Team News

FPL Gameweek 1 team news: Injury updates on Pulisic, Ziyech, Holgate and more

The first half-dozen pre-Gameweek 1 press conferences took place on Thursday, with a number of key injury updates being delivered by the head coaches in question.

Ten more virtual media gatherings will follow on Friday, with Aston Villa, Burnley and the two Manchester clubs not in action, of course, on the opening weekend.

We’ll run through the headline injury news and stand-out manager quotes from the conference calls so far, with a more detailed discussion to follow in our Team News tab.

Chelsea

Pulisic benched as Lampard switches to a 3-4-3 against unchanged Spurs

Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta are in contention to feature against Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday evening, with the pair rejoining training after their recovery from hamstring injuries sustained in the FA Cup final.

To what extent they will be involved remains to be seen, with boss Frank Lampard saying:

I am very happy to welcome them both back. Yesterday was their first day fully training with the team, so they’re in contention for Monday.

I have to be careful and I have a squad to pick from, but the way they’re training and the attitude they’ve come back with, it looks like they’re over those injuries. I just have to make sure I manage them both back in in their own ways.

New signings Hakim Ziyech (knee) and Ben Chilwell (heel) have joined Billy Gilmour (knee) on the treatment table, while Thiago Silva is also unlikely to feature.

Lampard said:

Hakim Ziyech took an injury to his knee against Brighton, in the friendly game, so he won’t be fit [this weekend]. We’re working with him. We hope it’s a matter of weeks, hopefully a couple of weeks, but we will have to see on that one.

Ben Chilwell is working towards fitness, he won’t be fit for Brighton. He has developed and improved this week and going in the right direction, which is good news for us.

Thiago Silva is now in London but not training with us until the weekend, so I doubt very much he will be in contention for the Brighton game.

Billy Gilmour is obviously a longer-term injury, he will be out for a couple of months more. Other than that, we are in decent shape.

Leeds United

A taciturn Marcelo Bielsa gave his first pre-match press conference as a Premier League manager on Thursday.

The Argentinean revealed that Rodrigo and Robin Koch could be in contention to make their Leeds United debuts at Anfield, saying:

They are in very good physical condition ahead of the game.

Koch may even have a chance of starting on Merseyside despite a lack of preparation time with his new teammates, with Bielsa adding:

The spot on the right of the defence in the back four does not require a lot of adapting.

The Whites almost have a clean bill of health going into Gameweek 1, with Bielsa saying:

All the players are available to play. Adam Forshaw is out. He’s a separate case.

Everton

Mason Holgate (toe) looks set to be missing when Everton take on Spurs this weekend but Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes appear to have shaken off minor fitness concerns.

Carlo Ancelotti told the media:

I think that Holgate is out. Mina I think is available to play, Gomes is available. We are going to check tomorrow Delph, he will start training with the team tomorrow. For the others, I think the physical condition of the team is quite good.

Southampton

One of the more popular sub-£6.0m midfielders looks set to be missing in Gameweek 1, with Ralph Hasenhuttl revealing that Stuart Armstrong has come back from international duty with Scotland with an injury.

The Saints boss also confirmed that Alex McCarthy is his number one goalkeeper at the start of the new season, with one of Angus Gunn or Fraser Forster likely to depart the club and the other playing understudy.

Sheffield United

Chris Wilder told reporters that a couple of his players are “touch and go” for the weekend, although didn’t name any names.

Sander Berge came back from international duty with Norway with a knee problem, so may be amongst that number.

Wilder had said last Friday that Jack O’Connell would be “100% fit” for the visit of Wolves despite not featuring in pre-season and added that Lys Mousset “will be fine” after a knock to his toe.

Fulham

Scott Parker said ahead of Gameweek 1 that Jean-Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who spent last season out on loan, will be given a chance to work their way back into the first-team fold but have “only just returned to the building”.

Parker also said that new acquisition Alphonse Areola and Marek Rodak “can push each other” for the goalkeeper’s jersey in west London.

The Fulham boss didn’t report any fitness concerns in the broadcast section of his presser.

Best players by position:

1,215 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wilson and ASM overkill?

    1. Forcella Boys
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That’s my dilemma ! Struggling to find another 5.5-6.0m midfielder.

      1. P&F
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think JWP is a decent option at 6. Expect him to have pens back in the locker with Ings no longer chasing golden boot.

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

          This

        2. Forcella Boys
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Adams and JWP overkill do you think?

          1. P&F
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I am toying with this to start and then move one away, I don't love it though also having McCarthy, if you have another Southampton i would say yes overkill aim to start with a max of 2 from any one team and then you do not hamper yourself, if you do not then i think it has merit.

