Team Talk Fantasy Football Game-week 34

Team Talk Fantasy Football Game-week 34

Here it is, the one we’ve all been waiting for – the six day, 15 fixture, DGW34! Whether you cracked it last week or were one of the many to look back and regret a few moves, forget it, it’s over – look forward not back, for it is time to smash the record books and go large. There will of course be highs and lows throughout the game-week as rankings soar then plunge then hopefully soar again. Will that Bench Boost be worth it? Will your Triple Captain go FPL radio rental? How much will you regret using that chip in October? As we found out last week, only time will tell. Our game-week kicks off as Norwich host Sunderland on Saturday lunchtime and that is just the start…fourteen fixtures follow, with matches every day until we finish, exhausted no doubt, at the Emirates on Thursday as West Brom go to Arsenal. After a week that has seen Man City and Liverpool compete in Europe, West Ham and Man Utd play out a FA Cup replay and Palace and Everton complete GW33, team news will be vital to you setting up your squad to maximise the potential that DGW34 offers.
Therefore, let’s go Around the Grounds to see what the managers have had to say.

Norwich vs Sunderland (Sat 16 Apr 12.45)
Big Sam described last week’s match vs Leicester as “must not lose” and this week’s crunch match at Norwich as a “must win”. Well, things haven’t started well, which I guess makes this weekend as a “definitely, must, really have to win.” Of course it doesn’t help if you miss glaring chances when playing the league leaders and the Black Cats will have to be more clinical at Carrow Road this weekend. They’ll come up against a determined, resolute and well-drilled Norwich team who know that a win would be a massive step towards safety.

Norwich boss Aex Neil says he believes his team has every chance of securing a vital win over Sunderland and is confident Timm Klose may be able to play, although the defender will have to pass a late fitness test. If Klose miss out, Sebastian Bassong is likely to deputise alongside Ryan Bennett at the heart of the defence. Alex Tettey remains a long-term absentee.

Sunderland have no fresh injuries for their away day in Norfolk, with Big Sam implying that he is reluctant to change the starting XI. However, Duncan Watmore after two months out with the manager excited that “the roadrunner is back” and says he will likely come off the bench vs Norwich, against whom he scored in August.

[divider_1px]

Everton vs Southampton (Sat 16 Apr 15.00)
Everton’s second successive double game-week begins with a home fixture vs a Southampton side who have found a bit of form of late. The Saints have won three of their last four, while Everton appear to have at least one eye on Wembley. The Toffees home form has been a particular disappointment this season and they have lost their last three matches at Goodison although they have won the last four meetings at home to the Saints and beat them 3-0 at St Mary’s in GW15, courtesy of a brace from Romelu Lukaku and one from Ross Barkley.

The Toffees will make late checks on Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley, Aaron Lennon and Leighton Baines after all four picked up knocks in the draw at Palace. Lukaku has been nursing a groin problem which he aggravated at Palace and has not trained since – Roberto Martinez is hopeful that the striker will be able to train today before a decision is made on him. Phil Jagielka and Tom Cleverley are definitely ruled out through injury, while James McCarthy is suspended. On the subject of rotation, Martinez says that “three games in eight days could mean some of the younger lads will get a chance to impress.”

Saints midfielder Steven Davis has recovered from his ankle injury and will return to the squad but striker Charlie Austin remains out with a twisted knee, with Ronald Koeman saying he could return next week. Shane Long has recovered from dizziness and will be fine for the trip to Goodison, with Koeman hopeful that his team can bring to an end their poor run at Everton.

[divider_1px]

Man Utd vs Aston Villa (Sat 16 Apr 15.00)
United’s double game-week kicks off at home to Villa and if United don’t win this one, LVG may well pack his case and scoot back to Holland without waiting for the push. Saturday should be the day the nail is finally hammered into Villa’s Premier League coffin, it’s quite amazing they’ve lasted this long to be honest. United of course go from great win to embarrassing defeat and a top four spot is looking increasingly unlikely. However, the Reds will have taken great confidence and belief after recovering from the setback at Spurs to win their Cup replay at West Ham in midweek, though they will have to improve their record vs the lower teams so far this season as they have lost to Sunderland, Bournemouth and Norwich and drawn with Newcastle.

