Team News

FPL Gameweek 5 team and injury news: Bamford fit, Wilson injured, DCL out

With there being an earlier-than-usual Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline and Thursday seeing more press conferences than usual take place, we’re bringing you a bonus edition of the team news round-up this week.

This article summarises the key talking points from today’s eight concluded pre-match pressers, with Friday’s press conference summaries to follow tomorrow.

For more detailed information, check out our Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans feed.

There’s only one place to start Thursday’s recap…

LEEDS UNITED

Patrick Bamford was passed fit by Marcelo Bielsa to end the spiralling speculation about a potential hamstring injury.

Leeds have a bona fide crisis at centre-half, however, with Robin Koch (pelvis), Diego Llorente (muscle) and Pascal Struijk (suspended) all sidelined.

“Bamford has no difficulties. Forshaw is finishing the recovery of his injury, from next week he will be available.

“Of the four centre-backs that we have, we are not able to count on Diego, Pascal or Koch but we’re in conditions to resolve the issue.” – Marcelo Bielsa

EVERTON

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh/toe) has been ruled out for around two to three weeks after missing the Monday night win over Burnley, so the Everton striker joins Fabian Delph (shoulder) on the sidelines for this trip to Villa Park.

“It’s what I said after the game, still we have to wait some weeks – we don’t know exactly how many but he will not be available for two or three weeks.” – Rafael Benitez on Dominic Calvert-Lewin

James Rodriguez‘s (match fitness) involvement must be in some doubt, too, with Rafael Benitez typically cautious over whether he would be brought back into the fold this weekend. 

“He’s training with us. We had a day off yesterday, today was the first training session, he will train [again] tomorrow and after we will decide, depending on how he’s doing.” – Rafael Benitez on James Rodriguez

MANCHESTER UNITED

Edinson Cavani (knock), Alex Telles (ankle) and Marcus Rashford (shoulder) remain out ahead of the trip to West Ham United but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t provide us much new on the fitness latest of Scott McTominay and Dean Henderson, both of whom have been back in training after injury and illness but neither of whom featured in the defeat to Young Boys in midweek.

Henderson lined up for the under-23s last Sunday in a bid to build up match fitness.  

“Edinson [Cavani] hopefully will start training with us after the weekend. Hopefully, maybe Monday. Maybe he’ll be involved on Wednesday, who knows.” – Ole Gunner Solskjaer

NEWCASTLE UNITED

The visit of Leeds comes too soon for Martin Dubravka (foot), Paul Dummett (calf), Callum Wilson (thigh) and Jonjo Shelvey (calf) but Steve Bruce revealed on Thursday that Ryan Fraser (ankle) is “okay” following a return to training.

“We’re not going to put a time on it. He’s making good progress but unfortunately this week, he’s not made it.” – Steve Bruce on Callum Wilson

The Newcastle boss also confirmed that Javier Manquillo, Ciaran Clark and Joe Willock had all shaken off knocks that they picked up in the defeat to Manchester United.

ARSENAL

Granit Xhaka (suspended), Rob Holding (knee) and Mohamed Elneny (hamstring) will all miss the trip to Burnley but Arsenal didn’t declare any fresh injury concerns in their weekly medical bulletin. 

“He’s been training in and out this week. His load had to be managed because he was in the early stages of the injury, but he’s pushing everybody as always and he wants to be involved. We’ll see what’s best for him.” – Mikel Arteta on Thomas Partey

“It’s the same in every position. We want them to make each other better. We are competing against opponents, we are not competing against each other here. We are just trying to bring in players that raise the level of the players who is playing that position, the level of the team, the level of the club and this is the only reason. Obviously, for Bernd, it wasn’t a pleasing communication to tell him he wasn’t playing but he is a top professional and a top person so he should be disappointed but he should support his team-mate like they all do with him every time he has played, and that’s exactly what he has done.” – Mikel Arteta on Bernd Leno/Aaron Ramsdale

SOUTHAMPTON

Stuart Armstrong (calf) and Theo Walcott (unspecified) will miss the trip to Manchester City but Shane Long has returned to training after a spell in isolation and Will Smallbone has also been back on the grass with the Saints squad after eight months out.

“Longy is back in the squad since yesterday, Walcott and (Stuart) Armstrong, they are still out with injury. It will take a little bit of time.

“The positive thing is that Will [Smallbone] is in the team session the whole week now, he looks good and is very happy that he’s back on the training ground with the team.

“Every team has different strengths and it doesn’t mean that you now play with this shape all the time. [The change to a 4-1-4-1] worked quite well but we must have a look. I don’t want to speak too much about what we have planned.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl

BURNLEY

Dale Stephens (ankle) is still some way from a return but Sean Dyche is gradually getting more and more of his squad back to fitness, with the Burnley boss saying that Nathan Collins (unspecified) would be “back amongst it” this weekend.

