Team News

The Gameweek Team News

Kyle Walker is a concern for Manchester City ahead of a home clash with Chelsea, but wide man Raheem Sterling may yet make a return. Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines return for Everton’s trip to Burnley, while Spurs have worries in central defence as Huddersfield Town make their way to Wembley Stadium.

Here’s our summary of the team news so far, with the majority of the big-name press conferences still to come later today.

Pep Guardiola confirmed in his midweek press conference he is optimistic that Raheem Sterling could return in time to face Chelsea on Sunday. The winger missed last night’s win over Arsenal – the first time he has failed to play a part in a league match since Gameweek 9.

Kyle Walker will need to be assessed ahead of City’s home encounter against Chelsea after picking up a calf complaint against the Gunners, though his manager is confident that the right-back will be available.

As City hold an emphatic first-leg advantage heading into the midweek Champions League encounter with FC Basel, rotation looking very unlikely against the defending champions, with the likes of the fit-again Gabriel Jesus expected to start against the Swiss outfit.

Tiemoue Bakayoko, David Luiz and Ross Barkley all remain doubtful for the Blues, but Cesc Fabregas may push for a recall. Antonio Conte could revert to a “false 9” formation after utilising the fit-again Alvaro Morata as the lone striker in last week’s defeat to Man United.

Everton have been handed a significant boost at the back for their trip to Burnley. Earlier this morning, Sam Allardyce Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka are all available for the Turf Moor visit.

Clarets manager Sean Dyche revealed that both James Tarkowski and Chris Wood are in contention to return against Everton, but Scott Arfield (calf) is expected to remain sidelined.

Leicester City forward Shinji Okazaki will have a fitness test today ahead of the home meeting with Bournemouth. The Japanese international returned to training this week following a knee injury.

Jordon Ibe is available to return for the Cherries after stepping up his fitness with a run-out for the reserves earlier this week. Meanwhile, the likes of Adam Smith and Jermain Defoe could also push for recalls after impressing off the bench against Newcastle last Saturday.

Steven Davis and Shane Long remain doubtful for Southampton’s crucial home fixture against Stoke City. Manolo Gabbiadini could push for a recall after scoring the equaliser in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

As for the Potters, both Ryan Shawcross and Peter Crouch are back in contention to face Saints after the pair returned to training on Thursday.

Jan Vertonghen remains doubtful ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s home clash against Huddersfield Town due to an ankle injury, while Toby Alderweireld is set to miss out once again. Serge Aurier is suspended for the midweek Champions League clash with Juventus and is therefore expected to get the nod ahead of Kieran Trippier for the right-back berth.

The likes of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen were rested from the midweek FA Cup win over Rochdale and are set to return to the teamsheet.

David Wagner has revealed that Aaron Mooy remains out for the trip to Wembley, but Philip Billing is available again after recovering from illness.

Leon Britton could be back in the Swansea City squad for the home encounter against West Ham United, while Andre Ayew may be handed the first start of his second spell at the Liberty Stadium.

Hammers boss David Moyes stated there are no serious injury concerns ahead of the trip to south Wales, so Patrice Evra may be fit to start following a gash to his shin.

Watford head coach Javi Gracia will be without the injured Gerard Deulofeu for the home meeting with West Bromwich Albion, but Will Hughes returned to full training this week and is available for selection.

Earlier this morning, Alan Pardew confirmed he will make changes for the Vicarage Road clash in light of a poor performance against Huddersfield last weekend. Daniel Sturridge (hamstring) is sidelined for the next two league matches but Chris Brunt and Jake Livermore will push for recalls.

Georginio Wijnaldum remains a doubt ahead of Liverpool’s home fixture against Newcastle United due to illness. Jordan Henderson will be seeking a recall after being benched in last week’s win over West Ham. Similar to Man City, the Reds are expected to remain at full-strength, given that they hold a 5-0 lead over midweek European visitors Porto.

As for the Magpies, Jonjo Shelvey is a doubt due to a knee problem, while Dwight Gayle may need assessment after suffering from hamstring tightness against the Cherries.

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Chris Hughton may consider naming an unchanged starting XI for the visit of Arsenal to the Amex.

Jack Wilshere is a doubt for the Gunners after missing the 3-0 defeat to Manchester last night due to an ankle problem. Nacho Monreal (back) looks set to miss out again, but the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Alex Iwobi could come into contention after a dire display against Man City last night.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that Jeffrey Schlupp and Martin Kelly have both returned to training this week ahead of Monday’s meeting with Manchester United. James Tomkins is available, having recovered from cramp, but on-loan defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is ineligible to face his parent club.

