Team News

FPL Gameweek 1 team news: Injury updates on Ferguson, Soucek, Maddison and more

Having already brought you up to speed on the first half-dozen pre-Gameweek 1 press conferences that took place on Thursday, we now switch focus to those that were scheduled on Friday.

There were only ten more virtual media gatherings to report on, with Aston Villa, Burnley and the two Manchester clubs not in competitive action this weekend.

We’ll run through the headline injury news and stand-out manager quotes from the outstanding conference calls, with a more detailed discussion to follow in our Team News tab.

At the time of writing, there has been no word on any team news from West Bromwich Albion – but we’ll keep you posted when that does arrive.

LIVERPOOL

Jurgen Klopp didn’t report any fresh major fitness concerns in his pre-match briefing.

Kostas Tsimikas, Jordan Henderson and Xherdan Shaqiri have had a disrupted pre-season thanks to illness or injury but are back in training.

Klopp said of that trio:

Not finally decided. They are all in training, pretty much all of them. So we will make late decisions. So it looks more promising than not.

ARSENAL

Arsenal confirmed that David Luiz will miss the Fulham game with a neck spasm, although he is responding well to treatment.

Emile Smith Rowe (shoulder) and Sokratis (calf) will also miss Gameweek 1 but are aiming to integrate back into training within the next week.

Pablo Mari (ankle) is now running outside and continuing strengthening work, with the target of a return to full training by the end of September.

Gabriel Martinelli (knee) is aiming to return to full training by the end of the calendar year, while Shkodran Mustafi (hamstring) and Calum Chambers (knee) are also longer-term absentees.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

There was possible good news for owners of Ruben Vinagre and Romain Saiss in Nuno Espirito Santo’s presser – at least, in the short term.

The Wolves boss urged patience with new recruits Vitinha and Marcal, the latter of whom is capable of playing as a left wing-back or as a left-sided centre-half.

Santo said:

We need to give them time to consolidate, to integrate to how we play and then we support them. They have to adapt to a new city, a new competition.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Crystal Palace’s injury list is a lengthy one, with Nathan Ferguson (knee), Mamadou Sakho (muscle), Gary Cahill (hamstring), James Tomkins (thigh), Patrick van Aanholt (shoulder), Connor Wickham (unknown) and Christian Benteke (foot) all sidelined or in the early stages of recovery.

Sakho and Ferguson have been on the training ground, at least, with manager Roy Hodgson saying:

[Ferguson] made an appearance on the training field but is suffering from the aftermath from the injury he picked up in December I think with West Bromwich Albion.

Mamadou Sakho had his first training session today which is very positive – it’s nice to see him back in the fold. I’m hoping in the coming weeks we’ll get some of the other players back.

Eberechi Eze could feature after recovering from a groin issue but Roy Hodgson issued a warning about the new signing’s match-fitness:

[Eze] trained with us. He is available for selection in theory. He had an injury and only played 45 minutes [v Charlton Athletic]. He’s physically fit but he’s not match fit because he hasn’t played many games… he’s got a week’s training behind him. In terms of match minutes, he’s low this year.

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Japhet Tanganga is sidelined for Spurs’ Premier League opener against Everton with a thigh problem.

Jose Mourinho will make a late decision on the fitness of Giovani Lo Celso (hamstring).

The Spurs boss said of his squad’s overall condition:

The players have come back without injury, which is a very positive thing, and we are together for two training session and we start the season.

The majority of the team, apart from three, know each other well for quite a long time, and the fact I’ve been with them for the past 10 months makes it easier for me, because in this moment, I don’t need to adapt and the players don’t need to adapt to me, because we know each other already, so I think we are ready.

LEICESTER CITY

James Maddison (hip), Christian Fuchs (groin) Daniel Amartey (ankle) and Wes Morgan (hamstring) have all been in training this week as part of their recoveries, with Amartey having taken part in last weekend’s final pre-season friendly.

Brendan Rodgers awaits news from the club’s medical staff on that quartet of players but Ricardo Pereira (ACL) and Filip Benković (hip) are definitely out for Sunday’s trip to the Hawthorns.

Rodgers said:

James and Fuchsy have been training this week, so that’s good news. It’ll been brilliant to see them back on the pitch. Dan Amartey has just come back in.

He played 45 minutes of the friendly game last weekend. It’s been nearly two years since his last game, so you always have to be careful when a player’s been out for such a long time, but he’s progressing well.

Wes has rejoined the training group today. We have another 24 hours to asses them all. Ricardo is still a number of weeks away but he’s making good progress.

On Filip, it shouldn’t keep him out for too long, but he certainly won’t be available for this weekend.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Using the 'per 90' tool to assess FPL defenders with the biggest goal threat 2

Matt Ritchie is touch and go with a calf problem ahead of Newcastle’s match with West Ham, while Fabian Schär, Matty Longstaff and Martin Dúbravka are definite absentees.

Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett are “not quite right” but Jonjo Shelvey is expected to be fine.

