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. Captain Warlock
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last dilemma
    A) Doherty & 4.5 Fwd 442
    B) Mitrović & 4.5 Def 343

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

      B for sure

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

      The Doh all day long. He will outscore fatty easily.

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

    Surprised at the lack of Man United defence options mentioned on here...

    Aside from the blank gameweek 1, they’ve got a great run & everyone will be piling on the attacking assets. Anyone considering defensive options too?

    Would be interested in any Utd fans verdict between Lindelöf & Bailly for the upcoming season?

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

      I had Lindelof but feels like best scenario is 3 clean sheets in 7-8 games.

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

        He’s sitting in my current draft, cheap way into Uniteds defence but obviously has zero attacking prowess. Bit of a dilemma

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

      Yeah I agree, tempted to start the with Maguire or Wan Bissaka.

    3. Riska
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Currently have Shaw personally but really umming and arring about it now.

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

        What about Williams?

    4. JakeTheRed
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Man Utd fan here.

      AWB - Lindelof - Maguire - Shaw

      Is our starting back four. Lindelof occasionally gets rotated. Shaw also does. IMO awb is the best option. Nailed, potential for assists and he’s always picking up bonus points due to him tackling successfully a lot.

      Hope this helps!

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

        Cheers pal, good insight.
        I’d like to see AWB a bit more attacking this year & nab some more assists, agree he’s the safest bet from your back 4 so will try to find the .5mill to upgrade Lindelöf I think.

    5. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There is a lack of ManU assets which is understandable given they are not playing GW1 but at least many have one as a place holder. Kdb has good ownership also so many doing likewise with him. Time will tell. AWB is tempting but difficult to look past two or even three Liv defence at the minute

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

        I genuinely can’t see that many clean sheets early on for Pool, when I WC (hopefully around GW10) I definitely plan on doubling up but want to see a bit more form first. It’ll be Robbo/TAA for the double up top for what it’s worth

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

      I'm surprised we're not pushing for another (left footed) centre back to be honest. It would benefit our whole game and I'm not overly impressed with any of our options in the centre to be honest, Maguire included.

  3. Alexanderjg23
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    In a draft, would you pick Ederson, Walker or Laporte?

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

      Laporte

    2. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Laporte because hes Corona positive 🙂

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

    Starting to wonder if Ings is worth the 2.5 over Adams

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

    Second guessing and tinkering galore after thinking I was set!

    A - Werner and Greenwood
    B - Havertz and Martial

    I like B but the onwership of Werner is a concern. Guess the flip side is the differential if he doesn't go bang

    1. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B for sure imo

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

        Hearing a lot of buzz about how Havertz has looked in training too

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

      B

  6. Boz
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Finally settled;

    Ryan (4.0)
    TAA Davies Vinagre KWP (Mitchell)
    Auba(C) Salah Pereira Soucek (Bruno)
    Werner Wilson (Davis)

    0.0itb.

    Bruno ready to go GW2 and the FT to jump to another Manchester player

    1. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      really like this, would just make sure Soucek is set to start if not what is ur plan?

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

        Ceballos as short term

  7. olly:)
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Meslier
    TAA Robbo Holding
    Auba(c) Havertz Ceballos Romeu
    Vardy DCL Adams

    Peacock-Farrell Ayling Rashford C.Taylor

    £1.0 ITB

    Think I just have almost 9 men GW1 and just set myself up for the longterm, ideally i'd like to WC as late as possible so not too worried with having placeholders for assets ill want for a long time just for GW1, thoughts?

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

      Like it but would prefer Bruno to Rashford

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

      Like the Rashford pick. He was well ahead of Fernándes&Martial for open play non pen XG

  8. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son, Pulisic, Havertz
    Pick 2 please

    1. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pulisic and Havertz, Chelsea will be one of the highest scoring teams and both seem value, Son is a great player but it is Mourinho and he'll be stuck out wide in more of a park the bus system.

