Team News

The Gameweek Team News

A handful of January signings will be pushing for a first league start for their new clubs, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alexis Sanchez the marquee names likely to be on show.

Elsewhere, Everton’s Seamus Coleman and Palace centre-half Mamadou Sakho are back in contention ahead of clashes with Leicester and West Ham respectively.

We await updates from a number of press conferences as the day unfolds, with Antonio Conte expected to issue news on the likes of Willian, Alvaro Morata and Thibaut Courtois as Chelsea prepare for the visit of Bournemouth.

For now, here is our summary of the team news situation as it stands.

Arsene Wenger is expected to hand a debut to Henrikh Mkhitaryan in Arsenal’s clash with Swansea following the Armenian’s move from Manchester United. Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, will be pushing for his first start since Gameweek 16 after cementing his return with an appearance off the bench against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last week.

Renato Sanches is set to miss out for the Swans after picking up a muscle injury in the weekend FA Cup draw with Notts County.

West Ham’s Joao Mario is braced for his Premier League debut after being rushed into a weekend debut in the FA Cup after his loan move from Inter Milan. Pedro Obiang suffered a medial ligament injury in the 2-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic and will miss the home counter against Crystal Palace. Arthur Masuaku starts his six-match suspension after being sent off against the Latics, but David Moyes was handed a boost after Mark Noble returned to full training after recovering from a bruised foot.

As for the Eagles, they welcome back influential centre-half Mamadou Sakho for the trip to the London Stadium, while both Joel Ward and Yohan Cabaye also make returns.

Huddersfield Town coach David Wagner has a concern over midfielder Danny Williams (hip) ahead of Liverpool’s visit to the John Smith’s Stadium, though Terence Kongolo (leg) is expected to be available having shaken off a knock sustained in the weekend cup draw with Birmingham City. He may even make a first Premier League start in a three-man defence should Wagner spring a surprise with his formation later tonight.

The Reds will arrive without defender Ragnar Klavan and playmaker Adam Lallana, while Jurgen Klopp suggested some players are carrying minor knocks, without mentioning any names.

Alvaro Morata is back in Chelsea training after stepping up his recovery from a back problem, though it remains to be seen whether Wednesday’s home meeting with Bournemouth will come too soon. However, Willian has yet to return to training and could miss out. Thibaut Courtois is expected to recover from an ankle problem to return in goal, though David Luiz is struggling to overcome a similar complaint; he carried out individual training on Tuesday.

Harry Arter has recovered from illness ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge, while Cherries midfield pair Josh King and Junior Stanislas are pushing for recalls after returning from injury in Gameweek 24.

Sam Allardyce welcomes Seamus Coleman back to the squad for the home clash against Leicester City, although it remains to be seen if the Republic of Ireland international is ready to start ahead of Jonjoe Kenny. The likes of Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane and Wayne Rooney could push for recalls.

Wes Morgan remains Leicester’s only absentee for the Goodison encounter. The centre-half is back running but not expected to return to training for another three-to-four days.

Rob Elliot will be assessed ahead of Newcastle’s home encounter with Burnley after missing the weekend FA Cup loss at Chelsea with a minor knock. The on-loan Kenedy will also be monitored due to a lack of match fitness.

The Clarets travel to the north East with a number of injury worries. Steven Defour has been struggling with a knee injury, while James Tarkowski is rated as “touch and go” due to a minor groin problem. Chris Wood remains out, but Stephen Ward did return to full training yesterday and could be available. Aaron Lennon is set to make his debut for the Clarets, while Nick Pope is expected to retain his start in goal, with Tom Heaton still building up his fitness following an extended period on the sidelines.

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino will make late decisions on Ryan Bertrand (knock) and new signing Guido Carrillo ahead of the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion. Carrillo – who made his debut as a sub in the weekend cup win over Watford – is short of match sharpness, and may only feature from the bench once again.

Club-record signing Jurgen Locadia is at least a week away from returning to full training, so Glenn Murray is set to lead the line for the Seagulls. Leonardo Ulloa is available following his loan move from Leicester, though, and could feature.

Manchester City have been dealt a major blow with the news that Leroy Sane sustained ankle ligament damage in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City in the FA Cup, and faces a spell on the sidelines. His absence is expected to see Bernardo Silva start alongside Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero in attack against West Bromwich Albion, though Pep Guardiola could even utilise David Silva in the front three and hand Ilkay Gundogan a central midfield berth.

The Baggies, meanwhile, have several injury concerns for the trip to the Etihad Stadium, with Jonny Evans, Kieran Gibbs, Gareth McAuley, Jake Livermore and Hal Robson-Kanu all doubtful. Daniel Sturridge could be available to make his West Brom debut after joining on loan from Liverpool, but new centre-half Ali Gabr seems unlikely to feature.

Hugo Lloris and Christian Eriksen are expected to recover from illness to face Manchester United at Wembley. They took part in a first team recovery session on Monday, along with Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose and Erik Lamela, though it’s uncertain whether the latter trio will be available.

