Anand and Carlsen's seconds

Does anyone have the latest scoop of Anand's seconds or Carlsen's seconds?

So far the knowledge that I have is that Anand will have Surya Sekhar Ganguly as a second, and will definitely not have Nielsen, Rustam or Wojtasek.

Regarding Carlsen, it is known that Kasparov offered help, not sure if Carlsen accepted it?

Please share the latest rumors here...

I don't think Carlsen will want to have Kasparov as second, I doubt he is the type of guy to create the right mood for Carlsen. Vallejo has title match second experience, and Anand has good Spanish connections. Caruana is maybe too strong to work as second, but Anand was seen talking quite a lot to him at the Tal Memorial. Giri is another possibility.

As for Carlsen, I could imagine him going for some lower rated player he knows well, like Hammer, rather than top players. He worked a little bit with So in the past, so maybe that is another option, or some other young player like McShane or Vachier-Lagrave?

Kramnik might help Anand. At least he has said that Anand is he's favorite.

Kasparov would be excellent in helping Magnus deal with his main weakness the opening and he has a lot of experience in playing against Anand and world championship matches in general. But yeah I don't know how the chemistry is.

I don't think anyone above 2750 (Kramnik, Caruana, etc.) would like to be a second.. It is a thankless job.

Here is a link showing: Wojtaszek will also not be in Anand's team

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2952183951.html

What do these seconds actually do anyway?  Is it that big a deal?

Cons: Kasparov has an explosive temper and a strong dominant personality they might end up clashing the chemistry and getting along can be a big issue.

I think seconds are extremely important; the players themselves strategize their preparation plans, but don't have much time to go into minute details. The seconds do that work - look at all the possible variations of the selected openings before the match. During the match, they find out appropriate responses to novelties by the opponent's team.

Their expertise, skills, creativity and innovations can make or break the player.

Another issue is Kasparov's service as second is very expensive. 

I agree with all the discussion above, and overall feel that even though Kasparov will be great asset for Carlsen, especially since he knows Anand so well, he will not be doing the heavy-lifting. The other seconds will be crucial for that aspect.

Ok, that's interesting, thanks  :-)

I've heard Carlsen will take Wang Hao for help in rook endgames.

That sounds like sarcasm :)

Concerning the preparation Gelfand had at th previous Wch Championship against Anand,i wish he helps the Indian Champ against  Carlsen,because Carlsen is at his top right now and Anand is not looking so well...maybe he is trying to make Carlsen believe he is out of shape....maybe he really is...who knows...

Nepomiatchi might help Carlsen. He has already worked with him...

*bump*. Any updates on this?

So who the hell are Carlsen's seconds?

John Ludvig Hammer, Nepomniatchhi for sure...

Did Carlsen ever reveal them now that the WC is over?