Team News

The FPL Gameweek 33+ team news and injury updates

We round up the key injury updates and stand-out manager quotes ahead of Gameweek 33+ in our weekly summary of the pre-match press conferences.

We have heard from 18 Premier League managers so far, with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho the only two outstanding head coaches – although there is the possibility of embargoed sections from last night’s post-game pressers being released later in the day.

Liverpool v Aston Villa

Gomez absent for Liverpool as more injuries revealed after FPL deadline

There wasn’t much in the way of injury news from Jurgen Klopp’s press conference but the Liverpool boss did respond forcefully to a question on whether he would field fringe players and academy products in the run-in, saying:

They are so close, they are really good. And they are our future, 100%. But they will not play now because I want to see them in a Premier League game.

We don’t give Premier League games as Christmas presents. We cannot do that.

We have to make sure that the best XI on that day are on the pitch.

Matt Targett (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Villans, with boss Dean Smith saying:

He’s struggling. It’s not going be the reported three weeks, it’s not as bad as we first feared. We’re hopeful that he should be back for Crystal Palace [in GW35+].

Everybody else is OK at the moment.

Manchester United v Bournemouth

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t report any new serious fitness concerns but did hint at a change or two, saying:

Of course, there are a couple of knocks. You do start feeling things now after a little bit, so there might be a couple of changes but let’s see today. The boys who didn’t play on Tuesday want to play and are ready to step in if they have to.

I’ve got to wait and see because there’s a couple that’s got some knocks and bruises, so if there’s a couple of changes – don’t be surprised. Just because of fitness but there’s also so many games, I’ve got to look after them.

It’d be nice to play the team that performed so well against Sheffield United at home last time and played so well against Brighton but let’s wait and see how everyone is. I’ve got many reasons to play the same team but also reasons to rotate one or two.

Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe remain sidelined with unspecified injuries, with Jones not expected back in training for another couple of weeks and Tuanzebe out for the season.

Eddie Howe says he will make a late check on a “couple of players” ahead of Bournemouth’s trip to Old Trafford but, true to form, refused to name names.

Callum Wilson is still suspended.

Southampton v Manchester City

As mentioned above, we await news from Pep Guardiola following City’s comprehensive victory over Liverpool on Thursday.

Given that any comments would have been made straight after full-time, however, they may be of little use regarding any fresh fitness issues.

We do know that Sergio Aguero (knee) is out, at least, while Fernandinho returns from suspension.

Sofiane Boufal (thigh), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (ankle), Jannik Vestergaard (muscle), Nathan Tella (unspecified) and Yan Valery (unspecified) all look set to miss the visit of the Citizens but Ralph Hasenhuttl is at least boosted by the return of Jack Stephens and Moussa Djenepo from suspension.

The Southampton said ahead of the game:

We have a few problems, still with Pierre and also Sofiane. Not available for the weekend. Jannik Vestergaard has a few problems with a muscle injury. Yan Valery also has problems and Nathan Tella.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal

Is it time to invest in Arsenal assets after Gameweek 28? 8

Calum Chambers (knee), Pablo Mari (ankle), Gabriel Martinelli (knee) and Bernd Leno (knee) remain out, while Mesut Ozil (back) faces a late fitness check ahead of Saturday’s match at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Mikel Arteta also reported “a few issues” from the win over Norwich City, adding that the Gunners have been “playing a lot of games in the last few days and some players are recovering”.

Lucas Torreira is fit, at least, and could feature in the matchday squad for the first time since early March.

Nuno Espirito Santo has a clean bill of health ahead of the visit of Arsenal so his main decision will likely once again be over his starting formation and the inclusion of Adama Traore, with the Wolves boss having frequently alternated between a 3-4-3 and a 3-5-2 from match to match and indeed during games.

Tottenham Hotspur v Everton

Carlo Ancelotti sounded positive about Richarlison‘s (knock) chances of recovery ahead of Monday, saying in his pre-match presser:

Richarlison didn’t train today but I think he will be able to train tomorrow, so he is not going to have problems to play on Monday. I think he will be fine.

We have Sidibe back for this game. Out, Walcott and Delph.

We haven’t heard from Jose Mourinho apart from his post-Sheffield United press conference but there is the chance that more quotes from that media online gathering will be released from embargo on Friday or Saturday.

Japhet Tanganga (back) and Juan Foyth (knee) remain out.