Alexis Sanchez is pushing for his first league start for Manchester United after arriving from Arsenal. The Chilean was stationed on the left against Yeovil in the FA Cup on Friday night and his impact could force Anthony Martial onto the right, with Juan Mata potentially the man to make way.

Stoke City manager Paul Lambert has no fresh injury concerns for the home fixture against Watford and may consider naming the same side that beat Huddersfield 2-0.

New Watford head coach Javi Gracia will take charge of his first Premier League match at the bet365 Stadium, and will have to check on Heurelho Gomes (back), Molla Wague, Tom Cleverley (both hamstring) and Troy Deeney (illness) after they all sat out the 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup. New arrival Gerard Deulofeu is eligible to make his debut against the Potters.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of this evening’s 6.45pm deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter account for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Tuesday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

667 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kaneyonero
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard is having a field day today. Hat trick incoming

    1. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Don't do this to me

    2. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      More likely tomorrow mind

    3. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Hat trick of misses maybe?

  2. BearHug
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Looking for a 5th playing defender max 4.7m, need suggestion please.

    Thanks

    1. Ahtikullervo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Kenedy

      1. tisza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        mid

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

      Naughton

    3. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Cedric

      1. Baz
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        this

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Write-off this week but Daniels has a good run after @che

    5. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Chilwell or Simpson.

    6. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Tarkowski or Leicester defender

    7. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Leicester, West Brom or Burnley lads.

  3. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is Walcott a good asset? Thinking of Arnie replacements.

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      He's a very good asset, however I'm not convinced that Everton will do much going forward, so his points may be limited as a result.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah this is my concern too. I wonder if he will attack against the weaker teams in 2GW from now though. Struggling for players around that price range at the moment. Any suggestions? Had thought of Bernardo Silva but no guarantee he will play.

        1. The Mighty Hippo
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          It's not a great price range to get much value out of...possibly downgrade to one of the Stoke mids (Shaqiri or Choupo-Moting) and use the remaining money elsewhere?

    2. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm going to monitor Walcott for next 2 game weeks, if he is showing promising signs I may bring him on board in GW27

    3. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      watching him. always been really lucky with him in past.

  4. xRedArrow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Kane/Son to Laca/Hazard

    A) Yay
    B) Nay

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Patrick Bateman
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Like the Haz idea not the Laca

      1. xRedArrow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Give me a better option? 11.7 itb (Have Kun)

    3. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Yay

  5. okan58
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    2 FT.
    Bank: 0.2

    Pope
    Jones - Mee - Alonso - Cresswell
    Salah - Son - Sterling - Lingard
    Kane - Firmino
    Subs: Adrian, Depoitre, McArthur and Mbemba.

    What can i change?

  6. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    The final starter for my 11 this week is doing my head in, I haven't been able to decide. Any suggestions? I'm currently leaning towards Depoitre, since I think there's an outside chance that Liverpool could concede to Hudds.

    1. Depoitre (vs. Liverpool)
    2. Doucoure (vs. Stoke)
    3. Ogbonna (vs. Crystal Palace)

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      2

      1. gunner 2727
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        This

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

      I'd go Depoitre.

    3. Donblaster
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      2

    4. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks. It's a tough one, but on reflection I think I'll go with Doucoure.

  7. Donblaster
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    A) play Zanka vs LIV
    B) -4 for a defender up to £5.2m

    If B) who?

    Thanks

  8. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Ota Jones Alonso

    Ota = City just signed a new centre back
    Alonso = Chelsea just signed a new left back

    The template defence is dead, long live the template defence!

    But who is it?

    ? Jones ?

    Alonso to Azpi seems an obvious switch. But what about the third template defender slot? Or is the template completely out the window?
    Any ideas?

  9. Ready Manager One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best mid under 5.7?

    Thinking Choupo, Albrighton etc

    Comments would be appreciated!

    1. Patrick Bateman
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      The Ox, Allen, Doucoure

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I’ve gone Choupo as I want Mahrez next GW and don’t fancy the double

  10. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Tomkins or Lingard?

    Thanks

    1. Donblaster
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Lingard

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Go on YT, check Lingard goals at Wembley

  11. Tazah
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Try again, so i want mahrez ~ pogba ~ bilva for rich/sane but can only have two..... should i:

    a)get bilva this week, upgrade rich to mahrez next
    b)get mahrez this week, updgrade rich to pog next
    c)use the money and get kdb and keep rich?

    thank you as always guys

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B looks strong pal

  12. AC Tomasso
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Will Mkhi start? Best replacement for Arnautovic?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Hope so, but Wenger is an idiot so it's not 100% 😆

    2. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I reckon he will. Wish I got him in now.

      1. AC Tomasso
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Don't know whether to gamble on Mkhi starting. Any other good options 7.7 and under?

  13. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Had the armband on Aguero all week, but a friend has just given me 2 Chelsea tickets.
    Keep the captaincy with Kun or move it to Hazard? Bournemouth at home is my favourite fixture in FPL too.