Kevin Long (twice) and Connor Roberts have also featured for the under-23s in the last week after recovering from injury.

“He is certainly available… but pitching him in at the right time is important. It’s got to be appropriate when he plays, why he’s playing, how he figures, and his understanding of the team. His English is still pretty limited.” – Sean Dyche on Maxwell Cornet

WATFORD

Ben Foster (hamstring) is available for selection and Kiko Femenia (match fitness) will be assessed after a return to training but the Norwich match comes too soon for Joao Pedro (knee), who is nevertheless closing in on a return after three months out.

416 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fpl_Ludwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A, B or C?

    A) Antonio to Bamford (4-3-3)
    B) Antonio to 4.5 and Gilmour to Jota (Jota to mount GW 7)
    C) Benrahma to Raphinha

    My only leeds player atm is Ayling

    1. syke63
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

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

      Save not an option?

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

    Bamford+Jiminez or CR7 and a 4.5? (Have lukaku)

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Depends if you need to play the 4.5 or not

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

        obv you dont

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Sorry what!?

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

            you dont have to play the 4.5m striker

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

            To be fair I would have to play Allan (4.6) in mid

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

              Then you doing something wrong...play the 4.5m def.

              1. BigKeith
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Aha!

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

    What to do here?

    2 FTs 0.6 ITB

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Coufal White
    Salah Bruno Jota Raph
    Jimenez Toney

    Steele Antonio Gilmour Amartey

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No Lukaku No Ronaldo

      Work it out

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

      Toney + Bruno > Ronaldo + Gray or Lukaku + gray/sarr

  4. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is ASM a good short term pick?

    With leeds banged to pieces, he is primed for a haul!

    Watford next

    Could downgrade and spend 2m and add a midfield upgrade in 2 weeks

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He's tricky because his FPL returns can be very hard to predict, but honestly I think he's been excellent so far this season so he's definitely a good option, would naturally prefer if he was playing alongside a better finisher like Wilson but as he showed last week he can still pick up points without him

  5. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Benrahma up front with Antonio off. Should be there at the weekend I think

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It's United

      Not that they are that tight though, but West Ham without Antonio aren't the same West Ham. Maguire and Varane will eat Benrahma for breakfast.

      1. CrouchDown
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I don’t agree

        United are so vulnerable on the counter. Benrahma will do similar to ASM with hopefully some end product

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Lol Ben is not even half as pacey as ASM. Not even remotely similar players

      2. Gunneryank
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        But what about second Benrahma breakfast?

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bowen up top mate. Benrahma behind. Not chance he starts up there.

  6. K4pril
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you play,
    A) Veltman
    B) Ayling

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve gone Veltman

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Both useless

  7. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.0 def who could get minutes?

    Not looking for 3.9 or 4.1+

    1. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Manquillo? Or Williams

    2. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Manquillo and Williams

    3. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers

  8. Bartowski
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone know how many people play Sky Fantasy? Or where those stats are?

    1. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I believe the figures are written on a subway napkin which is kept in a small metal tin and is itself, kept inside a safe deep within the basement of Sky HQ.

      Legend has it that, one day, there will be a hero mighty enough to slay the beast that guards the safe. The name of that hero? Bartowski…

      1. Gunneryank
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        That is the plot of my most recent D&D campaign.

    2. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Why do you want to know?

  9. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to start?

    1. Dier
    2. Williams

    1. Ekipica
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Williams for me,Dier is unlikely to start,and this is ideal match to Williams have cleansheet

  10. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Boss performance from Antonio tonight, at a match I should have been at if the Hammers hadn't botched ticket sales.

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      COYI

  11. ZiadHisham
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to start this gameweek?
    - Gray va AVL(A)
    - Dennis vs NOR(A)

  12. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Antonio come through Europa unscathed then?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes plus fantastic performance.

  13. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best mid 6.4 or under?

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

      Sarr then Gray

      1. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Hasn't sarr scored one goal, from a lucky deflection?

    2. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gray or Gallagher have the best underlying stats, plus look lively.

  14. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Spurs going to be massacred over the weekend.

    Lukaku cap may just be gold.

    1. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It really does feel like a good idea but Salah seems obvious.

    2. Khark
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      None of the back 5 that took to the field for spurs will play on sunday

  15. Hiddenpaw
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) Antonio to Bamford
    B) Tsimikas to Semedo

    1. ZiadHisham
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

      B

    4. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    Why am I so adamant that I’m not putting Jota in on my WC?!!

    1. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t like stats much?

      1. OneArseneWenger32
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        prob cause it's a WC and not a short term decision

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He's massively overdue a goal or two..

