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FPL team news: Gameweek 18 injury updates ahead of Saturday’s deadline

16 December 2021 745 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
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We’ve got the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news information in our first press conference summary ahead of Gameweek 18.

Only four pre-match pressers took place on Thursday, involving the managers of Brentford, Burnley, Leeds United and Southampton.

The Brentford v Southampton game was subsequently postponed, however.

For much more detailed information, check out our gradually updated Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans feed ahead of Saturday’s FPL deadline at 13:30 GMT.

BURNLEY

Ashley Barnes remains absent with a thigh injury, with Maxwel Cornet‘s similar issue described as “still touch and go” in regards to making Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa; the fact that he hadn’t trained as of Thursday wouldn’t seem to bode well for his Gameweek 18 chances.

Dale Stephens and Connor Roberts are still recovering from their respective illnesses, while another unnamed Clarets player has tested positive for Covid-19.

“It is only one and we think we have removed him from the situation very quickly” – Sean Dyche on how many positive Covid tests are amongst his playing squad

LEEDS UNITED

All Marcelo Bielsa had to say on injuries is that Jamie Shackleton (Achilles) and Daniel James (muscle) have been added to the list of Patrick Bamford (hamstring), Kalvin Phillips (hamstring), Rodrigo (heel), Liam Cooper (hamstring) and Pascal Struijk (knee).

Robin Koch is ready to play for the first time since Gameweek 1 after recovering from a pelvic injury and illness. However, Junior Firpo will be suspended on Saturday, having picked up his fifth booking of the season.

BRENTFORD AND SOUTHAMPTON

Not that it matters now for Gameweek 18 but Thomas Frank revealed on Thursday that Ivan Toney (Covid) and Ethan Pinnock (Covid) are available for selection again. Sergi Canos is free of suspension, too.

Frank went on to reveal that another 13 of his players and staff have tested positive for Covid-19, which ultimately resulted in the postponement of Saturday’s game.

The Bees are still without David Raya (knee), Kristoffer Ajer (hamstring), Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen (thigh) and Josh Dasilva (hip).

Saints would have been without Che Adams (hamstring), Fraser Forster (hamstring), Alex McCarthy (hamstring), Stuart Armstrong (calf) and Adam Armstrong (calf) for the clash in west London.

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

745 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    See you next season.

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    1. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Spring?

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

      Hope you get the Astra sorted.

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    3. The Philosopher
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Next season as in 2031/32? :p

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  2. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Premier league thinks testing is absolute and that a negative test means the player is fine, while Covid can take 48 hours to be detected by testing, meaning theyre spreading the virus while playing other teams. Only took less than 2 weeks for all clubs to get cases, its like no one has learned from the past 2 years its insanity

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    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah United had no cases from Norwich then 19 & 4.

      The 3 for Liverpool will grow again and then it's all spiralling.

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

      Exactly what I was saying to my wife just now. It's like the last 2 years never happened.

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

        I’d say (cynically) it’s more money and tv driving the games to go on until they absolutely can’t. Texting a saints player I know, internally they’ve been expecting this to blow up for a few weeks now.

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        1. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          its insane the players and staff have been expecting this. Not like they have families to go back to and have to isolate from if they get it or anything

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        2. Hairy Potter
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          That's the whole point of the Christmas glut of fixtures in the UK.

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      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        just people, governments and corporations prioritizing revenue and self comfort over common sense and long term thinking

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    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You can only play what's in front of you. That's the same for game as it is for the virus. I want the game to continue. We'll handle the obstacles where they throw themselves, but we won't give up.

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  3. Botman and Robben
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If you can field 11 for the weekend, you are already a winner.

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

      9 at the moment but as far as I'm concerned it's irrelevant now as I can't see the games going ahead.

      And, for the record, I hope they do cancel all the weekend games for safety sake.

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  4. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    10 blacks now showing on the GW18 fixture ticker. Have 5 games been called off already ?

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

      Yup

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    2. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      5 games off.

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    3. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      4 called off today:

      Southampton v Brentford
      Watford v Crystal Palace
      West Ham v Norwich
      Everton v Leicester

      1 yesterday:

      Man Utd vs Brighton

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    4. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      10 ÷ 2 = 5

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

    That Everton side...Chelsea could have a field day

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    1. Greko82
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Any news on Gray?

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      1. The Philosopher
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Just had his warm soup along with the vitamin tablets

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    2. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No Kaku and no Werner though

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      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        That’s good news for chelsea

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      2. tiger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Even more goals!

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

      Hoping for Happy James/Rudi returns.

