Team News
4 September 2026 427 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


427 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Stimps
    • 13 Years
    1 hour, 8 mins ago

    Anyone else benching both Palmer and Pedro?

    1. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      1 hour ago

      yes

    2. Playing both

    3. GoonerSteve
      • 16 Years
      52 mins ago

      Nope, playing both. I think Chelsea score at least one

  2. lilmessipran
    • 14 Years
    1 hour, 8 mins ago

    On a WC pick one-

    A Gvardiol +1m
    B NOR

    1. el polako
      • 9 Years
      1 hour, 5 mins ago

      Gvardiol has been the one in points but watching the game is ORielly who caught the eye.
      I’d go with NOR for a few and if it doesn’t work it’s a very easy downgrade to whoever you want.

  3. Ask Yourself
    • 10 Years
    1 hour, 6 mins ago

    A) White and Tzolis (CHE) > Thiaw (BOU) + Foden (COV)
    B) Keep and save the 2FTs

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      13 mins ago

      Hall and Foden

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 10 Years
        1 min ago

        Would have but can’t afford

  4. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 hour, 4 mins ago

    Rate my free hit team:

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

    Opinions appreciated

    1. DRINKWINE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 min ago

      It is good. Most FH teams will look similar and there is nothing wrong with it. I personally tried to throw few differentials in there (Saka, MGW, Thiago even..)

      I have Bruno but dropped him in my FH team (look few posts below) ... feel I could have much more fun building the FH team freeing his fund 😀

  5. Pablitto
    • 16 Years
    1 hour, 4 mins ago

    play Tzolis or DCL?

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

      DCL

    2. Nutmeg Ninja
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 hour, 2 mins ago

      Tzolis

  6. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 16 Years
    1 hour, 3 mins ago

    Pretty set on Tzolis -> Foden but what's the best way to make up the 0.5?

    A) Maguire -> Dedic (Hume to Konsa next week)
    B) Maguire -> Konsa
    C) Kinsky -> Dub
    D) Le Fee -> 5.4 or under, most likely just a 4.5
    E) Mbeumo -> Wirtz

    1. Roshen
      • 4 Years
      10 mins ago

      a

    2. LS11
      • 1 Year
      7 mins ago

      A

    3. GoonerSteve
      • 16 Years
      just now

      A or C

  7. Jenas
    • 7 Years
    1 hour, 2 mins ago

    On FH and I really like Buendia as a one week punt, please talk me out of it.

    1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      • 2 Years
      20 mins ago

      Villa stink offensively and Hull look solid defensively. Hull @ home also.

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      17 mins ago

      I am not sure there is much about him so far that suggests a punt

      1. Jenas
        • 7 Years
        3 mins ago

        I'm willing to take the risk if he's nailed to start.

      2. Jenas
        • 7 Years
        1 min ago

        Any suggestion from villa mids? Goretzka maybe?

  8. LS11
    • 1 Year
    1 hour, 1 min ago

    Gtg? Transfers spent, would sky TC?

    Verbruggen
    Dedic Calafiori Jacquet
    Wirtz Cherki Semenyo Gomez
    Haaland JP Isak

    Kinsky Tzolis Konsa VanEwijk

  9. Dynamic Duos
    • 13 Years
    1 hour, 1 min ago

    Dont know if any of you play CLUB, but start who here?

    A) Fernandes (nfo)
    B) Haverts (CHE)

  10. Nightf0x
    • 11 Years
    1 hour ago

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

    2fts, which way togo? Ndiaye tzolis to:

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

  11. Under my Cucurella
    • 11 Years
    1 hour ago

    Start Verbruggen even if starting DCL? or start Kinsky? (no Forest players)

    1. Nightf0x
      • 11 Years
      18 mins ago

      Same dilemma, kinsky dont make saves while verb does so might go verb

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      17 mins ago

      Verb - playing DCL shouldn't change whether you think he'll score more

  12. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    59 mins ago

    2FT but £0m ITB

    Raya
    Calafiori, Shaw, Hume
    Szob, Bruno, Mbeumo, Tzolis
    JP, Haaland, DCL

    Steele, Slater, Thomas, Rodon*

    Just stick TC on Haaland and reasses next week?

