Team News

The Gameweek Team News

Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil are both expected to be available for Arsenal’s double-header with leaders Man City. Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson is available for their crucial clash at Brighton. Leighton Baines has a chance of returning for Everton’s trip to Watford, while Jermain Defoe may also be back in contention as Bournemouth welcome Newcastle to the Vitality Stadium.

Here’s our summary of the team news so far, with a host of press conferences still to come later today.

Earlier this morning, Arsene Wenger delivered a positive injury update ahead of Arsenal’s pair of upcoming matches against Man City. Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil are both likely to be in contention for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, with the two sides also squaring up at the Emirates on Thursday night in the final match of Gameweek 28. Alexandre Lacazette remains sidelined with a knee complaint, however, with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang set to lead the attack in both matches in his absence.

City will, of course, be without the suspended Fabian Delph, while Gabriel Jesus continues to edge towards a first-team return that would impact on Sergio Aguero’s pitch-time. Pep Guardiola is expected to give an update on the Brazilian’s fitness in his early-afternoon press conference later today.

Alfie Mawson has given Swansea a major lift ahead of their trip to rivals Brighton. Passed fit for the Amex Stadium encounter, the centre-half has recovered after his knee locked during the warm-up before last weekend’s FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday.

After scoring on his Brighton & Hove Albion debut in the FA Cup victory over Coventry City, Chris Hughton must decide whether to hand Jurgen Locadia a first Premier League start against the Swans, with Glenn Murray perhaps the man to miss out.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has conceded that Tom Heaton is some way off a first-team return, despite playing 90 minutes for the reserves earlier this week. Chris Wood may return for the home encounter against Southampton, while the fit-again Stephen Ward is expected to push for a starting spot. James Tarkowski is rated as “touch and go,” while Scott Arfield is a doubt.

Sofiane Boufal could be available to return for Saints, but Maya Yoshida has been ruled out for at least four to five weeks, while Steven Davis and Shane Long are unlikely to feature at Turf Moor.

Shinji Okazaki remains sidelined for Leicester City’s home meeting with Stoke City, but Wes Morgan is available again and could replace Aleksandar Dragovic in central defence.

The Potters will again be without Peter Crouch, with Mame Biram Diouf favourite to lead the line. Stephen Ireland is also unavailable but Bruno Martins Indi is back in the squad following a leg injury. Paul Lambert revealed that one or two players are carrying knocks but refused to name those set to asssessed.

Jermain Defoe could be set to challenge Callum Wilson’s minutes after returning to training for Bournemouth. Earlier this morning, manager Eddie Howe revealed that the veteran has a chance of making the squad for tomorrow’s match with Newcastle.

As for the Magpies, they may have Islam Slimani available to make his debut after the forward returned to first-team training. Ciaran Clark (knee) remains doubtful.

With a near fully-fit squad to choose from, Jurgen Klopp has plenty of options available to him for the visit of West Ham United to Anfield. The likes of Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren, Jordan Henderson and James Milner may push for recalls.

Manuel Lanzini is back in training following a hamstring injury ahead of the trip to Liverpool and could be available to return for the Hammers. Winston Reid may also come back into contention following illness, but Arthur Masuaku remains suspended.

West Bromwich Albion head coach Alan Pardew will be able to call upon both Kieran Gibbs and Jake Livermore for the home clash against Huddersfield Town, but Daniel Sturridge is ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The Terriers will be without the injured Aaron Mooy for the trip to The Hawthorns, but Laurent Depoitre and Chris Lowe have both returned to training and could feature.

Heurelho Gomes, Miguel Britos, Will Hughes and Kiko Femenia have all returned to full training ahead of Watford’s home meeting with Everton, and may be available to return.

Toffees defender Eliaquim Mangala will miss the trip to Vicarage Road, while Sam Allardyce has also admitted that Seamus Coleman is a major doubt. That will likely mean another start for Jonjoe Kenny, while left-back Leighton Baines could be back in contention after stepping up his recovery over the recent break.

Crystal Palace’s Mamadou Sakho has returned to training following a calf injury and may be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino looks to have a clean bill of health for the London derby, with the likes of Serge Aurier, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela all pushing for starts.

Jose Mourinho looks set to be without Ander Herrera for the home encounter with Chelsea after the midfielder picked up a muscle injury against Sevilla. Paul Pogba is poised to be handed a recall, while if Phil Jones remains out, either Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly should start in central defence.

Tiemoue Bakayoko, David Luiz and Ross Barkley all missed Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Barcelona on Tuesday night, and remain doubts for the trip to Old Trafford. But Marcos Alonso did return from injury in midweek and should start. Blues boss Antonio Conte faces a tough decision in attack. He opted for Eden Hazard as a “false 9” against the Spanish side but could hand either Olivier Giroud or Alvaro Morata a starting role should he revert back to a 3-4-2-1 set-up.

