Team News

Injured Martial and Shaw ruled out of Gameweek 4

There were eight Premier League press conferences held on Thursday but the headline Gameweek 4 team news came from elsewhere.

Manchester United released a medical update this afternoon to confirm the rumours that Anthony Martial (thigh) and Luke Shaw (hamstring) would miss out on Saturday’s trip to Southampton, with further clarification on the severity of the injuries to follow in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s press conference tomorrow morning.

The Red Devils will also be without Diogo Dalot (muscle) and Eric Bailly (knee).

United’s opponents this weekend, Southampton, will themselves be without Nathan Redmond (ankle).

The winger had to be helped from the field midway through the EFL Cup win over Fulham, with Ralph Hasenhuttl providing the following update:

In the moment it looks that he seems to be out for two or three weeks, I think. The next ten days he has to wear a shoe that doesn’t move his ankle. It can be quicker, it could be worse.

Besides Nathan, Moussa [Djenepo] is injured, he has a problem with his muscle. He is also out for the weekend. Michael Obafemi doesn’t really have an injury but he cramped a little bit and so also for the weekend it’s maybe too much for him.

There was plenty to interest Fantasy managers in Unai Emery’s press conference, with the Arsenal boss first providing an update on long-term absentee Rob Holding (knee):

Rob Holding is training with us, playing with the under-23s but he is not 100 per cent to play on Sunday with us. We think now he is getting better, he can play one match but not with the intensity we want for Sunday, for example.

On Kieran Tierney (groin) and Hector Bellerin (knee), Emery said:

That international break is going to give us two weeks to test them better than before, because now my focus with the team is the players that will be available on Sunday and to prepare with them.

The Arsenal boss admitted that Nacho Monreal leaving the club is a “possibility” but said that he doesn’t expect Mesut Ozil to depart, giving the following update on the German’s condition:

This week he is training well, he is progressing physically better and training normal work for us. He is going to be more closer to us and available for Sunday I think.

Asked about the diamond formation that proved unsuccessful against Liverpool, Emery replied:

We won with the diamond last year; we lost with the diamond last year. The consequence of the result on Sunday was not the diamond, but really we are ready to play with different tactical decisions.

Last year we worked and used different [formations] with good performances because the players here worked on different systems. We are more rich tactically with different situations on the pitch and can change in each match and each moment in the 90 minutes.

The weekly question about whether Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette could start together was again asked, with Emery responding:

Yes, but be calm. My decision before was, thinking in each moment how we are.

For example, with Lacazette we had some problem in his ankle. I think this week is the best week of the last three, getting better and feeling better with his ankle, it’s very positive.

Pepe, he came here later than the others and also progressively he is playing and getting better in each match. Aubameyang for us is very important, he scores two goals in the first two matches, he had two or three good options in Liverpool.

I think they can start together and they can play also during the match, it depends how we decide our gameplan. I can be also very optimistic for that situation, but not also with those three players, also with Reiss Nelson, with Willock, with Mesut Ozil.

Sean Dyche looks set to be without Johann Berg Gudmundsson (calf) for the visit of Liverpool, with the Burnley manager saying:

Just a minor, low-level calf strain. We’ve just got to be a bit careful hence why it’s highly unlikely he’s fit for Saturday. There’s a very strong chance that during the international break he’s fit and well.

Asked if Aaron Lennon, who was brought off early in the EFL Cup with perhaps one eye on Gameweek 4, could replace the Icelandic winger, Dyche was understandably noncommittal and said:

We were cautious with him last night [substituting him early]. We know Jeff Hendrick’s operated in the wide area and done ever so well. We’ve got a bit more flexibility with J-Rod and Vyds, we’ve got a chance to play a three.

At West Ham, Manuel Pellegrini reported that Michail Antonio will have an MRI scan tomorrow on his hamstring injury but added that Javier Hernandez has recovered from a knee problem.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder didn’t provide an update on John Fleck (hamstring) in his press conference but had previously said that he was “hopeful” of the Scotsman being passed fit.

Asked if Oli McBurnie could start this weekend, Wilder said:

He’s been pushing and he scored. I’m obviously not going to sit here and tell you my team but he’s well in the forefront of our plans going into Saturday. He’s knocking on the door to play.

Wilder hinted that rotation could be commonplace up front this season but there were more encouraging comments for those Fantasy managers who own one of the Blades’ defenders:

Goalkeeper and defenders you really want to keep that settled and organised and maybe not so much in the middle of the park but especially at the top of the pitch, it’s important that you have different options. We have to look at different ways of playing.

Dean Smith confirmed that Matt Targett (hamstring) is the latest addition to Aston Villa’s injury list.

