Team News
30 December 2025 684 comments
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We had three more pre-Gameweek 19 press conferences on Tuesday, with the managers of Brentford, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur providing us with their latest team news.

The injury updates and key quotes can be found in the article below.

This follows on from the team news we got (or didn’t get!) for a further 12 clubs on Monday.

As for the other five teams, who all contest matches on New Year’s Day, we’re very likely not going to hear anything before tonight’s deadline.

What we know about Liverpool, Manchester City, Fulham, Sunderland and Crystal Palace can be found in our predicted line-ups page.

KEY GAMEWEEK 19 INJURY NEWS FROM TUESDAY

ARSENAL

Before we begin with the press conferences, however, some late-breaking news on Arsenal.

The Athletic are reporting that Declan Rice will miss their game against Aston Villa this evening with a minor knee injury.

They also say they are “hopeful” that Rice’s absence “will be offset by the return of Jurrien Timber“.

Kai Havertz (knee) and Ben White (hamstring) are reportedly with the squad.

Riccardo Calafiori remains a doubt, while Max Dowman (ankle) and Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) are out.

BRENTFORD

Keith Andrews played his cards close to his chest when asked about Sepp van den Berg (knock), who missed out in Gameweek 18.

“This time of year, naturally, you pick up little bits and bobs. Still a couple of days out, so we’ll see how everyone is tomorrow.” – Keith Andrews

Dango Ouattara and Frank Onyeka are at the Africa Cup of Nations with their respective countries, while long-term absentees Josh Dasilva (knee), Fábio Carvalho (knee) and Antoni Milambo (knee) are still unavailable. 

Meanwhile, Andrews discussed the fact that Igor Thiago has been playing through the pain barrier – which perhaps explains why the striker hasn’t featured in any midweek game this season. Next up: a match on Thursday…

“He just had a bit of an issue, nothing to do with his injury last season at all. Nothing like that. Again, this time of year, the games, it takes its toll, you need to be careful with some players at times.

“I just think he showed a lot of bravery and courage to play against Wolves and gave us that platform. I thought he played really, really well against Wolves and gave us that base to win the game. Players fed off him: Keane Lewis-Potter obviously with his goals and Kev [Schade] was looking dangerous that day.

“There’s nothing too much to worry about with Thiago. I just felt he’s shown a lot of courage and put the team before himself going into the last couple of games.” – Keith Andrews on Igor Thiago, via the Brentford website

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Thomas Frank says that Spurs have no fresh concerns for the trip to Brentford.

Lucas Bergvall should be okay after he came off in the match against Crystal Palace last weekend.

“Lucas is okay. I am quite positive that he will be available. Of course, there’s a small doubt, but it’s quite possible that he will be available.” – Thomas Frank

Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Dominic Solanke (ankle), James Maddison (knee) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee) remain out, however. Udogie is back running but not in team training.

“He is running out there on the pitch, doing individual sessions on the pitch, so progressing going forwards, so that’s good.” – Thomas Frank on Destiny Udogie

Xavi Simons is still suspended for this game, too, while Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are both at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Cristian Romero returns from a one-match ban, at least. He faces a further misconduct charge but that won’t be resolved till later in January, so he’s available for selection in midweek.

So too is Brennan Johnson, who is reportedly close to a move elsewhere.

“He’s ready for the game tomorrow, as far as I know it’s something that will be decided in early January.” – Thomas Frank on Cristian Romero

LEEDS UNITED

Joe Rodon will be out for around three weeks with the ankle injury he sustained at Sunderland on Sunday.

“Yes, he will definitely miss the Liverpool game. The diagnosis is better than we were fearing straight after the game because it didn’t look really good. The assessment is it’s an ankle ligament injury. Normally he will be out with such an injury for around three weeks. We still have a bit of hope because normally he’s a good healer and also a strong boy so perhaps there’s a chance to involve him even before but at the moment, I’d say it’s realistic that he’ll miss the games including the FA Cup game. Hopefully on the other side… we have him pretty soon back available.” – Daniel Farke on Joe Rodon

Daniel James (hamstring) and Sean Longstaff (calf) are still unavailable but, Rodon aside, Daniel Farke has no new concerns.

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  1. Bobby_Baggio
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    FH Team - feel free to make suggestions please? Start Frimpong or Dalot

    Sels
    DalotVVD - Hall - Dorgu
    Palmer - Foden - Wirtz - Cherki - Cunha
    Haaland - Ekitike

    (John) - Frimpong - Mane - Gudmundsson

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Ignore VVD

    2. People in Preston
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      I'd start Dalot. Frimpong and Bradley could share minutes.

      Decent FH team.

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        Cheers

    3. it lies in the proles
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Dalot

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        Cheers

    4. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Nice. Same as mine but I’ve got Sanchez as GK and James over Hall.

