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. Steager
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Keep Martinez and upgrade Forster to Adrian or Kelleher?

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

      Would rather keep my FT if I were you

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

      Do you know why Allison is out, or for how long?

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

        I think Allison is only out for tonight, dont hold me to that tho

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

        Hammy wont play against Wolves

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

      Thanks, Will see what Klopp says, If Alisson is out, one of the pool keepers might be good shout, wolves without Jimenez.

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

      If its a Hammy, he might be out for Fulham away aswell. Lets see, the reserve pool keepers might be an option.

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

    With jota starting tonight, what do you think that means for the weekend?

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

      He’s got to start at the weekend. He’s been one of their best players

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

      See how much he plays tonight. If he plays full 90, he may be getting a rest. Then again, he would be very eager to play against his old club I am sure

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

      He probably plays like 65mins tonight, thats all, and start at he weekend

    4. Railwayman
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably bench tbh. Wanted to bring him in forHamez, but I will wait for one more week.

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

      Most in form player. Amazed if he didn't play at the weekend

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

        Cool thanks everyone!

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

    See people are bringing in Cavani, despite him potentially facing a 3 game ban. 90% on FPL Statistics and rising

  4. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    BOTTOMED

    A. Kane to Jesus

    B. Son to Mahrez

    C. Save FT.

    Have KDB(C) too.

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

      Save imo

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

      Save

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers both

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

      Save!

  5. jjandellis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Defence is:

    Targett
    Cancelo
    Coufal
    Clyne
    Digne

    0.8 ITB
    Who we replacing Digne with?

    a. Chilwell
    b. Lamptey
    c. Matip
    d. Neco W.
    e. Other???

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

      Easy...A

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

        Is that despite him having some tougher fixtures in season ticker?

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

    Barkley > Salah and Werner > Bamford for a hit? Or should I sort out Cancelo and Watkins

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

      Sort out Watkins. Do Salah next week. Werner could do well against Leeds.

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

        Do you think Bamford in?

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

          Yep Bamford or Adams I think.

  7. JohnnyRev7
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I think I know the answer but just double checking with my learned ladies and gentlemen:

    Martinez (MIA)
    Justin / Lamptey / Chillwell
    Ziyech / KdB(C) / Bruno / Bissouma
    Werner / DCL / Vardy

    Steer (MIA) / Kilman / Mitchell (ABA) / Grealish (MIA)

    1FT / 0.1ITB

    My only possible move would be Steer to BPF (if he starts?) but I really need the FT to bring in Salah next GW to avoid a hit.

    So, I think I'm playing keeperless. GTG?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Save surely

    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yeh, thanks my thinking. Cheers Pep.

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

    I've got Martinez, Grealish and Wilson.

    Only 1FT. :/

    Free hit given the above have good fixtures next week?

    1. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Don't have a bench?

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

      I wouldn't unless you're very happy with the rest of your team.

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

      FT is more valuable than fielding 9/10 instead 11 players next week. Also more valuable than -4 hit.

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

        *FH

  9. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What to do with Cancelo?

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

      Keeping and hope for best.....

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I promise myself not to go for City assets every season but always somehow end up as a victim of Pep roulette.

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

          I got carried away with Pep's praise after the Liverpool game and the underlying numbers. Fool me once shame on you, fool me 100 times...

    2. wijohnson85
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Get rid. Starting tonight so massive doubt for weekend imo

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

      Also keeping and hoping for the best. My 1 FT is going on getting Mitrovic the hell out.

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

      Will wait and see. My plan was to hold but the Villa game being off puts extra strain. I might cave and do Cancelo > Dallas 1 week early to guarantee a starter.

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thinking about the same but it would cost me a hit. Very risky

  10. wijohnson85
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Kane + Reed -> KDB + Antonio
    B) Kane + Reed -> Mahrez + Jesus

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

      A with bam bam

      1. wijohnson85
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        He’s already my other fwd

  11. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So upgrade Steer to:

    A) Johnstone
    B) McCarthy
    C) Meslier

    1. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nah. Save your FT. You can field 10 and your squad's doing great.

      Plus it avoids the dreaded GK rotation in the future.

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

        Thanks a lot for the feedback
        This did cross my mind as well since the 0.5 would come in handy in the future
        Will save FT then

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

    I own Sterling. What to do with him? Is he big rotation risk for weekend?

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

      In my opinion Torres starting again is a good sign and points towards a front 3 of:

      Mahrez | Jesus | Sterling

      But what do I know, could be anything with Pep

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

        I don’t believe he’s ever been benched for 3 league games in a row either

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

      I think it's time to go to De Bruyne. I cannot take another benching from him.