Speaking on Thursday, Smith said:

Matt Targett has a slight hamstring problem from Tuesday night’s game, so he’s out this weekend. James Chester is still out. Jonathan Kodjia is probably unlikely as well. They’re the three that won’t make the game but everybody else is fit.

There will be a number of Fantasy managers – particularly those playing the Sky game – who will be keen to hear if Frederic Guilbert has now nailed down the right-back slot after his impressive showing in Gameweek 3.

Smith mentioned the French full-back when asked about Mohamed El Mohamady but there was predictably no definitive answer from the Villa boss, who said:

He knows he’s got a challenge now with Freddy Guilbert, who has put in a really good performance against Everton. What I want is people challenging for positions and he’s certainly got that challenge now.

Brighton boss Graham Potter reported no new injury concerns after Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie but offered an update on his three sidelined players, saying:

They’re making good progress. I’m hopeful Bissouma maybe the Burnley match, some involvement. Schelotto not quite sure, maybe a bit more time. But they’re both getting close. [Izquierdo] is going to take a bit more time.

Jurgen Locadia is no longer an option up front having signed on a season-long loan for TSG Hoffenheim.

In a press conference that was only released from its embargo this evening, Javi Gracia confirmed that Troy Deeney (knee) is his only absentee for the trip to Newcastle.

Asked if Ismaila Sarr and Danny Welbeck could again feature after their starts in the EFL Cup, Gracia said:

These two players, in my opinion, need time. They need time to show their best qualities, their best condition, but in this moment we need all of them. We will see, we’ll decide if they start, play some minutes or play other players.


We’ll have a round-up of the remaining 12 press conferences tomorrow, while our Team News tab will be updated over the coming 24 hours.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 3

1,248 Comments Post a Comment
  1. La vida FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Those with Moura still in your squads? Keeping or time to get rid?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Same question for Jota.

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Put on last page, weighing up whether to bin him or Martial this week.

      I think with no other issues he'd be gone. Not a sure starter, missed a great chance at the weekend, Spurs have other options in his position. Think he'll be used as an impact sub.

      1. La vida FPL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        He disappointed against Newcastle. Missed a couple of sitters. I suppose he's not guaranteed to start but when he does he seems to play the centre forward role. Likely to make the switch to Mount depending on team news.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I dont like it but Im keeping. If you look at it rationally he played all 3 games so far, 1 assist and 1 goal. Had some great chances last game too. Dropped against City but that is a special game considering the opposition is the best team in the league.

      Moura could very well start again against Arsenal and at 7.5 OOP hes a decent player to own.

    4. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Have Moura Martial and Jota.... tempted to WC

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        So do I but I think I'll go with a -4 only. Probably Mount + Haller... may just keep Moura and hope

    5. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'm going to keep him for one more week. I don't think Dele's ready to start and He was much better than Son last week.

      1. La vida FPL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Agree - he was in the right positions. Just no good finishing. Would be nice to hold for 2FTs during the IB.

    6. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      When do you plan to WC? I got rid of him on my early WC. I think Moura has been OK for the price so far. Not terrible, not mind blowing. Funnily, many people seem to have lots of 4.5-6.5 mids and 9.5+ mids without any 7.0-9.0 mids in the mix.

  2. Who Ate All Depays?
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope
    Digne, Kelly, Lundstram, Hanley, X
    Sterling, Cantwell, Salah, Luiz, X
    Aguero, Pukki, Haller

    A) TAA, Mount
    B) Mings, KDB
    C) any other suggestions

    1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A I think

    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A, coz you need at least 2 decent defenders.

      1. Bushman
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        This

    3. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  3. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Daniels going to miss rest of season. Does that mean Rico is nailed?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If they play 5 at the back, he should start, otherwise no.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Whats the alternative on left back?

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Smith, Stacey RB

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Didn’t they sign a new left back in the summer?

    3. Shakshuka
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not nailed but certainly improves his chances

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

      Kelly out that long too?

      Adam Smith has played LB previously, wouldn’t be relying on Rico.

    5. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      They have Smith who can play left back and their new signing Kelly when he is back form injury. So no

    6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      The one concern is he didn't come on for Daniels when he went off

      Yes they wanted to go more offensive but it just shows he's not essential to Bournemouths system

    7. Partick Bateman
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Smith played LB last season ahead of both Daniels and Rico when Francis was available. Francis, Daniels and Kelly out injured so in a 4-4-2 Rico only likely not to play if Smith switches to LB and Stacey comes in at RB. Same applies in a 3-5-2 but someone else coming in to play RWB.

  4. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is my bench right? Cantwell or Barnes to start? Soyuncu or Kelly?

