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

    Alison injured?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Suspected Covid I read

    2. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      left out as a precaution. tight leg muscle

  2. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Watkins misses penalty, has goal ruled out in 90th minute, triple villa postponed, cancelo dias both start. What a roller coaster of a ride. Martinez Cancelo > Mccarthy James for free i think. F*** it

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

    Was going to get Jota for Grealish. However, I think he gets his rest this weekend as starting again tonight.

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Overthinking. He will be tested for the last CL game next week. Definitely gonna start hes their best player rn bar Salah.

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

    Too bad Kelleher is 4.5 and not 4.0

  5. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez
    Robertson Chilwell Cancelo
    Fernandes Son JamesR Grealish Foden
    DCL Vardy

    Forster Brewster Dallas Ferguson

    1 FT, 1.7 itb

    So was initially thinking one of the below options to get KDB in, but I’d say that’s out of the window now...

    1. Robertson JamesR >> Vestergaard KDB (-4)
    2. JamesR Vardy >> KDB Watkins / Wilson (-4)
    3. Foden JamesR >> Stephens KDB (-4)

    So, any suggestions on how to overcome this postponement ??

    Thanks

    1. Boom Boom Sheikh the Toon
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wish my problems were this simple, JamesR, Vardy > Che Adams, KDB.
      replace Adams with watkins or Wilson next week if you really want but Soton play BHA then SHU next two weeks so id even keep him for Sheff

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

        Thanks for the reply.

        So you’d keep Martinez in goal for now?

        1. Boom Boom Sheikh the Toon
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          would I take hit for a GK? nope, and I think JamesR and Vardy are bigger problems than losing the 2 points youd probably get from a GK

  6. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    People saying Firmino rested, I think he's more likely dropped. They don't play until Sunday. They have 4 days and are playing at home so no travel. Rather dropped than rested imo.

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Jota is more suited to playing against teams like Ajax and Atlanta up front because of the space they leave. However in the prem against teams like Wolves Firmino will be needed to create the space

      1. Captain Vantastic™
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yes definitely, I see both Jota and Firmino starting. I just don't buy this Jota will be rested against Wolves.

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nah, he's not dropped. There is plenty of football to be played for all 4 players.

      Plus, Firmino is the least prima donna of the group, he is needed for his crazy energy and effort.

  7. Boom Boom Sheikh the Toon
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Given the news this is how my squad is looking to set up.
    Martinez (Still Nyland backup)
    Chilwell Justin Cresswell Kilman
    Ziyech Salah Fernandes KDB
    Brewster DCL

    Bench: Mitchell, Wilson, Grealish
    no FT 0.1ITB
    Should I just take the points loss here or is it even worth considering taking more hits to fix the issue, i dont really want to free hit as ill lose the two transfers i made this week and will only have 1ft, I was planning Ziyech, Mitchell > Jota, Dias next week.

  8. 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?

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

      A

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

      dont forget Adams

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C) Adams

  9. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    With Cancelo starting, he looks like a transfer I need to make... Cancelo > RJames, would you do anything else here? Possibly Martinez > McCarthy/Mendy?

    Martinez (Steer)
    Cancelo - Coufal - Lamptey (Dallas & Taylor)
    Salah - Grealish - KDB - Soucek (Burke)
    DCL - Kane - Werner

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

    How comes the champions league lineups come out sooner than one hour before kick off?

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

    Is the match postponement actually a push in the right direction for Martinez owners?
    Yes imo and this is why;
    - Heaton is back fit now and offers competition to Martinez, I wouldnt be surprised to see him get a start somewhere down the line
    - Martinez has only got 1 cs in the last 5, and only 2 save points in the same 5 (both of which came in the same game). That five weeks is probably around the time many people actually wildcarded him in, so he may not have performed as well as people expected in comparison to his 3 cs in the first 4.

