Team News

FPL Gameweek 38+ team news and injury updates

We had a bumper crop of press conferences to wade through on Friday as preparations continue for the final Gameweek of 2019/20.

All but two of the 20 Premier League managers faced the media today, with Mikel Arteta and Graham Potter having held virtual gatherings on Thursday.

We’ll run through the headline injury news and stand-out manager quotes for each fixture, with a more detailed discussion to follow in our Team News tab.

Manchester City v Norwich City

Any concern that Fantasy managers might have had about seeing Raheem Sterling in Saint-Tropez in midweek were assuaged by Pep Guardiola on Friday, with the City boss confirming that he had given his squad Wednesday and Thursday off.

Talking of that decision and the motivation for Sunday’s dead rubber against Norwich City, Guardiola said:

I gave [the players] two days [off] because we had a tough period after lockdown with games every three days. If you play against an opponent playing for something maybe I would not have given two days.

We need to see how the players are ready for Madrid. I know them quite well but this game against Norwich and the way they are going to train this week, we are going to pay attention to how prepared they are for Madrid.

Every game there has to be a target, a focus, a desire to win the game, and maybe, scoring 100 goals is one of the reasons why.

Guardiola wasn’t asked about any injuries but opposite number Daniel Farke had plenty to report, confirming that Emiliano Buendia (suspended), Josip Drmic (suspended), Alex Tettey (knee) and Timm Klose (hamstring) will miss the trip to the Etihad.

Long-term absentees Moritz Leitner (hernia), Grant Hanley (hamstring) and Sam Byram (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Leicester City v Manchester United

Brendan Rodgers will again be without Ben Chilwell (foot), Christian Fuchs (groin), Caglar Soyuncu (suspended) and James Maddison (hip) this weekend but Marc Albrighton (knock) is expected to recover in time.

Rodgers said of Albrighton on Friday:

He will have a final fitness test tomorrow, but he should be okay.

The Foxes don’t have any fresh fitness concerns.

In an interview with MUTV, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said of Luke Shaw (ankle) and Eric Bailly (head):

We’re going to give them as much time as possible. I’m not going to rule anything out.

Newcastle United v Liverpool

There was nothing in the way of team news from the broadcast section of Jurgen Klopp’s presser, with the Liverpool manager’s media gathering dominated by talk of the title win, Jordan Henderson‘s player of the year award and a beef with Frank Lampard.

There was plenty to report in the north-east, however, with Isaac Hayden (hamstring) and Sean Longstaff (hamstring) potentially in line for a return but the Magpies still missing five of their six centre-halves.

Emil Krafth (knock) is also a doubt and Steve Bruce said:

We might have Isaac [Hayden] and Sean Longstaff. We’ve got a problem with Emil [Krafth], he took a nasty whack to his ankle, we’ll see how he is in the next 24 hours. If they come through, then Isaac and Sean might be available.

[Fabian Schär] has an operation this afternoon so we’re hoping 6-8 weeks and we’re hoping when the season is about to start that he’ll be there or thereabouts. That goes for Lascelles and all of the ones who are injured, Dummett, Clark.

Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers

N’Golo Kante (hamstring) may return for Chelsea’s clash with Wolves on Sunday, with Frank Lampard saying:

There’s a possibility that he’ll feature. He’s trained for the first time towards a match pace this morning, so that’s a decision I’ll have to make – talking with him and the medical team – to see if he’s ready to start.

Not for the first time this season, Nuno Espirito Santo didn’t report any injury concerns in his pre-match press conference and said that Raul Jimenez was “ready to go” following the birth of his daughter earlier this week.

Burnley v Brighton and Hove Albion

Charlie Taylor (hamstring), Jack Cork (ankle), Ben Mee (thigh), Matthew Lowton (foot) and Ashley Barnes (hernia) remain unavailable for Burnley this weekend, with Sean Dyche confirming that he wouldn’t blood any youngsters in their clash with Brighton:

No, I doubt it. With all due respect, some of the young players here are good players but I still don’t think many of them are quite ready to start. They might get a glimmer from the bench.

