Team News
2 December 2016 817 comments
Paul Paul
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Roberto Firmino has returned to training and is expected to be fit for Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth. Toby Alderweireld is also back training ahead of Spurs’ clash with Swansea, while West Ham are without both first-choice wing-backs for the visit of Arsenal.

Philippe Coutinho is ruled out of Liverpool’s clash with Bournemouth due to an ankle injury. Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana are back in full training, though Daniel Sturridge is ruled out. Discussing Firmino’s fitness, Jurgen Klopp was optimistic on his availability for Sunday:

“Roberto trained yesterday, too. That’s important. There’s still a little bit of pain – it’s painful but not that serious. When you can deal with the pain, then everything is fine. He is quite a tough guy, so he came through the session yesterday. Again, we have to see how he reacts and that’s it.”

Kasper Schmeichel remains ruled out for Leicester’s clash with Sunderland, with Claudio Ranieri optimistic the Dane could be back “before Christmas Day”. Danny Drinkwater serves the second of a two-match ban, though Nampalys Mendy and Ben Chilwell are back in contention.

Tom Heaton remains “touch and go” for Burnley’s match at Stoke – the keeper requires a late assessment on a calf problem. Sean Dyche is hopeful on Dean Marney’s chances of recovering, though Johann Berg Gudmundsson has been ruled out with a hamstring complaint.

Danny Rose returns from a one-match ban as Spurs welcome Swansea to White Hart Lane. Toby Alderweireld is back in training and is “very close” to being available, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed. Erik Lamela and Ben Davies remain out through injury.

Palace’s Steve Mandanda will undergo knee surgery and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, while Connor Wickham is out for the season with knee ligament damage. Yohan Cabaye serves a one-match ban after toppling off the Suspension Tightrope.

Dusan Tadic and Matt Targett remain sidelined for Southampton’s trip to Palace. Discussing Tadic, manager Claude Puel has conceded “I don’t know when he’ll return”, with the midfielder still struggling due to a broken nose.

Ryan Mason is expected to recover from illness for Hull’s trip to Middlesbrough. Abel Hernandez and Shaun Maloney have stepped up their recoveries from injury but remain doubtful and will be assessed. Dieumerci Mbokani starts the first of a three-match ban.

Miguel Britos and Valon Behrami serve one-match bans for Watford’s trip to West Brom. Walter Mazzarri will make a late decision on the fitness of Younes Kaboul and Isaac Success.

Arsenal have confirmed that Santi Cazorla will be sidelined for around three months, with the midfielder set to undergo ankle surgery. Olivier Giroud remains doubtful due to a minor groin problem, while Mathieu Debuchy has been ruled out with the hamstring injury that forced him off against Bournemouth last weekend. Mohamed Elneny remains a slight doubt due to illness.

Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell have also been ruled out of tomorrow evening’s encounter after both limped out of the midweek cup defeat to Man United with groin problems.

Ryan Shawcross remains a doubt for Stoke’s clash with Burnley due to the calf problem that caused him to miss last Sunday’s win at Watford. Joe Allen returns from a one-match suspension, while Glenn Whelan is expected to overcome a calf problem. Geoff Cameron and Phil Bardsley remain out due to ongoing knee injuries. Jack Butland will step up his recovery from an ankle problem by turning out for the club’s Under 23 side this evening.

Salomon Rondon is expected to be fit for West Brom’s clash with Watford, despite being sent home from training yesterday due to tonsillitis.

Artur Boruc remains a doubt for Bournemouth’s home clash with Liverpool, Eddie Howe confirmed earlier this morning. Andrew Surman is ruled out with a hamstring complaint, while the Cherries will “make a late call” on Charlie Daniels’ hip problem.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Friday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

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817 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. delarrn
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Any changes you'd make?