  17. Snoop Udogie Dogg
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I must be tired, was looking for Lukaku by filtering Everton

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      We are all daft sometimes.
      Just some more than otters.

      1. Snoop Udogie Dogg
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Haha yes username checks out!

  18. ZiadHisham
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Better pick this week?
    - Gray vs AVL
    - Dennis vs NOR

    1. Snoop Udogie Dogg
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Personally would go Gray over Dennis, but looking at the very real possibility of having them both this week

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      One week punt would be against NOR

  19. Snoop Udogie Dogg
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Dennis vs Josh King anyone? Decided I must take a hit and get Salah in my team somehow and scraping the bargain basement

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Couldn't recommend that. Doesn't Elton have like 30 odd strikers on his books.

      1. Snoop Udogie Dogg
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah guess you're right. The next level up is Pukki but have to sacrifice Pogba for that (Kane out, Pogba/Bergwijn out for Salah + 5-6 mil striker). Or could just go for a 4.5 fodder, but feel like I need backups this year.

        Basically trying to work my way to shoehorning in Lukaku, CR7 (already have), and Salah into my team

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Surely King out of those two then.

    2. Khark
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Im holding firm on No Salah until after they play man city.

      1. Snoop Udogie Dogg
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah maybe that's the way. Be 4 points up already if I don't take a hit! And could do a straight Kane/Lukaku swap this week

  20. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How would you squeeze some Leeds into this side? 0.0 and 1 FT

    Pickford

    TAA Shaw Coufal White

    Salah Jota Greenwood Benrahma

    Ronaldo Toney

    Subs: Begovic, Gilmour Livramento Antonio

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

      Coufal + Benrahma > Marcal + Raphinha

      1. CrouchDown
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate. Definitely considering these moves

        Is it worth a -4?

        1. Khark
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Im considering changing my name on here to Anti-Hit. I hate them that much, but i must say for a -4 that does look very appealing

  21. Romero and Juliet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is pereira back for Leicester? If so is he likely to start over Castagne?

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He's a sub tonight so yes.

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Starting over Castagne, not sure on that one.

        1. Romero and Juliet
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks

  22. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Toughts?

    A) R.James + Semedo
    B) Cancelo + Marcal

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      A ish

  23. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Im not as keen to shift on Coufal for Semedo for a hit now..

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't

  24. AD105
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) Ayling to Semedo
    B) Benrahma to Raphinha
    C) Antonio to Bamford

    1. ZiadHisham
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

  25. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) bench Antonio and play Williams (also have sarr who I expect to haul)
    B) Antonio —>Bamford(-4)

    1. ZiadHisham
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      A
      I’m with you on Sarr. Going for him over Jota on WC

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Keep Antonio

      1. OneArseneWenger32
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        instead of -4 I would bench antonio...i swapped him for bamford on a free though since i also had sarr and didn't want to play williams or livra

  26. Neevesy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    So WC done. Now to decide on CR7 or Salah for captain.

    It's 50/50 right?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Salah surely

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No it's not. Salah better

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

      Just go for the player who gets two extra points if they win to nil

      1. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        *and he scores ofc!

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Liverpool have 65 hours from finishing AC Milan to starting Palace - not sure I'd expect a hammering there - a 1-0 or a 2-1 sure, but not a 3/4/5 goal smashing - Palace will defend for their lives

      Utd need to bounce back big style after silly unprofessional mistakes (not ability) cost them & have 2 days extra rest over West Ham, who will be missing their best player

      Not a landslide by any stretch imo

      1. Gunneryank
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Now you have me reconsidering, dammit!

  27. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who would've ever thought that the BT punditry team of Chris Sutton and Neil Lennon would be considered a "security risk"?

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

      Those 2 in any punditry team is hilarious on its own.

  28. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Final WC draft

    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA, Tierney, Marcal, Duffy, Livra
    Salah, Torres, Jota, Docoure, Gallagher
    CR7, Bamford, Richarlson

    GTG?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes nice

      1. BrockLanders
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Ta

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Anyone??

    3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      That's a bit different innit!
      Yer, I like it. gtg.

  29. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is this enough at the back?

    TAA James Marcal Coady Livramento

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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

      More than me.

      TAA James Marcal are your locked in defenders, Coady + Livramento rotate as backup imo. If anything I would be tempted to downgrade Coady, unless you want 4 at the back in the interim, which isn't too bad an idea given Wolves fixtures. Stats say defence is very promising.

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks guys

  30. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lol if I keep antonio and he drops in value tonight I would actually lose value with my WC team....

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You will get it back when everyone comes back rushing for him.

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

      In itself, points over value, but it does raise questions about the people you're bringing in. Show us your team