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. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Last decision here!

    Bench one:

    A) Doherty
    V) Pieters
    C) Tarkowski
    D) Greenwood

    Rival has Greenwood and Doherty. My goalie is Pope.

    1. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Doherty

    2. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think Doherty.. just.

      Would definitely keep the Burnley players in.

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

        That would make it triple Burnley defense! So risky

    3. Jones Town
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    4. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Doherty on paper, but less risk to play him and bench Tarkowski if you want to defend lead from your rival.

      Pieters looked very sharp and attacking last game

  2. Spartac Mac
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which do you prefer:

    Fernandes + Vardy

    Or

    Dilva + Kane (-4pts)

    Thanks

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

      Second option.

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

      B will more than repay you.

  3. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Braithwaite, Bardsley, Debryune, Greenwood

    Braithwaite, Trent, Debryune, Ings

    Robertson, Trent, Mahrez, Greenwood

    Which combo is the best?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2nd

  4. JWilson3
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you shift any of Salah, KDB, Bruno & Martial for Sterling?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno possibly

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes all of them

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

      Im Thinking of Bruno, seems tired and cant see lots of goals in their game

  5. Thunder Warrior
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Salah, Stanislas and Fernandez to Mahrez, Richarlison and Alonso for -8?

    1. Will J 256
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not for me

    2. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No chance, not even for no minus points.

    3. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just get rid of Fernandez, Salah and Stanislas are good options this week.

    4. Jones Town
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      ? Crazy

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

    Would you bench Doherty first if this was your team?

    Pope
    TAA Aurier Maguire
    KDB DSilva Salah Fernandes
    Jimenez Greenwood Vardy
    Martinez Doherty Saka Lascelles

    1. Mighty Banana
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think Doherty has more potential than Maguire.

      Both likely to conceded, but Chelsea's poor defence means Doherty for me.

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

      Doherty loves a cross, Chelsea are rubbish at defending crosses. Got to play Doherty. I'm on FH and taken him out and I hate myself for doing it.

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

        U cant have everyone, i also took him out.

  7. Mighty Banana
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Relegation battles, thoughts on Grealish / Callum Wilson as a punt ?

    1. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      After watch both recently I can’t see a big haul from either.

      Definitely better midfield options than Grealish.

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      King in better form than Wilson I think

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

    Bruno falling in price today? Keeping or switching? I found him very tired last match and with only needing a draw seems Manutd will play conservative. Thoughts?

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

      I switched to Son

  9. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this:
    3-4-3
    Pope
    Trent, Aurier, Pieters
    Sterling, Salah, D Silva, Mahrez
    Kane, Ings, Greenwood

    One of many FH drafts!! Very indecisive.

    1. syke63
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Same team but Salah/Greenwood I have Son/Martial. I might change again but atm I've no faith in Salah. Away record is awful and having captained him recently, he has been an annoyance. I think we're all guessing.

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

    Sorry - bottom of last page

    Do you prefer

    A. Sterling and Bruno

    B. Salah and Jesus

    Thanks

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

        Thanks

  11. Mondeo
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which is best?

    A) Doherty > Robertson
    B) Willian > Antonio
    C) KDB & Rashford > Silva & Kane (C) for a -4

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Rashford to Ings

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

        thanks mate - already got Ings but good to know I shouldn't be putting him on the chopping block!

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

      Tricky.
      Id say b is a good option but C is very tempting! I think Dilva will outscore KDB so that leaves whether you think Kane will outscore Rashford.

  12. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mark Southerns is going Pulisic (c)!

    Wow that is bold.

    It is making me want to sell him less now

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

      How do you know?

      1. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He revealed it on this video
        https://youtu.be/rWM_A7P4rPI

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

          Cheers

  13. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on my current Free Hit draft?

    Martinez
    Robertson VVD Bardsley Pieters
    Salah Sterling (c) Mahrez Dilva
    Kane Auba

    1. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looks great

    2. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not keen on VVD. Maybe downgrade him and upgrade mid?

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

      Missing Martial I think

    4. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don't see the point of VVD.
      Pool are not exactly tight at the back at the moment. Maybe put in Digne or Aurier and and upgrade your first sub to cover Mahrez.

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

    We expecting Kane to rise tonight? (I've not monitored the price rising much this season so no idea how reliable it is etc)

    Cheers

  15. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How do we like this free hit?

