Team News

Free Hit managers set to snap up Sterling as Man City declare him fit for Blank Gameweek 18

Raheem Sterling (£11.4m) looks set to be available for Manchester City as they host Brighton in Blank Gameweek 18.

The premium Fantasy Premier League midfielder missed out on the FA Cup win over Birmingham on Sunday because he was “not fully fit” but Pep Guardiola gave a more positive update in his Tuesday afternoon press conference.

The Manchester City manager did not mention Sterling by name but, after ruling out Aymeric Laport (£6.0m) and Nathan Aké (£5.4m), as well as reminding us who is currently self-isolating, he declaring the rest of his squad were “okay”.

“(Aymeric) Laporte is injured, Nathan (Aké) is injured. Eric (Garcia) is solitary, Cole Palmer is solitary. The rest, maybe I forget someone, but the rest are okay.”

Pep Guardiola

That is apart from Sergio Aguero (£10.3m), of course, who Guardiola revealed to be in quarantine. Pep added: “Aguero is in quarantine. I think after nine or ten days he will be back.”

Those interested in Manchester City assets will be encouraged by Graham Potter’s latest injury update.

Brighton will be without two forwards in Danny Welbeck (£5.5m) and Aaron Connolly (£5.2m) for the Blank Gameweek 18 trip to the Etihad Stadium.

Central midfield could also prove a problem for them with Yves Bissouma (£4.5m) suspended, Adam Lallana (£6.2m) ruled out and Steven Alzate (£4.3m) a slight doubt. If Ben White (£4.4m) were to step into the position alongside Davy Pröpper (£4.8m) that could see Dan Burn (£4.2m) return to the back-three even after a torrid time against Wolves last time out.

Everton’s attack could arrive at Wolves at less than full-strength based on Carlo Ancelotti’s injury update on Monday. 

Calvert-Lewin offsets longest goalless streak with another Fantasy assist

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.8m) has been ruled out of Blank Gameweek 18 by a hamstring injury that he carried through the Gameweek 17 defeat to West Ham.

While the Everton manager revealed it was not an “important” injury, he wants to protect the player from doing any further damage, considering he supposedly has very little experience with hamstring problems.

Meanwhile, Richarlison (£7.8m) is a doubt for Blank Gameweek 18, requiring a decision after this week’s pre-match training session regarding an unspecified problem.

“Pickford is okay. Richarlison we have to wait at training today to make a decision. Calvert-Lewin is not available. Hamstring problem. No (there is no timescale). I think soon he can recover. He never had this kind of injury, he was not able to judge himself. He played all the (West Ham) game. This means that’s not an important injury but we want to keep him safe and when he comes back to be 100%.”

Carlo Ancelotti

Wolves are not without their own injury issues with Willy Boly (£5.4m), Marçal (£4.8m) and Daniel Podence (£5.5m) ruled out of Blank Gameweek 18 along with long-term absentees Jonny (£5.4m) and Raúl Jiménez (£8.2m).

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo revealed: “We still have Jonny (injured), Willy Boly out and Marcal out. We have some problems.”

The best Arsenal players to consider for a Blank Gameweek 18 Free Hit squad

Any Fantasy managers worried about Rob Holding‘s (£4.5m) chances of starting in Blank Gameweek 18 can take encouragement from Mikel Arteta’s most recent injury update.

During his Monday press conference, the Arsenal manager revealed that centre-back Gabriel (£5.0m) would have to be assessed ahead of Thursday’s meeting with Crystal Palace considering, at the time, he had not yet returned to training following his period of self-isolation.

“He’s missed a few weeks of training because he had to isolate. It’s better now. We expect him to be training with us and couple of days and we will make an assessment whether we can have him or not on Thursday.”

Mikel Arteta

Considering Holding has started 10 of the last 11 Premier League matches for Arsenal, his place seems safe, while Pablo Mari (£4.4m) has featured in each of the last three when Arsenal took nine points from a possible nine.
The Gunners’ front-four of Alexandre Lacazette (£8.3m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m), Emile Smith Rowe (£4.4m) and Bukayo Saka (£5.3m) is likely to go unchanged for Blank Gameweek 18 too.
That’s because the Gunners still did not know enough about Gabriel Martinelli‘s (£4.9m) ankle problem on Monday.

“Well, we don’t know how bad (the ankle) is. (Martinelli) is getting a scan this morning. We didn’t look after the game because he was in a lot of pain. Yesterday he tested a little bit better. So let’s hope, we have a scan today, that it’s not serious and we can have him back soon. But we will know more tomorrow certainly.”

Mikel Arteta

Meanwhile, Thomas Partey (£4.9m) could be involved after building up match fitness in the wake of his self-isolation.

“Thomas (Partey) has been in full training for the last four or five days. He’s completely asymptomatic. It would (have been) a little rushed to play him against Newcastle but I think he will be ready for Thursday.”

Mikel Arteta

Manchester United will be able to recall Luke Shaw (£4.8m) and Victor Lindelöf  (£4.8m) for their trip to Burnley tonight as the two players completed a full training session on Monday.

