Team News

The Gameweek Team News

Danny Rose is set to miss the first of Spurs’ two Gameweek 34 matches with a calf complaint. Burnley’s Ben Mee will be sidelined for several weeks with a shin injury, Jordan Ibe recovers from illness for Bournemouth’s pair of matches, while Anthony Knockaert and Jordan Ayew return from three-match bans for Brighton and Swansea respectively.

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

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Danny Rose will miss the home meeting with Manchester City due to a calf issue. That should see Ben Davies earn a recall after being rested for two of Spurs’ last three league matches, while Kieran Trippier and Eric Dier are also expected to be included in the starting XI for the visit from the league leaders.

For City, Fernandinho is unavailable for the trip to Wembley due to suspension, while Pep Guardiola may hand recalls to Vincent Kompany, Fabian Delph, Ilkay Gundogan and Sergio Aguero as he looks to arrest a run of three straight defeats.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche has revealed that Ben Mee faces a couple of weeks on the sidelines due to a shin injury, with Kevin Long – at 4.0 in FPL – poised to take advantage of three fixtures in the next two Gameweeks. Johann Berg Gudmundsson (calf) could come back into contention for the home clash against Leicester City, though Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is a slight injury concern due to a tight hamstring. After returning to the bench last weekend, Tom Heaton may replace Nick Pope in goal.

The Foxes will again be without the suspended Wilfred Ndidi for the trip to Turf Moor, while Vicente Iborra is a major doubt due to a hamstring injury. Youngster Hamza Choudhury could be handed a start in central midfield, while Shinji Okazaki will push for a recall in attack.

With a week until their next match – against West Brom in Gameweek 35 – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp may keep rotation to a minimum for the visit of Bournemouth. Jordan Henderson should return after being suspended for the midweek Champions League win over Man City, though big guns Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino are expected to be named on the teamsheet after the Reds’ boss made numerous alterations at Everton last time out. Sadio Mane – having played the last three and with 90 minutes on Tuesday – looks the most vulnerable of Liverpool’s attacking three.

Jordon Ibe looks set to be available for the trip to Anfield after returning to training following illness, while Josh King is expected to earn a recall after emerging from the bench to score his third goal in five Gameweeks against Crystal Palace last Saturday. But Adam Smith remains out for the Cherries with a knee injury.

Roy Hodgson’s options up front were boosted for Crystal Palace’s home encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion after Christian Benteke and Alexander Sorloth returned to training yesterday. Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend could return to the flanks after being deployed as the front two at Bournemouth.

Chris Hughton will be able to call upon Anthony Knockaert for the Seagulls’ trip to Selhurst Park with the winger having served out his three-match suspension. He will vie with Jurgen Locadia and Solly March for the role on the right flank. However, midfielder Davy Propper will miss out as he begins his own three-match ban. Beram Kayal is expected to replace the Dutchman in central midfield.

Mark Hughes will be without the suspended Jack Stephens for Southampton’s home fixture against Chelsea, though midfielder Mario Lemina is expected to be available again following illness. Shane Long is should shake off an ankle knock to compete for a starting role up front, while Charlie Austin is pushing for a return to the teamsheet after his goal at Arsenal. Centre-back Jan Bednarek is being considered for a first Saints start in the Premier League, with Hughes contemplating retaining a 3-4-2-1 formation.

As for Chelsea, Andreas Christensen is likely to return in central defence at the expensive of Gary Cahill, while Tiemoue Bakayoko may be considered for a recall in midfield. Alvaro Morata could get the nod ahead of Olivier Giroud for the lone striker role again.

Jonathan Hogg is fit for Huddersfield Town’s home meeting with Watford after shaking off a knock picked up the tackle which saw Propper sent off in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.

As for the Hornets, centre-backs Craig Cathcart and Christian Kabasele could be considered for recalls.

