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. theluckiest
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this team?

    McCarthy (Ryan)
    TAA - Tierney - Justin - Vinagre (Burr)
    Salah - Aubameyang - Ward-Prowse - Saint-Maximim (Soucek)
    Kane - Werner (Brewster)

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

    My strategy is BB GW and WC GW2. With that said, what do you think of this team?

    McCarthy Ryan
    Trent Robbo Doherty Tierney Saiss
    Auba Son JWP Pereira ASM
    Werner Mitro Adams

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

      I am doing similar and have avoided direct head to heads Werner/Ryan and Mitro/Tierney for instance

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

        I tried the same but found it pretty difficult to do so. How’s your team looking?

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

          Leno McCarthy
          TAA Robbo Boly Saiss KWP
          Auba Havertz Barnes Bowen Soucek
          Werner Wilson Adams

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

            It’s very different to mine but I like it. Havertz could be a great pick.

  3. aryadicaprio
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies KWP
    Auba ASM Son Salah
    Werner DCL Mitrovic

    Nyland Justin Mitchell Bissouma

    0.5m ITB, my only question is DCL..
    Thoughts, please help.

    1. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Soton defence has weakened a lot after selling Höjbjerg. I would not consider goalie or defenders from there, JWP and Ings yes.

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

    Would you make changes here?

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

    Nyland/Brewster/Bissouma/Mitchell

  5. Rock n Grohl
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Meslier first choice at Leeds?

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

      I won't go there

    2. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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

        Worked out a tasty rotation with Meslier and McCarthy

        1. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'd be tempted if I knew I wouldn't need the .5

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

          Doesn't Rodak (or Areola) rotate best with McCarthy?

    3. Rock n Grohl
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah that's what I'm looking at as well. Juicy junior, real juicy.

  6. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I can't seem to pick a defence that I'm happy with. Any suggestions? Cheers

    0.5itb
    McCarthy
    TAA Egan Lamptey*
    Auba Salah Son ASM Bissouma
    Werner Ings*
    (Button Ferguson* Taylor Vassilev)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Downgrade Ings and use funds there or something suggest an alternative 4.5 and 4.0 def

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

    Bottomed on last page. I try again now
    Option A or B?
    A. Adams, Mitrovic, Doherty, Egan, McCarthy. 3-4-3
    B. Ings, Brewster, KWP, Dier, Ramsdale. 4-4-2

  8. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone considering Keita or Diangana over ASM for the 5.5m MID spot?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd love Hendo if he were fit

    2. luke25
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nothing to suggest Keita will do much but I like Diangana, looks an exciting player

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

      Keita is tempting if you only have 2 Liverpool players.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Will he start for sure though?

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

          IF Henderson is out then I'd expect him to.

  9. Le Bluff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Simple question:

    Dier or Davies, and why?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Dier, goal threat

    2. luke25
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Davies, less competition for his place

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I feel Dier is a couple of mistakes away from being benched or dropped.

      Davies is key to Mourinho's system. He does not have LB who can defend like him.

      None of them are exciting options though.

      1. Le Bluff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you. Just want a nailed 5.0 defender who I can play pretty much every week alongside TAA.

    4. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Dier. Mourinho loves him

  10. luke25
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is 5.5m, Davies, Saliba, Justin, Ayling too cheap a backline? And who should I look at for 5.5 options? Seems an odd price point

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

      Will Saliba start?

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm taking a risk that he does but got a bench player in case, i think eventually he'll be first choice

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Where on earth is Trent?

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Aha I don't want him, I know he's probably going to end up one of the highest scoring defenders but I don't want a team that everyones got

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

      No one good at 5.5m to me.

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah it looks that way annoyingly

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

        Maybe AWB

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

          Ah yeah he's good. But that blank is annoying.

    4. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Best 5.5 and probably rapidly rising in price as well is Castagne from Leicester. He will be the fastest defender in Premier next season and plays RB in Belgium national team, awesome player.

  11. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Bruno + Mitro
    B) Martial + James Rod / other 7.5

  12. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you like to own three 8-9m midfielders or three 8.5-9.5m forwards?

    It would be a decision between 3mids+2fws or 2mids+3fws from the below mix.

    These are the contenders in my mind (include possible fixture picks)

    Mids:
    Ziyech
    Pulisic
    Havertz
    Son
    Greenwood

    Fwds:
    Werner
    Martial
    Ings
    Jimenez

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

      Salah, KDB
      Werner, Martial

      2 above 10m in MID, 2 below in FWD

  13. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA/Egan/Vinagre/KWP
    Mane/Auba/Havertz/Alli
    Kane/Adams

    Steer/Mitchell/Lamina/Brewster

    Been settled on this for a few days, but starting to think having a City/United asset may be best. Just feels like a wildcard waiting to happen not having any whatsosver, with COVID being a factor as well..

    Thoughts?

  14. Top 210 Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tried to build a team for the 1st 8 gw's so hopefully is a bit different. Please RMT and let me know your thoughts?

    Johnstone
    Mitchell - Boly - Davies
    Salah(c) - Barnes - Aubameyang(v) - Alli
    DCL - Jiminez - Mitrovic

    Button - Digne - Bissouma - Taylor

    1.5m ITB

    Will look to get Bruno and Pulasic/Havertz in GW 3 for Aub and Barnes

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

      its not different though

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Barnes, DCL, Digne and Jimenez haven't featured in a lot of teams tbf

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

    Would you go:

    A) ASM, Soucek, Martial – benching Martial for GW1, playing a 4-4-2 that includes Mitchell
    B) ASM, Son, Mitrovic – with 1.5 to get Fernandes in GW2, playing 3-4-3

    McCarthy
    TAA - Egan - Walker-Peters
    X - X - Aubameyang - Salah
    X - Adams - Werner
    (Button - Bissouma - Mitchell - Taylor)

    1. BANGLA FPL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B. Son in form, and no matter who scores for UTD, Bruno will most likely be involved. Soucek is also a doubt for the only 'good' game in ages.. plus Mitro is Fulham's talisman

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

        Leaning towards option B right now. Having a United asset in place already in GW1 is tempting though!

