Dugout Discussion

West Ham v Sunderland team news: Xhaka ruled out

24 January 2026 620 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
Share:

Before the rumoured bedlam that will erupt with the release of the Manchester City teamsheet, we’ve got a more low-key start to Gameweek 23.

West Ham United v Sunderland gets us underway at 12.30pm GMT.

TEAM NEWS

The team news is fairly straightforward in east London, with West Ham unsurprisingly unchanged from their 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

El Hadji Malick Diouf has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but has to settle for a place on the bench. Ollie Scarles keeps his place at left-back.

Lucas Paqueta‘s absence was confirmed by Nuno Espirito Santo on Thursday.

Something that Regis Le Bris didn’t do on the same day was divulge information about Granit Xhaka.

The Swiss international, one of just four Fantasy midfielders who were ever-present starters this season, misses out through injury.

Eliezer Mayenda takes his place.

That’s the only change from Gameweek 22.

The Black Cats have two of their own returning AFCON representatives on the bench, namely Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi.

The Gameweek 23 matches are a re-run of the opening weekend of the season. In the reverse fixture of this encounter, Sunderland beat West Ham 3-0 on Wearside.

LINE-UPS

West Ham XI: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Scarles, Soucek, Fernandes, Bowen, Pablo, Summerville, Castellanos.

Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Ward-Prowse, Wilson, Diouf, Magassa, Potts, Kante.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Hume, Sadiki, Le Fee, Mundle, Mayenda, Brobbey.

Subs: Patterson, O’Nien, Geertruida, Cirkin, Rigg, Diarra, Adingra, Isidor, Talbi.

620 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. tbos83
    • 5 Years
    9 hours, 10 mins ago

    Saka > Palmer this week?

    Open Controls
    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      9 hours, 9 mins ago

      I would not

      Open Controls
  2. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    9 hours, 10 mins ago

    A guy in one of my league who is pretty good (got top 1k last year) is going full maverick lol. Took a -4 hit with transfers, put Haaland last on the bench and capped Ndiaye.

    Thats the kind of play I can respect and I honestly hope it pays off for him.

    Open Controls
    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      9 hours, 9 mins ago

      4 transfers*

      Open Controls
    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 7 Years
      9 hours, 3 mins ago

      agree with you these kinda players get high on scoreboard, we play too safe in here

      Open Controls
      1. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        9 hours ago

        Its definitely how you have to play (especially second half of the season) if you want a real chance to win big money leagues. Go big or go home.

        Open Controls
      2. polroger
        • 14 Years
        8 hours, 58 mins ago

        I just keept C on Haaland. To mutch risk to go agenst him. Prob just sit on the beanch all game if rested so then the vicecap kicks inn : )

        Open Controls
  3. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    9 hours, 9 mins ago

    Bottomed - Which one to sell first GW24?
    A. Virgil > starts Chalobah (WHU) Ekitike (NEW) 343
    B. Ekitike > starts Virgil (NEW) Mbeumo (FUL) 442

    Open Controls
  4. Philosopher's Stones
    • 5 Years
    9 hours, 9 mins ago

    23/26 people in my work league have capped Haaland. Now they gonna know who the chronic users of fantasy forums are lol

    Open Controls
    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      9 hours, 7 mins ago

      Hahaha. I fear the same.

      Open Controls
  5. Punned It
      9 hours, 6 mins ago

      Got Haaland capped. Gab VC. This should be fine. I refuse to break sweat.

      Open Controls
      1. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        9 hours, 5 mins ago

        Hope he stays on the bench but 0% chance that happens.

        Open Controls
        1. Punned It
            9 hours, 4 mins ago

            Comes on and gets a goal just to show up Pep. It'll be fine.

            Fine, I tell you.

            Open Controls
          • Amartey Partey
            • 6 Years
            9 hours, 3 mins ago

            Maybe 0.5%.

            Open Controls
        2. panda07
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 hours, 38 mins ago

          Just like Prince Andrew!

          Open Controls
      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 9 Years
        9 hours, 6 mins ago

        Got 4 FTs. Using 3 gives me this. Ok?