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  6. Greko82
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Cup opponent had bench boost activated. -2 as it stands with Wilson on the bench..

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    1. Superflymonk
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ouch! Another covid season favouring the lucky managers.

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  7. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Spurs quadruple GW upcoming ? Kane TC sorted

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      6 points max incoming

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    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      6 points x 3 😎

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Son then ?

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        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          That would be interesting however

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  8. Arteta
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Playing safe and not taking a hit has cost me a lot this gameweek. I knew Reguilon, Livramento and Gray had to go but didn't do anything about it. More agressive approach is back on the menu!

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    1. Superflymonk
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ha! Playing agressive and taking hits has cost me too much this season. It seems I have a knack for transferring in players from games that have postponements.

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  9. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I’m gonna need a bigger bench

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    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      🙂

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  10. Paqueta Rice
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I really need Mount to blank for my cup game

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

    The FPL should introduce COVID transfers (ie "free hits) to allow replacements until this carnage is over.

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    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      They already have, they cost 4pts

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

      Then it would become an advantage for a player in your side to get covid

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

        You obviously couldn't bring in a player worth more than the one who has Covid

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        1. Iwantmorepointsthanks
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          You can't see the flaw in your way of thinking?

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

        You can just limit them to the players with no games.

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        1. The Mighty Hippo
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          What about individuals players who are out with Covid, but their team is playing (VVD for example), would we get free hits for them? What about players who are injured, or simply have the flu...no hits for them?

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  12. AIRMILES
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Score predictions for tonight please. And which match will you be watching?

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

      Chelsea 2-0 Everton
      Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle

      Watching Pool

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

      Liv 4-0
      Chelsea 2-0

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    3. TomSaints
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      4-3 Newcastle win (Wilson hatrick)

      3-0 Chelsea win

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

      Che 3- 0 Eve
      Liv 5- 0 New
      Rotating between matches, staggered kick off times is great for that

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

        Yeah, you can effectively watch an entire match, whilst still catching 50% of the other game.

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    5. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Chelsea will concede

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

        Going against the tide of opinion with that, but I think you said the same last week, and were right.

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

          They keep conceding and are now overdue for a CS. If they cant keep one (Mendy, dont do something stupid like give them a pen!), then its time to start shipping one of the two Defenders.

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

      3-1 Liverpool.
      5-0 Chelsea.

      I will be straining my laptop's cooling system and trying to watch both.

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

      5-0 Liv
      3-0 Che

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  13. TomSaints
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Just keep swimming

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  14. DAZZ
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Down to 9, sigh. Hope the rest of the games get called off.

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

      I think you will get your wish.

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  15. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play games without the ball, it’s the ball that moves the virus around the pitch, player to player.

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    1. Gunneryank
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You've done it!

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  16. EmreCan Hustle
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    FPL apart, everyone from UK, stay safe.
    It's getting really bad there so please, compromise where you can. Follow all necessary precautions and more.

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    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Here, here! Thanks pal

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Its not that bad really

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      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe the infection itself is less severe, but it's spreading at an alarming rate and kids and old people will always be vulnerable.
        Not to mention the possible long term pulmonary effects.

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

          I think long covid effects aren't reported enough. People focus on the deaths, understandably, but it's also giving an even greater number of people (often young and previously healthy) considerable long-term problems.

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          1. EmreCan Hustle
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, I'm sure governments and the WHO know all of this but are trying to suppress the data until Covid is under control.

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    3. AIRMILES
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Too many people not taking it remotely seriously at all.

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Mainly just Boris

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

          He is the main problem

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        2. EmreCan Hustle
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Populist

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

      Thanks, however compared to the peak in India is nowhere near that bad given the access to medical care is better and the cases are generally milder. Bear in mind that they test loads and UK is fortunate enough to have better access to vaccines, so the situation is not as bad as the media like to make out.

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      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        In India the first wave was mild in comparison because we locked down everything.
        But the second wave was bad and it was caused by negligence. Lack of oxygen supply.
        Impure oxygen leading to black fungus etc....

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

      I've bought extra Lemsip.

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      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Indian doctors are suggesting just monitor oxygen saturation levels(make sure it's above 95%) and take Paracetamol to control the fever.

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      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        And to avoid decongestants of any kind. But I don't know what's correct tbh

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

      All seems a bit of an over reaction. Read this am that in the entirety of the UK there are only 15 people in hospital with Omicron.

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      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        We all know the risks of being reactive rather than proactive.

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  17. Digital-Real
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Iwobi to ruin the Chelsea cleaning!!