    You should all switch to McCarthy, or Fabianski if you can afford

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Is it worth a hit

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

        Not sure, with no keeper you get 0.
        With a -4 you have to get a cs to get any profit, and even then you only gonna get 2 points unless he gets some save points or some haul. If he concedes your possibly on a -2/3 or something

        They are playing Brighton so maybe CS will be intact, hard call really.

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

      Going Mendy

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

        Yea Mendy is a nice option, just hard to sacrifice a Chelsea spot for a kepper, its like picking Alison from Pool.

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

      Fab has MU Leeds Palace Chelsea
      MCarthy has 2 good fixtures then a tough run until March
      Martinez has Wolves Burnley WBA Palace

      I can’t see the point of switching currently

    4. Boom Boom Sheikh the Toon
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I've learned that once you have a GK you are with them until death do you part, as soon as you start fiddling with the GK the one you dumped will save a pen and the one you bought will start shipping goals.

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

        Hasnt worked out like that for me in the past, for instance last season switching to Henderson for the double up with Lundstram was a clear winner, I started with Heaton which was awful. This year I started with Guaita which has also awful, I moved to Fab last week.
        Rotating keepers never seems to work out, I vouch for that

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

    Phew. Dodged a cancelo bullet there.

    Sorry owners

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

      Maybe Pep has resorted a 2 game rotation basis?

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

        Yeah why not. Who knows by the way?

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

          I know, just speculating

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

    Looks like it could Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez this weekend then?

  14. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Blue Horseshoe loves Grealish to Mahrez

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

    Cancelo to Dias could be worth it or just play Riedwald/Neco Williams?

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

      for a hit that is

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

      Nope. Neco might play

  16. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best Martinez replacement for the medium term? (up to 5.2 to spend)

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mandy probably depending on how much Chelsea cover you already have.

    2. Pino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You know that Villa will have now 2 extra GWs to play?

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

        you have no diea when that is, it could be 10 weeks away before they even get a double

  17. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mendy 5.9 is now essential

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

      Um ok

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

      Never playing the roulette again,sorry.

      1. Sloane426
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Guranteed to start v Fulham

        1. Sloane426
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Guaranteed*

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

          Laughing out loud

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

          How?

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

      Do I get my money back if I’m not wholly satisfied?

  18. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cancelo replacement.. who would you prefer?

    1. RJames
    2. Mendy
    3. Reguillion

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

      Im going 1

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

      1 if you have Dias

      1. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I don’t have Dias

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

      3

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

    Foden owners unite, he starts!

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

    Dias benching incoming this weekend

  21. ClassiX
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS – ALISSON OUT WITH LEG INJURY!
    Team to play Ajax: Kelleher, N Williams, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Jones, Salah, Mane, Jota
    Subs: Adrian, Jaros, Firmino, Minamino, Tsimikas, Origi, R. Williams, Cain, Clarkson

    MAN CITY TEAM NEWS
    Team to play Porto: Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Garcia, Zinchenko, Rodri, Fernandinho, Silva, Foden, Sterling, Torres.
    Subs: Steffen, Carson, Walker, Stones, Ake, Gundogan, Jesus, Laporte, De Bruyne, Mendy, Mahrez, Doyle.

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Why was Klopp moaning about lack of five subs meaning he couldn’t give Robertson a rest, and then he goes and plays him 3 days later?

      1. ClassiX
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Honestly not sure if he actually has anyone else who can play...

        1. stu92
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          The left back they spent money on in the summer currently sitting on the bench possibly?

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

            Dude it's a must win game for them, Tsimikas is not good enough.

            Robbo is their only creative player

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

          Tsimikas

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

        What? Must win game for them

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

      KDB C locked in

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

        Now to figure out how to get him in.

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

          Like Timon said to Simba, good luck!

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

      Alison has a muscle issue, will be fine for the weekend as per Liverpool Forums

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

      That's a worry as a Jota owner. May not start v old club.

  22. Joey Tribbiani
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Jesus benched, Aguero not in the squad.

    Transfer Jesus in?

