Fantasy Premier League

FPL Team News: Conte runs Chelsea checks

By The Scout 3 Dec 2016
Hull City v Chelsea, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte

The Scout reviews the Gameweek 14 team news as Antonio Conte assesses his Blues squad and Adam Lallana returns to Liverpool training

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Having left his starting XI untouched for seven matches, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte would seem unlikely to make any alterations for the crunch encounter with Manchester City.

But the Italian admitted that he had to check on the condition of one or two of his squad, without naming the players in question.

In contrast, Pep Guardiola has revealed no new injury concerns ahead of Chelsea's visit, although Vincent Kompany (£5.9m) is set to remain sidelined.

The Manchester City manager will be considering recalls for Ilkay Gundogan (£5.5m), Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m), David Silva (£8.7m) and John Stones (£4.9m) for Saturday's early kick-off. All four were left out of the starting line-up at Burnley last time out.

Liverpool and Fantasy Premier League managers alike head into Gameweek 14 without the services of Philippe Coutinho (£8.5m).

However, both Adam Lallana (£7.0m) and Roberto Firmino (£8.8m) have returned to training ahead of the Reds' trip to AFC Bournemouth, although Daniel Sturridge (£9.8m) is ruled out.

Jurgen Klopp must now decide how to deploy his side in Coutinho's absence, with Divock Origi (£6.5m) lined up for a potential first Premier League start. That could see Firmino, if fit, shifted to the left.

Lallana may not be risked on his return from a groin injury but seems likely to make the matchday squad and perhaps feature from the bench.

Liverpool v Sunderland
Should he return from injury Roberto Firmino, as expected, Firmino could be switched to the left flank

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Luke Shaw (£5.3m), still the top owned Manchester United defender as part of 10.5% of squads, is a doubt for Sunday's visit to Goodison Park.

Chris Smalling (£5.8m) and Eric Bailly (£5.3m) are also unlikely to feature, despite the latter returning to training this week.

Wayne Rooney (£8.6m) will sit out the Merseyside return through suspension, but Paul Pogba (£8.2m) and Marouane Fellaini (£5.8m) return from their own one-match bans.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that both Aaron Creswell (£5.3m) and the 9% owned Michail Antonio (£6.8m) will miss out against Arsenal at the London Stadium.

However, Bilic has suggested that Andy Carroll (£6.1m) will be unleashed for the first time since Gameweek 1.

Unlikely to play 90 minutes, Carroll could see action having scored a hat-trick in last season's 3-3 draw with the Gunners.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger seems set to start Alexis Sanchez (£11.4m) in the central striker role once again, with Olivier Giroud (£8.9m) remaining a doubt due to a groin problem.

Wenger will make a decision on who to deploy at right-back in the absence of both Hector Bellerin (£6.4m) and Mathieu Debuchy (£4.7m).

Dimitri Payet, West Ham United
Dimitri Payet will be looking forward to causing problems down Arsenal's right flank

Carl Jenkinson (£5.0m) and Gabriel (£4.8m) appear to be competing for the role which could be a key position, with Dimitri Payet (£9.2m) poised to line up on the Hammers’ left.

Owned by 13.6% of FPL managers, Joe Allen (£5.3m) will be pushing for a recall for Stoke City’s home clash against Burnley. The Welshman returns from suspension as Potters manager Mark Hughes contemplates changes, despite earning a 1-0 away win at Watford in Gameweek 13.

Tom Heaton (£4.8m), the second top ranked FPL goalkeeper, remains a doubt for Burnley's bet365 stadium visit.

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