Team News

FPL team news: Jota’s Gameweek 11 start hopes boosted by Firmino injury

Liverpool and Manchester City both cruised to UEFA Champions League wins on Wednesday but as ever, it was the starting XIs and injury news that was of more interest to Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers than the results.

There is also fitness news to report from Chelsea and Manchester United, who contested Champions League group matches on Tuesday, and Leicester City and West Ham United, who are in Europa League action on Thursday.

INJURY UPDATES

Diogo Jota’s game-time prospects may have been given a short-term lift at Anfield on Wednesday as Roberto Firmino, Jota’s main rival for the central role in the Reds’ attacking trident, limped out of the win over Atletico with a hamstring injury.

While we await a full prognosis, a Gameweek 11 start – at the very least – for Jota looks more likely given the swift turnaround times between games on the continent and on the domestic front.

“If Bobby Firmino wouldn’t have gone off with a hamstring injury, [the night] would have been much better.” – Jurgen Klopp

Klopp also confirmed that Sadio Mane was withdrawn at half-time to avoid him picking up a second yellow card, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is “fine” after his substitution.

Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez missed the match with eye and calf problems respectively.

Manchester City have had a good run with injuries over recent weeks but Kyle Walker (knock) is a fresh concern for the Manchester derby, so Oleksandr Zinchenko will be on standby for a recall if Joao Cancelo‘s services are needed at right-back.

“We are going to review the players… especially Kyle [Walker] because he has a big kick in his foot.” – Pep Guardiola

Earlier in the day, Manchester United confirmed that Raphael Varane will not only miss the Manchester derby but also around a month of first-team involvement after suffering a hamstring injury in Tuesday’s draw with Atalanta.

Chelsea were also in action on Tuesday, with Mason Mount still not well enough to be involved following his recent illness. Mount subsequently returned to training on Thursday. Injury victims Romelu Lukaku, Mateo Kovacic and Timo Werner were absent as expected – they are all anticipated to make a playing comeback after the international break – while N’Golo Kante was left out as a precaution.

Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League matches, the typically vague David Moyes reported the usual “knocks and niggles” for West Ham United.

“We’ve got a couple of knocks and niggles behind the scenes which we’ll have to manage. Not serious, but just the odd one we might miss tomorrow.” – David Moyes

Andriy Yarmolenko and Nikola Vlasic were subsequently absent from the matchday squad.

Brendan Rodgers was a little more specific on the fitness front as Leicester prepare to face Spartak Moscow.

“Ricardo has joined back in with the medical team, he’s been outside, but if he’s not ready for tomorrow, he should be ready for the weekend.

“We’ve had a few players with the sickness bug that’s going about, but we’ll just have to assess that and see where they’re at. If they’re not available, I’d expect them to be okay for the weekend. It’s Harvey Barnes, James Maddison and James Justin. [Justin] has been back training with the group and he wouldn’t have been available for the game anyway, but those three guys have unfortunately been down for a few days. They’re coming around now, but whether they’re going to be at their best level for tomorrow, we’ll have to wait and see, but if not they’ll be back ready for the weekend.

“Ayo [Perez] is in the squad so he’s fine after the bug he had. Marc [Albrighton] is a few weeks away. He’s out on the grass with our medical and rehabilitation team, which is good, but he’s still a few weeks away.” – Brendan Rodgers

MIDWEEK LINE-UPS AND MINUTES PLAYED

Thanks to the excellent Anna Woodberry for the below graphics and line-up information for the four clubs who have already been in European action in midweek (click the images to expand).

CHANGES FROM GAMEWEEK 10
  • Chelsea (3): Azpilicueta, Alonso and Loftus-Cheek in for James, Chilwell and Kante
  • Man Utd (3): Bailly, Pogba and Rashford in for Lindelof, Fred and Cavani
  • Liverpool (5): Matip, Tsimikas, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho and Jota in for Konate, Robertson, Keita, Jones and Firmino
  • Man City (3): Stones, Gundogan and Mahrez in for Dias, De Bruyne and Jesus

THURSDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCES

  • Dean Smith – 9.30am
  • Sean Dyche – 1.15pm
  • Graham Potter – 1.30pm
  • Ralph Hasenhuttl – 1.30pm
  • Thomas Frank – 4pm
  • Brendan Rodgers – post-Europa League
488 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Beizer
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Hello,

    Sanchez
    Cancelo Livra Rüdiger Duffy
    Salah Raphinha Havertz
    Antonio Jimenez Auba (C)

    Foster/ Gündogan White Fornals

    1 FT and 1,2 in the bank.

    Would you do
    1. Gündo for Jota?
    2. Gündo for Foden?
    3. Save and get Son, Brownhill in for Fornals and Havertz next week for free?