Meanwhile, Phil Jones remains doubtful for the trip to Selhurst Park, while Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo are expected to miss out once again. Jesse Lingard could come back into the XI after netting the winner on his introduction from the bench against Chelsea last time out.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s 11.30am 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.

252 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    1 transfer what do i do, points that need adressed, Alderweireld, alonso and ayew

    Pickford
    Alonso, francis , vvd, martina
    Erikson, mane, de bruyne
    Vardy, kane, ayew

    Bench, elliot, kennedy, Alderweireld

  2. Dr. DOOM
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who should i get for Otamendi?

    A. Davies
    B. Maguire

    1. FPL Mentor
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Koolswan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Save...but if you have to then Davis

  3. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    GTG?

    Lloris
    Smalling - Maguire - Robertson
    Salah - Mahrez - Walcott - Richarlison
    Kane(c) - Firmino - Vardy

    Bench: Elliot - Mili - Kenny - Dunk

    1. FPL Mentor
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Loveleh!

      1. #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        thanking you

  4. FPL Mentor
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Adrian
    Valencia Davies Van Dijk
    Salah Eriksen Arnautovic Shaqiri
    Kane (C) Firmino Vardy

    (Elliot, Mee, Mili, Mbemba)

    Good to go?

    1. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      not half!

    2. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      GTG sir

  5. FPL Mentor
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Any updates on potential postponed prem games?

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

      No concerns from the Premier League about any of the games, although Southampton will provide an update on their game vs Stoke at 5pm.

  6. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Good Plan?

    De Gea
    VVD* Vert Alonso
    Sterling Shaq* Salah* Deloufeu
    Kane Firmino* Wilson*

    Subs: Elliot, Ogbona, Obiang, Mbemba

    GW29: Delofeu to Mahrez
    GW30: Mbemba to Schindler
    GW31: Sterling to Walcott and maybe Elliot to Pickford or Obiang to 5.5 midf (-4)

    Will give me 8 players for 31...

  7. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What would u do next?
    A few options..

    1. Ogbonna/Wally -> Shaqiri/Davies.. (-4).
    2. Otamendi/Sterling -> Davies/Eriksen. (-4, Exact Cash) atm.
    3. Richarlison -> Shaqiri.

    Pickford.
    VVD, Otamendi, Mee.
    Richarlison, Sterling, Salah, Mahrez, Walcott.
    Firmino, Kane.
    Speroni, Wilson, Kenny, Ogbonna.
    1ft, 0.6m. WC GW 32/33.

  8. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    WIll you C again Salah or risk it with Harry this GW?

    1. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Salah do-do-do do do

      With spurs injury concerns (in defence) I've gone with Salah.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        How is spurs defence relevant?

        1. Old Gregg
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Defence is the best form of attack.

          It doesn't but surely missing your better players does have and affect the team as a whole.

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Sanches, Aurier, Bavies/Tripp all very attacking. I think they will be fine mate

            1. Old Gregg
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Yes. Fair enough. Addmitedly It didn't make a lot of sense. It's how I justified selecting Salah as (c) to myself.
              I personally don't think it will be a spanking though.

              Spurs 2-1 / 3-1

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

        Eh?

        1. HD7
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I didnt get it too...

          1. Old Gregg
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Alright. Yes I will captain Salah and not risk Kane.

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

      What have we come to when Harry Kane at home to Huddersfield is considered a risk. It’s a coin toss with him and Salah and I would go Salah due to the extra point for a goal and point for clean sheet.

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Risk because of the high EO of Salah... not because Harry is bad choice 🙂

  9. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Southampton have confirmed that their home game against Stoke is being discussed with the Premier League, local police and council officials with a further update at around 17:00 today.

    1. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Worth waiting to do certain transfers fo' sure

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

      Any news on Brechin vs Airdrie?

