Team News

Vardy cleared for EFL Cup semi-final action ahead of Gameweek 25

Jamie Vardy‘s (£9.9m) chances of involvement in Gameweek 25 continue to increase as Brendan Rodgers gave an update on Monday afternoon.

The Leicester City manager was delivering his pre-match press conference for Tuesday’s EFL Cup semi-final second-leg against Aston Villa and explained that Vardy has a good chance of involvement.

While Rodgers is not confident the centre-forward will start at Villa Park, he is confident of including Vardy on the bench at least. All fo that points towards heavy involvement when Chelsea come to the King Power Stadium on Sunday – particularly ominous in the wake of 375,000+ transfers out ahead of Gameweek 25.

“He’s in the squad. He’s worked very hard. We’ll give it another day and we’ll see if he can start. If you’re asking me if he’s 100 per cent, he might be 80 per cent. It’s about the further risk of injury, but I’m confident he will play some part.” – Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers also confirmed that Nampalys Mendy (£4.3m) and Wes Morgan (£4.1m) will miss the trip to Aston Villa.

Those who opted to cover West Ham’s Double Gameweek with Robert Snodgrass (£5.2m) or Arthur Masuaku (£4.2m) will indeed be sweating over David Moyes’ next press conference.

That’s because both players missed out on the Hammers’ FA Cup exit to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

However, Angelo Ogbonna (£4.5m), who was assessed for a back problem ahead of the meeting with the Baggies, was involved, featuring as a second-half substitute for Fabian Balbuena (£4.3m).

John Lundstram (£5.1m) owners may have further cause for concern after Sheffield United’s 2-0 win at Millwall on Saturday afternoon.

Having lost his place for the Gameweek 24 defeat to Manchester City, Lundstram was once again named on the bench for the FA Cup fourth round.

Soccer Football – FA Cup Fourth Round – Millwall v Sheffield United – The Den, London, Britain – January 25, 2020 Sheffield United’s Muhamed Besic celebrates scoring their first goal with teammate Callum Robinson REUTERS/David Klein

Furthermore, his replacement Muhamed Bešić (£4.4m) was arguably the man of the match and capped off his impressive performance with a wonderful goal, curling an effort from the edge of the box into the top corner.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard confirmed after FA Cup action over the weekend that Tammy Abraham (£7.7m) does not have a fracture but also revealed he did not know much of the detail surrounding the forward’s injury.

“He has been getting lightly into the water and all these things. I said yesterday that there’s no fracture but other than that there is still some swelling so I don’t know. I don’t know much of the detail.” – Frank Lampard

Amid transfer speculation linking him with Aston Villa, Olivier Giroud (£6.6m) was absent from the Chelsea team that beat Hull on Saturday evening – but Lampard has confirmed the Frenchman’s absence was injury-related.

“He had a tiny, tiny feeling in his groin yesterday. It was my choice for him not to travel.” – Frank Lampard

Laporte in action for Manchester City

Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) was not involved as Manchester City thrashed Fulham 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium but Pep Guardiola was quick to allay any features of further injury, insisting that the player is just being eased back into regular action.

“He had some fatigue, which is normal after 4 or 5 months. We are not going to take risks. Until we feel he is ready, he won’t play. If he can play against United, he can play.” – Pep Guardiola

However, Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) and Joao Cancelo (£5.2m) will be assessed after their involvement against Fulham.

“Riyad recovered well from his kick and Joao had a big kick with some injury on his ankle. We will see how they recover in the next days.” – Pep Guardiola

Todd Cantwell (£5.0m) was one of three Norwich players to miss their win at Burnley through injury.

With Ben Godfrey (£4.4m) suspended, the attacking midfielder was joined in the physio room by Emi Buendía (£6.0m) and Ibraham Amadou (£4.5m).

“(Cantwell) got some hamstring problems after Tottenham. Nothing too serious but this turnaround is too quick.” – Daniel Farke

Fantasy managers in possession of Cantwell will certainly need to pay close attention to Daniel Farke’s next press conference considering the number of injuries to key FPL midfielders right now.

Sean Dyche also did not risk any of his players recently affected by injuries, Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.9m), Ben Gibson (£3.9m) and Phil Bardsley (£4.3m) all absent from Burnley’s defeat to Norwich.

Jan Bednarek (£4.4m) returned to full fitness for Southampton’s 1-1 draw with Spurs while Jannik Vestergaard (£4.6m) missed out with a concussion.

Danny Ings (£7.0m) played the full 90 minutes but Shane Long (£4.6m) and Cédric Soares (£4.8m) were both out with knee injuries of varying severity.

Also, Stuart Armstrong (£5.2m) joined the injury list for the Saints on Saturday, forced off with a muscle problem in the 44th minute. Moussa Djenepo (£5.2m) was his replacement, and the most likely to claim Armstrong’s place if he is not fit in time for Gameweek 25.

“(Armstrong) had a problem with the hips. I hope it’s not that bad but he’ll have a scan tomorrow and then we’ll know more.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Oxford saw new loan signing Nabil Bentaleb (£5.0m) make his debut although Valentino Lazaro, who joined from Inter Milan, was not registered in time to play.

