Team News
15 December 2017 625 comments
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Fantasy mangers wait on Watford’s afternoon press conference with Richarlison set to be assessed ahead of their home encounter with Huddersfield Town.

Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsey is sidelined for Arsenal’s home clash against Newcastle United, Alvaro Morata may yet remain a doubt for Chelsea’s home meeting with Southampton, while Ben Mee and Matt Lowton are both available for the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Here’s our summary of the key team news so far, with an array of big press conferences still to come later today.

After being rested against Southampton, Vicente Iborra, Marc Albrighton and Demarai Gray could all be handed recalls for Leicester City’s home clash against Crystal Palace.

The Eagles will be without the suspended Luka Milivojevic, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 2-1 win over Watford – he is likely to be replaced by James McArthur. Roy Hodgson has problems in defence, though, with Mamadou Sakho and Joel Ward both ruled out, while Timothy Fosu-Mensah (hamstring) could also join them on the sidelines.

Aaron Ramsey will miss Arsenal’s home fixture against Newcastle United due to a hamstring injury, and faces three weeks on the sidelines. Shkodran Mustafi has returned to training but may not be risked by Arsene Wenger. Alexandre Lacazette is set to return against the Magpies after being rested to the bench in midweek, while Sead Kolasinac also looks poised for a recall.

Jonjo Shelvey will miss the trip to the Emirates due to suspension after being sent off in Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Everton. He could be replaced by Isaac Hayden in central midfield, while Rob Elliot and Joselu may also push for recalls.

After only coming on as substitutes in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Pascal Gross and Glenn Murray are expected to return to the starting XI for Brighton & Hove Albion’s home encounter with Burnley. Bruno should also come back into the side after being rested in midweek.

Clarets boss Sean Dyche has revealed that Ben Mee and Matt Lowton will both be available for the trip to the Amex Stadium. But Stephen Ward is a doubt after suffering a knock to his knee in the 1-0 win over Stoke City, with a decision set to be made later today.

Alvaro Morata could remain a doubt for Chelsea’s home clash against Southampton, with Antonio Conte expected to provide an update on the striker’s fitness in his press conference later this afternoon. Morata was pictured back in training yesterday.

Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge, but following the 4-1 home defeat to Leicester City, the likes of Wesley Hoedt, James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond could push for recalls.

Kurt Zouma will miss Stoke City’s home fixture against West Ham United after being forced off with a hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat to Burnley. Kevin Wimmer looks set to replace the Chelsea loanee, while Eric Choupo-Moting may push for a recall in place of Ramadan Sobhi.

The Hammers will be without the suspended Winston Reid for the trip to the bet365 Stadium, so either James Collins or Declan Rice look set to deputise in central defence.

Richarlison is a doubt for Watford’s home clash against Huddersfield Town after picking up a groin problem in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace. Kiko Femenia will also be checked after appearing to suffer a fresh injury after coming on as a late substitute at Selhurst Park, while Tom Cleverley and Marvin Zeegelaar are both suspended.

After scoring as a substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea, Laurent Depoitre could replace Steve Mounie up front for Huddersfield’s trip to Vicarage Road. Kasey Palmer is available to return after being ineligible to face his parent club.

Kyle Walker and Leroy Sane are expected to return to the starting XI for Manchester City’s home meeting with Spurs after being rested in midweek. Gabriel Jesus was an unused substitute on Wednesday night and will push for a start in place of Sergio Aguero. Vincent Kompany is expected to miss out once again due to a muscle problem.

As for Spurs, there should be recalls for Dele Alli, Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier after the trio were rested for the 2-0 win over Brighton. Mousa Dembele is another who could return to the starting XI at the Etihad, after only playing 23 minutes as a substitute in midweek.

West Bromwich Albion head coach Alan Pardew may hand a recall to Jay Rodriguez for the visit of Manchester United to The Hawthorns, while Sam Field is another who could push for a start. Gareth Barry (thigh), Matt Phillips (hamstring) and Nacer Chadli (muscle problem) all remain doubtful.

