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. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    With the Rice injury is it worth to take a -4 to swap to Cunha? Anderson is 1st sub.

  2. JBG
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Genuinely fck this season.. I believe I'm somehow being punished after having my best start in a long while, was up to 4k one GW. Now after that GW only gone backwards. But not only that, 4 GWs in a row now, players I bring in get injured or suspended week after or during that GW.

    Calafiori, B.White, Bruno F,

    1. JBG
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      And now Rice.

    2. naill_ic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Sounds like you need a shoulder to cry on ;(

      1. JBG
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        What I need is a beer, luckily I have at least one 😛

    3. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Munoz long term injured the same week I bring him in. Had Fernenades all season but he gets injured once I double up on Cunha making Cunha a shite pick as well so double whammy. Brought in Rice this week, gets insta injured. Timber injured as well. Had 5 penalty misses.. 2 OGs. Joke season.

      1. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Actually 6 penalty misses..

      2. JBG
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Never had a season like this, played 10+ years.

        1. Brosstan
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 7 days ago

          Same. This game is all about luck/variance but some people get these bottom 5% seasons while others ("The Elite") are the people who are constantly in the top 20% or better in terms of luck.

  3. cuppatea78
    • 13 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Who to start?
    A) Raya vs Villa
    B) Dubravka vs Newcastle

    1. Chinese_person
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Raya

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

      Raya

    3. One for All
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      B

  4. One for All
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    A) Play Anderson
    B) -4 Burn> Dogu

    A or B guys?

    Thanks

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      a

    2. Chinese_person
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      A

  5. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Who would you have on FH, Foden or Gordon?

    1. Chinese_person
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Gordon

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

      If Gordon, which MCI assets starting?

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Haaland and O`reilly

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 months, 7 days ago

          I would go Foden or Cherki

    3. One for All
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Gordon

    4. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      If only there was a recent article today analysing just this dilemma

  6. Chinese_person
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Rice, Keane, Timber all doubts.
    Have Rodon and Guiu on bench.

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      A hit?

      1. Chinese_person
        • 14 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        I would do Rice to Gordon but have no money. Don't really like any other options.

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

      Stach Gud for me standing by 😆

      1. Chinese_person
        • 14 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        I have Andersen but what if Keane and Timber also don't start? Might need to hit.

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 months, 7 days ago

          Got it, what I said is that although I've got non-injured benchers they may not score well at all

  7. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    2FT, 0ITB.

    Hincapie > Hall? Or a wasted transfer and play Van Hecke?

    Kelleher
    Hincapie O’Reilly KLP
    Saka Foden Cunha Gomez
    Haaland(TC) Ekitike Thiago

    Petrovic Tavernier VanHecke Andersen

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Play Van Hecke

  8. GC123
    • 4 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Hi guys. With the Rice news, is a pivot to Gordon a no brainer given Newcastle’s fixtures? I’m on WC this week

    1. Chinese_person
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      100%

      1. GC123
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Thanks Chinese

    2. Saviour22
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Can you please tell your wildcard in order to suggest

      1. GC123
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Verbruggen
        Gabriel Thiaw Dorgu
        Foden Cherki Rice Cunha
        Ekitike Haaland DCL

        Dubravka Keane VDV Miley

  9. claretparrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    I expect to regret this... but are United and Cunha a trap this week?

    United's attacking data for the last 6 games, excluding Wolves away and the freak game vs Bournemouth, is average. Excluding that United fixture (but including v tough fixtures like Arsenal, Liverpool, Brentford), Wolves' defence is actually pretty good(!) for XGC...

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Expectation so high as to ARS v WOL the other day ... I would say it could be a trap but won't be surprised if they pull some goals

    2. tsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      It’s a risk not a trap, calculate it out and judge it for yourself.

      Cunha(c) and mufc supporter here 😉

      1. claretparrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        I was planning to bring him in and cap, but too much time looking through the data and I've talked myself out of it!

  10. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Expect to have no playing bench? 0cash. Anything for a hit? Thanks

    Raya
    Oreilly hall andersen (richards rodon)
    Saka cunha foden semenyo Anderson
    Haaland ekiteke (guiu)

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      No, stick with it imo

      1. Flynny
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Cheers

  11. Zack124
    • 3 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Bench one:

    A. Wilson
    B. Gravenbrch

    1. Senesi
    2. Mukiele

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      B (would eventually look to sell), 2

  12. The Road to Turfdom
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Start:

    A) HIncapie (AVL)
    B) Tarko (nfo)

    Also starting Raya (over Dub). Thanks!

  13. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    0 points for guessing who I brought in for Fernandes this week...

    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Rice Rice Baby

    2. The Road to Turfdom
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      and for Rice

  14. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Start Keane over any of these?

    Verbruggen
    Timber, OReilly, Richards
    Saka, Foden, Semenyo, Wilson
    Haaland, Etikike, Thiago

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      nope

    2. Mother Farke
      • 2 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Keane is out anyway, apparently. Decision made.

      1. Over Midwicket
        • 14 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Wtf?

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 7 Years
            3 months, 7 days ago

            He's a "doubt"

          2. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            3 months, 7 days ago

            Mother Farke! I literally just brought him in!

          3. ViperStripes
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            3 months, 7 days ago

            no source

    3. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Timberbor or NOR imo.