        Raya Dubravka
        Timber VVD Nunes Rodon Mukiele
        Saka BrunoF Mbeumo Rogers LeFee
        Haaland DCL Kroupi

        Open Controls
      3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        9 hours, 5 mins ago

        I was here for the leak this time but it's an absolute joke for a number of reasons

        Anyone with responsibilities/a life (Kids, jobs) are put at a disadvantage as they are not huddled around their computer/phone always before a deadline.
        Secondly, this is supposed to be a game played worldwide, people on other time zones are at an instant disadvantage with the leaks

        I will sound like a right moaner here but years ago there was some element of real courage when making moves, nothing was handed out to you on a plate and you had to think of moves. It would feel good to actually make a move and for it to come off (E.g. the most captained player was benched and you captained someone else as you had a feeling he might be benched). Now it's basically handed to you

        I don't want to hear anyone celebrating their non-haaland captains this week, if you do then you really need to check yourself because being spoonfed news like that and making a change to your team based on that news doesn't make you a genius

        Open Controls
        1. Utopsis
          • 6 Years
          9 hours, 4 mins ago

          Damn this has really affected you

          Open Controls
        2. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          9 hours, 4 mins ago

          You’ve always been a moaner

          Open Controls
        3. Philosopher's Stones
          • 5 Years
          9 hours, 3 mins ago

          I've got a solution. Don't have kids and also resign from your job.

          Open Controls
        4. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 hours, 3 mins ago

          You can't solve this problem though in this day and age with the way information is shared.

          Moving the deadline doesn't help unless it's something unrealistic like a day before. There will always be news that some will have that others won't.

          Open Controls
          1. Sir Michael Taker
            • 11 Years
            8 hours, 58 mins ago

            Just move the deadline to kickoff. It is possible, they do it in challenge. Doesnt take that long to check the confirmed lineup out pre kickoff. Make your moves, get on with life. Everyones a winner bar those trying to farm engagement via pre deadline streams so it obvoously wont happen

            Open Controls
            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              8 hours, 54 mins ago

              It wouldn't help this situation because the City lineup is for the 3pm kickoff. By the start of KO today, we still wouldn't have the official lineups so the leakers would still have an advantage.

              Open Controls
              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 15 Years
                8 hours, 54 mins ago

                *Kickoff of the early game that is.

                Open Controls
                1. Sir Michael Taker
                  • 11 Years
                  8 hours, 49 mins ago

                  Sorry you are right, I meant have moveable deadlines like challenge and FUCL

                  Open Controls
        5. Traction Engine Foot
          • 7 Years
          9 hours, 3 mins ago

          All true, but then again it is quite a silly game in the first place.

          Open Controls
        6. JBG
          • 7 Years
          9 hours, 2 mins ago

          You're absolutely correct.

          You do sound like a right moaner.

          Open Controls
        7. Punned It
            9 hours, 2 mins ago

            It's alright, mate, chances are it'll only be a matter of a few points.

            Open Controls
            1. Bolivian Seaman
              • 15 Years
              8 hours, 59 mins ago

              yep

              Open Controls
          • F4L
            • 11 Years
            9 hours, 1 min ago

            is what it is, didnt get the chance to see any leaks either. didnt cap haaland but did play BB 😐 just a shame the City match wasnt tomorrow this gw

            Open Controls
          • Mr. O'Connell
            • 13 Years
            8 hours, 59 mins ago

            Tbh I dont care. I was on this forum about 10am then decided to do a bit of exercise and play for half an hour with my six month old before I head out for the day. Time well spent over endlessly refreshing and scrolling for leaks. People can lol at Haaland cappers all they want later.

            Open Controls
            1. fedolefan
              • 11 Years
              8 hours, 52 mins ago

              Six month old what? Solio membership?

              Open Controls
          • Studs Up
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            8 hours, 59 mins ago

            OMG... we live in a digital world.

            Open Controls
          • Brosstan
            • 11 Years
            8 hours, 59 mins ago

            You are 1000% correct and anyone who disagrees is exactly one of the no lifers sat in private whatsapp groups with leaked info that other people dont have access to.

            Open Controls
          • x.jim.x
            • 11 Years
            8 hours, 58 mins ago

            How have you been posting here for 15 years and not realised yet that there's never an even playing field in any competition. There will always be people who have more time to watch full games, pore over stats, look for leaks, etc - that's without even mentioning the ones that actually work in the industry who get team news early.

            The fact that you have time to post frequently on this website is an advantage over somebody who doesn't. You all need to get a grip and face the reality that you will never win this game.

            Open Controls
          • riot
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            8 hours, 55 mins ago

            or just don't captain haaland and miss the leak too

            Open Controls
          • Jet5605
            • 11 Years
            8 hours, 52 mins ago

            Bringing your life choices into it is pretty desperate. You still have a big advantage over players who live half way across the world.

            Open Controls
          • boc610
            • 14 Years
            8 hours, 51 mins ago

            Dafuq you talking about ?all "busy" people do with a life , kids etc is look at their phones . Have the page on latest comments at 1045, wait until you see a link, click link, make a decision. That cam be done in 10 mins . Plus its a Saturday you make it sound like this is happening at 945 am on a Monday

            Open Controls
          • Faxof
            • 10 Years
            8 hours, 43 mins ago

            What leak??

            Open Controls
          • Scapegoat Salah
            • 9 Years
            8 hours, 40 mins ago

            It’s quite simple, they just need to make the deadline the night before the first game.

