Team News
4 September 2026 425 comments
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The 11 remaining pre-match Premier League press conferences take place on Friday – and this is the place to come to get all the major Gameweek 3 team news.

Mikel Arteta, Enzo Maresca, Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick are among the managers facing the media.

We’ll bring you the key quotes from all of these head coaches in the article below.

These pressers follow on from the nine we had on Thursday.



KEY GAMEWEEK 3 TEAM NEWS FROM FRIDAY

FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES

ARSENAL

William Saliba (back) remains out but another long-term absentee, Jurrien Timber (groin), is training and a decision will be made over whether he features against Chelsea.

“He is in really good condition at the moment. He’s been a few weeks on the pitch and he’s been training with us now. So, he’s in a good place.

“We will decide tomorrow after training [regarding his Gameweek 2 involvement].” – Mikel Arteta on Jurrien Timber

Saliba, interestingly, has been named in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League squad this week, so he might not be out as long as we thought.

“We don’t really know the amount of weeks that he is going to be out because it’s about a healing process and every human being is a bit different. We know that we have to respect certain timelines. The progression has been really positive in the last few weeks but we need to wait and see how the bone reacts when we start to put some load onto it.

“Yeah, it was [an easy decision to include him in the squad] and we have the space to do it, as well.” – Mikel Arteta on William Saliba

Bruno Guimaraes, absent from training in midweek, has a “knock” but is expected to train tomorrrow.

“He had a knock against Villa in the previous game and he is being assessed but probably tomorrow he will be okay for training.” – Mikel Arteta on Bruno Guimaraes

Mikel Arteta insisted Cristhian Mosquera, who was another player that Sky cameras didn’t capture on Thursday, was only taken off as a precaution in Gameweek 2, but that he’d be assessed ahead of the Chelsea game.

“[Going off against Villa] was more precaution than anything else, so we will have to see tomorrow in the session how he feels.” – Mikel Arteta on Cristhian Mosquera

Ezri Konsa will be on standby to deputise.

“He is certainly available in the squad, so we will have to make a selection.” – Mikel Arteta on Ezri Konsa

MANCHESTER CITY

Jeremy Doku (calf) remains out but Matheus Nunes, who was described as “still not 100%” by Enzo Maresca last week, returns.

“Jeremy is still out. Matheus is back, he will be with us tomorrow.” – Enzo Maresca

Maresca also confirmed that Enzo Fernandez was able to start, if called upon.

“Enzo is ready, yes.

“I know Enzo quite well. I know what he can bring to the team. He’s a winner, has a winner mentality. He knows how to win: World Cup, Club World Cup.” – Enzo Maresca on Enzo Fernandez

The City boss had plenty of positive things to say about Iliman Ndiaye, too.

“He’s so good. In the last few days, you can see already how good he is in terms of one-v-one, in terms of the last third, inside the box. I’m very happy to have him with us.” – Enzo Maresca on Iliman Ndiaye

Maresca was grilled on the lack of a natural back-up for Erling Haaland but highlighted the other options available to him.

“Antoine [Semenyo] can be there. It depends on the game plan. But we can also use different players in that position.” – Enzo Maresca on striking options

CHELSEA

Moises Caicedo came off last weekend with an unspecified issue and will be assessed ahead of the weekend.

“We will check tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last decision for the squad on Sunday.” – Xabi Alonso on Moises Caicedo

We didn’t get an update on Marco Palestra (unspecified) or Jordan Henderson (wrist), with the former himself saying earlier this week that he was still “a few days away”.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

James Maddison (shoulder) has returned to training, while Savio is back after missing out last weekend with “muscle fatigue”.

“We are all available to play.

“Maddison started yesterday with us but the other players are in good, good condition.

“Savio is back, yeah.” – Roberto De Zerbi

Xavi Simons (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee) are still sidelined.

Mykhailo Mudryk is now aboard as of deadline day.

“I don’t know how much time he needs to be available to start the game. I think he’s ready right now to play 15, 20, 30 minutes.” – Roberto De Zerbi on Mykhailo Mudryk

MANCHESTER UNITED

Michael Carrick reported no new issues in today’s presser.

Amad Diallo (unspecified), Manuel Ugarte (knee) and Carlos Baleba (ankle) will miss out again, while it remains to be seen how far long-term absentee Matthijs de Ligt (back) is from a playing comeback after a recent return to the grass.

