Dugout Discussion

Thursday team news as four further Gameweek 18 fixtures are postponed

16 December 2021 1890 comments
avfc82 avfc82
Share:

Following the postponement of Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur, tonight’s Premier League action now gets underway at 19:45 GMT with Chelsea v Everton, followed by Liverpool v Newcastle United 15 minutes later.

It has also been revealed that a further four Gameweek 18 fixtures have been called off this weekend, which makes five in total:

  • Everton v Leicester City
  • Manchester United v Brighton and Hove Albion
  • Southampton v Brentford
  • Watford v Crystal Palace
  • West Ham United v Norwich City

The following fixtures remain on, at least for now:

  • Aston Villa v Burnley
  • Leeds United v Arsenal
  • Newcastle United v Manchester City
  • Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
  • Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea

As for tonight’s team news, Thomas Tuchel makes two changes for Chelsea, with Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic coming in for Kai Havertz and Timo Werner.

Havertz and Werner miss out completely, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Romelu Lukaku also absent from the matchday squad.

Rafael Benitez makes five changes for Everton, with Jonjoe Kenny, Jarrad Branthwaite, Alex Iwobi, Anthony Gordon and Ellis Simms replacing Seamus Coleman, Fabian Delph, Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray and Richarlison.

The headline news at Anfield is that Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Curtis Jones are not included in the squad due to Covid, while Callum Wilson starts on the bench for Newcastle United.

GAMEWEEK 17 LINE-UPS

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Alonso, Ziyech, Mount, Pulisic

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Christensen, Chalobah, Kante, Niguez, Barkley, Sarr

Everton XI: Pickford, Kenny, Godfrey, Holgate, Keane, Branthwaite, Doucoure, Gomes, Iwobi, Gordon, Simms

Subs: Begovic, Lonergan, Allan, Coleman, Gbamin, Dobbin, Onyango

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Konate, Robertson, Thiago, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Mane, Jota

Subs: Kelleher, Pitaluga, Milner, Keita, Firmino, Gomez, Minamino, Tsimikas, Williams

Newcastle United XI: Dubravka, Manquillo, Schar, Lascelles, Lewis, Hayden, Shelvey, Fraser, Murphy, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton

Subs: Darlow, Clark, Ritchie, Hendrick, Willock, Almirón, Gayle, Longstaff, Wilson

1,890 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Jernau M Gurgeh
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play up !!

    Open Controls
    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Burnley!!!

      Open Controls
  2. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Currently on 10 players for the weekend fixtures.k with 2 FTs. No idea how I’ve managed to be that lucky. Other in same boat?

    Open Controls
    1. Limbo
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Its the hope that kills.

      Open Controls
    2. Firminooooo
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      10 players with 1 FT. So 11 if no more games get cancelled.

      Open Controls
    3. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      With Liverpool, Chelsea & City on most will be similar. Throw in Ramsdale/Watkins/Raph/ESR and its not too bad... Currently!

      Will be surprised if anything happens for a few weeks after tonight.

      Open Controls
    4. RogDog_jimmy
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      9 currently active - 2ft.
      So could get up to 11 - not sure who to target to get in/out at this stage though, might not be worth it.

      Open Controls
    5. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have 8 with two FTs, so I could field 11 with a hit. Assuming no one else gets Covid.

      Open Controls
    6. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      7 players including Bilva (may not play) and 2 FT. A bit poked.

      Open Controls
    7. mrodgers91
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If bilva and reguilon are fit, I can somehow field 11 without transfers

      Open Controls
    8. AIRMILES
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      11 with 2fts, but I expect them all to be cancelled.

      Open Controls
      1. AIRMILES
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Correction: 10 with 2fts

        Open Controls
        1. AIRMILES
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          And they're all playing away from home

          Open Controls
    9. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      12 but played my transfer (Bowen). Doubt it all goes ahead but hope it does, broken into top 10k and ready to make some progress.

      Open Controls
    10. Gunneryank
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      8 with 1ft, but this GW has been unexpectedly lucky so hopefully a nice finish tonight softens the blow for GW18.

      Open Controls
    11. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      9 with 2 FT atm. Could be worse. Not complaining

      Open Controls
    12. Yank Revolution
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Im on 9, can get 10 w a free and 11 with a 4 pt hit.

      Open Controls
  3. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Intrigued to see how Chelsea go about conceding tonight.

    Open Controls
    1. Zimo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mendy to kick it into jorginho and he butt's it into the net

      Open Controls
    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      James OG, just to continue his run of negative scores as soon as I invested in him.

