Team News

FPL Team News and Injury Round-up – Gameweek 36

Friday was a busy day on the team news and injury update front as 14 Premier League managers delivered their pre-match press conferences.

The head coaches of Brighton, Everton, Fulham, Huddersfield, Liverpool and Southampton all held their pressers yesterday and the stand-out quotes from those six managers – including Jurgen Klopp’s comments on Mohamed Salah and rotation – can be viewed here.

Pep Guardiola gave us more than he usually does in his own press conference on Friday, first starting with the latest on Manchester City’s injured contingent.

On Kevin De Bruyne (muscle), Guardiola said:

Still he is not fit. He’s getting better, but is not fit.

Asked about Fernandinho (knee), the City boss replied:

We will see tomorrow. Little bit of a problem in the knee but we will see tomorrow.

Guardiola also explained why John Stones was omitted from the match-day squad on Wednesday, saying:

We need for one typical game, more specific qualities for one central defender. I thought between Vinny and Nico, Vinny going back is a little bit quicker, the personality to play in Old Trafford. When it’s long balls, I prefer Nico and Vinny because they are so strong.

That above quote could be particularly relevant given that City are at Turf Moor on Sunday.

Guardiola also said:

When teams play so high, I need maybe Leroy, when they play deep, David Silva in the pockets is an incredible player.

The Clarets could welcome Phil Bardsley (gashed leg) back for Sunday’s match against City, meanwhile.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects Ander Herrera to be available for the visit of Chelsea this weekend and will hand a late fitness test to Scott McTominay, while the United boss also said he had no plans to take David de Gea out of the firing line, saying:

No, not at all. I trust David and for me, he’s been the best player United have had the last six/seven years. Going through tough patches is just part of a footballer’s career.

Maurizio Sarri didn’t provide any update on Marcos Alonso (gluteal injury) but said Callum Hudson-Odoi (Achilles) will be out for around three months.

The Chelsea boss also provided news on two of his other injured players:

Rudiger is OK, at the moment. We are trying to recover Kante but I am not sure at the moment.

Eden Hazard has occasionally been used as a false nine in matches against the “big six” this season, with Sarri having previously explained that he likes the Belgian’s defensive qualities in that role.

This fresh quote on Friday might be a hint that he will proceed with caution at Old Trafford:

We will try to win, of course. But we need not to lose.

Nuno Espirito Santo and Brendan Rodgers both reported no fresh injury concerns in their respective pressers.

Leicester are up against Arsenal, who welcomed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back to training on Friday after his “small procedure” on a sinus.

Emery said on Friday:

He trained today and, if tomorrow he can train, I think we can think he’s ready for Sunday. If he can train normally tomorrow, it’s a possibility [he could start].

Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) and Denis Suarez (groin) remain sidelined.

Mauricio Pochettino may secretly have one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Ajax but his ability to rotate may be hindered by Spurs’ lengthy injury list: Serge Aurier (hamstring), Erik Lamela (hamstring), Moussa Sissoko (groin), Harry Kane (ankle) and Harry Winks (groin) remain unavailable for Saturday’s game against West Ham.

When asked about the possible distraction of Tuesday’s match, Pochettino said:

I think it’s a little bit unlucky we can’t recover players for the game tomorrow. Then we need to still assess some players this afternoon, we’ll see if some players can be available or not.

We come from a very busy period and of course, there’s a lot of fatigue in the team. But all our decisions are going to be focused on trying to win the game tomorrow. It’s the most important game. We cannot think of Tuesday.

All the decisions we are going to take for tomorrow’s game is because we need to provide the team with energy, the capacity to fight from the first moment. It is so important to provide the team with the best tools and fresh legs, fresh minds to win.

Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini revealed that Aaron Cresswell (unspecified), Manuel Lanzini (groin) and Javier Hernandez (ear) have returned to training this week but Samir Nasri (calf) remains out, with a comeback pencilled in for next week.