    Foster
    Coleman/Cedric/McAuley
    Hazard/Walcott/Firmino/Capoue
    Aguero/Costa/Defoe

    Pickford/Holebas/Hojbjerg/Amat

    1FT 2.2m ITB

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      What are you saving the money for? Capoue to Siggy?

      1. delarrn
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Planning to bring in Alonso from Chelsea after the City game. Not sure who for tho, poss Amat.

        1. FPLtfs
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Coleman --> Alonso and Capoue --> Siggy

          1. delarrn
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Sounds lovely, but I'd need to find another 1.3 mil to do that..

    2. GE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I would play Holebas and benched Williams.

      1. delarrn
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I don't have Williams

        1. GE
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Sorry, meant Coleman.

    3. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'd be looking to swap capoue to siggurdsson

      1. delarrn
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I can't - got Capoue early, so need to find an extra 0.3 to do that swap.

  2. BigAsGiroud_
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    GTG? 0FT 0.1ITB

    Heaton
    Pieters Lovren Cedric
    Sanchez Hazard Firmino Redmond
    Rondon Kun Lukaku

    sub:Pickford Capoue Holebas McAluey

    1. delarrn
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good to me, tho I gave up on Lukaku a while back

  3. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone think Chelsea might return to 4 at the back against city?

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      why

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        To try to stop them from scoring i suppose

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

          A back 3 with wing backs is a more defensive setup than a back 4.

        2. Costa's Counsellor
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Haha

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Not a chance imo

  4. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Whys Hazard not flagged yet? 😉

  5. Costa's Counsellor
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone think they have a "sitting duck" for rotation over Christmas?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Pedro and Walcott for sure in my squad.

  6. boc610
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    conte could give two fuchs about FF, hes presented us with an injury mystery box....

    who could it be?

  7. CarrollsPonytail
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Choose 1 to start:

    A - Prodl
    B - Capoue

  8. lordkippe
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Is it really worth taking a hit to get rid of heaton ? I think he is a long term option in my team and Its no guarantee another keeper will take 4 points this week. Heaton probably back next gameweek if not for this. Jakupovic Might also get a start I think

  9. Costa's Counsellor
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Surely it's more about the fitness of potential incomers for Chelsea rather than the starters?

    1. boc610
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      im not sure...hes always mentioned them before.I forsee tears on here when lineups anounced

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I really hope he's talking about Zouma and Fabregas.

        God knows.

  10. Ratatouille
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Giroud owners who are you getting as replacement?

  11. bojack
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Firmino's pic on FPL makes him look like he should be the guitarist in a hardcore punk band.

    1. boc610
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      google 'gilbert godfried '..A ringer for Firmino

      1. bojack
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Haha good shout

  12. GreenArrows
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know why Stanislas has gone yellow? Havent heard any news.....

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looked like he went off with a calf injury in the Arsenal game.

    2. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He was substituted with a knock last weekend as far as I know. Eddie Howe has been particularly cryptic this season with news.

      1. GreenArrows
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks guys, its only just changed today hence I was confused

  13. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Remember the pre season hype for Andre Gray?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nothing wrong with that. He was on fire in the championship and started the season well. All the tweeting business may have had in impact on his output

    2. bojack
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. I got the points for his goal v Liverpool. Every little helps.

    3. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He did well for me the 2 weeks i owned him.

      Scored vs liverpool

      Decent player but his career hasnt recovered from those tweets

  14. wycombewanderers
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Would you start...

    A) Zaha (Sou H)
    B) Siggy (Tot A)

    Thanks

    1. Effendi007
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Swanremainsthesame
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Siggy.
      pens,free kicks, fixture proof record.
      no chance of a cs bonus point tho.

  15. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Damn you Lukaku. Already have Kane so will have to eat a -0,3 price drop now.

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ibra?

      1. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Nah will get Costa for a hit next week.

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          But Costa will be suspended 😉

  16. Cruz88
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    To those captaining Kane, are you concerned that he hasn't scored against Swansea since 2014, despite featuring in the 3 games since (which were 3:2, 2:2 and 2:1)? Still trying to decide between him and Sanchez (c), need to get it right this week!

