Team News

FPL Gameweek 18 team news and injury updates

Ahead of the Gameweek 18 deadline on Saturday, we round up the headline injury news from around the grounds.

Fantasy managers could see Sergio Aguero (groin) back in Premier League action soon, with Pep Guardiola providing positive comments in his pre-match press conference.

The Manchester City boss said of Aguero, John Stones (muscle) and David Silva (knock):

Both [Aguero and Stones] had training sessions, they made two training sessions with the team. David Silva, no.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed that he has no fresh injuries in his squad ahead of the trip to the Etihad, with Matty James back in training but not match-fit.

Frank Lampard has a near-fully fit squad ahead of Chelsea’s visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Speaking on Friday, Lampard said:

[Loftus-Cheek] is making good progress but nowhere near contention for match-play yet.

Other than that we’re all pretty good, we’ve got a fit squad. Ross [Barkley] is fine. Tomori is fine. Giroud is fine. They’re all fine, I think.

Spurs report that Tanguy Ndombele (groin) and Michel Vorm (calf) are back in training with the rest of the squad.

Ben Davies (ankle), Erik Lamela (hamstring) and Hugo Lloris (elbow) are continuing rehabilitation and remain out, however.

Already without Joel Ward (knee), Jeffrey Schlupp (muscle), Mamadou Sakho (suspended), Andros Townsend (unspecified) and Gary Cahill (unspecified) for the match against Newcastle, Roy Hodgson was dealt a further blow on Friday when Scott Dann sustained an injury in training.

Patrick van Aanholt (hamstring) could make a swift return, at least, having returned to training.

Hodgson said in his pre-match presser:

Patrick van Aanholt has started training with us again, so that’s very positive. We will see if he can play tomorrow. But if he can that will be a major boost because that’s been a problem position for us during the time he has been out.

We suffered a setback in training this morning with Scott Dann, who is going to have a scan this afternoon. It might just be a little scare that you sometimes get in training sessions.

Hodgson’s opposite number on Saturday, Steve Bruce, said of Newcastle’s fitness latest:

Almiron and Shelvey have a chance. They trained yesterday, so as we speak we haven’t seen them [today] but they both seemed OK yesterday. The risk would have been last week, so I let them recover. We think they’ve done enough to make sure they are OK.

Matt Ritchie (ankle), Jamaal Lascelles (leg), Allan Saint-Maximin (hamstring), Ciaran Clark (calf) and Ki Sung-yueng (unknown) remain unavailable, however.

Manchester United look likely to be without Paul Pogba (ankle) again this Sunday, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer providing the latest on the Frenchman earlier today:

He’s training but he’s not been training with us for long. That’s a step forward for us. I hope [he will play before the end of the year]. Let’s see how he feels. I’m not going to push him. We need him to be 100% fit.

Eric Bailly (knee) and Timothy Fosu-Mensah (knee) remain sidelined despite a return to training, while Diogo Dalot will continue to build up match fitness with a run-out for the under-19s on Friday.

Nigel Pearson commented on Watford’s fitness situation yesterday:

Masina and Pereyra have trained, been out on the field. We’ll assess them as we go. Holebas won’t be available.

And then the long-termers (Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Sebastian Prödl, Daryl Janmaat) there is no change there. They are making good progress, so we are pleased with how that’s developing.

Eddie Howe has fresh concerns over Josh King (ankle) and Andrew Surman (calf) ahead of the visit of Burnley.

The Bournemouth boss said:

We have got concerns on a few players and we’ll make very late calls on them. Have we got anyone returning from injury from the previous weeks? No, I don’t think so, we’re pretty much as we were.

Josh King went off last week with a twisted ankle so we’ll see how he is. Andrew Surman picked up a calf problem from the game, so we’ll see how he is.

Sean Dyche said of Burnley’s injury situation, meanwhile:

Woody has been carrying a bit of a knock on his Achilles, so we’ll see how he is. He wasn’t on the grass today so we’ll see. Westy wasn’t on the grass today either, with a tight groin, so we’ll see.

Charlie Taylor has trained all week, Kevin Long has trained all week.

Gibbo had a niggly groin last Friday, we had to pull him out of the game in the warm-up. We’ve got to make sure that’s settled. Although I don’t think it’s a serious one, I doubt he’ll be fit for the weekend.

