Team News
24 February 2017 737 comments
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Romelu Lukaku recovers from a calf problem in time for Everton’s Goodison Park clash with Sunderland. Andy Carroll remains a major doubt as West Ham travel to Watford, while Middlesbrough have a string of injury concerns in defence ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace.

Romelu Lukaku is available for Everton’s home match with Sunderland after recovering from a calf complaint. Ronald Koeman has also confirmed that Kevin Mirallas and James McCarthy are back in contention, with all three returning to training earlier in the week.

David Moyes has revealed that Jordan Pickford is back in training for Sunderland’s Goodison trip, though went on to say “we’ll have to see if he’s ready”. Steven Pienaar is doubtful due to a calf problem, while Jan Kirchhoff remains sidelined, despite stepping up his recovery with a return to training earlier in the week.

Middlesbrough have concerns over a trio of defenders for their trip to Crystal Palace. Antonio Karanka has confirmed that Antonio Barragan remains on the sidelines, while both George Friend and Calum Chambers have failed to train and are set to be assessed.

Andy Carroll has yet to train ahead of West Ham’s match with Watford and is a big doubt for the Vicarage Road showdown. Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku and Andrew Ayew all back in contention.

Craig Cathcart, Sebastian Prodl and Valon Behrami are all doubtful for the Hornets. Juan Zuniga has recovered from illness, though Costel Pantilimon, Nordin Amrabat and Christian Kabasele remain sidelined.

Sean Dyche is mulling over his Burnley midfield options, with both Steven Defour and Johann Berg Gudmundsson sidelined through injury for the trip to Hull City, while Jeff Hendrick serves the last of a three-match suspension.

Simon Francis is expected to be ruled out of Bournemouth’s visit to the Hawthorns, while Eddie Howe is set to make a late decision on the fitness of Jack Wilshere.

Tony Pulis was typically vague this morning ahead of West Brom’s clash with the Cherries – the Baggies boss revealed his squad have “one or two niggles” but failed to elaborate.

Ki Sung-yeung, Nathan Dyer and Jefferson Montero are all ruled out through injury as Swansea City make their way to league leaders Chelsea.

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 page accordingly to keep you informed.

737 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. DanwiseTheBrave
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    I haven't been on a lot in the last 24 hours, have we done all the Shakespeare jokes already?

    1. DanwiseTheBrave
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      "If all the year were playing holidays, to sport would be as tedious as to work."

      He didn't say anything about fantasy sport.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Toby? Or not Toby?

    3. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I haven't seen many, what you got?

      1. DanwiseTheBrave
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Not a lot sadly:

        Would be good if he referred to King as "every inch a king" in a presser.

    4. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      he died? spoiler alert... 🙁

      1. Leaf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Gutted Shakespear in love was a great film , was looking forward to the follow up

    5. DanwiseTheBrave
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Vardy doth protest too much?

  2. ROOTY7
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Arghh Heaton vs Jakupovic!! Surely i just go for the better keeper?

    1. soup natsi
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Go for the home team

    2. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Jaku

    3. jmcclory123
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I have Valdes or Jaku. I went for Jaku and also brought in Maguire.

    4. Laurel and Vardy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I asked the same question earlier today and got 4 out of 4 votes for Jaku. Just sayin'...

      1. ROOTY7
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Ffs 🙁 Heaton could be a nice differential then.

        1. TLF
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Burnley away form is awful

    5. Bushman
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Jak

  3. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Is the Mane potential injury rumour gathering pace?

    1. Numb
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      It is now

    2. ROOTY7
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Excuse me?!

    3. soup natsi
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Is this another trolling attempt or is there a valid rumour somewhere on the internets someone can perhaps link?

      1. ROOTY7
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Just googled and found nothing.

      2. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Someone mentioned it on the last page.

