Team News

FPL team news: Gameweek 18 injury updates ahead of Saturday’s deadline

We’ve got the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news information in our first press conference summary ahead of Gameweek 18.

Only four pre-match pressers took place on Thursday, involving the managers of Brentford, Burnley, Leeds United and Southampton.

The Brentford v Southampton game was subsequently postponed, however.

For much more detailed information, check out our gradually updated Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans feed ahead of Saturday’s FPL deadline at 13:30 GMT.

BURNLEY

Ashley Barnes remains absent with a thigh injury, with Maxwel Cornet‘s similar issue described as “still touch and go” in regards to making Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa; the fact that he hadn’t trained as of Thursday wouldn’t seem to bode well for his Gameweek 18 chances.

Dale Stephens and Connor Roberts are still recovering from their respective illnesses, while another unnamed Clarets player has tested positive for Covid-19.

“It is only one and we think we have removed him from the situation very quickly” – Sean Dyche on how many positive Covid tests are amongst his playing squad

LEEDS UNITED

All Marcelo Bielsa had to say on injuries is that Jamie Shackleton (Achilles) and Daniel James (muscle) have been added to the list of Patrick Bamford (hamstring), Kalvin Phillips (hamstring), Rodrigo (heel), Liam Cooper (hamstring) and Pascal Struijk (knee).

Robin Koch is ready to play for the first time since Gameweek 1 after recovering from a pelvic injury and illness. However, Junior Firpo will be suspended on Saturday, having picked up his fifth booking of the season.

BRENTFORD AND SOUTHAMPTON

Not that it matters now for Gameweek 18 but Thomas Frank revealed on Thursday that Ivan Toney (Covid) and Ethan Pinnock (Covid) are available for selection again. Sergi Canos is free of suspension, too.

Frank went on to reveal that another 13 of his players and staff have tested positive for Covid-19, which ultimately resulted in the postponement of Saturday’s game.

The Bees are still without David Raya (knee), Kristoffer Ajer (hamstring), Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen (thigh) and Josh Dasilva (hip).

Saints would have been without Che Adams (hamstring), Fraser Forster (hamstring), Alex McCarthy (hamstring), Stuart Armstrong (calf) and Adam Armstrong (calf) for the clash in west London.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

745 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AutoFill 2021
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Konate, Robertson, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago, Jota, Mane, Salah.

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Where is Van Dijk?

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Covid

      2. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Covid

      3. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Apparently Covid positive.

  2. mcginnntonic
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Trent (C) is NOT going to be fun now

    1. bigwig
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      captaining a def is never fun as there's always a chance the CS goes. Should be more fun for you with Wilson on the bench

      1. The Ilfordian
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Trent isn’t there for defensive points, he’s more striker than Antonio these days

    2. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He'll smash it

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Liverpool's CB pair can more than handle a Wilson-less attack.

  3. mad_beer ✅
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Wilson benched. Season over!

    1. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Haha. He was my ‘differential’ so hopefully gets a cameo. I’ll take anything today!!

  4. Chemical76
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    New player added

    Omicron £6.5m

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      EO 200% by Saturday morning

      1. Scrumper
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        ...and 400% by Sunday morning

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Will probably be picked up wide spread

    3. threeputt
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      that's moronic !

      1. Chemical76
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Love an anagram

        Best cross word ever,

        Gegs (9, 4)

        1. Jernau M Gurgeh
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          scrambled eggs ?

          1. ClassiX
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Got it in one!

          2. threeputt
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            nice

          3. Chemical76
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Top of the class

        2. Jimbo74
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Busy postman ( )

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Do you think Omega contacted the government and begged them not to use their name?

      Who drinks Corona beer now

    5. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Good value. Plays every week

  5. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Mahrez VC dream dead :/

  6. GE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Wilson 🙁 oh dear, hope I reach 20 points

  7. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    So really Liverpool game is irrelevant tonight as every serious player have the same 3.

    Only Chelsea players can make difference tonight.

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yep

    2. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Unless you TCd Salah

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Or didn't cap at all.

    3. FredUpAlready
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'm ranked 160k and Jota is owned by 50% around my rank so I would gladly take a Jota haul!

    4. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Salah nullifies a lot of VC points, so as long as he finds his way onto the pitch I'm happy as VC Bernardo

      Trent yeah, pointless

      Jota points can still be cheered

  8. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I'm guessing only 3 games will go forward on the weekend or it'll get postponed

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Theyre all going to be cancelled. There are definitely infected players playing for Liverpool and Chelsea today that just tested negative. Newcastle will then get positive tests and Everton too.