    Pope
    TAA Digne Soyuncu
    Salah Sterling KDB Mount
    Barnes Pukki Haller

    Button Cantwell Kelly Lund

  5. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) martial to mount
    B) Bench mount and play trossard

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      a

  6. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ballon D’or next, Virgil 😎

  7. oi no professionals
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bench one:
    A. Siggy
    B. Ceballos
    C. King
    D. Greenwood

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      D

    2. Bushman
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      D

  8. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which is a better option?

    a) Martial to Anderson

    b) Save the transfer and start Dendonker

    Thanks guys

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Probably A

      Depends on your bench if Donkey doesn't play.

    2. Bushman
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd prob hold so you have 2 FTs after the break. Easier said that done though

      1. Bushman
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Also be aware price drops. That would encourage me to part ways if I had him. No help then me!

  9. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    RMWT

    Ederson Button
    TAA, Digne, Zouma, Lund, Soyuncu
    Salah Sterling KDB Mount Cantwell
    Abraham Pukki Greenwood

    Lund and Soy rotating fixtures

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Solid.

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        cheers

    2. Bushman
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You must be a Chelsea fan?! I'm not convinced by Zouma. I would save money in gk & def and upgrade Tammy

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        yep, Chelsea fan... maybe blinded by Tammy's obvious brilliance

        1. Bushman
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Fair play. Good to see something non-template

  10. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone using their TC chip this weekend?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Saving for a DGW as always

    2. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Which City player do you have in mind ?

    3. Bushman
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ooh I hadn't thought about TC. King Kun is tempting

  11. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Have mount, so best replacement for martial?
    A) maddison
    B) Anderson
    C) James

  12. dark91
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    And the big Dutchman steals the trophy

  13. Earwicker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Well done VVD.

  14. Energetics
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    With Martial confirmed out which is the better option?

    A. -4 to Mount
    B. Bench and play Greenwood

    1. GE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

  15. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ederson + Kane > Pope + Aguero -4

    or I could wildcard...

    1. GE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn’t for a hit

    2. Bushman
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What a WC team, right....?

      Adrian / Button
      Matip / Mina / Kelly / Pieters / Lundy
      Salah / Raz / Kev / Cantwell/ Ceballos
      Kun / Puk / Greenwood

      0.3 ITB (started with 5 at the back but it failed miserably, hence the cheaper defence

  16. GE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What would you do here? 🙂

    1) Martial -> Mount (-4)
    2) Martial -> Cantwell (-4), bring in Mount for Dendoncker the next week
    3) Play Lundstram (Chelsea away)

    (0FT, 0.0 itb)

    Pope
    VVD/Digne/Zinc/AWB
    Salah/Sterling/KDB/Martial*
    Pukki/Jota

    Bench: Button, Lundstram, Dendoncker, Wickham

  17. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Virgil wins it. Deserved, what a season for him.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Absolutely
      Happy as a PL fan

  18. Cynical
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best 5.5 def not from City or Everton?

    Or go 3 at the back and get McGinn?

  19. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who's more likey to start:

    A) Rico (Fraser could play WB)
    B) Greenwood

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  20. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    next 2 transfer suggestions after this GW please

    adrian
    vvd laporte digne
    salah kdb lanzini perez dendoncker
    aguero king

    button greenwood a.smith lundstrum

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Why still got Perez?

      1. Bonus magnet
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        one more week

    2. Till IE Mens
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You can't predict the transfers for the next gw

    3. FAR EAST
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Perez King --> Pukki McGinn?

  21. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    If i dont have KDB yet, is Martial to him a no brainer?

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

  22. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Dilva good Martial replacement?

  23. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Alisson gets GK of the year.

  24. Till IE Mens
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Choose 1

    Barnes
    Haller
    Tammy

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Tammy this week

      1. Till IE Mens
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Even with mount in the team?

    2. FAR EAST
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Haller looks good, could be great differential.

  25. FAR EAST
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which one?
    A) Salah Greenwood Mcginn (3-5-2)
    B) Mane Barnes Dendoncker (3-4-3)

  26. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Should I take a hit to get Martial out this week?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If you dont have a playing bench

  27. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    On WC and can only fit in two out of the three

    Mount
    Barnes
    Haller

    Who would you leave out? I'm thinking maybe Barnes

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Agreed

  28. Earwicker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    And after Virgil and Lucy win Playerf of the Year we have Belgium v England on TV...nicely scripted!

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      ??? VVD is Dutch.

      1. Earwicker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Good point well made...doh!

  29. Freaki
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Martial highest gw transfer outs in history incoming

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lol

  30. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else got Cantwell off the bench for Martial? Oh yeah!