Team News
16 October 2026 243 comments
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13 Premier League press conferences are scheduled for Friday – and this is the place to come to get all the major Gameweek 7 team news.

We’ll bring you the key quotes in the article below.

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

*Regis Le Bris and Marco Rose spoke to the media after Thursday’s European matches, while Roberto De Zerbi will reportedly hold his press conference on Sunday morning, after the deadline.

FRIDAY’S KEY GAMEWEEK 7 TEAM NEWS

FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES

MANCHESTER CITY

Enzo Maresca wasn’t specifically asked about injuries in his presser, but the Italian did touch on potential rotation in the upcoming period.

“At some point probably we need to give him [Haaland] a rest, some days off. We are thinking about this. And not just with Erling, we have some players who fortunately or unfortunately are playing all the games with us, all the games with their international team, Elliot [Anderson], Enzo [Fernandez], Marc [Guehi], Erling, Ruben [Dias], so at some point we need to give them some rest.” – Enzo Maresca

Maresca later discussed Phil Foden, who is back from suspension this weekend.

The midfielder hasn’t scored since December, to which the Italian replied: “he’s going to score tomorrow”. He wouldn’t confirm if he will start against Ipswich Town, however.

“Just try to work with him day-by-day. During the international break and since the red card against United has been quite long, but he’s training well, doing well since we started, very positive, very good. And we’ll see for tomorrow, he’s available but we have so many games that we’ll decide if he’s going to start or not. But no doubt he’s going to give us something.” – Enzo Maresca on Phil Foden

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Morgan Gibbs-White picked up a “minor muscle injury” at Crystal Palace and hasn’t trained with the group this week, but could join tomorrow.

“Morgan Gibbs-White is a doubt. He couldn’t train the entire week with us. It looks like he can join tomorrow’s session. He had an individual session today with our rehab coaches. He suffered a minor muscle injury at Palace. We have to see how he reacts today and how he deals with tomorrow’s session, and then we will take the final decision.

“But luckily the injury doesn’t seem to be very serious. We have a chance that he’s available.” – Oliver Glasner on Morgan Gibbs-White

Nikola Milenkovic trained today for the first time this week.

Nicolo Savona (knee) and Igor Jesus (calf) are out.

BRENTFORD

Keith Andrews provided injury updates on Kevin Schade (shoulder) and Jannik Schuster (ankle)…

“Jannik and Kev have been on the grass this week and we’ll see what tomorrow brings in terms of how much they can do.

“They are different types of injuries. This week, we’ve had to navigate through a few issues. Those two are some of those who are making their way back from injury. Overall, we’re in a really good place.” – Keith Andrews

Sepp van den Berg, Nathan Collins and Mikkel Damsgaard could all be involved this weekend.

Antoni Milambo (knee) and Josh Dasilva (hamstring) are still out.

On Mamadou Sangare being dropped, Andrews said…

“It’s no real reflection on him, why he came out of the starting team. We have got a really good squad and really good options. Mamadou has been outstanding since he’s come in. I think everyone knows that with the accolades and plaudits he’s had about the start to his Premier League season and how he came in during pre-season and lit it up.

“He’s so dynamic in the way he plays and he’s such an infectious player. That hasn’t changed. Mamadou will play a lot more games and a lot more minutes for us. It’s difficult picking the team and the main message to the group is that it’s going to be a long season. We’ve got games coming where the squad will get really tested. If we want to achieve a really special season, we’re going to need everybody.” – Keith Andrews

ARSENAL

Piero Hincapie (ankle) and Christos Tzolis (hamstring) remain out, while Martin Zubimendi (unspecified) will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.

“Piero is evolving really well. Knowing his character and the way he pushes, I’m sure it’s not going to take long. But he will need probably another week or two.

 “Zubi looks much better and we have another session tomorrow. After that, we will assess whether he’s available for Forest.

 “[Christian Tzolis is] doing really well. Yesterday, he had another MRI scan. He’s progressing really well, another one that hopefully we can have back in a few weeks.” – Mikel Arteta

William Saliba (back) remains out.

“Next week, we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment. Every sign so far has been very, very positive.” – Mikel Arteta

CHELSEA

Reece James has successfully undergone knee surgery after an injury in training.

He’s now set for a period of rehabilitation.

“We are all disappointed, especially for him. He wanted to have a good start after the international break. We don’t set timelines but he will be out for several weeks. It won’t be short. We will see after Christmas, time will tell.” – Xabi Alonso on Reece James

Emmanuel Emegha and Jamie Gittens (ankle) are also out.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Michael Carrick said the club have moved on quickly from Lisandro Martinez’s remarks about the Manchester United hierarchy.

