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. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1. Asm and callum/dcl
    2. Asm soucek mitrovic

    PICK PLEASE

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

      2

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

      I'm confused what you're asking. Do you mean:

      1. Wilson & DCL
      2. Soucek & Mitrovic

      If so, 1 is 2.5m more expensive, and will obviously get more points.

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

        I am also confused lol..

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

        Soucek+Mitrovic vs one of Callum/DCL. I think..

  2. Super Frank8
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Buur likely to start?

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

      no unfortunately

  3. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    There is no point posting here anymore, as pages are flying and no one really says anything meaningfull.

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

      Have an upvote!

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

      Tomorrow is going to be worse

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

        Imagine saturday morning...

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

          Friday night and Saturday mornig are the worst...

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

      it's horrendous I know

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

      I think hanging out in the comments session of the previous article is the way forward...

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

      +1 Panic mode beginning 🙂 It'll be insane until after deadline

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

      No point in posting anyway, just everyone posting their teams until it moulds into the sane version basically

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

    Werner, Werner everywhere..

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

      47% ownership, doesn't really gives you much of a choice

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

        The brave always have a choice.

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

          Sorry i don't have the cojones

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

        I beg to differ, sir

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

      Forced one...

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

      And not a BAP for Dunk

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

        have a plus 1 🙂

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

    What's more important, a Spurs defender or attacker?

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

      No idea

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

        🙂 o/

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

      Defo not a defender

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

    A) ASM + Doucoure
    B) JWP + Soucek

    ?

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

    Start Holding or Justin?

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

      H

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

    Batshuayi at 6mil looks good, should start gw1 or not?

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

      no. not a good choice. no.

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

        any actual reason why he is a bad choice or just 'no'?

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

          probably a wait and see pick but did well when last at palace

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

      I'm tempted

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

      He's definitely got a chance given he's been playing internationals. Match fit at least.

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

      he knows where the goal is

  9. laveshp
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Quick Poll for my Draft team:

    Choose:
    A: Bamford (Leeds) (Might be on penalties)
    B: Podence (Wolves) (Amongst the front 3 of Podence - Jimenez - Jota)

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

      B

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

    RMT please
    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA Justin Egan (Buur, Bernardo)
    Salah Auba Havertz ASM (Stephens)
    Werner Ings Mitro

    0 itb

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

      We have almost the same team. I went for TAA 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.0 instead of Egan

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

        i just transferred Egan for Vinagre. who do you have instead of EGan?

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

          My backline's TAA Justin KWP/Saliba Ayling 4.0

    2. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      similar to mine except I have Son instead of Havertz

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

      Don't think buur will play. Traore will play RWB

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

    Couple of questions folks

    1) Is it worth having Salah(c)/Che (18m) in gw1 with a view to get Havertz/Martial (-4) in gw2......vs Just starting with Havertz/Martial?

    - I save 1FT and 1 hit if i opt for the latter but no Salah(c) could backfire
    - If i opt for the latter, I will have Justin starting with Martial on the bench

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

    Any thoughts on martial(+1.5) vs bruno?

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

      Really tricky. I'd love Bruno but thinking a Rash / Martial double up is where I'll end up.

      Would like to see where & how Donny plays before being 100% on Bruno.

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

        Exactly. Don't know how Donny will fit in.

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

      just moved to that myself

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

    Rashford vs martial?

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      think Martial

  14. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Che or Bats?

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      neither

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        lol

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

      Probably Che to start with.

      Not completely confident with him, but worth a punt...

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

        Currently on him

  15. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Very template but I am (just about) happy...

    McCarthy

    TAA - Doherty - Egan - Justin

    Salah (C) - Auba (V) - Son - ASM

    Werner - Mitrovic

    Subs: Ryan; Soucek; Brewster; Taylor

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

      Nice team

      What is your plan for Man u players ?

      1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

        Not sure really. Will prob try to bring one in for Son?

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

      Very similar to mine, I would start Soucek though!? Really worried about Doherty game time with Aurier still there and that fixture pile up!

