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. The Greenback Boogie
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which 3 would you rather have for the long term?

    a) Hazard, Mkhi, Azpilicueta
    b) Mahrez, Ozil, Alonso

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

      B

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

      B

    3. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B but possibly have Mkhitaryan over Ozil and spread the cash (see how the next few games go)

    4. balint84
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      özil for long term i'm not sure

    5. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

    6. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      People choose B because of Alonso. You put Azpi to Alonso, then A any day

    7. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      a

  2. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Will this Sturridge move make an asset of any WBA players?

    7.9 is too steep, but who would be the main supply line? Perhaps JRod?

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

      My guess is that Sturridge will be the only real beneficiary, plus pot luck for whoever touched the ball last.

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

    B.Silva vs Pedro vs Mkhi for this and next GW?

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B.Silva for short term

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

        Is it sure that B Silva will play though ? Maybe Gundogan will play instead?

  4. Ghost86
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play

    A) Ogbonna (CPAL)
    B) Mee (new)

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

      B

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

      B

  5. Going Home
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Help appreciated:

    Is the Ox a viable alternative to Shaqiri to replace Lanzini? Only for four weeks as I’m looking to get Rambo in for GW29. Cheers guys

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

      I think so. Shaq alone is a punt but a better one than Ox imo

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Trying to avoid following the herd, but with Willian injured there are very limited options

    2. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      The Ox absolutely a viable alternative imo. I've gone for Iwobi myself.

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I like the Iwobi pick in the next couple of games as I see mkhi getting a couple of sub run outs having played about 2 hours competitive football in two months

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

    Son & DCL -> Mahrez & Niasse for free?

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

      to mahrez plus 4,5

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

        thanks mate. Just fodder then to bank 0.2?

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      If you can afford to have Niasse get a few minutes every 3/4 weeks, yeah

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

        cheers

    3. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez and Ulloa?

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

    West Brom close to bringing in Schurlle, wtf, surely he's better than that! I'd take him at Liverpool, he could be a nice asset at west brom, wonder how much he's cost? 7.0-7.5?

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

      wtf mate, indeed.

    2. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He was doing really bad at Dortmund.

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        He is fast, not bad at finishing, but he is absolutely awful with ball at his feet, so he was basicely useless against teams that sit deep, especially in Dortmund that plays possesion game. He might do better at a counter attacking team like West Brom.

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

      Wow

    4. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      link please?

    5. Bring Back Rutger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Schurrle you can't be serious... I'll get my coat

  8. Dobswell55
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Guys can anyone advise me what teams are playing GW31?

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      As it stands, Liverpool Watford stoke and Everton

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

        Keep an eye on Brighton after we put them out of the cup 🙂

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

    A Arnie > Shaq/Choup
    B Arnie & Kane > Hazard & Vardy -4 (have Mahrez)

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    What is the consensus about Niasse's playing time this week, after doing well last week?

    Still warming the Everton bench? Need to start either him or Kenny this week......

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

      bench imo

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Start Niasse

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

      I still think he'll only be in line for a cameo.
      Saying that I would still start him over Kenny.
      Kenny max 2 pts imo
      Niasse min 1 potentially 6

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

        Thanks - you don't think Kenny could get a clean sheet?

        Leicester play best on the counter-attack, so maybe Sam's bus might actually work this week?

        Plus Kenny probably only needs to keep his clean sheet long enough to be subbed off for Coleman on 61 minutes....

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

          It's definitely a 50/50 one mate. Now I think about it you probably have more chance of a Kenny CS/ assist.
          Kenny probably the 'safer' pick, Niasse for the punt

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

    After the deadline ;
    A-) Mustafi > Alonso (Exact funds)
    B-) Masuaku > 6.3 defender

    Other defenders : Ota | Jones | Mee
    Thanks

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

      A knowing that Alonso may be a rotation risk with new signings

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

      A - bringing in Monreal for Ota in a few weeks once their fixtures clear up.

    3. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Just hold imo. Upgrade st, mid, gk

  12. azambadboy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Please advice my line up..I try to play defensive game coz my target is clean sheet point..
    5-3-2
    GK: Pope (Adrian)
    DEF: Alonso Azpi Otamendi Bellerin Monreal
    MID: Sterling Salah Shaqiri (Oriel Romeu Kante)
    FWD: Aguero(C) Firmino (Diouf)

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      2 def Arsenal? Maybe not

  13. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    do we think Courtois will start? stuck with him and Elliott

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

      Sounds like it. Fit enough to bruise up Fabregas so another day and you'd think defo.