The defender will be in the squad for Sunday’s trip to Leeds United.

Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo, who missed out in midweek, will be assessed.

Noussair Mazraoui (back), Patrick Dorgu (hamstring), Manuel Ugarte (knee) and Benjamin Sesko (calf) remain out.

“We’ll see on Luke and Kobbie.

“Ben’s [Sesko] still undergoing a few checks before we give any updates on timelines. We’re just trying to be clear on what that looks like, but when we know more we’ll let you know.” – Michael Carrick

EVERTON

Vitalii Mykolenko (leg) could return in Gameweek 7, while Jarrad Branthwaite (dead leg) faces a late fitness check.

Christian Norgaard meanwhile will probably be on the bench again.

“Jarrad [Branthwaite] had a little problem really early in the game, so we’ve been having a look at that in the week a little bit.

“Mykolenko is doing much better, he’s got a chance for the game and Christian [Norgaard] has still got a wee bit to go, but I think I could use him at different times if required. I don’t know I he’s ready to start the game yet.” – David Moyes

On Thierno Barry, Moyes said…

“We’re so pleased about the goals Thierno is scoring right now. Someone told me he’s missed the most big chances in the Premier League but some forwards would say he’s getting in the right place at the right time. As a manager you just want him to score. I’ve said many times this isn’t a team that is going to get loads of goals so when you get the opportunity you’d like him to be more clinical, to score more be a bit cleaner when he gets the chances.” – David Moyes

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Pascal Struijk (hamstring) will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s M23 derby.

“He gets another day of recovery and we will see how he is tomorrow and then we make a decision.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Pascal Stuijk

Fabian Hurzeler isn’t expecting anyone else back, although Mats Wieffer (knee) and Yankuba Minteh (leg) are getting close.

Kaoru Mitoma‘s (hamstring) recovery is less advanced, however.

“With Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer we could see quite a quick return.

“For Kaoru Mitoma, I hope he’s back for the international break, but we have to be more patient.” – Fabian Hurzeler

Femi Azeez (hamstring), Zadok Yohanna (unspecified), Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Stefan Tzimas (knee) remain out.

Jack Hinshelwood made his return from injury in Thursday’s win over Kauno Zalgiris.

ASTON VILLA

Ross Barkley and George Hemmings both face late tests ahead of Gameweek 7.

Ian Maatsen and Matteo Ruggeri remain out, as well as long-term absentee Amadou Onana.

LEEDS UNITED

Joe Rodon remains out, but Daniel James could return for Sunday’s home encounter with Manchester United.

“Progression. Joe will still miss this game on week seven so edging closer, good progress. Won’t be too long until team training but not yet.” – Daniel Farke

Mateo Joseph (knee) remains on the sidelines for the Whites.

FULHAM

Hugo Larsson (groin) is a doubt, but everyone else is available.

“We have a small problem with Hugo – his groin. We will check today, but I’m not sure if he will be okay for tomorrow.

“Everyone else is available.” – Alvaro Arbeloa

That presumably includes Tom Cairney (knee), who has missed the start of the season but returned to training over the international break, and Antonee Robinson, who was unavailable last week due to an ankle issue.

BOURNEMOUTH

Marco Rose faced the media on Thursday night.

He provided a positive injury update on Alex Scott (tendon).  

“We did yesterday an MRI and the pictures looked really well. So, his progression and his healing is on a good way, better than we expected. It means not that he is ready for Sunderland or for next week, but we can progress his rehab training now. We can bring him back on the pitch to start and see how he responds, and we are not talking about six to eight weeks anymore. We are quite confident that we get him back maybe a little bit earlier.” – Marco Rose on Alex Scott

Justin Kluivert and Amine Adli returned to action against Sturm Graz on Thursday after their respective injuries.

Veljko Milosavljevic (knee), Julian Araujo (thigh) and Eli Junior Kroupi (foot) remain flagged.

SUNDERLAND

Wilson Isidor is a doubt, while Thomas Meunier is unavailable.

“Wilson got a minor injury, and we’ll assess day by day, we don’t know for Bournemouth.

“For Thomas, it’s a no, definitive at the minute. For the others, they’re training with the squad now, so they will be ready.

Brian Brobbey and Habib Diarra were both back on the bench in Europe on Thursday.

