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. The Strokes
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is
    Cancelo – Stones – Taylor?
    KDB – Son – Bruno – ESR
    Kane
    with a (-8)

    Enough
    Or best to FH
    Basically is for instance: DDG + Regui+ Gundo + Laca + 8 points (even though it were transfers meant for more than GW18) wuorth a FH

    1. The Hoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So basically you only have 6 players before you need to take a hit? I have 5 starts+2 free transfers and am leaning towards the FH.

      1. The Strokes
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, I had also DCL and Martinez but that changed yesterday.
        I also have since then a 0.5 value increase on the transfers I did beginning of the week that I would lose by playing the FH.

  2. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we think cancelo starts? A bit worried now as my only city defender

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

      I think he will as got rest midweek

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

      I'd be surprised if he didn't with Ake out and Walker returning from isolation.

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

    So, the time has come to commit to my wildcard. Any COVID news come in today I ought to be aware of? Could just do free hit instead.

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nothing declared but 36 cases this round (40 last round) so there definitely could be some players missing

  4. yanky
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Go ahead then rip up my FH team!!

    Lloris
    Cancelo Stones Tierney Maguire
    KDB Bruno Rashford Son Saka
    Kane

    Bench: Brewster X X

  5. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you have Saka or CWilson on FH team?
    Saka plays for better team but Cwilson on penalties.
    Thoughts?

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

      Wilson

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

      Probably Wilson, for me they both are required if I want a front 7 due to the prices of the big hitters.

  6. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Repost for more opinions. Thanks guys.
    A) Rashford (settle for Holding, Stones & Wilson)

    B) Traore (can afford Tierney, Dias/Sais & Laca) 

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

    Pick A or B

    A. Lloris, reguilon, tierney, laca

    B. Leno, dier, smith rowe, kane

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

      B

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

    Bench one:

    A) Saiss
    B) Wilson

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

      Who are your other players

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

        De He's
        Tierney Stones Diet
        Gundog Bruno KDB Son
        Laca Kane Wilson

        Steer Saiss Mitchell Stephens

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

    Would you go Leno or DDG?

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

      DDG

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

        Leno

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

    RMT

    Darlow
    Stones Tierney Shaw Dier
    KDB Bruno Saka Son
    Kane Laca

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

    Saka better on paper but is ESR worth the downgrade to improve my bench:

    Yedlin, Mitchell, Reed

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

      I dont think its worth it, try only getting rested fa cup playera or those started from.bench in FA cup. Can advice me above on Saka vs Cwilaon?

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

      See I had Saka first sub anyway so downgraded him to upgrade Mitchell 3.9 to 2 guys more likely to play (including Yedlin actually). If starting I’d keep Saka

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

        Yeah my TV can’t handle it really. The next best option is AWB in for Tierney, free up the arsenal spot to put ESR on the bench instead of Reed, doesn’t help me if a defender doesn’t show up though.

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

      Field the best 11, period.

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

    How many points should this non FH team be behind/around as compared to the FH template to consider my planning of transfers since few weeks as a success?

    DDG
    Dier, Holding, Mitchell
    Bruno, KDB, Son, Zaha,
    Kane, Wilson, Brewster

    Forster, Grealish, Coufal, Justin.

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

      This week is all about picking correct C....like the rest.

  13. The Hoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If you only had Cancelo / Dias / Bruno /Saka / Kane and 2FT, would you FH? (I wasn't planning to as also had Taylor/DCL/Bissouma but all three managed to get injured or suspended)

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

      My goal was min. 8 players or I'd FH. 5 is not the best and no KdB, Son, Rash could really punish your rank.

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

    The person I'm facing in H2H will likely use his FH which would cancel out all my players. Worth taking a risk and captaining Cancelo?

    Cancelo Dier Mitchell
    Son KDB Bruno
    Kane Wilson

    I got this team after a -8 hit

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

      KdB or Kane.

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

      I can't see myself getting through the cup - rival will definitely be playing FH - Not going to change my plans just to try and stay in the cup

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

    Ok if Cancelo was fatigued - he was subbed at HT on Sunday and they don’t play til Wednesday. He should be fine?

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

      Ya

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

      Is my view yes

    3. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hope so dakes my only city defender wondering whether to change to stones and upgrade Mitchell or Esr.

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

        Big potential upside with Cancelo I feel

    4. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He will play 100%> Can advice me on who is better pick on FH, Saka or CWilson?. Ars better team.but Cwilson on penalties

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’m on Wilson for that reason

  16. Jazzy Jay
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Help! Saiss or Tierney for GW 18?

    1. LE CHARO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tierney

  17. jamiet
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Current FH Team

    Ramsdale (Steer)
    Stones, Saiss, Yedlin (Mitchell, Douglas)
    Bruno, Rashford, KDB (vc), Son, ESR
    Kane (c), Lacazette (Davis)

    Thinking with the sterling news

    Rashford, Saiss, Lacazette, Ramsdale > Sterling, Holding, Wilson, DDG

    Thoughts - is this a downgrade?

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

    Sterling C lets go !

  19. BinManJack
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts?
    Lloris
    Cancelo Stones Tierney Shaw
    KDB(c) Rash Bruno Son Saka
    Kane
    Fodder / Brewster / Mitchell / Davis

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

    If I have confirmed transfers but then decide to free hit does this cancel my transfers? Thanks

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will cancel the cost of transfers, the players will stay in your team.

  21. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    On FH better option?

    A) Wilson, Bogle/Yedlin 352
    B) Aurier, Maguire 451

    Thanks

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

      B

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

  22. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I think I'm done agonizing over my inability to fit about sixteen midfielders into five slots on a FH.

    Leno
    Saiss - Cancelo - Reguilon
    KdB (c) - Bruno - Son (v) - Saka - Gundo
    Laca - Kane

    Walton, Benteke, Pieters, Mitchell

  23. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which of these:

    1. Sterling
    2. Rashford
    3. Auba

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1

  24. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else saving the chips and playing 6 players this week?

    Players are:

    Holding Clark
    KDB Son Bruno
    Kane
    (Lewis)

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

      Why?

    2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Am I missing something or why are there parens around Lewis?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lewis is injured, I think.

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

      That is as dire straits as it comes. I am in a similar situation.

      Cancelo
      Saka, Bruno, Zaha
      Kane, Wilson

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

    (A.) Kane, Rashford, Smith-Rowe

    (B.) Wilson, Sterling, Saka

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

      A

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

    Foden has been on fire lately. Chance that Pep rewards him with a start? Upside could be huge.

  27. liboo
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A. Loris & holding
    B. Leno & dier

    ???

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

      Both will give similar points.

      B

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

      B

  28. Slim25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this FH team?
    Darlow
    Tierney, Cancelo, AWB
    Bruno, KDB (C), Son, Foden, Saka
    Laca, Kane

    Cheers!

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

    Who to start...Shaw or Smith Rowe?

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

      ESR

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

    DCL to Wilson worth extra -4?

    1. LE CHARO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Think so yes