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. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any reason Jones is dropping? Mou said something?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      people are stupid. Jones is their best defender

      1. Kryten
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Cool! Looking to possibly do Son+Masuaku >> Mahrez+Jones for a hit next GW

    3. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Prob just fixtures?
      He's absolutely nailed until Bailly comes back

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cool, cheers

  2. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on what to do this week. 2FT 0.4ITB

    Thinking about Downgrading Arnautovic to Milivojevic and Upgrading Masuaku to Azpi/Otamendi ?

    DDG (Elliot)
    Alonso, Kenny, Ogbonna, (Naughton,*Masuaku)
    Salah, Sterling, Lingard, Gross (*Arnautovic)
    Kane , Aguero , Niasse

    Cheers

    1. Akeem
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Arnautovic ---> Oxlade-Chamberlain
      & Upgrade Masuaku

  3. asif316uk
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any suggestions on who to replace Arnautovic with please.
    8.6m budget

    1. Akeem
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B. Silva

    2. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez or B Silva

  4. Akeem
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys, which of these trios would you choose

    A) Oxlade-Chamberlain // J.Ayew // Dunk
    B) Gudmundsson // C.Wilson // Duffy

    ?

    1. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Prob B

  5. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    So annoyed that arnautovic dropped. Had a dream double transfer lined up for next week, bringing in sanchez, buy can't afford it now

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah it's annoying makes you think about all the times you waited and lost .1 when that happens

    2. Maarrrr17
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Early transfers giveth, but they also taketh

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

        Yep, middle ground works best... sometimes have to pull the trigger! Arnie been dropping for two days so hardly suprising. Leaving it late when priced out is up there with doing arnie to Willian last Monday.

  6. Maarrrr17
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Yo, what to do with gundogun with 1.6 ITB

    Front 8 is

    Son, Lingard, Salah, Sterling, Gundogun

    Kane Niasse Firmino

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Transfereth.

      1. Maarrrr17
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Truly inspired.

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

          Shaq. Or two transfers for son gundo to say miki/bernie. Probably one too many punts in that combination but you get my drift I'm sure

          1. Maarrrr17
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Was thinking along those lines, but a bit scary.

  7. Big Mac 24
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Did I miss something, is there a reason that Otamendi is -98.8 or has he simply been slowly but surely dropping?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      His low points returns of late combined with high ownership and Alonso is in a similar price bracket.

    2. GreenArrows
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Slowly dropping and with Kompany, Stones and Otamendi all fighting for position, he will soon get a rest. Heard news they might be signing a new CB too

    3. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I think ditching him is a wrong move.

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

        I'm not so sure... that stones stat last night was scary. Hopefully Laporte just comes in a sorts then fast

        1. Big Mac 24
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Missed that, which stat?

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

            Clean sheets.

            5 games before stones.
            Yes
            Yes
            No
            Yes
            Yes

            6 games with stones
            No
            No
            No
            No
            No
            No
            1 game without stones
            No

            Pretty revealing!

            1. Big Mac 24
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              I'd say!

      2. Big Mac 24
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I agree, I think you keep him until he gets dropped.

        3 weeks without returns yes, but previously 8, 8, 7, 1 (v Spurs) 6, 11, 11 and with WBA bur LEI up next, i think that's silly.

  8. SoccerBoi69
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    G2G? Jones over Ogbonnana RIGHT?

    Pickford
    Alonso - Jones - Otamendi
    Salah(c) - Sterling - Mahrez - Son - Martial
    Kane - Firmino

    Adrián - Ogbonna - Dunk - Quaner

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I went ogbonna can't see spurs not scoring one imo

      1. Big Mac 24
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        50/50 - Spurs are gonna rain shots in, but Mourinho plays so tight at the top teams. West Ham are home against a poor Palace, but are themselves pretty shiyte!

  9. AC Tomasso
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Mkhi or Pedro or?? for 7.7 and under.

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Mkhi could be good punt.

      1. AC Tomasso
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        May get Pedro this week (Willian injured) and if Mkhi plays and plays well, i'll get him in next week.

  10. Hect.OR 98th
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Son to Mahrez for a hit?

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      nah do it for free next week

    2. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Miss the big points first please

  11. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you get in for Arnautovic today?

    Walcott, Ramsey, Mkhi, Shaqiri, Choupo-Moting, Gross, Zaha, Bernardo Silva?

    1. boc610
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      shaq.

    2. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Mikhi if u need a wildcard in your team

  12. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who is better to own next few gameweeks

    A) Azpi
    B) Otamendi

    1. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Azpi

    2. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Azpi. I'm selling Ota in a week or two if that helps.

  13. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Will Mickey play? Safe to get him in for Arnie?