    1. Jullepuu
      • 7 Years
      15 mins ago

      I did Mbeumo to Cherki and I'm considering selling Tzolis

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        13 mins ago

        Cherki just filling me with worries of his benching - maybe not this week but guess the 3 City midfielders feels like a game I don't want to play at this point

        1. Jullepuu
          • 7 Years
          2 mins ago

          I feel like its a risk worth taking given Cherki's form, the fixtures and still having the wildcard

        2. Jullepuu
          • 7 Years
          just now

          Also on Haaland TC btw

  13. DRINKWINE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    58 mins ago

    FH team, I am 0.1 short of affording this team, feedback and/or Egan any suggestions how to make it work??

    Kelleher - Dub

    Ajer - De Cuyper - Gvardiol (Egan - Mendy)

    Saka - Gakpo - Foden - MGW ((Yalcouye)

    Thiago - Isak - Haaland

    1. De Cuyper downgrade to a Leeds defender. Either a drab 0-0 or Leeds beat them. Gakpo to Szob could also get the 0.1m

  14. The Reptile
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    58 mins ago

    on WC - stick with Szob or take a punt on Gakpo?

    1. vova
      • 16 Years
      just now

      Szobo on WC, much safer... Gakpo not nailed on at all in the long term

  15. vova
    • 16 Years
    58 mins ago

    Anyone going triple Brentford defence on FH?

    1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      • 2 Years
      3 mins ago

      Thiago turning into R9 when the Sky Sports cameras aren't around is where I'm putting my money

    2. Shipstontrev
      • 17 Years
      just now

      I think two plus M. Sangare is enough

  16. Jullepuu
    • 7 Years
    58 mins ago

    A) Tzolis to Elanga or another mid up to 6.5m
    B) Save ft so that next gw Tzolis could be upgraded to someone better as Bruno to Palmer seems likely

    1. Ibracadebruyne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      14 mins ago

      A, pull the trigger now and deal with B later

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      14 mins ago

      I think B is where I am at. Gives Tzolis another week as well

    3. Shipstontrev
      • 17 Years
      9 mins ago

      B, I think it’s more of advantage to keep the FT for next week.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 7 Years
        just now

        Leankng towards this. The underlying numbers of Elanga are not that good. There is a possibility that Artera still trusts Tzolis and he performs well against Chelsea and in the following games

  17. Ibracadebruyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    56 mins ago

    Pick one of…

    A. Sangaré

    B. Gross

    C. Elanga

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      5 mins ago

      A

      1. Ibracadebruyne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        just now

        Why? Thx

    2. TAArt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      just now

      Sangare or gross
      I’d rather stach over Elanga

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

    Freehit team, Good to go?

    Kelleher
    Ajer / O'Reilly / De cuyper
    Buendia / Bruno / Cherki / Schade
    Haaland / Wissa / Isak

    Dubravka / Gomez / Egan / Davis

    0.1 ITB

    1. Harrow Andromedes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      2 mins ago

      Man I like it similar to mine. I'm not sure on Oreilly though that's all. Like the Buendia pick

    2. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      1 min ago

      I like Wissa but my only thinking is Bourne are not a push over.

  19. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    53 mins ago

    For those picking Wissa on Wildcard....aren't you worried about the new signing taking minutes?

    I'm currently holding DCL but Wissa is tempting

    1. up the reds
      • 3 Years
      3 mins ago

      I expect he wont drop straight into team. Then i also see him playing alongside or in front of Wissa. Wissa is in great form

      1. Shipstontrev
        • 17 Years
        just now

        Agreed.

