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FPL Daily: Firmino and Jota injury latest as Kane ‘has to play’

We round up the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points of the day in FPL Daily, a weekday series that serves non-Premier League matchdays and days when we don’t bring you a team news/press conference round-up.

NO FIRMINO OR JOTA AGAINST LEEDS

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed there is “no chance” Roberto Firmino (£8.7m) and Diogo Jota (£8.4m) will be fit for Wednesday’s Double Gameweek 26 clash against Leeds United. The duo missed Saturday’s 3-1 win over Norwich City with muscle and ankle injuries respectively, and will now be monitored ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

“For tomorrow no chance and for the final we will see. I don’t know at the moment. It will be easier for me to say no now but they are pushing. They’re not on the pitch for training which is not a good sign. We have to see what we can do with the boys in the next few days and then we’ll make a decision later in the week.” – Jurgen Klopp on Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota

KANE “HAS TO PLAY”

In Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Antonio Conte revealed Harry Kane (£12.2m) is fit to face Burnley, despite suffering a knock on the back in the win at Manchester City on Saturday. He then went on to suggest he would play even if he had one leg, highlighting his importance.

“Harry had a hit on his back but he has to play. Even if he has one leg, he has to play. He is good. Harry knows his importance to the team.” – Antonio Conte on Harry Kane

Elsewhere, Oliver Skipp (£4.4m) and Japhet Tanganga (£4.2m) are still out, while Sergio Reguilon (£5.3m) remains a doubt.

“Skipp and Tanganga, they are recovering. They’re not ready, they’re still not ready for the game against Burnley. Sergio Reguilon, at yesterday’s training session, he wasn’t present but we’ll see today. I think the situation is the same as the last game but we hope Skipp, Tanganga, Sergio recover very soon because we need all of them.” – Antonio Conte

Conte then went on to discuss squad rotation, including the forward options now at his disposal.

“Sonny and Kane, I always say that we are talking about two players that are very good, at an important level. My expectation when you have these two players are higher than other players. I think Sonny played a bit but then had a serious injury and to lose him for one month and a half wasn’t good for us. Also, because when you recover you need a bit of time to be fit, to have good form. Now he’s fit, he’s an important player for us.

There’s a good connection between him and Harry but also don’t forget that Lucas Moura is an important player and now we have Dejan, Deki Kulusevski. He is young but he’s ready for this league. You have seen in a tough game that he can give us a lot this season. Then there is also Steven Bergwijn. He had a little problem before the game against Manchester City in his calf and now he has recovered. We have many games ahead and we will need all these players.” – Antonio Conte

BIELSA ON LEEDS’ DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCES

Leeds United will once again be without key trio Liam Cooper (£4.4m), Kalvin Phillips (£4.7m) and Patrick Bamford (£7.7m) at Anfield on Wednesday, plus Robin Koch (£4.3m), who suffered a blow to the head after a collision against Manchester United.

Marcelo Bielsa also touched on his team’s recent defensive performances, which has seen them concede 30 goals in their last 10 Premier League matches.

“I did not say the defence needed to improve, I said the defensive system needed to improve. The consistency the players in midfield offer allows us to strengthen the defensive system. The characteristics of the players in the midfield give it a more defensive or offensive profile. I said all of this to explain because we have conceded 50 goals, second most conceded in the league. I have to account for this because I am responsible.

I wanted to explain in the game against Manchester United we did not have Phillips, Koch or Pascal (Struijk). Three players who take on the role of defensive midfielder to solidify them. We don’t resolve that with bringing signings in. If not, we would have four players for that position. Imagine being able to count on all three for that position. It’s a privilege. At the same time, occasionally situations like this are presented. Strangely, the fourth player in that role is the best player of the team in the second half, Forshaw. 