      1. Old Gregg
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Brechin have under soil heating. Should be fine

  10. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    which would you play this weekend?
    Cheers

    A) Alonso (mci)
    B) Mariappa (WBA)
    C) Jones (CRY)

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

      Alonso

  11. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Pope
    VVD-Mee-Jones-Ota
    Lingz-Salah (c)-Sterling-Mahrez
    Firm-Kane

    Elliottt-Dawson-Allen-Quaner

    1FT 0.2 ITB

    Which Transfer this weekend do you think?

    a) Ota/jones > Bavies
    b) Lingz > Shaqi
    c) save
    d) both the above (-4)

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

      B

      1. Old Gregg
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        thansk
        Yes seems the sensible choice. I'd give him one more go if new lings was starting.
        I will also wait for 5pm to see if Saints v Stoke is still on

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

          Yeah seems the most reasonable thing to do

  12. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    DDG
    Ota Robertson Chilwell
    Sterling Salah Shaq Mahrez Walcott
    Kun Firmino
    (Elliot Kenny Wilson Ogbonna)

    Ota > Davies to free this week followed by Wilson > Mounie for free next week sound good?

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

      Don't you want to keep Wilson for GW31?

  13. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Fabianski, Ellliot
    Alonso, VVD, Ogbonna, Mariappa, Holgate
    Salah, Sterling, Hazard, Walcott, Milvo
    Kane, Firmino, Ayew

    a) Mili -> Shaq
    b) Sterling -> Shaq
    c) Mili, Sterling -> Shaq, Mahrez/Eriksen free

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

      A could be handy to keep a spare FT

  14. Red Star Toro
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If I'm planning to WC right after GW31 (in preparation for DGWs, would free hit later, all chips available) and have 2FTs, Sterling -> Mane makes sense, no?

  15. Kudo Warrior
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    TAA nailed?

    1. JohnnyMagrinho
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Started last 3 at RB and looks like he's Klopp's go to guy for the position at the moment.

        Klopp has also come out and said he's been impressed with TAA's form of late and that he sees Gomez as more of a CB option for the future.

        Clyne still not back to full fitness and wouldn't just get put straight back in.

        One thing I'd say is that Klopp sees TAA as an attacking full back whereas Gomez is more defensive. So in a game where Klopp wants to be more shored up at the back (from the flanks at least) he might favour Gomez if Clyne isn't back.

        Overall I'd say TAA is certainly our first choice RB at the moment, just maybe not as nailed as Walker at City for example.

        1. Kudo Warrior
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          really helpful. Thanks mate

          1. JohnnyMagrinho
              6 years, 1 month ago

              No worries bud.

              I think Klopp is kind of learning not to fix what aint broken and go with form a bit more.

              I've brought in TAA on my Draft team and would be tempted by him on Fantasy if it werent for the fact that I have Mane, Bobby and Mo - I'm just not changing that.

              For £0.5m more than TAA you could look at Robertson. Moreno isn't guaranteed to slot straight back in but might make the odd cameo appearance from the bench. Robbo is definitely 1st choice LB.

              Depends how much money you've got mate.. van Dijk is always going to play as much as he possibly can so he would 100% be your safest bet into the Liverpool defence.

      • Kudo Warrior
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        What are people doing with Sterling?

        If he is fit, i cant see.him.not starting...

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

          I'm keeping personally think he will play with Sane back now too

      • Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        DDG, Elliot
        Alonso, VvD, Duffy, Mee, Kenny
        Sterling, Shaqiri, Salah, RLC, Walcott
        Kane, Kun, Wilson

        2FT and 0.5 ITB

        Best move?
        A) Kun -> Fimino and safe the other transfer
        B) Sterling -> Mane
        C) Alonso -> Davies
        D) Walcott -> Ramsey

        Or something els?

        1. Old Gregg
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A initally.
          What formation you playing?

          1. Old Gregg
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Then RLC > Mahrez/Eriksen

          2. Tshelby
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            3-4-3 I think

      • HD7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Which fixtures have a chance to be postponed?

        1. Sting in the Tail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          The games at Southampton and Swansea I would imagine

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Yep, and maybe Burnley

        2. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Newcastle “hoping” to fly tonight... if they can’t thats massive as most have 3 Liverpool now... this could be the best week to FH if a lot get cancelled tomorrow...

          FH in City Chelsea Utd Arsenal players and steal a match on less informed managers??

          1. HD7
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Of course lets see first ehich matches will be played officialy... but an interesting thought

          2. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Hadn’t heard this, but you could possibly be onto something if more than 2-3 fixtures get postponed (especially Liverpool)

      • jamie1972
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Most nailed Everton def?

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Coleman/Baines now they are back.

          1. JohnnyMagrinho
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Still doubt over whether or not Baines is going to be fit enough to start this week though.

