Team News
4 March 2022 923 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
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We continue our coverage of the pre-Gameweek 28 press conferences, with headline injury updates from all Premier League managers whose teams are in action this weekend.

Our Thursday round-up brought updates from Burnley, Brighton and Hove Albion, Leeds United and Southampton.

For much more detailed information, check out our Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans feed.

For other help and advice from our weekly Scout Picks to team reveals, head to our complete Gameweek 28 guide here.

CHELSEA

Those looking into purchasing one or potentially two Chelsea defenders for Double Gameweek 28 will be pleased to hear Thomas Tuchel’s latest comment on Reece James. After previously saying that the wing-back played too many minutes in the EFL Cup final, James is now fine to play and should start in place of the unavailable Cesar Azpilicueta (knock).

Fellow defenders Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah have both recovered from minor issues, whilst in-form midfielder Hakim Ziyech (Achilles) is also back in training. There is doubt over Andreas Christensen (Achilles). Ben Chilwell‘s season is still over after knee surgery.

“Azpi [Azpilicueta] was not in training yesterday so this will be a bit too close unfortunately for him. Reece James was training yesterday, so far no problems, no reactions after his two matches. Hakim [Ziyech] was in training, seemed good, so hopefully, he can come back. The guys who were not with us at Luton because of minor injuries, like Trevoh [Chalobah], like Thiago Silva, were back in training yesterday and seemed fine, good to go.” – Thomas Tuchel

MANCHESTER CITY

Pep Guardiola has ruled out defenders Ruben Dias (hamstring) and Nathan Ake (knock) for the Manchester derby, with Dias potentially out for four-to-six weeks. Zack Steffen (back) and Cole Palmer (muscle) are still unavailable.

“Nathan [Ake] and Ruben [Dias] are not available for Sunday.” – Pep Guardiola

MANCHESTER UNITED

In the red half of Manchester, Ralf Rangnick should be able to welcome Edinson Cavani (groin) and Scott McTominay (illness) back into proceedings. Mason Greenwood (other) is still out of action.

“He is back in training since yesterday, today was his second training session with the team. It looks good. I think he could at least be part of the group for Sunday.” – Ralf Rangnick on Edinson Cavani

LIVERPOOL

Joel Matip has a non-Covid illness that keeps him out of the match against West Ham United, with Thiago (thigh) and Roberto Firmino (muscle) also not taking part. Additionally, there are doubts over Curtis Jones (thigh) and Naby Keita (knock).

“Strength and depth is really important, but we have some [players] who aren’t available. Thiago will not be available. Curtis [Jones] is not bad, but good enough for tomorrow? We will see! Matip is ill, not COVID-19, and he will not be available. Bobby [Firmino] is looking good but not good enough for the weekend. I think the plan is that he trains on Sunday, first time full.” – Jurgen Klopp

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Eddie Howe still hasn’t decided whether Allan Saint-Maximin (knock) is ready to return, with the forward expected to take part in training today before a final judgement is made. Kieran Trippier (foot) and Callum Wilson (calf) remain out for a while but Matt Ritchie (knee) will return to proceedings next week.

“Maxi [Saint-Maximin] hasn’t trained yet with us, we’re hoping he does today. We’ll have to make a decision based on how he looks and how his injury status is after that training session. [Otherwise] I think we’re as we were, pre-Brentford.” – Eddie Howe

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Rodrigo Bentancur (ankle) and Lucas Moura (dead leg) are back from the injuries that kept them out against Leeds but there is still no Japhet Tanganga (knee) or Oliver Skipp (groin) for the visit of Everton.

WEST HAM UNITED

David Moyes has a few injury concerns, such as Tomas Soucek needing stitches in his head after a challenge from Southampton’s Ibrahima Diallo. Right-back Vladimir Coufal will be out for a few weeks having underwent successful surgery on a hernia, whilst Angelo Ogbonna (knee) remains out for the foreseeable.

Aaron Cresswell (knock) is fine to face Liverpool and there have been signs of improvement from full-backs Ryan Fredericks (groin) and Arthur Masuaku (knee). However, Mark Noble has a knock and Ukraine international Andriy Yarmolenko has been given more time off to be with his family during these difficult times.