  2. Bambi
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    WC19.... Too bold to go for John and Dubvraka as double 4.0?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      John will not lose his place?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Yup, Sels will likely be back in the 11 when Victor makes a mistake imo

    3. Dokdok666
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      I'd do it

    4. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      I'm doing it

      1. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        On FH that is

  3. Joelinton Travel Tavern
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Verbrug
    Timber Chalo O'Reilly
    Rice Wilson Cunha Foden
    (H)aaland Thiago Ekitike

    Dubrav, Stach, Andersen, Senesi

    Plenty of FTs and cash in the bank

    A) Senesi > Hall (if so, who to bench)
    B) Roll, Senesi > Gab next week

    1. People in Preston
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Roll. See how Gab does tonight.

  4. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Benching Rogers as it stands and it feels so wrong 🙁
    Would you play him over Wilson, Minteh or Thiago?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      tough i would bench Minteh although he looked good when he came on against ARS

  5. Sid07
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Van den Berg to dorgu
    1) yes
    2) no

    1. The Philosopher
      • 5 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      1

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Yea

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      1

    4. King Kun Ta
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      For free? Then yes!

      1. Sid07
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        yes free

    5. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      As long as you can handle the worst: 5th YC picked this week and yet you still have a cover for GW20

    6. Mole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Yes

    7. People in Preston
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Yes.

  6. The Philosopher
    • 5 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Anything worth waiting for before doing these moves for 2FTs?

    Semenyo + Richards -> Cunha + Dorgu

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Do it

  7. Ronnies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Best option;

    A) Play H. Wilson
    B) Senesi to Dorgu and bench Wilson.

    Cheers.

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      B

  8. King Kun Ta
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Bench:
    A Rogers
    B Wilson
    C DCL

    Thanks!

  9. TochanMama
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    What are your predictions, who's going to be returning the most this week?

    A) Saka - In form, entire attack goes through him, playing vs an in-form Villa who just beat them in the reverse fixture. Redemption game?

    B) Palmer - Not exactly in-form but 1 goal and 1 assist in the last 3 games, has had poor xG/xA in the last 3 in comparison to Saka, but playing vs Bournemouth who have an abysmal away record. And most importantly is a DIFFERENTIAL.

    Both play at home and have decent home records

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Going both on FH and dropping Foden, know it´s a big gamble...

      1. TochanMama
        • 13 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        My current one looks like this

        Lammens
        Frimpong / Gvardiol / Dorgu
        Saka / Gordon / Cunha / Cherki
        Haaland / Ekitike / Woltemade
        (Dubs / Xhaka / Gudmundson / Nallo)

        1. tuturututu
          • 5 Years
          2 months, 6 days ago

          Very nice looking

        2. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 months, 6 days ago

          Nice!

          Here´s my FH team:

          John
          Chalobah/Gabriel/Dorgu
          Cherki/Wirtz/SakaPalmer/Cunha
          Haaland/Ekitike

          Subs: Dub/Heaven/EKDAL/Guiu

          1. TochanMama
            • 13 Years
            2 months, 6 days ago

            Heavy attack! Good luck!

            1. RamaJama
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 months, 6 days ago

              Cheers, GL!

      2. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        Oh interesting, how’d you end up managing to squeeze both in?

        Asking for a friend…

        1. Fifa las vegas
          • 13 Years
          2 months, 6 days ago

          Nevermind, somehow I feel like I can’t afford that!

          1. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 months, 6 days ago

            See above

    2. Bob.
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      I think United could score a lot Vs wolves also

      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        Makes me want to go back to Sesko over Woltemade

        1. Fifa las vegas
          • 13 Years
          2 months, 6 days ago

          Sesko is back in 😎

  10. Drizzle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Struggling with this. 1ft 0.8itb

    Sanchez
    VVD Keane Thiaw Andersen
    Saka Foden Cunha Semenyo*
    Haaland Ekitike

    Dub Richards* Kroupi KDH*

    Lack of bench cover means I need to get rid of Semenyo but I'm not loving any of the options. What do you think?

    A) Semenyo -> Gordon (minutes?)
    B) Semenyo -> Szobozlai (do I want Lpool triple? Maybe allows VVD to Gabriel next gw)
    C) Semenyo -> Anderson (save money for Gabriel & Palmer, wait for KDH news)
    D) Semenyo -> Rice (double up with Saka feels off)
    E) KDH -> Anderson (and maybe Semenyo to Rogers next week)
    F) anything else?

    1. TochanMama
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Bournemouth away has been weak AF.
      But KDH to Anderson looks better long term.

  11. Bob.
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Is John nailed in goals for Forest now? Worth getting in? Cheers

    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      He is not nailed, but will keep his place until he loses form

  12. lilmessipran
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Captain-

    A Cunha
    B Haaland

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      B. Owning Cunha is enough of a risk

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      haaland

    3. tuturututu
      • 5 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      A for me

    4. Mole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      B

  13. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Start two

    A. Fringpong (LEE)
    B. Hall (bur)
    C. Gordon
    D. Wirtz

    Currently on B & D

    1. Mole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      AD

  14. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Capt cunha or saka?