Johann got through 60 minutes on his recovery in a reserve game. Fortunately, we have got an under-23 game on Saturday, so he’ll get more minutes in that – hopefully, 90 if that goes well.

Graham Potter welcomes Dale Stephens back from suspension ahead of Brighton’s match against Sheffield United.

The Seagulls manager also had positive news on Aaron Connolly (dead leg), saying on Thursday:

He should be [fit], he’s trained this week, so he’s available.

We have no further problems from the game against Crystal Palace, so pretty much the same squad, but obviously Aaron is available for selection.

It’s only Solly March and Jose Izquierdo that are out at the moment.

Chris Wilder didn’t report any fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to the Amex but John Fleck will miss out through suspension.

The Sheffield United manager said on Thursday:

We’re in good nick, we’re fit, we’re healthy. Yeah we’ve got a couple of players that are close to suspension but hasn’t everyone else?

Obviously missing John Fleck is a blow for us on Saturday but we’ve got options, we can go through two or three ways.

Interim Everton boss Duncan Ferguson didn’t name names in his media gathering but said of Everton’s injury situation:

There’s one or two been training lightly, there’s still some sickness in the camp. I’m hopeful that there’ll be a few added to the squad.

Lucas Digne suffered a recurrence of his groin injury last weekend, while Djibril Sidibe and Gyfli Sigurdsson missed out through illness.

Arsenal appointed Mikel Arteta as manager on Friday but the former Manchester City number two won’t be in charge of the Gunners this weekend.

Arsenal earlier confirmed that Hector Bellerin (hamstring), Rob Holding (knee) and Mesut Ozil (foot) are all being assessed ahead of the trip to Goodison Park.

Dani Ceballos (hamstring) is aiming to return to training next week, while Sead Kolasinac (ankle) and Kieran Tierney (shoulder) are out.

Granit Xhaka is available after a head injury, however.

When asked if everyone was fit for the trip to Norwich, Nuno Espirito Santo said:

With the exception of Boly, Morgan [Gibbs-White] and Bruno Jordao, yes.

Santo said of Adama Traore‘s shoulder, meanwhile:

It was dislocated [against Spurs], fortunately the medic was able to put it [right] again, and he’s recovering and improving.

Tim Godfrey (ACL) has joined Josip Drmic (muscle) and Timm Klose (knee) on Norwich’s long-term injury list, with the centre-half out until February.

Grant Hanley (groin) has been back in training and could feature, however.

Ralph Hasenhüttl ruled Moussa Djenepo (hamstring) and Yan Valery (virus) out of Gameweek 18 in his Thursday press conference, while Sofiane Boufal continues to struggle with his toe injury.

The Saints are up against Aston Villa this weekend, with Villans boss Dean Smith reporting on Friday:

Jed Steer has just come out a [protective] boot. Keinan Davis is back running, probably not 100% yet but he should be soon. Tyrone Mings is pain-free and running as well but only at 50% at the moment.


Predicted line-ups and more detailed information are found in the Team News tab, which is being updated this evening.

Our YouTube/podcast round-up can be viewed by clicking here.

768 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Heaton,
    Lundstram, Dunk, Rico, Kelly,
    KDB, Alli, Traore
    Vardy, Rashford, Jesus

    Martin, Cantwell, Mane, TAA

    2 FT, £0.1 in bank, what should I do guys?

    Was thinking take out Mane but for who? Sterling? Son?

    Or should I leave him on bench this week and make changes elsewhere?

    1. whosBenj
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mane to Son or Sterling for sure

  2. fridge
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    When are people wildcarding then if you have it left?

    I'm thinking GW20 to get liverpool back

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Considered that but I’ll wait longer if I can

      1. ramunas
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        You can't

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I've used the WC but if I hadn't, that's when I'd play it.

    3. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Gw20 as i cant see many changes to be done in team this gw

  3. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Am I good to go?

    Ryan
    Kelly, Aurier, Lund
    Son, Alli, KDB, Grealish
    Vardy, Jimenez, Abraham
    Button l Dendoncker, Soyuncu, TAA

    Would Grealish captain be needlessly bold?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Very good ... captain Alli I would say

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        That was my original plan, but everyone seems to think Son is a more sensible pick if going Spurs ....