    1. jiGGidyJ1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      It's a game at the end of the day, so switch it to Hazard if that's going to increase your enjoyment of the game. He's hardly a bad option!

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Might not bring enjoyment. Might cry if he does badly. Might be wishing Hazard does something as opposed to enjoying the game itself.

    2. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Haz for sure . Live captian is the go

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cool.
        I actually haven't been on since Thursday, so expect me to be here all day.

    3. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      All having same thoughts! Is it a trap?! Think I'm staying aguero... lot of the chat about minutes been absorbed but with sane out who else is gone play up front/wide?!

    4. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard it is

    5. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      turn your phone off or else you'll miss the game as constantly checking what Kun is up to.
      Not worried about what sort of defence WBA have with all these injury concerns?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Great point.

  14. Man Chest Hair United
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Most likely to start of the following two options

    A Bernardo Silva
    B Henrik Mihki

    1 Chilwell
    2 Simpson

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A 1

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A1 this GW. Long term B2 is better

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A is match fit, but B should start too

      Both should start but Simpson is more nailed when fit

  15. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    On a wildcard.

    This will be my last decison:

    A. Dunk, Hazard, Sterling, Niasse
    B. Otamendi, Shaqiri, Milivojevic, Aguero

    1. Geezer
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

  16. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    1.9m ITB.

    A. Christensen > Alonso (-4)
    B. Masuaku > Jones (-4)
    C. Good to go

    Pickford
    Duffy • Otamendi • Christensen
    Son • Salah • Ox • Sterling • Choupo
    Kane • Kun(C)

    (Elliot* / Depoitre / Masuaku* / Kiko*)

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C

    2. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers, i’ll save the hit then

  17. Maarrrr17
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I have no idea.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Why Sturridge went WBA over the toon? Yeah me too

  18. Pariße
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Don’t ask me.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Why Sturridge went WBA over the toon? Y

  19. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is anybody debating the Ox? Should be more nailed now and will be taking over from Coutinho's role I imagine so quite attacking.

    1. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm worried about firmino and salaha at present let alone bringing the pool dog in!

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Why would you be worried about Salah? He's the player in my team I am least worried about.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      See above 🙂

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        hahahah how far above?

    3. Brap.
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ox taking over Coutinho's role is like Barry Chuckle as the new James Bond

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        His position on the pitch, obviously not executed with the exact same outcome 😉

  20. Naboo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which 2 to play? Plus bench order of the other 2 if you'd be so kind...

    A Jones
    B Ogbonna
    C Dunk
    D Niasse

    1. Naboo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Have Adrian in goal if it makes a difference on B

    2. Geezer
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A and B to play

      1. Naboo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Was on that but then wondered if Niasse is due a start after his heroics last GW?

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A and C. B first sub

  21. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best 6.9m midfielder to replace Willian?

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Shaq

      1. McSauce
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ye Its him or Ramsey ATM

    2. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      could be Ramsey or Shaqiri

      1. McSauce
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ye agreed who would be your choice?

  22. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Walcott or Mhykitarian?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Great spelling so go Mkhi

    2. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mhiki

  23. Ghost86
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Struggling here Sane, Arnie out -4 which is the best move?

    A) Sterling & Albrighton
    B) Hazard & Milivojevic

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A but why not live a little and go Bernado & Mkhi? It's the classiest move of all 😉

    2. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A all day.
      Sterling is a must have

    3. Bald Eagle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Ghost86
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Do you think Mikhi starts this game week?

  24. raoulduke71
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Primed and ready!

    ----------------------Pickford--------------------
    ----Bauer Otamendi Jones Alonso----
    Sterling Mkhi Pogba Sanchez Salah
    ---------------------Aguero (c)----------------

    Wilson/Quaner/Mbemba/Elliot

    1. Mino Raiola
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      strong and fresh! gl

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      nice team!!

    3. raoulduke71
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers fellas!

  25. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Any views on who to start?

    A...chilwell at everton

    B...ayew v arsenal

    Thanks

    1. supersham
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

  26. supersham
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Would you ship B Davis out for a hit? Fixtures turning and now rotation risk.

    Rest of defence is Alonso Jones Ota Dunk.

    Was thinking bring in Mee as he rotates well with Dunk

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      never for a hit

  27. Bald Eagle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Mahrez, KDB or Hazard to go alongside Choupo?

    1. supersham
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      KDB

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      KDB

    3. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard

    4. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez

    5. Bald Eagle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks all. WIll have to go with my gut here. 🙂

  28. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    is Christensen a good asset? i need a Chelsea cover...

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yeah

    2. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No 5.5 for someone who wont always play in Def isnt a good option

  29. Eden Eden
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench from:
    Vertongen MUN (H)
    Dunk SOU (A)
    Mee NEW (A)
    Ogbonna CRY (H)

  30. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Shaquiri or Ramsey --> 6.9m Budget