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

        I would like them but this for first gw

    2. Give Me the Mane
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son, Havertz

  9. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm looking forward to the under the radar bandwagons that make everyone tear up their transfer plans.

    Eg. Lacazette hattrick by 1.15pm on Saturday...

    1. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      don't think id be rushing to get him in for 1 week tbh, would want him out again along with auba after GW2...

    2. HTL
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'll only be excited if they're in the bottom price bracket, it's difficult to rejig your entire team and lose the big hitters for a mid priced 'revelation'

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

      Bowen brace

  10. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How’s Wilson as an option from the beginning? 6.5 looks too good a value to ignore!

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

      Nice price, not nearly as attacking a team so chances might be a bit more limited.

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good chance to start. Joelinton was late back to preseason. Carroll has played preseason, but his fitness isn't ever reliable.

    3. Boz
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good option. Think he’ll start

    4. No Salah
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well I already have Adams.

      So it’s Wilson or Mitro for the third striker slot.

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

    A bit late to the party but the FPL Wire podcast is brilliant.

    The Scoutcast could be in trouble if the Wire boys stay consistent.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      My favourite pod despite only two episodes so far. Love those guys.

      1. olly:)
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        +1 absolutely love it

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

      I agree, it's great to hear from a set who all have a great record.
      Their channel could become massive which would drive more players to fpl

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

    How is this benchboost?

    Ramsdale* McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Tierney Saiss* KWP
    Salah(C) Barnes Bowen ASM Saka
    Werner Ings Antonio

    Any better options than those marken with * ?

    Wildcarding GW2

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

      Who's your GW3 triple captain?

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

        None. Any suggestions on that team?

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

    Steer or nyland?

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

      I'd go Steer, neither probably starting come the end of the window.

  14. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Cannot get my head round this one! Any help appreciated.

    A: Martial Son Davies Taylor
    B: Mitro Bruno Doherty Saiss

    for A Martial will be Ings in GW1
    for B Bruno will be Son in GW1

    Rest of team
    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Justin Mitchell XXX XXX
    Salah Auba ASM Bissouma XXX
    Werner Davis XXX

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

      A
      Or
      B with Davies and DCL over Doherty and Mitro

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        So would you still choose A or if B was DCL/Davies instead of Doherty/Mitro would you choose B?

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

          Probably still A for me
          Fernandes is easy to get in later by downgrading Salah or Auba

          1. School of Poch
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            True. Could say the same for Martial with Werner though I suppose

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

              Yeah but he seems underpriced

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

      I think option B is stronger on 3/4 (Martial obviously being the exception) so would probably go for that

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I agree with that. Not having Martial and Son can be a bit worrying though. I fancy them both to do well.

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

          I'm not sure about Son (debating between him and Havertz at the moment) but agree Martial likely to start well and would want him quickly

          1. School of Poch
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Suppose keeping Son makes the switch to Havertz easier as well then. I might be leaning towards A now. I have been on B for so long so think I'm just struggling to let go

  15. cm790
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale (Nyland)
    KWP TAA Dier (Mitchell, Justin)
    Alli Salah Aub Soucek ASM
    Wilson Werner (Mitro)

    Wondering what else I could do than use Mitro for a good sub.

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

      Mitro to Brewster
      Wilson to Ings?

  16. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    When you don't want Werner but half the game own him. :mrgreen:

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      half glass full, a chance to get one over half the game

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Potentially. Prefer Chelsea double up in MF with Alli has a placeholder for one tbh.

        1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          i'd go for havertz and pulisic 100% if they were both fit. Seems as though havertz is more likely

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t bother me in the slightest

    3. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      in the same boat, I have Kai and don't want to double up for normal so will have to see, I have Vardy rn in Timo's price point.

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

      He's annoying isn't he.

    5. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's Ings or him as a placeholder for Martial for me. Will probably go Ings.