Wayne Rooney is likely to “play more minutes” vs Aston Villa according to LVG, though the manager did say it was dependable on how the match is going. Jeez, it’s Aston ******* Villa. I think it’s fair to assume then that Rooney will get increased gametime vs Palace in the second match of the game-week as United try to maximise his fitness ahead of next week’s Cup semi-final. Ander Herrera will need to be assessed after suffering a leg injury bat West Ham, while Bastian Schweinsteiger is unlikely to play again this season. LVG is frustrated by the inconsistency shown by the team but is confident going into the final weeks of the season that United can continue to compete for a top four spot and win the Cup. The Dutch Loon, when asked if he would rotate ahead of Wembley said, “Yes, yes, I think so. I have to. It’s also better for the players, I think, but we have to wait and see if I do that tomorrow or against Palace. Everton in the FA Cup is, of course, a game where we have to line up the strongest team.”

Just as relegation is about to be mathematically confirmed, Villa have the strongest squad available for a long time. Not that it will likely do them much good, but a cheeky goal from Jordan Ayew could ruin many a Bench Boost with United defensive cover. Someone who won’t be scoring, on the pitch at least, is Gabby Agbonlahor – caretaker manager Eric Black says the striker is “out for two weeks as he undergoes a personal fitness programme. In terms of fitness, he’s not fit for the Premier League.” Jeez, that must have been one hell of a trip he had in Dubai. Jack Grealish and Adama Traore both built up their fitness by playing for the U21s on Monday and will come into consideration for a starting spot at Old Trafford, with Black saying, “we even have competition for the bench now.” Yeah mate, they all want to be on the bench!

[divider_1px]

Newcastle vs Swansea (Sat 16 Apr 15.00)
Oh dear, oh dear. I’ve never been to Newcastle, but everyone tells me how passionate the fans are, how they live just for their beloved Newcastle United. How they must be suffering at the slow but almost certain demise into the Championship. Described by some as “the worst team I’ve ever seen play in the Premier League” may do a disservice to Aston Villa, but you get the point – the lack of fight, the shortage of quality, sure injuries haven’t helped but they haven’t helped a few other teams this season also. The Toon have two home matches this game-week which will likely go a long way to deciding their fate – anything less than four points will only increase the doom and gloom. Swansea are the visitors first up and they come off the back of last week’s win over Chelsea and have won four of their last six games which has taken them to the 40pt mark and safety it would seem.

Toon defender and wannabe boxer Daryl Janmaat will miss out at the weekend – the Dutchie punched a wall in the dressing room after limping off with a groin injury after just 39mins at Southampton and is undergoing treatment for his hand injury as well as his groin! Also missing at the back is Fabricio Coloccini who has suffered a “reaction” in training and Steven Taylor. Paul Dummett returns though as Rafa is hoping his team can get him three points for his birthday. Jamaal Lascelles and Kevin Mbabu will likely be the centre back pairing – jeez, the Toon better have their shooting boots on at the other end of the pitch.

The Swans have a fully fit squad for the trip to Newcastle, as Leon Britton has recovered from his back injury. Manager Francesco Guidolin is expecting a tough match with the Toon in desperate need of a win if they are to stay up but wants his team to finish the season as strong as possible.

[divider_1px]

West Brom vs Watford (Sat 16 Apr 15.00)
The start of a double game-week for these two and let’s be honest, no-one is going to be terribly interested in this affair. Sure you may have a Baggie or Hornet defender in your squad or even Odion Ighalo still hanging around, but the match itself promises to be a drab, boring, snoozeville. Watford may feel they need one more win to guarantee safety. Both teams acquitted themselves well last week – Watford held Everton at home, while West Brom took an early lead at City before going down but they kept the score respectable, though that may have had more to do with injuries in the City camp.

The Baggies welcome back Salomon Rondon who has recovered from the back injury he sustained early on at the Etihad last weekend. However, midfielders Alex Pritchard and James Morrison are unavailable for the weekend while Chris Brunt remains sidelined.