Also back in training is Mason Mount (knock), who has been out for a much shorter period.

Meanwhile, Carrick discussed the fitness of Benjamin Sesko, who has only been a substitute in the opening two Gameweeks.

“Ben’s improving, he’s been improving his fitness all the time. He had some time off, which was important – that we give him the time, to make sure he was right moving forward, with no setbacks.

“You can never guarantee that, but it gives Ben the chance to stay fit for as long as possible. He made big strides last season and he’s still young and still adapting and learning and developing here.

“There’s loads more to come from Ben, so it’s just being patient with him really. I’m really happy with how he’s come back, so looking forward to seeing him on the pitch a little bit more.” – Michael Carrick on Benjamin Sesko

ASTON VILLA

Johan Manzambi (knee), Brian Madjo (unknown) and Amadou Onana (knee) remain out, while Joao Gomes is still suspended.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Mats Wieffer (knee) has joined Jack Hinshelwood (unspecified), Yankuba Minteh (leg), Evan Ferguson (ankle), Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring) and Stefanos Tzimas (knee) on the Brighton injury list.

The Dutchman will be out until October.

Georginio Rutter and Yasin Ayari, who have had more minor issues, might be “options”, however.

“Mats Wieffer, we expect to be out till the international break. Rutter and Yasin, they might be options for for tomorrow.” – Fabian Hurzeler

“Also after international break, so we have to be patient. Hopefully our wingers, they can come back quickly. Of course, our game relies also a little bit on these kind of of wingers but now we have to adapt our game and that’s what we did at the start of the season.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Kaoru Mitoma

“He’s getting closer. He’s in his rehab [but] I can’t give a clear time schedule when he will be back.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Evan Ferguson

“Yeah, he might be an option, yes, to start.

“I think what we need to understand is every player adapts differently to demands from the Premier League. We have now a few signings and I think one player really had or has Premier League experience, with Pascal Struijk. All the others, they first need to adapt to the demands, they need to adapt to the intensity, to our style of play. So, a few players they they will do it quicker. Other players, they might need a longer time. So, there we have to really take care of them individually.

“But regarding Costinha, he’s a physical player. He is is very fit and he’s a very clever player, understands the game, and therefore I’m really pleased with his development.” – Fabian Hurzeler on whether Costinha could deputise for Mats Wieffer

New signing Femi Azeez (hamstring) won’t feature against Leeds United but fellow deadline-day buy Chema Andrés is available.

“Cherma can be definitely an option for tomorrow. Femi, we have to wait this weekend and hopefully he will be available for the next game.” – Fabian Hurzeler

BRENTFORD

Mathias Jensen, who missed out last weekend, remains sidelined, along with longer-term absentees Sepp van den Berg (groin) and Antoni Milambo (knee).

Keith Andrews hopes that van Den Berg will return after the international break, and the defender is already back in training.

Elsewhere, Josh Dasilva picked up a hamstring injury playing for the under-21s and will be out until after the international break.

Keith Andrews reported no other fresh concerns in his pre-match presser.

“Yeah, good. Really good. The usual knocks and bruises, as you’d imagine with the level of game that we had at Leeds. No, the players have recovered well and [had] a couple of really good sessions during the week.” – Keith Andrews on the latest team news

EVERTON

We haven’t heard any team news updates from David Moyes but the only injury we’re aware of is Christian Norgaard (groin), who remains some distance from a return.

FULHAM

Tom Cairney (knee) remains out until after the September international break but he’s the only injured-related absentee for Gameweek 3.

Alvaro Arbeloa says that Saturday’s game is a “little early” for deadline-day buys Manuel Angel, Hugo Larsson and David Affengruber.

COVENTRY CITY

Frank Onyeka is fit, having missed the defeat to Hull City with a hip complaint.

“He’s available for tomorrow.” – Frank Lampard on Frank Onyeka

New loan signing Stephen Mfuni is ineligible to face his parent club.

“We’re very happy with Jay Dasilva and he started the season really, really well. I think in both games, he’s played… certainly the best player on the pitch against Hull. But we need competition in different areas and we need cover and good competition and Steph can do both [jobs]. He brings a profile of a centre-back that can play in that position, which as we see in many modern day Premier League teams, is something that teams are looking to do.” – Frank Lampard on Stephen Mfuni, who can cover at left-back and left-sided centre-half

Haji Wright (quad), Luke Woolfenden (knee) and Keane Kesler-Hayden (hamstring) remain out.