Ashley Young should return at left-back for Manchester United after being rested in midweek, but Jose Mourinho will again be without Paul Pogba, who serves the final game of his three-match ban. Marcos Rojo remains a doubt due to a head injury.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is expected to hand a recall to Jermain Defoe after the forward only featured as a late substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United. Andrew Surman and Lewis Cook could also return to the starting XI for the Cherries.

Jurgen Klopp will be without the suspended Emre Can for the trip to the south coast, after the midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the goalless draw with West Brom.

Leighton Baines is expected to remain out with a calf injury, so Sam Allardyce could name an unchanged starting XI for Everton’s home meeting with Swansea City on Monday night. He’s reported no new injuries, while Yannick Bolasie could even figure from the bench against the Swans: he returns to U23 action tonight.

As for the Swans, Federico Fernandez looks poised for a recall in central defence in place of Mike van der Hoorn following the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.

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.

625 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. _Make
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Come on Rich! Make us proud.

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      come on proud, make us rich!

    2. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      so many of us waiting on Watford presser... who'd have thought this @ the start of the year

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        What time is it?

        1. kennethrhcp
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          1.30pm

          ozil posted them all earlier... check hot topic 🙂

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers ken

  2. GOTHAM City F.C.
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    So who's your captain!

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard !

    3. el polako
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Coutinho

      1. arndff_
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        You'll end up disappointed. Brought him in @GW16 to Silva's place and it backfired as hell.

        If I can turn back the time, I'd never touch him [Coutinho] again. 🙂

        But if you think it's a calculated risk or whatever, go on. Good luck!

    4. LSP
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Haz

    5. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Haz

      1. arndff_
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Same here, mate. Made my movies last night:

        Daniels, Naughton > Christensen, Ogbonna.

        Wanted to buy Masuaku, but came 0.1M short. Hope there won't be a big difference tho.

        Good luck! 😉

    6. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Lacazette

      he should be yours too

      1. GOTHAM City F.C.
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        i brought him in just this gw;)

      2. arndff_
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        1 goal max for 70' on the pitch -- that's my prediction. 😛

    7. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard

    8. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Salah

    9. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

    10. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Coutinho Hazard or Salah.. or Morata
      Damn it

  3. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else really struggling against dead teams? One in my ML hasn't touched his team from gw1, and has 973 points. He didn't even have a single defender play midweek and got 66 points.

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      out of pure nosiness... link?

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Ffs! What’s the point! Might try a ghost ship team next season

        2. kennethrhcp
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          some going by him... but even better by you!!! keep that 1st place going 😉

    2. kysersosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thats this season summed up!

    3. _Make
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      That is an astonishing score and OR! If only he knew/cared.

    4. EMERGING STAR
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Its unbelievable.. Cant even say its luck.

  4. OldBenKenobi
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    DCL signed a new longterm contract!
    Full of beans now!
    Brace inbound....

    1. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Unfortunately, I've got Niasse. Gonna sell him for DCL, but later this month... 🙂

    2. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Isn't that a bad thing for us owners, though?

      I mean, players usually give their best before they sign a new contract and after that they do not feel the pressure to perform so much.

      1. DJ1000
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        It would be a bad thing if it was adebayor. But I think the young Calvert Lewin has a lot of ambition

  5. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Also, if you were Tottenham, surely you wouldn't play Ben Davies this week, Rose has much more pace to cope with Sterling

    1. kysersosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thats the thing with the spurs full back rotation, and in some way I think why they are under performing as a team. Doesn't matter how you do in your previous game you get rotated.

  6. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Fabianski, Elliot
    Christensen, Otamendi, Mee, Ogbonna, Mariappa
    Salah, Hazard, Sterling, Richarlison, RLC
    Kane, Morata, Austin

    0FT, 0.9 ITB.
    Is it worth getting Jones/Smalling for -4?
    Any move would you suggest guys? Cheers!