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        The city vs Newcastle, arsenal vs Leeds, and villa vs Burnley could still happen

  9. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Liverpool and Chelsea getting positive cases today

    I’d fear for those games this weekend

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      yep, they're going to get hit hard

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      All games are in danger really

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      The risk is the same for every club

  10. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Absolute carnage this weekend, have 4 players without a game as it stands but tbh think all games will be postponed so not sure it really matters

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Only 4?

    2. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      4
      I have Lukaku, Gray, Cancelo, King, Sissoko and Reguilion without a game

      1. Fish up a tree
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        What’s up with Cancelo?

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Just 4? Only need to use a FT and you get 11.

    4. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Only 7/15 of mine have a game.

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Same here.

        But what a strong 7 I can field:D

        TAA - Cancelo - Dias - James - Rüdiger
        Salah - Jota

    5. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      7/15 playing. 2 of those got 0 points.
      Next gw: 7/15 again

    6. Citytilidie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      6/15 for me this weekend, with 1FT so can get to 7.

  11. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Will Wilson stay on bench?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If Newcastle have a comfortable lead, maybe.

      1. bigwig
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah if New go 3 up, sure

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Will come on at the end so Joelinton can get a standing ovation for his goalscoring masterclass in front of the Kop.

  12. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    10 in my team for GW18 as it stands, get the GW played!!!

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      9 with 2FT here. Don’t get all the panic

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Damn! 10? Will be gutted if there's further postponement 😛

    3. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Mine too. But could be 5 if Chelsea and Liverpool get postponed as well

    4. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ive got points on the bench this week and currently a full 11 for next wk (dont expect it to stay that way). I had been expecting a covid surge (but nothing like this) and so have maintained a decent bench for quite some time. Still a large amount of luck involved.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        An irony Citeh Pool and Chelski who are multi owned are still on. If those were postponed there would be little point in playing.

  13. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is it time to log off and not too bother with this game until things improve? 😛

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Nah! When you have a tiger by the tail, the last thing you want to do is let go 😉

  14. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Where is Gray!

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      In covidland

    2. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Guess

  15. Yossi
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    These cancelled games are so unfair for us taking the game seriously, my carefully curated bench of Brownhill, Sissoko and Locadia being punished 🙁

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, you're right, but what's fair? We need to rise above the challenge. Did it frequently, we can do it again and again.

  16. Limbo
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    We're on target to get relegated. That's the worst Everton selection I think I've seen in decades. This side wouldn't get close to 90% of championship teams. Jesus wept.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yet the bench is half decent. Rafa accepting defeat in advance.

      1. mad_beer ✅
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        They only have 7 on the bench and 2 of them are GKs.

      2. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        It's grim reading.

        Half expecting to see Pistone, Drenthe and Gemmil out of retirement.

      3. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        He's just trying to protect his firt choice team from contracting the virus from the Liverpool players

  17. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Can we expect two weeks break now? There is no point in these postponements.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Why only two?

      1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Why as many as 2? Thomas Frank says one week firebreak would work so clubs can get their houses in order, inclined to agree.
        Boxing day without football is unthinkable.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Cant stop players mixing with the public so a firebreak doesnt work

          1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            So what then, cancel football in its entirety and civilisation while we're at it?

            Get the bubbles back, get the players vaccinated and get back to playing football by xmas.

        2. Mattdrid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          That’s ex sage Thomas Frank or the Brentford manager?

    2. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Two weeks of sex parties & piss-ups. Probably be better off sticking to normal club routine & supervision.

  18. We Go Again
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Assuming no more postponements, King -> Lacazette for FT? Leeds and Norwich in his next 2 and Auba seemingly cut out

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Anything man ... anything. You'll never know till close to KO ...

    2. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lol most people don't know their backside from their faces right now and you're worrying about your next transfer

  19. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Why is the LFC game going ahead if three players tested positive?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Others are negative.

      1. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yet they tell us Omicron is so potent it spreads like wildfire and current vaccines are ineffective against this new variant!

        1. threeputt
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          erm I'm not sure that's proven

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      They have enough players for now

      But they will be spreading it most likely to Newcastle players and possibly the fans

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        And then Newcastle will give it to City and after this week it'll all go kaboom

        1. Hiiler
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          City already has members with covid i think.

      2. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Pretty sure the Liverpool players won’t pose a Covid threat towards Newcastle fans…

      3. Hairy Potter
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Could be second Christmas in a row for some Newcastle players if they catch covid.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      3's nothing. They can put out a team and a full bench/ Also, they won't want further fixture congestion later if they can help it.