Summer buy Sidiki Cherif is still short of match fitness, meanwhile.

“We see him as a striker, for what he brings and his attributes are, and he sees himself as that as well. So, we’re very happy with Sidi.

“The issue with Sidi has been getting him match fit because over the summer, I sort of referenced it about players there before, when there’s a possible move happening, and you get their work through the summer and you need to work them to get them match fit for not just what the Premier League is but for the player themselves. So, we’re in that process with Sidi.

“We’ll see with tomorrow because we feel he’s in a position where he can make impact but also to play a big period of a Premier League game, it might be early for him.” – Frank Lampard on Sidiki Cherif


425 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 hour, 14 mins ago

    I've decided on Free hit this week over wildcard, and have the below draft. However it's 0.4 over, where would you suggest shaving it off?

    Kelleher
    De Cuyper / Collins / O'Reilly
    Buendia / Bruno / Cherki / Elanga / Schade
    Haaland / Isak

    Dubravka / Egan / Thomas / Walle Egeli

    1. DeSelby
      • 4 Years
      1 hour, 11 mins ago

      O'Reilly down to Gvardiol? Or Collins to Ajer?

      1. 17th Time Lucky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        46 mins ago

        Yep, Collins to Ajer

  2. GoonerGirl
    • 7 Years
    1 hour, 13 mins ago

    Foden or Cherki?

    and Rodon to:

    A) Ajer
    B) Hall (Can only afford if go Foden
    C) Dedic
    D) De Cuyper

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      1 hour, 10 mins ago

      C
      D

    2. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 hour, 9 mins ago

      Cherki +D

  3. DeSelby
    • 4 Years
    1 hour, 13 mins ago

    On FH:

    Bruno, Wissa, and 4.5 keeper
    or
    Thiago, Saka, Kelleher

    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      19 mins ago

      B, but it's close

    2. Slam
      • 11 Years
      19 mins ago

      Similar dilemma, very tough choice.
      Slightly leaning Bruno route

      1. DeSelby
        • 4 Years
        17 mins ago

        Thanks folks. Maybe I'll do my famous coin flip.

        Last week couldn't decide whether to bench DCL or Tzolis. Flipped a coin and it told me to bench Tzolis!

    3. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      17 mins ago

      A

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      14 mins ago

      B

  4. Slam
    • 11 Years
    1 hour, 13 mins ago

    Just for this week:

    A) Saka(CHE) + Isak(ips)
    B) Bruno(eve) + Wissa(BOU)

    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      1 hour, 12 mins ago

      A

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      1 hour, 10 mins ago

      A

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 7 mins ago

      A

  5. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    1 hour, 12 mins ago

    Hey I don't like to be bottomed, Percy

    New plan initiated ❗

    GW2: Relax
    GW3: Relax and sell White, Mbuemo & Thiago for Munoz, Palmer & Wissa
    GW9: 5FTs saved and wondering whether to WC or continue relaxing

    Kinsky (Palmer)
    Gabriel Calafiori White O'Reilly (Konsa)
    Bruno Mbuemo Semenyo Szoboszlai Schade
    Thiago (Pedro, Egeli)

    2FTs. 0.0 ITB

    1. Stimps
      • 13 Years
      2 mins ago

      I played my WC and regret it, should have relaxed like you. I'm also on top of all my leagues

  6. Eightball
    • 5 Years
    1 hour, 12 mins ago

    Kelleher 4.0
    Calafiori Konsa DeCuyper Gvardiol Hall
    GroB Palmer Szob Cherki Sangare
    Pedro Haaland Wissa

    A) Stick with this, it has 1.9m ITB to get Saka in for Cherki or to do something else
    B) Szob + Cherki -----> Saka + Foden
    C) Cherki to Saka

    1. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 hour, 6 mins ago

      My WC is almost similar, except that I have Verbruggen in goal and MGW over Groß, no money. I will want sell Cherki for Rogers next week.

      1. Baps Hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 hour, 3 mins ago

        Can you find another route for Saka? Like mine below?

  7. Baps Hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 hour, 12 mins ago

    Which one wins?
    A) Szobo + MGW
    B) Saka + Gomez (5.0 Bri mid)

    Gomez would be 8th attacker after this gw.