WEST HAM UNITED

David Moyes said on Friday that Tomas Soucek was “back and all fine” after having to self-isolate while on duty with the Czech Republic, so the midfielder looks set to be involved in some capacity when Newcastle visit east London.

The West Ham boss explained:

Tomas is back and all fine. I think the problem happened over in the Czech Republic. 

He came back and we had a couple of days where we trained him, but he’s fine. He’s been okay.

There was no update on Manuel Lanzini, however.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

The Seagulls’ team news is nice and simple: Graham Potter revealed on Friday that Brighton have a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the visit of Chelsea, although that likely doesn’t include the permanently injured Jose Izquierdo (knee). 


More detailed information and predicted line-ups can be found in the Team News tab, which will be refreshed before the Gameweek 1 deadline at 11:00 BST on Saturday.

Keep an eye on our Twitter feed, too, for any late-breaking updates.

A video round-up with Andy and Neale can be viewed below:


BEST FPL PLAYERS BY POSITION:

Check your latest FPL rank LIVE on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

517 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA - Egan - Saiss - Justin
    Salah - Auba - Havertz - ASM
    Werner - Ings

    Steer, Mitchell, Bisoumma, Davis

    0.5m ITB for Ings -> Martial Gameweek2

    Any feedback appreciated.
    Thanks!

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Doesn't look in budget - which is the ultimate good sign.

    2. Apollo Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Other than Bissouma and Saiss that's my exact team!

      1. Ronnies
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hope that's a good thing!

        What 2 do u have ?

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        And a few others I imagine - strong template

  2. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Robertson worth it over VVD?

    1. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think so

      1. The VAR Team
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        yes

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Over the long term, no

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  3. FPLMarc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Although planning early transfers is exactly what I DON'T want to do, this is what I'm currently on:

    McCarthy
    TAA - Justin - Mitchell
    Salah - Auba (KDB GW3) - Son - Soucek
    Werner - Ings (Martial GW2) - Mitro

    [BENCH: Steer, Ayling, Ferguson, Reed]

    It's without Vardy and ASM. Even if Vinagre initially starts, his first 2 games aren't great and then it's Marcal time.

    What do you think? Too template?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like it

  4. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Whole host of issues to deal with tomorrow morning now

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Any FPL related?

  5. JakeTheRed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed.

    RMT

    McCarthy - (4.0)
    TAA - Doherty - Justin - Mitchell - (Burr)
    Auba - ASM - Son - (Bissouma) - (Fernandes)
    Werner - Jiminez - Mitrovic

    After a couple weeks:
    Auba -> KDB
    Son -> Pulisic
    Werner -> Aguero

  6. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    McCarthy
    Bednarek / TAA / Johnson
    ASM / Auba / Salah / Havertz / Son
    Antonio / Werner

    1. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nice team

  7. The VAR Team
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Mount a viable mid price option?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure. Even if he is an option, its likely to be short term

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes but only a few weeks until all mods are fit and firing

      1. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Nope. The mods have been quite active already :p

      2. KAALI_DAAL
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You mean bods right

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Picking Mount now is like picking Bilva

      1. The VAR Team
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Fair point, or Foden really

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope

    5. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes a good option at that price

      1. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Zaha fan here. Gut feeling says resurgence

        Nothing to back that up though

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I hope not tomorrow, have double Saints defence

      2. The VAR Team
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers! Barnes is the one I've got currently

      3. yakirh
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm on Barnes as well, I like the fixtures and he can easily become a Chelsea mid

  8. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Quite happy now. This is it.

    Johnstone
    Tierney, Dier, James, Egan
    Auba(c), Havertz, Pereira, Soucek
    Werner, Wilson

    Button, Shaw, Rashford, Martial

    Rashford on pens if Bruno misses gw2 is a bonus.

  9. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    who do u rather guys?

    A) Arnold and adams
    B) davies and vardy

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hey Arnold and Che Guevara

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        why all the trust here for adams?
        he's vardy pal:)
        with nice run of fixtures

    2. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A most definitely

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        why?
        as vardy has a nice run of fixtures

  10. Gudge
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT please

    McCarthy, Nyland
    Saiss, Trent,Justin, Mitchell, Taylor
    Aubameyang, Salah, ASM, Alli, Bissouma
    Ings, Jimenez, Wilson

    A or B
    Son and Kwp
    Alli and Saiss

    Gw2 Salah to Fernandes
    Gw3 Aubameyang to KDB

    Any changes you would make? Feedback would be much appreciated thanks

  11. KEN YA DIG IT
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why does tonight feel like New Year's eve?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You’re having a shite time?

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hangover due to overthinking

      1. KEN YA DIG IT
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Lol

    3. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Because tomorrow will be a big let down.

    4. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s not, as I’m not working

  12. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last try before I crack open the whisky and call it.

    A) KWP + Soucek
    B) Egan + Bissouma

    Currently on A but I have McCarthy so is the double up the right move?

    GL!

