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Friday team news: Spurs rest regulars, United go stronger

16 May 2025 660 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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Gameweek 37 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) kicks off with the unusual spectacle of two Friday night games.

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur gets us underway at 19:30 BST, with Chelsea v Manchester United following on 45 minutes later.

Both UEFA Europa League finalists are in action tonight and Ange Postecoglou clearly has one eye on Wednesday’s game in Bilbao.

He’s gone with the Spurs second string again, although the injury-free Son Heung-min gets some fitness-boosting minutes under his belt on his first league start since Gameweek 31.

Postecoglou makes three alterations in all from the similarly under-strength starting XI he sent out against Crystal Palace.

Son is joined by Sergio Reguilon and Mikey Moore in the visitors’ line-up.

Dejan Kulusevski is injured, of course, while Pedro Porro and Rodrigo Bentancur drop to the bench.

If anything, then, it’s an ever weaker (on paper) line-up to Gameweek 36.

As for Aston Villa, there are also three alterations – and all of them pretty much as expected.

Ian Maatsen and Pau Torres return in defence, with Lucas Digne and Tyrone Mings back down among the substitutes.

Unai Emery’s other change is enforced as John McGinn comes in for the suspended Jacob Ramsey.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has gone stronger for the Red Devils’ trip to Chelsea.

He’s made five changes in total, recalling Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu.

Leny Yoro is injured, while Altay Bayindir, Harry Amass, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte drop to the bench.

Enzo Maresca makes three alterations, one enforced due to Nicolas Jackson‘s suspension. Tyrique George comes in for his full Premier League debut.

Reece James and Tosin Adarabioyo also oust the benched Romeo Lavia and Trevoh Chalobah.

LINE-UPS

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Kamara, Onana, Rogers, Asensio, McGinn, Watkins.

Subs: Olsen, Disasi, Mings, Barkley, Digne, Garcia, Malen, Bogarde, Bailey.

Tottenham Hotspur XI: Kinsky, Spence, Danso, Davies, Reguilon, Gray, Sarr, Moore, Odobert, Son, Tel.

Subs: Vicario, Bissouma, Richarlison, Solanke, Johnson, Porro, Bentancur, Cassanova, Olusesi.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, George.

Subs: Jorgensen, Bettinelli, Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Anselmino, Badiashile, Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall.

Manchester United XI: Onana, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu, Diallo, Mount, Hojlund.

Subs: Bayindir, Amass, Fredricson, Heaven, Collyer, Eriksen, Mainoo, Ugarte, Garnacho.

CHECK YOUR LIVE FPL RANK

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You can find it via this link and you only have to type in your FPL ID number (so no password/email) to see the visuals.

660 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Qaiss
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    It would be worse for Spurs if they lost that Europa final next week than it would be for Man United

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      It's huge for both. If either win, their season is a success, a trophy. Spurs would have had a better season than Arsenal, that's enough and also get CL and Ange gets to stroke his ego as he said he always wins something in his 2nd season

      United if they win get back in the big time after such an awful season. Can attract better players, big CL nights at OT. Happy days

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      1. Qaiss
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        Why the need to mention Arsenal? Lol. That’s why Spurs are never successful

        No it wouldn’t be a better season for them, because they’re likely going to finish 17th and because Arsenal were too good to compete in the Europa league

        Think Man United will always be able to attract top players without CL, as we’re seeing with Cunha wanting to go there but Spurs not so

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        1. Studs Up
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          10 months, 17 days ago

          this

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        2. Eightball
          • 5 Years
          10 months, 17 days ago

          We also need the money. United are in dire straights financially. That squad needs a lot of money pumped into it to replace the dead wood and the champions league money will help. I think it will be struggle to sign players without it.

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    2. Winging it
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      How would it be worse for Spurs to lose than United? The former has a better team overall and more money available to spend. It would have much more of a negative impact if United lost instead.

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  2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Soon time to go hide behind the sofa as a Watkins non-owner

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  3. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Top 10k EO
    Mbeumo 117.6
    Watkins 116.3
    M.Salah 101
    Gvardiol 95
    Muñoz 73.8
    Rogers 73.2
    Wissa 60.6
    Isak 56.6
    Bowen 43
    De Bruyne 41.7
    Konsa 36.5
    Raya 34.6
    Martinez 32.5
    Eze 31.4
    Wood 28.5
    I.Sarr 18.6
    Marmoush 16
    Palmer 15.8
    Saliba 14.6
    Rúben 14.3
    Saka 13.1
    Cunha 12

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    1. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      This’ll be the week Boomo goes mental, once captaincy weight has been shifted (somewhat) off him

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    2. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Mbeumo, Salah, Gvardiol all dead slots

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    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Please haul Palmer(c)

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    4. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Fingers crossed for Saka hattrick

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    5. Sandy Ravage
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      No Cucurella?

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      1. Sandy Ravage
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 16 days ago

        BOOM

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  4. TanN
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Captained Vardy, am I crazy?

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    1. The Philosopher
      • 5 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Missed the deadline. Am I crazier?

