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. HARLEY
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any thought about my FH team?

    Lloris
    Dias Stones Saiss
    KDB(c) Bruno Rashford Son Saka
    Kane Wilson
    (Forster Mitchell Kilman Davis)

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

      There or thereabouts template, worrying bench though. I'd try to get someone whose low cost but likely to play just in case.

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

      Looks okay to me. I'd prefer Tierney over Saiss, but perhaps that's just me.

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

    A- Stones + Wilson
    B- Dias + Dier

    1- DDG
    2- Lloris

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

      A2

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

    A - Wilson
    B - Foden

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

      A

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

      B

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

    So in FH you Pick Cancelo or Dias ?

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

      Neither. Stones + 2 City mids

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

    Stones, Son and Wilson or Dier, Gundogan and Kane?

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

      Many will say the first. Personally think the second.

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

        I'm on the second. Just seeing what other combinations I can do.

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

      Gun Kane

  6. The Reptile
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1) Saka & Wilson

    or

    2) ESR + Laca

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

    Foden or Gundogan lads?
    Head is wrecked

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

      Gund

  8. thepirates
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not using any chips 18 or 19, Wilson, Wood or Laca in for DCL?

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

      None appeal too much, maybe Wood for the DGW.

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

      Think Laca scores the most of the two weeks

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

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

    Have Kane.

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

      Not keen on Robbo/TAA right now. Far better Dfers to pick from on DGW value-wise who are more than a mil cheaper (Chelsea lads, City lads, punt on Shaw, WHam DFers, Dallas, Justin etc...)

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

        Cheers, Chilwell of Chelsea could be a shout. Already have 2 City defs and Cresswell. Dallas not guaranteed a double.

  10. Lionac
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarty to De Gea for a hit?

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

      Nope. Only a potential gain of +2

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

        But De Gea will have double GW also, while Leeds vs Southampton might be moved from GW19

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

      Yes - taking into account future fixtures too

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

    Sterling worth dropping Laca, Kane or Son for?

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

      Nope.

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

      Laca yes.

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

      No.

      But I did consider dropping Kane to Cavani at one point.

  12. L'Aeroplanino
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    site very unstable

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

    Quick question lads - if you were choosing one not on a FH (so plan to keep) - is Dias worth the extra .8 over Stones? Can do quite a bit with the cash but of course worried about game time. Stones looks pretty set to be first choice though doesn't he?

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

      its a lot extra for the security of start - all likely hood they play most games until Stones fluffs his lines.
      But I think I'm going for Dias.

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

    Neto or Saka for 5th (playing) mid

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

      Really not a fan of Saka so I'd say Neto.

      Personally I think Arsenal are going to be turned over by Crystal Palace as well.

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

        I can't tell but a friend of mine has gone for Clyne and Zaha with no Arsenal so I'm guessing he's feeling the same, I'm wondering if Palace have gotten their defensive groove back now (Mitchell playing over PVA helps) and if so they'll definitely be difficult for Arsenal

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

          Thanks both

  15. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH G2G?

    Lloris
    Cancelo/Stones/Tierney
    KDB/Son/Bruno/Rashford/Saka
    Kane/Wilson

    Langley/Brewster/Mitchell/Douglas

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks solid, nice.

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

    Patricio
    Dier Holding Saiss
    Esr Son Kdb Sterling
    Jesus Kane Lacazette

    Boom!

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

      No United in my city leagues so no Bruno cheers

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

    Down again.

  18. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Really stuck between these 2x FH drafts. Help me to choose! Comes down to picking between Rash and Laca or wedging in both.

    A)

    Lloris
    Tierney, Cancelo, Stones
    Saka, KDB, Bruno, Son
    Kane, Laca, Wilson

    B)

    Ederson
    Holding, Stones, Dier
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Rashford, ESR
    Kane, Laca

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

      I have exactly A, only Dias over Stones

  19. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    (Martinez)
    Stones Lowton Mitchell*
    (Grealish) ESR Bruno Son
    (DCL) Kane
    Blank: Forster Justin Chilwell Salah Bamford

    Planned to have 10 playerd but now can only field 6/7*

    1 FT so can do Salah to KDB,etc or shall I FH?

  20. BilalM
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'm chasing. Best Captaincy option?
    A. KDB
    B. Bruno
    C. Kane
    D. Son

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

    Any preference on a WC.

    A) Kane
    B) Sterling

    Thinking is that Sterling is unlikely to start 3 of the Brighton and the dbl GW, so Kane for 90 vs Fulham and SHU could be just as good?

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

      Both great options to be fair.
      Sterling could start all 3 though I think - not saying he will, just that he might. If that sways your thinking at all...

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

        True - its pure guess work when it comes to city.

        I do have Son and Kdb as well, tough call!

  22. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Help please This FH team look ok? Ddg, stones, Dias, Tierney, kdb, son, Bruno, Saka, Kane, Wilson & laca subs - dier, Burke & Mitchell. Big thanks

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

      ffine

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers good luck!

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nice

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers - i went for dier first sub as guaranteed player in case someone doesn’t play

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

    A B or C please, I balls up on previous post)
    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. Perthite
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

        Thank you

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

      A

  24. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who will have more EO Kane or KDB ?

  25. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which team to get a defender from on FH? Spurs or Man United? Can't get both.

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

    Anyone starting both Saka and ESR?

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

      Saka in 11, ESR 1st on bench for me.

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

    A) Play with 7 players (Mitchell, Stones, KdB, Fernandes, Son, Kane, Wilson)
    B) FH

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

      c) Use a couple of hits which also benefit gw19&20

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

        Current team is nice for GM19 and next but for GW18, I don't know what to do.

  28. Perthite
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    GTG?

    Darlow (Peacock-Farrell)
    Shaw Stones Tierney
    Saka Fernandes Son KDB
    Lacazette Wilson Kane
    (Neto Mitchell Douglas)
    0ITB

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Didn't Steve Bruce say he had a tough choice to make between Darlow and Dubravka? Might make Darlow a bit of a risky pick.

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

        Thanks

  29. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which two would you rather have ? Not a FH team

    A) Maguire or De Gea
    B) Dias or Stones

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

      Maguire
      Dias

    2. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      DDG and Dias

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

    A Cancelo
    B Stones

    1 AWB
    2 Maguire

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

      A2

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

      B1