Romaine Mundle (knee) and Dan Ballard (hamstring) are still sidelined.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Pierre Sage was asked whether he expected any players to return on Sunday.

 Jean-Philippe Mateta, Dean Henderson, Ben Chilwell and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all currently flagged.

“I don’t know because we will train after the press conference. That why we have to evaluate [Henderson’s] chance to come back in the team, and it’s the same for the other players. It’s not a way to say it, but for the moment I really don’t know.” – Pierre Sage

Chadi Riad (knee) is out, while Axel Disasi continues to serve a three-match ban.

IPSWICH TOWN

Gary O’Neil is hopeful he will have a fully fit squad in Gameweek 7, but did say they have a “couple of checks still to do”.

Abdul Fatawu returns from suspension.


243 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. FantasyFooty01
    17 hours, 54 mins ago

    Kinsky

    Calafiori, Van Hecke, Konea,

    Cherki, Palmer, Rogers, King

    Haaland (TC), García, DCL

    Bench:
    Bentley, Tavernier, Muharemovic, Muñoz

    1 FT 1.5 ITB
    Should I make any changes?

  2. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    17 hours, 39 mins ago

    I would like to keep Schade if he is only out for max 2GW.

    2ft.

    a) Bruno, Shaw -> Saka + De Cuyper
    b) Shaw -> De Cuyper
    c) Bruno, Shaw -> Palmer + De Cuyper

    Verb/Kinsky
    Cala Konsa Gvardiol SHAW
    BRUNO Mbeumo Gross
    Haaland Pedro DCL

    B: *SCHADE Davis Slater

    1. thewhitepele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      15 hours, 22 mins ago

      b

  3. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    17 hours, 36 mins ago

    Vital Mitoma quotes omitted in relation to MDC. Where's Neale? 🙁

    1. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      17 hours, 35 mins ago

      Can you elaborate?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        16 hours, 16 mins ago

        Tom has misquoted in the above. He's heard "back for" instead of "before" on Mitoma, which makes a big difference. This is why it all falls to pieces without Neale.

        https://x.com/FPLFocal/status/2111044071879774566

      2. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        15 hours, 39 mins ago

        If you need it any clearer that the quote is wrong

        https://x.com/BBCSussexSport/status/2111030355020988582

    2. GENERATION X
      17 hours, 22 mins ago

      Mitoma was quoted as saying 'I'm just waiting for Virg to buy De Kuyper and then I'll say I'm fully fit and will be taking his place'

      1. BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        17 hours, 17 mins ago

        thanks, then easy avoid!

  4. x.jim.x
    17 hours, 14 mins ago

    Bottom of the league dishing out FPL tips on their official Twitter account - has the game ever been more gone than right now

    https://x.com/FulhamFC/status/2110694744112210147

    1. Holmes
      17 hours, 12 mins ago

      Thats where the FFS money is going, hmmm...

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      16 hours, 15 mins ago

      It's a partnership with a real premier league club. Are you not entertained (impressed)?

      1. x.jim.x
        16 hours, 6 mins ago

        No and neither are the fans judging by the comments

  5. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    16 hours, 9 mins ago

    God bless you Jarrad!

  6. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    16 hours, 6 mins ago

    In your opinion what is the best option for my 2FTs

    Szoboszial & Gvardiol > Rogers & Van Hecke
    Szoboszial & Fernandes > Gross & Palmer
    WC to get all 4

    Kinsky Dubravka
    Calaflori Gvardiol** Thomas De Cuyper Ajer
    Fernandes** Szoboszial** Mbeumo KDH Slater
    Pedro Haaland DCL

    1FT WC available 2.7 ITB

    Any ideas or alternatives would be appreciated

    1. chelseabrad
      13 hours, 27 mins ago

      Roll

  7. how now brown cow
    15 hours, 59 mins ago

    Is Shaw & Szoboszlai -> de kuiper & groß worth a -4?

    Fixtures aren't good after this one....

  8. myteamissheeeeeeeet
    15 hours, 56 mins ago

    Hey All,

    I have Bruno and want rid! Midfield is:

    Rogers Gross Ode Cherki Bruno.

    Out for who? Have 3 Arsenal BTW so not Saka!

    1. Mbuemo a bit sideways.
    2. Palmer got Rogers
    3. Keep and swear a lot for 90+ mins!

    1. BrockLanders
      15 hours, 25 mins ago

      I'd hold personally. Great differential

    2. Bobby Digital
      15 hours, 24 mins ago

      3

  9. The Mighty Whites
    15 hours, 52 mins ago

    Would you start King or Muharemovic?

