Around the Grounds FPL Team News Game-week 1

Around the Grounds FPL Team News Game-week 1

Welcome to Around the Grounds FPL Team News Game-week 1.
Well I hope you’ve enjoyed your summer – whether you’ve been playing MLS and the Euros or decided to take a well-earned rest, the time has arrived for us all to come back together, dust off the cobwebs and get back down to it. Your peace has been blown out of the water and we’re back to trying to determine what exactly the managers are trying to tell us in their pressers! It’s an exciting time though as we welcome Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola, Claude Puel, Aitor Karanka and Walter Mazzarri into the Premier League, Sean Dyche makes a welcome return, Ronald Koeman has swapped Southampton for Everton and Jose Mourinho has stopped claiming unemployment benefit by joining Manchester United. And Moyesie is back!!! So we have some exciting new faces to join up with some old favourites such as champion Claudio Ranieri, good ol’ Arsene Wenger, Lord Pardew, Romeo Francesco Guidolin and my mate Jurgen Klopp. For the first time this season, let’s see if this season’s crop of managers are more helpful than those who went before them. Good luck for the season ahead. Let’s do this!

Hull vs Leicester City (Sat 13 Aug 12.30)
Our season is rightly kicked off by the Champions as they enjoy a lunchtime work out at newly promoted Hull. With many pundits doubting that the Foxes can reproduce their magic of last season, Jamie Vardy and co will be keen to surprise the masses as they did from the start last term. For Hull, the excitement and celebration of their play-off win to secure promotion has long been forgotten – manager Steve Bruce has walked out after a series of disagreements with the owner’s son, the owner is seriously ill, a series of injuries has dogged the squad and the squad is threadbare. All this should of course be the perfect recipe for Vardy to continue his party and for Riyad Mahrez to remind us what he is capable of. It was Mahrez who scored the only goal when the team’s last met at Hull two seasons ago – he or Vardy may be perfect captain choices for this opening week.

It truly is a disaster zone at Hull. No new signings, just 13 players for caretaker manager Mike Phelan to choose between with Fergie’s ex-assistant admitting it will be hard for this current squad to compete. Ouch. Let’s find some positives – ok, well Shaun Maloney and Greg Luer are both fit. That’s the good news over. Alex Bruce, Michael Dawson, Allan McGregor and Moses Odubajo are all long term absentees, while Curtis Davies is the only recognised centre back fit to play – Jake Livermore will partner him at the back. It could get messy. Don’t be short a Fox or three.

It was classic Claudio at the presser as he said there was more chance of ET landing at Piccadilly Circus than the Foxes retaining the league title. As usual, the target for Leicester is 40pts and then “we shall see”, but the Italian maintains there is less pressure on his players than last season. On the team news, Ranieri said there were no injuries in the squad, but Robert Huth misses out through suspension.

[divider_1px]

Burnley vs Swansea (Sat 13 Aug 15.00)
Another promoted team, another home fixture to start the season as Burnley welcome Swansea. Many FPL managers will be looking for Andre Gray to reward their faith in the striker, while Gylfi Sigurdsson will also be closely monitored. When Burnley were last in the Premier League, which was only the season before last, they lost both matches vs the Swans by 1-0, with keeper Tom Heaton scoring an own goal in the match at Turf Moor. That’s about as exciting as I can make this – the highlight may well be waiting for husky-voiced Sean Dyche’s post match interview.

Dyke is hopeful that left back Stephen Ward will be fit for Saturday after returning from the Euros with a slight hamstring injury, but Ashley Barnes and new recruit loanee Jon Flanagan are unlikely to feature.

Having lost Ashley Williams to Everton and Andre Ayew to West Ham, Francesco Guidolin has wasted little time and has recruited strikers Fernando Llorente and Borja Baston and admits the Swans are looking for a central defender to replace their influential captain. Llorente is expected to feature vs Burnley, but the weekend will likely come too soon for Baston. Frederico Fernandez has been passed fit for the weekend, but Neil Taylor and Sung-yueng Ki will not make the trip and Gylfi Sigurdsson is likely to start from the bench after his lack of preseason.

[divider_1px]

Crystal Palace vs West Brom (Sat 13 Aug 15.00)
Pulis past hosts Pulis present at Selhurst Park with the Lord Pardew having taken up position in the home camp. I don’t know about you, but when we were told that the England job was a two-horse race between Big Sam and Big Bruce, I couldn’t help but wonder where the Lord was in the running. Or indeed who he has upset at the FA. I mean, this is the Lord we are talking about – an astute manager, as he was described on the FF247 boards in the summer – surely he should at least get an interview? Well, England’s loss is our gain and we have another season of him telling us how great he is.

