News

Newcastle’s Gameweek 11 trip to Aston Villa postponed as COVID-19 cases rise

Newcastle United have announced that their Gameweek 11 trip to Aston Villa has been postponed.

The match was originally scheduled for the evening of Friday, December 4 at 20:00 BST but a “significant increase” in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases at the Magpies’ Training Centre has forced the club to take action.

They report that “several” Newcastle players and staff members are now self-isolating after an upturn in positive tests over the last few days.

It has not been revealed which individuals have contracted the disease or when their respective isolations end at this stage.

Meanwhile, the knock-on impact on Gameweek 11 of Fantasy Premier League is similarly unclear.

What is certain is that the opening match of the round is no longer to take place on Friday, with Everton’s Saturday lunch-time trip to Burnley set to kick us off for Gameweek 11.

At this stage, it is unknown whether or not that game-makers at FPL Towers will change the deadline from 18:30 BST on Friday to 11:00 BST on Saturday, in line with it usually occurring 90 minutes before the first fixture of the Gameweek.

As for our squads, Jack Grealish (£7.7m), Callum Wilson (£6.5m), Emi Martínez (£4.8m) and Ollie Watkins (£6.1m) are among the key Fantasy assets with significant ownership at the time of writing.

While it could be tempting to shift as many of these as possible, or even trigger a Wildcard or Free Hit in response to the postponement, we urge patience and caution to Fantasy managers.

Both Aston Villa and Newcastle have a free midweek fixture slot in the week beginning Monday, December 7.

If the protocols and ever-changing situation at the two clubs allows, we could see this fixture rearranged either for Tuesday, December 8 or Wednesday, December 9.

If that were to be the case, then it would remain in Gameweek 11 and still count towards your next collection of points.

Such a scenario would not be without its complications, of course. Confirmation of the fixture’s new date could be short notice, and come after the Gameweek 11 deadline.

Meanwhile, even if the game is confirmed as going ahead before we have to submit our next squads, the likes of Wilson, Karl Darlow (£5.0m) and Jamal Lewis (£4.3m) could all be among those self-isolating, so we will have to wait for more information on those specifics too.

Furthermore, the Premier League has now confirmed that Newcastle’s training ground is to remain closed until “Friday at the earliest”, which could affect the timing of any rescheduling.

1,273 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Weekend off for Grealish...will probably give the new motor a spin...

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      ...whilst hopefully not hitting anyone/anything in the process

    2. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably got a pallet of brylcreem to pick up from Costco.

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      How is that boy still allowed to drive, love him as a player but needs to grow up before he kills someone

  2. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish to Mahrez or Bissouma to Armstrong look decent plug gaps this weekend. Messes up my long term plans though. Watkins doesn’t move to anyone decent this weekend of course, Bamford at Chelsea only option I can afford there.

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't underrate Bamford at Chelsea, and no need to sell Grealish if you can field most of a team this weekend

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'm bringing Mnedy in

  3. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Lost on last page

    Hits on GKs and Defenders are not worth it only if they fail.

    Perfect time to take hits IMO

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Agree. I talked myself out of doing a defender hit a couple of weeks ago and regretted it. Did a similar hit a week later (including a defender) and it paid off.

      Particularly in my position (only just inside 2m), I feel like throwing caution to the wind and need to take risks.

    2. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If I'm reading correctly, the inverse or corollary would be that hits are worth it if they succeed. This is dizzying stuff.

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Ohh you’re smart. It’s common for people on here to say don’t take hits on defenders or goalkeepers.

        But they do work. Now go put your dusty face in the bin.

  4. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish to Mahrez and Ziyech to Grealish the next week?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not certain that Grealish plays next week.

      1. Pukkipartyy
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Why woudnt he play next wk?

  5. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Lost at the bottom of the last page.

    I'm going to leave this until deadline just in case...

    But my initial thoughts are to do Martinez to Mendy and then take a -4 to bring in a City player. What do you think?

