GW29: Pre-Deadline Injuries & Suspensions

We’re all worried about the snow, but here’s hoping that the games play as planned. As you assemble your squads, who can you rule out and who should you have an eye on as they possibly return to action?

Burnley v. Everton

Fit central defender James Tarkowski could make his first start in a month and a half, with Kevin Long likely making way in that scenario. Following a similar injury layoff due to injury, Chris Wood hopes to challenge Ashley Barnes for the start up front. Meanwhile, a fit Tom Heaton continues to leave a question mark surrounding whether Nick Pope will make way in goal.

The glut of injury problems in the back line for Everton remains a problem as Eliaquim Mangala and Ramiro Funes Mori again out, but eases as Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman are slated to return, with the latter most likely to feature, looking to push Jonjoe Kenny back to the bench.

Leicester City v. Bournemouth

Shinji Okazaki is expected to make the squad for the home side, but may not be ready enough for a start.

For the visitors, midfielder Jordon Ibe returns from injury after missing the last game, but it is unclear whether he will earn a starting spot or settle for a place on the bench.

Swansea v. West Ham

Andre Ayew could earn his first start since the transfer from West Ham, which would certainly give this fixture a boost in the story line department. That may push out Tom Carroll from the XI.

For the Hammers, Arthur Masuaku remains suspended. Patrice Evra is expected to be good to go in back following a cut to his leg, while Michail Antonio could nab his second start of the calendar year, possibly marking the first time together in the XI for the dangerous combination of Antonio, Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, and Joao Mario.

Tottenham v. Huddersfield

The Spurs’ defense remains in flux as Jan Vertonghen has returned to fitness, but Toby Alderweireld is still out. With the second leg of the Champions League fixture coming soon, neither is likely to start, leaving Eric Dier to push back to central defense and pair with Davinson Sanchez.

For the traveling Terriers, playmaker Aaron Mooy continues his spell on the sidelines with injury, but midfielder Philip Billing is back to being an option and defender Chris Lowe is expected to be a game time decision.

Southampton v. Stoke

Things appear to be static for the Saints.

Forward Peter Crouch and defender Ryan Shawcross are both expected to be available, with Shawcross perhaps more likely to start, as Bruno Martins Indi hopes to hold on.

Watford v. West Brom

The Hornets received a serious injury blow as winter transfer Gerard Deulofeu is set for a spell on the sidelines. Will Hughes is available for selection, though perhaps not ready to start just yet.

Alan Pardew would love to shake things up for visiting Albion, but Chris Brunt may be the only option, what with Nacer Chadli and Daniel Sturridge remaining on the trainers’ table.

Liverpool v. Newcastle

Georginio Wijnaldum remains out with illness, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain again the likely beneficiary. Jordan Henderson has passed fit, and could replace James Milner who is doubtful.

Jonjo Shelvey and Islam Slimani are out injured, making problems for the Magpies’ offense, but all hope is not lost as Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie have passed fit.

Brighton v. Arsenal

There is no news for Brighton.

For the reeling Gunners, midfielder Jack Wilshere and defender Nacho Monreal are both unlikely to pass fit to make the squad.

Manchester City v. Chelsea

Manchester City would be hard-pressed to complain about anything, but if they did, it may come with respect to the wing defender situation. Fabian Delph remains suspended, while Kyle Walker exited the Arsenal game due to injury; Walker, however, hopes to be healthy for the upcoming clash against Chelsea. There are also concerns in midfield, as Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho missed out against the Gunners and are doubtful for the Blues. However, forward Gabriel Jesus is back to health and offers an option up front to start as a pair with Sergio Aguero.

Chelsea’s Tiemoue Bakayoko and David Luiz remain out injured, while midfielder Ross Barkley has returned to fitness.

Crystal Palace v. Manchester United

Defenders Martin Kelly and Jeffrey Schlupp are fit for this weekend, but the Eagles remain the walking wounded with a glut of long-term injuries impacting the team.

Manchester United has no fresh news, though those hoping Phil Jones would return will be unhappy as the central defender will miss his second straight game for the Red Devils.

Do any of the situations mentioned above impact your fantasy squads? Please be sure to let us know in the comments if there is any late-breaking news regarding player availability or game cancellation due to the nasty weather!