Team Talk Fantasy Football Game-week 23

Team Talk Fantasy Football GW23

Here we go again! Welcome to GW23 and with many buoyed by an improved performance in GW22 the sentiment is better and most are happy bunnies again. Our gameweek begins in carrot crunching country as Liverpool visit Norwich at lunchtime. We then have six 3pm kick offs with some derby action – Palace and Spurs fight it out at Selhurst Park and Villa and West Brom probably really will fight it out at the Hawthorns. Leicester and Stoke also meet and though not an official derby, they’re not too far away from each other. It’s all double Dutch at Old Trafford as Southampton come to town, Bournemouth take the long trip north to face Sunderland and Newcastle take the slightly shorter journey south to play Watford. It’s Saturday evening in the East End for Man City when they visit the Hammers. Sunday sees the final two matches of our gameweek – firstly the FPL world and his wife or her husband will be cheering on Lukaku and/or Barkely as Everton host Swansea before Costa resumes his fight with the Gooners at the Bridge.
Let’s go Around the Grounds to see what the managers have had to say.

Norwich vs Liverpool (Sat 23 Jan 12.45)
Both teams come into the week on the back of disappointing defeats and on a poor run of form. Having lost at home to United, Liverpool have now picked up just a single point in their last three games leaving Klopp’s men further adrift from a much coveted Champions League spot. The Canaries were undone at Bournemouth last week and have conceded three goals in both of their last two. The last time Norwich appeared on TV was an early Saturday kick off vs the blue half of Liverpool which ended in a 1-1 draw. These two met at Anfield earlier this season and the match ended 1-1. No prizes for guessing my prediction this week then – though a draw will do neither team much good.

It was Naismith himself who opened the presser as he was introduced to the media. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said, “I like to fight and I want to be a part of it.” Ah lovely, you can take the boy out of Scotland, but you cannee take Scotland out of the boy. He then proceeded to recount a fight he had with manager Alex Neil when Neil was a player up in Scotland and then finally admitted, “I see a lot of similarities between the Neil and David Moyes.” Oh this is going to be so much fun. Naismith even started the injury round up by saying he is fit and available for the weekend. The presser then got even better when new defender Timm Klose spoke to the media – check this, he said, “there are some great strikers in this league (refusing to look at Naismith). Lukaku is a machine but I want to prove I’m a good player”. Mate, you’re playing Liverpool not Everton. Liverpool don’t have any strikers pal. The boss says that Klose is fit but has only trained twice and implied he may not feature this weekend while Naismith and Ivo Pinto both come into consideration. There are no fresh injuries, while Gary O’Neill is still suspended. I make no apologies for the massive and largely FPL irrelevant write up, but it was too entertaining and I wanted to share it with you.

Adam Lallana is struggling with what Klopp describes as “a little issue” – relax, it’s just a muscle problem. Jon Flanagan successfully returned in midweek and will now give Alberto Moreno some competition at the back, while Klopp tried to defend media criticism of Christian Benteke by saying, “he’s working hard.” Well that’s good then. He will at least get a bit more time as Daniel Sturridge remains out with the manager saying “we will see how he is in 10 days and then decide.” Presumably decide whether to sell him to Tranmere or have him put down. Philippe Coutinho, Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel, Joe Gomez, Danny Ings and Divock Origi also continue to miss out.

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Crystal Palace vs Spurs (Sat 23 Jan 15.00)
Spurs take the trip south of the river to face a Palace team in a strange run of form. Not so much strange by the fact that the Lord’s men keep losing, but more so by the fact that the Lord spouts off so much bollox that you’d think he was in charge of a team of world beaters. Limp performances haven’t of course been helped by the list of injuries to their strikers, but let’s not give the Lord too many excuses – and besides, I’m sure he can dream up better ones than that. Spurs are still looking good, they hammered Sunderland last week of course and have only lost once on the road this season and currently sit in the final Champions League place. They beat Palace at home in September but were undone by goals from Dwight Gayle and Jason Puncheon at Selhurst Park last season.