    Martinez*
    TAA - Aurier* - Bardsley
    Salah - Sterling (c) - Dilva - Martial - Pulisic*
    Kane - Ings

    Martin - Williams - Simpson - Greenwood

    I think my main question marks are around the starred players - anything worth changing?

    1. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Very similar to mine, only difference is I've KDB and Greenwood instead of Pulisic and Ings

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

        Cool thanks!

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

      I just don't see Pulisic having a field day. Wolves are very good defensively. I'm taking a punt on Foden for 5th mid. He's started a few games at home. And could easily score a couple off the bench.
      Pul to Antonio would be my move.

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

        There will be goals, its stamford bridge.

        Field is smaller tighter.... Wolves wont be able to hold water.

  16. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who is better Greenwood or martial for the final gameweek?

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

      Greenwood

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

        Martial lol

    2. Mr Imp
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      All thing being equal, Martial. He gets one more point per goal and a point for a CS. But of course it depends what you intend to do with the price difference

      1. Will J 256
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yes good point. Thank you

  17. stevieme
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    50 points behind
    What is the biggest gap any you lads closed in the kast week

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

      Very tough my friend..25 for me

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

      About 40 but I played TC.
      Do you have a FH or the ability to field a very different side to theirs?
      Any idea who'll they Captain?

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

    Due to price drops I’m about to get priced out on

    Bruno > Sterling (c)
    Saiss > Williams -4

    Probably my only sensible route to get Sterling whilst retaining all the other players I want.

    Would you pull the trigger or still wait for team news?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah do it

  19. European Bob
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Salah & Mahrez
    B) Aubameyang & KDB

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Definitely A

      1. European Bob
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

  20. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Wrongly posted before

    Bardsley, Braithwaite, Debryune, Ings
    vs
    Bardsley, Trent, Debryune, Greenwood
    vs
    Braithwaite, Trent, Mahrez, Ings
    vs
    Robertsonn Trent, Mahrez, Greenwood

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

      3

  21. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I am already playing Egan, do I....

    A) Play Basham

    B) Get Tarkowski (-4)

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

      a

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

        A

    2. Mr Imp
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Play Basham I think. Unless Tark scores it's difficult to see how a -4 for a defender in isolation will pay off in one GW.

      1. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Very true, thanks

  22. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    If you HAD to pick one of Pieters and Tarkowski who would it be and why 🙂

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tark , bonus and goal threat

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      pieters
      hoping for an assist which is minimal but who knows might happen

    3. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pieters, cheap

  23. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) play jimenez and bench greenwood

    B) play greenwood and bench jimenez

    C) jimenez -> ings for -4 and bench greenwood

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

      C. But with Chelsea defence any could be the right option.

  24. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ok what to do here please? 23 points ahead in ml, 3 points inside the top 10k, got 1ft 0.5m itb.

    McCarthy
    TAA Long Alonso
    Salah Sterling Martial Pulisic Bruno
    Wood Ings

    Fabianski Greenwood Boly Fernandez

    My current options.

    A) Bruno to Mahrez
    B) Bruno and Alonso to Dilva and Robbo -4
    C) Bruno and Fernandez to Mahrez and Aurier -4

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

      C

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like b

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

      I wouldn't take a hit to change defenders. Getting in a man city midfielder whether Dilva or Mahrez for free most sensible option

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

    Thoughts on FH team?

    Pope
    TAA - Pieters - Bardsley
    Salah - Sterling - Dilva - Pulisic
    Ings - Kane - Jesus

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

      Just can’t trust Jesus. I’ve gone for KdB as my third city attacker with those two and am playing 3-5-2

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It is great

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

      not keen on burnley treble up and not sure about jesus starting. still a nice team though 🙂

    4. Mr Imp
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good. Lots of eggs in the Burnley defensive basket, but you will obviously be aware of the risks and potential upside of that.

  26. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which two on the FH?

    A) Digne & Son
    B) TAA & Martial

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably A

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  27. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you prefer
    1) Foden + TAA
    2) Mahrez + Long(Burnley)
    Currently on 2 but little nervous with Burnley def triple up

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

      not sure foden will start. who are your other 2 burnley players ?

  28. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bruno, AWB to Son, Aurier worth - 4?

  29. Gubbins94.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Evening folks,

    Which do you prefer out of A and B below?

    Rich, Ings and Bardsley or TAA, Wood and Antonio?

  30. Geriatric Unathletic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone know if Saiss is dropped or was just rested? Have Holgate injured and Fernandez otherwise :(.

    1. Gubbins94.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just rested