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

    Which def combo is best?

    A. Reguilion Shaw
    B. Aurier Maguire
    C. Tierney Maguire

  2. money face bandwagon
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    sterling or bruno?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bruno. But I've got both 🙂

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

        Show me ur team 😉

        1. thegaffer82
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I haven't bothered to link my team in about 4 seasons. Sorry!

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

    Kane (c) for old time sake here

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

      Same!

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

    An hour til the deadline and still no Man City predicted line up!?

  5. FPL Alaska
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which do you prefer?

    A) Leno, Dias, Sierra
    B) Lloris, Stones, Tierney

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

      Whoops A) Leno, Dias, Dier

    2. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  6. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    App says game being updated? Hour early 😐

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

      Site still running

  7. 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.

  8. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone going KDB,Foden and Gundogan?

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

      Pep?

  9. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Jesus or Sterling?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who are you sacrificing?

  10. Boly Would
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Already taken -4 this week. Worth another -4 to do DCL to Martial (or other up to 9.1)?
    Plan was to do DCL to Ings for free next week, but if Leeds v Southampton game is off, I'd probably keep Martial for the dgw instead...

  11. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Think I’m going Dias over Cancelo after Pep has sown the seed of doubt over whether he gets the full 90 :/

    1. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That reason is exactly why I'd go for Cancelo, gets off early to enjoy the CS.

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Brilliant! Never thought of that 🙂 cheers

  12. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bissouma to ESR worth
    A hit to get 8 starters?

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

    Big dilemma mate !

    A) Play with 7 players and no FH

    Mitchell, Stones
    Fernandes, KdB, Son
    Wilson, Kane

    B) Or FH to have

    Lloris
    Tierney, AWB, Stones
    Saka, Son, Fernandes, KdB
    Kane, Laca, Wilson

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

  14. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The temptation for Sterling, Wilson over Gundo, Kane

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

    Sterling C anyone???

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

      Yes

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nah, he's a nice differential just to own him.

      Too hot and cold to be trusted with captaincy. Who knows which Sterling will turn up in the next game. Hopefully it's the hatty scoring Sterling!

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

      If I get him I'll still cap KdB instead.

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

    KDB - Auba after the benching rumours

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

      Source?

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

        MCFc

  17. Trane84
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH Team

    Darlow
    Cancelo, Tierney, Saiss
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Saka
    Kane, Lacazette, Wilson

    Button, McTominay, Mitchell, Douglas

    Thoughts?

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

      Good

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

      Stones over Saiss

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

    A Gundogen
    B Wilson

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

      A

    2. Trane84
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      In the days of VAR I like to have as many penalty takers as (reasonably) possible.

      (i.e) B

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

    FH:

    A) Foden, Maguire..........(McGoldrick, Saiss, Mitchell)
    B) Wilson, Stones............(Saiss, Mitchell, 5.6 MID)
    C) Gundogan, Maguire....(Wilson, Coady, Mitchell)

    Rest of Team:

    Lloris
    Tierney, Dias
    KDB, Fernandes, Son, Saka
    Kane, Lacazette

    Cheers..

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

    FPL down ffs

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

      It s fine now

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

        Not for me it's not

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      FREE WILDCARD DEMANDED !!!!!!!!

      😉

  21. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Site down?

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

      not for me

  22. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Select one, for this GW, and beyond

    A)Kane
    B)Sterling

    Have both Son and Kdb if that matters.

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

      A

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

    Just when I thought I was done...

    Lloris
    Cancelo - Tierney - Shaw
    KdB - Son - Bruno - Gundogan
    Laca - Wilson - Kane

    Walton, Smith Rowe, Kilman, Mitchell

    This somehow feels right...

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m not sure KdB plays up front vs Brighton which means Gundogan would be deeper too. More upside with Foden surely.

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

        More downside too, if he doesn't play?

    2. Trane84
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I've basically got the same team but with Saiss over Shaw and Saka over Gundogan. Still debating though.

  24. Johan Queef
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH final thoughts:

    A) 442 with Stones & Cancelo
    B) 352 with Cancelo & Gundogan

    A is double City def
    B is double in mid

    Thanks!

  25. Railwayman
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If I make 2 hits for players with no games this week, is it ok to say that is basically a -4 hit ? Or would I just be lying myself ?

    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Consider them -2s

    2. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes, as long as they play 60 mins and dont get booked.

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

    A or B please, (i have answered a few)

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

      A

    2. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Neto or Wilson?

      Laca or Rashford?

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

        lol

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

      A or B please, (i have answered a few)
      Lloris (4.0)
      xxx xxx xxx (Mitchell, 3.8)
      xxx, KDB, Bruno, Son, Rashford
      Kane, xxx (Davis)

      A. Stones Saiss Cancelo, ESR, Laca
      B. Dias, Cancello Tierney, Saka, Wilson
      C. Stones, Saiss, Shaw, Gundugan, Luca

      Thanks, guys

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

        B

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

    Really tempted to choose Cavani ahead of Wilson

  28. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Last decision. DCL to Brewster (-4) to fund Son, Holding > Salah, Robbo/TAA (-4) next week?

    Have Kane.

  29. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Confirmed my transfers and captain literally a minute before the site went down. Phew!

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

      It’s back up now I think! Who did you go for?

  30. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo or Dias?
    Stones or Saiss?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones and Saiss