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Thursday team news as four further Gameweek 18 fixtures are postponed

16 December 2021 1890 comments
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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. Ruinenlust
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    So Chelsea had Lukaku, Werner, Havertz, CHO out with COVID but their game wasn’t called off?

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    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      it's less about how many are missing - it's more to do with if the training facilities are contained and able to be used.

      if you have enough players to play you must (just like other injuries).

      the issue with cancelling is that positives came late - and so they need to test all, and that takes time, so they can't use facilities while they are waiting.

      (something like that)

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

      Havertz has it again ?, wasn't he out for a while with a bad dose the last time

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    3. banskt
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A team has to ask the Premier League for suspension, otherwise the game goes ahead.

      This also makes me wonder why teams like ManU / Spurs asked for suspensions since they could have played a very competitive team even from their academy.

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      1. Warby84
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Players still must be registered, they can’t just dip down to U23 or reserves

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        1. banskt
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I assume it would not be difficult / time-consuming to register homegrown players (especially with the covid scenario) if they really want to go ahead with the fixture. Also helps to reduce future fixture congestion.

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      2. FPL Theorist
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        You mean Spurs should have fielded the same side that lost to NS Mura? That side ain't winning any PL matches.

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    4. El Presidente
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Secret is closing down the training ground, even for 24hrs only like United did.

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  2. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who to replace Guaita with that has a game this weekend (if the 5 games go ahead) ?

    A. Ramsdale
    B. Sa
    C. Martinez

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    1. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on fixtures that are on but if all these goalies have game then Ramsdale

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    3. adam wigan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Probably A. Arsenal play a day before wolves as well, so less chance of it being called off after the deadline passes

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  3. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best move?

    A get a playing keeper

    B swap Bilva for Foden

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    1. banskt
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A.

      Bilva could feature on Sunday.

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    2. Im New Here
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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    3. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      50/50 🙂

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  4. HD7
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Are the Man Utd, West Ham games definitely postponed?

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    1. banskt
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes.

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  5. jimmy.floyd
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Tierney or Targett? Have Ramsdale

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    1. PapaWengzz
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Tierney is very injury prone..

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      1. PapaWengzz
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        But could get more points in the short term

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  6. robt
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    For GW18 punt: (Antonio coming out)
    A. Kane
    B. Lacazette
    C. Jesus
    D. Other? (Got Watkins already)

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    1. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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  7. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Salah equalled Vardys record of either scoring or assisting in 15 successive games. 1 blank all season and even in that game he got a clean sheet point and had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside. Mental.

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  8. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What do we do with Jota now Firminio is back?

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    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Keep him.

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    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      The same guy who keeps scoring goals as an 8.0 mid - playing for the most attacking team as a striker?

      Can’t for the life of me imagine getting rid, but maybe there’s an upside somewhere in using his spot on someone else.

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

      Wait for AFCON and enjoy

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  9. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Somehow went through in the cup despite having only 5 players play

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  10. Bggz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best cheap forward to replace Davis (4.4 fodder)

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    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Gelhardt but if you can get to Broja he’s the real best one.

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

      Davis. Looks like Locadia has less chance of playing.

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    3. Firmino
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Someone who plays.

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  11. Firmino
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which move would you make?

    A) Antonio -> Lacazette
    B) Bowen -> Mount
    C) Bowen -> Saka
    D) Livra -> Tierney

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    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      only d

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

      B

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    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      On form it has to be B but A would would make you feel better not to see Antonio in your team again. Plus Lacazette played well this week

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      1. banskt
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        ha ha, this.

        Any idea when Aubameyang comes back to reclaim that position?

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        1. GreennRed
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Possibly never. Arteta doesn't sound like he has the red carpet ready for him.

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  12. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Cancelo TAA Rudiger Alonso
    Foden Bernardo Salah
    ASM
    (Sanchez Steele Livra Bowen Allan King Ronaldo)

    4 defs, 3 mids, 1 fwd is all I have for next week (and that forward is ASM who is against City and probably injured).

    Luckily I rolled an FT, but still means with a hit that at very best I'll get 10 out. This is after I had to take -8 2 GWs ago to get out 10 and had 10 this week (including Livramento's 1 pointer). Will wait until the latest point I can but should I do it? Likely going to downgrade Ronaldo, upgrade Sanchez to Ramsdale and then upgrade Livramento to Cash probably.

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  13. El Presidente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Alonso cleanie!! That's a nice surprise after looking at FT result

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    1. Kannbury
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Love the fact he went off then Chelsea conceded 🙂

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      1. El Presidente
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Tuchel should have known better... 🙂

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    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Just noticed this actually, that CS knocked me out of the cup lol

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  14. Lukakuna
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else who's still got the WC? What are your plans with it now, save yourself this week, or fix the team in case things look better by GW 20?

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    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Saving it until last possible GW

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      1. Lukakuna
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Your team looking okay this week?

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        1. Collie01
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          9 playing currently but with 2FTs should hopefully manage ok

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          1. Lukakuna
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah, easy decision then! I have 9 after transfers, so might pull the trigger come deadline. I'm afraid of the league being cancelled and not getting to use it too

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  15. PapaWengzz
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Livra > Tierney to beef up my bench for this weekend?