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 account 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.

713 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The EJJ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Really want Mahrez but only way I can get him is if I get rid of Son. Worth it? Not sure it is tbh, Son in good form and spurs fixtures are great

    1. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I have same situation. My guess is Son might be due a rest or bench time. Obviously can't be certain on this but Moura and Lamela are in the mix now. It's bugging me. I might well do a -4 for Mahrez.

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If that's the only way I'm not sold on it tbh.

    3. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Easy, son may play may not Mahrez 90 min guaranteed no brainer

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

        Lol

      2. The EJJ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Son has started last 13 gameweeks, I know Lamela's back but still

    4. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      4 blanks in a row for Son.. Is that good form?

      1. The EJJ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Maybe not FPL form but he's been playing well in general. Could've scored a few goals last few weeks

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

        I don't know if he will start or not but did you watch the games? He's been pretty good

      3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Well thats not a great way of analysing considering fixtures but he was poor vs rochdale (crap team away) and he has 2 away matches in next 3.if son is benched vs hudders its a waste to have him for next 3

        1. The EJJ
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          that's a good point actually, think this discussion has convinced me it's the right move. will be gutting to see Son do well though, he's always capable of those big hauls

    5. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Toby alderweid could be also issue if they play 3 atb

      1. The EJJ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        true, adds another quesiton mark over his starting role

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

    Would you:
    A) Play Lingard
    B) Play Choupo-Moting
    C) Use a FT and get Deulofeu

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Def not C out of those options

    2. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not C, maybe A

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

      B for sure.

  3. agueroooooney
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Current Defence:

    VVD - Stones - Maguire - Ogbonna - Long

    1 FT 0.7 itb.

    Who is the best replacement for Stones?

  4. Dazzrb
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Kun or Firmino for this GW?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino just for this week

    2. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Did it yesterday..sorry kun

    3. Effe
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino

  5. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Get in Davies or Vertonghen?

    1. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Vert

  6. Pranav Santhosh
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    pope
    otamendi dawson mee
    sterling salah son shaqiri
    kane aguero wilson
    adrian jones mbemba rlc
    2FT 0.3ITB
    thoughts on jones to davies? or is aguero to firmino or son to walcott a more pressing transfer

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ah similar team tbh I am planning kun to Bobby and son to mahrez

      1. Pranav Santhosh
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        How many non blank players are you aiming for? I think ideally you need 9 as I think there are 9 solid options but I think I'm going to settle for 6 or 7 and target spurs fixtures with a triple up for next 3 gameweeks

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I have 6 currently(if u include mcarthur) will get vvd firmino wally/siggy for sure. So 9 there. Mostly will get one punt or 2 other punts(for a hit) to get to 10 or 11

  7. Slip it like Stevie
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Davies or maguire for next three weeks?

    1. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      My choose was Maguire if that helps..

  8. Home Late From Age
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 2:

    a. Maguire
    b. Gomez
    c. Alonso
    d. Shaqiri
    e. Dunk

    Cheers all!

  9. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hi, C Kane or Salah?
    Thanks.

    1. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Salah for safe, Kane as differential

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Going Salah myself

    3. LC1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I've gone Kane

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

      Mo

  10. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Any reason not to pull the trigger on Sanchez, Lingard > Erik, Mahrez?

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nope

    2. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Yes if for free

    3. LC1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      100% do it.

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

      Lovely mov s

  11. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anything worth a hit? 1.5 ITB

    DDG
    VVD/Alonso/Mee
    Salah/Sterling/Son/BSilva/Ibe
    Kane/Firmino

    Elliot, Duffy, Ayew, Bauer

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Considering B Silva to Mahrez for the -4 but not 100% on it

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

      Bernardo -> Mahrez maybe.

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Great minds 😉 I have the rotation fear now Sane is fit

        1. Oven Glover
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Only a -2 then 😉

          1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Haha true!

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

      Son or Silva >> Mahrez or Eriksen?

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers Rafa 🙂

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

    Good to go? Right players benched?

    Pickford
    Daniels - VVD - Mee
    Salah (c) - Sterling - Walcott - Son - Ramsey
    Kane - Firmino

    Begovic - Bellerin - Quaner - Ogbonna

    0FT, 0.2 ITB

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I would be tempted to play Begovic over Picky

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

        I am.. Split between doubling up and spreading the risk!

    2. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      gtg

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

      Yep, very nice

  13. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Do this for a -4?

    Sanchez + Lingard -> Mane + Siggy

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Just do one of them

  14. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hi, PLAY Lingard, Mariappa or Kenny?
    Thanks 🙂

    1. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Hard decision. Maybe Mariappa to hope for a CS

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Take a hit.

  15. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you start?

    A: Fraser (vs NEW)
    B: Duffy (vs SWA)

    1. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

        Why?

