Team News
15 December 2017 625 comments
James H James H
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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. FredrikH
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Need to bench one.
    Ward* - bha (a)
    Kenny - swa (H)
    Duffy - bur (H)
    Masuaku - stk (a)

    Currently on Ward due to his doubtness. Agree?

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

      Masuaku

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

      Prob ward yeah

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

      yes..

    4. yakirh
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nice defence this week
      Bench Ward

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

        Thanks. Hows yours looking?

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

          Alonso Otamendi Kenny Mee Gomez
          Currently benching last 2

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

            Very nice! Alonso looking promising.

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

              Thanks
              I'm waiting for Alonso to explode for a while now..

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

      duffy.
      put ward in starting xi, if he doesnt start duffy can come in.
      defenders usually dont come in from the bench.

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

        Ward could start and tear up injury and walk off at 45 again. Id prefer duffy over the uncertainty with Ward.

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

        Gomez came on for 10 minutes

        I think that this tactic is only good for goalkeepers and central defenders.

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

      Ward

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

    DDG
    Ota / Kola / Alonso / Jones
    Salah (c) / Hazard / Sterling / Richarlison
    Morata / Firmino

    Subs: Elliott / DCL / RLC / Kiko

    Already used FT to get Jones in for Ward.
    0.6 million ITB..

    1) Any hits needed?
    2) Should I play DLC (swa) ? If yes for who?

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

      Love it!

    2. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He's at home to Swansea! It is a juicy fixture for sure...!

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

        thinking of benching rich for him now..

    3. George James
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      That backline is mint

    4. yakirh
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Looks great
      DCL can come in for Rich or Morata if they are out

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

        hmm..or should i bench rich anyway to avoid risk of him coming in for a cameo from bench?

    5. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Great team. Shows what you csn without Kane. Food for thought

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

        will get him in for DGW to cap..

    6. acidicleo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      cheers all..

  3. IRBOX ⚽
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go? 0FT, 1.2 ITB

    Foster
    Otamendi Christensen Kiko
    Salah Hazard Sterling Richarlison
    Kane (vc) Laca (c) DCL

    Elliott Mee RLC Naughton

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

      good

  4. Pariße
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Bench order?
    A) Mariappa (HUD)
    B) Ogbonna (stk)
    C) Loftus Cheek (lei)

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

      BAC

  5. willieprunier
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Need to Bench 1

    Duffy (Burnley H)
    Lingard (WBA A)
    Diouf (WH H)

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

      diouf probably

  6. Layyer
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    2 FT, want Rashford out
    POPE
    Kabalese Walker Kristenssen
    Zaha Zalah Hazard D.Silva
    Kane Calvert Lewin Rashford

    (Chopo m. Moreno Mbemba)

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

      firmino / vardy?

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

        Hmm, im thinking somethin cheaper and invest in deffence

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

    Some help please (1ft, 1.7itb)?
    1)hogg->lingard /Gray
    2)hogg->Shaq, Naugton ->Mariappa/kenny/ogbonna
    3)niasse->dcl

    Whole team is:
    Pope
    Mee Ota Christensen (Naughton daniels)
    Richa Salah sane hazard (hogg)
    Firmino Niasse Kane

  8. YoungPretender
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Start 1;

    A) Niasse (SWA)
    B) Mee (bha)
    C) Masuaka (sto)

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

      C

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

      C

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

    2FTs:

    A. Ward+Kiko >> Jones+Mariappa
    B. Ward+Coutinho >> Jones+Silva
    C. Ward >> Musuaku?
    D. Other??

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

    (Elliot / RLC / Ward / Kiko)

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

      B

    2. puhd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

    Could really do with Choupo-Moting starting. In amongst all my other injuries he now seems to have lost his spot. Does anyone think that was rotation, or has he fallen out of favour?

    1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Well he is crap so idk why anyone had or still has him tbh

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

        Other fires to put out in recent weeks? Or the fact that he chipped in with odd assist for awhile. Not particularly helpful with a comment like that.

        1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Been five weeks since he returned I would have ditched him even for a hit 5 weeks ago lol but that’s just me

          1. Not again Shirley
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            That makes no sense as you are saying you would have ditched him just after he returned!

  11. King Kun Ta
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with this lot? Willing to take a -4.....

    Foster (Elliot)
    Ota Maguire Mee (Naughton Moreno)
    Salah Hazard (C) RLC Coutinho (T Carroll)
    DCL Kane Aguero

    Cheers for the help!

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      1 FT and 0.3 ITB

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

        Aguero -> Rooney/Vardy
        Carroll -> Silva/Sterling
        Bench RLC

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

      i wud downgrade kun or kane to upgrade carrol...

    3. puhd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I like. Save

  12. Dybala10
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is DCL for Niasse worth it over Xmas? Surely Niasse will get minutes too? Or just bin him ASAP as he is hopeless?

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

      I’d funds are tight and there’s no one else in that price range then I would say yes. DCL is worth it

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

    David Wagner confirms there are no new injuries. "We have everybody available [that played on Tuesday]." Kasey Palmer is back in contention [ineligible] against Chelsea. #HTAFC

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

      are you Ben Dinnery?

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

        No

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

          damn

          Was going to ask you about the best drone to get.

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

            Lol. I just follow him on Twitter. He is really good for injury updates. Very reliable too.

  14. viromina1993
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Who is the best choice ???

    A) David Silva + Sterling
    B) David Silva + KDB

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

      Keep Silva

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

      A & use that 2 m. to upgrade rest of team.

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

    Good to go?