    A) Martinez + Salah to Mendy + KdB (-4)
    B) Martinez + Grealish to Mendy + Mahrez (-4)

    Just a thought for now. Will reassess after Champions League (and the vague hope of Villa getting a game in midweek)

    Mitchell and Struijk losing their places doesn't help either...

    1FT 1.7ITB
    Martinez*
    Zouma Justin Coufal
    Salah Son Bruno Reed (haha)
    Vardy DCL Bamford

    Steer* Mitchell Struijk Grealish*

    THanks!

  6. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have no idea what to do with this lol. Anyone be able to give me a hand?

    Martinez* 4.0

    Robbo Chilwell Dallas Lamptey 4.0

    Bruno Son Ziyech Grealish Bissouma

    Kane DCL Bamford

    1. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      How many FT's?
      Grealish to Jota?

      1. NUFCAndrew
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        2 FT’s 2.2 ITB

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      What’s your SV for Martinez and Son?

      1. NUFCAndrew
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        SV?

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Selling value

          1. NUFCAndrew
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            I bought Martinez for 4.7- now 4.8

            Son bought at 9.3- now 9.5

            1. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Martinez to Johnstone/McCarthy & Son to KdB

              1. WVA
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Why on earth sell Son the gw? Especially now!

                1. Big boy Bowen
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 3 months ago

                  He has Kane and no City, so thinking he may want City

  7. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Where's the 'Wildcard should not be used as a get out of jail card' squad?

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I've created it, and posted it a couple of pages back 😉

      Seriously though, doesn't seem a terrible time to use it, although I'm not decided yet. Only available for 5 more weeks anyway.

      1. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I meant that people should have saved their WC for situations like this.
        Even I'm using my WC this week.

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      if you have it and haven't yet got your Salah, Bruno, Kevin trident in place, it's a good a time as any.

  8. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Okay, so I sell Grealish for 7.4, his price falls two times to 7.5 and I get him back for only 0.1 more. Sounds alright?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably only drops once if that - he’s just hauled so will be on positive transfers from early casuals

  9. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Start 3 of Cancelo, Coufal, Riedwald, Neco Williams
    B) Watkins to Bamford for a hit and only start any 2 of the above

  10. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Cancelo finished? Mendy goal and good performance

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      We'll see in 30 mins

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      not sure that is how pep rotation works.

    3. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Keep jerk comment.

  11. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    When is the latest a game can be rearranged and stay within the current gameweek? Next Friday?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Before the Leeds game though next Friday at 8

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        They need to isolate for 12(14?) days. Won't be placed in gw11 as I see it

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Their next match postponed is more likely than this match during this gw.

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hmm no idea but I'd say Thursday

  12. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best max 6.6 forward who will probably play this week?

    A) Bamford
    B) Antonio
    C) other suggestion?

  13. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chances of Peacock starting and getting 10 points?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      15%

  14. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Watkins + Stephens -> Mahrez + Brewster (play Brewster instead of Grealish)? Considering taking a hit for Martinez, but not quite sure it is worth it

  15. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Save the FT and go keeperless? 1ft 1.0itb

    Chilwell Dias Lamptey KWP
    Bruno Son Jota
    Kane(c) Werner DCL

    (Martinez Steer Grealish Taylor Bissouma)

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Might as well shift Martinez you have the FT and the cash to do it.

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Think I'd rather keep him for the DGWs tbh, not sure who I'd move him to this week either.

    2. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Why not just do steer to a playing 4.5 for this gw

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It’s effectively a -4 transfer for a keeper. Means I’d have to take a hit next week to do my planned moves.

    3. Croaker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Think I’ll do exactly this: keep and go keeperless because there’s nobody else I prefer

  16. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Okay to save FT?

    Forster* | Martinez*
    Robertson Justin Taylor Lamptey
    KdB Bruno Ziyech Soucek
    Vardy Richarlison
    | Grealish* Watkins* Lascelles*

    0.4 ITB

  17. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I did Meslier to Martinez for -4 two weeks ago.