  16. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Can I just check something on Mahrez. I see the appeal with fixtures, but has he screwed his head on right after the Jan transfer window? He's played 28 minutes in 3 GW's.

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

      A very good point and exactly the reason I'm giving him a game before making a decision.

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Looked good in the cup last weekend, got the assist for Vardy's goal.

    3. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Plenty of articles and comments suggesting that there’s nothing to worry about in that regard.

        1. denial
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          OK sound. Thanks

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

    Who is the next best defender to get after VVD? Not from Liverpool

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Daniels maybe.

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

      Dawson maybe

  18. LC1
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Play two;
    Otamendi(ars)
    Dunk(SWA)
    Lingard(CHE)

    Thank you.

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      First two.

    2. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Dunk and Ota as Lingard may only get a cameo

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

    Have Salah (C) this week. I also have Kane

    Is Ali --> Mane a good move

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Depends if for a hit.. but either way I'd say not worth it this GW.

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

        No I have 2FT.

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Do it.

  20. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    PLAY ONE:

    A. Fraser (vs NEW)
    B. Duffy (vs SWA)

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Duffy.

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

    I have Maguire and Lingard. After this gameweek, I am going to sell Lingard for Mkhitaryan but to do fund that, I need to sell Maguire. I would have 4.6m. Any suggestions? My other defenders are Mee and Yedlin in that price range with Adrian and Speroni as my keepers and I also have Alonso and VVD. I was thinking of a cheaper Leicester defender (Morgan or Simpson maybe?)

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

      I will be using my FH for GW31 so that is not a consideration.

  22. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Am I the only stupid one ignoring Firmino and getting Mane instead?

    1. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I think that's stupid to be honest but if you are chasing then you might need the differential

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Could be gold that move.

    3. Tiote on Peyote
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldnt say its stupid but just unnecessary. Mane has had a poor season, Salah and Firmino are the main men. Dont let that Champions League hat-trick sway you, Firmino is the safer option.

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

      Firmino seems the better choice to me since there's just less options in the forward slot.

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

      I'll probably do the same. Would have to make 2 transfers for firmino.

  23. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Bit of a benching headache this week.

    DF as it stands is Alonso, Mee & VVD.

    Should I play

    A) Otamendi (away to Ars) or
    B) Daniels (home to New)

    Ahead of

    1) Walcott (away to Wat) or
    2) Deulofeu (home to Eve)

  24. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero > Vardy/Firmino, yes or no?

    1. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't be able after his 4 goal haul. Arsenal DF is awful anyway

      1. some witty pun
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        that is true

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Bobby.

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

      i am.
      if you're not captaining him why hold?
      Not guaranteed minutes with Jesus likely to be back.
      Big difference in his home/away goal record also.
      Going Firmino

  25. AZERTY
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Any nailed Everton defender atm?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Avoid.

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

    Any of these any good? 1FT and 0.4ITB.

    A. Ox >> Deulofeu

    B. Kun+Ox >> Firmino+Walcott (-4)

    C. Kun+Ox >> Vardy+Mahrez/Eriksen (-4)

    D. Son+Ox >> Mahrez/Eriksen+Mili (-4)

    E. Otamendi+Ox >> Daniels+Walcott (-4)

    Pick
    Ota / Duffy / VVD
    Son / Salah / Sterling / Ox
    Kun / Kane / Wilson
    (Elliot, Choupo, Christensen, Kiko)

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If you can face losing Kun then I quite like B. The others move your team away from non-blankers

  27. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    A. Chamberlain + Otamendi --> Milivojevic + VVD?

    B. Aguero + Otamendi --> Kane + Daniels/Mee?

    C. Any suggestions??

    This is my team:

    DDG / Elliot
    Kenny / Alonso / Duffy / Otamendi / Ogbonna
    Chamberlain / Salah / Sterling / Mkhi / Walcott
    Aguero / Firmino / Wilson

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

      B with Mee

  28. Tiote on Peyote
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    No word on Bardsley?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I doubt he would displace Lowton regardless of fitness.

      1. Tiote on Peyote
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        But he has been displacing him for months already.

        1. Gregor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Lowton was out injured.

  29. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What are people's plans with regards using the Free Hit Chip and 2nd Wildcard?

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

      I can get 11 players GW31 with no hits, so then wildcard either 32 or 33, free hit 35.

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

    Am I G2G this weekend?

    Hennesey
    VVD, Hegazi, Ward
    Salah(c), Son, Sterling, Shaqiri, Ibe
    Kane, Firmino

    (Speroni, Sturridge, Lascelles, Zanka)

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

      Yeah looking good to me mate (except you may not have a keeper)! In good stead for 31 as well

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

        Cheers! Palace forums are saying Hennessey is fine, so fingers crossed.