Leicester City v Crystal Palace

Brendan Rodgers says that James Maddison is a doubt again after aggravating his hip problem in the defeat at Everton.

The Leicester City boss said Maddison “hopefully” wouldn’t be out for too long if he does miss out.

Roy Hodgson confirmed that Christian Benteke has recovered for Crystal Palace and said:

Martin Kelly is making big strides, so he joined in with the group for the first time today albeit only a part of the session. That’s a step forward, he’s been out for a long time.

We lost a young player, Nik Tavares, to a muscle injury, earlier this week in training. Jeffrey Schlupp and James Tomkins still remain out, otherwise the rest of the squad are ready.

Chelsea v Watford

Fikayo Tomori (muscle) and Mateo Kovacic (Achilles) are Frank Lampard’s only confirmed absentees ahead of the visit of Watford, with the Chelsea boss saying:

Fikayo is still not fit. He’s hopefully going to be training with us somewhere through next week. He’s doing a lot of work but in terms of the last bit to get him on the training pitch, it’s been tough.

Kovacic is going to be out of this game. He hurt his Achilles during the West Ham game and will miss this one, possibly the next one after that but hopefully, it won’t be too long after that.

Watford assistant boss Craig Shakespeare didn’t report any fresh injury concerns in his pre-match press conference, meaning that Gerard Deulofeu (knee), Isaac Success (Achilles) and Daryl Janmaat (knee) are Watford’s only confirmed absentees for the visit of Southampton.

The Hornets will welcome back Nathaniel Chalobah, Andre Gray and Domingos Quina into the first-team fold, with that trio having been omitted against Southampton “to ensure the health and safety of all players.”

Burnley v Sheffield United

John Fleck (groin), John Lundstram (shoulder) and Luke Freeman (unspecified) will all be missing for the next two weeks, which leaves Chris Wilder short of options in the middle of the park and very likely ensures Sander Berge and Ben Osborn will start again after their impressive performances against Spurs.

Jack O’Connell (knee) seems to be edging closer to a comeback but Wilder remains coy on the matter, having repeatedly said over the last fortnight that he was near to a return whilst also stressing that the Blades wouldn’t take any risks with the player.

Ashley Barnes (hernia) and Matthew Lowton (foot) remain out for the Clarets and Jack Cork (ankle) is a doubt but Jay Rodriguez (hamstring), Chris Wood (Achilles), Robbie Brady (groin) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (calf) are all possibilities to return.

Sean Dyche told the media:

Woody has been training this week but obviously hasn’t trained a lot. Johann has got a chance to at least be involved in some capacity. Robbie Brady maybe, Lowton definitely not, Corky’s a question mark, and Barnsey definitely not.

[Rodriguez] has got a chance. He’s trained two days after the last game against Palace so I’m hopeful that he’ll come through it and be available.

Newcastle United v West Ham United

David Moyes reports that Mark Noble (hamstring), Arthur Masuaku (ankle) and Sebastien Haller (hip) are back in training and he hopes to have “some of them back” for the trip to Newcastle.

Felipe Anderson is a slight doubt after picking up a muscle problem in the warm-up on Wednesday.

Steve Bruce says that Jamaal Lascelles (knock) and Joelinton (calf) will be assessed ahead of the game, with Sean Longstaff (hamstring) likely to miss out.

Norwich City v Brighton and Hove Albion

Daniel Farke has no new injury concerns after the defeat to Arsenal and Timm Klose returns from suspension.

Moritz Leitner (hernia) has joined Grant Hanley (hamstring), Christoph Zimmermann (back) and Sam Byram (hamstring) in being ruled out for the season, however.

Adam Webster (hamstring) and Davy Propper (calf) are expected to be fit for Albion, leaving only Jose Izquierdo (knee) on the sidelines.


More detailed information and predicted line-ups can be found in the Team News tab, which is being gradually refreshed today.


FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

615 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son to Mahrez for a hit?

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yeh

    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure about the hit

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

    4. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you captain him.

      1. houghmagandie
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I don't usually ask but I need your advice this week!
        Team:
        Pope
        TAA, Lascelles, Taylor
        Pogba, Bruno, Salah, Son, KDB
        Jiminez, Rashford
        (Martin, Connolly, Jack Robinson, Ngakia (I know!)
        2FT 0.2m ITB
        I like my team and originally planned to simply swap Pogba for Martial but if Lascelles doesn't play and TAA is rested my weak defence is exposed so now I'm thinking of selling Son for Pulisic and selling Ngakia for Doherty or Saiss (or someone else?)
        Whatdyathink?

