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

      oops.. bench

      bach esr livra johnson

  25. MidTableFantasy
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Jota to Bilva for -4? Or let Rudiger come off the bench if Jota doesn't play?

    I feel like Jota might have managed minutes with Firmino back and AFCON is 4+ GWs away still... plenty of time to bring Jota back in. Thoughts?

    1. SKENG
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      In your case I'd keep and play Rudiger.

      My situation: sell for Rashford -4 pts or play Brownhill. Tempted to take the hit, what do you think?

  26. Fish up a tree
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone with ESR do not hit the eject button like 350k have done already!

    He trained today & is good to play tomorrow & probably haul!

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

      Im keeping

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

      Unfortunately too late. I sold for Bowen earlier this week.

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

    Is this squad correctly set?

    Ramsdale
    TAA James Alonso Cancelo
    Jota Salah (c) Gündogan Bernardo
    King

    Foster Wilson Benteke Livra

    I'm especially concerned about Benteke.

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Looks right to me

  28. Henning
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    3.6m in The bank on -4 anything wort a hit?

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo James Trent
    Raphinha Salah Bowen Jota Bernardo
    Hwang Dennis Watkins

    Steel Livramento Reguilon Hwang

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nah looking good as it is

  29. Tibbs
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Play Jota or White?

    Concerned Jota may get a sub cameo but I presume if he is fit he starts right?

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Think so

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      With Firmino just coming back, i think he is more likely to get the cameo with Origi starting if Jota is not right.

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

      I assume so and will start Jota.

    4. Tanaka'd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'm starting Jota, gambling on he either starts or sits out.

    5. ManUtdFan977
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Jota normally does well as a sub also

  30. Jdpz
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Best midfielder under 7.3m?

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

      Bowen?

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Gundo