      McCarthy
      TAA Dier Egan
      Salah Auba Son ASM Soucek
      Werner Mitrovic
      Steer Saiss Mitchell Brewster

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

    No word on Jamez has brought me to this

    Ryan
    TAA . KWP . Davies . Coleman
    Auba . Son . Havertz . Soucek
    Werner . Wilson

    Button . Mitchell . Bissouma . Martial

    1.5itb for Bruno if I fancy it. Or wiggle room elsewhere since I already have martial.

    Thoughts?

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

      I like!

  17. htfcbrad
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT:

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA, Robbo, Dier, Shaw, Mitchell
    Salah, Auba, Alli, ASM, Reed
    Werner, DCL, Davis

    A little concerned about Alli as my only Spurs attacking cover and his rotation risk
    Mitchell the best 4.0 option def for GW1 until Shaw comes in?
    Auba --> Fernandes after GW2 will give me +1.5m to upgrade Alli (if Son looks better), DCL, or ASM

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

      You don’t need spurs attacking cover. However you will most certainly need City attacking cover, and I’m not sure where that will come from

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

        Salah --> KDB
        ASM --> Foden
        Werner --> Aguero

        Are all viable options after GW2, though I was considering waiting until after GW9 before stacking up on City players

  18. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one if these to go with?

    A. TAA Dier Ward-Prowse Wilson
    B. Robertson Ayling Soucek Ings
    C. TAA Doherty ASM Adams.

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

      C

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

    A) Adams or Mitrovic
    B) Salah or Mane

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

      M
      S

  20. GREEN IS GOOD
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just noticed the Scout picks. Plenty of Havertz and no Son. Is there a particular reason?

    (not been in the loop for a few days)

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

      All feeling Kane so no room for Alli or son

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

      Kane was the choice pick - based on all picks for 1 week only within a budget

      1. GREEN IS GOOD
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        cheers

        I think I'll stick with Son

  21. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So has Mount become a viable short-term Chelsea mid? Talking the next two GWs only.

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

      Possibly...

      But are bri & LIV really fixtures worth risking it for? I know it was a friendly, but Chelsea did struggle against Brighton last week.

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Fair point, as well. Just looking for someone in the 7.0 range until Soucek is available again.

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

    Any 4.0 mil defenders to start? Nailed

    1. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitchell apparently

  23. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Vardy owners are you worried Leicester plays arsenal in efl cup just two days after burnley?

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

      they are now

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

      Will likely be gone for Aguero by then too so no issues with that. Every team has cup games anyways.

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

      I would of thought both teams would go for low strength EFL sides as usual. Has a Nacho start written over it.

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

      Not really - Iheanacho should start in EFL

    5. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, early rounds of cup games are for reserves

  24. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GW1 only:

    A) Wilson (whu)
    B) Nkeitah (ful)

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

      A 100%

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Just checked his record vs Hammers 7 goals in 8 appearances

  25. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    To have wilson and asm is it too much, or wilson to dcl ??

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Adams

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

      DCL if you're keeping short term.

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

    KDB and ASM
    or
    2 x Chelsea 8.5 lads

    ?

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

      kdb asm. Not sure who will start for Chelsea.

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

        Thanks, same thinking

    2. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      Top one

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

    Thoughts on Ramsdale?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Slept on imo.

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

      He's no Henderson.

      SHU system will mean their defenders still do well but expect a fall off.

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

      Personally I'm going a 4.5 keeper and Egan. Ramsdale may be a good WC keeper around GW9

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

    Is Saka nailed ?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He'll play plenty - in what positions I don't know.

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

      Sadly not.

      Pepe & Willian available for that spot you'd want Saka playing in.

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

      Nope

  29. Utopsis
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Right, back for the new season!

    And seems I'm the only one convinced to go with Vardy over Werner - and I'm a Chelsea fan!

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

      I'm on both...loser chucked for Martial

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

        Like it!

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Easier to move down than up.

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

        Yep agreed - whilst I'm incredibly excited to watch Chelsea this season, I'm very sceptical about the ability of all these new signings to gel straightaway (a la Bruno).

        Wanna watch the 1st 2 games 1st.

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

    Who is the most attacking Fulham mid?

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

      Asked no one ever.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't go there.

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

      Get Bryan as a very attacking WB with set pieces instead for 5.0

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

        It was Armstrong/Mitro, but now i am going Fulham Mid/ Che....

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

      Cairney