If you have any Watford players in your squad then be warned, there will be rotation ahead of their Cup semi-final next weekend. Manager QSF says, “We will try to manage and mix well and take the best decision for the FA Cup. I want fresh players for the semi-final and I want to try all the players I can in these matches. I have a lot of players that have the opportunity to play again.”

[divider_1px]

Chelsea vs Man City (Sat 16 Apr 17.30)
This is certainly not the top of the table clash we have been used to over the last few years, but should still be filled with action and excitement with fourth placed City needing to hold off neighbours United for a Champions League spot for the incoming Pep, while Chelsea will want to recover from their first league defeat under Guus Hiddink. City will of course be buoyed from their progress to the semi-final of the Champions League having shown a resilience to finally get past PSG on Tuesday evening. Chelsea humbled a much-weakened City side in the FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge in February, but I wouldn’t read too much into that – what may be more telling is that City have failed to win in their last five league trips to the Bridge, but with Guus intent on experimenting with the line up coupled with City on a high, Saturday evening could turn out to be the end of a great week for Manuel Pellegrini’s men. Who needs Pep eh?

Chelsea welcome back Diego Costa following suspension. Eden Hazard (remember him?) is touch and go to face City, but not so fortunate are Loic Remy and John Terry, who both remain sidelined. Willian is expected to shake off a knock, while Nemanja Matic and Gary Cahill could also return. Kennedy is carrying a minor niggle but Hiddink says the striker will be involved at the weekend.

Manuel Pellegrini reports that Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Raheem Sterling will miss the trip to Chelsea. Silva seems to be being nursed through the last weeks of the season and the manager will not want to take any chances with him ahead of the Champions League semi-final in a few week’s time. Sterling and Kompany both have a chance of a return at Newcastle on Tuesday, while Yaya Toure is fully fit.

[divider_1px]

Bournemouth vs Liverpool (Sun 17 Apr 13.30)
Bournemouth cheered up everyone bar Villa and Southampton fans by going through the 40pt barrier last week and in a season where they and their manager have caught our hearts and earned our admiration it is the least that they have deserved from their first season in the Premier League. Liverpool will be ecstatic, though maybe a touch weary after Thursday’s heroics vs Dortmund but are finding some consistency under Jurgen Klopp and have lost just once in seven league matches and have already beaten Bournemouth 1-0 twice this season, in the league and the Capital One Cup. You wouldn’t bet against the scousers making it three wins this season over the Cherries, while Eddie Howe’s men will be relaxed and yet desperate to achieve the club’s first ever win against Liverpool.

Bournemouth will likely name an unchanged squad for the visit of Liverpool. Harry Arter remains out, as does Benik Afobe, though the latter has at least resumed training. Junior Stanislas does have a chance of a return on Sundasy but defender Adam Smith continues to manage his hernia, which would likely see Tommie Elphick retain his place at the back. Howe says striker Callum Wilson was delighted to make his comeback off the bench last week and will feature again this weekend, though we are unlikely to see the best of him until next season. Tyrone Mings remains out.

Liverpool will go down to the south coast without midfielder Emre Can, who is suspended but also picked up an ankle injury, which will be scanned today. Klopp will monitor his squad to assess fatigue after what was an exhausting night for his team who battled from the first minute to the last. Daniel Sturridge could be in line for a start after coming off the bench vs Dortmund while Firmino and Adam Lallana both played for just an hour so will be expected to start. Only time will tell if Klopp wants to rest and rotate in the matches leading up to the semi, though expect him to field a strong team for the derby on Wednesday. Divock Origi again impressed on Thursday but may have to settle for a bench place at Bournemouth if the manager continues to start with just the one striker. Jordan Henderson, Christian Benteke and Danny Ings remain out.