Jose Izquierdo (knee) and Steven Alzate (groin) are the only definite absentees we know about for Albion, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh (hamstring) and Bernardo (eye infection) thought to be fit.

Arsenal v Watford

Arsenal confirmed in a medical bulletin on Friday that Shkodran Mustafi (hamstring) will miss the remaining league and cup matches of this season.

Bernd Leno (knee) is aiming to be back in full training next week, so Emiliano Martinez looks set to continue between the posts.

Calum Chambers (knee), Pablo Mari (ankle) and Gabriel Martinelli (knee) remain out.

Watford will make a late check on Etienne Capoue (knock), with interim boss Hayden Mullins saying:

No more fresh injury worries. Étienne [Capoue] is going to train tomorrow. Étienne’s been having treatment so we’re going to have a look and see if he’s available tomorrow for us to train and have a look at him.

Southampton v Sheffield United

Chris Wilder said that Sheffield United have got “a few issues” heading into Gameweek 38+, with the Blades boss citing fatigue and knocks.

Jan Bednarek (muscle) should be back for the Saints, meanwhile, with Ralph Hasenhuttl saying:

He is back in training, and fit and available for the weekend. Injury wise, we have Sofiane (Boufal) and Moussa (Djenepo) still out, but the rest are fit.

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur

Jose Mourinho confirmed that Tanguy Ndombele (unspecified) is his only injury-related absentee on Sunday with Dele Alli (hamstring) now fit.

Eric Dier also returns from a four-match ban.

Mamadou Sakho (muscle) has joined Gary Cahill (hamstring), James Tomkins (thigh), Patrick van Aanholt (shoulder) and Christian Benteke (suspended) on the sidelines for the visit of Spurs but Luka Milivojevic (knee) could make a swift reappearance, with Roy Hodgson saying on Friday:

The only one who may have a chance is Luka. He missed training yesterday and trained today. We’ll wait and see if there’s any reaction to the knee when we get together tomorrow.

Everton v Bournemouth

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that Yerry Mina (thigh), Jean-Philippe Gbamin (knee), Fabian Delph (muscle) and Mason Holgate (shin) will miss the visit of Bournemouth, so teenager Jarrad Branthwaite looks poised to continue alongside Michael Keane at centre-half.

Moise Kean was passed fit by the Toffees so he could be line for a start based on Ancelotti’s comments last Monday.

Eddie Howe revealed that Bournemouth will have to “wait and see” on whether Nathan Ake (groin) will be able to feature at Goodison Park but Adam Smith (concussion) should return.

On Ake, Howe said:

He’s got a very minor groin problem, so we’ll wait and see whether he’s available, that’s still undecided.

Whether he’s fit enough to play from the injury side and also from the fact that he hasn’t trained or really done anything between the injury and now, we’ll make a very late call on him.

West Ham United v Aston Villa

Neil Taylor (hamstring) could be back in contention after making a return to training but Ahmed Elmohamady (hamstring) will miss Aston Villa’s all-important match with West Ham United, which will force Dean Smith into at least one change for the trip to east London.

David Moyes didn’t provide any update on Jarrod Bowen (knock) or Aaron Cresswell (knock) in the broadcast section of his presser but the former was spotted in training ground photos and his manager had previously said that he “didn’t think” there was anything to be concerned about.


More detailed information and predicted line-ups can be found in the Team News tab, which will be refreshed before the Gameweek 38+ deadline at 15:00 BST on Sunday.

Keep an eye on our Twitter feed, too, for any late-breaking updates.

A video round-up with Andy and Neale can be viewed below:

2,213 Comments Post a Comment
  1. PaulParker
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best Tc options this week?

    1. ZLATAN'S PONYTAIL
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling, Mane, Salah

    2. PaulParker
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Awful first post, sorry, haha

    3. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah

    4. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      🙁

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Mane. I have a feeling

  2. Fray Bentos
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who would you bench - Willian or Ings?

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Willi

  3. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which FH team do you prefer?