        1. DanwiseTheBrave
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Klopp talking to the press right now.

        2. soup natsi
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Which was deleted

      3. VS10_
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Hindu Monkey posted as a joke that Klopp will say that Mane is injured and then a couple of tools interpreted that as a real rumour.

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Is there such a thing as a real rumour?

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        😉

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Posted the wink far too soon 😉

      2. ROOTY7
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        haha phew 🙂

    4. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Clearly not true. Nothing out there suggesting this.

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      No smoke without fire.

  4. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed out....best WC fillers, gents?

    A) King & Crouch
    B) Phillips & Barnes

    I was initially set on A) mainly due to King playing OOP and Crouch having a DGW, but King has 2 tricky fixtures up first (wba, mun) and Crouch is getting on a bit (and with Berahino lurking) so I'm a little concerned about his minutes over the DGW. Also, B) means I'll have Phillips for his 2 plum fixtures up next (BOU, CPL) and a spare transfer in GW28 for Phillips -> King when the fixtures swing if needed. With that in mind the match up looks like being:

    A) King (wba), Crouch (mcy/MID)
    B) Phillips (BOU), Phillips (CRY) & Barnes (liv)

    1. Jive Turkey
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I prefer A

  5. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Anything between Robertson and Maguire?

    1. A.T
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Just good friends apparently

    2. soup natsi
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      0.1m
      and other options in central defence, albeit injured

  6. Espen8
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    I´m seriously considering McAuley for a hit this gw. Already have Phillips and Brunt. If I don´t do any hits, I have to play Stanislas.

  7. jmcclory123
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Davies & Dawson remain sidelined and are expected to be back in around three or four weeks time.

    Burnley, Leiscester and Swansea for Big Harry Maguire in those three games. Definitely a goal in him with those underlying stats and at least one CS

    1. Laurel and Vardy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Can't agree more.

  8. RicardoAVFC
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Defoe out for Kane -4 ?
    Fancy Kane to score at WHL vs Stoke. On pens too.

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      If you're planning to keep him long term. Not for me though looking at Spurs form without Rose.

    2. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Naaaa. I own both, but Defoe keeps up with the others due to steady production. Just hold and upgrade somewhere else.

  9. DanwiseTheBrave
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Chelsea FCVerified account‏@ChelseaFC now25 seconds ago

    On team news for tomorrow, Conte says everybody is fit and available. #CFC

    1. Puzzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Unbelievable. They can't go on this fortunate with injuries all season, surely?

      1. Sz21
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        doesnt even matter at this stage..

      2. LakhaneeFC
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Leicester did 🙂

      3. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        They will have an injury.

      4. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        See Leicester last season.

    2. Numb
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Chelsea rarely get many injuries

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      If he say if Pedro or Willian will start? 🙂

  10. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    So this potential dgw for city has me thinking. I have 2fts.
    Instead of Jones OUT brunt IN getting Maguire instead allows me the funds for ibra OUT,kun IN for that double gw.
    What ya think of that ???

    1. Park the bus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      definitely do it. very handy differential.

  11. Park the bus
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    needing some help guys. chasing a 50 point gap.

    rival doesn't and won't have Hazard this weekend. he's getting Mane. I alreeady have Coutinho already and looking for a differential - my gut all week has been Hazard in for Sanchez but clearly he will have a blank in 28. really feel this is a key week to chip into the lead- he doesn't have Lukaku either. are many on here getting Hazard in?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Not really.

    2. jmcclory123
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I would avoid. Swansea are more resilient now.

    3. Moses _H
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      U never know with hazard. He gets points at home so take the risk it might pay off.

    4. Team Bobcat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      You could go all out, get Rondon in, hand him the armband.

      I bet your rival will not captain him.

      50pts is not a big deal so now might not be the time to take such a gamble.

      Lukaku captain or the above...

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Id use this opportunity to get Mané also. Let Coutinho be your diff.