Bentaleb looked a little rusty in his first outing although displayed some glimpses of the skill he has been brought to Newcastle for.

Meanwhile, Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m) was back in the Magpies’ side after missing Gameweek 24 and was one of Steve Bruce’s better performers.

Joelinton (£5.5m) and DeAndre Yedlin (£4.4m) overcame their respective flags and both played 90 minutes at St. James’ Park.

Nigel Pearson revealed last week that Danny Welbeck (£5.8m) could play a part for Watford in Gameweek 25 while Tom Cleverley (£4.8m) and Will Hughes (£5.3m) are also making progress.

It will be interesting to see what impact these players have on the first-team at Vicarage Road as they continue their upturn in form under Pearson.

However, those still invested in Ismaïla Sarr (£6.2m) may have another transfer on their hands as there was a less than positive update on the winger.

“I don’t think he will be ready for next week, but we’ll see.” – Nigel Pearson

We will bring you the latest implications of the FA Cup fourth round results, replays and fifth-round draw on Tuesday.

Which FPL assets topped goal threat, creativity and clean sheets this month?
816 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi

  2. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    First comment, then read 😉

  3. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Given Vardy looks like he will be fit, On WC, Not sold Vardy yet, 9.4 sell value
    A) Vvd, Vardy, Auba, fleck
    B) Vvd, Aguero Ings Perez
    C) Gomez, Vardy, Aguero, fleck

    Currently on
    Henderson Mccarthy
    TAA VVD Lund Lascelles Stephens
    Salah KDB Grealish Perez Traore
    Aguero Jime Ings

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think fixtures and Arteta make Auba juicy for next 3 at least.
      Vardy will be needed but Ings Jimmy are my priority

      1. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Also they dont blank

  4. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is there a percentage Sheet for blank likeliness in GW28?
    Or are the blanks confirmed by now?

    Norwich to blank?

    1. Mo Salah No Mane
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      That's as up to date as you'll find

      1. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you

        1. Mo Salah No Mane
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Yw

    2. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      MCI and ARS - 95%
      LEI and NOR - 69%
      AVL and SHU - 31%

      (MUN and EVE - 5%)

  5. Mo Salah No Mane
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy sellers around?
    Is he worth buying now?

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I am keeping for one and then make an Ings out of him except he shows the magic again

      1. Mo Salah No Mane
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Lol you trying to make things out of him.
        Vardy hopefully become a differential now?

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Always! Great fixtures for him in the next 3

      1. Mo Salah No Mane
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Do you mean after the next 3?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          No, in the next 3. Teams that attack and don’t sit back. And none of the 3 can really defend either

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

      No, next season

      1. Mo Salah No Mane
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Lol
        I barely owned him this season

  6. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Nicolas Pepe

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just kidding

  7. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hope Arsenal win tonight and we get a good FA Cup draw.

    Blankety blank, Blankety blank, Blankety blank

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Amen

  8. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Would you say KDB is essential in your team if you are playing your WC

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Very few midfield options at the moment, I would say yes for now.

    2. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Except if you go 433

    3. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Think most important
      Salah
      Traore
      KDB
      Grealishin that order

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        You forgot the most essential player

        1. Mufc202020
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Who’s that then

  9. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ndidi is back and Vardy is fit

    Let the good times return against a weak Chelsea defence!

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  10. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I can choose to get Robbo first or Auba

    Means Auba (bur) Soy (CHE)
    or DCL (wat) Robbo (sot)

    this week.

    Next week getting the other presumambly

  11. Laserface
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi Lads. How does this team look for next GW? Contemplating if should use the WC.

    Pope
    Aurier TAA Kelly
    Traore Salah KDB Son
    Vardy Maupay DCL

    Bench : Button, Cantwell, Lundstram, Soyuncu

    Already used the FT for Mane>Son. Have 3.9M itb

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Top team. Dont WC but Kelly to Robbo

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Play Lund Over Aurier and save FT

  12. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I am worried that Robbos less attacking with Origi or Minamino instead of Mane.
    Also less likely to get an easy assist from just passing to the lad and letting him do the rest

  13. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    No kne worried about Auba leaving Arsenal anymore?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Noone wants him. Same as last time when he left Dortmund. That is why Arsenal got him. Anyone decent was not interested.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Auba is a top player, if big teams not interested then I guess they dont have room. I can see him at City one day maybe, he's probably Peps perfect striker

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          He is 31 at the end of the season. He wants a lot of money. There are players who will ask for less money and have more potential and more years left in them.

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Didnt realise he was that old! Probably will end up at a Manchester club then lol

  14. Spow31
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    In a draft league and need some help picking my team:

    Henderson, Alisson

    Sidibé, Aarons, Robertson, Azpil, laporte

    Doucouré, Willian, Sterling, Traoré, Perez

    Maupay, Jiménez, Ings

  15. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play Ings (pool) or Soy (Chelsea)?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ings

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ta

  16. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mane and Maddison to Son and Grealish?