The return of the latter could be well-timed considering Eric Bailly (£4.9m) could only manage partial participation in training following a neck injury in the FA Cup and requires assessment ahead of Blank Gameweek 18.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) could enjoy a welcome return to his favoured left-attacking-midfield role as Paul Pogba (£7.7m) is also a slight doubt for the Burnley game.

“All of them trained today. Paul (Pogba) and Eric (Bailly) didn’t do all of it but Luke (Shaw) and Victor (Lindelof) did, so I’ve got a decent amount of players to pick from. Let’s see with Paul and Eric how they are tomorrow.”

Mikel Arteta

Sean Dyche will have Nick Pope (£5.4m) back in goal when Manchester United visit Turf Moor tonight but will have to make late calls on left-back Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) as well as Jay Rodriguez (£5.8m) and Dwight McNeil (£5.7m).

“Nick Pope is fine, Charlie Taylor is touch and go, along with Jay Rodriguez and Dwight McNeil. We’re still waiting on news for Kevin Long’s ankle knock.”

Sean Dyche

Central midfield could present a problem for Burnley as Dyche must “wait and see” whether Ashley Westwood (£5.3m) and Josh Brownhill (£4.9m) can be involved. Josh Benson (£4.5m), Dale Stephens (£4.3m) and Jack Cork (£5.0m) are available but combine for just 480 Premier League minutes this season.

“We’ll wait and see on Ashley Westwood, Josh Brownhill, Jimmy Dunne and Bailey Peacock-Farrell, but we’re really hopeful.”

Sean Dyche

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder kept his cards close to his chest ahead of the visit of Newcastle to Bramall Lane, grouping George Baldock (£5.0m), Enda Stevens (£5.0m), Phil Jagielka (£4.0m), Billy Sharp (£5.5m) and Lys Mousset (£5.8m). together in one blanket, rather unhelpful, update.

“We’d like to think some of those five will be (available). It will be touch and go on a couple. Hopefully, all five will be available for the weekend. We don’t know on two or three of those players if Tuesday night comes too early for those players.”

Chris Wilder

There were very few injury updates to come out of Spurs and Fulham’s press conferences. Erik Lamela (£5.7m) appears to be available but Jose Mourinho wants to make a decision on him considering the recent off-the-field issues while Giovani Lo Celso (£6.9m) remains out for several weeks.

“He’s injured. He’s out [for] a few weeks.”

Jose Mourinho

Meanwhile, Scott Parker revealed that there were no injury updates in the Fulham camp.

“Everyone is fine. There isn’t an injury update as such. The lads coming back from injury (Onomah, Kongolo and Tete) came out well on Saturday.”

Scott Parker

Crystal Palace’s pre-match press conference for their trip to Arsenal is due to take place on Wednesday – after the Blank Gameweek 18 deadline.

1,140 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which team concedes more chances Fullham or Brighton?

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Brighton

    2. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Brighton

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

      Pair of 3 Nil’s 🙂

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

    LET’S GO!

    Really missed FPL this weekend

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

      On FH?

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

        Yep!

        Lloris
        Cancelo, Tierney, Stones
        KDB(C), Bruno, Son, Saka
        Kane(v), Laca, Wilson

        (4.0, Clark, Mitchell, Burke)

        1. Prison Mike
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Wow literally my team, although I’m tempted to swap a few players to fit in Rashford

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

            Just leave it boss 🙂

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

          Good 1. Have a 5 mid. Same with Rashy.

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

            Good luck fella

        3. lambownumber5
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Nice team Rafa, I’ve gone almost identical apart from Saka. I’ve tried everything to get Rashford in but it doesn’t seem possible without downgrading KDB.

  3. Spurrsy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH locked in. Any changes?

    Areola
    Stones/Dier/Tierney
    DeBruyne/Son/Bruno(V)/Rashford/Gundogan
    Kane(C)/Lacazette

    Forster/Mitchell/Branthwaite/Davis

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

      G2G

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Peachy

  4. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1) Tierney laca ( yedlin)
    2) stones rashford ( fodder)

    1. FPL_WILDCARD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1

  5. billnats
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Should I start (free hit available)
    A) Stones, Neto, Martial
    B) Tierney, Rowe Smith, Martial

    1. billnats
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B meant to have Rashford and not Martial

  6. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or KDB captain?!

    1. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB for me

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

      Same dilemma but think I’m going KDB as Fulham seem to be better defensively lately

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

      I'm leaning towards Kane, so many people in City can steal the points

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

    Sterling captain anyone?

    1. FPL Laurenzo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      aye!

    2. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm sticking him in but not confident enough to captain

  8. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one is the better FH TEAM

    BEST FH OPTIONS

    1.

    DDG
    Tierney-Stones-Kilman
    Sterling-Kdb-Bruno-Son
    Kane-Wilson

    2.

    Lloris
    Cancello-Tierny-Maguire/Stones
    Saka-Kdb-Bruo-Son
    Lacca-Kane-Wilson

    3.

