Team News

The FPL Gameweek 8 team news and injury updates so far

Eight Premier League managers held their pre-Gameweek 8 press conferences on Thursday, although none of the ‘big six’ contingent were among that number.

The remaining 12 top-flight bosses will deliver their pre-match pressers either on Friday or after tonight’s Europa League games and we’ll have the usual article and video round-ups tomorrow afternoon to summarise those.

The headline team news from today came from Leicester City, with Brendan Rodgers confirming that James Maddison (ankle) is fit to feature against Liverpool this weekend.

Rodgers said:

James is fine, he’s trained the last couple of days. He’ll be OK.

The Leicester boss added that he had no other injury concerns as he prepares to return to Anfield.

We may not see Lukasz Fabianski (hip) again this calendar year, with Manuel Pellegrini confirming on Friday that the Polish shotstopper is set for a spell on the sidelines.

A decision will be made today or tomorrow on whether Fabianski will have surgery or recover without an operation, with Pellegrini saying:

In both cases [with or without surgery], less than three months will be difficult for Lukasz to return.

Asked if he would move for a free agent to bolster his options between the posts, the West Ham boss added:

Roberto is a goalkeeper that I trust a lot. For the moment we are going to keep the two goalkeepers that we have. But we will decide after we have exact knowledge how long Fabianski will be out.

Sean Dyche looks set to be without Jack Cork (shoulder) for the first time this season, saying on Thursday:

Corky is the only doubt, he’s got a very minor fracture on his scapula. And although it’s not that painful, there’s obviously a precautionary element to that. Touch and go but I’m thinking we probably look wiser on it to make sure he’s ready for the next one.

Dyche heavily implied that Jeff Hendrick would cover for Cork in central midfield.

When asked if he could possibly move to a 4-3-3, the Burnley boss said:

It often comes down to what suits the players and I believe I know what suits the players, which is why we often do play with two strikers.

The flexibility we have been looking for has certainly been on show. In pre-season we morphed into a three on a couple of occasions and it had a positive effect, Brighton and last weekend it had a positive effect. It’s there should we need it.

Jay Rodriguez can play wide as a three, even though he’s a forward, and he’s done that many times. Ashley Barnes has done that many times, particularly before he got here, down at Brighton.

The Clarets are up against Everton this weekend, who are still without Jean-Philippe Gbamin (thigh).

There was more positive news surrounding Andre Gomes (ribs) and Theo Walcott (head), however, with Silva saying:

Really good news for us. Andre started since the first day of the week, Theo started to do some individual as well, and today did all the session with the team. They are good news for us. Both OK.

Like you know, Andre didn’t play the last month. He worked during the week, in some moments more tired than the other teammates, but that is something normal. Now it is up to us to keep working hard with him and to put him the same level as the others.

Dean Smith had mostly positive news for the weekend, saying of Aston Villa’s fitness situation:

Henri Lansbury has been back training now so he’s available for selection. Tyrone Mings is fine, he’s trained all week. Matt Targett has trained the last couple of days as well so he is available for selection.

The game will come too quick for Jonathan Kodjia, who has trained with us, but because of the nature of the facial injury, he’ll be available after the international break.

Graham Potter rounded up Brighton’s injury latest, meanwhile, saying:

Solly’s [March] been training back, Alireza’s fine. Davy Propper we’ll wait till tomorrow to make a decision. Shane Duffy is making really good progress, won’t make the game but diagnosis is probably a bit better than the original diagnosis.

Leo [Trossard] is making good progress but again too soon, same with Berny [Bernardo] as well. Leon Balogun, back in the squad.

Potter said he was “optimistic” that Trossard and Duffy will return soon after the international break.

Ahead of the match at Watford, Chris Wilder said of Sheffield United’s injury situation:

The game on Saturday has just come a bit too quick for Didzy [McGoldrick]. I think he might be going over with the Republic of Ireland squad, for them to have a look at him as well, to see where he is. He’s getting closer.

Billy Sharp returns from suspension for this clash, while the Hornets will again be without Troy Deeney (knee).


Predicted line-ups and more detailed information can be found in the Team News tab, which is being refreshed over the coming 24 hours.

Lessons Learned from Gameweek 7

566 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    A second string for Arsenal tonight. That could be good for them this weekend.

    I say second string, there's still plenty of talent there, but you all know what I mean.

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      We all saw the starting line-ups. And yes we undersand that Martinelli is not Auba

      1. CroatianHammer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        *cough*

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Lesson from tonight's lineup:

      Tierney, Bellerin and Holding continue to build up match sharpess, Expect them to start in the "First Team" after the international break but this weekend a game too soon.
      Ceballos/Torreira look like bench for weekend. Chambers on bench tonight means could start at weekend again.
      Saka rested so looks like has nailed down a first XI spot.
      Nelson/Wilock look like impact subs again for weekend but possible one of them may start vs Bournemouth too. A early withdrawal may give us a better idea on that.

      1. TAT
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Good write-up. This might make Unai's team selections for the weekend more predictable. I'm looking at a short-term punt with Saka myself.

        1. CroatianHammer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah, the emergence of Saka has been an easy pick for me, definitely. I now have XV players who I have no qualms putting out in the XI. Reckon I'll ship out Ceballos soon though. He had that one great game, looked like he was in the first team plans, but then nothing really... Ah, 'tis Le Arse, they were always going to Arse it up when it comes to team selection.

          1. CroatianHammer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Actually, at 3-0 we might see Ceballos get minutes 2nd half & maybe he stakes his claim once more.