The Lord says that Wayne Hennessey will continue in goal, despite his mistakes in the last two games – he describes his keeper as “battered and bruised” but also says he has the mentality to get back to his best. Dwight Gayle has trained this week but won’t be ready for Spurs and Pardew is looking for Connor Wickham to add goals to his good performances while also admitting he is still looking to bring a striker in. Specific names being bounded around are Emmanuel Adebayor, Nicklas Bendtner and Bafetimbi Gomis. Oh joy. Yannick Bolasie remains out. Palace will have the same squad as per last week’s loss at Man City, meaning James McArthur has recovered from a minor knock.

Spurs have no new injuries for the weekend but will continue to be without midfielders Ryan Mason and Alex Pritchard. Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose played no part in the midweek Cup win at Leicester, while Harry Kane played the last 30mins and Delli Alli came on for just the last 6mins.

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Leicester vs Stoke (Sat 23 Jan 15.00)
To many people’s surprise Leicester are hanging on in there in second place despite having won only one game out of their last five. Their failure to beat Villa last week may however prove psychologicaslly destabilising for the likes of young Vardy and penalty reject Mahrez. Stoke held, or were held, by Arsenal, depending on whether you listen to a neutral football fan or a Gooner – the Potters form remains consistently inconsistent, leaving this match too tough for me to call. While many will be looking out for the likes of Vardy, Mahrez or Arnatouvic, don’t ignore young Bojan who has scored in the last two meetings between the two.

Claudio Ranieri says it is impossible for him to rest Riyad Mahrez, who he says has trained very well this week. Jamie Vardy’s fitness is improving by the day, while Ritchie De Laet has had a scan which showed just a small problem which shouldn’t keep him out too long.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes says Marko Arnatouvic is still carrying a problem, but expects the midfielder to play, though he added, “we have to be careful with him.” Xherdan Shaqiri trained on Thursday with Hughes hopeful he will be ok to play, but Geoff Cameron is still sidelined.

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Man Utd vs Southampton (Sat 23 Jan 15.00)
There is not much that brings more cheer to anyone at Old Trafford than winning at Anfield and LVG will be hopeful that last week’s result will be the start of a run that sees United challenging at or at least being nearer the top than they are now. But the Saints can’t be ignored as the return of Fraser Forster in goal has seen Koeman’s men win their last two, keeping clean sheets in both. So both come into the game with a relative amount of confidence and Saints should hold no fear of going to Old Trafford as they won there last season and drew the season before. But LVG will have other ideas.

United have been hit with a new blow in defence as Ashley Young has a severe groin injury which needs an operation and will keep him out for “a long time”. Phil Jones and Bastian Schweinsteiger haven’t recovered and will miss out while Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick remain sidelined. Young’s absence could mean an opportunity for youngster Cameron Borthwick-Jackson who replaced Young at Anfield last week and impressed, although LVG admits he will be looking to sign a full back or two in the transfer window. Adnan Januzaj scored twice for the U21s vs Southampton on Monday and is available for Saturday.

Koeman says Graziano Pelle is a doubt for the trip to Old Trafford with his ongoing knee injury. There is good news though as Charlie Austin has impressed his new manager in his first week of training and will be in the squad. Fraser Forster will continue in goal, but Jay Rodriguez is still missing. Koeman has dismissed speculation linking Shane Long with a move away from the club.

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Sunderland vs Bournemouth (Sat 23 Jan 15.00)
You have my word, there will be goals in this one as Sunderland host the Cherries this weekend. The Black Cats conceded four at Spurs last week with some comedy defending, but still managed to break many an FPL heart by scoring at the other end, while Bournemouth stuck three past Norwich and have actually kept three clean sheets in five – but bear in mind those three were against Palace (who have forgotten how to score), Leicester (who have got so arrogant they miss penalties for fun now) and Norwich (who have got so desperate they searched global leagues, the rainforest, deserts, the outback and deep jungles for a striker and ended up with Steven Naismith). Enough joking, this is a serious article.

Sunderland are likely to have Vito Mannone back in goal, but Steven Fletcher is doubtful at this stage due to illness. Costel Pantilimon has joined Watford while “striker” Danny Graham has joined Blackburn on loan.