    I am currently 20 (TWENTY) points worse off and I have no keeper this week...

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Swapping goalkeepers is often a big mistake. Swapping for a hit an even bigger. But I understand the temptation

  18. screamer73
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    No City cover. Ziyech to Mahrez. Yay or Nay?

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nay, Z nailed and will come good again

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Does Mahrez play today?

  19. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Just looked at Villa and Southampton's fixture rotation, which looks excellent until GW17.

    I'm now considering Steer to McCarthy as a possible alternative to Martinez to Mendy.

    I know GK rotations are out of fashion (and I don't go for them usually) but I'd only get 4.6 for Martinez and, despite his recent blanks, he might be good for a DGW later down the line.

    Anyone else considering similar?

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I like the idea to allow the extra Villa outfielder for a double.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Good point!

      2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Really good point this

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

        The way this season has turned so many guiding FPL principles upside down, I'm starting to come round to the idea of two playing GKs.

        My extremely cheap bench could become increasingly problematic too. It was the way to go last season, less so this time.

        This season has been one long headache!

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

        And yes, the extra outfield player is a good point - forgot to address that! I was considering doing so to bring in Watkins a while back.

  20. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    martinez to:

    A) mendy (already owning chillwill)
    B) mcarthy

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

  21. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Son owners are you keeping? 1 goal in the last 4 matches. Next 5: ARS, cry, liv, LEI, wol.

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      yes will keep

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yep, will be in goals galore again soon even with ‘tough’ fixtures

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Keeping for now

  22. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Reminder that hits effectively cost just -2 this week

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not if you have a playing bench

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I have no bench, hits galore as usual lol

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Kinda true

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      They are actually cheaper... I'd say only 1.5 pt.

  23. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Site very frustrating to use via iPhone. Have to scroll to the top of the page every time to get rid of the box about the new FFS side bar which has been the case for months. This should be removed.

  24. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez to McCarthy looks about right.

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mendy so much better for 0.5 more

  25. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which team do you prefer?
    A:
    Martinez
    Chilwell, Dias, Cresswell, Ayling Lamptey
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Grealish , Jota
    DCL, Bamford

    B:
    Martinez
    Chilwell, Dias, Cresswell, Ayling Lamptey
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Grealish, Soucek
    DCL, Bamford, Antonio

  26. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Lads, what do you suggest with 2 ft?

    Martínez / Steer
    Chilwell / Cancelo / Cresswell / Lamptey / Kilman
    KDB / Bruno / Ziyech / Grealish / Soucek
    Vardy / DCL / Bamford

    P.S. Mendy is .1 too expensive

  27. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Done my transfer early. Do I

    A take a -8 hit to chop out Grealish & Martinez

    B free hit to get in some other players too like more City

    C do nothing and have no keeper and Brewster on for Grealish

    Martinez Steer

    Chillwell Bellerin Kilman Lampty Mitchell

    Salah Son KDB Bruno Grealish

    DCL Bamford Brewster

  28. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Start 2
    A) Neco Williams
    B) Coufal
    C) Riedewald

    or else just start 1 and take a hit for Watkins to Bamford

  29. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Pretty clueless on what to do here....1ft. 1.5mitb.

    Keeping grealish. Can't see watkins replacement with decent fixture so tempted to keep him too....

    Maybe martinez and mitchell to Mccarthy and xx - 4?.....mitchell needs to go some time.....advice appreciated.....thanks

    (Martinez)
    Chilwell james cancelo lamptey (Mitchell)
    Bruno kdb ziyech burke (grealish)
    Vardy dcl (watkins)

  30. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Guys have Martinez and grealish initial plan was son to kdb for free. Now what to do?

    Martinez*
    Robbo chilly lamptey
    Bruno grealish* son ziyech
    Vardy dcl bam

    Martin kwp dallas bissou

    1ft 2.6itb

    I guess I can move son to kdb and start Dallas /kwp for grealish and play with 10 men right?

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I like your suggestion