Team Talk Game-week 26 – FPL Fantasy Football Premier League
Well it’s a quick turnaround into GW26 and we have done our best to gather all the team news together for you. The most important piece of information is that after much panic and worry, the Fulham vs Liverpool match DOES go ahead on Wednesday evening, after the proposed tube strike in London was cancelled. This evening sees four matches and Chelsea can extend their lead at the top to four points if they can bring three points away from West Brom, while Cardiff host Aston Villa, Southampton travel to Hull and West Ham welcome Norwich to Upton Park.
Tomorrow, sees Everton playing Crystal Palace, Man City and Sunderland have a dress rehearsal for the Capital One Cup final, Spurs go to Newcastle, Stoke play Swansea and, still reeling from their weekend horror shows, Arsenal entertain Man Utd….in addition to the aforementioned match at Craven Cottage.
Don’t forget that you will be able to see the line-ups for all tonight’s games before the deadline of 19.30.
Let’s get around the grounds and catch up on the latest team news to help you prepare for those last-minute transfers and team deliberations.
Cardiff City vs Aston Villa (Tues 11 Feb 19.45)
Villa manager Paul Lambert is hopeful that captain Ron Vlaar may be ready for a return, though he won’t be risked if he’s not quite ready. Marc Albrighton is pushing for a start after impressing in the 2nd half defeat to West Ham, while Ryan Bertrand is a doubt with a rib injury.
Cardiff midfielder Craig Noone should be available again after missing the loss at Swansea through injury, while Solskjaer hopes to have defender Kevin Theophile-Catherine available for selection. Jordan Mutch could be recalled and new signing Juan Cala is pushing to make his debut. Craig Bellamy has until 6pm this evening to respond to his FA charge of violent conduct – if he accepts the charge, he will begin a 3-match ban tonight.
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Hull City vs Southampton (Tues 11 Feb 19.45)
For Hull defender Liam Rosenior looks likely to miss two weeks with a thigh injury, which he picked up in the win at Sunderland. Keeper Allan McGregor completes his suspension, leaving Steve Harper to deputise. Defender James Chester is still out, but striker Sone Aluko should again be on the bench.
Saints pair Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez remain sidelined, but midfielder Victor Wanyama is hoping for a recall. Young striker Sam Gallagher has returned to full training and will travel with the squad after being granted compassionate leave last week.
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West Ham vs Norwich (Tues 11 Feb 19.45)
Big Sam welcomes back midfielders Mo Diame and Joe Cole back into the squad, but Andy Carroll is still missing through suspension. Kevin Nolan is fit to play, despite suffering from a tight groin after the weekend win over Villa. The mystery of Ravel Morrison continues – the player maintains he doesn’t need a hernia operation, the manager says he needs to step up his fitness, while lurking in the shadows, ‘Arry wants to take the player on loan at QPR. Joey O’Brien is a longer term absentee.
Canaries midfielder Robert Snodgrass faces a late fitness test on a groin problem, but Jonas Gutierrez & Ryan Bennett are all definitely missing. Striker Gary Hooper has shrugged of a foot injury picked up vs City while Jonny Howson is set to resume training next week. Michael Turner remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Ricky van Wolfswinkel is ok to play, despite being kicked violently on his bottom by Yaya Toure. Craig Bellamy, there’s a lesson for you there pal. Bottom is ok, head is not acceptable. So many jokes. Best move on.
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West Brom vs Chelsea (Tues 11 Feb 20.00)
Chelsea captain John Terry remains sidelined with a muscle problem, though Mourinho expects him to return for the FA Cup tie with Man City at the weekend. Better news, well I think it’s better news of striker Fernando Torres, who has recovered from injury and is available for selection, while Ramires, who was rested at the weekend, could return.
Baggies defender Billy Jones is a doubt due to a knee injury, while Pepe Mel has to continue to do without Nicolas Anelka, Stephane Sessegnon & Jonas Olsson. New striker Thievy Bifouma is hoping for a start after scoring as a substitute in the loss at Palace.
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Arsenal vs Man Utd (Wed 12 Feb 19.45)
Arsene has described the loss at Liverpool as “an accident” and expects a positive response. The Gunners have no new injuries from the weekend disaster – Aaron Ramsey & Thomas Vermaelen are still out, but striker Yaya Sanogo is available – yep, I’ve never heard of him either. Expect Kieran Gibbs to replace the ineffective Nacho Monreal at left-back.