  2. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    with Armstrong injured / doubt, ASM's ownership will sky rocket by the deadline 😀

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

      Good, more the marrier

    2. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve just shifted to Bissouma and upgraded 2 x 4.5 defenders to 5.0...looking a lot better

    3. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      why? Armstrong % was 2-3%

  3. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A Salah and ASM

    B Son and Havertz

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

      A here

    2. P&F
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B just looks so nice doesn't it assuming you are not planning on captaining Salah

    3. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      When you put it like that... not sure why I am currently on A!

  4. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on my team? I'm not exactly sure on Aubameyang, getting him in just to captain in GW2? Maybe it would be better to get Sterling from the beggining and captain Salah away to Chelsea? Vardy is tempting me too...

    Ryan
    TAA - Robbo - Saiss
    Salah - Auba - Pulisic - Alli
    Mitro - Antonio - Adams

    4.0 - Taylor - Romeu - Mitchell

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

      I like it.

  5. Whiskerz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm disappointed at no mention of Jamez

    1. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      This

      Was there nothing at all?

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is he injured already?

    3. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I mean he was sat next to Ancelotti for the press conference if I'm not mistaken. Surprised no one asked about his fitness!

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

    Worrying wording on Ziyech.

  7. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Armstrong injury is a spanner in the works...but glad it happened as it’s true the man is injury prone!

    Which option?

    A) Saïss, Redmond, Werner

    B) Laporte, Havertz, Adams + 0.5m

  8. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Justin KWP -
    Salah ASM PEA -
    Ings Werner

    Nyland Stephens Taylor Davis

    A) Mitchell, Son
    B) Davies, Alli

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  9. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who's more likely to play, Saliba or Holding?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn’t go there as it could be Gabriel & Luiz in a back 4?

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

      Both probably

    3. P&F
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Arguments can be made for both.

      Ask me 2 weeks ago and would have said Saliba
      Ask me 3 days ago and would have said Saliba
      Ask me now, i think probably Holding gets the nod, but so much risk that i wouldn't be touching either until a couple of GWs have been seen.

      What has changed - 1 very composed performance and Arteta cancelling Holding's move away from the club.

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No, it's because Luiz is injured, along with Mari and Mustafi and Gabriel and Saliba have only just arrived. The window closes on October 5 so he will still perhaps go on loan even if he starts for us in the first 2

        1. P&F
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          You are assuming a back 3 is retained. Without Luiz that is less likely. Either way the conclusion is the same, there is too much risk surrounding the CBs.

    4. some witty pun
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks for the replies guys

  10. borispkpk
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which combo score more in the first 4 weeks:

    a. Robb + Adams
    b. 4.5 def + Ings
    (suggest a 4.5 def if b.)

    Thank you!

  11. ClassiX
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Given this is FPL, we just know that the top scoring forward this week is going to be Rodrigo, after TAA is red-carded for a dangerous tackle in the penalty area...

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      GW1 is usually quite predictable

      1. ClassiX
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        "Usually" 🙂
        If you're the Leeds manager, you have nothing to lose whatsoever by going all-out against Pool. Not a match you're even remotely expected to win, and if you go down swinging you build fans, positive tweets etc. which are good for team morale. I honestly expect Leeds to give Pool and real scrap, and with no home fans this will be the best chance they have to bloody Klopp's nose.

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Predictable by its unpredictability 😉

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      *Kane

  12. Fero1905
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think that Oskar buur start as a right back? Who Else will play as a right back?

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

      Traore and some new guy, forgot his name.

      1. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        There is no new guy for RWB

    2. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Adama Traore

    3. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Theyll prob play 3 at the back, cant see Burr starting.

    4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm having Buur as a non playing 4.0 - cannot see Wolves burning Traore out...they were careful enough with him even with Doherty around.

  13. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    For next 5 gws. Is Dcl better option than Mitro?

    1. Fero1905
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would say yes, but with mitro i can make more changes in midfield.

    2. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yep.

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  14. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Jwp ahead of Inga when it comes to pens?

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ings*

      1. ClassiX
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Historically yes

    2. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes i think so, Ings was given them end of last season due to golden boot chance.

  15. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy - Steer
    Egan - Justin - KWP - Targett - Mitchell
    Mane - Aubameyang - Son - J Rod - Bissouma
    Ings - Antonio - Wilson

    2.5m in the bank.

    GW 2 - Antonio > Martial
    GW 3 - Aubameyang > Sterling
    GW 4 - WC

    I’m a GW 4 WCer and thus going punts and all out for the juicy fixtures in the first 3 gws.

