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. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling C too risky? Im chasing 100 points and main rival wont have him this GW

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

      Good a time as any...

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

      Is my FH captain

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

    1. C.Taylor > Stones
    Or
    2. Bissouma > Saka

    1. SilentLemonMan
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1 - if no city def already
      2 is more fun

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

    Whats the chance of Aurier starting?

    1. Binny
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      75%

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

    Bellerin likely to start? (Sadly can't afford Tierney).

    1. SilentLemonMan
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      should do - i'd just take holding

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

    GTG?
    DDG
    Tierney Dias Cancelo
    KDB Son Bruno Saka Zaha
    Kane Wilson

    1. SilentLemonMan
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      decent, like the Zaha punt

  6. bring_on _the_fantasy
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Are most doing TC on the DGW?

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

      Doubtful....think this is just beginning of DGWs. Hoping for a better matchup down the road.

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

      Most likely

  7. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Need a Brewster and Wilson masterclass to start the gw on a high! I think I know how it will end 😀

  8. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you go Smith Rowe over Saka?

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

      Nope. Look at the stats

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Only if benching. I may

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m also considering if the downgrade is worth it to improve my bench

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

    Which is better?

    A- DDG + Dier + Sterling + Smith-Rowe
    B- Lloris + Cancelo + Rashford + Saka

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    Rate my FH team
    Darlow - 4.0
    Maguire - Tierney - Stones - Mitchel - 3.8
    KDB - Rashford - Son(C) - Neto - Saka
    Jesus - Kane - Wilson

    1. trinzoo
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure Jesus is starting, are you?

      1. Tarzan
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        no..felt like taking a punt

  11. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news of Shaw or Lindelof?

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

      Shaw declared fit I believe

  12. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on getting both Sterling AND Foden?

    I think either starts on the left, both have high ceiling and looks like at least 1 starts.

    BUT it means no KdB...

    (bottomed)

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

      Massive risk with foden if you have bench cover why not? Could be a good differential. I prefer just having KDB

  13. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Why on earth are the Cancelo bench rumors I’m seeing here coming from?

    1. Dion D's Solo Shower
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pep mentioned fatigue in last game, hence the sub at half-time..
      Personally still think he'll play, but picking Dias as my 1 City DEF

      1. theplayer
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I just think if he was that fatigued then surely he wouldn't have started the game in the 1st place.

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

      I need to know this also.

  14. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Final Decision:

    A) Lloris, Maguire, Holding
    B) DDG, Dier, Tierney

    Best option?

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have B, so go A 🙂

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

        Im going B

  15. Stoic
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to pair with Stones?
    A) Dias
    B) cancelo

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

      A

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

      B

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

      A

  16. Millie7
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Yedlin - Dias - Holding - Mitchell
    Reidewald - KDB - Bruno - Son

    -4 Got me this. should I FH or just rock it??

  17. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Laca or Wilson? (Only for this GW)

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

      Laca

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

      Cazette

  18. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ait nouri likely to start?

    1. Dion D's Solo Shower
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Seen him mentioned in a Predicted XI, but you never know with Nuno anymore.. Might be a 4-4-2 with Saiss at LB

  19. Kno
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Areola
    Stones cancelo tierney
    Bruno kevin son rashford saka
    Kane lacazette

    Kinda settled on this, just stick or try to push raz in?

  20. threeputt
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    which one for -4 ?

    Out: Phillips (liv), Mane, Bissouma

    In: Stones, Smith Rowe, kdb
    or
    In: Stones, Son, Gundogan

  21. ExpressoMySonny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Stones, Saiss and bench Neto
    B) Alderweireld, Gündo and bench Saiss

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      Or even play Neto above Saiss

  22. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Reguilon or Aurier on a FH?

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

      same question, wondering if Aurier is risky or will play

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

      Reguilon if you can afford, Dier if you want coverage

  23. arkom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    De Gea
    Stones / Dias / Tierney
    Kevin / Bruno / Rashford / Son / Smith-Rowe
    Kane / Lacazette

    Bench: Mitchell

    Only Mitchell on the bench. Too risky FH squad?

    1. arkom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry. Dias = Cancelo!

  24. 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 with Wilson & Bernardo
    B. 4-5-1 with Stones & McGoldrick

  25. Tsssst
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    anyone attempted a wildcard team, with enough talent this BGW but so that they can bench boost next week?

  26. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lads, Gundogan or Foden ?

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      G

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

        I am going with Gundo for safety

  27. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Currently on this...(FH)

    Lloris
    Cancelo Dias Saiss Tierney
    KDB Bruno Rashford Saka Son
    Kane
    (Fodder GK*: Mitchell: Brewster: Davis*)

    Too risky?
    A. Roll with it.
    B. Downgrade Cancelo to Stones
    C. As above Dias to Stones
    D. Son or Rashford to Laca and spread some funds.

  28. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wildcard played and I'm happy with it 10 players playing this gameweek then a lovely set up for the double gameweek, this is my team, leave me some feedback if possible, I'm finally done with it I thank

    Ddg
    Stones, cancelo, awb, holding
    Kdb(c), fernandes, saka, soucek
    Wood, kane(vc)

    Bench, Johnstone, coufal, Ziyech, bamford

  29. Nedvěd11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone going mental to avoid FH on - ?

    1. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gone for the full -16 this week

  30. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Charlie Taylor?