Team News

The Gameweek Team News

Arsene Wenger has cast doubt over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s involvement in Arsenal’s home fixture against West Ham, but Aaron Ramsey is available again for the Gunners on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp confirms he will name a “strong line-up” for Liverpool’s trip to West Brom ahead of their Champions League clash with Roma. Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero remains sidelined for Manchester City’s title party at home to Swansea after undergoing minor knee surgery earlier in the week.

Here’s our summary of the team news so far ahead of the reduced Gameweek 35, with more press conferences still to come later today.

Arsene Wenger plans to name a strong starting XI for the home clash against West Ham United in preparation for the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. The Gunners boss stated that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may miss out, then, given that the forward is ineligible to play in Europe. Aaron Ramsey is available again following a shin problem, while David Ospina is also fit to return. But Jack Wilshere (ankle) is doubtful and Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains sidelined, though the latter could possibly be back in time for Thursday’s tie.

For the Hammers, playmaker Manuel Lanzini will push for a recall for the Emirates encounter after returning from injury as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City. He could replace Edimilson Fernandes in the starting XI.

Earlier this morning, Jurgen Klopp confirmed he will name “a strong line-up” for Liverpool’s trip to West Brom, despite the Reds having a UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg clash with Roma on Tuesday night. This suggests that the prolific front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will be unleashed at The Hawthorns, handing Free Hit chip managers food for thought ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. In defence, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez are both back in full training, though Nathaniel Clyne remains a doubt due to a muscle problem.

Caretaker manager Darren Moore has revealed thatJonny Evans and Hal Robson-Kanu are both back in contention for West Brom, while Nacer Chadli continues to build up his fitness levels. On-loan forward Daniel Sturridge is ineligible to face his parent club.

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero is likely to miss the rest of the season after undergoing minor knee surgery, with Gabriel Jesus set to continue as the lone striker for the visit of Swansea. Ilkay Gundogan is expected to deputise for the suspended Fernandinho once again, while Nicolas Otamendi should return for the newly-crowned champions after being rested to the bench in last week’s win at Spurs. John Stones (groin) and Benjamin Mendy (lack of match fitness) are still unavailable.

Sam Clucas returned to training yesterday for the Swans following a knee problem and is expected to be available for the trip to the Etihad Stadium. But Luciano Narsingh has been ruled out with a twisted ankle and, while Renato Sanches is back in Wales, he will only return to full training next week.

Jose Holebas is available for Watford’s home encounter against Crystal Palace after missing the 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town due to a back problem, while Richarlison could earn a recall for the Hornets.

As for Palace, they were boosted yesterday by the return to training of Jeffrey Schlupp, but he is unlikely to be ready to return at Vicarage Road. Christian Benteke may again have to settle for a place among the substitutes, with Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend expected to form a two-man forward line once again.

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes must decide whether to hand a recall to Peter Crouch for the home fixture against Burnley after the target man came off the bench to score in the 1-1 draw with West Ham. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Glen Johnson (both groin) and Konstantinos Stafylidis (broken rib) remain sidelined.

Clarets defender Ben Mee (shin) is set to miss out again, with Kevin Long retaining his spot alongside James Tarkowski at centre-half. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (hamstring) and Jon Walters (lack of match fitness) are both doubts, while Tom Heaton will again challenge Nick Pope for the keeper’s jersey.

Everton manager Sam Allardyce has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the home encounter against Newcastle United. Tom Davies is perhaps the player most likely to push for a recall following the 1-1 draw with Swansea.

Following four consecutive victories, Rafa Benitez is set to name an unchanged starting XI once again for the trip to Goodison Park.
Islam Slimani is the most likely to force a change, he provides an alternative option to Dwight Gayle in the lone striker role after replacing him on the hour-mark in last weekend’s win over Arsenal.

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.

558 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Thoughts on Kolasinac on FH?

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Bellerín

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        (Nacho could feature)

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      NO WAY!

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      If the whm game is for el prep then he won't be playing

    4. Markus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Before Wenger comments I was there for old times sake! But if he's going to 'rest' Auba, then it's not a difficult choice to rest Kola.

    5. Lemongrab
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Nope too risky.

  2. Z
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Cech,
    Bellerin, Mustafi, Baines
    Salah, Mane, KDB, Sterling, Zaha
    Jesus, Firmino

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Lots of faith in Arse defence

    2. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Other than the atrocity against Burnley (when the pitch invasions occurred) nobody has shut West Ham out since GW17 (which, ironically, was Arsenal in a 0-0)

    3. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Big fan of this side tbh.

      I’d maybe go Lacazette + Robertson over Firmino + Bellerin though.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Bar the City game, Arsenal have scored 18 goals in their last 5 home games.
      But only kept two clean sheets.