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Well decision time 😉

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good, good luck mate.

  4. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hope my Robbo to Maguire transfer will pay off in the next few GW

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Why do that?

      Maguire = no clean sheets and no goal threat

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Maguire has goal threat.

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          17 games into the season:

          Goals: 0
          Assists: 0
          Clean sheets: 2 (none in last 12 weeks)

          ...but I’m sure he is ‘due’

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            We are talking about ‘threat’, not ‘goals’.

            He has threat, the statistics back this up.

      2. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Erm no goal threat?

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          How many goals united scored from set pieces in the last year?

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            You are questioning wether or not he has goal threat look at his past seasons? Also he has had many chances this season.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      United are not keeping any clean sheets. It could turn around tho. GL

  5. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Would you transfer Reid out to someone max 4.5mil If have Greenwood in starting XI and no bench.

  6. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Would you change anything?

    Henderson
    Lundstram Aurier Kelly
    KDB Son Alli Maddison Grealish
    Vardy Rashford

    Button Abraham Soyuncu TAA

    Captaincy is between Alli & Son.

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Abraham bench intriguing ... GTG!

      1. Duffy Dunk
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Could bench Maddison instead but I believe more in him & LEI.

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I am on the same boat if Rich in, play him and bench Tammy

          1. Duffy Dunk
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I had a hit plan in mind, where I'd sell TAA for Targett in order to afford Richarlison, but decided to do Cantwell->Grealish (haven't done it yet) which was possible without selling TAA.
            Villa's weak def didn't convince me.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Would probably play Abra over Maddi

  7. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    If You on WC pick three players to get
    A- Kane
    B- Son
    C- Alli
    D- Richarlison

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      It’s a lottery

      BCD for me but you can’t go wrong really

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      BCD

    3. fridge
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B&C, others bit more tricky

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      BCD

    5. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers

    6. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      ABC

  8. Phlajo
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chances of Connolly starting tomorrow?

    1. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      pretty high I'd think

  9. whosBenj
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    On WC, what would you change?

    Henderson
    Aurier - Lundstram - Rico
    KDB - Son - Alli - Maddison
    Vardy - Rashford - Abraham

    Martin - Kelly - Dendoncker - Soyuncu

    1. whosBenj
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      3.5 itb

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maddison to Richarlison

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Henderson to Guaita and Maddison to Richarlison

    4. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good. Similar to mine, but I’ve got Sterling instead of Maddison and Ings for Abraham. I’m wondering if Stephens is a better bet than Dendoncker for the fodder spot. Seem to recall some saying his might not get back a regular spot in midfield when he’s no longer needed in defence. Hardly a season-defining call though!

      1. whosBenj
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks guys.

        Considering this too:

        Henderson
        Aurier - Lundstram - Rico
        KDB - Son - Maddison - Sterling - Moura
        Vardy - Rashford

        Martin - Kelly - Soyuncu - Greenwood

        1.1itb

  10. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    If you get a 5th yellow in GW 18 or 19 do you get a one match ban straight away?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

  11. Lav
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who are the worthy TAA replacements?

    1. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      PVA seems the best imo, but he might not start.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      None really - hold if you'll want to bring back

    3. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No one is worthy 😉

    4. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think a backline including Aurier Lundstram Soyuncu Kelly is decent. Rico could be the 5th def.

      1. Lav
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        More or less what I am heading towards if I want to do Tammy to Rash

  12. Jamie_GAWA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Will return help

    Is my team good to go?

    Guiata Martin
    Maguire Aurier Lundstram Soy Rico
    Salah KDB Son Grealish Cantwell
    Vardy Rashford (C) Pukki

    On wc

    1. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldnt bring Salah in on WC. Just use a FT to get him for GW 19 or 20.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Better options than Maguire
      Maybe punt on Sterling instead of Salah
      and then switch next gw or the one after?

    3. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers lads

  13. Thunder Warrior
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Targett or Dunk?

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Targett just slightly

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Targett for the holidays, Dunk longterm.

  14. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Do we expect Pieters to hold his place this GW?

  15. DanLFC1
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hows this WC team pls?

    ryan
    lund rico target
    kdb son grealish richarlison
    Kane rashford vardy

    martin aurier dendonk kelly

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks like a FH team for GW18. Not bad though.