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

      IMO the 8.5m midfield bracket is a much better choice, gives you the option of moving between Havertz, Pulisic and Ziyech very easily,

  17. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Perriera, Ings
    B) Richarlson, Foden
    C) Ali, Adams/Wilson

    Which combo would you go for ??

  18. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Pulisic starts vs Brighton?

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

      No

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      bench ?

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      20, GW2 start

    4. ThisPostsOnFire
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Doubt it, easiest thing to do is stick Havertz in as a placeholder. If Havertz does well, no need to make the transfer at all, or maybe even better - get both.

  19. ThisPostsOnFire
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I've tried to eradicate the 5m-6.5m price bracket from my midfield, as I don't really see any value there at all.

    The result is this (Bruno-less) GW2+ team which gives me flexibility and 6 attackers (excluding Mitrovic - who'll rotate with a 4th defender when his fixtures are poor) that I'm very happy to field week in week out:

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA, VVD, Justin (KWP, Mitchell)
    KDB, Son, Havertz, Greenwood (Reed)
    Martial, Jimi, Mitro

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

      Thoughts?

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who will you capatin in GW1?

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

    Feelings on Reece James?

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

      Rotated

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

        you dont think hell play 100% of the time

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

          Very unlikely, sadly

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

    Will Ayew continue to start once Batshuayi arrives?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah but why would you care when Batshuayi is incredible for the same price

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

        For my draft team.
        Holding Ayew, wondering whether to go for Batshu.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's possible Zaha moves out wide and Bats joins Ayew up front, but not sure. Can see Zaha and Bats being the front two again...

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

        Cheers Mr. Boson

  22. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who will score points in GW1 & 2?

    A) Trent
    B) Nketiah

  23. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son or Pulisic?

  24. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GTG?
    Mccarthy 4.0
    TAA Doherty KWP ayling mitchell
    Auba son havertz soucek 4.5
    Werner Adams martial

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

      How about Doherty to Davies or Dier
      And upgrade 4.5 to 5.5

      Like it regardless tho

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Good idea. Not keen on ASM.....

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

          Gives flexibility and you can easily jump on the 5.5 bandwagon train, if there is one

  25. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I remember Zaha and Batshuayi looking amazing together towards the end of the 18/19 season. It'll be interesting to see if they can rediscover that form and liven up a poor Palace attack.

    Perhaps one to monitor over the first 4 fixtures and then consider for Palace's nice run from GW5...

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

      Ferguson & Batman the GW5 WC enablers.

  26. Jose-Saaa-Dude
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    exploring some differentials. no love for willian? surely he's matchfit and has had moments of brilliance near the end of last season.

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

      Got his retirement fund move, no need to up his game now.

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

      No pens anymore, not even nailed

  27. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I haven’t touched this team for ages now, still good to go?

    McCarthy
    TAA,Dier,Saiss,KWP
    Salah,Auba,ASM,Armstrong
    Werner,Mitrovic

    Fabri, Mitchell, Davis, Bruno

    Bruno to slot in gw2 from the bench

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Armstrong injured.

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

        wow thanks for that had no idea. Best replacement for 5.5?

        1. Rassi
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Maybe Doucoure?

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

      Armstrong injured...see press conferences.

  28. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm very confused....I thought that both Soucek and Greenwood (GW2) will miss their opening games due to self isolation ?? I see them both in so many teams......have I missed something ??

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

      Greenwood has no self isolation he just got a bit naughty in a hotel room

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Which means he broke the COVID protecol??

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

          Only for the team, but he didn’t actually get infected so won’t have to isolate at all

    2. Joker91
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Soucek apparently cleared to play (Westham insider) - find out more tomo I guess

  29. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on my bunch?

    McCarthy Nyland
    VVD TAA Egan Bedna Mitchell
    Auba Salah ASM Norwood Bissouma
    Werner DCL Ings

    £0.0

    1. Root
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why Bednarek over KWP?

  30. 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, Bissouma, Ferguson, Brewster

    any changes needed? Bit worried about the bench!