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. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    KDB captain upcoming gw. How could you not?

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

      He is one of the obvious picks yes.

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

      That's what they said about Vardy

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

    Okay, Cancelo replacement.. who you picking? First to 3 votes..

    1. James
    2. Dias

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

      Avoid both, they will be rotated

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

        Who would you suggest otherwise then?

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

      James.

      Dias could be rested this weekend.

    3. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      James.

      Dias starting tonight could point to a weekend rest.

      1. Parsnips
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Is cancelo starting?

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

          Both Cancelo and Dias are playing so no idea what's gonna happen.

        2. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah

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

      2

  3. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Gutted I got Cancelo instead of Dias.

    Don’t have bench cover for Villa players this week. Would you do Watkins and Cancelo to Adam’s and Dias (-4)?

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

      Dias could easily be rested v Fulham with Stones Laporte starting.

  4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    It will get more confusing if Sterling plays well and gets subbed off at half time or after the hour mark!

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

      Today is only Tuesday, so whatever the outcome I’m hoping they would have enough rest to play this weekend anyways.
      What do you think?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Possible. But we will never know!

  5. aborg
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What are the chances that Sterling and Jota start in the PL this weekend since they both start in CL this evening?

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

      Not good I think. Jota more likely to start at the weekend.

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I would think the opposite

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

        You think Pep will bench Sterling for a second consecutive week running?
        I’m starting to think that Burnley benching was tactical as he has not played home against them for the past 3 games

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

          It would be 3rd prem game in a row if he does

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

            Oh....then highly unlikely to be benched again in my opinion !
            I am going to take the risk although I don’t have a good bench to replace him with if he does not play.

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

              Exactly my thinking/(hope)

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

                Fingers crossed for us 🙂
                If I’m not mistaken Sterling got a 15 min cameo off the bench 2 weeks ago though .... hope not the same happens :/

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

                  He did, but they were losing vs Spurs

  6. Huddersfield
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Shakhtar 1 nil

  7. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cancelo and Grealish
    To
    Mahrez and James

    Good moves?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2FTs

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Use your bench to cover Grealish
      Cancelo to James yep

  8. Rash
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Commiserations to the 17005 managers who have already brought wilson in.

  9. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone seriously considering FH this week?

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

      Quietly but prob won’t. Too valuable a chip

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

      I am not considering it yet. Doubles and blank around Christmas and possibly later in the year too I will try to hold FH for that. Some news on Villa game being rescheduled still within this GW would help.

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

      nah, we are all in the same boat.
      There could be another outbreak at another team next week.
      It's time to sort out a decent bench. Need to keep team flexible,

  10. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Should i play James McCarthy and hope for a point or sell him for Bissouma?

  11. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Think im going to buy Jesus as Jimenez replacement

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Sound.

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ings if fit?

    3. Parsnips
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Good luck

  12. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I am just going to have to be patient and see how many hits I will take with just 1 FT but 3 Villa, Digne,Cancelo and Sterling it looks pretty bad right now.

  13. Huddersfield
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cancelo to James ? or save.

  14. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Evening all!! So,I have Martinez and Steer and also Cancelo, would it be a sensible move to do Cancelo to Taylor(Burnley) and Steer to Meisler or McCarthy meaning I keep Martinez who has 2 games in hand now and bring Taylor in means I have him for his extra game too?? Thoughts welcomed it would be for -4
    Many thanks!!

  15. JJO
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Why playing Dias every fking game?
    Of course he will get rested this gw when my 3 Villa players dont play
    Ffs

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

      Yep he's due a rest

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

        yup

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

    Best 4.5 defender other than Dallas for next 4 GWs?

  17. MMN
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mendy started midweek last week and then started on the weekend so I wouldn't rule Cancelo out yet. Hopefully comes off as Mendy did last week around the 75 mark but admittedly not looking good for us owners. Wishing I went Dias or Zaha > Jota instead ...

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      This, holding optimistically for now

    2. Dead Tom
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      We live in hope

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

      The importance of a left footed left back in a possession based team... Cancelo will need a Walker injury.

  18. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have Martinez/Steer, Mitchell, Kilman, Bissouma, Grealish & Wilson.

    What should I do?

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

      whats wrong with Bissouma?

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

        Keep grealish. Keep Wilson too as no similar priced striker with decent game....

        I'm thinking martinez and mitchell out for a hit.....what do u reckon??

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

    What to do here please? Thoughts on: 1.5mitb. 1ft

    Martinez and mitchell to Mccarthy and cheap defender - 4?

    Can't see worthy watkins replacement and keeping jack....thanks

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

  20. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    My word. Can Malian get a century.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Only if Buttler will allow him to.

    2. Parsnips
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      This is why Malan is 1st T20 rated batsman in the world

  21. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ruben Dias so overdue a rest now, Stones & Laporte rested tonight too...

    Squads could get very thin this GW, no hit and getting 11 out will be a great start.

  22. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Given City's starting lineup, how does Son/Grealish > KDB/Mahrez (-4) sound?

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

      similar thoughts. Tough to lose grealish though

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I would definitely want him back, but probably not for until GW13.

  23. King of Kings.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I dont know why everyone's panicking over Cancelo. He was always going to start tonight if not playing at the weekend. Doesnt mean he won't also start at the weekend.

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

      Walker or Mendy not starting two in a row would be very weird.

    2. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mendy is on form

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

        Mendy is an absolute shambles of a player. Will probably start again though

  24. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mahrez anyone?

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

      All aboard, Choo choo

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

    Who´s your Martinez replacement?

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

      Forster

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

      Steer haha

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

        Same, wish I didnt have to make a tranny :/

        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Me too mate and wanna keep Martinez for possible doubles now too, may upgrade Steer to Meisler or McCarthy

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

      Nada

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

      Peacock

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

      Mccarthy as Forster my sub GK

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

      McCarthy.

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

      Buttons

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

        Pussycat one?

    8. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably Meslier if I'd sell Martinez but probably saving my ft and keeping him.

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

      Mendy was mine

  26. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Not possible to avoid FH this week

    Currently on Sterling, Dias, Mitchell, Burke, triple Villa, Lewis, Coufal

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

      How’s it looking

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

        Martinez/Steer
        Dias/Chilwell/Mitchell/Lewis/Coufal
        Salah/Sterling/De Bruyne/Son/Burke
        Bamford/DCL/Watkins

        0 FT, 0.2 ITB

  27. King of Kings.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy or Meslier as Martinez replacement?

    (Have Dallas already)

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

    Knowing my luck will finally move Sterling out for Kdb this week.
    Kdb has a freak accident on way out the tunnell on Saturday, Sterling will be called into the starting line up and goes on to score a hat trick including one penalty and assist two more goals.

    1. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      exactly

  29. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Everyone needs to stop flapping about Cancelo. We all knew that he is a rotation risk in that Man City squad and we went for him regardless. Walker has been playing a fair few games recently, so it may very well be Walker that's getting a rest on the weekend and Cancelo starts in his natural RB slot. No point in guessing

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

    Maybe it's insane, but Cancelo > Stones?

    He'll definitely start at the weekend imo and that raises funds for me to be able to do Sterling > Salah in GW12.

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I thought you used to say every transfer was worth 4 points even if not for a hit. But now you're prepared to use one to get Stones, who will just be another fire to put out soon after?

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

        It is but if Stones gets a CS and Cancelo is benched, it'll have been worth it

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

      Stones 😀