            It’s rubbish but it’s the only fair solutions to all players, there will always be leakers, only way to stop it is to ban social media.

            Open Controls
        8. Sir Michael Taker
          • 11 Years
          9 hours, 4 mins ago

          How many points was Haaland on prior to the last few minutes of the Burnley game? As I recall most of that TC haul was achieved very late and it looked like a failed chip for a while.

          Open Controls
          1. Utopsis
            • 6 Years
            9 hours, 2 mins ago

            This is one week where I'm pretty relaxed to cap the Robot, bench or not.

            There just weren't enough standout options to make the switch, and I would rather 30mins of a pissed-off Haaland than 80+ minutes of anyone else this particular GW

            Open Controls
            1. Sir Michael Taker
              • 11 Years
              9 hours ago

              Same, most of my other options were just not captainable. If I had Thiago probably a different matter but nobody else stands out this week

              Open Controls
              1. Utopsis
                • 6 Years
                8 hours, 58 mins ago

                I have Thiago but again not convinced - NFO just held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw and Dyche is the king of frustrating the opposition.

                Let's see how it all plays out, but the emotional explosion on here from so many is quite fascinating to observe.

                Open Controls
        9. Sandy Ravage
          • 9 Years
          9 hours, 4 mins ago

          Tarkowski + Rogers > Dorgu + B.Fernandes

          Open Controls
        10. F4L
          • 11 Years
          9 hours, 2 mins ago

          lets go ballard!

          Open Controls
          1. Utopsis
            • 6 Years
            9 hours, 1 min ago

            Reinildo here!

            Open Controls
          2. Jullepuu
            • 6 Years
            9 hours ago

            Alderete for me

            Open Controls
            1. The Bandit
              • 15 Years
              8 hours, 59 mins ago

              He was in my BB team, but had to abandon it and bench him last minute.

              Open Controls
          3. Punned It
              8 hours, 59 mins ago

              Mukiele and Roefs!

              Open Controls
            • Thanos
              • 4 Years
              8 hours, 55 mins ago

              Same

              Open Controls
          4. Jullepuu
            • 6 Years
            9 hours, 1 min ago

            Play it risky and do Foden to Bruno F today for price change reasons?

            Open Controls
            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              8 hours, 59 mins ago

              I'd do it but also because I still think most teams should be WC'ing in 24.

              Open Controls
              1. Jullepuu
                • 6 Years
                8 hours, 58 mins ago

                Cheers. Altough I disagree on wildcarding at 24. Doubt it is what most people should do

                Open Controls
                1. RamaJama
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  8 hours, 56 mins ago

                  When will you wildcard?

                  Open Controls
                  1. Jullepuu
                    • 6 Years
                    8 hours, 55 mins ago

                    Probably later on when there is more information about doubles and blanks

                    Open Controls
                2. Utopsis
                  • 6 Years
                  8 hours, 54 mins ago

                  Agree with you re WC

                  Open Controls
                  1. RamaJama
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    8 hours, 51 mins ago

                    Think it’s possible to build a good bench for the dgw, and most have 3 aes already and the chance to bring in a Wol player or two by then

                    Open Controls
                    1. Utopsis
                      • 6 Years
                      8 hours, 47 mins ago

                      Yeah completely. But in the same vein, there are some who only need to make 2 or 3 transfers to get to desired team, so no need to WC yet.

                      Open Controls
          5. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            8 hours, 57 mins ago

            A guy in my league triple captained Haaland

            Open Controls
            1. Jet5605
              • 11 Years
              8 hours, 55 mins ago

              Triple amounts of pain.

              Open Controls
          6. Philosopher's Stones
            • 5 Years
            8 hours, 57 mins ago

            I couldn't go on and become a rockstar because I didn't have time to practice the drums due to kids and work, while Gavin Harrison is out there being a rockstar. Life is so unfair, man.

            Open Controls
          7. Amartey Partey
            • 6 Years
            8 hours, 57 mins ago

            Are both teams playing 4-4-2 here?

            Open Controls
          8. Amartey Partey
            • 6 Years
            8 hours, 56 mins ago

            Sidike with a cracking shot.

            Open Controls
            1. Philosopher's Stones
              • 5 Years
              8 hours, 54 mins ago

              Quite impressive to be able to take a shot like that while on crack.

              Open Controls
          9. fedolefan
            • 11 Years
            8 hours, 55 mins ago

            Need a Sels Matzerclass to hodor against these Thiago cappers.

            Open Controls
          10. Sun Jihai
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            8 hours, 54 mins ago

            This is a huge FH from FPL_Spaceman (Solio Analytics)
            Big upside if it works, I have only one of those players, Thiago
            https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/1000002/event/23

            Open Controls
          11. Sir Michael Taker
            • 11 Years
            8 hours, 53 mins ago

            To be honest if it happens (the benching), and the leak could just be wrong, probably better for the game overall. Far too many getting comfortable on captaincy. If we arent 100% sure hes a starter or his minutes are reduced if he gets the odd early sub it at least makes us think about it again.