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 9 Years
      16 mins ago

      B

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      16 mins ago

      A

    3. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      just now

      A

  8. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    1 hour, 11 mins ago

    Please pick
    A) tavenier & mbeumo to foden & szob -4
    B) mbeumo to cherki

  9. Roshen
    • 4 Years
    1 hour, 10 mins ago

    a. Tzolis + Kinsky -> Foden + 4.0
    b. Tzolis + DCL -> Schade + NICOLAS JACKSON

  10. abaalan
    • 10 Years
    1 hour, 9 mins ago

    A. Dcl + tzolis > Barry + foden
    B. tzolis > elanga/kdh
    C. Maguire + tzolis > dedic + foden
    D. Dcl + mbeumo > wissa + cherki/foden

    2ft, 0 itb. Other?

  11. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 hour, 8 mins ago

    Rate my free hit team:

    Kelleher
    Ajer Collins de Cuyper
    Bruno Szobo Cherki Foden Gross
    Haaland Isak

    Opinions appreciated!!

    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      35 mins ago

      Up there with the best possible. Maybe consider Gakpo

    2. Slam
      • 11 Years
      34 mins ago

      It's class, just not my style to go with Szobo and Gross type picks on a freehit
      Live a little

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      32 mins ago

      Almost same as mine. You have Kelleher, Collins Gross vs my Leno, Cash, Gakpo

    4. Don’t like triple up defence at all. Sunderland deffo could score.

  12. Dynamic Duos
    • 13 Years
    1 hour, 8 mins ago

    Who to bench here please?

    Kinsky
    Calafiori De Cuyper Hall Gvardiol
    Palmer Szoboszlai Cherki Sangare
    Haaland Pedro Wissa

    Matthews *** Tzolis Konsa

    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      52 mins ago

      Hall I guess

      1. Not Hall this week imo

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 9 Years
      51 mins ago

      Hah that's a tough one. Has to be one of the defenders surely?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 13 Years
        7 mins ago

        Its Pedro atm

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          just now

          Didn't see Pedro there. Also a fair choice

    3. Rollercoaster
      • 13 Years
      46 mins ago

      De Cuyper

  13. DJ14
    1 hour, 6 mins ago

    Not sure whether to roll or make some transfers this week?

    2FT 0M ITB
    (TRIPLE CAPTAIN)
    Verbruggen
    Calafiori White Maguire
    Groß Gomez Mbeumo Bruno
    JP DCL Haaland (C)

    Kinsky Muharemovic Tzolis Diop

    1. Tzolis to Foden + Maguire to Ajer
    2. Mbeumo to Cherki
    3. Or just roll...

    Plan is to wilcard gw6
    Any help would be great thanks 🙂

  14. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 hour, 5 mins ago

    Start Tzolis or Gomez?

    1. hazza44
      • 13 Years
      1 hour, 4 mins ago

      Gomez

    2. Sgt. Schultz
      • 10 Years
      1 hour, 4 mins ago

      Gomez

  15. The Philosopher
    • 6 Years
    1 hour, 4 mins ago

    Cherki or Foden if WCing in GW5?

    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      1 hour, 1 min ago

      Cherki

  16. Under my Cucurella
    • 11 Years
    1 hour, 2 mins ago

    Rodon >

    A: Dedic
    B: Ajer
    C: Somebody else

    1. Under my Cucurella
      • 11 Years
      1 hour, 1 min ago

      For some reason this posted only half

      Also

      D: roll FT and start Hume

      Defence is
      Calafiori Maguire Hume Davis *Rodon

  17. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    1 hour, 2 mins ago

    Hi all,
    Any feedback on this WC team appreciated. Plan on doing Cherki to Palmer next week.

    Raya
    Cala Hall De Cuper
    MGW Foden Cherki Szob Sangare
    Haaland Wissa
    (Dubravka JPedro Konsa Egan 2FT £1.9)

    1. GoonerSteve
      • 16 Years
      just now

      Lots to like about it but I personally felt Bruno was a must have, so I have gone with Egan, Diop, Slater, and Steele on bench, which gave me enough cash for your starting defence, Bruno, Palmer, Cherki, Sangare in midfield, and your front three also.

      Potential to move Cherki to Rogers next week for Chelsea's kind fixture run.

      But I may well be overcooking it and having greater flexibility could be the way forward. It's a decent looking team.