    A)
    Pope
    TAA - Robertson - Pieters
    Salah - Dilva - Sterling - ANTONIO - PULISIC
    Kane - INGS

    B)
    Martinez
    Pieters - Bardsley - Diop
    Salah - Dilva - Sterling - MARTIAL
    Kane - AUBA - JESUS

    C)
    Martinez
    Pieters - Diop - Bardsley
    Salah - Dilva - Sterling - MANE - MAHREZ
    Kane - INGS

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

  4. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi which is the better move please
    A.) Boly - Mendy
    B.) Fernandes - D.Silva
    D.) KDB - D.Silva
    E.) Boly & Fernandes - Mendy & DSilva for a -4 points hit
    Thank you

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Isnt Mendy injured?

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        not that im aware

      2. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        My bad ... read old news

        1. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          no worries

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  5. MTPockets
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for these articles Neale. Must take ages to prepare but very useful

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ah my pleasure, I'm glad they're of some use!

      2. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Agree. Especially very useful when you've had a busy week and haven't been following pressers etc. Thanks.

    • timawflowers
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Play martial or bring in antonio or pulisic?

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Martial

    • Atters
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Better option than Aurier for under 6m?

      1. fc_skrald
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No

        1. fc_skrald
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Maybe Tarkowski

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

            This is my thinking, already with 2 Burnley defenders however

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        consider davies also.

    • Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno, Foden, Rashford (3-5-2) =>
      Dilva, Greenwood, Kane (3-4-3)

      For a -8 hit

      What do you guys think?

      1. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm not sure its worth -8

        1. Vazza
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Neither do I - just wanted to make sure. Thanks pal

    • Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A) vardy to Jesus
      B) kdb to sterling
      C) fernandes doherty to sterling aurier -4
      D) vardy pulisic to ings sterling -4

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B

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

        I like c

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

        C looks good

      4. Hairy Potter
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        C

    • waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Got so many drafts, feeling a bit fed up!
      Help with this?
      A) Pope and mahrez
      B) Martinez and kdb

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

        I would go A. Think Watford will score.

      2. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B for me

      3. mox81
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A for me, I think!

        I'm trying to decide TAA and Mahrez, or Mendy and Auba

    • Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Which one ?

      A KdB Aurier
      B Mahrez Robertson/VVD

      1. L S P
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B

      2. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A

    • BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy and Bruno to Kane and Dilva - 4?

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        you ll regret it imo.

        1. BOATIES FC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          maybe! Bruno looked so weary last game. I was going to put the armband on Dilva

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            just do bruno to silva for free. vardy could easily score against united

            1. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              imo 🙂

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

                Yes he could, -4 is basically one goal. Kane perhaps more likely to get baps though. Yet Vardy could even brace.

            2. BOATIES FC
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Ive already got Son i spose for Spurs cover, so good idea

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

        I would

    • TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Which one:

      A) Martinez, Bardsley, Mahrez, Ings, Kane
      B) Martinez, TAA, Mahrez, Greenwood, Kane
      C) Pope, TAA, KDB, Ings, Greenwood

      1. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Can you go Matrinez Bardsley KDB Kane Greenwood?

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Sadly I’m just short of that

    • The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pope
      TAA Pieters Lamptey
      Salah KDB Pulisic Dilva Sterling
      Greenwood, Kane

      Button - Williams - Simpson - Connolly

      This is my FH team. I have 0 ITB. Thoughts on this team? Any suggestions?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        i wouldnt like lamptey in my fh team starting 11 to be honest. maybe pulisic to antonio and upgrade him? or pope to martinez ?

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

          Yep, Lamptey isn't good enough to start.

    • Aaa
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Need to replace Taylor in a bench boost, KWP or Bertrand a good shout? Already have Pope and Pieters

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ye both good options

    • Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bardsley or Pieters? Everyone is going for Pieters it seems, but when I compared their stats there wasn't big difference and baps seem to prefer Bardsley.

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You got the right name there

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

          😉 The only issue for me now is that I made rookie error and didn't notice KdB price drop and lost .1 million. If I get Bardsley my bench will be Guendouzi, B Williams and 3.9. So I guess I'll just have to choose Pieters to afford Branthwaite.