Rafael Benitez confirmed that Jamaal Lascelles (stomach illness) will miss out against Brighton, while Miguel Almiron (hamstring) is ruled out for the season.

The Magpies’ boss expects Isaac Hayden and Fabian Schar (knocks) to recover, however.

Crystal Palace will once again be without James Tomkins (groin), Mamadou Sakho (knee) and Jeffrey Schlupp (ankle) for their match against Everton, while Neil Warnock said Joe Ralls (hamstring) will miss the rest of the season and that Harry Arter (calf) remains a doubt for the trip to Fulham.

Eddie Howe confirmed that he has two new additions to an already lengthy injury list, saying:

The long-term injuries are still the same, we can now add to that list, Junior [Stanislas].

Adam [Smith] will definitely be missing tomorrow, we will have to wait and see whether he’ll play again before the end of this season. We hope he’s avoided a long-term injury.

Watford’s team news was the last to be revealed, with Javi Gracia’s press conference again embargoed until 5pm.

Sebastian Prodl (knee) and Domingos Quina (shoulder) remain sidelined but Gracia said he has everyone else available.

1,222 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    So Bobby either starts or isnt in the squad surely?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Anfield express is historically incredibly in the know

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Confirmed out

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Who’s confirmed him out?

      2. All For One
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        What source?

      3. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        What?

        1. All For One
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Where did source of information come from?

      4. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry misread... But very likely out

  2. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Firmino + Eriksen -> Salah + Rashford?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      What if firminio plays?

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Or Salah + Original Perhaps?

      1. Peter Russo
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        you mean origi lol

        1. All For One
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          lol

  3. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Origi TC

  4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Oh well, Jota will come in for Bobby. Saves a bench headache at least...

  5. Rossaldinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Bench
    A Valery
    or
    B Duffy?

    1. Cak Juris
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Duffy

  6. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Will origi play or Shaqiri?

    1. Goat
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Origi

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Would not buy any as they are just another transfer down the pipe

  7. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Stick with this lot or twist and use a transfer?

    Lloris

    TAA/Duffy/Doherty

    Mane(C)/Son/Moura/Jota

    Kun/Jimi/Wilson

    Foster/KDB/Valery/Kola

    2.1 ITB

  8. HD7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Captain Mane Sterling or Son?

    Currently on Mane but feeling Sterling is da man

  9. Manani
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Firming to who? Got 1.5m

    1. wernerhedgehog
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Just play the bench? Valery for me atm :/

  10. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Where did the 2 random 4.0m midfielders pop up from??

    1. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      a little present for anyone who has held their 2nd wildcard this long

    2. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Fpl towers sneaked them in to use as enablers for their own teams.

  11. DR0GBA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Which defender to start?

    A) Jonny (wat)
    B) Cathcart (WOL)
    C) Luiz (utd)

  12. DanLynch
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Hazard > Salah(c) -4
    Yes or no?

  13. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    AE been spot on this season with pre-deadline news...

    https://twitter.com/AnfieldExpress_/status/1100365891659857920

    1. Lew
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Watford?

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Yes. Just highlighting previous times they've been on the money. Some say they aren't reliable.

  14. TyroneGAA
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Those with triple captain left are you playing tonight on Mané (as I am) or doing something different.. on my last connecting flight after a very rough week

    1. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I'm actually saving mine. I'm in two H2H leagues and saving it for the playoffs. Not like my OR is going to be affected one way or the other

      1. TyroneGAA
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I have to use it on mane I think tonight at home to Huddersfield would be an idiot not to I feel..

      2. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I'm in the same boat, my first round playoff match up has Mane but no chips left. As of now, TC Mane for me and BB next week..thoughts?

        1. Disco Stu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          That's reasonable. I'd do it too, but only have the TC left so may as well save it for the playoffs

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      On Salah and would done Mane if i didn’t have Salah

  15. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    AE tweeting "there are rumours" means he is out, or that there are rumours?

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Guy been pretty accurate usually. So I’d say out 90%

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Their source used to be Danny Ward, who has left the club.