  12. Strchld
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Have to make transfer to get 11 players. Already done Sanchez » Mane.
    A) Amat » Hull defender and play 4-4-2 if yes, who?
    B) Stanislas » Snoddy and play 3-5-2
    If Stanislas would be nailed definitely A to have more players for gw 28. Hull can easily have 2 cs next 3 gw.
    Snoddy have CHE gw 27.
    Thanks!

  13. KISSES
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Argh ffs! Hernandez back for hull, my Niasse transfer now redundant!

    This isnt a joke either!

    1. A.T
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Is he a threat though? Looks useless to me.

      1. KISSES
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        I hope by available, Silva just means he is in squad rather than back starting. Niasse looked lively last couple.

        Annoyed as flag said Hernandez has 3-4 weeks out.

  14. IL Fantasista
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Off topic

    Any aussies around?
    Currently in Sydney, suggestions for the weekend apart from CBD, Harbour and Bondi?

    Cheers mates!

    1. Numb
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      What time is it there?

      1. IL Fantasista
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        00:32.

        But I'm used to it by now.

    2. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      go to Coogee over Bondi

  15. Kryten
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Dawson and Davies so triple captain on ffs darling Maguire... this place go in meltdown if he scores this week

  16. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Which pair do you prefer for the rest of the season?

    A) Sanchez Kane

    B) Aguero Hazard

    1. LakhaneeFC
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Sanchez Costa?

    2. Sideways Backwards
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      A, easily

    3. IL Fantasista
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      A

    4. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      A

  17. Sideways Backwards
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Is it worth keeping KDB in case of the double, or just move him on as planned because he won't get points anyway?

    1. Champione
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      would definitely hold even though he has been playing very deep for the last few games. Keep a possible dgw player

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Obviously keep him

    3. Sideways Backwards
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      cheers, means getting rid of Ibra for Lukaku and going without Mane

  18. Champione
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Early thoughts on best City mid for possible DGW27

    A) Sane 7.5
    B) Sterling 7.8

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling seems less chance of rotation imo

      1. Champione
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        cheers, that's an important factor

    2. Margarido
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      both!

    3. nicoTours
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling. He'said my next transfer what ever happen to City in the Cup.

  19. NachoMan
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    I jumped on the bandwagon and bought in Mane and Maguire for Sanchez and Morgan (for free).

    Anything else worth a hit?

    Foster (Grant)

    Brunt, PVA, Coleman, Maguire (Amat)

    Eriksen, Phillips, Mane, Zaha, Capoue

    Kaku (c) (Kun, Ibra)

    1. Champione
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      got Kun already, nice! Gtg this week

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Fair play on not having sold Aguero earlier this week. I shipped for Lukaku...

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Some people have all the luck/skill.

      Sorted

  20. FF Dirtbag
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Grant
    Alonso Baines Brunt
    Mane Alli Siggy Phillips Fletcher
    Lukaku(c) Defoe

    Pickford; Chambers, Ibra, Amat... 0 FT and 5.9 mill in the bank.

    Am I good for the weekend?

  21. Legomane
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Assist me if you will.
    Aguero (27) and Siggy + Liverpool mid (28) to come in whichever option - just a matter of timing (and Holgate).
    Cheers.

    A.
    Holgate : SUN tot WBA
    Siggy : BUR
    Hazard : whu
    (2x DGW : 8x BGW inc. Holgate)

    B. (-4 pts)
    Brunt : BOU CPL eve
    Siggy : BUR
    Alli : EVE
    (2x DGW : 8x BGW)

    C. (-8 pts)
    Brunt : BOU CPL eve
    Sterling : sun/STK
    Alli : EVE
    (3x DGW : 8x BGW)

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      C. I think Sterling will be a must for the DGW.

      Have just made Lego 31052 with my son. It's awesome 🙂

      1. Legomane
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Nice. Just need to get him into Lego Starwars now 🙂

  22. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    If I captain Rondon and he gets a brace or above I should get a free membership next year

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Just do it

    2. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I'll pay for your membership if it happens.