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    1. The Philosopher
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Seems the cleaners at Stamford Bridge are gonna have work to do tonight

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

      Who’s gonna pick up the laundry bill?

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      1. Digital-Real
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Mendy

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    3. Rassi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Is he a very dirty boy?

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    4. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Loves a scrubber

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  18. dabber7
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So that's 5 games down already ...surely FPL can't continue, you wouldn't sit down to play a game of chess knowing that your pieces could be randomly removed from the board at anytime but you're still supposed to continue playing?

    What if there's (say) just one or two games that end up being played this weekend?

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    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Chess is your opponent removing your pieces and reacting to that

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      1. dabber7
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Exactly ... it's not some other force that isn't part of the game.

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    2. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      What? Football is the sport, and football is what the decisions will be based on.
      Who honestly cares about FPL bar us saddos? It's just a game based on a game.

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

        This

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

      we've had gameweeks with 3 games before due to FA Cup

      Josh Kings hattrick as captain if i recall...

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      1. dabber7
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        The difference being (and it's a major one) that we knew that before the GW began.

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    4. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Every FPL player is in the same boat & knew the situation at the start of the season.

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  19. MysticMac17
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is there anyone else who has an used playing substitute this gameweek? Haven’t had an amazing gameweek by any means but I must be one of the only ones with Raphinha as an unused sub as I have 11 playing players. Read all this XG and XA nonsense all season but XCovid is the real go to stat

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    1. Qubit
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeh I have Targett's 6 points sitting 2nd on my bench.

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  20. Eze Really?
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I am gonna take a-8 and roll my transfer for the next month (smile)

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  21. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    7 players not playing next GW and only 2ft.

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    1. The Philosopher
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nothing alcohol and a few hits can't solve 😛

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      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Careful. Heroin is known to be a bit moreish.

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        1. Monklane
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Now he tells me.

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          1. DARE TO BISCAN
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            It's like Pringles

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  22. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    NEW ARTICLE POSTED

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2021/12/16/thursday-team-news-as-four-further-gameweek-18-fixtures-are-postponed/

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  23. Botman and Robben
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    My cup rival has Schmeichel, Lukaku, Son & Dennis playing and no bench. Better not lose this one.

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  24. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Currently 10 players for weekend but assume still worth -4 to get 2 in just in case ? Saturday morning transfers only though!

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  25. TomSaints
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Probably obvious but I assume suspensions roll over to the next played game?

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    1. The Philosopher
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, that was the case for a couple players last year when the game resumed in GW30 i think

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  26. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Woke up this morning in NZ. So not much news overnight.

    Vardy not playing and no subs so team of 9 this week. Team of 7 next week? 8 max without hits.

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    1. Gunneryank
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Was it surprising that you woke up in NZ in particular?

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      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It would be weird if I just woke up in England...

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  27. Eze Really?
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Can they move non cup teams to midweek?

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  28. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    You have to ask yourself what on earth are the players doing for so many of them to be getting covid? Are they attending crowded indoor venues every night??

    I know the omicron variant is easily transmissable but still. I dont know anybody in my circles who have got covid, nobody in my workplace etc.

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    1. I Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Only takes one to spread it throughout the dressing room.

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    2. Hiiler
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sadly there are so many people who seem to not care enough. I think only thing that should be done rightnow by people is going to work if you need it(most need it) and going to pharmacy and food stores. So basicly only essential stuff. No movies, parties, spas, traveling if not work related and so on. I myself can easily live with only essential stuff for a while.

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      1. Hiiler
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        And this applies in both cases , if your vaccineted or not doesn't matter. Since vaccination does not make you immune to covid.

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    3. HashAttack
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You have to be tested to know that you have it - Players are tested all the time

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  29. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    The answer isnt to stop everything and halt the season. Just get on with it, this is nothing more than a cold thats going round. I find it pathetic.

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    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Well you're a super hard man with a resilient Immune system. I'm the opposite - just an old geezer with St Peter beckoning. One day you'll be like me.

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      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        you dont need a resilient immune system, thats the point. Not a single person has been seriously ill with this variant, presumably including those who dont have great immune systems. Its nothing but a mild cold.

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        1. Yes Ndidi
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          None of us will have a resilient immune system if this carries on.

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  30. EffPeeEll
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    they wouldn't be calling these games off if there were club staff and players with colds.

    this shoite is mild, yes mild, very mild and for 99% of the public it's of no risk.

    social panic on speed in my opinion.

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    1. rozzo
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      It's Winter.

      The majority of people have "colds"

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    2. Dennis System
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      EFFPEELL you need to get involved, you sound like you got your finger on the pulse*

      *God these people

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