    1. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'd say save FT and see what you can do during the IB. 1 and 2 could pay off, but on paper, they're fixtures that could easily blank.

      1. Beizer
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        thank you!

    2. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Jota

      1. Beizer
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks!

  2. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Would you do Antonio, Marcal > Toney, James for free? Already own Rudiger.

    1. RoryzonderR
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

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

      Worth a shot tbh

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

      Yes

  3. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which 2 to play?

    A) Cancelo
    B) Antonio
    C) Hwang
    D) Livramento

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I’d just go A and B. Best two players

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      AB

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

      AC

    4. mox81
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'm currently playing A with D and B on bench in that order, so A and D for me

    5. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      AD

  4. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Sarr >>
    A. ESR
    B. Saka
    C. Gallagher

    1. RoryzonderR
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      For me A

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A probably but I am a massive Connor Gallagher fan too

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

      It's between Gallagher and Mbeueno for me

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

      A

    5. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Out of those three, ESR

  5. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo TAA Livra James
    Salah Foden Mbuemo Raphina
    Vardy Antonio
    (Foster Hwang Walker Brownhill)

    2FT & 1.2ITB

    1) Walker > Chilwell
    2) Walker > Reguilon
    3) Cancelo & Raphina > B Johnson & Son
    4) Brownhill & Vardy > Son & Broja
    5) Mbuemo & Vardy > Son & Toney

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      1 or 4

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Who do you bench with 1 or 2?

  6. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    R James a worthy armband punt?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not a bad shout but equally could be Chilwell’s week

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Very very risky. What If he doesnt start and makes a 11 minute cameo?

  7. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Start one

    Duffy/Livra/Cancelo

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Cancelo

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thnx

  8. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Would you get rid of CR7 if it allows Sarr> Jota this week and Havertz> Son after IB?

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No hits. Have 2 FT

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Possibly, CR7 is quite expensive as a non-captain option with Salah performing

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Probably but I don't think Jota will get more than 2GWs. In his last hammy injury, he was out for 24 days. Factor in the IB, I don't think Jota will get more than 2GWs

  9. The Riders of Mohan
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Crazy schedule upcoming between GW13-18. 6 games within 20 days.
    Peproulette going be a minefield.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      And the Tuchel tombola

      1. The Riders of Mohan
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Hahaha

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Absolutely, keep those rotation risk players in your team to a minimum and have a playing bench!

  10. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Best Sarr replacement for this week? (WC next week)

    A) ESR
    B) Mbueno
    C) Any other under 7.4m

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      That is tough. Both have good fixtures for 1GW punts. Probably ESR due to Watford with the worst bookies CS odds this GW at 11%. Norwich at 20%

      1. Munchen KFC
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Fancy a punt on Zaha? On penalties and playing pop I think. Nice long term fixtures

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Zaha is a troll pick for me 2 seasons ago. I haven't picked him since.

          1. Munchen KFC
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Know the feeling but think he'll score a lot of points between now and Christmas. Think he'll be my Raphina replacement gw13

            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              I think I would rather save the money and go with Gallagher

    3. balint84
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Cornet next week

    4. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

  11. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    How is this looking with the benching headaches?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Chilwell Cancelo
    Salah Foden Raphinha Mbeumo
    Antonio Toney Vardy
    (Foster Duffy Livramento Brownhill)

    1. Munchen KFC
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good Toney

    2. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'd consider Livra 1st sub

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Similar team to mine bar 1 player. I currently have the bench order the same.

  12. balint84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A) Sarr to Cornet
    B) CR7 to Vardy
    C) Schmeichel to Martinez
    D) combo with -4 & Mendy somehow

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Probably A. Other options don't appeal

      1. Munchen KFC
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Better options surely.Any money it?

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

    Who's keeping Antonio. I have a few transfers planned in the next few GW's so need to transfer either

    A. Vardy
    B. Antonio

    Plan is to get Son and James in.

    Thanks

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'm keeping Antonio as I don't need the funds from him for Kane or Son. I can see arguments for selling though when you look at his upcoming fixtures

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

      Keeping until injured

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

      Kept Antonio, got rid of Lukaku myself. In your position would sell Vardy to pivot into Son and James.

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

        Yes I am leaning more to Vardy move, issue is Vardy has some nice fixtures coming up!

        Would you replace with Iheanacho perhaps?

        Not sure on other strickers to be honest, I have Jiminez as well.