    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Cunha

    2. Mole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Cunha

  15. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Will u start tarvernier or konate?

    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Surely Konate

  16. Viper
    • 16 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Genuinely don't know if this is template or rogue, but how how does Semenyo -> Gordon look with my last FT?

    A. Save FT

    B. Semenyo -> Gordon

    C. Semenyo -> Cherki

  17. putana
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    any timetable on Elanga? Gordon is nailed if he's out

  18. F4L
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    would you start:

    A - Stach (Liv a). Liverpool not great at defending set pieces
    B - Lacroix (Ful h). Not sure of defcons chances vs Fulham, seem to be quite tough for CBs to get it against Fulham

    1. Drizzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      B

    2. Bob.
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      B

    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      thanks both

  19. McSlu
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Saka/foden to Cubha for free?

    1. SpencerFPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Not sure I'd be getting rid of Foden

    2. King Kun Ta
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Nah

    3. Mole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      No

    4. The Road to Turfdom
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      no

    5. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      No, find another way to Cunha

  20. FPL_WILDCARD
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Is Semenyo worth a -4 to any of Szobo, Cunha or Rogers?

    1. Drizzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Cunha at a push given the fixtures

  21. SpencerFPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Transfer out Richards or Timber first?

  22. McGlynn8
    • 6 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    FH 19

    Team

    Lammens
    Hall Oreilly Dorgu
    Wirtz Palmer Cuhna Cherki
    Woltemade Halland Eketike

    Or

    Lammens
    VVD Oreilly Hall
    Wirtz Gordon Cuhna Cherki
    Woltemade Halland Eketike

    1. McGlynn8
      • 6 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Team 2 was meant to be Gvardoil instead of Oreilly

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Team 1

  23. Richm
    • 4 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Any Timber news?

    1. Chinese_person
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Arteta apparently told his dog his full starting 11 for tonight. His dog then proceeded to make rancid stools. Make of that what you will.

      1. Make FPL Casual Again
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        *old Chinese proverb

  24. AzzaroMax99
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    G2G?

    Verb
    Thaw MatheusN Dorgu
    Saka Cunha Foden Wirtz
    HaalandC Woltemade DCL

    Dubravka Timber* Stach Reinildo**

  25. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Do you think Hall will outscore Gordon over their nice run of fixtures??

    1. Chinese_person
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      With clean sheet potential I think it is more than a possibility.

  26. jimmyabs1987
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Anyone thinking of C Ekitike over Haaland?

    1. Chinese_person
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      I havent got the cojones

      1. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        This

    2. Ignasi M
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      I want to - Ekitike should score, but Haaland should also score. 50/50. If you need the differential I'd go for ekitike.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      I am doing it for sure.

  27. united12345
    • 4 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Who to play on free hit:

    Gordon (Burnley away)
    Rogers (Arsenal away)

    1. jimmyabs1987
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Gordon

    2. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Rogers on FH is a strange one

      1. Not again Shirley
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        Agreed. Roger’s shouldn’t really be near a FH team this GW against one of the best defences away from home. Much better options elsewhere.

    3. united12345
      • 4 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Cheers thanks guys.

      Was thinking could see Rogers doing something and grabbing a goal/assist (esp with rice out) hence the q but will pivot over

  28. Boleyn Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Afternoon All. Who to bench? Thanks in advance:

    a) Timber (AVL)
    b) Hincapie (AVL)
    c) Miley (bur)

    1. Ignasi M
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Hincapie

    2. Mole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      B- wouldn’t double up on Ars def this week

    3. Sgt. Schultz
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      Timber not travelling with the squad doing the rounds.
      monitor this space pal.

      1. Ignasi M
        • 8 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        Yeah, Timber is out vs. Villa.

        1. Chinese_person
          • 14 Years
          2 months, 6 days ago

          This is a clear lie.

          1. Ignasi M
            • 8 Years
            2 months, 6 days ago

            Check the Arsenal training video of this morning. No Timber. Oh Fofana whatsamyname.

            1. Utopsis
              • 6 Years
              2 months, 6 days ago

              You cannot be 100% certain based on videos. "Probably out" would have been better

  29. Ignasi M
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Who shall I start this game week, expecting more points? Guehi (home to Fulham) or Wilson (away to Palace)

  30. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 6 days ago

    Semenyo to Cunha for a hit?

    A) Yes
    B) No, last game for Bournemouth most likely and will go out with a bang!

    TIA

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 6 days ago

      I think it will probably prove foolish but I ended up going for it. Nice upside, and fun. Other part for me saw Dorgu come in

      1. kysersosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 6 days ago

        I think im going to hold. I can see Semenyo getting something on his last game.