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    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      no will be doing everything he can do to score

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    3. Burger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Vardy(c) also, let's go!

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  5. F4L
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    A Maatsen attacking return would be very welcome today

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  6. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Hmm, brought Watkins in, didn't captain, sees Spurs line up, now slightly regrets that decision :/

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    1. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      It’ll end 0-0!

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      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        Fingers crossed!
        I had a gut feeling that Watkins doesn't do as well as everyone thinks he will. Tends to be the case with the most transferred in players. But with so many around me getting him in and captaining, I felt that I had to shield it and at least bring him in. That way if he does well, then at least I own him, if he doesn't then at least I didn't captain him.

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      2. Feanor
        • 16 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        Hope so. 9 for Martinez, 3 or Rogers.

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      3. Winging it
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        This is the least likely outcome. Given that Spurs lineup, their defence and the fact that they've not had a 0-0 all season.

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    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      EO means you now want a blank

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      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        I know, feels wrong bringing in a player then wanting him to not do well

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        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 13 Years
          10 months, 17 days ago

          At least you don't want a blank as much as me, though!

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  7. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Any reasonable bet which one wins this week?

    Salah/Saka/Elanga/Wissa/Cunha

    vs

    KDB/Bowen/Rogers/Sarr/Haaland

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    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      The former due to more minutes

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      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        It is some rationale

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  8. Feanor
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Now I have to wait till Sunday morning to get Watkins in for Marmoush

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  9. The Philosopher
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Good news I got 2fts ro bring Saka in new GW.

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    1. Feanor
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      If Arsenal wrap up 2nd on Sunday, they will be fully beached next weekend.

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      1. Qaiss
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        I’m hoping we do just that

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    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      not if Arsenal win this weekend

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  10. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Final bus team prepped

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  11. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Might do a Trossard(c) GW38 Hail Mary

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    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Got 3FT and a triple captain in my pocket. Hail Mary loading...

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  12. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Seems no one near the top of my ML went C or even have Watkins. C'mon hattrick please

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  13. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Chelsea XI: Sánchez, James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernández, Neto, Palmer, Madueke, George

    Subs: Jörgensen, Bettinelli, Badiashile, Chalobah, Gusto, Anselmino, Acheampong, Dewsbury-Hall, Lavia

    Manchester United XI: Onana, Lindelöf, Maguire, Shaw, Mazraoui, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu, Mount, Diallo, Højlund

    Subs: Bayındır, Heaven, Amass, Fredricson, Eriksen, Ugarte, Mainoo, Collyer, Garnacho

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    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Starting Mount and Amad with the final around the corner is mad

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      1. RoyaleBlue
        • 14 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        It aMounts to aMadness

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  14. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Palmer blank please ML leader who I'm just behind went Palmer c

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  15. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Fair play. Neale totally called it.

    "A line-up similar, or even weaker, to the one sent out last weekend is a possibility, then, although it wouldn't be a surprise to see Son Heung-min get significant minutes given that he's only just back from injury and needs match-sharpness..."

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  16. Mr. O'Connell
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Palmer haul please and Watkins blank

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    1. Kaneyonero
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Opposite opposite

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    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      This

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    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Don't even own Palmer. Just want to witness a meltdown.

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  17. The Mighty Hippo
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    This is the first time I've missed a deadline all season.....oh well, 2FT for the final week.

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  18. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Even James Maddison brought Watkins into his FPL team this GW!

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  19. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Any Watkins non owner here? Need a space behind that sofa, please.

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    1. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Sorry but the space behind the sofa is full.

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      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        So mean

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    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      o/

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      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        Wake me up when it ends, please

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    3. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Won't need a sofa.. office ollie Watkins heading for another blank and 70mins....don't understand the hype all week.

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      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        Offside Ollie

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      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        10 months, 17 days ago

        You better be right!

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  20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Spurs players playing for a place in the final. Good management for ange

    Doing well so far

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    1. EWH2020
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Not sure. Most of the Spurs line up for the final won't have kicked a ball in 14 days. May not be as sharp / match fit as United.

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  21. GoonerGirl
    • 6 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    I went with Watkins. Watch him not score now and Spu*s win.

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  22. EWH2020
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Watkins with a tame SoT. Means 100 BAPS.

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  23. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Watkins close

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    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      Was offside

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  24. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Watkins 10% of the way through a blank

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  25. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Watkins c fail

    Bring on GW38

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    1. Fintroy
      • 5 Years
      10 months, 17 days ago

      I wouldn't worry - most have captained him...so irrelevant he hauls or not

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  26. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    It's got 0-0 written all over it

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  27. It's Fergie Time
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    I hate having my cap playing in the early game

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  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Surprised by this start from Villa

    Looks lethargic

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  29. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Interesting that the top 2 content creators, including Ben Crellin both avoided Watkins entirely and captained Palmer this week
    https://www.fplgameweek.com/#/24/team/151461/league/special_10002

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  30. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 17 days ago

    Son looking dangerous

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