    1. fajmonkey
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If your having to start both ever week A

      If bissouma is bench fodder most weeks then B

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers. It’s a 5th mid so shouldn’t need to play every week.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  13. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone punting on Willian? Arsenal will destroy Fulham i feel.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, no certainty that he starts

  14. Timon
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    which leeds defender to own? 4.5 price point

    1. KujaliaFC
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have Koch.

    2. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Stuart Dallas

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Dallas or Ayling - I like Dallas

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ayling as he's most nailed

    5. Timon
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Intresting. One of Dallas or Ayling

  15. fajmonkey
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Alli and ings

    Or

    B) pereira and kane

    1. Villa Velour
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  16. BarryManilows
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Calvert lewin?

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not dying to have him after his end to last season. Will monitor.

    2. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Could be good, could be bad. Hard to say but he has the fixtures.

    3. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Its a wait and see for me, but he could really haul against Brom in gameweek 2

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm starting with him. Nice fixtures could do well

  17. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one GW2 onwards? Thanks

    A) Doherty Soucek Wilson Kane

    B) Davies Havertz Mitrovic Martial

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  18. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Gtg?

    Ramsdale
    TAA | KWP | Davies | Saiss
    ASM | Auba (C) | Diangana | Mane (V)
    Ings | Werner

    GK: Steer | DCL | Bissouma | Ferguson

    0.5 ITR

    GW2 - Martial > Ings
    GW3 - KDB > Auba

  19. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How basic can I get?

    Ramsdale (Button)
    TAA - Doherty - KWP (Taylor/Webster - Mitchell)
    Salah - Auba - Alli - Saint-Maximin (Bissouma)
    Werner - Calvert-Lewin - Mitrovic

  20. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pickford (Button)
    TAA Robbo Doh (Shaw Mitchell)
    Auba Alli JWP ASM (Bissouma)
    Werner Ings DCL

    Over and out. Hopefully no more changes until Martial joins tomorrow night.

  21. ivantys
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Really don't understand the hype over man united players when Liverpool, city and chelsea will comfortably outscore them.

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno is a no brainer and will be challenge for top scoring player this year. Also interested in Greenwood as a midfielder but not Martial, Rashford or the defence.

      1. BobB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Absolutely. Lemmings falling over a Daily Express story.

      2. ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        The problem would come if they stop getting penalties, although his stats would still be decent without penalties. I agree he's probably the only one worth getting now but i won't be rushing him at the start maybe mid season.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t get them then

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'll take it you didn't see United's stats since the restart then

    4. Toonmad
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      38 games 38 penalties 38 goals.... No brainer

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They will score goals, how can you not understand?

    6. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You can have attackers from all of those teams you know

    7. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It makes the whole thing easier for you

      Avoid players you don’t believe in - it’s less painful in the long run

      That way any successes & failures are your own, rather than someone else’s

  22. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Sadly have to drop 1 of these from my ideal team, which one would you downgrade by atleast 1.5m

    Son
    Kane
    Werner
    Havertz
    Auba

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane

    2. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane for me mate

    3. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son or Haverz

  23. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Believe the Daily Express re Bruno?! Not likely. Keeping him.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Clickbait

    1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's a lot more difficult when you have to get past the defence first

      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A Brighton defence tho...

      2. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I’m certain Brighton will have him tucking his tail in fear

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea REALLY need a goalkeeper

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Mendy can actually play a cross; think he will be a fine option

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          They REALLY needed a keeper for that training session

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Lol I see you

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Kepa never looked better to be fair

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                There’s a half eaten bag of cheese & onion crisps in my kitchen that could do as good a job

    3. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Passes the eye test, I'll check out the stats on this guy then

    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Captain Timo?

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If puli wasn’t fit; but I’m content starting both and C Mo against that high line

  24. Toonmad
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale/mccarthy
    Taa/robbo/davies/Justin /Mitchell
    Auba/mane/ASM/Foden/bissouma
    Werner/adams/wilson

    What you guys tink?

  25. Apollo Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick two:
    A. Davies
    B. Egan
    C. Saiss

    Currently on A & B, plan is to bring Saiss (or whoever the best playing -5.5m Wolves def is) for GW4

    1. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A and C

  26. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone starts without Liverpool defence?

    Can see them conceding in first 3 matches, then easy to get them on WC.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      TAA is a must

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I tried to take out TAA for Robbo and I can’t even bring myself to do it

      Trent Essen

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Essential *

  27. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Everton vs Spurs

    Cagey affair?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Feels like 1-1 to me

    2. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1-1 written all over it

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Has to be, could see 0-0 or 1-0 or 1-1

  28. Punty McPuntface
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Really basic question...just about to join the ffs private league and it says I have to be a community member, is that just a non paying member?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Someone with a FFS account, free or paid.

      1. Punty McPuntface
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks!!

  29. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Soucek good enough to be a 4th mid?

    1. BobB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No, but as a 5th if your forwards are cheaper

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes of course - it depends on team set up. Cantwell popping up with occasional returns helped lots out last year as a 7th attacker.