Team News

The FPL Gameweek 28 team news: what we know so far

We’re at the halfway point in our team news summaries for Gameweek 28, after ten Premier League press conferences were held on Monday.

The other ten are scheduled for either this morning or early afternoon, ahead of the Fantasy Premier League deadline at 18:45 this evening.

Things We’ve Learned

All of the “big six” managers will hold their pressers later today, so the information we have gathered so far may not quite pack the same punch as the injury news to follow at – for example – Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Ben Chilwell (knock) has been declared fully fit by interim Leicester City boss Mike Stowell ahead of the Foxes’ clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday night, with only long-term injury victims Marc Albrighton (hamstring) and Daniel Amartey (leg) unavailable for Gameweek 28.

There’ll be a great deal of interest in how Leicester’s Fantasy assets fare in their first match following Claude Puel’s departure, though Stowell suggested he wouldn’t be making wholesale changes when he leads the team out at the King Power Stadium:

Literally, we’ve had one training session with them because yesterday was a recovery day. We will tweak a few things here and there, but they’re not playing poorly, by the way.

Chris Hughton will make late checks on Glenn Murray (knock), Lewis Dunk (knock) and Jurgen Locadia (ankle), meanwhile, though Solly March (ankle) has been passed fit to play.

Leon Balogun (knock) remains out.

The Brighton boss said:

Balogun would be the only one that’s definitely not available. Glenn [was] introduced to training only the last day, Lewis Dunk as well, Izquierdo is back training. Solly’s trained the last few days, he’s fine. Jurgen’s trained only yesterday.

There was nothing new to report on Tyneside ahead of Newcastle v Burnley, with Rafael Benitez only without Rob Elliot (back) and Ciaran Clark (knock) for Tuesday’s match.

Sean Dyche added that the Clarets had come through their win over Spurs unscathed, so Steven Defour (calf), Aaron Lennon (knee) and Jon Walters (Achilles) remain his only absentees.

Nuno Espirito Santo also has a fully-fit squad to choose from, though his opposite number on Tuesday evening, Jan Siewert, reported a number of issues in his press conference.

The Huddersfield boss said:

Diakhaby’s still not available, unfortunately. I think it will take time. Isaac Mbenza is still injured and Danny Williams, of course. We have some small problems, but not as serious as those three.

Siewert said that he hoped Erik Durm (hip) will return, while Alex Pritchard is available after minor back problems.

Winston Reid (knee) and Fabian Balbuena (knee) have returned to training at West Ham United after their injury lay-offs but Manuel Pellegrini said on Monday that the pair had only participated in “part of the session” so they would appear unlikely to feature against Manchester City on Wednesday.

The Hammers’ boss also said that the club were being “careful” with Manuel Lanzini after the Argentinean’s recent comeback:

We must be careful with him. I think that he played 15 minutes [v Fulham] and he did very well. We will see which is the best way to give him more minutes in every game.

Kiko Femenia (hamstring) and Jose Holebas (suspended) are Watford’s only confirmed absentees for the trip to Anfield, though Javi Gracia said the former is closing in on a return:

In this moment we only have Kiko Femenia injured. He is training and today he trained with the team but he is not fit. He needs more time to stay in the best condition, but he’s the only player not available for the next game.

After a 17-day break, Everton are back in action this evening.

The Toffees are almost at full strength, with Marco Silva only having Yerry Mina (foot) to worry about from an injury point of view – though Kurt Zouma misses out through suspension.

Silva said:

Jags [Jagielka] is OK, working with the team since the break started. Leighton [Baines] also. Mina in doubt, worked last two days and will be in doubt until tomorrow. Let’s see after one more session.

The Toffees travel to Wales to play Cardiff on Tuesday evening, with Neil Warnock reporting that “one or two lads” had fallen victim to the same bug that caused Lee Peltier – who remains a minor doubt for Gameweek 28 – to miss the defeat to Watford on Friday.

Warnock also had plenty to say on Victor Camarasa (calf):

Victor’s training now so I don’t know really know about him. He’s looking on song, back to normal.

We think he’s closer to fitness than what his guys think, but then obviously you run the risk if you make him play and he breaks down, what are they going to say?