“Like everybody, we’ve got a few injuries, but we’ve also got some players coming back. Fredericks is doing better and so is [Masuaku]. We’ve got a concern about Soucek because of the stitches in his head, but we’re probably no different from any other club.” – David Moyes

EVERTON

There is hope that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will play against Spurs in the Monday night game after a recent groin issue and Frank Lampard should finally be able to call upon Demarai Gray. The winger made a 13-minute cameo against Manchester City but missed Thursday’s FA Cup match because of a fever.

Ben Godfrey (hamstring) and Andre Gomes (thigh) are almost back, with Vitalii Mykolenko‘s dead leg against Boreham Wood not thought to be a problem. There is still no Yerry Mina (thigh), Fabian Delph (thigh) or Tom Davies (thigh) for the Toffees.

“I’m hopeful. He’s going to train with us tomorrow. Hopefully, he integrates with the squad tomorrow and then we’ll see how he is for Monday. Demarai Gray had a bit of a fever going into the game against Boreham Wood when he was due to play, so we missed him – we’ve missed Demarai pretty much since I’ve been in.” – Frank Lampard on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray

NORWICH CITY

Tim Krul has recovered from a shoulder injury and is pushing to regain his place in goal from Angus Gunn. There is also a shoulder problem for Ozan Kabak but Max Aarons (knock) and Brandon Williams (knock) have both been declared fit to face Brentford. The Canaries’ main absentees are Adam Idah (knee) and Andrew Omobamidele (back).

“He went to see a specialist and they’ve put him in a corset, they’re a little bit worried about it. He won’t be around for at least another two to three weeks. He’s a lad with lots of potential and it probably still growing.” – Dean Smith on Andrew Omobamidele

LEICESTER CITY

Following the good news of Jamie Vardy‘s successful midweek return at Burnley, it has been revealed that James Maddison is a doubt to face Leeds on Saturday lunchtime because of a lower back problem. Ricardo Pereira (hamstring) is also touch-and-go.

Meanwhile, Timothy Castagne (thigh), Jonny Evans (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (ankle) and Ryan Bertrand (knee) are still out, plus James Justin is unlikely because of a minor muscle injury.

“They are still being monitored, with Maddison certainly available next week, if not tomorrow.” – Brendan Rodgers

WATFORD

Ismaila Sarr was seen getting hamstring treatment at full-time during the 0-0 at Manchester United and he is sidelined for this weekend. Kiko Femenia (knock) is back in contention after missing the trip to Old Trafford and Nicolas Nkoulou (hamstring) is nearing a return to full training.

ASTON VILLA

Bertrand Traore could be back from the hamstring injury that has kept him out for the past month, although Carney Chukwuemeka (knock) will miss the first half of Villa’s Double Gameweek 28. Steven Gerrard also confirmed that Marvelous Nakamba (knee) could return in early April, after the international break.

“Bertrand [Traore] joined the group in full training for the first time yesterday, so he’s got two days under his belt now with no issues. We’ll make a decision later today whether he comes back into the squad. Carney Chukwuemeka will miss the weekend. He’s got an outside chance of being involved against Leeds.”

ARSENAL

No news is good news for Mikel Arteta, as defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is the only doubt because of a calf problem. Emile Smith Rowe missed the Gameweek 26 win over Wolves with illness but is back in Arteta’s plans.

“Same place as last week. We still have the doubt with Tomiyasu, the rest I think they’re all there.”

CRYSTAL PALACE

Also nothing of note from the Eagles, where Joel Ward (groin) is still unavailable for the weekend and Nathan Ferguson (hamstring) remains out for the next month.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

For Bruno Lage, it’s just the hamstring injury that will rule out Nelson Semedo for at least a month, possibly two. Everyone else is fine.

BRENTFORD

Last week’s defeat against Newcastle saw Christian Eriksen make his return to football with a cameo, alongside an appearance from fully-fit striker Ivan Toney. However, Josh Dasilva‘s red card has brought a three-match suspension.

FPL Marc Broadcaster, writer and overthinker. Hoping that ‘differential potential’ will catch on.

923 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Jamb0
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Those with WC, BB & FH left, when are you planning to play them all?

    1. Bavarian
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      BB29 FH30 WC31

    2. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      I would free hit 33, wc 35 and BB 36 if you are covered well for 28,29,30.