Swansea City will welcome back Jordan Ayew for the home encounter against Everton following his three-match suspension. Meanwhile, Carlos Carvalhal is optimistic that Mike van der Hoorn and Sam Clucas will be fit to face the Toffees.

Sam Allardyce revealed Idrissa Gueye and Phil Jagielka are both available for the trip to south Wales.

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has on-loan forward Islam Slimani available again after the Algerian was ineligible to face his parent club Leicester City last weekend. But the in-form Magpies are likely to remain unchanged for their home clash with Arsenal.

Granit Xhaka will be assessed ahead of the Gunners’ trip to St James’ Park after missing the 2-2 draw with CSKA Moscow due to illness. Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey could again be rested for Premier League duty, with the Welshman set to be assessed after sustaining a shin injury in Thursday’s tie. Calum Chambers and Alex Iwobi are set to earn recalls.

Jose Mourinho is expected to switch to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 system for the home fixture against bottom side West Bromwich Albion, so one of Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial are likely to start in place of Ander Herrera. That would move Paul Pogba back into the double pivot alongside Nemanja Matic

Baggies interim manager Darren Moore has revealed that Nacer Chadli, Sam Field and Daniel Sturridge are all back in training ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. Jonny Evans (knee) remains a doubt.

Manuel Lanzini (knee) and Aaron Cresswell (knock) will be assessed ahead of West Ham United’s home fixture against Stoke City. James Collins remains doubtful due to a hamstring injury.

The Potters will again be without the injured Eric Choupo-Moting (groin), while Konstantinos Stafylidis (broken rib) is set to remain out. Charlie Adam serves the final game of a three-match ban.

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.

708 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Do Alexis & Kevin Long outscore Mahrez & Alonso over the DGW?

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I think so.

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      No

    3. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Toss a coin on that one.

    4. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I'd say no

    5. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Doubt it

    6. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      No

    7. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Nope

    8. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      As crap as Alonso has been over the past few months, you know that bugger will pop up with a stormer of a match and grab a double digit haul. I'd say marginally Mah/Alo.

    9. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      No

    10. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Cheers all. Given me something of a slight indication.

      This would have to be for a hit as well. so probably look elsewhere.

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        If it's for a hit then no.

    11. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Good question but no

    12. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Frig knows

    13. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Wow I'm the only one saying 'yea'!

      Sanchez is a potential points machine. Long is nailed for the next couple in an excellent defence.

      Both Mahrez and Alonso could do very well but Alonso is too expensive for his attacking returns recently.

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        I feel you Red arrows. If I bring him in then he would 100% be my captain too.

  2. Tommyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Bottomed

    So it comes down to this:
    A) Long
    Or
    B) Kiko

    1. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      a

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Kevin Long?

      1. Tommyg
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Yeah

        1. Ten Season Wonder
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Him then bank rest for forthcoming weeks

    3. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      A

    4. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Thanks all.

  3. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    I can't see any good options for TC this week.
    The likes of Kane, Lukaku, Alexis may have reduced game time, because of the FA Cup semis.
    Vardy, maybe. But he just gets a single goal usually.
    Anyone going TC this week?

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Kane TC for me.

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Likely putting it on Kaku.
      Have kane too.
      My bench sucks this week , so decided against BB

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Lukaku has only been subbed off twice in the League (once due to injury) so I feel he's most likely to play 180mins over the DGW

  4. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Best 5.1 defender to get for DGW?

  5. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    on FH

    DDG
    Morgan, Lowton, Tark
    Sanchez, Erik, Mahrez, Mili
    Kaku, Kane, Vardy

    itb 0.5
    any opinions? cap still a question bw kaku and sanchez

    1. Michelle Davin
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Quite a decent team.whats the bench like?

      1. Cojones of Destiny
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        cork and bunch of 3.9 ers

        1. Michelle Davin
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Not sure how you fit with the 100 mil

          1. Cojones of Destiny
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 14 days ago

            106 mil TV

  6. Jonny HOW SON?
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Best mid for this gameweek, max 5.4 M?

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Ibe for me. Howe speaking him up in his press conference.