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

    My bench is horrendous

    4m, 4.5m striker who doesn't play, 4m, 4m

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

      What's the team like?

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

        Will post after tomorrow's pressers

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would probably want at least 1 or 2 playing fodders, this season will be shambles

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

      Thats why many people are going 3-4-3. Not a single 4.5M FWD alternative, in case a player gets quarantined or something.

    4. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      In contrast, I have 15 active players. My GW1 bench:
      4.5, 4.5, 5.0, 5,5.
      And I have 2.5m itb.
      The secret? No Mancs.

    5. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just improved mine think we will need it

      Robbo > Tierney downgrade

      Bissouma > Soucek
      Ferguson > Dier

      I can pick between Soucek and Dier every GW with KWP 2nd on bench

  17. Rigid Digit
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    2 days to go and I decided my midfield was not quite right

    So ...
    McCarthy / Nyland
    Van Dijk / Lindelof / Dier / Lascelles / Mitchell
    Salah / Aubameyang / Alli / Rodriguez / Soucek
    Werner / Wilson / Mitrovic

    Wilson was Jiminez, Rodriguez was Saint-Maximin

    Shrewd move, or exceptionally daft?

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

      wouldnt touch lindeflop with the proverbial barge pole

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

      Nyland needs to be Steer to have any hope of featuring.

      Don't like Lindelof. Souring on Lascelles, as well. Do like James, wish I was brave enough myself.

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

      No from me
      Prefer jiminez ASM

  18. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just figured out that Rodriguez+Barnes could be a duo at both midfield and forward. One similaritiy is that both are terrible combinations.

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

    Which one for you?
    A. Wilson JWP
    B. Adams ASM + 1M

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  20. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    First draft
    McCarthy
    TAA, Robertson, Dier, Justin
    Auba, Son, Alli
    Werner, Ings, Wilson
    Steer, Bissouma, Anguissa, Taylor
    0.5 itb

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

      Like this

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

      I like this except no premium liverpool mid

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

      Don't love the Spurs double-up (though had considered it myself before).

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

        Son > Rashford next GW would be fine I think

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

        One of them, or both, will turn into United or CFC soon enough 🙂

    4. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No Salah and 2 x 4.5mids not so good

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

        Hmm, true that. Ings and Son -> Mitro and Salah?

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

    Havertz to start?

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

      Probably

  22. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Too early for Pulisic? Article says he could be a great dif.

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

      Week or so too early for guaranteed minutes

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

      He who dares Rodney

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will probably be eased back in, may not start gw1

  23. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone taking a hit gw1 to bring in United assets?

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

      GW2, you mean?

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

    Son + Soucek
    vs
    Alli + Adams

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

      AA

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      SS

    4. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      SS

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Son will play wide again with Alli central supporting Kane so I think Alli can match Son in that role.
        Plus the extra 1.0 will give you a striker playing in an attacking team with good fixtures.

    5. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      AA

  25. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this Kane/Auba/Salah team? 0 itb

    McCarthy
    TAA - Dier - Justin
    Salah - Auba - ASM - Doucoure
    Kane - Werner - Wilson

    Subs: Nyland, Bissouma, Taylor, Mitchell

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

      ASM & Doucoure v Defs. More points and value in defs

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

    Guys apart from Bissouma who else at 4.5 mid is nailed.....does anyone know if Ollie Burke will get minutes ??

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

      Bissouma, Stephens, Reed. But all are basically useless. 2 point machines.

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

        They’ll be on your bench every week and only coming on if one of your starters gets zero minutes.

        How many points do you want him to get considering that’s the only time you’ll use him?

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

        2 points matter when you get 0 instead 🙂

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

        Reed looks half decent for worse case scenario

  27. FPL Dancer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Forget Man Utd players for now. Why?

    Find out on the link below!!
    https://youtu.be/PQLkgc7XIYQ

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

    I'm on a fun draft: I had 2.5m itb for Ings -> Aguero (or others) when he starts ripping the template apart 🙂

    Team looks a lot sharper, def in particular

    A. Save for Aguero?
    B. Spend like the wind?

  29. luke25
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Whats the most left field player out there you've got your eye on to start the season? I'm keeping a close eye on Iheanacho, Rodgers seems to be a fan of his and I really like him as a player

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

      I was seriously looking at Walcott for a while.

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wow that is out there aha

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

        Camzy, are you feeling alright? We're worried about you.

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

      I'm one of the 1% who has Meslier

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

        Oh, and Doucoure, 1% and Holding 0.8%. Surprising.

  30. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    First draft without Kane!

    Thoughts? 🙂

    McCarthy
    Trent | Dier | Vinagre
    Auba (c) | Son | H.Barnes | Pereira
    Werner | Ings | Mitrovic

    Nyland | Digne | Justin | Podence

    Not sorted out bench yet... Also Kane & Reed (4.5) OR Son & Mitrovic

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

      You don't bench Lucas Digne! Bench has too much money.

    2. luke25
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes and Ings out for 5m and Kane maybe?