He obviously listens to his physios, medical people and Tom, Dick and Harry from abroad. I thought he was fit ten days ago, so they’ve said they don’t want him playing for ten days. So ten days is up today, I think.

MANAGERS YET TO DELIVER A PRESS CONFERENCE

Unai Emery (Arsenal)
Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)
Maurizio Sarri (Chelsea)
Roy Hodgson (Crystal Palace)
Claudio Ranieri (Fulham)
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United)
Ralph Hasenhuttl (Southampton)
Mauricio Pochettino (Spurs)

INJURY NEWS THAT MAY BE UPDATED ON TUESDAY

  • Arsenal have doubts over Alex Iwobi (knock), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (illness) and Stephan Lichtsteiner (back).
  • Callum Wilson (knee) and David Brooks (ankle) are thought to be medium-term absentees for Bournemouth and are not currently scheduled to return till March.
  • Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) missed out on the win over Leicester City on Saturday, though no timeframe was put on the Palace right-back’s return.
  • Andre Schurrle missed Fulham’s defeat to West Ham United through illness.
  • Roberto Firmino (ankle) was seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches after sustaining an injury in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp said he had “no clue” about the severity of the problem after full-time of that match.
  • Gabriel Jesus (hamstring), John Stones (groin) and Benjamin Mendy (knee) missed the EFL Cup final but Pep Guardiola said all three were “getting better” in a previous press conference on Friday. Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho, who picked up muscle injuries on Sunday, are set to be out for “some weeks”, according to their manager.
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Sunday that he would be “maybe surprised” if Marcus Rashford (ankle) was fit to face Crystal Palace in midweek. Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Jesse Lingard all fell victim to hamstring injuries against Liverpool, while Anthony Martial (groin) wasn’t quite ready to feature.
  • Danny Ings (hamstring) is a major doubt for Southampton’s six-pointer against Fulham, while Michael Obafemi appeared to suffer a recurrence of his own hamstring problem in the defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
  • Mauricio Pochettino said last Thursday that Dele Alli (hamstring) was “maybe one week, maybe ten days, maybe two weeks” away from a playing return.

Predicted line-ups and in-depth team news on the ten teams who have held press conferences already can be found here.

1,777 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    With Firmino probably out, is Salah gonna get plonked up top?

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He’s always plonked up top

    2. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Shaqiri will presumably play behind him but I'd prefer Bobby as a creator. Didn't get a lot out of shaq when he came on against United.

    3. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Will be something like this....

      -------Fabinho--Henderson-----
      Shaqiri-------Keita--------Mane
      ----------------Salah---------------

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yes.
        I can see milner instead of Hendo though.

    4. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Hmm this changes my mind about captain...

    5. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Dunno if sturridge or Shaq will play

    6. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      May put in origin.

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Origi even

    7. reedj008
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I hope not, he looked really poor against United at the weekend. Would prefer it if they stuck Origi or Sturridge up top and kept Salah on the wing.

  2. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed.

    A. Sterling + Rondon
    B. Almiron + Aguero

    Thanks.

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      b

  3. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Can I get a bit of help here. I'm really out of the loop. I have all my chips and have no idea when I am supposed to be using them?

    Here's my team with 2FTs and 0.7m ITB.

    Alisson Stek
    Bennet Laporte* AWB* Digne Robbo
    Salah Camarasa Rich Anderson Son
    Laca Rashford Mitrovic

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You have 6 player's playing gw 31, so I'd suggest the popular strategy:

      Build for 31 & 33
      FH 32
      WC 34
      BB 35

      TC : anywhere. Can do Salah 31/36

      Try N get Chelsea attacker next gw as everyone will have at least 1 in gw 31

      1. sentz05
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you so helpful

        1. sentz05
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Who should I bring in for Laporte? Chilwell?

      2. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This is exactly my plan

    2. sentz05
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      David Luiz?

  4. Amey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any news/pics of Sterling training today guy's ??

    I can't decide Whether to do
    Son to Sterling (-4) transfer. Don't want to miss out on Raz points as missed a lot already.