    1. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Should be 99% safe

  14. nikolasmav
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Ryan (4.5) - Foster (4.4)
    Azpi (6.8) - Taylor(Burnely LB 4.2) - Stones (5.4) - Chilwell (4.3) - Jones(5.4)
    Hazard (10.3) - Salah(9.6) - Sterling (8.9) - Shaqiri (6.0) - Milvojevic (4.7)
    Kane (12.8) - Firmino (9.2) - Ayew (5.2)

    WC activated nothing ITB

    Would only shift Kane for Aguero if I could significantly improve another position

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      If i was Wildcarding at this stage i'd be putting in Sanchez

      1. nikolasmav
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        For 11.7 I don't think he's worth it, having him over Hazard with Chelsea's fixtures the next few weeks? regretting the wild card now

        Was thinking Hazard Firmino for Martial Aguero

  15. calosul1
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    JON STONES

    I have him on my team, is he likely to lose his place now with Laporte incoming and Kompany currently fit?

    Should I get rid?
    I have Ben Davies, Alonso, and Phil Jones
    so an Arsenal defender perhaps?

    1. Darth_Krid
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn't get rid before this fixture, but I'd look to ditch soon with rotation and Laporte. To Maguire or Monreal for GW26.

    2. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yes rotatin risk but kepp this gw

    3. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Keep but suspect he's under threat of the axe.. maybe more suited to CL?

      1. nikolasmav
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        He used to play fullback and City only have 1.5 fullbacks right now

  16. AsAF23
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Kenny/masuaku >vvd/maguire -4?
    If Coleman starts I'll end up with only 10 players. Worth it to take the hit?

    1. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Could also afford monreal. What should I do?

      1. nikolasmav
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Swansea Everton Spurs Man City... Don't know why Monreal is getting so many transfers in, are we forgetting this is Arsenal's defence?

  17. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Noob question...

    If you WC in GW32, save a FT in GW33 and BB in GW34 do you have 1 or 2 FT to use in GW35?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      1

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on your transfer on GW34. If you only use one transfer you'll have 2 free. The BB chip doesnt impact transfers.

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Got it, thanks!

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      If you save in GW33 you'll have 2 FT in GW34. How many you have in GW35 depends on how many transfers you do in 34. BB won't affect the transfers.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Oh I thought it did.

        Sorry for crap info above

  18. AC Tomasso
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Lingard still a good budget option?

    1. AsAF23
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Sure why not its Jlingard

  19. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    A- Kane Arnie Albrighton
    To
    Firmino hazard Allen/Mili(-8)

    B- Arnie ogbonna
    To
    Allen monreal (-4)

    C- Arnie
    To
    CM/Shaq/Allen

    1. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C

  20. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed

    Best replacement for Arnie?
    Shaqiri? Chopo-moting? Ramsey/wilshere?

    Or just hold?

    Ddg Elliot
    Kenny ogbanna otamendi christensen 3.9
    Salah sterling ox lingard arnie
    Kane Kun quaner

  21. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Would you go through with any of these moves?

    A) Kane to Kun (c) for a -4
    B) Son to Pogba next GW -4

    1. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Neither

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        ^this

  22. Meltens
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    On a WC, would you rather have Sanchez & Vardy or Martial & Kun for the medium term?

  23. yanks250125
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    who to start?
    A) Groß
    B) Chilwell

    1. nikolasmav
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Gross has the easier fixture

  24. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    WBA, Burnley and Leicester for Otamendi up next.

    Three of the weakest teams in the air.

    I smell an Otamendi goal coming...

    1. SUPER 11
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I am captaining him

    2. Big Mac 24
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      With Laporte now signed, maybe Stones out and a clean sheet too!

  25. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone care to guess the 3 FFS differentials this week? I reckon Pedro, BSilva and Mhkitaryan!

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yoshida, BSilva, Hernandez

  26. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    guys i dont know who to captain ??

    Hazard
    Kane
    Aguero

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kun

    2. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Same dilemma bar Kane, gut was saying haz but have settled on aguero. Brom injuries, sane out so one less rotation risk option. And he's in form

  27. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you get in for Arnautovic today?

    A) Walcott
    B) Mkhi
    C) Shaqiri
    D) Choupo-Moting
    E) Gross
    F) Bernardo Silva

    1. nikolasmav
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Out of the list I'd say Bernardo. Was class against Cardiff and Sane is out

  28. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    a) Hazard & Choupo
    or
    b) Mahrez & Mkhi/B.Silva

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

      A

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A short term

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        ty

  29. SomeoneKnows
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which goalkeeper should I play this week?

    A) Adrian - CRY (H)
    B) De Gea - TOT (A)

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

      DDG

  30. nevins84
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Ive got to start one from each of these..Who plays..

    A Adrian (Cry H)
    B Ryan (Sou A)

    A Ogbonna (Cry H)
    B Dunk (Sou A)

    Should i spread the risk or go all in on one team..

    1. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      AB personally I like spreading risk, others might disagree.

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Always A