Eddie Howe has been installing the importance of matches vs relegation rivals and another victory this week would take the Cherries to 27pts and within touching distance of safety, if previous seasons are to be believed. They will make late decisions on the fitness of midfielders Matt Ritchie and Josh King. New signing Benik Afobe who opened his account at the club in last week’s win is expected to be fit, while Tommy Elphick is making good progress and has started light training but won’t be rushed.

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Watford vs Newcastle (Sat 23 Jan 15.00)
Two weeks ago this preview would have been all about Watford’s great season, the laughable Toon and Ighalo and Deeney. But four defeats in a row for the Hornets has taken the shine off what has been a great season thus far, while the Toon have finally grown a set, taught LVG’s minions how to score and concede and then went and ruined the Hammers away day last weekend. So maybe this match isn’t the foregone conclusion we may have predicted before, but many of us will still be hoping that young Ighalo can rediscover his touch in front of goal instead of trying to convince LVG that he can miss chances as good as anyone.

Watford have no new injuries as they welcome the Toon who they recently beat in the FA Cup. Defenders Tommie Hoban and Joel Ekstrand continued their recovery from long-term injuries by featuring for the U21s on Tuesday – Hoban played 30mins, while Ekstrand played for an hour. New signing, winger Nordin Amrabat could come into contention.

Newcastle may revert back to the Keegan days of gung-ho football as Steve McClaren admits he could be struggling to field a back four. Paul Dummett is suffering with a hamstring strain, while Jack Colback who would likely have filled in for him is suffering with a similar injury. Kevin Mbabu and Massadio Haidara have already been ruled out. Macca says that it may not be until Saturday morning until they know who is fit enough to play, although Steven Taylor could be back on the bench. Aside from the slightly humorous defensive situation, Tim Krul, Siem de Jong, Gabriel Obertan, Papiss Cisse and Ivan Toney have also been ruled out. Let’s be honest, you don’t care and are only interested in Rob Elliot, Daryl Janmaat and Giorginio Wijnaldum – I’m happy to report that they are all ok!

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West Brom vs Aston Villa (Sat 23 Jan 15.00)
There are some proper derbies in English football – United vs City, Liverpool vs Everton, Arsenal vs Spurs, Newcastle vs Sunderland to name but a few. West Brom vs Villa isn’t one of them. In fact they are probably the two dullest teams in the division – and that is saying something when ‘something’ makes Sunderland slightly less dull than what they are. Villa haven’t won on any of their last five trips across the city and were undone at Villa Park in September by Saido Berahino. Many will be hoping for a Baggie clean sheet but don’t be too hopeful – the Pulis Wall is as much in the past as the one in Berlin – they have only kept one clean sheet in ten while Villa have shown signs of some sort of late season rally.

Pulis says that Chris Brunt, Darren Fletcher and Jonas Olsson are all struggling to be fit for the derby while then admitting he has “a big decision to make” as to who starts in goal with Ben Foster now 100% fit. The manager said that Boaz Myhill has been fantastic, but maybe he is now looking at some time on the bench with Pulis saying, “it’s brilliant to have an England international goalkeeper back.” Saido Berahino has recovered from a stomach bug and will be involved at the weekend and Salomon Rondon will have taken confidence from scoring the winner in the midweek Cup match.

Alan Hutton continues to be ruled out for the Villans while Gabby Agbonlahor and Carlos Sanchez will both face late fitness tests as Villa aim to extend their unbeaten run to three (woohoo) for the first time this season.

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West Ham vs Man City (Sat 23 Jan 17.30)
Unlike the previous game, this one should provide the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a cracking game of football between two teams who like to knock it around and score goals. With players like Payet, Silva, Aguero, Valencia and Delph on the pitch we should be in store for a cracker of a match. The Hammers will be wanting to bounce back from their horror first half at Newcastle last week, while one gets the feeling that City are starting to ramp things up again, now that Kun and Silva are 100% fit. West Ham won 2-1 at the Etihad earlier in the season and also were victorious vs City at the Boleyn last term, but Pellegrini’s men will have other ideas as they seek to keep up the pressure on Leicester and Arsenal above them.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic says his team is confident but accepts that City are in better shape than when the teams met earlier in the season. Joey O’Brien is finally back, while James Tomkins will be assessed. Only Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini are out.