    5. Heres hoping x 7
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      My exact dilemma, opinions plz!

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, my suggestion is if you captain him, take the hit. If you're not planning on giving him the armband, maybe it isn't worth the 4 points. I've got him and am considering skippering him myself.

    6. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Daft

    7. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Same dilemma

    8. woodles
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Do it. Son no shots again yesterday

  2. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Captain?

    1. Mane
    2. Bruno

    Dont have salah

    1. andres
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno

  3. andres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    anyone playing FH this GW?

  4. CBS
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hey

    A or B?

    A: Foden - Robertson, Alexander Arnold, Doherty

    B: Mahrez - Boly, alexander Arnold, Gomez

  5. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Good to go?

    Pope
    TAA/Doherty/Taylor
    Mane/Fernandes(c)/KDB/Pulisic/Saint-M
    Jimenez/Rashford

    Button/Lascelles/Nketiah/Holgate

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yep. I’m going to be making moves to end up with something similar. GL

  6. andres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best striker up to 7.7 (not greenwood)

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Consider Giroud. Chelsea have goals and fixtures, and Tammy is floundering.

    2. MyFriend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Has to be Ings

  7. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Doherty, son, Davies (4.3 villa mid)

    To

    Saïss/cresswell , mahrez, pulisic

    A is it worth -4?
    B Saïss or cresswell?

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes if you're happy with whoever will take Davies' place on your bench.
      Saiss

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        DCL will be benched this week

  8. popcoin
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Salah, Mahrez, Pulisic.

    Which, and how do I get them in my team?

    Dubravka
    TAA Taylor Soy Saiss
    KdB Mane Bruno Martial
    Jimenez Rashford

    Button DCL Henderson Lundstram

    £0.0 itb, 2 FT's

    1. ididnt
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      you can't

      1. popcoin
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        KdB -> Mahrez
        Henderson -> Pulisic
        3-5-2
        ?

        1. Big Ronnie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          You'll want KDB back. DCL & Henderson out for Nketiah & Puli. Not sue if that is enough £

          1. popcoin
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            This is the most likely move. But I'd go Connolly instead of Nketiah

            1. Big Ronnie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah they'd be on the bench most weeks so probably doesn't make a difference. I shipped DCL this week, might bring back in for the last few games if he shows something

  9. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What would you do with this? Had planned to roll a transfer and then get rid of Vardy next week.

    Pope
    TAA - Saiss - Lascelles - Taylor
    Salah - KDB - Bruno - Foden
    Vardy - Jimi
    (3.9 - Traore - DCL - Holgate)

  10. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Doherty, Pulisic, Jesus
    B) Aurier, Pulisic, Kane
    C) Aurier, Mahrez, Jesus

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A but I like Mahrez most

  11. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martial or Rash?

    1. Kitman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Rash i'd say

    2. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Martial

    3. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Martial

    4. SkySporks
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Rash

    5. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Rashford.

    6. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      In isolation Martial. Looking at options in midfield, it seems the team would look like stronger with Rash (assuming Bruno + Utd defender another two). Less striker options than Rash. Own Martial here not Rash.

  12. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi...what would you do here ease with 4.2m and 2ft?

    Thinking of fleck to mahrez and playing 352. Saving 2nd ft

    Hendo Mccarthy
    Taa maguire boly soy stephens
    Salah kdb fernandes martial fleck
    Jiminez dcl nketiah

    Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

    1. Teror
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Fleck > Mahrez / Foden / Saint Maximus

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

  13. Kitman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who is the better bet for the rest of the season;

    Aurier or Saiss (or Boly/Coady)

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Saiss

    2. ManUtdFan_UK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Saiss or Boly

  14. SkySporks
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    GTG? On a WC...

    Pope
    Fernández, Alonso, Alexander-Arnold
    Fernandes, De Bruyne, Martial, Pulisic
    Jiménez, Rashford, Jesus

    Bench
    Button, Foden, Dunk, Saiss

    1. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm a Chelski and we don't really have a defence capable of a CS. I sold Alonso after GW30+. He's big money for 2,1,1.

  15. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who’s your captain?

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sadio

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Martial atm for me!!

