Fantasy EFL managers have just hours to wait until Gameweek 19 begins with Derby County taking on Portsmouth at Pride Park Stadium. Elsewhere, we have several top-of-the-table clashes across the three divisions and some emotional matches too.
Neil Harris will say goodbye to Millwall as a manager, while Gareth Ainsworth’s Shrewsbury Town faces his beloved Wycombe Wanderers. Here, we assess the top players at risk of missing out due to injury or suspension, with our Fantasy EFL line-up lessons.
It’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the availability of players in this game. Managers can lose out on potential points by accidentally selecting injured or suspended players. This weekly feature spotlights who these individuals will be.
FANTASY EFL LINE-UP LESSONS: INJURY LIST
- Sunderland: Tom Watson (F) – expected to miss two months due to knee and ankle injuries
- Preston North End: Sam Greenwood (M) – suspended for one match after his fifth yellow card
- Queens Park Rangers: Zan Celar (F) – out for an unspecified period due to his hamstring injury
- Peterborough United: Kwame Poku (M) – will miss three months following hamstring surgery
- Barnsley: Adam Phillips (M) – suspended for one match after a red card from two yellows
- Harrogate Town: Josh Falkingham (M) – sidelined for up to three months with a shin injury
- Newport County: Courtney Baker-Richardson (M) – calf injury means a short period out
- Doncaster Rovers: Richard Wood (D) – a further 12 weeks because to an ankle injury
- Bradford City: Alexander Pattison (M) – suspended for three matches after a straight red card
Kwame Poku (M) – Peterborough United
The long-term Poku injury is definitely the most impactful injury news of this week. Peterborough’s 23-year-old has been incredible this season but is now expected to be out of action for three months after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury.
This is a huge blow, as Poku’s 10 goals and five assists helped the Posh have one of the division’s best offensive records. They’ve netted 33 times.
In fact, Poku has been averaging a highly impressive 7.5 Fantasy points per game, making him one of the most desired options. His 9.2% ownership will need to find a viable replacement until the season’s closing couple of months, just like Darren Ferguson. Although they’ll struggle to maintain a similar offensive dominance, perhaps they can remain competitive nevertheless.
Sam Greenwood (M) – Preston North End
A small suspension prevents Greenwood from facing his parent club Leeds United at the weekend. He registered his fifth yellow card of the season against Cardiff City on Wednesday, forcing him to the sidelines.
The 22-year-old has been a consistent contributor this season, registering four goals and two assists alongside many offensive contributions in his 17 appearances. Delivering 27 key passes is particularly impressive, putting him amongst the division’s best in terms of creativity.
Because of this, the Lilywhites face an uphill battle against Daniel Farke’s promotion-chasing side.
Adam Phillips (M) – Barnsley
Another suspension, this time due to a red card. Phillips was booked twice in the clash with Birmingham City, removing him for the last 20 minutes where he had to watch the Blues score a winning goal.
Phillips has five goals and two assists this season alongside seven interceptions, making him a solid, consistent Fantasy option. He averages 5.6 points per game and is a crucial part of Barnsley’s midfield. Darrell Clarke’s side will have to cope without him against Exeter City, as they search for their first win since early November. An important fixture but also a tough one in the absence of Phillips.