Moyes is as helpful as ever. Presser lasts less than 3mins and he maintains, “we played well vs Fulham and were unlucky”…and…”we got a good result vs Arsenal at Old Trafford and we’ll try for the same again”. Brilliant, just ******* brilliant. Thanks for your help. Right I’ll do my own research. Phil Jones had a scan on his hip injury at the weekend and is unlikely to feature, but Tom Cleverley may be fit after a calf problem (noooooooooooooooooooo!!). The match at the Emirates is likely to come too soon for Jonny Evans and Marouane Fellaini – not all bad news then.
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Everton vs Crystal Palace (Wed 12 Feb 19.45)
Everton’s on-loan striker Lacina Traore may feature vs Palace but he’s not yet ready for 90mins, so prolific scorer Steven Naismith is likely to start again. Romelu Lukaku has returned to light training and is likely to be ready to return in GW28, as he is ineligible for the GW27 match vs Chelsea. Antolin Alcaraz should also be back for GW28.
Tony Pulis has no new injuries and a fully fit squad to choose from, but is likely to keep the same starting XI that defeated West Brom at the weekend, with all three new signings Tom Ince, Joe Ledley and Scott Dan impressing.
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Man City vs Sunderland (Wed 12 Feb 19.45)
Mixed news for City as Pellegrini reports that midfielders Samir Nasri & Javi Garcia are both back in full training, but Fernadinho and Sergio Aguero are still a week away from returning to training. Defender Matija Nastasic has a slight knee injury, while Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo are still not 100% fit, but should make the squad.
Sunderland have no new injury concerns for the match but will have to do without Wes Brown, who picked up his third, yes 3rd red card of the season at the weekend and starts a two match ban. Carlos Cuellar remains out with a hip injury, while Steven Fletcher is still struggling to shrug off an Achilles injury
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Newcastle vs Tottenham (Wed 12 Feb 19.45)
Newcastle still have plenty of concerns but could be boosted by the return of Papiss Cisse against Spurs. Pardew says 4/5 players are on the verge of a comeback, including Chieck Tiote, who should return for GW27, captain Fabricio Coloccini may be back around that time too as will Loic Remy, who completes his suspension this week. Mathieu Debuchy is doubtful after limping off at Chelsea with a calf injury.
Tim Sherwood has no new injury concerns for the trip to Newcastle, meaning he should select from the sale squad that overcame Everton on Sunday. Andros Townsend will be pushing for a start. Vlad Chiriches could be out for a further six weeks with his back injury, while Erik Lamela has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh strain. Sandro is also missing.
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Stoke City vs Swansea (Wed 12 Feb 19.45)
Garry Monk is hopeful that midfielder Jonjo Shelvey should be ready to return soon, it’s possible he could feature at Stoke, but Michu has had a small setback in training, delaying his return.
Stoke hope to welcome back Marko Arnautovic and Marc Wilson tomorrow – both have returned to training this week and providing they suffer no setbacks, will be named in the squad. Robert Huth is still sidelined with a knee injury, but could return to training in ten days or so.
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Fulham vs Liverpool (Wed 12 Feb 20.00)
Brendan Rodgers is pleased to report that Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger have both returned to training, but it’s a case of “wait and see” as to whether Wednesday’s match comes too soon for either one of them. Liverpool will continue to be without Jose Enrique, Mamadou Sakho and Lucas.
Fulham, fresh from their hard-earned point at Old Trafford, now have the tough task of keeping Suarez & Sturridge quiet. They’ll still have to do without defender Fernando Amorebieta, while new signing, striker Kostas Mitroglou is not yet ready to make his debut.
Good luck for GW26
Thanks for reading Team Talk, this article was written by Cookie.
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Evening (morning) all, how are we?
Morning (evening) Alex – all good, how are you mate ?
Im well Cooks thanks, busy day, first on the scene of a car crash (everyone fine) and touching the 100,000 mark that after my start to the season I never thought would happen, so mixed emotions! It will still be a disappointing season though. Are you pleased with your push to the top?
Did you cause the accident Alex?
I find thats the best way to be first to the scene.
Your team looks good. Any plans for your 2 free transfers and that nice pot of cash you’ve got in the bank?