    Thoughts? 🙂

  16. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Does this site have a FF league and if so what’s the code? Thanks

    1. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Look on the front page

    2. P&F
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      scroll up - all listed in the middle of the page.

  17. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If you had to have a choice between Aubameyang and Salah who would you rather have and why?

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Salah, fantasy gold

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

      Aubameyang for the first 4 imo because he's in much better form

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

        This

    3. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Salah without doubt. Don't really think Auba is a good value at all in the long term perspective but I will probably have him for the first 2 games and to captain him in GW2 City and Lfc have difficult fixtures.

  18. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) greenwood havertz son (son becomes kdb/ sterling)

    B) Fernandes Asm Havertz (havertz becomes kdb/ sterling)

    Also have Werner

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sancho closer and closer to join MU, so not sure Greenwood is a good pick this year.

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

        When is the transfer deadline?

        1. Wılly
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          5th October

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

            So Greenwood should br safe for a few GWs in any case

            1. P&F
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Crying!

  19. KujaliaFC
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alphonse Areola and Marek Rodak “can push each other”?

    Thanks for NOTHING, Scott!

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      hhaha

  20. anish10
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Havertz or Pulisic long term?

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

      Puli, but Havertz gw1 at least

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

      Pulisic to start with and then monitor

    3. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      watching Chelsea may *almost* be like watching City. Get as many lottery tickets as you can to get in on the goals. Remains to be seen where Havertz plays exactly and if Puli stays healthy.

    4. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hard to say really imho. I think Pulisic is a safer option but it all depends on where Havertz is going to play and what role he will have on the pitch. Personally I'm probably starting with Pulisic and gonna monitor Havertz closely, I think both of them could be undervalued.

    5. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2 games to watch and decide in GW3

  21. LosBlancos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Prediction for James Rodriguez minutes gw1 and gw2?
    I think off the bench gw1 and starts gw2 but 70min

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      should start both.

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

    For GW1 if not captaining him, are you going to:
    A. Go Salah
    B. No Salah

    1. P&F
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      In two minds atm.
      But players Id get instead of him are doubts for gw1 or blanking

    3. ace3.1415
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Depends what difference it makes to your team

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

        And if it were for you?

    5. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  23. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this draft? (4-4-2)
    Ryan
    Trent, Saiss, Dier, KWP,
    Auba, Son, Salah, ASM
    Werner, Ings

    Walton, Stephens, Ferguson, Brewster

    Have settled on this draft. Are any changes needed?

    1. ace3.1415
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Stephens > Bissouma but otherwise quite a good draft

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good. Agree with Stephens > Bissouma & good draft dependant on transfer/injury news for Brewster, Ferguson (knee injury - no return date as yet)

      1. Indpush
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why Bissouma over Stephens? I need one of them but don't know much about them.

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I've had Stephens in the past - good 2 pointer. Bissouma more attacking. I like his 'potential' +points as a cheap MF

          1. Indpush
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers. Thanks for the input. I've switched. I like he isn't greatly owned also.

  24. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you have JWP or ASM If money no issue?

    1. ace3.1415
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      ASM

  25. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What's the Chelsea penalty taker hierarchy likely to be?

    1. P&F
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner

    2. some witty pun
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jorginho followed by Werner

      1. P&F
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed this but do not see Jorginho playing so essentially Werner.

    3. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jorginho, Werner, Barkley (apparently). But since Jorg is likely to get reduced pitch time Werner should be first choice.

  26. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Changes you would make here ?

    Ryan
    TAA/Davies/Egan/KWP
    Auba/Salah/Son/ASM
    Werner/Ings

    Nyland/Brewster/Bissouma/Mitchell

    1. Thescaff
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice

    2. JURGENAUT
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      McCarthy to Ryan. Exact same team otherwise.

      1. JURGENAUT
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Oops. I mean Ryan > McCarthy

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Double Sou def though? KWP to Taylor if so

  27. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Start with Harvetz get Bruno in Gw2
    B) Start with Bruno from the start and save a transfer
    Thanks lads

    1. ace3.1415
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Start with Son

  28. motit
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    For six players Draft mode - money not issue -
    choose one Mid - long term:

    1. Doucour
    2. Harvey Barnes
    3. Hakim Ziyech (with two weeks injury)
    4. Saint-Maximin

  29. ragsyboys
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any Indian mini league where I could win money? League code please, if Yes

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I've got one but we're only 32 people.

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        So don't expect an insane prize pool haha

  30. ace3.1415
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Che Adams + Bruno
    B) Martial + Greenwood (other 7.5 mid)

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C) Martial/Bruno + Wol def Telle