    2. GoonerSteve
      • 16 Years
      just now

      I think the new signing is a winger/forward so may not start in the 9, and even if he does Wissa should play 10 and looked very good there gw1.

      DCL also a good option though. Could bite you if you do the swap.

  20. Nutmeg Ninja
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    53 mins ago

    Best captain with no Haaland?:

    a) Bruno
    b) Cherki
    c) O'Reilly
    d) Thiago
    e) Isak

    1. TAArt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 mins ago

      Cherki or Isak

    2. Ibracadebruyne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 mins ago

      b,e,a,d,c

    3. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      • 2 Years
      3 mins ago

      a
      (gap the size of the atlantic ocean)
      b
      d
      e
      c

    4. Shipstontrev
      • 17 Years
      just now

      No Haaland at home to Coventry is asking for trouble, just ask those people that didn’t captain Bruno Fernandes at home to Ipswich last week.

  21. TAArt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    52 mins ago

    A) Gvardiol Dedic Gross
    B) Hall De Cuyper Sangare

    1. GoonerSteve
      • 16 Years
      5 mins ago

      B for me

    2. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      3 mins ago

      A

  22. Holding off the FH and WC...

    A Rodon to De Cuyper (although have Verbruggan)
    B Rodon to Egan
    C Mosquera to Gvardiol
    D Mosquera to Calafiori

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      5 mins ago

      C

    2. Shipstontrev
      • 17 Years
      2 mins ago

      C

  23. HellasLEAF
    • 17 Years
    50 mins ago

    Wissa or DCL.

    1. bobson5
      • 15 Years
      just now

      Wissa

  24. graham_p
    • 8 Years
    49 mins ago

    On wild card, Have Szobo, Cherki & Sangare, Which is better to complete midfield? have exact money for either!

    A: Bruno F & Gross
    B: Palmer & Gibbs white

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      6 mins ago

      That is tough.

      If you have Pedro, I'd go A.

      1. graham_p
        • 8 Years
        just now

        Have Pedro, Haaland & Wissa up front & Cali, Gvard, Konza, DeCruy & Ajayi in def, with Verb & Horn GK's, thanks

    2. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 mins ago

      Never understood the fuss with Gross, he rarely scores or assists. I like B.

      1. graham_p
        • 8 Years
        just now

        Thanks, was also considering Szobo to Gakpo with prob def duties coming up! Cheers

  25. bobson5
    • 15 Years
    49 mins ago

    Bench 1 of .... DCL, Mbuemo, João Pedro, Tzolis or Sangare ?

    1. Under my Cucurella
      • 11 Years
      4 mins ago

      Tzolis

    2. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      3 mins ago

      Tzolis

  26. Under my Cucurella
    • 11 Years
    48 mins ago

    How many more weeks is Ajer set to keep his place?

  27. Boz
    • 14 Years
    47 mins ago

    Doku out. Ndiaye to start?

  28. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    46 mins ago

    I have Bruno and Mbuemo, both underlying stats are good, but do you think Mbuemo to Cherki is crazy?

    1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      • 2 Years
      4 mins ago

      Mbeumo better for guaranteed mins, Cherki better for literally everything else

      1. CelticBhoy1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 mins ago

        Yeah Mbuemo much more nailed but his XG is also better, City have a much better fixture though at home to Coventry

        1. Depends how far ahead you're thinking mate. Easy decision this week but further down the line once Enzo is fully integrated and Doku returns it gets tricky

  29. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    46 mins ago

    Pick 1 to play from

    Calaflori
    DCL
    Slater

    Any ideas would be appreciated

  30. Gandalf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    45 mins ago

    Final decision:

    1. Bring in Foden/Cherki for Cov + Sunderland, and FH in GW4 (to captain Palmer, and fill Liverpool/Chelsea/Arsenal gaps)

    2. Go without Foden/Cherki and Palmer (C) with free transfers.