Pardew said there was no news on Yannick Bolasie’s potential move to Everton, so we’ll see if the attacking midfielder features vs the Baggies. What the Lord did tell us is that James Tomkins, Fraizer Campbell and Bakary Sako have all been ruled out, James McArthur is close but is lacking match fitness, while defender Pape Souare will undergo a late fitness test. Pardew also said there are one or two players trying to get up to speed after the Euros, one of those we believe to be new keeper Steve Mandanda, meaning Wayne Hennessey may just have a chance of a start this weekend.

Pulis is the bookies favourite to be the first Premier League manager to leave his post, with the lack of new signings believed to be upsetting our favourite baseball cap-wearing chief. Bizarrely, Sadio Berahino is still at the club with Pulis again stating the striker is in a good frame of mind. Too much sun in the West Midlands clearly. Talking of new signings, Albion’s only purchase thus far, Matty Phillips, will hope to make his debut, but James Morrison and Chris Brunt remain out.

[divider_1px]

Everton vs Spurs (Sat 13 Aug 15.00)
Spurs travel to a new-look Everton with Koeman in charge, with the Toffees hopeful that a new manager will bring a change in performance – a change in fortune vs Spurs would be a nice start as Everton have failed to beat Tottenham in any of their last seven meetings. For two teams that like to play attractive football, last season’s two meetings were a disappointment as they ended in a 0-0 draw and a 1-1 draw. So maybe don’t expect fireworks, especially with Koeman being favoured to tighten up a defence which Roberto Martinez seemed either reluctant or unable to do.

It’s hard enough to keep up to date with all the ins and outs at Goodison – chuck in a few injuries and it’s anyone’s guess what side they will field vs Spurs! Koeman reveals that new signing Ashley Williams will need at least ten days training before he is considered, while Seamus Coleman “has a problem”, Romelu Lukaku is doubtful after picking up a knock vs Espanyol and Matthew Pennington has been ruled out for a number of months following extensive damage to his hamstring. Add to this Koeman saying that his squad is at 70% of where they need to be and it could be another tough afternoon for the Goodison faithful. Where is Steven Naismith when you need him? If Lukaku is ruled out, then Gerard Deulofeu may well be played up front. Phil Jagielka has at least been passed fit.

There is better news for Spurs as manager Mauricio Pochettino says that defender Jan Vertonghen has recovered from injury and is “ready”, though it’s unclear as to whether he will be thrown straight in after missing preseason. Mousa Dembele is still suspended and the only other definite absentee is Heung-Min Son who is at the Olympics.

[divider_1px]

Middlesbrough vs Stoke (Sat 13 Aug 15.00)
Boro vs Stoke. Not exactly a match that lends itself to excitement is it and only likely to be beaten in the dull stakes by Burnley vs West Brom on a Tuesday night. I may of course be doing both teams a disservice as Stoke showed glimpses of class last season while at the same time, Boro were marching to the Championship title with solid defensive performances. The match will give us an opportunity to see if Boro can bring that defensive quality to the top flight, while again young Bojan is prompting a tad of pre-season excitement, this time because he is listed as a midfielder – exciting times we are in.

Boro boss Aitor Karanka will be without Bernado Espinsosa, Dani Ayala and Grant Leadbitter as they return to the Premier League. Karanka, who frankly sounds more like a Bond villain than a football manager, says that Espinsosa and Ayala have both trained with the first team squad this week and should be in contention soon, but frustratingly refused to confirm which of his summer goalkeeping recruits would start between the sticks – “Yes, I know who will play. But I cannot say” – whilst stroking his white cat no doubt.

Jack Butland has been ruled out of the game after jarring his ankle in training on Friday – the club are waiting on results of the scan, but Shay Given is likely to deputise this week. Glen Johnson is Stoke’s only other major injury concern for their opening day trip to Boro – the defender has a quad injury and while Mark Hughes says Johnson has a chance if he can train on Friday, the club are likely to err on the side of caution, not wanting to rush him back only to make it worse so early in the season. Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri have both recovered from slight knocks and should be ok to play. Stephen Ireland and Ibrahim Afellay are both long term absentees.