    Bank the 3.5m change.

  17. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I realised this season that draft is actually fun. I was in like an 8 person draw at the start and the only good players I got were Kun, Alli, Pukki and Allison. Anyway my team was so bad and I have no interest in draft so I just left it for ages without looking. Logged into draft about 4 weeks ago to see im in last place and my team generally doing terrible msot weeks.
    So while I was there I thought ah I might as well try and improve it a bit, and to my surprise despite all the premium players being taken, there was a lot of cheap players who have been doing well available. Anyway fast forward a month and my draft team is sick (got 76 points last GW!). Its flooded with cheap players no one has room for, Trossard, Traore, Fleck, Ozil, Alli etc.
    This week im proposing to get Lascelles, Hilson, Fernandez and Martinelli and probably all will go through. Im 5th now im my league and going to try get number 1, but need to gain 100 points so wont be easy.

    Anyway my points here are;
    Draft is actually fun, finding the cheap differentials and having the ability to set your team up every week is pretty fun.
    But more importantly it makes you appreciate the cheaper players in fantasy, it gives you a didnt perspective on things. Previous season I always put so much emphasis on a players price tag but now I see its not that important. Drafts rubbed off on my fantasy team as well, 10 of my 15 are below 7 mil and 4itb.

    I honestly recommend playing it next season, you will find fun in it and im sure it will have positive results for you in fantasy as well.

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'll sleep better tonight knowing this. Unless I am dead from too much Corona that is.

      Thanks.

      P.s I enjoyed draft on the side a couple years back as many do/did.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        its a shame there isnt some over-all rank system for it. Just playing randoms in a league sucks, that really kills it imo. But I dont see how an over-all rank system could be added, there would be many cheaters letting their mates have good players 🙁

  18. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Fernandez worth the 0.2 over Lascelles.

    Much better attacking stats, but won't start every game

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Meant to be a question !

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure, I didnt know either but everyone is saying Lascelles so I went with him. Checked their FA cup write up, sounds like Lascelles was pretty attacking most of the game.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Fernandez is more threat on set pieces. But yeah, with so many CB fit, last thing i want is a dropped player in my team 😀

      Will get Lascells too instead of Fernandez. 0.2 savings too

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes imo. Much better player. Much more attacking threat. Nailed as they come now

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Fernandez ???
        I have ££ to get anyone

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Would be my pick mate

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers mate.
            Appreciate it. On WC & needed one from your bunch for rotation

  19. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy sellers btfo. Now for Mane to be fit as well

  20. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Why are so many clamouring to get in Son (mostly for Mané)?

    Will he really do so much vs MCI??

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lots of ££ in the pockets 😉

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I still don’t get it! 😉

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          not sure either, lack of premium alternatives? He is the best of a bad bunch. People watching $'s too muc,h when someone like Traore or Grealish will out perform or match for far cheaper

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Too much£ itb maybe the reason

    2. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      no, just lack of alternatives.
      grealis traore way to go

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeh I agree. I have neither of those two and considering just getting one in for Mané (and maybe Soy > Robbo) and Dave WC

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          You on a WC bro ?

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Not yet! Can’t decide. Mané looks like he has to go but now Vardy looks like he may be ok so could be that a hit is enough for this week

  21. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on these moves:

    Tosun + Martial -> Aubameyang + Fleck (-4)

    GW25 Team:

    Ryan
    TAA VVD Robertson
    Grealish Maddison KDB Fleck
    Aubameyang Vardy Jiminez

    Button Traore Lundstram Dunk

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      lol Tosun out is mystical to me.
      go ahead tho play Adama you scik nut!

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      thanks

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks
      Poor teams put out. Will be a boring game

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Pepe masterclass inbound

  22. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So what is considered a favourable Cup draw to help chip strategy in FPL?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and Newcastle winning their 4th Round Ties.

      Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, Newcastle, Norwich and Leicester not being drawn against each other (all drawn against non-PL teams)

      And also a draw of:

      Man City vs Chelsea
      Man Utd vs Sheffield Utd

  23. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rico injured?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Or dropped 😮

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

        Or rested

  24. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone have an update on the Richarlison and Mane injuries?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Surprised nothing has been said about Mane

  25. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    soon as I got Lascelles in everyone now saying Fernandez is a no brainer! Screw you guys and your fancy stats, I have my Hayden and Lascelles 😛

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      There was something in the air that night
      The stars were bright, Fernando
      They were shining there for you and me
      For liberty, Fernando

  26. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Cantwell > Fleck?

    SHU fixtures are amazing

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good move

  27. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bench order correct, Traoré, Soy, Lundstram?

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yea

    2. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd have Lunds ahead of Soy

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Lunds cameo is the issue, my bench is: Hayden, Rico and Lunds.

        1. CelticBhoy1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Yes hard to know if he'll start

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers guys.

  28. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guys,

    Do we think if Lundstram will start Vs Palace ?

    Thanks.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'm not sure personally
      So benching him.

  29. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    When is fa cup draw?

    1. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      now, bbc1

    2. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      great to chat!