Or let the mrs drive !!
Haha not this time C and B,but i’ll bare it mind for my next crash! Thanks mate, fullnily enough I was just looking at what I can do; looking at Koz and Kol out for Azp and (maybe) Reid, being in NZ I have to own him really! When he starts anyway! Im also toying with Johnson to Silva/Stearling/Ince/Zaha. Im wanting to keep money handy for Dez to Aguero when fit. Any suggestions? Well done on your position made, very cool! What are you transfer plans?
Cooks, the misses says you can drive! Her words not mine!! 😉
You tell your mrs, from me, to pipe down, don’t interrupt when we are having a conversation and go and make your dinner :hippo:
Cheers Alex.
No idea at this stage re transfers. I saved them up with the FA cup potential fixture disruption in mind, but even before that theres a few things i want to do…
Bony is going to need to go, and i only really want to stick with sturidge until aguero returns which might be soon.
Happyish with midfield although mutch going off last night might mean he needs replacing to field 11 for the blank GW.
And then i’ve got similar thoughts as you re defence. Kos and Kol out for Ivan and one other.
Decsions decsions….
She simply gave you the finger Cooks, and said go and watched a Kiwi film called Once Where Warriors; ‘cook me some eggs!’
C and B AND M and B, you both think Ivan is worth the extra cash over Az? Will his run of goals continue???!!!
Alex, in my opinion, yes, he’s worth it.
I have absolutely no stats or facts to back this up. Just a feeling in my gut.
Although, i could just be hungry.
Alex, gonna look up that major movie blockbuster now !! :popcorn:
Cooks, its worth renting mate, the other side of NZ life!!!
Well hungry or not he may be worth the risk, although he burned me at the start of the season so apologies to everyone if he goes of the boil in the next few weeks!!! Will you be doubling up?
Am good thanks mate – nice comeback from you, shown some great patience there to claw back the gap – slowly slowly catchee monkey and all that!
I’m very chuffed mate, enjoying it while it lasts, cos it invariably won’t, especially with my very busy 2nd job of full-time consultant/scapegoat to the Milky Bar kiddo.
How do I get dragged into every conversation, Cookie?! What transfer am I doing next? Kolarov -> Ivan?
Hahaha!
keep those vibes positive mate, you’ve got a bloody solid squad in a great position. Cooks can you give me a brief explanation of what happens if a team wins there FA cup game on saturday; does that mean they will have a blank when City/United etc do to?
+1 on the fixture planning help request!
Guessing we’ll have to wait a few days after the FA cup games to know how the fixtures will play out. Going to be tough to hold onto my FTs for that long!
Bascially for GW28 Man City, Utd, WBA & Sunderland don’t play.
GW29 is a whole load more problematic – its FA Cup 6th round day, so any team involved in that obviously won’t play, nor will any team whose opponent is still in the Cup. It’ll become a whole lot clearer after this weekend of course, so the sensible option is to hold your transfers until then.
I have attached the 5th round draw, which will show you who is still involved:
http://www.thefa.com/thefacup/fixtures
Init will cover all the permutations in the Fixtures article early next week. Hope this helps.
Thank you kindly Cooks
happy to have 2FT’s up my sleeve after you have told me that! Does it seem like we have had less double GW’s this year or do they generally always come in the later part of the season?
Thanks Cookie. Just about got my plan for the first blank one sorted as i’m not weighed down with more than 3 from the teams concerned. Mutch going off is annoying though.
It’s the following week that worries me. Will be looking forward to reading what i’m sure will be another useful article.
no worries lads.
Yes they’re be a few DGWs coming up, almost all in the 2H of the season, due to the FA Cup scenarios. Very few matches are lost to the weather now.
Alex, excuse the pun, but GW29 could be a car crash, more so if one hasn’t planned for it.
Your excused cooks 😉 looking forward to the upcoming article mate!
C and B, the fulham jokes are endless! Sorry Fulham fans but they are my premiership team too!
Haha, i know what you mean.
I felt a bit bad. They’re such an easy target at the moment.
Hi All,
So how did everyone do last night?
30 points with Dawson, Silva, Mata, Negredo, Sturridge and Suarez C to play… Im happy
good score Shep…after thinking long and hard about it yesterday I went for Jovetic to replace Rooney instead of Dzeko/Negredo….ill be sweating on that starting line up tonight…..