[divider_1px]

Southampton vs Watford (Sat 13 Aug 15.00)
Two of the Premier League’s new managers go head to head as Southampton’s Claude Puel takes on Watford’s Walter Mazzarri at St. Mary’s. Therefore it’s not easy to know what to expect with both manager’s looking to exert their influence and ideas on their respective teams. Watford’s success last term was predominantly down to a resolute defence combined with the forward partnership of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, while the Saints were a more rounded collective effort, but will have to do without Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane who have left for pastures new. Goals from Shane Long and Dusan Tadic gave Southampton a 2-0 victory in the corresponding fixture in January – talking of goals, well they have proved rare for the Hornets against the Saints for they have not found the target in any of their previous four meetings.

The Saints go into the season with a few defensive concerns – Ryan Bertrand has been ruled out with a knee injury, while Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares will be assessed before the game after both arrived back late (and likely very hungover) from the Euros. Further forward and new manager Claude Puel says of Nathan Redmond, “he played wide for Norwich but he is a very good striker. He can shoot, dribble and make different things.” Sounds like my three year old.

The Hornets will be without summer signing Brice Dja Djedje who was suffering with a foot injury when he joined the club. Isaac Success is another new signing to miss out, he has a leg muscle injury. Not very lucky with their new signings are they? Reports they are interested in signing Wilshere and Welbeck are unconfirmed. Valon Behrami and Adlene Guedioura are doubtful for the trip down south as they continue to recover from injury.

[divider_1px]

Man City vs Sunderland (Sat 13 Aug 17.30)
Moyesie doesn’t have that many wonderful memories of Manchester, certainly not on the field – although he did have a plane hired in his name one glorious afternoon over the other side of the city. That of course is ancient history – the ginger ninja is back, having replaced England’s finest at the Stadium of Light. A tougher start Moyesie couldn’t have hoped for, as he prepares his boys for a trip to the Premier League’s version of the Harlem Globetrotters. As if Sergio Aguero, KdB and David Silva weren’t enough firepower, City have added in Nolito, Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane and of course Pep has arrived to oversee things. All they need now is to fill the stadium. For the Black Cats, it’s life without Big Sam, but with Moyesie around not much will be different – it’ll be crosses galore and tight defending as they attempt to win their first Premier League win at City – last season City ran out 4-1 winners and a similar outcome would not be the biggest of surprises.

Pep says that new recruit John stones is fit, available and ready to face Sunderland, but fellow defender Nicolas Otamendi may not feature as although he has recovered from injury, the club are wary that they have a Champions League qualifier on Tuesday. Kevin de Bruyne, Bacary Sagna and Eliaquim Mangala are all available but Vincent Kompany remains on the sidelines and new recruits Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan are not yet available.

Moyesie has gone back to Old Trafford cap in hand and obligingly, United have sold him defenders Paddy McNair and Donald Love, while he has also borrowed Adnan Januzaj for the season. All three will return to Manchester to feature in the Black Cat squad for the visit to the Etihad. On the injury front, Seb Larsson has been ruled out for six months, while Lee Cattermole, Billy Jones and Jan Kirchoff have all been ruled out this weekend. The Lamine Kone saga rumbles on with Moyes saying the defender will be offered a new contract in September.

[divider_1px]

Bournemouth vs Man Utd (Sun 14 Aug 13.30)
With everyone backing Jose to stimulate United back to greatness, it may be the fool who dismisses Bournemouth so easily. After all, this is the Bournemouth who last December beat Mourinho’s Chelsea at the Bridge before going on to defeat LVG’s United at home. All eyes will be on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who makes his Premier League debut, while United’s other new boys Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly will also be guaranteed a tough afternoon by Eddie Howe’s uncompromising team. Howe will of course be hopeful that his side can emulate last season’s success against all odds – and with the fit and firing Callum Wilson available again, it should be an entertaining game that could go either way.

Bournemouth will be without Junior Stanislas for the visit of United, with boss Eddie Howe admitting there are one or two niggles within the squad, without specifying who.

Mourinho reports no injuries for United but Chris Smalling and prodigal son Paul Pogba will miss out through suspension. Despite Pogba’s lack of preseason, Jose suggests the midfielder will be available to face Southampton in GW2.