  23. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) take a hit to replace Martinez for this week (4.8 max, would need a clean sheet to justify it really)

    B) roll without any goalkeeper

    1. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

      1. All about the galacticos
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        technically it's only a 2pt hit, with possibility of clean sheet points

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

          unless he concedes a few goals, but equally save points and baps can help him out

          1. All about the galacticos
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            martinez has been poor recently (no saves pts or baps), a good opportunity to transfer out

    2. PastaFasul
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not worth the hit....barely for free

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

      B. You’ll thank me later

    4. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Villa still have good fixtures coming up. Could easily bring someone in for 2 points not worth it

  24. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ugh awful. Postponement of the Villa game with my non-existent bench and then Cancelo + Sterling both start a pretty much useless European game. No idea who will be fit, 4 players that could be out and just 1 sub in Lamptey.

    I have no idea what to do now.

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

      It's a tricky situation for sure, won't really be able to make any decisions until we have all the info on Friday. Is there a chance Villa match is rescheduled to mid week ?

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        There is a chance of that. But I have two City players who I just brought in and got 0 each. I really hate this roulette. Honestly, it does look like Pep will bench both Sterling and Cancelo again at the weekend.

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

          Yep, I knew the rotation risks with Cancelo ahead of Dias but went with him due to higher ceiling, I didn't expect Mendy to get back to full speed so soon though so think Cancelos a mistake that needs fixing, unless you can wait a couple of weeks until Mendy gets injured again. I have Sterling and Foden too currently, no KDB, Mahrez etc, worst possible trio !! 🙂

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

      Think positively, it’s their time to shine and impress for this weekend!

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I don't think anything Cancelo can do will give make him start over Mendy at this point.

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

          Could displace Walker at RB?

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            No chance. Especially since Walker is benched and well rested.

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

              True, thoughts on Sterling at the weekend now? Seeing as Torres is starting again thinking Sterling could now start at the weekend

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                He could. I'm probably gonna hold Sterling. But I think my FT has to be to remove Cancelo. Cannot see him starting vs Fulham.

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

                  Fair ok

    3. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I might free hit, 2 players not playing and a poor bench coming in. Plus cancelo

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

      FH

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I don't really want to FH. Because if I FH I'll still have the same City problems next week and will need to take a hit. I think I need my squad to be in good shape before I FH knowing I'll get them back the following week.

    5. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling to Bruno/Mahrez or even Salah if you downgrade Cancelo.

    6. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      3 Villa, Wilson and Cancelo.

      No sub keeper. Brewster, Justin Mitchell.

      Same really. Fairly dire situation but not really one I'm sure warrents hits. At four points each I could easily take a couple, come out down

      Might just stomach the bad week or downgrade Cancelo and Upgrade Mitchell, keeping all players with a game in hand

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I think you should make moves that you'll want long term and take hits for them.

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

    So next gw Jota rested and Mahrez starting?

    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think so

    2. Harn1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think so too

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

    People selling Cancelo, isn’t it a bit soon considering he can play both left and right back?
    Increases his chances of playing at least

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

      Both Walker and Mendy rested though, maybe there is some hope if Cancelo is subbed off early but unlikely

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Walker on the bench tonight with Mendy too mate, so it doesn’t look good(Cancelo owner)

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

    What to do with Sterling now.

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

      Get KDB

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

      Hold and hope

    3. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If he is subbed at 45-min and Mahrez comes in....that good news for Stereo holders and new terror for the Mahrez kids

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

      Torres is starting again, could indicate Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez front 3 I think

  28. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mahrez tucked up for the weekend 🙂

    1. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It appears so, lot's of kids are going pile into the probable sacking of Fulham.

  29. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I hope the villa game is still played this gw. Dont want to make a gk transfer

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

      I’m debating whether it’s worth a FT at all

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

    And that's why you're not supposed to have Mitchell in your team anymore, or another random 4.0 def or 4.4 mid.

    It's covid, the ultimate gatecrasher

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

      Any ideas what’s happened to him? Wasn’t even on the bench last week.

      Palace looking shaky, never know he could play this weekend now

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

        No idea. I think PVA is waay in front of him