    1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      15 hours, 43 mins ago

      King.

  10. The Kopites
    15 hours, 50 mins ago

    Team good to go? Concerns over minutes for Gvardiol…

    Raya
    Cala Cuyper Gvardiol Van Hecke
    Saka GroB Rogers Tavernier
    Pedro Haaland

    Kostoulas/Schade/Thomas

  11. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    15 hours, 48 mins ago

    On WC what is the best 12m GK combo for this team

    xxxxxxx xxxxxxx
    Calaflori Van Hecke Thomas De Cuyper Muharemovic
    Palmer Gross Rogers KDH Slater
    Pedro Haaland DCL

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Nomar
      15 hours, 43 mins ago

      Why get 2 £6m keepers?

      Just get Raya and a £4.5 backup

    2. Deulofail
      15 hours, 14 mins ago

      In order of preference, having put 8 mins of thought into it:

      Verbruggen + 4.0
      Raya + 4.0
      Verbruggen + Tzolakis
      Verbruggen + Rushworth
      Verbruggen + Petrovic
      Trafford + 4.0
      Raya + Verbruggen
      Verbruggen + Trafford
      Donnarumma + 4.0
      Trafford + Kinsky
      Raya + Petrovic
      Raya + Kinsky
      Trafford + Petrovic
      Donnarumma + Verbruggen
      Trafford + Tzolakis
      Petrovic + Kinsky
      Petrovic + Tzolakis
      Donnarumma + Kinsky
      Donnarumma + Petrovic
      Petrovic + Rushworth

      1. Deulofail
        10 hours, 33 mins ago

        I forgot Kelleher, but he's fairly low down unless paired with a 4.0, then he's midpack

  12. FPL Seabass
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    15 hours, 47 mins ago

    Start Barnes or Barry?

    1. Nomar
      15 hours, 45 mins ago

      Barry. It’s fun watching him miss chance after chance when he’s in your team. Never a dull moment!

      1. FPL Seabass
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        15 hours, 40 mins ago

        Haha… Fun in a masochistic way!

  13. Noble Pirate
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    15 hours, 47 mins ago

    Who is priority to get in:

    Grob or De Cuyper? Can only do 1 without taking a hit.

    1. Nomar
      15 hours, 46 mins ago

      Groß

  14. Nomar
    15 hours, 46 mins ago

    If Naglesmann or Conte is going to be at United next week, after presumably Leeds beat them on Sunday and they do the right thing and fire Carrick, does that make Bruno relevant again?

    1. Malkmus
      15 hours, 27 mins ago

      Yup Carrick could go if Leeds hammer utd but it's a bit too early for looking at bruno imo. Utd just don't look fit enough, so give a new manager a few weeks to whip them into shape and then review - if carrick is sacked. Which he probably will be soon enough, utd managers don't ever seem to turn this form around.

  15. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    15 hours, 45 mins ago

    Bench one:

    A. Odegaard (nfo)
    B. Barnes (AVL)
    C. Barry (CHE)

    1. BrockLanders
      15 hours, 27 mins ago

      Ode

    2. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 27 mins ago

      C

  16. Ha.
    15 hours, 42 mins ago

    How long is Isak out for?

    3FT, but how about

    Isak > DCL
    Sanagre > Cherki

    1. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 27 mins ago

      Would keep Isak, back next week.

  17. Slitherene
    15 hours, 40 mins ago

    Wissa, Mbeumo --> Gonzalo, Cherki?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 27 mins ago

      Not this week

  18. EL tridente
    15 hours, 40 mins ago

    Rate this WC:
    Verbruggen, Kinsky
    Caliaflori, Vuskovic, Mykolenko, Egan, Davies
    Saka, Rogers, Gross, Mbeumo, Gibbs-White
    Haaland, Pedro, Cherif

    1. BrockLanders
      15 hours, 29 mins ago

      Don't like Mbuemo, Mykolenko and MGW (injured)

    2. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 28 mins ago

      6.5/10 g2g for this gw

  19. hazza44
    15 hours, 40 mins ago

    Hi all,
    Suggested transfers for this week? Szob to Rogers & which of the below to find the extra $$

    Raya
    Calafiori De Cuyper Hall Konsa
    Palmer Groß KDH
    Haaland Pedro Wissa
    (Dub MGW Szob Egan) 2FT, £0.4

    A) MGW → Manzambi/ Tavernier/ Savio
    B) Palmer → Semenyo/ Cherki
    C) KDH → Manzambi/ Rudoni/ King
    D) Roll

    1. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 28 mins ago

      D

  20. Zizou
    15 hours, 37 mins ago

    Verbruggen (CRY) Tzolakis (ful)
    Calafiori (nfo) Konsa (nfo) Egan (ful) De Cuyper (CRY) Gvardiol (IPS)
    MGW (ARS) Palmer (eve) Rodgers (eve) GroB (CRY) Manzambi (new)
    Barry (CHE) Haaland (IPS) Pedro (eve)

    Think i'm gonna BB with Haaland captain

    GTG??