      Open Controls
      1. Yank Revolution
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This. I have high hopes for this week tho, this is one of the worst lineups a Prem team could field in Everton.

        Open Controls
  4. DycheDycheBaby
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Alonso own goal coming. I can feel it.

    Open Controls
  5. tbos83
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Why is Wilson benched? And where is Gray??

    Open Controls
    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Covid?

      Open Controls
    2. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wilson being saved for a match where he might touch the ball in a meaningful way.

      Open Controls
      1. Whazza
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Could be their last game in a while..

        Open Controls
  6. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Give everyone a free hit!

    Open Controls
    1. el polako
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Give a man a rod not a fish.

      Open Controls
  7. Arteta
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Salah, Trent, Jota please stay fit.

    Open Controls
    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If they’re out, they’re out for the rest of the world too.

      Open Controls
      1. Lucky Z
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Only works for Salah

        Open Controls
        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Those that don’t have the others are of no concern to me.

          Open Controls
  8. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Has anyone activated their Free Hit yet? 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      What for? Can’t think of a worse time to use it.

      Open Controls
      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Potentially the biggest BGW of the season.

        Open Controls
        1. TomSaints
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          When any fixture will be cancelled after the deadline? Or player drop out.

          Open Controls
        2. Hairy Potter
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Knowing my luck I'd pick 3 Man City players who Pep decided to rest.

          Open Controls
        3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          The minute I activate it is the minute they call off all games

          Open Controls
        4. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          And then another one and another one. I’d prefer to keep it for when all the games start coming back and there’s no more constant cancellations.
          Cancellation last week, this week, next week and so on…

          Open Controls
        5. Serendipity
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Tempting if games couldn't be cancelled a couple of hours beforehand... but they can. We could easily setup a team for the 5 fixtures then after the deadline only 3 go ahead, for example.

          Open Controls
      2. el polako
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        GW 1 ? 😉

        Open Controls
        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          You actually can’t.

          Open Controls
          1. el polako
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ohh, you win.

            Open Controls
  9. Ask Yourself
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Need this awful Everton team to score a goal to go through in cup ffs

    Open Controls
  10. Zalk
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    80% of managers in the top 10k hav Salah, Jota, TAA. So still some ground to be made here

    Open Controls
    1. The Philosopher
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, know a couple without either one of TAA/Jota. Always some ground to be made.

      Open Controls
  11. BrockLanders
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    So, brought in Lukaku as a differential after having to take an 8 point hit to field 10 (No GK) Have only Wilson as 1st sub and guess who got benched. Lol

    Open Controls
    1. Hiiler
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      My hit guy played but got 0 points. 🙂

      Open Controls
  12. TomSaints
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ah damn it, only just saw Wilson benched

    Open Controls
  13. Botman and Robben
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chelsea squad is real deep. They still have solid attackers after many 1st teamers are out.

    Open Controls
    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Oil coming in handy.

      Open Controls
      1. Botman and Robben
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Newcastle will have the deepest squad in the Championship next season.

        Open Controls
  14. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    C’mon Salah (c) I need to rise through the ranks this evening 😎

    Open Controls
    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      😆

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

      My differential as well 😀

      Open Controls
    3. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Should make all the difference in the world, quite the differential.

      Open Controls
    4. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure the most owned and captained player is going to do that for you.

      Open Controls
      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        There’s always one. Always.

        Open Controls
    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ahahaha. Love it.

      Open Controls
  15. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Just woke up in New Zealand. Any news overnight? Oh... darn.

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

      Is that where you fell asleep?

      Open Controls
  16. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ahh. Was so excited that the games are on, only to realise that my only differential, Wilson, who is coming off from the bench for King, is benched. No, my hopes were not high, but at leas I was excited to watch him fail.

    Open Controls
  17. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    "Kai is feeling unwell, he isn't positive yet" - Tuchel.

    Expecting further cases...

    Open Controls
    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      What’s there to be positive about?

      Open Controls
      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        False negatives.

        Open Controls
  18. MR Penquin
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Antonio to Watkins for -4
    I wait till 13:00 on Saturday to do move.

    Open Controls
    1. Serendipity
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I thought about this as well but word of caution... after Burnley its Chelsea, I expect that one to be cancelled.

      Open Controls
  19. TomSaints
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Sensible thing to do is try to get a few games played this weekend then take a break until the FA cup weekend. Let the players have Christmas then get Covid restrictions / bubbles back up and together. Add on 2-3 weeks to season end as no international football.