  23. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Is there risk of Nyom being benched tomorrow ? If so is a transfer of Holgate to either

    A Brunt (and have double WBA for 28) or
    B Robertson

    worth a - 4 as have no bench warmers likely to come on (Holgate or Yoshida)

  24. Zinedine Kilbane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Any1 worth bringing in for a hit for stanislas @ 5.1m.
    No1 to come off the bench

    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Slim pickings at that price range.

      How much is Lanzini?

    2. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Allen maybe as they'll have the DGW? Nothing too inspiring around that price point tbh.

    3. Margarido
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      How far can you go?

    4. Zinedine Kilbane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      5.1 is the limit. Lanzini over 6. don't think il bother- 10men will have to do

    5. I Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Morrison (4.7) has two great fixtures and a game in 28. Should pay off over the next 3 but heard murmurs about him possibly carrying a knock.

  25. Numb
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Did Klopp confirm that Mane is fit?

    1. A.T
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Why would he?

      1. Numb
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Press Conference?

        1. A.T
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          They usually name the ones that are injured rather than the ones that are fit.

      2. Numb
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Just checking before I pull the trigger

        1. A.T
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          And there's me thinking you were just trolling.

          1. Numb
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 11 months ago

            😆 no I really want to bring him in.

            1. A.T
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 11 months ago

              Do it in the morning. He might get injured in training today 😀

              1. Numb
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 11 months ago

                Good thinking

  26. Margarido
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Jaku
    Alonso Coleman Brunt
    Alexis Alli Firmino Siggy Phillips
    Lukaku Jesus

    Heaton Barnes Ake Kingsley
    1.4M ITB and 1 FT

    Alexis -> Mané its assured.

    But then, and regarding the possibility of a DGW27 for City,
    Would you hold Jesus -> Costa (-4), and risk going only with 11 this GW, so you can do Jesus -> Kun next week?

    thoughts welcome

  27. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    G2G lads?

    Worth taking a hit to do Stan > snoddy?

    Heaton
    Walker. Baines. Brunt. Holebas
    Mané. Eriksen. Phillips
    Kane. Lukaku. Costa

    Subs. Pick. Stan. DeRoon. Amat

    4.0 in bank

  28. Aditya K
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Hello guys,
    Help needed!

    Foster,
    Alonso, Smith, Holebas, Chambers, Pieters
    Alli, Lalllana, Siggy, Philips, Zaha
    Ibra, Lukaku, Carroll.

    used my 1 ft.

    Plan A)
    GW 26: Chambers > Baines (-4) Will have 8 for GW 28
    GW 27: Ibra & Zaha > Kun & Sterling
    GW 28: Sterling & Pieters > Mane & Coleman/Brunt (-4). 10 players

    Plan B)
    GW 26: Ibra > Costa
    GW 27: Costa & Zaha > Kun & Sterling
    GW 28: Pieters & Sterling > Baines & Mane (-4). 9 players.

    I know Plan A has 10 players with same point hits..but Costa record vs Swansea is making me think about plan B.

    Thanks

  29. Jambot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    What do you think

    Foster
    Coleman Brunt Alonso
    Mane Alli Snodgrass Phillips Stan*
    Benteke Lukaku(c)

    Grant Ibra* Holgate* Love*

    Already used one transfer on Sanchez >Mane is it worth a -4 to get maguire for love to ensure 11 this week lose the dead weight and have another player for the blank week?

    27 - Alli Teke > Kun Siggy

    Leaves 9+Holgate and Stan for 28 and 2 for DGW 27 worthy two hits

  30. albert
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Here are a couple of MLS league codes, if we have anyone interested. Classic 1111-1699 and H2H 1111-1700 (max 20).

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Joined...
      Just hope work doesn't make me miss deadlines this season.
      Will give it a good go this season.

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        And thanks for starting them.

    2. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Yes thanks. I've joined the classic league