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Lennon or Gud

      1. Jonny HOW SON?
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        problem is I already have 3 BUR

  7. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    A) Auba + Stephens + Son -> Kane + Long + Lingard (-4)
    B) Auba + Stephens -> Vardy + Christensen

  8. brenks
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Which option is better for BB this week?
    A) Auba, Ibe
    B) Eriksen, Austin (-4)

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      B

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      B easily. (but only if you have FH left for 35)

    3. JJO
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      maybe B
      but if you dont have FH then its like -8 if you want Auba next GW too

  9. Bleach †
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Christensen to Smalling for a hit is a rather daft move right? 😆

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Yep

    2. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Not daft but I wouldn't do it

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        No

    3. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Yep!

  10. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Anyone else not feeling (K)ane?
    If I can get Alexis i will stick it on him.

    1. Bleach †
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Lukaku for me 😎

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Don't have him. No stand out options for me. Feel like i'm just gonna have to pick Kane out of fear.

  11. Essrick
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Morning chaps,

    Using the BB chip for GW34.

    DDG/Ryan
    Christensen/Duffy/Stephens/Morgan/Lowton
    Salah/Mahrez/Son/Willian/Gross
    Auba/Vardy/Barnes

    I'm so scared of both Lukaku and Kane I feel both are essential. Can do this for a -8...

    Stephens, Son, Vardy & Auba > Long, Cook, Lukaku & Kane. Good idea?

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Stephens + Auba -> Long + Lukaku possible?

      1. Essrick
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Yes, can do it for free? Worries about not owning both him and Kane though...

  12. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    is mee definitely out? is it safe to get long?

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Yes.

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      definitely out yes

  13. devilsutd96
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Hi how can you see how many of the chips have been used in other peoples teams in my Mimi leagues . Thanks

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I think you have to go to each's gameweek history. If anyone knows a better way then I'm all ears.

      1. devilsutd96
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Cheers

    2. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Go to gamesweek history ands it's under the gamesweek scores.

      1. devilsutd96
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Cheers

  14. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Worried about pope's start for the upcoming double gameweeks?
    Any thoughts on whether Heaton will start both games?
    Or is Pope good for one and then rotated?

    1. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I think it's Pope's until he makes a mistake or Burnley have confirmed EL place

  15. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Who do we think is the most nailed for City till end of the season?

    A) Silva
    B) Sane
    C) Sterling

    Think KDB should start all.

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Sterling is the one that even on bench can score in a few minutes. In his case sometimes easier than on starring XI lololol

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Maybe go with Sterling for explosiveness.

  16. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Sorry for Repost ...
    Best Option this GW ...
    TC or BB I haven't FH for GW 35
    https://imgur.com/sypiWh4
    2FT AND 1.2 M

    1. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      TC easy

      Why BB dummett and an injury

      1. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        (but TC someone who has 2 games)

    2. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Mkhi out for sure, Kane in?

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        But Who to bench I need Salah to play

  17. moz_1983
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Want to do...

    Auba & Mahrez > Kane & Lingard, but I'm maxed out on Utd players with DDG, Lukaku, and Bailly.

    Q) Worth getting rid of Bailly on a -8 to do it?

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      We've been tricked into "bailly best united cb" 🙁 now hoping one game is enough to get CS + bonus 😉

      1. moz_1983
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Yeah that was annoying, though a sensible comment to be fair. Get rid to make way for Lingard?

        1. rjcv177
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          I wont. To many hits to gamble. U sure lingard starts both? I guess bailly and lingard score the same

  18. rjcv177
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Can i save for nonFH 35? BB 34!!