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You've already missed Jones rise, so just stick to your current squad. 😉

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        cheers. I got Ogbonna for Daniels and thinking that my def looks ok for now. maybe I wont get Jones at all with Christ and Ota already there but all depends on ijnuries

    3. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      no you've a grand defence there this week

  7. pakornk
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Play 2 from these

    1.Masuaku
    2.Dunk
    3. Daniels
    4. RLC

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      1 and 2

    2. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      1,4

      Dunk has score too many own goals. If I remember theirs count right, 3 so far... Blah.

  8. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Morata has better chance than Richarlison in returning this weekend. Groin strain vs fatigue (oh and a back issue).

    1. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      The Spaniard took his rest already, so he should be back imho.

  9. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Defender free transfer decision...

    Got:
    Elliot, Foster
    Ward, Daniels, Kolasinac, Otamendi, Kabasele

    Sell:
    a. Ward
    b. Daniels

    Buy:
    1. Masuaku
    2. Kenny
    3. Someone else? (Up to 4.9m)

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Wardy, Masuaku

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. That's what I'm leaning towards. Is Masuaku nailed on for Christmas? (Pardon the pun!)

    2. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B 2 (or Masuaku)

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Tricky decision this one.

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Ogbonna, thank me later

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        How come? Is he more nailed? More of an attacking threat?

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          BAPS, same nailedness, same threat if not better IMO

  10. wanaj84
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    1) dcl or okazaki?
    2) young or choupo moting?

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      DCL & Choupo

    2. Boss Hogg
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      DCL plus one other

    3. wanaj84
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      tqvm

  11. Viper
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Foster Elliot

    Jones Mee Otamendi Moreno Daniels

    Hazard Salah Sterling RLC Gross

    Kane Firmino Austin

    2.3m itb. 1ft

    A. Moreno - > Kenny (keeps funds for a big upgrade elsewhere)

    B. Foster & Daniels - > DDG & Christensen - 4

    C. Other. Suggest? Thanks

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B, dont usually advise a GK and defender transfer for -4 but they look good long term moves. Reply fail below.

    3. FantaCity
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B will pay dividends

    4. rvp786
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      maybe take out daniels and moreno for christensen and kenny/kolasebe/wh def

      1. Viper
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        That would be for a hit I don't need to take. Foster - >DDG may be needed though

        Your suggestion will eventually happen but I don't think it's worth a hit this week.

        Cheers for the suggestion

  12. GreenArrows
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    B, dont usually advise a GK and defender transfer for -4 but they look good long term moves

    1. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Reply fail, to post above

    2. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks

  13. LosBlancos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Why aren't you guys worried that Hazard (and Salah) might be rested, or at the very least taken off early?
    Both managers rotate.

    Can we be confident in Hazard's minutes because he was subbed early in the last game?

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I don't know who to go for between Morata, Hazard, Salah and Coutinho but if Morata is back he might be the freshest

    2. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I think they need Hazard, especially if Morata does not start or fit for full 90

    3. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard can rest for a week, he'll play.

  14. FantaCity
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you rather have in your team ?
    A) David Silva
    B ) Coutino

    ... and how about these two longterm ?

    1. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Short-term B, long-term A.

    4. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A
      B may yet leave next month...

  15. Viper
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Who exactly will he be assessed by? They don't have a physio 😆

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I’m sure they can schedule a doctor appointment. You can, too!

    2. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      The dinner ladies?

  16. Super Silva
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Ben Dinnery

    No fresh injury concerns for Everton.

    Long-term absentees - Coleman / Funes Mori / McCarthy / Barkley - remain just that.

    But, Bolasie is edging closer to a return and 'could' feature on Monday.

    #EFC

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Love Bolassie. He reminds me of Leon out of Curb Your Enthusiasm!

  17. Bring the Cavalry
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is richarlison going to drop tonight? Won’t be able to make my moves next gw if he does

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He won't

      1. Bring the Cavalry
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Nice one, cheers

  18. Viper
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    It's hard to see Richarlison playing. Silva had suggested he may need a rest, he's obviously carrying some sort of a knock and it's a very winnable game without him

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      We also want to know whether it's just this week where he's a doubt

      1. Darklord_bg
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Unfortunately they are unlikely to provide this sort of information.

