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

    Think my FH team is settled. G2G or do Cancelo > Dias for safety?

    De Gea
    Cancelo, Stones, Tierney
    Fernandes, KDB, Son, Rashford, ESR
    Kane, Lacazette

    4.0, Mitchell, Davis, Douglas

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

      Keep Cancelo

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

      Looks good

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

    Is Leeds v Southampton postponed in GW19?

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

      No one knows yet, not confirmed

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

      What's this I keep hearing about Leeds v Southampton being postponed? Why?

      1. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        To reschedule Saints FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury

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

          Thanks, that makes sense.

      2. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Because Saints may need that slot to play their FA Cup tie.

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

    I’m on a -8 at the moment with:
    No keeper
    Cancelo Dias Mitchell
    KDB Bruno Son
    Laca Martial
    Good to go or last minute Free Hit??

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

      Gtg, most core players are in there with the exception of Kane and/or Rashford/Raz

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

        Tempted by a -12 and bring in DDG in goal

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

          Never take hits for GK

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

      Who is your keeper - I had Martinez and McCarthy and reckon both of them only get 1 game next week
      Ended up getting Lloris in (for McC) but DDG is better is you have a MUN slot available
      It's -4, but you have a good chance of 3 CS over the next 3 weeks (bur, ful, SHU)

  4. 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)

    (repost as bottomed)

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

      If you can get Son and KDB then the main players are covered so save FH for later

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

        This

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

    Which premium asset have you gone without this week on a FH? For me it is Sterling. Have KDB, Bruno, Son, Kane, and Rashford (if you count him as premium).

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

      Rash

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

      Sterling & Rash

  6. tim
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo, Dias or Stones?

    Only one city def so need one that starts!

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

      Dias if you want to be 100%

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

      Dias

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

      Likelihood of them starting imo:
      Cancelo - 90%
      Dias - 99%
      Stones - 95%

  7. dustbin89
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Last min calls.
    TC'ing next week now instead of BB
    a) Shaw + Rashford
    b) Holding + Sterling
    Seems impossible to call

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

      Holding + Sterling....Rash has a better shot at starting both DGW games.

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

    A. Kdb and sterling
    B. Bruno and sterling
    C. Bruno and kdb

    Pick one 🙂

    1. dustbin89
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bruno and KdB surely safest to cover others.

      Bruno + Sterling if you're chasing

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

      It’s got to be C for me.

      I’ve got the same.

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

    DIlemma !

    A) Play with 7 players and no FH

    Mitchell, Stones
    Fernandes, KdB, Son
    Wilson, Kane

    B) Or FH to have

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

    And lose 0.3 because of price change when Salah for KdB ??

    1. Captain Haddock
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      4 ARS in b

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

        You are right, and if i find a way you would FH or keep and get a 7 players GW ?

  10. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    With 10.2, pick 2 from these.

    A) leno guaita ddg darlow
    B) holding tierney awb shaw lindelof sais

    Not for this gw only, for upcoming gws too

  11. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ddg dier Wilson 352

    Or

    Lloris tierney maguire 451

    ?x

    1. dustbin89
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wilson can get 2 goals. None of the others are as likely to get a goal + cs

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

        Fair point cheers.x

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

    Mitchell likely to start?

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

      I hope so

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

    Why are people fearing Reguilon wont start?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably due to the fact he was left out v Leeds and a couple of others. He will start IMO

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

      He broke curfew as well and Jose was not happy.

  14. JohannaAdams10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH thoughts (too much arsenal defence maybe)?

    Leno
    Holding, Shaw, Lindelof
    Sterling, De B, Gundogan, Fernandez, Son
    Kane, Wilson

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

    If picking just one for this GW - KdB or Sterling?

    1. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB

  16. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys...what are Ur thoughts on captaining Kane over KDB? Or is KDB the best option this gw?

    1. dustbin89
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think Kane is a fantastic option. But I don't have KdB and I'm bricking it... So

  17. 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
    Laca - Kane - Wilson

    1. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bruno could hurt you given his ownership

  18. Ambitious, but rubbish...
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    On a FH

    Leno (4.0)
    Cancelo - Dias - Maguire (Clark, Mitchell)
    KDB(c) - Son - Bruno - Saka (Anguisa)
    Kane - Laca - Wilson

    G2G or anything you would switch?

    TIA

  19. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who is ur C for GW 18 ?

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

      Kevin

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kaaaaaneeeeeee

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

      KDB.

      Brighton have given away most penalties. They’ll try to attack and KDB is due a mega haul.

      4-0 city, KDB 2 goals and assist

    4. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kaydeebee

  20. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Already taken 1 hit to get 7 or 8 with Kilman.

    Really tempted by Dallas to Cancelo.

    I have no city defence and it’s a good move for several weeks but another hit ...

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

      long term benefits of a city defense imo..go for it

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

      Since your keep long term I'd do it.

  21. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) De Gea + Dier
    B) Lloris + Shaw

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

      Both will give same points mate.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You think Shaw starts though?

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

    A) Rashford Kane Cancelo
    B) Sterling Wilson Lacazette

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    By mistake played WC instead of FH. Who should i email?

  24. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Attacking returns this season

    Joao Cancelo - 1
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 2

    WTF

  25. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A-DDG-Holding
    B-Darlow-Tierney

  26. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lacazette or Rashford?

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

      Rash

  27. 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

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

      A or B effectively

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

    I'm i mad in thanking that the most safest triple up off city, is stones, dias, and kdb?

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

      What I got. Seemed safe.

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

        I hope wer right lol with Pep u never know

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

    Az going with Sterling on FH

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

      Ooooh

  30. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Current FH draft?

    Leno
    Stones - Cancelo - Lindelof
    KDB - Son - Bruno - Rash - ESR
    Laca - Kane

    Fodder - Mitchell - fodder fodder