City will be without Aleksandar Kolarov, Eliaquim Mangala, Vincent Kompany, WIlfried Bony and Samir Nasri for the trip to the Hammers, though Pellegrini is hopeful that Bony and Kolarov have a chance of resuming training next week, while Kompany is seeing different specialists to try and discover the extent and nature of his injury. Fernandinho has recovered from injury and is fit. The manager recognises their lack of fire power in away matches has been a problem but promises his team will be attacking tomorrow and is confident that the goals will come.

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Everton vs Swansea (Sun 24 Jan 13.30)
Monday’s win over Watford was just the second win in twelve for the Swans, but it was enough to lift them out of the relegation zone and now they will be hoping to build on that and go on a run that will ease the pressure. The trip to Goodison won’t be easy but they will take heart from Everton’s form at home which has been rubbish to be honest with you – no wins in four, two defeats, with eleven goals conceded – and all I see is people buying Baines and Jagielka! Now the Swans may not be brilliant this season, but they have at least scored at Chelsea, City and United, so be warned folks. Although I should warn you the reverse fixture in September ended 0-0, hahaha.

Roberto Martinez says James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman have both trained this week and a late call will be made on both. Bryan Oviedo has recovered from a knock and is ok to play, while the manager then implied Kevin Mirallas will be seeing more game time after complimenting his performance at Chelsea last week. Martinez also says that selection for the visit of Swansea will not be influenced by the Toffees’ Capital One Cup semi-final 2nd leg vs City in midweek.

The Swans have a fully fit squad to choose from and are unlikely to make many changes from the team that won on Monday. Most of the presser was taken up with transfer talk with Alan Curtis saying the Chairman had assured him that Andre Ayew would not be leaving the club in January.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea (Sun 24 Jan 16.00)
Our final match of the gameweek and boy will it be good. Well, it should be good, at the very least it’ll be explosive with Diego “I’ll fight anyone” Costa looking for round two with the Gooner defence, or indeed whoever fancies a barney. Both teams had draws last weekend – while Arsenal were boring off with Stoke, Chelsea were playing smash and grab at home to Everton, with John Terry scoring in different goals on the same pitch – old habits die hard. The Gooners haven’t beaten Chelsea in any of their last seven league meetings but will never have a better chance of arresting that trend and for those who love a trend, get this. The home side has kept a clean sheet in each of the previous five league meetings between these two. The only thing missing is Jose.

Good news for most active FPL managers as Mesut Ozil will return to action this weekend. There is even more good news from the Emirates medical facility as Wenger says Alexis Sanchez should also be back vs Chelsea unless he has a late hiccup in training – after being out for so long, expect a place on the bench for the Chilean. Francis Coquelin is ahead of schedule, rejoined main training on Thursday and will be back playing soon. Tomas Rosicky will play for the U21s this week, despite being nearly 45 and Danny Welbeck will be back training next week. Which means he’s about two weeks away from his next serious injury.

Chelsea welcome back Eden Hazard for Sunday’s big game at the Emirates – the midfielder has only played 90mins in the last seven gameweeks but has trained fully this week, though the manager is not sure he will be able to play for the full match. No surprise there. Meanwhile Costa hasn’t been able to train much this week but Hiddink says the striker is available for selection, leaving Radamel Falcao as the only squad player out of action. Commenting on Costa’s “involvement” the last time the teams met, Hiddink said, “we can make no guarantees as we are not dealing with machines.”

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Suspension Report for GW23

Those players suspended this week are:

Gary O’Neill (Norwich)

Players who earn 10 yellow cards by the second Sunday in April will receive a 2-match ban.

Those players one booking away:

Jack Colback (Newcastle)
Alex Tettey (Norwich)

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Thanks for reading Team Talk Fantasy Football Game-week 23. This article was written by Cookie

Follow @SteveCook9

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