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm looking at the exact same transfer. Don't want to do Auba to Aguero, but tempted to do Son to Raz to cover City attack.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Exactly.
        Want to do Auba to Higuain next gw.
        Selling before Bournemouth home fixture is asking for it

        1. n14mul
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'm on same boat with higuain. But also considering rash for king for gw30. Game vs hudds cannot be missed

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'd get Sterling if you don't have Kun.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        😮
        Thank you.
        I don't have kun.

      2. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        But he wasn't in training yesterday, and fear of a rest!? Also some fears that Son may perform against a tired Chelsea.
        Can see this being a 18:44 decision

  5. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Rash > Vardy (1FT)?

    Originally planned to get Kun this week but I think I may C Auba now.

    FH in 32, so whoever I get in need to play both BGWs

    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm tempted with this also, although it sounds like he could play and then it's SOT at the w/e...

  6. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any Thoughts ??
    Ryan (Brouc)
    Robbo Doherty Kola Bedanrek (AWB)
    Salah- Pogba - Son-
    (F.andrson -oriol)
    Kun - Laca - Jiménez
    4-3-3
    2 FT and 0 M in the bank

  7. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think a -4 is required here this week? Bench is pretty ropey to say the least!

    Fabianski
    Doherty, TAA, Kolasinac, Pereira
    Salah, Son, Siggy, FAnderson
    Auba, Rashford

    Steele, Camarasa, Ings, Holebas
    Bank 2.5m, 1FT

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Who are you captaining?

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Probably Auba - I'm chasing and rival doesn't own him.

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Team fine, just maybe Rash to Jimi or Vardy.

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Son (che, ARS, sot, blank, likely blank) -> Mane (WAT, eve, BUR, ful, sot) worth a -4?

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I’d wait for the weekend or 30. Chelsea away in their current state and Arsenal home aren’t bad fixtures right now.

          1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Chelsea just held man city for 120 with different tactics and spurs just lost to Burnley??

        2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah based on fixtures yes but pool attack not clicking ATM .I thought about this but more I think want to do it around gw31 not now

          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Perhaps, although Everton and Watford aren't exactly tight at the back either. Can see LIV scoring a few in both.

    3. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yes for me.

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thinking Son & Rashford -> Mane & Vardy has good potential.

        The safer option being Holebas & Ings -> Robbo & Barnes

        1. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I like the first move.

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Just upgrade Ings

      Siggy could be a secret weapon this week

      I can’t see you reaching anyone worthwhile from Camarasa and Holebas upgrade would leave 5 at the back

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, Maddison and Richarlison are the best I can do with Camarasa.

        Holebas -> Robbo also an option.

      2. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Camarasa & Ings -> Maddison & Rondon ?

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          A huge reach for a minus 4. I did something similar last week but Rondón had Huddersfield up and not Burnley

          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah, I don't like it either. Think I prefer Son & Rashford -> Mane & Vardy.

            Plan would then be:

            29: Auba (tot) -> Higuain (ful)
            30: Ings -> Arnie/Wilson/King
            31: Holebas -> x

            which would give me 11 in 31

    5. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ings to rondon I think

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        ...and leave it at that? Feels quite a meh transfer.

        I need to take 1 hit between now and 31 to field 11, so thinking now is as good as any given the state of my team....

        Have a feeling Vardy is going to bag a brace this week....

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I’d seriously consider Jimi as the upgrade.

          I know that’d leave you shorter in 31 but he could/should make up for that in the next 2.

          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah his next 2 are great, but then it’s che, blank, blank given I’ll be FHing 32 and WCing 34. Can’t be bringing someone in for that I don’t think.

        2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah thought u wanted cover for ur bench.I am in a similar state wanting to take a hit this week itself in preparation for gw31 and benching fandoI would get hazard over mane everyday of the week

          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Or the even riskier option of:

            Son, Ings & Rash -> Mane, Vardy & Rondon (-8)

            Too far?

            1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              A bit risky but if u really fancy vardy maybe go for it . Depends how much u fancy him

      2. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        That would leave me enough for Son -> Mane or even Hazard (who looked great midweek) for a -4

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Hazard loves a goal vs spurs.I might do that

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I’m bothered by his false 9 use against City - it sort of worked if you factor in extra defensive solidity.

            He’s produced very little from there. It’s enough for me to steer clear of Chelsea - my plan B was a Haz Hig double up in 29.