    Ddg, ryan
    Bailly, morgan, lowton, tark, mustafi
    Mahrez, son, willian, gross, gudm
    Luk(c), auba, deeney

  19. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Robertson >> Long (-4)

    .. to fund Auba + Monreal >> Kane + Smalling

    Yay or Nay?

    1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I like it

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Oooh, tempting
      I think smalling will only get 1 game though

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        disappointing!

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Does Monreal to Long and Auba to Kane for free works?

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        yes.. would Robertson start?

  20. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    How would you improve this bunch lads? 1FT, 0.9 ITB(won't be getting Kane), cheers!

    Ddg,Ryan
    Alonso,Morgan,Bailly,Lowton,Dunk
    Salah,Son,Willian,Mahrez,Kenedy
    Auba,Vardy,Barnes

    1. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I'd get rid of Dunk, Brighton's fixtures are atrocious for the rest of the season. Auba > Lukaku an option?

      1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Gonna get rid after the dgw, u're right. Prolly gonna do Auba to Lukaku thx

  21. 1Banksy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Spoilt for choice in draft. Bench 2:
    A) Sanchez (defender)
    B) Ward
    C) Arnie
    D) Firmino
    E) Murray

  22. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    So if we are saying that...

    Alexis & Kevin Long WON'T outscore Mahrez & Alonso DGW34...

    Do we think that Pogba is adequate cover for non-Alexis owners?

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      No such thing as cover but he's a good pick in his own right.

    2. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I don’t believe in “covers”. Just go for the player that you think will get you more points.

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        If I did that then it means tearing up my team (Mahrez & Alonso out)... for Alexis & K.Long.

        So alternative is Sonny > Pogba (and I get to keep Mahrez & Alonso)

    3. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Yes

    4. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      He will be back in the pivot this week so might not do much

  23. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Would you do.....

    Mustafi + Mariappa

    To

    Smalling + Long

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      1 game against 3 games? Sure

      1. GuillermoDickero
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        How do you mean 1 vs 3?

        1. rjcv177
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Lol
          mustafi+mariappa? 1 game from those (mustafi worried owner here).

          Smalling and long can give u 3 games at least

          1. GuillermoDickero
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 14 days ago

            I see!

            Well I’d be hoping for 4 but like you said, will smalling play both?

    2. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Presumably he thinks Mustafi will be given a rest

  24. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Which one???

    1. Kane Kaku Lingard Mustafi -4
    2. Kaku Vardy Salah ManUtd Def or Spurs Def
    3. Kane Vardy Salah 5.0 Def

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      2.

  25. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    FH chip in play.

    Who scores the most this GW

    A: 'slow and steady,' Lowton & Cork.
    or
    B: 'the single gamer gamble' Long & Milli

    ?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      You just know Milli is going to get on the scoresheet again

  26. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    my dream draw.. for a grand finale

    Pool vs Real
    Roma vs Bayern

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      1 in 3 chance

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Dont you want Real vs Pool final?

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        no.. Madrid would be a monster in final for Pool

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          But surely youd rather face them in the final than the semi final?

    3. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      That's the dream final already on semis.
      Wish salah and cr7 face each other on CL final to decide the WorldsBest. Well they can still play again in WorldCup

    4. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Real vs Pool final is on !

  27. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Smalling the most likely defenders from ManU to play both?

    1. GuillermoDickero
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Wondering this myself..,

      Think Valencia is most nailed but expensive

  28. Bobby_Baggio
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Who would you prefer for DGW?

    A) Young
    B) Gudmundsson

  29. Heavy Data
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Captain Sanchez or Kane? Massive dilemma. ML rivals dont have Sanchez but have Kane. I have both. Kane chasing golden boot and Sanchez playing West Brom. Urgh.......

    Whats your thoughts?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Kane. Although saying that, Im going without Kane and captaining kaku

      1. Heavy Data
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Whoever i chose it will wrong no doubt. Ive literally hit the right captain like 5 times this season.

  30. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Shevchenko was such a class.

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      At Milan yes