      Firmino may well be injured tonight but the only people worth listening to are: James Pearce, Paul Joyce, Melissa Reddy, David Lynch and Neil Jones.

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Exactly.

    3. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      They probably won't want to mislead people. I guess it's up to us on how to interpret their tweet.

  16. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Play Duffy, Digne or Val?

    1. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I'm playing Duffy over Valery

  17. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Please choose 1 mid for next 3 games:
    A. Redmond
    B. Babel
    C. Deulofeou

    1. All For One
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A great fixtures

  18. Not again Shirley
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    So if Firmino is out then that will increase the possibility of Salah playing then.

    I am worried about Salah and may yet swap for Mane (C)

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Ridiculous decision

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      He's playing anyway. I'm still playing Bobby, still not sure who to bench so they can't be bad.

  19. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A. Aguero, Yoshida -8
    B. Eriksen, Tripier -4

  20. Yeboah Power XI
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Please help.

    A) Kola and Laca > Firmino and TAA

    Or

    B) Kola, Laca and Sterling > Zaha, Salah and DVD (-4)

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Be cautious about Bobby with the recent rumors.

  21. Manani
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Redmond or Doherty or Valery first sub?

    Got firmino first sub so likely need to play

  22. XABI 15
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    play jota or Wilson?

  23. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    TC Mane or Son?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Mane obviously

    2. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Mane

  24. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Salah central 😮

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Source?

    2. smix
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Mane central . Salah down the right with origi on the left .

      1. Party time
          4 years, 11 months ago

          This

      2. Oscar Slater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        The last time Firmino didn't play, the Robbo, VVD & TTA shared 51 points, Mane scored twice and Salah got hee fecking haw!

    3. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Why people are considering to sell Eriksen? Is he a doubt for tomorrow?

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        He might be rested for CL.

        I consider selling him.

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Locked and Loaded - KDB out for Kun(C) involving a couple of crazy hits. Fortune favours the brave I'm hoping!!
      GL for the GW all 🙂

      Lloris
      Robertson / TAA / Luiz
      Sterling / Son / Mane / Pogba
      Aguero(C) / Vardy / DCL
      (Speroni, Neves, AWB, Bednarek)

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Nice Jia! Would you recommend capping Sterling over Mane? Rival has brought in salah and TC’d him.

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          I was on Son ahead of Mane but went full circle back to City, just have a hunch that City will win well at Burnley. Of course Liverpool could batter Huddersfield tonight but then again it could prove nervy, hard to call. Honestly I'm just going with my gut and I like the fact City are not playing until Sunday, plus I have triple LIV so if they go mad I should do ok at least! GL mate 🙂

      2. Party time
          4 years, 11 months ago

          You are a Legend, you know. GL

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            I just do my own thing really and it often involves high risk moves than can leave egg on my face, but I love it haha! Best of luck with your Sane punt mate (considered it strongly myself also)! GL 🙂

            1. jia you
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              ...and my time machine is having some technical issues recently unfortunately 😉

              1. Party time
                  4 years, 11 months ago

                  Hahahahaha

        • Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Literally only brought Firmino in for a hit an hour ago and bench boosting this week. FML.

          1. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Just rumours

        • Dušan Citizen
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Which 1 to bench?

          Deulofeu
          Gray (who has 3g and 2a in last 5 home matches)
          Jimenez?

          1. The Rock
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Gray

        • Bury94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Been debating whether to bring Firmino in all day, nice easy decision now

        • The Senate
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          any of these moves worth a hit?
          (A) nope
          (B) Trippier to Robbo
          (C) Eriksen to Sterling
          (D) Rashford to Firmino

          Ryan(Foster)
          Trippier TAA Doherty
          Mane(C) Eriksen Son Milivojevic Deulofeu
          Aguero Rashford
          (Jimenez Valery Cathcart)

          Comments on bench and captaincy welcome ofc...

          1. The Senate
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            just seen that news story. Ignore D!

          2. All For One
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Hold transfer