  14. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pick two to play:

    A) Kenny
    B) Ogbonna
    C) Dunk
    D) Niasse
    E) Depoitre

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

      BD, C first on bench

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

        cheers

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

    For draft. Who?

    A) Shaqiri
    B) B.Silva

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

      A

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

      A

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

      What?!! Silva all day!!! Now pretty much nailed city asset who is absolutely mint!

    4. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    START 2 from

    A Ayew (ARS H)
    B Dunk (SOU A)
    C Ogbonna (CRY H)
    D Kenny (LEI H)

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

      BC

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

      A C

    3. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Toss a coin, i think odds suggest Everton are more likely to keep a cleanie. I guess that depends if you have Mahrez or Vardy

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

        No Lei in my team. Feel like Vardy and Mahrez have a bit of form though.

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

          CD I can see Kenny starting a Coleman coming on, so just need to get to that substitution (assuming its past 60mins) with a clean sheet

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

            Interesting thoughts, thanks!

    4. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      BC

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

      Thanks for replies!

  17. Mr. Zee
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Scouts do we think Ox will start?

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      This is what I’d like to know. Really don’t want to go with shaqiri but the Ox is the only real alternative left. Only a four week punt so just need minutes lol

      1. Mr. Zee
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Shaqiri great option mate!

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

      should do with Lallana out

      1. Mr. Zee
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, but Hendo is back..

  18. MrMajeika
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    best replacement for arnautovic?
    A) Lingard (have pogba already)
    B) Albrighton
    C) richarlison

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

      B from those

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

      Shaq?

    3. balint84
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      albautovic

    4. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C imo

  19. as33
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Arnie to B.Silva? or any other? itb 0,5

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

    Son -> Mahrez\Mane (-4) ???
    a) Mahrez
    b) Mane

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

      A of you have Salah. B if not.

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

        I would keep son for United and then reassess

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

      neither for a hit, keep Son as he is at home

    3. JurgenRocks
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

  21. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Have Elliot/Foster + Arnie and 1FT, worth leaving Arnie a week and avoiding potential Foster minus points instead?

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

      I had that goalkeeper problem, with Elliot, but my other goalkeeper was definitely not going to play, so I took a hit and changed Arnie and my more expensive goalkeeper. Do you have a good backup for Arnie, or do you want to play someone in that position. I would do the transfer if you do.

  22. JurgenRocks
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Ayew (Swansea), Duffy, Kenny

    This is my current bench order. Should I change it, especially Duffy and Ayew.

  23. tisza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hoping these midweek fixtures are better than the other 2 sets (GW14 & 17).
    Low averages - overall & top 10k. 47/49 & 48/48.
    Looked like good fixtures for then as well.

  24. LenoC
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Could really do with some help, totally stuck what transfers to make.

    Current team

    Adrian
    Otamendi Mee Jones Maguire

    Sterling Mahrez Son

    Ayew Kane Aguero

    Bench: Foster Carroll Arnie Masuaku

    Top of my league however rest of my league have Salah, not sure what to do as I have 0 ITB, any help much appreciated

  25. Jasoooooooo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who to play:
    1. Dunk vs southampton
    2. Bardsley vs newcastle

  26. JRO093
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Masuaku -> A) Mee or B) Cedric??

  27. Kuzser
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which 2 out of those to start?
    A) mee (already playing pope)
    B) ogbonna
    C) lingard
    D) depoitre

    1. JRO093
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ogbonna

  28. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Mhykitarian or Shaqiri?

    Money no problem.

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

      Mhki

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

    Best replacement for Arnautovic 8.6m budget.

    Suggestions please. Thanks

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

      B.silva

  30. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pulled the trigger last night on Arnie to B.Silva to avoid price changes and I felt like a differential punt (and didn't want to lose Kane).

    Hennessy (Speroni)
    Alonso Otamendi Gomez (Mee Kenny)
    Salah Sterling Son Lingard B.Silva
    Kane Firmino (Depoitre)

    Still have 1 FT left and 0.2m ITB, should I get rid of Son as have Kane also for Spurs tough fixtures? For who?

    A) Pogba
    B) Walcott
    C) Mkhi
    D) Shaqiri
    E) Pedro
    F) Save FT

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

      Save it. You'll appreciate it next GW and Son could easily score at home.