          2. TAT
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            You just can't trust Unai when it comes to team selections. I think Saka is OK short term given his recent performances, but he will get rotated as everyone else.

            Ceballos is an interesting one though. Everyone can see how he should start, yet Unai seems to think otherwise – even though it was him who convinced Ceballos to go ahead with the loan move. It's a bit strange.

  2. Vlad Tepes
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Guess Chambers will start instead of AMN right?

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I personally think Emery is grooming Chambers to be the next captain, so I'd think he'd be preferred over AMN.

      1. Vlad Tepes
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Yes and AMN is playing tonight so.

  3. Guy Demel
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Everton will inevitably sign Lingard next summer.

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      We’re getting Gazza back in.

    2. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      He is officially retiring and going full time into fashion

  4. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Hayden to Saka for free? Or bank FT?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Hayden will never be in my team. Red card magnet

    2. SH
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      If you have KDB and need a short time cover. Rested today, so should start the next match.

  5. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Hmmm... 0.1 itb. Actually Dinker to Saka is a possibility and keep KDB. Hmmm...

    Seems like a waste of transfer no?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Or it's a great punt.? Cant decide

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

        Just done Dendonker to Saka for free and have 1 ft remaining.

        Exciting to see if it works out this weekend.

    2. SH
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I am doing this. Although I have 2FTs

  6. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Very disappointing result for Rangers. A point was needed from that game if we're serious about advancing to the knockout stages.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Sorry mate

      1. Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers my friend *reaches for the bottle*

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      So Rangers didn't hurt Young Boys then!

  7. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is the "United way" failing to shot on goal?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Ole should retire. Absolutely out of his depth

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Don’t understand the fans that defend him what are they watching

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Manchester Untied.

  8. Lestat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    anyone without sterling this weekend who can only get him in with a 4 pt hit?..and is it worth it?

    Im one of those with the KDB/Aguero combo.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I am in the same situation. Have decided to rely on my rather ordinary bench for this week (Guendouzi, Lundy & Kelly).

      I am.waiting to see how bad the KdB injury is.

  9. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Wolves defence looking real solid lately ahead of this weekend. Feel like having money tied into premium city assets is a real waste this week unlucky sterling and Aguero owners

    1. Indpush
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Caring of you

    2. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      very caring of you but no

  10. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Reason for James sub? Bad, injury or saved?

  11. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    A) Barnes, Dendonker -> Auba, Sako (-4)?
    B) Barnes -> Auba (Play Dendonker)

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      That's a lot of money in the bank! A looks really good!

  12. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Kane to Auba (C) for free ?

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Looks like a sideways move, Kane could easily have a good run over the next few games

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Auba has better fixture in next 10 games.

      2. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Good run based on nothing, bad form, team playing bad.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Do it. Looks like a good move.

  13. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    These Europa League weird kick off and FTs are really messing with my internal football clock.

  14. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Save? Could have 2 FT for IB!

    Adrian
    TAA Otamendi Lundstram
    Salah(C) Pepe DSilva Cantwell
    Aguero Haller Tammy

    Button Guendouzi Rico Aurier*

  15. TAT
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Martinelli with a wonderful header. 1-0.

    1. TAT
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      2-0!

  16. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    I have 5 of the 6 most sold players this week - I will only sell Aurier though.

  17. Freaki
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Martinelli is a machine!

    1. Freaki
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      2-0!

  18. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Been a hectic day so please forgive me in advance..

    Any link to what Pep said about KDB please?

  19. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Tierney assist 🙂 ..... he is so on my watchlist after the international break.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I might get him this week. Surely he starts ahead of Kola against Bournemouth

      1. Revival
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Hard to predict, putting him in after the international brwak seems more likely to me

      2. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        No Kolasinac will start, that's why Tierney is playing tonight. Tierney is likely to get starts after the IB. Very unlikely that Arsenal keeps a CS on Sunday anyway though.

    2. TAT
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Hush! We need him to be a differential.

  20. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is Saka a good punt for my 4.5 mid? Need rid of Hayden and for cover this week due to the injuries to KDB and allegedly Cantwell

    1. Freaki
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Think Martinelli gonna get more starts after this performance!

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        I need a 4.5 midfielder!

        1. Tempestic
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          I think until Laca's back hes a good punt. Might get him in to cover injuries also.

          1. Danstoke82
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Seems like a no brainer then. I have to get rid of Hayden

    2. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Exact same situation, I'm getting Saka over Dendo. Suppose it's worth the risk of 0.1 over Dendo.

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Reckon he’s worth a punt then?

  21. F4L
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Auba going to be perma-benched at this rate 😀

  22. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Martineli train

  23. Poseidon.
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    We should take Martinelli

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      what about Haaland

      1. Poseidon.
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        They can play together

  24. Freaki
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Tierney really is something like robbo!

  25. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Tierney is Arsenal's TAA!!

    1. Freaki
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Nah robbo

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

        TAA, just from the other flank.

  26. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Who said Martinelli wasn't a patch on Auba?

    1. TAT
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Learning from the best!

  27. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    So seems Saka is nailed to start this weekend. As KDB will most likely miss the game, which option is better

    1) Hayden-> Saka
    2) save ft, accept Soy stepping it for KDB

    Pope
    lundstram Ota Taa
    KDB Mount Son Sterling
    Pukki Abraham Firmino

    Button. Soy, Hayden, Hanley

    1. Transfer Addict
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Save FT if it was me. Still an outside chance of KDB minutes

  28. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is Cantwell ok?

  29. Transfer Addict
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    In turmoil...help please
    Play Cebellos or Lanzini this week??