              Coleman potentially could but I'd be leaving that another week and see how they line up against Burnley and go from there.

              Think Martina is more likely to play than Baines this weekend and Keane/Williams should both be starting unless something strange happens.

              1. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Jagielka has been declared fit too, but yeah he should be 3rd choice CB imo

                1. JohnnyMagrinho
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    Bit of an odd one with Everton tbh. They're in shoddy form and this game isn't exactly straightforward, regardless of how inconsistent Burnley have been of late.

                    I suppose it could be that Baines, Coleman and Jagielka could all be declared fit to play and yet none of them do. I'd say you'd be risking very few minutes if you went with one of those this week.

                    At the same time, it might just work but either way Burnley don't let in many goals and Everton have struggled away from home all season so I don't see the point in taking a risk on minutes and in a potentially tricky fixture.

                    And yeah you're right, Jagielka should be seen as 3rd choice CB behind those two but to be honest, can Everton's defence get any worse at the moment?

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

            Triple Captain Kane for GW29?

            1. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Bit silly

              1. @fpl_phenom
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Or genius

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

            Bench
            A Dacoure ( W Brom H)
            B Walcott ( Bur A)
            C Wilson ( Lei A)

            On B at moment as he's pretty worthless

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

              B

          4. vardys party
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Pope
            Vvd otamendi alonso
            Sterling salah doucoure Walcott
            Kane (c) firmino Wilson

            (Eliott Mawson Masuaku Carroll)

            1 ft 0.9m itb

            Save or transfer?

          5. aarrgghh
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            How many points have you got with your captains?I'¨ve got 398 and not happy at all,for example if captaining Salah for the last four weeks I'd be in top 1k but now 33 points behind,Lesson learned

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

              sorry 10k

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

                Ah let you off

                I don't even wanna look. My captain choices have hurt me a lot (16k)

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

              Is this a post to tell us all your 33 points away from top 1k ? 😉

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

                you got it

            3. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              379. You should be happy with yours

          6. Chrisirwin01
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Kane vs Salah. All constructive feedback is welcome:

            I have a positive gap of 22 points over my mini-league opponent. Both of us have Kane and Salah. However, I've lost close to 40 points over the last 5 GWs. This GW I've brought in Mane for Sterling in attempt to regain some momentum.

            My thinking is to Captain Kane, in the hopes of an explosion performance and Mane should offset the damage if Salah outperforms Kane. Thoughts:

            A) Take the risk - Kane
            B) Play it safe - Salah

            1. @fpl_phenom
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Monitor the postponements.... Newcastle might not be able to travel...

              If all goes ahead I think I’d captain Kane....

              Nice move with Mane btw

              1. Chrisirwin01
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Good shout and thanks.

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

              22 points is nothing..play safe with Salah

              I brought back a 65 point defecit in 3 weeks then went 70 ahead in the next 10. Now there is a 30 point gap. Seriously 22 can be done in one game

            3. Lemongrab
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              If you're ahead just stick with Mo no need to go for the slightly riskier option.

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

            Who will score more this weekend:

            Sterling or Mahrez?

          8. Tommo1888
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            people considering baines, jaggy or coleman? good fixtures and play gw31!

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

              Good fixtures but Everton are absolutely bobbins

            2. JohnnyMagrinho
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I'd say wait another week. Baines might not be fit enough to start this week and Coleman shouldn't be seen as shoe-in at RB just yet either.

                Burnley away is a tough game and Everton have shocking away form to boot.

                I'm interested myself but will definitely be waiting till next week before making a move.

            3. FPL Panda
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              A - son to ericksen

              Or

              B - chupo to arnie

              Thanks

            4. royals forever
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Is Mounie is now nailed on for Huddersfield or is Deportie still a threat

              Any ideas would be welcomed

            5. AzzaroMax99
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Dunk to:
              A) stephens (STK)
              B) dawson/hegazi (wat)

              The Saints are more likely to save their net but wba duo have goal threat and play in gw31

            6. THFC4LIFE
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Today’s presser’s. (I know the earlier ones are missing)

              Pochettino (1230ish), Conte (1.15pm)Hughton (1.30pm), Klopp (1.30pm)
              Benitez (1.30pm), Jose (1.30pm)
              Pellegrino (1.30pm)

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

                Thanks Buddy

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

                Thanks. Are we not getting one from Pep?