    5. Lemongrab
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Definitely wouldn't be tripling up on Arsenal defence.

  3. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Hey Guys, any suggestions on the following FH team -

    Butland
    Baines PVA Robertson Long
    Sterling Salah(VC) KDB(C) Zaha
    Tosun Jesus

    Bench - 3.9, Firmino, Arnie, 3.9

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Erm, why Arnie and Firmino benched?

    2. Farke in hell
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Question: Why bench Firmino and Arnie?

    3. Apollo Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Start Firmino and Arnie

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        Firmino I am not sure if hes gonna start. Bring Arnie in place of whom?

    4. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Switch Long and Firmino.
      Maybe switch Tosun and Arnie.

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        Thanks a lot guys 🙂

  4. Farke in hell
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    I have 10 players playing this weekend, no goalkeeper. Is it worth taking hit for a GK? If yes then who? Have 3 city, pool, arsenal players each.

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Who are your current GKs?

      1. Farke in hell
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        De Gea and Coleman. Could replace Coleman with someone.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Would you take 4pts for a keeper score this week?

      1. Farke in hell
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        I dont know. Is there someone worth taking a hit for? Currently have De Gea and Coleman. Could replace Coleman with someone.

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 22 days ago

          I'd keep the 4pts mate

          1. Farke in hell
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 22 days ago

            Thanks

            1. Danno - Emre Canada
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 21 days ago

              Would really be 2pts though but still for a GK hmmm

        2. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 22 days ago

          Liverpool keeper?

          1. Farke in hell
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 22 days ago

            Have 3 pool players already.

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 22 days ago

              Whoops, Id say no transfer.

    3. Teror
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Nah

    4. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      If you'd want one for the rest of the season, I'd probably get some who has a double for 37. But if you have decent keepers for GW36-38 already, no need to get one for a hit.

    5. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Not really. Hard to call a clean sheet team to justify the hit.

      Although it’s probably better to roll the dice and have an extra player playing. Saves, bonuses, penalty saves(?). You have to be in it to win it.

    6. 1zverGGadeM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      No way taking a hit for a GK. 10 playing ballers are good enough

  5. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Bottomed; Thoughts please;

    Pope,
    Robertson, PVA, Kompany*
    Salah, Arnie, Zaha, Sterling
    Firmino, Auba*, Jesus (C)

    Nordfelt, Ritchie*, Lowton, Zeegelaar

    * Pick the best three please;
    A) Kompany, Ritchie, Auba
    B) Walker, Ozil, Perez

    1. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      A with Laca

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        I could drop Robertson to TAA and keep Walker instead of Kompany?

        1. QuintonFortune25
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 22 days ago

          Yeah that's better

  6. QuintonFortune25
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    A) PVA or Chambers

    B) Mane or Firmino

    Cheers all

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      PVA.
      I went Firmino

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      PvA
      Firmino

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      PvA by a mile

      Equal

  7. Apollo Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    A. Mustafi
    B. Baines
    C. Chambers & have Heaton as backup keeper just in case

    Pope
    ____, Otamendi, Robertson
    Salah, Sterling, Zaha, Arnie
    Laca, Jesus, Firmino
    Subs: Nordfelt, Milivojevic, Femenia, Long

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      PVA.

  8. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Omg the cringe in the intro of today's FPL Show... Mark and Jules punching James 😳

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      In the face?

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        Yeah, a 'free hit'

    2. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Please no

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        Wow

  9. slamdunk
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Who to go for....?

    A-Gundogan
    B-KDB
    C-Sane

    Many thanks

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      B

    2. 1zverGGadeM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      B

  10. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Whom would you guys suggest -
    1. Ramsey
    2. Mane
    3. Arnie

    1. slamdunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      2,3,1

    2. 1zverGGadeM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Rambo

  11. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Who's the best Mid for the rest of the season, £6m budget?

    1. slamdunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Milli

    2. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Gudmundsson

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Milithemanoscoreapenoscoreafkorfromopenplay...vic

    4. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Ritchie

  12. pressdpm
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Anyone looking at Deeney on their FH?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      nope but decent enought shout. i have tosun.

  13. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Eriksen & Hazard > KDB & Sterling looks good and leaves me with 2.4 ITB to get Kane in for Auba next week but then Eriksen has great fixtures ahead and I'd be stuck with Alonso rotting.
    Dunno what to do arghhhh help!!! Please Help!!!!!

    Foster Elliot
    TAA Lowton Ake Baines Alonso
    Walcott Shaqiri Lingard Eriksen Hazard
    Barnes Aubamayang Jesus

  14. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    The case against Butland on FH...
    Burnley have scored in each of their last 7 games.
    Burnley fire few shots so the opposing gk gets few saves.
    Saves from opposing gk in the last five games:
    -Courtois (1)
    -Schmeichel (1)
    -Karnezis (2)
    -Foster (2)
    -Hart (1)
    That's 0 points from saves and 0 bonus points

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      lack of options though. i still believe stoke have a good chance of a cs

  15. Al
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    DGW34 even made Wenger quit

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Ha.