[divider_1px]

Arsenal vs Liverpool (Sun 14 August 16.00)
Much has been made of Liverpool’s hard opening fixtures and a trip to the Emirates is a pretty tough start, but Klopp will undoubtedly have his troops fired up and full of belief. Whatever one’s thoughts of Liverpool, there is an admiration towards the manager and his people skills – he even got Dejan Lovren playing well last season. How Arsenal would wish for a manager like Klopp – not afraid to spend money, always there to galvanise his men and can operate the simplest of zips. However, they have Arsene and whether this season turns out to be #wengerout or #wengerin we must wait and see. Boring it won’t be. This match should be exciting with the array of midfield talent available to both teams – Alexis, Firmino, Cazorla, Coutinho, Ozil, Mane, Ramsey, Wijnaldum. And Henderson and Wilshere. These two battled out a 0-0 draw when they met in North London last August, so let’s hope for a repeat of January’s meeting at Anfield when we were treated to a 3-3 draw.

Nothing much changes at the Emirates – Jack Wilshere is injured, there is a big injury crisis, this time in defence and Wenger is doing his best to make club record profits by refusing to pay up for any replacements. Although a deal for German international defender Mustafi may be in the offing – knowing Arsene, he will probably sell Alexis or Ozil to subsidise it. Back to injuries and Per Mertesacker and Gabriel are both medium term absentees while Laurent Koscielny isn’t ready for Sunday, according to the manager. Unless he finds a miracle cure for his French pal, then it looks like Rob Holding and Calum Chambers may partner up at the back. Oh joy – the gift that just keeps on giving. Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil are also short of match fitness, although that is nothing unusual. On the positive side, Alexis and Aaron Ramsey both look fit, though Wenger will undoubtedly find an excuse not to play them. Santi Cazorla is unlikely to be ready to play 90mins with some reports suggesting he may not feature at all.

If it’s deja vu at Arsenal then it’s “as you were” at Anfield with Daniel Sturridge’s fitness again at the heart of Klopp’s opening presser. The England striker has missed training of late although it is hoped he could train on Friday – with his history of injuries one feels it is unlikely he will be risked. James Milner picked up a heel injury in preseason and is unlikely to feature this weekend, though he has not been completely ruled out.

[divider_1px]

Chelsea vs West Ham (Mon 15 Aug 20.00)
The first gameweek of the season sees our first Monday night special – and special it is as it’s a London derby as Antonio Conte kicks off his reign at the Bridge vs the happy Hammers. Chelsea of course had a season to forget last term and will therefore be keen to start the season in positive fashion and ensure last season’s horrors are well and truly left behind. Much will also be expected of West Ham – they were one of the surprises of last year and will want to build on that as they begin life at their new home of the Olympic Stadium. The match between the two ended 2-2 in March with Cesc Fabregas scoring twice for the Blues and Andy Carroll netting for the Irons, who have failed to win any of their last eleven matches at the Bridge.

Conte had no injury news to report, bar Kurt Zouma who remains out. Midfielder Bertrand Traore has joined Ajax on loan so all there is to look forward to is to see Conte’s preferred starting XI, which will only be revealed on Monday. The boss did admit to having a few nerves in front of his first game in charge of a new team, in a new league, in a new country.

There is good news for the Hammers as Bilic says that Dimitri Payet has returned “very fit”, hinting that despite his lack of preseason action, the French playmaker may be involved on Monday – though it is thought that from the bench is more likely than a start. Bilic is also excited about the arrival of Andre Ayew who he says will bring more quality to the squad. Pedro Obiang, Cheikhou Kouyate and Darren Randolph will all bit fit for the trip to Chelsea, but Aaron Cresswell, Manuel Lanzini, Gokhan Tore and Diafra Sakho all miss out. Sam Byram is expected to fill in at left back in the absence of Cresswell.

[divider_1px]

Thanks for reading Around the Grounds FPL Team News Game-week 1. This article was written by Cookie

Follow @SteveCook9

[divider_1px]

[alert style=”2″]

We are running the main public FF247 League which anyone is welcome to join by using the following code 1147-701 (auto-link below). This one has a prize pool of £250 which is sponsored by @FootballFanager and will be paid into your account on their website. The top 5 places are paid out.

Join Our League – Quick Link
League Code: 1147-701
View league standings – COMING SOON

[/alert]

[alert style=”3″]

New for the 2016/17 we are delighted to announce we are running a Regulars League which has a cash prize pool of £300 paid directly to the winners from the FF247 management team.

To enter this one you need to be an active and recognised site member and you need to e-mail us for the league code – Elleffcee@fantasyfootball247.co.uk *terms and conditions apply and are available upon request. Management reserve the right to review membership of this league on an ongoing basis.

[/alert]

[divider_1px]

Fixture Tracker – the first 6 games

[divider_1px]