    DDG
    Cancello-Tierny-Reguillon
    Saka-Kdb-Bruno-Son
    Lacca-Kane-WIlson

    All 3 teams with the following bench: (Martin-Burke-Mitchell-Douglas)

    1. Apollo Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2 or 3

    2. lambownumber5
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Team 2, No contest!

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

      Team 1 doesn't have enough players

  9. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Reguilion or Dier? (spare money upgrade wont make a difference)

    1. Oliver Tockman
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dier

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

      On a free hit regulion

  10. Oliver Tockman
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anybody getting Foden into their FH team?

    1. Neo-Viper
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Me!! Thinking his ceiling is higher!!

  11. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo or Stones?

    1. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cancelo

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

      Cancelo for sure

    3. Oliver Tockman
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones if funds are an issue

  12. Kloppcorn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do ppl think of Jesus as a differential on a free hit?

    1. Indpush
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don't care for him in. Over due but so meh, not going there now.

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

    Guessing there is very little chance Kilman gets a game?

    1. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Doubt it with them now playing a back 4

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

        I’ll stick with Mitchell then. Sub 2

  14. Diro
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DIlemma !

    A) Play with 7 player :

    Mitchell, Stones
    Fernandes, KdB, Son
    Wilson, Kane

    B) Or FH to have

    Leno
    Holding, AWB, Stones
    Rashford, Son, Fernandes, KdB, ESR
    Kane, Laca

    ??

    Knowing that if I FH, in GW19 I will get back Salah (for KdB) and Anguissa (for Soucek) I bought with my 2FT and I will lose 0.3 because of price changes

    1. Wicked Weapon
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kind of have the same dilemma. Looks like I might have to FH after all though, can't take another red arrow.

  15. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling or not Sterling on FH...

    1. EgyptianKing
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This...

    2. niaz1982
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same wasn't in my thoughts before this article...

  16. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which group on FH?

    A) De Gea, Cancelo, Dias, Rash

    B) Leno, Stones, Bissaka, Sterling

    Thank you!!

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      A....just

  17. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Repost.

    Hey guys, struggling to pick between Dias or Stones, not using a FH so need the player to be nailed on for at least the next 4-5 GWs. Would you say they are equally nailed on for at least the next few GWs (considering Laporte is coming back as well)?

    Cheers

    1. EgyptianKing
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias the safest and worth the premium for the long term imo

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

      Dias more nailed long term

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

      Dias is guaranteed never to be dropped imo

  18. Reacher
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A, 4-3-3 With 2 City Defs (Stones & Cancelo)

    Or

    B, 3-4-3 With 2 City Mids (KDB & Gundo)

    Which do ppl prefer??

  19. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Final FH draft, opinions?

    Lloris,
    Tierney, Saiss, Dias, Cancelo
    KDB (C), Son, Bruno, Saka
    Lacazette, Kane

    subs - 4.0, Shaw, Brewster, Burke

    1. Reacher
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Id play Shaw over Saiss but apart from that all good

      1. Nespinha
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        There's something about united that doesn't convince me, I could easily add AWB for ex

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

      I like Saiss, not seeing him in as many FH teams as I would expect. Otherwise, pretty solid template

  20. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I can't see Walker starting two games in 3 days having just recovered from Covid. I think Cancelo starts at right back. Left back spot is anyone's guess.

    1. built_this_city
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mendy and Walker both played 90 in the FA cup - Cancelo only played 45 mins.
      He will start but dont see him playing all 3

  21. rubberdignerapids
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1) Sterling, Ramsdale and Shaw

    Or

    2) Rashford, Lloris and Cancelo

    1. lambownumber5
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2 All day long!

  22. southernrocker1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Final decision guys:

    Son or Sterling?

    1. Oliver Tockman
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who would you be able to upgrade if you went with Son? Do you own Kane or De Bruyne?

      1. southernrocker1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I own both, yep!

        It is a defensive upgrade but I'm reasonably happy with my defence of Tierney, Stones & Saiss.

  23. tuturututu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lloris
    Cancelo, Stones, Tierney
    KDB(c), Bruno, Rashford, Son, ESR
    Kane, Laca

    Fodder, Kilman, Mitchell, Fodder

    Thoughts?

    1. JohnBlack
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Great

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

    No FH. 7 players.
    Would you do Martinez -> De Gea (-4) for next 3?

    1. Indpush
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If no other playing keeper I would consider it.

  25. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1) Dias ( Have cancelo)
    2) AWB

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

      A mate

  26. Catalan Rangers
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Cancelo and Saka
    B) Wan-Bissaka and Gundogan

    1. Apollo Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    (A) Kane, Rashford, Smith-Rowe

    (B) Wilson, Sterling, Saka

    1. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  28. Kloppcorn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Jesus as a differential for this gw? Thought

    1. gwitbrock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Haha really looking for that one person to say yes

  29. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who is more nailed?

    Lacazette
    Cavani

    1. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Laca

  30. Apollo Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Leno, 4.0
    Cancelo Tierney Dier ____ Mitchell
    KDB Bruno Rashford Son Saka
    Kane _____ Brewster

    A. 3-5-2, Wilson & Bernardo sub
    B. 4-5-1, Stones & McGoldrick sub