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      the manager never called it soccer too

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      After watching west ham midweek I'd def captain sanchez if I had him.

    3. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'd go Kane

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

      There's no meaning in him never having scored v Swansea. More pertinent is the fact he's a good forward leading the line for a good side at home to a horrendous defence.

      1. Cruz88
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        This is true, past results are just past results. Maybe though I remember getting burned by captaining him in this fixture last season and can't shake it 🙂

  17. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Nico Rosberg Reties from F1 😯

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      retires

    2. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Wow....! Didnt see that coming

    3. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Weird that

    4. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      The pressure must've got to him.
      This is like Lauda vs Hunt, except here Lauda has retired

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I don't think so he has achieved his dream and now probably wants to focus on his family great lad Nico i wish him well

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Either that or he realises he got lucky and can't compete with Hamilton on a level playing field

          1. ronty
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            The F1 is anyways a bloody joke now

            Mercs so far ahead of thee curve even Schumi's domination looks pedantic

    5. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      haha. Why not. He's got his world championship, and he only just managed that despite Hamilton having much worse reliability.

      Of course he's a good driver, but there are many better drivers about

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        You cant say that there are 21 races and if you come out on top after that you are champ he won the first 4 races in a row and reliability problems are part of the F1 game Hamilton is a sore loser he should be ashamed of himself the way he carried on like a bold child

        1. pompeyfan
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          fair play, of course he deserves to be world champion, it's a slog of a season.

          I just think if you look at all the stats, his pace, fastest laps, etc.. he is the inferior driver. To Hamilton I mean, and probably to Alonso, Verstappen, Vettel too. I doubt the stars would've aligned again for a further world title. Just my opinion.

          1. Pierce34
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            I wouldn't necessarily say 'inferior' - slower than Hamilton, yes. Statistically by about 0.150 seconds I think, but his resilience and consistency make up for it, at least this season.

            1. pompeyfan
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              ok, slower then, that is tangible. Unfortunately things like resilience aren't quite as measurable.

          2. buffrey
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            I disagree with this. In fact I'd go as far as saying that maybe Hamilton got the fastest laps, but in race conditions Rosberg did the necessary, he may have got some luck, but that all part of it.. Width of a post and all.

            On a similar vein though I endorse Hamilton slowing down tactics to try and win as that's also good driving and realisation of tactics.

            To say this won't happen again to a driver though is also not quit right, as I find that almost EVERY season it's not the diver that wins, but the car. Schumacher the only one in recent memory to actually win without being in the best car, although the car difference was more marginal then.

            1. Pierce34
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              When did Schumacher win the title when not in the best car? Benetton in '94? Because he always had it with Ferrari.

              1. buffrey
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Yep, but also the fact he competed, even without the best car.. But either way, getting in the right car is half the battle, the other half is riding the bumps and humps and making it to the end with style and dignity.

        2. Get up ya bum
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Driver ability is a small part of being champ.

    6. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Very strange, though I can see where he's coming from. I wonder who will replace him. Perhaps Button will come out of retirement 😉

  18. Costa's Counsellor
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    "Diego Costa is showing passion in the right way" as the player continues to avoid being booked.

    Do you think Conte finally out-psychoed him?

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      You tell me, Counsellor.

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I've got him on a new treatment.

        He sacrifices a farm animal of his choice every week before the game and eats however much of it he wants. Seems to be working.

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nope once a psycho always a psycho. Situ is similar to one i had with my ex tbh. They seem ok for a short period but its not long till theyre back their old ways and throwing drinks on people

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        *pours drink on KoL*

        That's what ya get for talking about our history.

    3. boc610
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      'diego. behave or I tell everyone your real age'

  19. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Janssen to start tomorrow.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      How you feeling about tomorrow?

      Iniesta back, no Kroos, no Bale...