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      😆

  16. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Pending anfield express, is 3 lpool attackers and 3 city attackers optimum?

    Or worth spreading risk and getting zaha instead of mane / firmino

    Could have a front 7 like this....

    Sterling salah kdb mane (cheapo)
    Laca jesus firm

    Thanks

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Pack em in.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      yep

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Mané -> Zaha/Mili or Firmino -> Perez/Wood and get a 'pool defender imho.

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      That's The Magnificent Seven mate, looks great with a punty defence. Zaha makes the defence so much better and he's going to rip wat a new one 😆

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        Bellerin, PvA , Baines or Coleman for the punt then?

  17. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Monreal or Baines?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      If only to have an interest come Monday night, Baines

  18. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Looks like the main questions on FH are:

    - KDB or Sane
    - Arnie or Zaha or Shaq
    - Firmino or Mane

    1. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      And the answers are:

      KdB
      Zaha
      Firmino (Until we hear a leak)

  19. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    What do we think the Arsenal back line will be this weekend?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Full strength, no fillers

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        I will be in my full strenght too. Fillers for morning and repeat 😀

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Bel Mus Cham Mon

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Shaved.

    4. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Bellerin Chambers Mustafi Monreal

  20. Taking the Mkhitaryan
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    A. Laca and Robertson
    B. Firmino and Bellerin

    (Have no other arsenal but do have mane salah)

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      I think A has a better chance of playing.

    2. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      A but depends on any Liverpool team news

  21. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    What percentage of people have their free hit?

  22. pedjaaaa
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Thinking about best replacement for Mee until the rest of the season?
    Already have Laporte, Alonso, VVD, Dunk.

    1) Baines
    2) Other Burney def
    3) Someone else?

    Tnx

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Swansea

      1. pedjaaaa
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 21 days ago

        a troll is just what i needed

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      What about a Arsenal defender?

      1. pedjaaaa
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 21 days ago

        well that is a brainer, they have one extra game, but harder fixtures

  23. I Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Don't have FH. Would you rather lose Mahrez or Willian?

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Mahrez

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      willian

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Willian

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Pedro did alright, lose Willian

    5. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Both

    6. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      mahrez as nailed and easy fixtures

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        Huh? Read it again

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 22 days ago

          oopppsss

    7. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Willian.

    8. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      lose willian 🙂

  24. pressdpm
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Thoughts on this FH team?

    Pickford
    Mustafi - Kiko - Robertson
    Sterling - De Bruyne - Salah - Arnoutovic
    Jesus - Lacazette - Deeney

    1. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      great front 7

      1. pressdpm
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        Thanks. Trying to mix it up a bit with Deeney. Will probably backfire spectacularly...

        1. Salah'd n Sauce
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 22 days ago

          AT least you'll have taken a swing...

    2. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Decent

  25. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    FH team... thoughts?

    Butland
    Baines Robertson Mustafi
    Sane Sterling Salah Zaha
    Laca Jesus(C) Firmino

    Bench: Mili, Kiko, Long

    1. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Not sure Robertson will play. We need all his energy on Tuesday.

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        If the team is leaked and he aint there will go with VVD or TAA if they play

  26. Salah'd n Sauce
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Nailed (unless ANfield Express has me change the lot)

    Dubravka
    Baines Robbo Kompany
    Salah Arnie Sterling Zaha Mane
    Laca Jaysus

    Hennessey / p erez / Long / Lascelles

  27. Wheato182
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    All set up for this week chaps?

    Butland
    PVD - Baines - Mustafi
    Salah (C) - Mane - De Bruyne - Sterling - Zaha
    Firmino - Jesus

    Bench - Nord - Kiko - Long - Niasse

    1. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      All gravy

    2. GreenArrows
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      PVD? Is that PVA or VVD?

      1. Wheato182
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 22 days ago

        PVA - whoops haha

  28. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Look ok?

    Cech (Hennessey)
    VVD - PvA - Baines (Long, Masuaku)
    KdB - Sterling - Salah - Zaha (King)
    Lacazette - Jesus - Firmino

    0.1 itb

    1. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Strong. I like it.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      nice !!

  29. Naboo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 22 days ago

    Is Ramsey a gamble?

    1. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 22 days ago

      Depends on the rest of ur team. If he is just a differential and you like the rest of your team. Could be an interesting one.

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

      I have him in my draft game

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

    How's this FH side?

    Pickford
    Baines - Klavan - Kiko
    KDB - Sterling - Salah - Mane - Zaha
    Auba - Jesus

    Subs: 3.9m GK; Wood, Long, Wimmer