    3. CBonci
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think he’ll start. He would miss an odd game last year then start several in a row.

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

      FWIW, I own him too. But I do agree I would rather have KDB.

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

      We have to see this match first. If he is taken off while they are chasing, we know certainly that he is dropped. If he scores a hattie and is rested after that, we can expect him to start imo.

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

    What would you do here please? 1ft and 1.5mitb.

    Initial thought is to bench grealish and Watkins and remove martinez and mitchell.......thanks

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

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

      I think I would replace Martinez and Watkins.

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

        Cheers....I'm not seeing any watkins replacements that I like....

        Bamford has Chelsea away....

        Adams at Brighton?

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

          Yep that's who I would probably go for. He's the one I'm planning on bringing in for Mitrovic at the moment.

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

    Who to sacrifice for Jota?
    Rashford (Have Bruno) or Ziyech?

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

      Z

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

    Where will Christian Eriksen end up in January? Arsenal? Man United? Spurs?

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

      Ajax also after him

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

        Aahh nostalgic move

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

      Arsenal, Spurs dont want him and thats the kinda thing Eriksen would do, he will be like "they already hate me, why not"

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

        Lol

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

      Arsenal really could do with some creativity. But very much doubt it.

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

        You bet we do

        Better him than Pepe

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

      Spurs? Lol!!

      Arsenal maybe

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

        Spurs looking like old folks home a la Milan these days.. Hart, Bale..

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

    What bizarre times we live in when we’re selling/avoiding players because they are actually starting matches eh

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

      2020 for u

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

    Looks like it will be Real Madrid v/s PSG in the Europa League final then

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

    Bamford in for Watkins?
    I have Werner and DCl

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

      I'd keep

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

      Keep. I’m keeping him and grealish as they still have some tasty fixtures coming up

  19. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is this a good plan?

    GW11 Riedewald, Cancelo to Jota, James (2FT)

    0
    Chilwell James Lamptey Coufal
    Kdb Bruno Jota Ziyech
    Vardy DcL

    Subs: grealish, watkins, martinez, 3.9

    Then GW12 Ziyech, Vardy to Salah, fodder

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

    I reckon there are 4 city players way to go this weekend

    Mendy
    Jesus
    KDB
    Mahrez

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

      Stones. The FH could work this week if you triple on City and they smash Fulham.

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

        Fulham actually looked decent though

        Or perhaps Lei was just rubbish

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

          Did they? Haven’t watched the match yet, but was considering Lookman as a way to get Salah

          1. Harper (No more Penandes)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah they looked okay. Parker has completely changed the side and got them more defensively solid

  21. MadeinIreland
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Foden to Mahrez for a free?

    He is starting to piss me off now

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

      Yes.

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

      If he pisses you off, why switch to Mahrez who will also piss you off, but cost more?

  22. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Semedo to James?

    Current team
    McCarthy
    Robertson Semedo Chillwell
    KDB Fernandes Jota
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Subs: Anguissa, Grealish, Konsa

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

      Looks good, thinking Semado to Mendy myself or hold

  23. Hattrick Harry
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    F-team and no problems:
    Fabianski (Forster)
    Fernandinho, Furlong, Fofana, Fuchs (Fernandez)
    Fernandes, Fornals, Foden, Fred (Fabinho)
    Firmino, Fabio Silva (Fernando de Jesus)

    1. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nice

  24. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish + Martinez > Jota + Mendy -4?

    Thanks.

    1. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good.

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

      Yes

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

    Hypothetical Free Hit team, thoughts?

    McCarthy
    Chilwell Lamptey Ivanovic
    KDB(c) Mahrez Bruno Son Jota
    Jesus DCL

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

      Gotta have Salah in there imo.

      1. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Jota not enough Salah cover?

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

          The word coverage is so overrated in FPL.

          1. Esalman
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Haha what about (comparative) goal involvement?

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

        Would only include if I capped him and Wolves did well at Anfield last season

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Doesn't seem like the best week to play. Fixtures aren't amazing imo

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

      Agreed about salah

  26. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    3 Villa and so need to upgrade Mitchell

    A. Cancelo
    B. Mendy
    C. Dias

    I have no other City

  27. Lost in fantasy
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Aguero injured again?

  28. davewg59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy or Johnstone as gk? Whats the best option lads?

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

      I’d go Johnstone

  29. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish to Mahrez for a hit? Could easily go back to Jack in GW12

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

      No, same thing could happen next week and the week after and your stuck with mahrez

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

      No,def not

  30. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best transfer;

    A) Grealish > Jota

    B) Coady > Reece James, have Chillwell

    C) Cancelo > Dias

    Cheers.

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

      B l think personally. Better long term upgrade.

    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Agree. B.