[divider_1px]

Leicester vs West Ham (Sun 17 Apr 13.30)
No double game-week for Leicester, but it’s not like they need it is it? Two home matches in a row and two victories in those will see them on the brink of history. All but Spurs fans want them to get over the line of course and unless they do a “Jordan Spieth” then it seems like we’ll get our wish. A victory over West Ham is anything but guaranteed of course, this is a Hammers team who will fight to the end and who were unfortunate not to beat Arsenal last week, despite going two goals down early on. The Foxes have won the last three meetings with West Ham with all three victories ending 2-1. The chance of a 2-1 this weekend would appear slim given that Leicester have kept five clean sheets in a row, but with Dimitri Payet pulling the strings of the Andy Carroll puppet we could be in store for a Sunday lunchtime thriller, although Wednesday’s FA Cup defeat at Man Utd may just have taken the sting out of the Hammers tail.

Smiling Claudio reports no injuries in the camp as his team attempt to close in on the title. Following the simple method he has adopted all season, the Italian is taking things a game at a time and says the next aim is to beat the Hammers and then secure a place in the Champions League group stages. The loveable manager says he loves the Champions League music, bless him. No one would deny him that pleasure. Ranieri says he has been impressed by the grit and fight that has seen his team through the last few matches. Expect no changes to the starting line-up.

The Hammers defence has been boosted by the return to fitness of Winston Reid and James Collins. Reid missed the midweek Cup defeat to United with tight muscles, while Collins was able to make the bench. This could mean James Tomkins returning to right back allowing Michail Antonio to be released higher up the field. Sam Byram and Diafra Sakho are again expected to miss out, while Alex Song is a doubt. Adrian will return between the sticks after Darren Rudolph played there in the Cup. Slaven Bilic wants his team to be motivated to end the season strongly and put the midweek disappointment behind them, but knows the Hammers face a huge test on Sunday. The manager is confident in his side however and is backing them to continue to create chances against a team that has proved more than resilient of late.

[divider_1px]

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (Sun 17 Apr 16.00)
Hands up, who is using their Triple Captain on a Gooner this week? Two home matches vs Palace and West Brom seem as good a choice as any and with the form of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil or Hector Bellerin, the TC option may well serve you well. That’s of course if the Gooners are not too haunted by last week’s draw at West Ham, when their faint title hopes would appear to have finally been extinguished. Two goals up until Andy Carroll got involved, maybe Emmanuel Adebayor will do the same on Sunday! That’ll go down well, could you imagine?! The Goonies have won the last six vs the Eagles with our seemingly forgotten adonis, Olivier Giroud scoring in the last two – c’mon Arsene mate, give the lad a game.

Now you’re not going to like this, but don’t shoot the messenger. Monsieur Wenger talked of how important communication is when playing, especially at the back – and then said it was hard as Gabriel doesn’t speak English. Whether this means the manager is implying he may bring back Per Mertesacker remains to be seen, but it’s clearly a strong possibility – when asked directly if Mertsacker would start, Wenger replied, “I haven’t decided yet.” Regarding Petr Cech, Wenger then went onto say, “I haven’t yet decided who will play in goal. Cech is our number one but David Ospina is also a fantastic keeper.” Not very decisive is he? Aside from the cloak and dagger comments, Arsene said that the squad will be the same as last week. Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky played for the U21s on Thursday and will likely play another match for them before being considered for the first team, while Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could both return to full training next week.

The Lord says he wants his team to secure their safety on Sunday at the Emirates. Good luck with that mate. The Eagles will go to Arsenal without Dwight Gayle, who is unlikely to feature in either match of the DGW, while Wilfried Zaha is a doubt with a slight knock. Emmanuel Adebayor and Connor Wickham both came off the bench in the midweek draw with Everton and are fine and should expect more minutes on Sunday, while James McArthur, who has missed the last nine league matches has returned to training and could feature.

[divider_1px]

Stoke vs Spurs (Mon 18 Apr 20.00)
Usually of course, this is the part of TeamTalk where we are winding things down with Monday Night Football proving the conclusion of the game-week. Not this week of course, we’ve only just begun! Spurs haven’t given up on the league but much will depend on how Leicester get on vs West Ham to see which Tottenham we see on Monday evening – the side that finally streamrollered United last week should be plenty to cope with beach-bound Stoke, who showed their intentions by giving Peter Crouch a run out at Anfield last week. Unsuccessfully. Maybe the big lanky lad will get another go this week vs another of his old clubs. The Potters are unbeaten in their last three vs Spurs, winning two of those, but if recent league form is of any useful guidance then Spurs really should seal another victory to keep the fight at the top alive.