  2. Bojam
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    WC Draft:

    Sa*
    James*, T. Silva*, Saiss*
    Salah, Mount*, Raphinha*, Ramsey*
    Kane, Adams*, Broja*

    Bench: Dubravka, TAA, Kulusevski, White

    2.6m ITB

    9 DGW players in GW28 (asterisks)

    Planning to do T.Silva -> Matip in GW29. Will give me 7 DGW players in GW29.

    Planning to do Mount -> Maddison & Adams -> Vardy in GW30 (-4). Will give me 9 players in GW30. Have the funds ITB to do this.

    Opinions appreciated. Is a double up with Coutinho (+ Ramsey) a better option than Mount for GW28 + 29?

    1. Jebiga
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Are you sure about matip?

      1. Bojam
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Not 100% obviously. May only start one though he did start both in DGW26. Could be Tierney alternatively. Would give me an extra GW30 player.

      2. Bojam
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Anything else to consider? Cheers

  3. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    i've made the best looking wc possible

    Sa
    TAA Cancelo James
    Salah Son Saka Raph Ramsey
    Kane Broja

    Foster Hwang White Amartey (0.1m itb)

    1. TopBinFC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Lovely

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

      I'd try to fit in Jimenez for Broja or Hwang

    3. More Cowbell
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      No Newcastle for their double double?
      No chelsea mid?

  4. TopBinFC
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Bruno Lage confirms that Nelson Semedo will be out "for at least one month" but that Wolves have no other injury or illness concerns heading into the Crystal Palace match.

    RAN more nailed now with Jonny maybe playing RB?

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Marcal also an issue, but I think RAN should be OK

  5. Michelle Davin
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Jimenez or hwang if money was no issue?

    1. TopBinFC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Jimi

    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      jim

    3. Il Capitano
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Jim

  6. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Which from:

    A) Maupay (new)
    B) Bowen (liv) -4
    C) Broja (avl, NEW) -4

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      *Bowen is for a free

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Similarly I’m losing Bowen for a hit for Raphinha. Broja makes sense if you’re going FH30 but otherwise hold

    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      c

    3. Ëð
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      C

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      C

  7. AudereESTFacere
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Afternoon all,

    I have the exact amount to create this WC:

    Ramsdale Foster
    Robertson Cancelo Rudi Coady Amartey
    Salah Saka Raph Willock Ramsey
    Kane Laca Broja

    I have 1 FH and 1 BB left, any changes needed to the team?

    Many thanks

  8. Mangusta761
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Mount or havertz in wildcard?

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      mount.

      havertz vs norwich has scarred me

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Havertz - Mount’s form has been a bit off

  9. Ask Yourself
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Doing a -8 this week, how crazy am I? Or do these make sense? xx

    Lowton, Westwood, Bowen > James (C), Fraser, Raphinha

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      i like it

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks x

  10. Ëð
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    A) Play Foden, Salah (C)
    B) Bowen -> Coutinho (c) (-4)
    C) Weghorst -> Adams (c) (-4)?

    1. TopBinFC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      A easy

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      B

  11. xvavl
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Hey all, can I have your opinions please?

    Bruno=>
    a) Maddison
    b) Martinelli/Salah
    c) Mount/Ziech

    Weghorst =>
    1) Watkins
    2) Laca

    Current team:
    Sa/Ramsdale
    KWP Cancelo TAA Davies Coady
    Salah JWP Son Ramsey xxx
    Hwang Broja xxx

    (KWP to Rudi if injured)
    Thinking BB?

    Thanks

  12. luckyflames1897
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Please could someone advise. I have only used one free hit chip earlier in the season . I used wildcard last week. And I cannot use a
    Free
    Hit chip this week. ???

    1. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      You can

    2. Il Capitano
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      You can

      1. luckyflames1897
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        It’s blacked out and says unavailable

        1. One More Hit
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 10 months ago

          Link your team?

    3. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Did u free hit last week?

  13. Il Capitano
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Current WC draft:

    0.9m ITB - 1FH, BB remaining

    Dubravka* Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo Rudiger* Kilman* White
    Salah Raph* Saka Kulu Ramsey*
    Kane Jimi* Broja*

    Just clocked that by downgrading Dubravka to Foster I can bring in James + Silva for Rudiger and White, then get an Arsenal defender in for 29 and still have 9 players for GW30. Worth the alteration?