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Nervous.. Barca will be very up for it.

        We still have more than enough to handle it, but Bale and to a slightly lesser extent Kroos are biiiiiig losses.

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I fancy you guys for it. Barca seemed to have abandoned their principles for that front 3.

          Zidane > Enrique 🙂

          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            I completely agree, but they still have that front 3 😆

            Zidane has been a very pleasant surprise 🙂

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yup. No better time for him to smash it

    3. The Wise Owl
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No Kane?

  20. Sif
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Play Lallana or Capoue?

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Adam.

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I'm fairly certain he can't play me

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Boy I'll play you like a fiddle.

          I'll show SIF the way.

  21. Sess!
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What a Conte!

  22. FPLHaggis
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Buy any two on WC:

    A) Cedric
    B) PVA
    C) Brunt

    1. Teror
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A + C

  23. Shirokov(c)
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Foster
    Rose, Evans, Pieters
    Sanchez(c), Walcott, Mane, Sig
    Ibra, Costa, Austin

    (Pickford; Capoue, Holebas, Amat)

    Good to go?

    1. Teror
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Why ask? You don't care anyway.

      1. Shirokov(c)
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        That's only a facade, I care deep down.

    2. Teror
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say your good, but I'd rather Ibra > Kane.

  24. Costa's Counsellor
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I've only not had Sanchez for 3GWs this season and he's scored four goals in those games...

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Do you have him this week?

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        No.

        *price immediately shoots up*

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Shiza.

  25. Teror
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    A. Diomande > Austin

    B. Diomande > Defoe

    1. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A, Austin is cheaper and Saints are a much better side than Sunderland

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Go for chazza but i rekon defoe would be up there at the end of the year

  26. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Sebastian Vettel>Mercedes AMG Petronas?

    1. Shirokov(c)
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Be cool if Verstappen went.

      1. Get up ya bum
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Might be better off at red bull with the aero changes.
        Next year could be ricciardos I reckon

    2. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Hamilton v Alonso vol2 would be nice, but won't happen.

  27. Salah Fingers
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Am i gtg? £0itb

    Foster

    Alonso - Pieters - Lovren

    Ozil - Firmino - Walcott - Sigurdson

    Augero - Kane - Benteke

    (Pickford - De roon - Amat - Souare)

  28. rnrd
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    can't decide between Aguero and Ibra as a captain this GW..

  29. daviyb
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Chadli over Siggy anyone? He's on pens also, has better stats per time played. I've always liked Siggy, but Chadli looks to have stronger potential upside, plus of course he's in a far better team.

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nice fishing with that last part....

      In answer to your question no. West brom points seem spread out at moment and their good run of fixtures is nearing an end.

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nope.

      Siggy very good ofdensive threat.

      WBA not really an offensive team.

      1. daviyb
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        WBA have still scored more though. (17 so far to Swansea's 16). Chadli also has a goal involvement % of 75 compared to Gylfi's 53.3.

  30. GENERATION X
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Where the best place for Heaton news? They said they would make a decision before tonight but other than Twitter feeds I'm not sure where to go post press conference...

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Training photos is about it.

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Worst comes to worse you'll be down to 10 men this week (if you don't have cover) and then heaton will be back next week. No point taking a hit for a goalie who might only get you 1 or 2pts.

      1. GENERATION X
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah I have the odd bit of change to get to Grant or more likely Pickford, then the hit becomes a 2 pointer and I get some cover. If I was sure he plays I'd just leave it...Jaku is still not getting a game...

        1. daviyb
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I was in eaxact same boat ; Heaton / Jaku my keepers... luckily had a FT... Pickford in for Jaku... no point in lying awake tonight worrying about Heaton 🙂

          1. GENERATION X
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Nice - I'm already on a -4 so I suspect I will leave it...no real point getting Grant either now Jack's back

            1. daviyb
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              yea I wouldn't have taken a hit to do so