    4. Hiiler
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Because some other games already have been played with few covid positive players in the team. They simple won't start or are not on the vench either.

  20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Lukaku tested positive for covid

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      You are spewing a lot of old news today.

      1. bigwig
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        News now, was rumours

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Bemba with a time machine sending him into the past it seems 😛

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Bless him

  21. Limbo
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I think it's safe to say - we might get a forced mini-winter break. Can't see anything being played before Boxing Day now.

    Hold.

  22. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Arent workplaces supposed to be covid safe? Is there any other industry with 50% cases? Shameful

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Remember when I said pre season that we would need decent benches because of Covid and you dissed the idea, because there were hardly any players out through Covid last year? 😆

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I have a decent bench 😉

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Workplace maybe but they go home to family and have a life outside of work which is likely the cause

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      There are few other workplaces with such a low vaccine take up I would imagine.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Indeed

    4. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Workplaces are not being tested all the time.

      Pretty sure most of the positive cases in PL are asymptomatic.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        A lot of workplaces are being tested twice weekly, were at less than 1% positive

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Which ones ?

      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        That’s a good point

    5. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It's rife in the school my son goes to. No more bubbles, so kids still going in if testing negative even if someone in their house has it.

  23. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who goes through?

    Me: James, TAA, Jota and Salah(c)
    Cup opponent: Alisson, ASM and Wilson(c) + 1 point

    1. threeputt
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      oh please !

  24. RedLightning
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Five GW18 matches postponed already.

    Is it time to deploy our Free Hit chips, or might that be too dangerous since we can't guarantee that the other five will all go ahead?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No chance. Every team is going to get affected by Covid:

      - No bubbles or lockdowns in the last few months, so the virus has been able to spread faster
      - Footballers, generally, have taken up vaccines at a lower rate than the public at large
      - Colder (and falling) temperatures, which means immunity levels are lower compared to when it is warmer
      - Omicron is more transmissible than previous variants

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Nice copy and paste.

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Let him amplify his moment of glory. He deserves it.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I thought colder means people stay indoors

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Lots of people can't stay indoors (can't work from home so have to go out). Others want to see their family and friends etc. And people won't cancel Christmas.

      3. MissouriMarten
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        "Footballers, generally, have taken up vaccines at a lower rate than the public at large"

        Do you have a source for this?

          1. MissouriMarten
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Quoting that article - "In comparison, as of October, 81% of Premier League players had had at least one jab...Across England the vaccination rate for under 40s is below 75%."

            1. WVA
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Oh yes but only 68% fully vaccinated, lots more are starting to get it now.

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Its less than 70% of them mate.

    2. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Don't take hits and navigate with current squad IMO.

    3. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Don't waste FH with such unknowns.

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I can get full XI with - 8 so I'm saving FH for later.

    5. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No way! GW 19 could have another 5 games postponed. Then what?

    6. Seahawk
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      What's to say there won't be further decimated gameweeks with only 4-8 teams playing? It depends on your team I guess but I think the most prudent approach is to hold as it looks like it's only going to get worse.

    7. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, FH people!

    8. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Assuming there are no more postponements, a hit or two should suffice. If there are more, then FH would be wasted anyway and would be far more important in a big dgw imo.

    9. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      That seems pretty unanimous then - don't take a Free Hit.

      I'm not sure about taking normal hits either - the players we bring in might also have their matches postponed later.

    10. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Only got 3 players from the cancelled games and one of them is a sub keeper so if it stays as is, no way.

  25. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Lukaku has been a bad signing by me. Sold Ronaldo when he was benched, was always to early to get Rom in. Hope he recovers ok from this virus though

  26. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A screenshot of that Everton line up will be posted by a 'footy bants' twitter account 15 years from now. Just like they do with Arsenal's Bendtner years

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A bit harsh, they've been hit by covid and injuries.

    2. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      These comments are honestly setting it up for a 2-1 Everton win tonight... 😉

  27. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Only for the next two games,Mendy or Ramsdale?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      stop planning lol

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I'm planning on spending Saturday afternoon playing cards with my wife and kids as I doubt there will be any games on at this rate.

        1. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          thats the best plan ive seen on here in years

          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Forgot to add, drinking whiskey, beer and sherry (£3.99 @ Lidls).

  28. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Vardy> Watkins?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Why not Aguero?

  29. Dexters Laboratory
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Livermento to
    A. Arsenal Def
    B. Aston Villa Def

    1. Original Sin
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Tierny