  14. SuperDan
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Which is best?
    A) Foden > Raphinha (-4)
    B) Foden > Ramsey (-4)
    C) Play Foden

    1. TopBinFC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      C

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      B

  15. Nespinha
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo Dias VVD TAA
    Coutinho Salah Foden JWP
    Watkins Broja

    Subs - Sanchez Bowen Weghorst Mee

    A) Bowen to Saka
    B) Dias / VVD to Rudiger
    C) roll

  16. Kodap
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Dalot & Bowen > James (c) & Raphina for a -4?

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      I done this.

      Can’t decide whether to captain Raph or James with rotation risk.

      1. Kodap
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        James out of the two imo

  17. EL tridente
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Best duo for GW 28?
    A) Rudiger & Saint Maximin (if fit)
    B) T Silva & Watkins (Then I will be able to field 11 players in GW30)

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      B

  18. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Think i'm settled, what do you think?

    Dubravka
    James / TAA / Kilman
    Salah / Raphinha / Coutinho / Mount
    Kane / Broja / Wood

    Foster / Cancelo / Saka / White

  19. Rbyrne95
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Unsure who to captain tbh - DGW options for me are Raph, James, Ramsey or Jimenez.

    Or just stick with Salah?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      B

  20. AWOL-Ekotto
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    A) Rudiger/James and Martinelli
    Or
    B) White and Raphinha?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      B

  21. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts here? already on (-4)... Anything worth a -8? 3.8itb

    FOSTER
    DIGNE Trent JAMES AIT-NOURI
    Salah (c) Son RAPHINA RAMSEY
    ADAMS BROJA

    Ramsdale Cancelo, Bowen, Weghorst

    a) G2G
    b) Ramsdale to SA (-8)
    c) Ramsey to Coutinho (-8)
    d) other suggestions?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      B

  22. Pedaso Pirates
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on this for -8:
    De Gea to Sa
    Cancelo to James
    Bowen to Havertz

    Gives me:
    Sa (2)
    James (2), TAA, Tierney
    Salah, Havertz (2), Saka, Sissoko (2)
    Kane, Dennis (2), Antonio

    Subs: Reguilon, Dalot, Gray

  23. Christina.
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Vardy could be a very clever transfer in this week.

    1. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      My plan is to get Kulu next week for Coutinho and Vardy in for Laca in 30.

    2. More Cowbell
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Is he gonna get 90 mins?

  24. More Cowbell
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    The decision I'm really struggling with this week is whether to bring in either a Chelsea or Newcastle midfielder. I'm on WC and there's so many midfield options.

  25. Michelle Davin
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Reece James captain it is then..Gotta risk sometimes

    1. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Same

  26. Jeremy Corbyn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Any final suggestions for this WC team? (2xFH and BB available)

    Foster (Ramsdale)
    James, Rudiger, TAA, Livramento (Holgate)
    Salah, Son, Havertz(C), (Martinelli, Gordon)
    Broja, Dennis, Kane

    0.7itb for Havertz to Jota or James to VVD in GW29 and BB

    Cheers

    1. Bavarian
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Why not FH and save WC for later?

      1. Jeremy Corbyn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Because of my overall plan, which involves FH in 30 and 33.

  27. DIMITRIS
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Pick one:
    A) Watkins or Adams
    B) Ward-Prowse or Willock

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      * pick one form A and from B

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      The Soton boys

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks!

  28. Dexters Laboratory
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    A. Broja (avl, NEW) -4
    B. Maupay (new)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      A

      1. Dexters Laboratory
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks!

  29. RVP 20
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Bench Boost good to go?

    Ramsdale Foster*
    TAA Cancelo James* Digne* White
    Salah Son Bowen Saka* Sissoko*
    Watkins* Jimenez* Broja*

  30. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Most likely doing Reguilón+Edouard >> Rudiger+Broja (-4).

    Is Martinelli >> Raphinha worth another -4?

    Foster
    TAA. Cancelo. Tierney
    Salah. Saka. Bowen. Ramsey. Martinelli
    Kane. Jimenez
    (DDG, Reguilón, Edouard, Dalot)

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Wait for presser and if arteta’s still ambiguous I’d make the move.

      Rafa who do you think is better for the double double: Willock or Fraser?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Fraser

    2. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      No, I would keep Martinelli.