  18. Harrow Andromedes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 hour ago

    I've been on Oreilly w my free hit all week - but am starting to be doubtful he will make it past 60 mins

    1. Jet5605
      • 12 Years
      57 mins ago

      I think people are still dreaming about last season's hauls but the City squad depth is mental now. I've gone Gvardiol on WC to save a £1m and will probably downgrade him in a few weeks

    2. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      42 mins ago

      I don't trust any of them to get 75+at all, so I've gone for 3 Attackers who I think can do damage even if they only get 30mins (take your pick from Cherki, Foden, Semenyo. Expect all three to start, but wouldn't be surprised if they didn't or got brought off early)

  19. Nightf0x
    • 11 Years
    58 mins ago

    Verb (kinsky)
    White cala shaw (hume ewjik)
    Tzolis schade bruno wirtz ndiaye
    Haland dcl (pedro)

    2fts, which way togo?

    A) ndiaye tzolis shaw -4 to 4.5mid. elanga gvardiol, gw4 wirtz hume -4 to rogers konsa
    B) ndiaye tzolis to 4.5mid. gross, gw4 wirtz shaw -4 to palmer konsa
    C) ndiaye tzolis shaw -4 to 4.5mid. elanga egan, gw4 wirtz hume -4 to palmer konsa
    D) ndiaye tzolis to 4.5mid. MGW, gw4 wirtz shaw -4 to rogers konsa
    E) ndiaye tzolis to 4.5mid. foden, gw4 wirtz white -4 to konsa palmer
    F) ndiaye tzolis to gross foden, gw4 wirtz shaw -4 to konsa rogers

  20. BlzE_94
    • 12 Years
    58 mins ago

    Have I benched the right players?

    Raya
    Calafiori Gvardiol Hall De Cuyper
    Cherki Szoboszlai Sangare Gross
    Haaland Wissa

    Lecomte Palmer J.Pedro Konsa

    1. Jet5605
      • 12 Years
      just now

      Bench Hall and play Palmer

  21. HD7
    • 9 Years
    58 mins ago

    2FTs

    Mbeumo Tzolis to?
    How about Cherki Grob/Elanga?

    Verbruggen

    Calafiori Gvardiol Maguire
    Szobo Bruno F Mbeumo Tzolis
    Haaland J Pedro DCL

    Kinsky Slater Diop Van Ewijk

  22. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    56 mins ago

    Final FH decisions, which do you prefer:
    a)Ajer & Wissa
    b) Ajer & Elanga

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      42 mins ago

      A

    2. GoonerSteve
      • 16 Years
      32 mins ago

      A

    3. Not again Shirley
      • 9 Years
      12 mins ago

      So basically Wissa or Elanga

  23. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    56 mins ago

    Semenyo or Cherki on FH?

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      54 mins ago

      I’m debating Szobo and Cherki vs Semenyo and Buendia

      Have Haaland, Foden, Isak and Gakpo

    2. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      41 mins ago

      I prefer Cherki, but it's close

    3. GoonerSteve
      • 16 Years
      31 mins ago

      Hard to say but Cherki has looked very lively first two gameweeks. I am on Cherki.

  24. umerlfc
    • 10 Years
    56 mins ago

    Is Mbeumo -> Foden a good one week punt if I'm planning on WC in GW4?

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      40 mins ago

      If you think Foden outscores Mbuemo by over 4, then go for it. If not, save that transfer

  25. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    55 mins ago

    For one gw only - gvardiol or Foden? Have Haaland and cherki

  26. Bobbyg1
    • 14 Years
    54 mins ago

    Thanks for the replies on previous page

    Just wanted to add ive got Sememyo

    With that in mind

    Tzolis and Shaw to
    Foden and Egan

    A- Yay
    B- Save and have 3 transfers next week

  27. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    54 mins ago

    Ndiaye and Tzolis a little worry...2ft
    A) Ndiaye for Sangare
    B) both for Cherki and Slater(benchfodder)
    C) Save and play Tzolis

  28. graham_p
    • 8 Years
    52 mins ago

    On wildcard, With Szobo prob playing full back, would Gakpo be a better option? Thanks

  29. Gandalf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    49 mins ago

    A. Cherki + Yalcouyé (the latter just used for this GW)

    B. Foden + Gomez

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 9 Years
      2 mins ago

      B

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      just now

      B

  30. joeynse99
    • 10 Years
    46 mins ago

    A) Hume
    B) Shaw ?