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'd try to play Aurier somehow.

  16. Jaok
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Jimenez capt anyone?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Many

    2. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rash for me

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli

  17. Lav
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Comes down to one of these moves to fund Tammy to Rash...

    A. TAA —> Aurier
    B. Maddison —> Grealish
    C. Jimenez —> Maupay

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      b

  18. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Guys, need some help..will WC gw20

    Pope
    Lundy Rico Taa* - Kelly Lascelles
    Kdb Alli Mane* Pulisic* — Cantwell
    Vardy Rashford XXX

    A: Mane + Pulisic >> Sterling + Grealish and XXX > Tammy gw19

    B: Mane + Pulisic >> Son + Grealish/Martial and XXX >> Tammy gw19

    C: Mane + Taa >> Son + Maguire and XXX > Tammy gw19

    D: Mane + Taa >> Son + Targett and XXX >> Kane gw19

    1. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B Grealish

  19. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Got 2FT and no idea what to do. Does Pulisic > Grealish work?

    Gazzaniga
    Lundstram, Rico, Kelly
    KDB(c), Son(vc), Pulisic, Dendoncker
    Vardy, Abraham, Jimenez

    Subs: Martin, Soyuncu (TAA, Mane)

    1. yer old da
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Could also do TAA > Aurier to free up cash for the Jimenez > Rashford move next week.

    2. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mane>Ali

  20. Napoleon IV
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    when seeking advice on here, always remember this wise old adage:
    "Nobody else cares about your team".

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Let alone the people giving the advise... how qualified are they?

  21. Pass
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    From the non starter or doubt below, who's out for an FT?
    A. Tomori
    B. Salah
    C. Fleck
    D. Montoya

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

      1. Pass
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks DD

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

      1. Pass
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks. 2 for A

  22. arkom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope / Button
    TAA / Aurier / Lund / Soy / Rico
    Mane / KDB / Maddison / Alli / Cantwell
    Vardy / Tammy / Jimenez

    2 FT (0,1£ ITB)

    Yes or no?
    TAA, Cantwell & Tammy —>
    Kelly, Son & Greenwood

  23. BATISTUTA ®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone taking a punt on Aguero this gw ??

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      What did Pep say about him? Likely to start?

      1. BATISTUTA ®
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Trained with the squad for the last 2 days... Its a possibility

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          High risk high reward, live a little 😉

          1. BATISTUTA ®
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            That should do to convince me 🙂 ,cant thank you enough 😛 !!
            On the serious note, my wc still intact, its just the move I need 😀 !

            1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              I gambled last week, Mane -> Salah(C) over Vardy.
              No better feeling than when it works out! GL

              1. BATISTUTA ®
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Bold move indeed !!
                Even if I do get Kun, going with a safer C choice ...prob Kane ... GL and cheers !

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Is Pep?

      1. BATISTUTA ®
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Wouldnt we all like to know 🙂

  24. Nicoson
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What is the chance of Greenwood starting?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      20%

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      50%

  25. Riggs
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who to captain?
    A) KDB
    B) Jimenez
    C) Son
    D) Alli
    E) Rashford

    It's madness..

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jiménez for gamble
      Rash for safe

      1. Woy_is_back
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Rash safe lmao

    2. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      CDA in that order

      united just don't do well against poorer teams for some reason

  26. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play Maddison or Hayden? First to 5 votes wins!

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maddi

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      M

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maddi.

    4. gomenor
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      m ofc

  27. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Typical that after pressing the button on Grealish, I now wish I went for Dan James haha

  28. Manani
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    gtg?
    still got 2 FT, but don't know where to spend

    Pope
    Rico Lund Kelly
    KDB Son Alli Maddison
    Connoly Tammy Rashford
    (McGov Soyu TAA Mane)

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe Connoly -> Greenwood or Martinelli. Dont know who is more likely to start.

      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        don't think greenwood would start but good call, can squeeze some more money inot the bank

  29. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which? Taa to Def. For next 2 gw then Gw20 WC will get back taa
    (my def. Ryan taa soy lund aurier kely)

    A) wilems
    B) baldock
    C) tarko/pieters
    D) targett/guilbert
    E) baines
    F) roll ft, play 2 of soy aurier dendo

  30. The Weight of History
    HollyShand
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    As an FPL manager, is there room for nostalgia?