Good news for Stoke as Mark Hughes reports that Marko Arnautovic has trained and “should be ok”. However the Potters will still be without Marc Wilson, Glen Johnson, Jon Walters and Jack Butland due to injury while Erik Pieters is suspended after receiving his tenth yellow card of the season in the defeat at Anfield. Marc Muniesa is the biggest doubt as he not been able to train all week, but will be given every chance as he is the intended deputy to fill in for Pieters at the back. Glenn Whelan hasn’t trained fully but could be available. Hughes is optimistic about the match as he thinks Spurs’ attacking style should suit his team, who he admits struggle to break down teams who sit back.

Harry Kane has been passed fit – the striker suffered a dead leg towards the end of the win over Man United but has recovered. Nabil Bentaleb is the only confirmed absentee, while Clinton N’Jie rejoined first team training this week and is close to a return.

[divider_1px]

And then onto the doubles!!…..

Newcastle vs Man City (Tues 19 Apr 19.45)
No FPL manager or indeed Newcastle fan will need reminding that Sergio Aguero scored just the five goals in the reverse fixture in October – now if you think Kun loves playing Toon, then check out City’s recent history vs the Magpies – they have won the last twelve league meetings, scoring 37 goals in the process. Little cheer or hope it would seem for Rafa and his men for whom time is quickly running out.

[divider_1px]

West Ham vs Watford (Wed 20 Apr 19.45)
The good thing for FPL managers is that West Ham don’t have a Cup semi-final to prepare for after they were knocked out by Man Utd in the week. In that respect, rotation should be less of an issue as Bilic attempts to reinvigorate his team for one final determined push to gain European qualification. Watford will certainly have one eye on Wembley with their semi coming up and QSF has already said he will rotate ahead of the weekend Cup clash with Palace.

[divider_1px]

Liverpool vs Everton (Wed 20 Apr 20.00)
A Merseyside derby is rarely dull as the teams fight it out for local bragging rights, which has predominantly gone the red way over the last 20 years or so. Everton have not won any of the last eleven meetings and you have to go back to 1999 to when they last won at Anfield. With an FA Cup semi final vs Man Utd just days away for the Toffees not many will be hopeful of them ending that pitiful run, while FPL managers will be more concerned with the threat of rotation. For Liverpool, Emre Can will be available again following his suspension.

[divider_1px]

Man Utd vs Crystal Palace (Wed 20 Apr 20.00)
United will hope to make it two home wins in four days and put some pressure on Man City above them. Rotation could be an issue for the Reds with the weekend’s semi vs Everton following on quickly from the end of DGW34. Palace will be in the same situation and have a Wembley date also at the weekend, so expect changes for both teams. United have won all four Premier League meetings vs Palace at Old Trafford.

[divider_1px]

Arsenal vs West Brom (Thur 21 Apr 19.45)
Well done you made it to the final game! It’s going to be a long but fun week, I can feel it – many if not all active FPL managers will have some Arsenal representation here, with some deploying the Triple Captain chip. What could go wrong?! Not much it would appear looking at the league table, although the Baggies did shock the Gunners at the Hawthorns in November but have lost their last four at the Emirates.

[divider_1px]

Suspension Report for Game-week 34

Those players suspended this week are:

James McCarthy (Everton)
Emre Can (Liverpool)
Erik Pieters (Stoke)

Please note that a player will not now be suspended for receiving 10 yellow cards – the next limit is 15 yellow cards which is valid until the end of the season.

[divider_1px]

Thanks for reading Team Talk Fantasy Football Game-week 34. This article was written by Cookie

Follow @SteveCook9

[divider_1px_dashed]

[divider_1px_dashed]

[divider_1px_dashed]

[row][span6]

Vote on our Captain Poll Now

[/span6][span6]




[/span6][/row]