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, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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

      1. delarrn
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

          Coleman --> Alonso and Capoue --> Siggy

          1. delarrn
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 8 days ago

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

    2. GE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      I would play Holebas and benched Williams.

      1. delarrn
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 days ago

        I don't have Williams

        1. GE
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 8 days ago

          Sorry, meant Coleman.

    3. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      I'd be looking to swap capoue to siggurdsson

      1. delarrn
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 days ago

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

  2. BigAsGiroud_
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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

  3. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

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

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      why

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 days ago

        To try to stop them from scoring i suppose

        1. I Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 days ago

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

        2. Costa's Counsellor
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 days ago

          Haha

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      Not a chance imo

  4. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    Whys Hazard not flagged yet? 😉

  5. Costa's Counsellor
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

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

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      Pedro and Walcott for sure in my squad.

  6. boc610
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

    Choose 1 to start:

    A - Prodl
    B - Capoue

  8. lordkippe
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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

    1. boc610
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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

        God knows.

  10. Ratatouille
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    Giroud owners who are you getting as replacement?

  11. bojack
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

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

    1. boc610
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      google 'gilbert godfried '..A ringer for Firmino

      1. bojack
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 days ago

        Haha good shout

  12. GreenArrows
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

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

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

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

    2. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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

  13. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    Remember the pre season hype for Andre Gray?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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

    3. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

    Would you start...

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

    Thanks

    1. Effendi007
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      B

    2. Swanremainsthesame
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

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

  15. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

      Ibra?

      1. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 days ago

        Nah will get Costa for a hit next week.

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 days ago

          But Costa will be suspended 😉

  16. Cruz88
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

      the manager never called it soccer too

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

      I'd go Kane

    4. bojack
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    Nico Rosberg Reties from F1 😯

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      retires

    2. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      Wow....! Didnt see that coming

    3. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      Weird that

    4. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 days 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
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days 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
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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

          2. buffrey
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

          Driver ability is a small part of being champ.

    6. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      You tell me, Counsellor.

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

        *pours drink on KoL*

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

    3. boc610
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

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

  19. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    Janssen to start tomorrow.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      How you feeling about tomorrow?

      Iniesta back, no Kroos, no Bale...

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

      Yup. No better time for him to smash it

    3. The Wise Owl
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      No Kane?

  20. Sif
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    Play Lallana or Capoue?

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      Adam.

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 days ago

        I'm fairly certain he can't play me

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 days ago

          Boy I'll play you like a fiddle.

          I'll show SIF the way.

  21. Sess!
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    What a Conte!

  22. FPLHaggis
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    Buy any two on WC:

    A) Cedric
    B) PVA
    C) Brunt

    1. Teror
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      A + C

  23. Shirokov(c)
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

      Why ask? You don't care anyway.

      1. Shirokov(c)
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 days ago

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

    2. Teror
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

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

  24. Costa's Counsellor
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

      Do you have him this week?

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 days ago

        No.

        *price immediately shoots up*

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 days ago

          Shiza.

  25. Teror
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    A. Diomande > Austin

    B. Diomande > Defoe

    1. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

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

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

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

  26. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 days ago

    Sebastian Vettel>Mercedes AMG Petronas?

    1. Shirokov(c)
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 days ago

      Be cool if Verstappen went.

      1. Get up ya bum
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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

  27. Salah Fingers
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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

  29. daviyb
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

      Nope.

      Siggy very good ofdensive threat.

      WBA not really an offensive team.

      1. daviyb
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

      Training photos is about it.

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days 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, 8 days ago

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