Daboyo,
Im confident that Negredo will start
morning all,
so i took a punt on Adrian in goal for Mannone and also took a hit to Collins in for Williamson, i never usually take a hit for defense….got away with that one last night!
Photek
Also took a hit for Collins, happy it paid off
Debating him, now regreting I didn’t! Well done on scores lads.
Kiwi
Only reason I did it was to save 0.1m… every penny counts for Aguero haha
Well atleast Super Rugby is starting this weekend! Come on STOOOORMERS!!!!!
Haha well true, getting him back is my priority too! Wigan warriors played NZ warriors tonight, preseason! Are you in Ozzie? I’ll forgive you if you are 😉
Kiwi,
Luckily I am not an Aussie…
Im a proud South African…. and I do believe we just started playing the Aussies in a Test match right now… Moneys on Steyn taking Warners head off…
Steyn has dismissed Warner, and Morkel just took Rogers. 24-2
My mistake, I was forgetting stormers are SA, I was thinking of Storm! Bed time lads catch you all soon!
Milk
As I wrote it I remembered the game started, so looking at our start Im quite happy with it
well done Photek – I had Boruc and Collins so I was a happy man myself…..I had the mixed feelings with Chelsea – I wanted them to drop points but also wanted my CS for Azpi haha…..all in all a good start though
nice work yourself daboyo, i guess the guy that top scored with 76 must’ve had fonte and collins.
2 rivals in ml had hazard as capt so even tho i have him, i was happy he had a quiet night.
I’ve got suarez as mine so i could do with a few goals tonight
I think Liverpool will have too much for Fulham tbh I have SAS and Suarez as Capo also so im hopeful….
see my comment below 161 – you know anything bout the next rnd of the fa cup fixtures……
Morning All….
racked up 33 points last night…..Coleman,Eriksen,Silva,Suarez(C),Sturridge,Jovetic still to come so hoping for a good haul….
I noticed a comment Cookie made above re the next round of FA cup games……is there a chance the Liverpool game vs Sunderland on the monday night could be called off….jez it was already moved from a Saturday to a Monday so a 3rd change would be seriously bad luck for my one and only game im attending for the season….
Boyo, both pool + sunderland would have to lose their cup ties for the league game to be on, if one wins league game will be off, your ticket will be valid for the re-arranged game, where do you live ? I have a season tkt + go every league game.
elleffcee, live in Ireland lad – like to get over for 1 or two games each year…
at the outset I arranged to go over for the weekend…then when the game was changed from the Saturday to the Monday, I changed the return flight……
I suupose what would be best for me would be that Liverpool win and they play at home in the cup that weekend as ill be over there…..
Boyo, if we win + are drawn at home in the next round get online, you never know, you may get a cup tkt. the re-arranged league game gives you more hassle unfortunately as you will have a tkt for the game.
Morning everyone, some great scores from you guys, well done! 14 points for me with seven to play, just an average score and another little red arrow but still early days…
My 1st week with Hazard (changed Oscar for him) and he’s back to his two pointer games and even Oscar outscores him by one point! arrghh…
the joys of it Albertini…..with 7 to go hopefullly they do well and you see some green
Yes mate, hopefully they do!
I see you went with Jojo, he can be a massive differential, good luck with that City’s line up!
haha a differential he most def is…..a few things made me go for him
1) cookies article
2) Dzeko & Negredo not 100%
3) City play Chelsea Sat – so i figured he’d rest one of the other two if they aren’t 100%
The only thing that nearly made me go for Dzeko was the fact the two lads nearest to me in the mini league have him but I don’t like playing the game that way…..
You will do well, he’s a great player, he had two great seasons with Fiorentina and I’m sure he will do well in the Premier League as well, the only problem might be the game time he (like all the others at City) will get.
morning albertini, looks like we are meet in the banterbury qualification h2h. i think it will down to suarez or sturridge, as each of us captain one of them. Hope fullham don’t park the bus again! 😉
Morning Desmo, you are already some good points ahead but I have two more players still to play… let’s hope we both can have great scores, good luck for you mate!
just 1 albertini, lewis wasn’t play, so mannone will come in. good luck for you too, hope we’ll climb the overall ranks!
Yes of course is just one, my bad.