  14. Paddyburns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Would you play Cancelo over Gray?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      100% yes

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    3. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Would I pet a fluffy dog?

      1. Kloppage Time
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        He got 3 assists in the CL last night

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          R u saying u wouldn't pet a fluffy dog? Madman

      2. Indpush
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Tame and clean or dirty and feral looking?

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

      Easy yes!

    5. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  15. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What we reckon here?

    Ramsdale (Foster)
    TAA Chilwell Cancelo (Livra Duffy)
    KDB* Salah Raphina Mbeumo Havertz
    Jesus Toney (4.4)

    1 FT 0.3 ITB

    1. KDB > Son
    2. KDB + Jesus > Foden + Kane (-4)

    If I go (1) I can do Havertz > Foden next week, if (2) I can do Havertz > Jota

    If I want Son + Kane it’ll mean I won’t be able to get Foden and ditching Jesus who is arguably a nice differential

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

      KDB to Son for me, i dont want KDB at all and havent looked at him once this year

      1. AYLD28
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I got him for the last three fixtures and the two 1 pointers have been painful, especially with foden killing it.

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

          Im staying away from City assets full stop, too annoying especially with KDBs price and not doing much

    2. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      KDB to Son

  16. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    My team for GW11:

    Sanchez
    TAA-Cancelo-James
    Havertz-Mbeumo-Raphinha-Salah(c)
    Antonio-Jimenez--Vardy

    Foster-Livramento-White-Gilmour

    (Plan to go Havertz, Vardy to Son, Toney for GW12)

    GTG?

    1. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy is vc.

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

      Nice team!

      1. CoracAld2831
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks.

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

      g2g

    4. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks, guys.

  17. Champione
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ronaldo > Kane?

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

      Id say yes

  18. Munchen KFC
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A: Kane and Zaha or B: Son and Antonio

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Bbb

      1. Munchen KFC
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

      1. Munchen KFC
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

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

      Easy B

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      100% B

      1. Munchen KFC
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks everyone

    5. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

  19. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Bench Cancelo vs ManU or Duffy vs Newcastle?

    1. Munchen KFC
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Same dilemma. Currently have Duffy otb

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

      Thats tough, if was me id play Cancelo based on assist potential - Man Utd with no Varane

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'm benching Duffy. Bit of an unknown with Veltman and Lamptey available. I read Newcastle are improving their stats on defending set pieces but I haven't checked.

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

        I might be wrong, but didnt Lamptey go off injured?

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

          Not sure if a precaution or if hes back

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            He came on as a sub in the last game. I don't think he is injured

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

              Ah sorry, my bad

    4. Kloppage Time
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Duffy is a good shout but if you have Cancelo then you should play him, I would not leave a 6 mill player on the bench

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

        This

    5. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I personally always play my premiums.

  20. balint84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Sarr to Mbeumo or Cornet?

    1. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      This week - Mbuemo, I don't rate Burnley and Cornet still seems to be struggling for fitness with the busy schedule ahead.

  21. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Azpi to Chilwell/James for -4
    0.0itb

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo Azpi
    Salah Son Gallagher Raphinha
    Toney Vardy Antonio

    Foster Livramento Duffy Brownhill

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

      Maybe wait as you have Liv on bench in case Azpi doesnt start?

    2. Munchen KFC
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't do it myself. Think he'll start this week in place of Silva.

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

      Keep FT

  22. The Riders of Mohan
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Play Raph or ASM?

    1. Flowsick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Raph easily.

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Raph 100%

  23. klopptimusprime
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Dont wan't to burn a transfer so need help with my one move this week before looking to use 2FTs GW12

    a) Armstrong to Toney (play)
    b) Armstrong to Broja (bench)
    c) Dias to 4.5-5m DEF (bench)
    d) Dias to Chilwell (play)
    e) Raph to Jota (play)
    f) Foden to Jota (play)
    g) other

    Sanchez
    TAA | Dias | Cancelo | James
    Salah | Foden | Raph | Mbeumo
    Vardy | Antonio

    Foster | Livra | Armstrong | Brownhill, 1.1m, 2FT

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

  24. AppleDunk
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who should I sell to get James?

    A) Rudiger
    B) White
    C) Cancelo

    Other defenders are TAA and Livra.

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      White

  25. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Should I Bench boost??
    Mendy
    Chilwell Christensen TAA
    Mbeumo Gallagher Raph Salah ESR
    Jimi Vardy

    Foster Antonio Cancelo Livra

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Seems like a good bench to do so !

  26. balint84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A) Sarr
    B) Cornet
    C) Mbeumo