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    1. banskt
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You have a bench? \s

      Yes, go ahead by all means!

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      1. PapaWengzz
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Currently no bench but 11 starters..3 city, 3 Liverpool, 3 chelsea, then Watkins and Ramsdale. Its definitely risky to have 9 players from 3 teams!

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  16. Bggz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How good was Alonso's cheeky clean sheet 😀

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    1. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jammy

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    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      That won me my cup game by 2 points

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      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        ha - heck yeah!

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    3. El Presidente
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Legend

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

      felt real nice.
      would have loved the jammy bonus point too but couldn't quite hold on

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

        Would have needed basically yellow cards or a lot other minuses to those above. Glad to take it, but xA was pretty high today so perhaps we can say that luck evened out.

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  17. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Would you do any of these moves to field 11 next GW for a hit?

    A Gallagher to ESR/Saka/Martinelli -4
    B Livramento to Tierney or other def up to 4.7m -4

    Cheers

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    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No

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    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Got to have one eye on the longer term taking hits for one gw. Gallaghers a keeper for me

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    3. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers lads

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  18. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Guaita (blank), Allan (blank), Wilson (M City) to Ramsdale, Foden, Watkins for - 8 worth it?

    (Obviously dependent on postponements and 30 seconds before deadline)

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  19. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Through in the FFS Open Cup... A tie, but I go through on rank :mrgreen:

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    1. banskt
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers!

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  20. Bggz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    It seems hard and that FT seems like a great idea ..... but think of the juicy doubles coming up oooh

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  21. The Mighty Hippo
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I may use my FH to get a likely starter in for one of my West Ham players. Would you do:

    A). Bowen to Saka
    B) Antonio to Jiminez

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    1. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pool Spurs might be off, will need to wait for more info.

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      1. The Mighty Hippo
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah good point. I think this is a week to hold off as close to the deadline as possible.

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

      Hope you mean FT 😉
      A for me

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      1. The Mighty Hippo
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Oops, yes I meant FT of course!

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  22. gonzalocampos
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    If Bernardo is out I will buy Foden. If its available I would swap Livra for Targett (only .4M more).

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo - Alonso - James - TAA - Livra//Targett
    Raphina - Jota - Salah - Bernardo/Foden - Brownhill
    Watkins

    Subs: Foster - King - Antonio - Livra

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    1. Max City
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Is Bernardo injured?

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Muscle niggles. Ideal time for a rest.

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  23. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any rumours of any more potential postponements bubbling??!!

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

      Spurs vs Liverpool has be a doubt at least.

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      1. banskt
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        So, if Spurs v Liverpool and Wolves v Chelsea also get cancelled, there will be 3 matches over the weekend. Ideal. lol. 🙂

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        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          That will be a nightmare haha

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      2. banskt
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Also, isn't it Leicester who requested the suspension? I was under the impression that the Spurs team traveled to Leicester.

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        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Spurs were ready to play and you're correct, they travelled up yesterday.

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          1. banskt
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Do you know which players traveled with the team? Any photo leaks?

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    2. banskt
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Chelsea has a few players with Covid, e.g. Havertz, Lukaku, Hudson-Odoi, Werner.

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    3. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Could all be off but hopefully not. Not because of current situation but events turn very quickly. Would be surprised if there aren't new COVID positives within clubs by Saturday.

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  24. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Steele/Livra -> Ramsdale/Cash -4? (close to deadline)

    DDG Steele
    TAA James Cancelo Alonso Livra
    Salah Jota Bernardo ESR Gallagher
    Antonio Dennis Watkins

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    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cash on 4 YC, so are Gallagher, James?

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  25. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Cup game finished 65 a piece, going through 4-2 on goals scored. Phew

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    1. Warby84
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I got through 68-64

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  26. Max City
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ronaldo Townsend Mbeumo >> Watkins Foden Martinelli/Mount (-4) ?

    bench will be Foster, Dennis, Benteke, Livra (all has blank GW)

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    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      martinelli has hamstring injury

      in any case im waiting until 10 mins before the deadline

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  27. kbaby901
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Livra to Kansa for a -4?

    Bench is really soft. Counting on Bernardo or Gelhardt at the moment.

    Ramsdale (Sanchez)
    Trent Alonso James cancelo (Livra)
    Salah Jota Foden Mount (Bernardo)
    Watkins King (Gelhardt)

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    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Your team is better than most. Don’t take the hit

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  28. Paqueta Rice
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Currently I can field 9 the weekend but 2 of those are Lukaku and Bernardo. So realistically 7. Going to be tough with just 1ft

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    1. Firmino
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Bernardo will be fine.

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      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks Pep 😉

        Came off at HT with some “niggles” why rush him back when the other mids are all fit?

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  29. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Although I went back on a couple of annoying choices and still didn’t field 11 FH team 82pts team as it was 40pts so can’t complain

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  30. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Top 3 in FPL on 1253 points, 4th is 14 points away.

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    1. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’m within 100 points then! Daring to dream

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