    Pope
    Otamendi Maguire Kenny
    Salah Coutinho Hazard Richarlison Loftus-Cheek
    Kane Morata

    Subs: Elliot Niasse Francis and Naughton
    Got 1FT

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Silva or Sterling for Coutinho

  16. hurrrrr
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on:

    Kane + Ramsey -> Lukaku + Silva (-4) ?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      What about Ramsey to shaqiri?

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

        Would prefer Ramsey.

        Kane also has a blank upcoming which factors into my thinking. Would bring him back in for the DGW but until then Lukaku has better fixtures.

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

          *Would prefer Silva

        2. Hy liverpool
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Lukaku has fixtures but no signs of form ... on the other hand kane stats still look good and city is not a bad fixture imo.

          Surely we prefer silva to Shaqiri but if it means losing kane and for a hit .. shaqiri would be a better short term option .

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

            Cheers for the feedback- gonna look into the underlying stats before deciding.

            Still though:

            Next 4 GW:

            Kane:
            City - Burnley - SOU - X
            Lukaku:
            West Brom - Leicester - BURNLEY - SOUTHAMPON

            Lukaku 1.5m cheaper and only 10 fewer points on the season..

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

      Don't think it's the time to lose Kane

      1. Not again Shirley
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I think, although risky, this is the best time to lose Kane. As someone else pointed out, a Kaneless team is much better balanced in terms of quality defenders and midfielders. Also, he is not captain material over the next few weeks so even if he scores well it is not as though you would have lost double the points.

        The downsides are that he will be more expensive to bring back in, an additional transfer if your team already has issues and there is not a great deal of alternatives.

        Laca could be good this weekend but a gamble as always!

  17. The Mighty Whites
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Start 3:

    Gomez
    Monreal
    Simpson
    Dunk
    Lowton

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

      First 3

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

      3 in the middle

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Monreal dunk and toss coin (probably Gomez)

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

    Elliot to Adrian this week, or wait and see if Elliot gets his place back?
    other keeper is Fabianski

    1. ljuta zena
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      wait

  19. KUNingas
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with

    A) Daniels (not performing)
    B) Morata (not playing and 4 yellows)
    C) Alonso (4 yellows, price too high)
    D) Moreno (injured)
    E) Niasse (not playing)

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Keep C till he gets his 5th YC
      Get rid of D and E
      Monitor B

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

        Thanks!

  20. Carcaju
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Kenny or Ogbonna? Is a 50/50 right?

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

      *It's

    2. puhd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah

    3. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Martina I'd say more likely to keep his place with Keane and Jagielka coming back

    4. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Masuaku

  21. beroccstar
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Greetings chaps,

    Here's my current defence:

    Otamendi - Monreal - Mee - Mariappa - Mbemba

    I have one FT and I'm quite happy with my starting XI, but, i have £1.4m in the bank which is the exact amount needed to bump Mbemba up to Phil Jones.

    Is this a pointless use of a transfer when Mee plays Brighton and Mariappa plays Huddersfield, or am i better off going with the United man as United are far more likely to pick up a precious cleanie away at WBA?

    Do i...

    A) beef up my squad and bring in Big Phil, or B) Play Ben Mee/Mariappa, save a transfer, and reassess ahead of GW19 with 2FT up my sleeve?

  22. Sterling is £11Mill..…
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Daniels scores this weekend just as everyone ditches him.

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

      was that a dream of yours?

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

        Wet one

  23. QPRUTD
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is no one here thinking of captaining Kane.
    Isn't this the type of game in which Spurs, and Kane, have excelled this season. They defeated Dortmund, Real Madrid and Liverpool, teams who like Man City play a very attacking game, leaving them open for counter attack.

    I am surely inclined to captain him.
    Your thoughts.....

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thought about it ... but Hazard/Bobby are more tempting

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

      DINGO is, fook knows why though

    3. ljuta zena
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      With so many wrong captain predictions this season, it could be great move

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

      Sanchez at home to Newcastle looks a no brainer to me.

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

        Yeah, great differential pick if you have him

  24. El Lobito 10
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Luke Shaw. Will he play?

    I got him in on draft but could switch to Kenny.

    1. Demel
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Likely to switch back to Young.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        True, cheers

  25. DrunkPhilosophy
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Who leaves my team first?

    A) Moreno
    B) Ward

    And to who

    1) Jones
    2) Ogbonna
    3) Kenny

    1. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Ward -> Jones

    2. Demel
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      1

      1. Demel
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        And A

  26. Mackans
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    What is the best option do you think?

    A: Otamendi and don't have a Chelsea defender
    B: Christensen
    C: Otamendi and Christensen (-4)

    1. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

        Why?

    2. Demel
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      C looks good long term.

  27. Matjes_taet
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I always have concerns when my forwards playing vs. my defenders.
    So which one on bench this GW: Kane or Otamendi?

    1. Demel
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Don't bench Kane.

    2. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Otamendi

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

      Feel the same way with same players. Think of it like hedging your bet. If Kane blanks at least you get Ota’s CS and vice versa. Also Ota has good attacking threat so both could give returns.

    4. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Get over you concerns and play both . A bird in the hand and all that!

    5. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You never bench the most expensive player in the game - NEVER

  28. Demel
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    After this week would youu do...

    Sanchez & Richarlson > Salah & Silva?

    1. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Absolutely

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

    Anyone know what Kane’s record is like against City?

    1. dark91
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      City hasn't been around for that long for Kane to have a record against them

  30. jose1
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Start 2

    A. Otamendi
    B. Mee
    C. Jones

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

      C for sure... coin toss A & B