    1. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 28 mins ago

      7/10 g2g

  21. Feanor
    15 hours, 33 mins ago

    Guess I’m starting Wissa now

    Glasner says Gibbs-White picked up a "minor muscle injury" last gameweek and hasn't trained all week, but might train tomorrow before Sunday's game. Is a doubt for GW7.

  22. AnfieldLad
    15 hours, 33 mins ago

    Play 1:
    A) Verbruggen (CRY)
    B) Kinskey (COV)

    1. BrockLanders
      15 hours, 32 mins ago

      A

    2. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 28 mins ago

      A

  23. BrockLanders
    15 hours, 32 mins ago

    Start 1:

    1/ Muharemovic
    2/ Silva

    1. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 29 mins ago

      Si

      1. BrockLanders
        15 hours, 28 mins ago

        Si, as in yes 1. Or Si, as in Silva!! Ha

  24. CaptainFail
    15 hours, 30 mins ago

    Is Haaland going to be rested vs Ipswich?!?!?!

    1. BrockLanders
      15 hours, 29 mins ago

      It's certainly possible

    2. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 29 mins ago

      Possibly due to PSG loss and must win champions league game next week, wont know until deadline.

      1. x.jim.x
        14 hours, 16 mins ago

        "Must win" when they've only played 2 out of 6 games, what do you mean

    3. CaptainFail
      15 hours, 9 mins ago

      I might go rogue with the captain choice this week (De Cuyper, Gross, Semenyo or...Gonzalo!)

  25. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    15 hours, 27 mins ago

    Play Verb or Kinsky if I have De Cuyper?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 26 mins ago

      K

  26. Malkmus
    15 hours, 25 mins ago

    For those who still have TC chip, are you playing it this gw? If not, when are you thinking? It doesn't get more plum than City at home to ipswich...

    1. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 24 mins ago

      Gvardiol TC looks good

    2. BrockLanders
      15 hours, 24 mins ago

      It is plum but you couldn't guarantee Haaland doesn't get a rest this week

  27. Pep Roulette
    15 hours, 25 mins ago

    Haaland a risky captain now after those comments from Maresca?

    1. Stranger Mings
      15 hours, 24 mins ago

      Yes i may captain s9meone else

      1. DRIZ ✅
        15 hours, 22 mins ago

        Who?

        1. Stranger Mings
          15 hours, 20 mins ago

          Saka or palmer or pedro

    2. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      15 hours, 21 mins ago

      I think he will get minutes, either from start and maybe 45-60mins, or as a sub. He will want to add to his goal tally.

  28. Dynamic Duos
    15 hours, 24 mins ago

    Locked in.

    Kinsky
    Calafiori Gvardiol De Cuyper
    Palmer Rogers Groß Cherki(vc)
    Haaland(c) Pedro DCL

    Matthews Konsa Hall Szoboszlai

  29. Gudjohnsen
    15 hours, 21 mins ago

    Start Szobo or Egan?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      15 hours, 21 mins ago

      Szbo

      1. Dynamic Duos
        15 hours, 20 mins ago

        Not injured?

  30. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    15 hours, 16 mins ago

    Hi Guys

    In your opinion what is the best option for my 2FTs and/or WC

    Szoboszial & Gvardiol > Rogers & Van Hecke
    Szoboszial & Fernandes > Gross & Palmer
    WC to get all 4

    Current Team

    Kinsky Dubravka
    Calaflori Gvardiol** Thomas De Cuyper Ajer
    Fernandes** Szoboszial** Mbeumo KDH Slater
    Pedro Haaland DCL

    Potential WC Team
    Raya Leno
    Calaflori Van Hecke Thomas De Cuyper Muharemovic
    Palmer Gross Rogers KDH Slater
    Pedro Haaland DCL

    1FT WC available 2.7 ITB

    Any ideas or alternatives would be appreciated