            1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              No chance of false 9 vs spurs.False 9 was to use willian and Pedro to track back and minimize mancity width.Chelsea defeated spurs in the 2nd leg not too

              1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                *long back and giroud was used when higuain wasn't eligible not false9

              2. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Probably right but then that makes Chelsea a defensive liability with Hazard doing nothing to help down the left. Hence I’m keeping Son

                1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Emerson will start over alonslow not fussed.Hazard hasn't been that bad as before when tracking back is concerned recently playing with that liability

  8. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hello!

    Which should I do:

    a) Auba -> Aguero
    b) Rash -> Barnes

    1ft 3.4itb

    Fab
    Robbo Doherty Pereira
    Salah Pogba Son Jota
    Jimenez Rash Auba

    Hamer Digne Bednarek Masuaku

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        cheers, u still have Auba as well?

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        thanks bud

  9. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Fellow, Firmino and Rashford owners what are your plans?

    1. shawry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Done Rashford to Vardy, don't see why they would risk Rash when they don't need to.

  10. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    PLEASE HELP. WHICH ONE YOU WOULD CHOOSE?

    Who to transfer in for Rashford, Aubm, Llorente and/or Son.
    0.6m in bank.

    a) Rashford -> Jimenez
    b) Aubm - > Aguero

    -4p hits:
    c) Rashford and Llorente -> Jimenez and Rondon
    d) Llorente and Son -> Jimenez and B.Silva
    e) Rashford and Son -> Jimenez and Sane

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      C

  11. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Laporte out for:

    A Luiz
    B Chilwell
    C Lascless
    D Tarkowski
    E Creswell

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Maguire

  12. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    The plan was for another dullard move to future-proof the team:

    Hamer > Boruc

    However, Martial being ruled out could be a spanner in the works.

    Patrício
    Robertson (V), TAA, Digne, Doherty,
    Sterling, Sané, Son, Pogba, Martial**
    Aubameyang (C)

    Hamer | Rashford*, Solanke, Clyne

    My aim is to keep my transfers "strategy-neutral". Boruc would help me with a FH in GW31, 32 or 33. Likewise, saving to potentially buy Chelsea players next week would not push me into a strategy yet, either, so I could decide later based on iformation from watching more footballlll!

    So, do you think I should stick to the plan? Will Solanke against Arsenal be good enough cover for Martial, and then Clyne potentially the only sub...? What would you suggest?

  13. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Rondon vs Barnes

    - Both in form and have good stats (Barnes edges this, but has had better fixtures)
    - Rondon has better fixtures
    - Barnes is guaranteed a 33 fixture

  14. lindeg
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    hi, havent been active for long

    can anyone tell me when chelsea will most likely have a double gameweek?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Could be either 32 or 35 (or a slight chance another week if they go out of Europe this round) - won't be confirmed until after GW31.

      1. lindeg
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        cheers lads!

  15. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Between taking a hit this week, or just roll the FT.

    Alisson
    Robertson Pereira Doherty
    Salah Pogba Son Richarlison
    Rashford* Aguero Barnes

    Boruc Bennett Anderson AWB

    I dont fancy Rondon and would be ha hit to get in Vardy

    So
    A) Vardy (-4)
    B) Save FT

  16. Dreed91
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Looking likely that Aguero will start looking at what Pep has just said in his press conference:

    “We were without John [Stones] and Gabriel [Jesus] and they are still out and now with Dinho [Fernandinho] and Ayme [Aymeric Laporte].

    https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11661/11648545/premier-league-build-up-live

  17. jjandellis
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Fabianski / Button
    Robertson / Kolasina / Doherty / Femenia / AWB
    Pogba / Son / Jota / Pereyra / Felipe Anderson
    Auba / Rashford / Firmino

    Building for DGW32, with FH 31 - whilst trying to keep some players with juicy fixtures along the way.

    GW Subs?:

    a1) Firminho ------> Jimenez a2) same plus AWB -----> Shaw
    b1) Rashford -----> Jimenez b2) same plus AWB ----> Shaw

  18. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    If one was to wildcard on DGW 32 with no chip available for GW33.
    What would the team look like ?