      Keane starts on 3 points. Look at Timber and NOR last few scores - they don't get defcon and keep conceding 1

  15. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Change the order of Chalobah, O'Reilly and Rogers?
    Two of them will play if Rice is out. Maybe this news makes Rogers better as well

    Pickford
    Virgil, Tarkowski, Chalobah (BOU)
    Saka, Foden, [C]unha (WOL), Rice* (AVL)
    Ekitike[v] (LEE), Bowen, Welbeck (whu)

    Dubravka | O'Reilly (sun), Rogers (ars), Andersen (cpl)

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      I'd start Rogers over Welbeck and Bowen tbh

      1. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Feels wrong given the fixtures, but I can see good arguments for Rogers over both.
        Brighton have been awful defensively of late. I don't think I could bring myself to bench Bowen.
        Feel the same way about Welbeck, but the doubt having over his mins (and start) could sway me.
        I need to decide if where Bowen comes in my priorities with these two defenders, as he would come on for Rice anyway if he's not in last place of the three. Quite like Chalobah and O'Reilly this week, but only quite. Rogers I don't like, but can imagine him upsetting Arsenal as well

    2. chocolove
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Not sure bout cunha C, toothless attack

      1. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Me neither. Flitting between him and Eki. He's still a goalscorer, though, and Wolves are the worst! I'm a bit concerned about Eki's mins

  16. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    On FH

    Palmer or Gordon?

    1. chocolove
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Palmer for sure. Maybe Barness will get his start now

    2. tsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Palmer didn’t have greatest run out last week
      Gordon may have mins managed

      Both are explosive tho, so I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Since your Ona fh why not do both!

      1. Pilgrim62
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        My others three Cunha, Palmer, Cherki

  17. chocolove
    • 15 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    RM FH team

    Lammens
    Dorgu Frimpong Hall
    Szobo Palmer Cunha Cherki
    Eki Haa Wolte

    1. cassanata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Very similar to mine, not a fan of double UTD at the back though, just dont trust them.

      1. chocolove
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        But, I prefer the def rather than attack
        But again Dorgu playing as winger, lol
        Cant miss this chance

    2. tsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Maybe take out wolte and go 352, miss get more pts for goals and there are some good sides playing the bottom six this gw

  18. JBG
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Rice to Gordon -4 or just play Jimenez(Palace away)

    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Jimi

    2. tsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Use your sub 🙂

    3. FFS ManU
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Jimenez - scored a header last week and Palace are struggling to defend corners and crosses.

  19. Jack Burton
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    On a FH do you lot think Sesko worth a 1 week punt?

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      decent shout

      1. Jack Burton
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Im having a shocking season so yeah nothing to lose, good luck

    2. tsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      I like to be extra punty on a fh so I would say yep!

      1. Jack Burton
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Ok nice one thanks good luck

  20. FPL Sanky
    • 2 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    If Rice misses out, who will benefit the most? Eze?

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Suspect it'll be Merino

    2. Shteve
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Rogers

  21. coriswrasse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Bench one
    A - Harry Wilson (cry)
    B - Morgan Rogers (ars)

    1. FFS ManU
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      B

    2. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      A

    3. tsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      A

      Villa are going to get destroyed

  22. abaalan
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    What's issue with Keane?
    Also anyone know why Ballard missed last gw?

  23. ebb2sparky
    • 15 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Is the absence of Rice likely to have much impact on the odds of an arsenal clean sheet?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Probably minimal impact to odds - Zubimendi plays as the CDM

    2. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      I don't think it helps, but they've got first choice defenders coming back so swings and roundabouts

    3. PartyTime
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Even with Rice, Villa will score imo. They’ve the attacking potential to exploit any slip up in Arsenal’s defence. Arsenal defenders are just regrouping & Villa have been scoring week in week out

    4. ebb2sparky
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Thanks all. I'll keep 1 arsenal defender on my FH.

  24. claretparrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Bruno & Richards > Gordon & Gabriel?
    (I played FH in 18)

    1. coriswrasse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Solid upgrades. Possible concerns with Gordon minutes. Gabriel will be in your team for the long term.

      1. claretparrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Thanks mate

  25. Scotty Dog
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Hows the FH looking?

    Sels (Dubs)
    Thiaw Schar Hall (Dorgu) (Acheapong)
    Saka Foden Cherki Wirtz Cunha
    Haaland Ekitike (Guiu)

    1. coriswrasse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Sels appears to be out of favor.

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Sels hasn't played for weeks.

      Double newcastle defence risky given their away record.

    3. Scotty Dog
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      This is what im talking about sels a doubt who you fancy? Its triple Newcastle defence.

      1. ebb2sparky
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 7 days ago

        Ive kept sels and replaced dubravka with John on my FH

        1. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 7 days ago

          triple newcastle is a lot of eggs in a basket than doesn't travel well.

      2. how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 6 days ago

        Commiserations

    4. Scotty Dog
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Ive fancy taking the risk on the treble up. Im 0.1 short on John and cant downgrade anywhere. Is he definate starter over sels?

  26. Podorsky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    How reliable os the Rice news?

    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      The Athletic - Very

  27. Anthonydavoren
    • 4 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Rice to Cunha for a hit?

  28. Mean Gaals
    • 13 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Thoughts on my FH team?

    Lammens
    Frimpong Chalobah Dorgu
    Cunha Wirtz Plamer Bruno G Gordon
    Haaland Ekitike

    1. tsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Not a fan of the Gordon/Bruno h double up. Would you consider minteh or mitoma as replacement to one.

  29. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Finalising FH team, pick 1:
    A) Pedro
    B) Cherki
    C) Woltemade

    1. Mean Gaals
      • 13 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      C

    2. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      B

    3. Scotty Dog
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 7 days ago

      Wissa

  30. Podorsky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    3 months, 7 days ago

    Rice to Gordon for a -4 or play Potts at home to Brighton?