    I’m finding myself lured into an Alli captain this weekend, with his excellent record against Chelsea being a contributing factor for this. Is this an appropriate strategy to adopt as an FPL manager?

    Further nostalgia ensues when we consider this game as a Jose Mourinho Derby, and also a huge game for Chelsea manager Frank Lampard. Could we see an impact of the weight of this game on the Blues performance?

    I’d love to own Mo Salah and Harry Kane over this festive period. They have a history of being dynamite this time of year, as does Son Heung-Min and Marcus Rashford.

    I’m well aware that statistically there’s no link between historical performances against former clubs, preferred opposition or the time of year having an effect on future performances. But I still hunt these narratives when it comes to setting up my FPL side!

    Do you ever find yourself in the same position?

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli is a great option, Nostalgia or not

      1. HollyShand
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Agree! He’s in form, faces struggling opposition and loves life under Jose!

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli under Poch wouldn’t be on anyone’s radar as a captaincy choice

      2016/17 Alli (or Mourinho Alli) is a very different beast

      So it’s actually more Alli’s recent return to form (and position) than his historical record v Chelsea that has him emerging as a captaincy option this week imo

      Nostalgia is a red herring here I think 🙂

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        everything has aligned for the perfect Alli storm, cant believe he is less than 4% in captian poll. I have switched between Ings and Alli so much this week

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          He’s so destructive in that role - I think he’ll treble return at least once or twice before end of season if things fall for him,

          Chelsea are approaching shambolic of late (4 losses, 1 draw in last 6 league & champions league) and they ultimately do have a very inexperienced manager in charge versus possibly one of the greatest managers in the game...

          The stars are certainly aligning for spurs, and dele

      2. HollyShand
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I guess the nostalgia here could be that an in-form Alli is a world-class player!

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Kane probably more of a classic nostalgia pick in that he’s pretty much picked up under Jose where he left off under Poch with 3 blanks in Jose’s 5 league games...

          Yet he does have that Christmas history of bumping up his output when this time of year rolls around...

          But not sure Alli, Salah, Son & Rashford are really nostalgia picks when all are in pretty red hot form at the minute!

          Nostalgia is probably a factor in everyone’s decisions though, rightly or wrongly - probably moreso in sticking with a player going through a lean spell (e.g. Salah earlier in the season, TAA/Robbo at the minute etc) than driving a transfer in due solely to opposition or time of year, for me anyways 🙂

    3. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I am more of a bayesian. Alli's track record vs CHE, CHE record on the road, and Alli's stats over the last four is appealing, so he gets the armband for me.

      1. HollyShand
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I’m really hopeful this week of an Alli haul and huge gains in overall rank.

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          My money is on Son.

    4. Udo
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hmm, am I ever finding myself in the same position? The answer is certainly yes on that one! Even worse I make up my own historical stories, that's why I am captaining Grealish, purely based on fantasy history which hasn't happened yet, and have Alli as my VC.

    5. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Of course there is room for nostalgia, we are not robots, but the point you make in this HT has little to do with nostalgia imo. It's more about the consideration of capping an in form player in a team on a bit of an upswing that has a history of scoring v Chelsea!
      Just a suggestion but feel you need to raise your game now that you're doing this FPL lark full time. GL

      1. ted mcnure
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Prices change so much from season to season.. I miss Doherty and Wan -Bissaka, also miss Drogba and Suarez..
        You have to move on and get over it..I find..

        1. ted mcnure
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          That said I do watch for new peeps I'd love to see break out
          like Antonio, Traore, Tielemans, etc..
          How about you?

    6. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      In form player so that's more important than nostalgi. You would not think about capping if out of form. Kane is more nostalgi.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yup or bringing in Leighton Baines 😉

    7. Silvinho
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Buy Cr7

    8. SDC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      At times certain things defies logic. There are certain players who do well against certain teams - Suarez vs Norwich, Costa vs Swansea and recently Salah vs Bournemouth/Watford. Also there are teams who perform well against certain teams - bogey teams. I even wrote couple of articles regarding this - "What The Match Facts Say", but don't get much time otherwise would surely have followed it up.
      To sum up, yes history does carry some weight and since I follow it keenly it generally shows a 50/50 success result. But solely basing decisions on history is not recommended.