  19. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go?

    Fabianski
    Bellerin Otamendi Tarkowski Ake
    Salah(v) KDB Mane
    DCL(c) Kane Firmino

    Elliot Ritchie Carroll Zeegalar

    1. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      fook me

      what a cappo choice.

      hope it pays off scotty

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good! Lots of Pool!

  20. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Would you donWard+Kiko >> Jones+Mariappa?

    Fabianski
    Christensen • Otamendi • Duffy
    Salah • Richarlison • Hazard • Coutinho
    Kane • Morata • DCL

    (Elliot / RLC / Ward / Kiko)

    1. MTPockets
        8 years, 1 month ago

        For free yes.

      • walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I did something like that (ogbonna and jones from Kiko and Ward) yesterday for a hit even. Strategic move to get Jones back, at relatively lower end of his market price, and lose some injury doubts. This is a bust if Jones gets hurt again, which is a known risk.

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Wish I could do it with Ogbonna or Musuaku

    2. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Bolasie on his way back is another plus for Everton. Slowly but surely improving with every passing week.

      1. More Tragic
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        like a fine wine or cheese

    3. okan58
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      2 FT
      Bank 0.5

      Foster
      Daniels - Smalling - Kabasele
      Richarlision - Salah - Zaha - Sane
      Morata - Kane - Firmino
      Subs: Elliot, T. Carroll, Mee and Rangel.

      What should I change?

    4. Kodap
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      G2G?

      Courtois

      Otamend - Vertonghen - Kolasinac

      Salah (vc) - Son - Shaquiri - David Silva

      Kane - Morata (c) - DCL

      1. Bonus magnet
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        thinking spurs and man city will have no clean sheets

        maybe take a gamble and have a different defender in place of vert

    5. OldBenKenobi
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      My team value is probably the best it’s been in recent seasons...shame my OR is crap!

      1. More Tragic
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        how crap is crap?

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          476,656

          1. More Tragic
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            🙁

            1. OldBenKenobi
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Still redeemable im sure...

      2. MTPockets
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Mine's 102.7, 3.7m lower than this time last season. Plus crap rank.

          1. OldBenKenobi
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Mine is 104.7 but team is set up will I feel

        • Holmes
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          true that, getting close to my all time high of 102.5m TV 😆

        • ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Points over pounds. I'd have no idea what my team value is. It's doesn't really matter.

          1. OldBenKenobi
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah I know 🙂 Ive not been trying to build value just being aggressive with my transfers for players I want. Feel my team is set up well overall.

      3. Dannyb
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Kun to Lukaku this week for a hit worth it or should I save?

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Save

        2. Dannyb
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Ok, hoping For a 2-2 with Kun and Kane involvement then lol.

        3. GOTHAM City F.C.
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Save

      4. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        So still no update for richarlison and morata boouh

        1. Numb
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Morata is fine, Richy update later but I'm not optimistic

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Morata fine is he ?

      5. Bonus magnet
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        G2G?
        foster
        kolasinac christensen daniels
        hazard ozil(c) coutinho zaha
        lukaku vardy wilson

      6. klopp it guys
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        GTG
        ederson
        Jones, ward, daniels
        Coutinho, sterling, hazard,(vc), cork
        Calvert-lewin, lukaku (c), kane

        Bench, elliot, surman, schluup, naughton

      7. OldBenKenobi
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Transfer plans for next 2 GWs are:

        Naughton > 4.4 (Dunk or wait a week for Zeegelaar)
        Elliot > Speroni

        Good moves?

      8. Salah Fingers
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        GTG and bench order order correct?

        Pope

        Christensen - Jones - Otamendi

        Sterling - Richarlison - Hazard - Salah

        DCL - Kane - Morata

        (Elliot - RLC - Naughton - Kiko)