    Open Controls
    1. AIRMILES
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      But then next season starts early (I think) because of the Qatar WC in November. But agree they should have a fortnight off over Xmas this year.

      Open Controls
    2. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Can't see them voluntarily cancelling Boxing Day football. It's the biggest day of the year

      Open Controls
  20. Dexters Laboratory
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Livermento to
    A. Arsenal Def
    B. Aston Villa Def

    Open Controls
    1. el polako
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C Playing, non covid defender.

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

      C Omicron. Bound to start this weekend.

      Open Controls
  21. Fabreghastly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How many games is the minimum before they re-schedule the whole round?
    Already sketchy at 5. 4 playing is quite a stretch, what is gained by continuing? 1, 2 or 3 is laughable.

    Extending the season a few weeks to play these games in warmer weather is starting to look like a decent option

    Open Controls
    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Why laughable?

      Open Controls
      1. Fabreghastly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Because it makes it screamingly obvious they are ignoring the fact that overusing the players in winter, in a pandemic, risks breaking them and bringing the whole shambles tumbling down

        Open Controls
        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          What would you change to the whole system?

          Open Controls
          1. Fabreghastly
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            First listen to the players and managers concerns about the ever increasing load on them. Then look at what solutions are possible. Wenger claims his proposal is about that, I can't say, I never read it. Currently they keep upping the load and not every team can afford a squad of, essentially, 2 first teams

            Open Controls
            1. Top Dog
              • 16 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Players are being over used by the clubs, they have the option to rotate and use other players. They have 25 man squads, plus academies

              Open Controls
              1. Fabreghastly
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 15 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Technically true but the bigger clubs are huge winners when the full squad and academies have to be used. Plus, different rules for the academies, I believe. So bringing in the kids might add to the risk of bringing Covid into the first team

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

      Isn't the world cup already meaning a shorter summer next year as it is?

      Open Controls
      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Much.

        Open Controls
    3. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Have to get games played, where they can. Next season already starting early.

      Open Controls
      1. Fabreghastly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Makes it really tough, not many options. A lot of players had limited pre-seasons too as I recall

        Open Controls
  22. The Mighty Hippo
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I've got six players players on show tonight, but I reckon Mason Mount is the one who could be the biggest differential, hopefully he'll continue that great streak he's been on.

    Open Controls
  23. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What time tomorrow do you think the PL cancels all this weekend fixtures?

    Open Controls
    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      10:46am once more Liverpool & Chelsea cases are reported. With Newcastle also picking up a few...

      Open Controls
  24. MR Penquin
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    If they cancel all games we still get the free transfer

    Open Controls
    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, we can keep GW18s FT.

      Open Controls
      1. The Philosopher
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Guaita -> Bachhmann confirmed with the FT then 😛

        Open Controls
        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Someone has done Sanchez > DDG > Bachmann... who next? 😀

          Open Controls
  25. CRAZY TRAIN
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Dreading a Jota haul tonight . He’s going to punish us non owners

    Open Controls
    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I hope he straps you down, puts an apple in your mouth and goes hell for leather.

      Open Controls
      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        A one-man Jota crazy train.

        Open Controls
    2. tbos83
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Same. And I'm a Newc fan. Double the pain.

      Open Controls
      1. CRAZY TRAIN
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Ouch!

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

      Oof, cant imagine not owning Diego, yo!

      Open Controls
    4. Gizzachance
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hope so !

      Open Controls
  26. tbos83
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Currently 7 players for the weekend. Should I fh or take a -8?

    Open Controls
    1. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Depends how many players you'd want back

      Open Controls
    2. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'm in same boat. Hold off, for now. Don't think a freehit is worth it (depending on who's actually available). Wouldn't do a -8, unless they're long-term moved.

      Open Controls
  27. rozzo
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    The problem with all this for me is wanting future double games weeks players that I wouldn't normally want if they just had a single week.

    Our teams will be full of Kane, Ronaldo, Vardy etc later on in the season

    Open Controls
    1. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      That would be a lot of money right there. Dread to think what the balance of the team would be!

      Open Controls
  28. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Don’t say that- my cup opponent captained him.

    Open Controls
    1. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Reply fail. I won’t even clarify…

      Open Controls
      1. AIRMILES
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Jota?

        Open Controls
      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Like cheap butter.

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

    Testing Antonio in the morning to see if he's positive for centre forward potential . I would say her clear.

    Open Controls
  30. jason_ni
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hate just having james.

    So many double ups, I kinda need Chelsea to concede, and then reece to get an attacking return to gain anything!

    Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.