            Open Controls
            1. Utopsis
              • 6 Years
              8 hours, 51 mins ago

              Yeah Haaland perma cap is so uninspiring. I went against him for their away game vs CRY and he responded with a brace 😀

              Open Controls
            2. riot
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              8 hours, 51 mins ago

              exactly

              an unconfirmed link shouldn't overshadow the fact he was viable not to captain even before the Bodo game

              Open Controls
            3. F4L
              • 11 Years
              8 hours, 50 mins ago

              couple it with a salah brace later and fpl just got very interesting.

              although by the sounds of it salah could still be benched as well this gw 😆

              Open Controls
          12. Jet5605
            • 11 Years
            8 hours, 51 mins ago

            Worth doing Eki & Szob > Rogers & Kroupi for -4?

            Open Controls
            1. Jet5605
              • 11 Years
              8 hours, 50 mins ago

              Also allows me to do Dorgu > Chalobah the week after

              Open Controls
            2. Utopsis
              • 6 Years
              8 hours, 50 mins ago

              Szob is playing in a new position behind the forward 2 it looks like, give him todays game

              Open Controls
              1. Jet5605
                • 11 Years
                8 hours, 49 mins ago

                I also have Cunha who will need selling but am thinking he could start v Fulham if Dorgu doesn't repeat what he did last week. Think a -4 is inevitable in order to get Chalobah the week after and to battle through all the WC price changes.

                Open Controls
          13. fedolefan
            • 11 Years
            8 hours, 49 mins ago

            Really need Bowen’s defcon to make up for the Haaland cap benching.

            Open Controls
            1. Utopsis
              • 6 Years
              8 hours, 49 mins ago

              Haha

              Open Controls
            2. Sun God Nika
              • 5 Years
              8 hours, 48 mins ago

              Hopefully

              If haaland and Bruno g don’t play I need him and Calvert to do wonders from the bench

              Open Controls
            3. Cojones of Destiny
              • 7 Years
              8 hours, 42 mins ago

              really need Bowen to make those gazzilion points i sold thiago for him few gws ago haha

              Open Controls
          14. z13
              8 hours, 48 mins ago

              Wow the one time i wasn't online to see the benching

              Open Controls
              1. z13
                  8 hours, 48 mins ago

                  Not going to complain, Gabriel VC

                  Open Controls
                  1. Brosstan
                    • 11 Years
                    8 hours, 46 mins ago

                    Hes coming on 100% in 75 min+..

                    Open Controls
                • Sun God Nika
                  • 5 Years
                  8 hours, 46 mins ago

                  We won’t know till we see it on paper (or our digital screen)

                  Open Controls
              2. martynteresa
                  8 hours, 46 mins ago

                  Why is everyone so ??? if Haaland does not play.
                  Subs and Vice Captains take over so no great loss

                  Open Controls
                  1. Magic Zico
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    8 hours, 46 mins ago

                    cameo

                    Open Controls
                  2. Brosstan
                    • 11 Years
                    8 hours, 45 mins ago

                    Because he will get mnutes in second half. Worst case scenario at 80min +

                    Open Controls
                • RamaJama
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  8 hours, 44 mins ago

                  Summerville, Sun CS gone

                  Open Controls
                  1. RamaJama
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    8 hours, 44 mins ago

                    Bowen assist

                    Open Controls
                  2. Magic Zico
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    8 hours, 44 mins ago

                    Nice

                    Open Controls
                • Pep Roulette
                  • 8 Years
                  8 hours, 44 mins ago

                  Season over

                  Open Controls
                • F4L
                  • 11 Years
                  8 hours, 44 mins ago

                  summerville g
                  bowern a

                  Open Controls
                  1. F4L
                    • 11 Years
                    8 hours, 44 mins ago

                    *bowen

                    Open Controls
                • Free Hat
                  • 6 Years
                  8 hours, 43 mins ago

                  Summerville having a great winter period!

                  Open Controls
                • Cojones of Destiny
                  • 7 Years
                  8 hours, 43 mins ago

                  Finally Bowen you sonofa)

                  Open Controls
                • Paganoi
                  • 11 Years
                  8 hours, 43 mins ago

                  What a jump that was.

                  Open Controls
                • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                  • 15 Years
                  8 hours, 43 mins ago

                  OMG Summerville.

                  Open Controls
                • fedolefan
                  • 11 Years
                  8 hours, 42 mins ago

                  Let’s go Bowen!!

                  Open Controls

                You need to be logged in to post a comment.