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

        Toss a coin, go for the cheapest, or go Long

    • shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Here we go then GW38, sitting at 1,645 OR. 2 FTs, Dilva in for Pulisic? Need 0.1 to do this so will cash in Taylor.

      Ryan
      Trent Long Robbo
      Salah KdB Pulisic Fernandes
      Jesus Rashford Greenwood

      McCarthy Boly Dendoncker Taylor

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

        Bruno -> Dilva
        KDB -> Sterling

        possible?

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

          Not enough dough! 0.6 light

    • Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A. Vardy Son
      B. Kane Greenwood

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

        a

    • yalala
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez or Antonio?

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

        3 city is a must imo

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          2 City and Salah is enough..

    • OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Best GK and Defender for last GW ?

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

        Pope and aurier

        1. OptimusBlack
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers

    • jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      "If you play against an opponent playing for something maybe I would not have given two days." -- A bit savage from Pep. I mean, it's accurate, but a little bit of a knife twist.

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

        If he really wanted to twist the knife he'd have given them the whole week off. 😀

    • DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What are people doing with Bruno on FH? I'm thinking of dropping for Martial to save funds but I'm worried about Bruno's ownership.

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

        On FH ditching Bruno is a great chance to rise the ranks

        1. DV8R
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          That's what I'm trying to do, need to make up 6 points to break into the top 10k. Might drop him then

      2. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Still on every second pen

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I think he's a better taker than Rashford and if they get one, then Bruno may take it.

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

      Reluctant to make a defensive switch but need to save some money to get foden to diliva, which one?

      A) vardy to ings
      B) Bruno to Richarlison (have Martial)

      Just for comparison the def switch would be dock to aurier

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Bruno to someone but not Richarlison. Antonio or Pulisic

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

          Have Antonio so could go puli

    • Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      ^Happy third year anniversary to me on FFScout.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Congrats

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks.

          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Now some anniversary help below? :))

      2. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Are you making a Pukki Party?

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Against ManCity on sunday

    • Strchld
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pick one
      Have already Salah and Trent.

      A) Mane and Ings (means no Spurs)
      B) Son and Kane

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

        Son and ings

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

          Interesting.. You would pick Ings over Kane?

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

            I just don’t trust the spurs attack to double up.
            Son and Auba might be the way to go

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

              I dont trust Arsenal against fighting Watford.

      2. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        All in Spurs

    • FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hi lads i really like Kane for GW 38 and looks this is the only solution. The alternative is 8pt hit.

      2FT KDB and Jimmy out Kane and Dilva in.

      Will give me:
      Pope
      VVD Digne TAA
      Sterling Bruno Dilva Martial
      Greenwood Ings Kane
      Bench: Foden, Doherty, Egan, Henderson

      2FT, 0.3m ITB

      Should i do it? Any comments please..?
      Thanks,

      P. S. I think Foden won't start...

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If you really want Kane it's the best way.

    • Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Does anyone know a quick way to find out how many points the team in 10000 spot has?
      Without looking at overall and having to click all the way through to it?

      1. fc_skrald
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Livefpl.net will tell you the difference between your team and top 10k

      2. L S P
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        easier just to let liveFPL tell you how many points from 10k you are:

        https://www.livefpl.net/rank

        1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Super Thanks
          I'm down in 13k odd.
          Free hit this week
          Was up in the 5k only a couple gw ago. Really want to beat my personal best..
          Should beat my highest points .... 25 to go... but want that position!!

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

            You have been pretty close before I can see. Good luck boy

    • emyoueffsee
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Play Foden, Saka or Boly?

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Foden

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Or maybe Saka if he starts and Foden doesn't

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

      Is Ben Davies nailed?

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

      Trying again. Rate my latest FH team:
      (If Jesus not starting: Jesus/Pulisic/Guendouzi to Mahrez/ Martial/ Connolly)

      Pope
      TAA Aurier Pieters
      Salah D.Silva Sterling Pulisic
      Kane Jesus Ings

      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You'd be starting Connelly?

        1. L S P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          3-5-2

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

          No. Connolly would then be bench:
          Salah D.Silva Sterling Mahrez Martial
          Ings Kane