    3. SkySporks
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mo

    5. Kitman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez

    6. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Think I have gone from Bruno to Mo.

    7. MyFriend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      With no Matt Targett, I'm going Salah.

    8. MosF94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kane - 4 braces in his last 4 games against Everton according to Transfermarkt, he'll probably end up blanking this time but I like the punt!

  16. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will Greenwood start this game?

    1. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      74%. He playes for me, Foden benched.

  17. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Salah (TC)?

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What are you going to do ?? I was convinced that I would this GW but LFC did not look good last night and Villa defence looks better....however Klopp clearly rattled and I can see first home game as Champs being a riot......or do I wait on KDB V Norwich GW 38

    2. gauzah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes. Bloodbath incoming.

  18. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mane or bruno captain ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Form/fixture say Bruno so Mane

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Lol you are not helping the blokes decision..
        🙂

  19. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who would you captain? Currently on Bruno.

    A) Mane
    B) Bruno
    C) Rashford
    D) Mahrez
    E) KDB

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. SkySporks
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno

  20. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    McCarthy Aurier Cantwell Lascelles

    Good enough for the bench boost?

    1. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lacelles out with cut, would say no.

  21. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Really struggling with this. 40 points ahead in ML.
    Rival will get Mahrez I think.
    Do I take another -4 and do Son to Mahrez? (already on a -4 this week)
    Thanks!

    Pope
    TAA Maguire Doherty
    Salah KDB Bruno Martial Son
    DCL Jimi
    Martinez Nketiah Aurier Fernandez.

    1. ididnt
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      perhaps

  22. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Still hurting from transfering out Sterling!
    Henderson
    TAA Saiss Aurier
    Salah KDB Martial Bruno Traore
    Jota Rashford

    Martin Egan Connolly Lundstarm

    Take a hit and BB? Maybe last chance before Liverpool rotation?

    1. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm in a similar situation. With the fixtures GW33+ I can't see a better GW to BB with some confidence. I think I'll be on a -8 but only playing 14 (Button).

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Not sure who I'd get in though as clean sheets are looking few and far between?

  23. Aurora
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Do we expect to hear from Pep before the deadline?

  24. Rasialdo10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What should I do with this lot? Took too many punts , now 90 pts behind in main mini league ..

    2FT, 0 ITB

    Foster
    TAA Doherty Lascelles
    KDB Mane Bruno Ali Sarr
    DCL Jimi

    Martin, Kiko, nketiah, Robinson

    Any advice welcome

    1. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Alli + Sarr + DCL -> Martial + Mahrez + Greenwood affordable?

      1. Rasialdo10
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Unfortunately missing 0.1 .. pulisic instead of mahrez ?

  25. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I've no pool attack but have KDB, Sterling, Foden.

    Sterling -> Salah (c) (-4)?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Won't sell Sterling this week.

    2. ididnt
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      As you will captain Salah then yes

  26. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    so is the Nketiah party over? or just put on hiatus until tomorrow?

    1. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, join the Greenwood and Foden party. More fun.

      1. suddenorgan
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm chock full of Man Utd sadly, Foden coming in GW34

  27. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Start Saiss or Lacselles?

    1. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lascelles, think he plays 90 or 0

    2. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Saiss. Lascelles is probably out with a cut.

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He'll either start or not play at all, still Saiss?

  28. doppelganger
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope Button

    Taa Doherty Laporte Stevens Kelly
    KDB Pulisic Pepe* Bruno Guendouzi
    Auba Jimenez Greenwood

    Thinking about moving Pepe for Mahrez or Son , any advice on team?
    Thanks!

  29. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Scared of Greenwood, TAA and Kdb benching :/

    2FT 0.1ITB

    Foster
    TAA Doh Aurier
    KDB Son Rich Mahrez Bruno
    Jimenez Rash
    (Martin, Greenwood, Lascelles, Kiko)

    Tempted by Foster, Lascelles, Rich to Ederson/Alisson, ?, ASM (-4)

  30. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martinez
    Lascelles Doherty TAA
    KDB Salah Fernandes Son
    Rashford Jimi Greenwood
    (3.9 Saiss Holgate Davis)

    2FT & 0ITB

    a) Son > Mahrez
    b) Son > Pulisic
    c) Salah & Son > Mahrez & Pulisic
    d) Lascelles > Taylor
    e) One of a/b + d

    1. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      a. Definitely not Salah out

    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      b)