Analysing the last game, we created eight chances at goal and the opponent created eight chances at goal as well. They managed to score double the goals we did. When I analyse the defensive behaviour, I refer to the structure I generate. After you have to analyse why? What are the real reasons and how to avoid this from happening? That’s my function and when you have played these games and these goals the conclusions are clear.” Marcelo Bielsa

NO NEW INJURY CONCERNS FOR PALACE

Patrick Viera has provided a fresh injury update ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit to Watford on Wednesday, confirming full-backs Joel Ward (£4.5m) and Nathan Ferguson (£4.5m) remain out.

Notably, there was no mention of Vicente Guaita (£4.6m), who was withdrawn from action at half-time against Chelsea with a slight injury at the back of his knee. However, his manager did say the rest of his squad had been training, which is encouraging for his owners.

“We know that Nathan Ferguson and Joel Ward will not be part of the game tomorrow. The others all trained this morning.” – Patrick Vieira

Conor Gallagher (£6.2m), meanwhile, comes back into contention after missing Saturday’s game against parent club Chelsea.

CAVANI TO MISS ATLETICO TIE

Edinson Cavani (£8.4m) will be absent again for Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg against Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan forward has missed the last three games with a groin injury and also had a stomach problem prior to Sunday’s win at Leeds.

“Edinson (Cavani) will not be part of the group. He has not been training for the last couple of weeks. He has a problem with his groin. As long as he doesn’t feel able to sprint, it doesn’t make sense to push him.” – Ralf Rangnick

712 Comments Post a Comment
  1. daitheboot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Is Ben Johnson likely back in favour now? Can get 11 out without FH this weekend if he plays? Trouble is with nada In The Bank cannot change to anyone else without surgery.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Hard to know.

      I have him too. If he starts then I can put 11 out without any transfers.

      He came on at half time for Ryan Fredericks in the last game, but not sure if that means he’s going to start this weekend, though.

  2. thepancakeman123
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    De Gea
    Cancelo, Saiss, Digne, Livramento
    Coutinho, Bowen, Raphinha
    Weghorst, Toney, Dennis

    Guaita, Saka, Salah, Trent

    I think I can get through this week without using a FH. But would you do Dennis > Broja for a -4?

    1. Rohirrims
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Isn't Toney a bigger issue than Dennis at the moment?

  3. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Those with WC, BB & 2xFHs… what is your plan for the remainder of the season? Really stuck with how to approach it. Thanks

    1. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      For me depends on GW30.

      For certain I am

      GW27 - FH
      GW36 - BB

      Will use the WC and FH2 when i feel i need it

      1. YoungPretender
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        What are we expecting for GW36? Several doubles?

        1. Quan MisTaka
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          The consensus is that most if not every team will double in GW36.
          Some people will use WC in GW35 to set up for monster BB in GW36

        2. AWOL-Ekotto
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          Yes lots

          1. YoungPretender
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 1 month ago

            Great, thanks a lot

    2. AWOL-Ekotto
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Currently thinking:
      GW28: FH
      GW30: FH (not certain)
      GW36: BB

      WC to usedGW31-GW35

      1. YoungPretender
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks mate

    3. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Currently on FH in 30 & 36, but if Burnley v Soton is on, I will won't need to FH in 30 so will use in a double or the last week of the season.

    4. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      * won't need to

  4. Quan MisTaka
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Who is likely to play in GW30 based on their FA cup results?

    So far
    Aresnal
    Villa
    Brentford
    Leicester
    Leeds
    Wolves

    Are there any good articles or twitter threads that predict?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Burnley v Southampton is the only other realistic one, barring cup surprises.

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      All the permutations are listed here:

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2022/02/06/what-the-fa-cup-results-and-draw-mean-for-fpl-gameweeks-27-and-30/

      Burnley v Southampton, Newcastle v Palace are most likely to go ahead, others would require major upsets

    3. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      If Burnley / Soton is on, I will likely get away with fielding 9-10 players, otherwise it's FH time.

      1. Rohirrims
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        I doubt you have 5 from Bur/Sou. IMO, if you have 2/3 Arsenal & 2/3 Wolves and are able to bring in 1-2 from Leicester you should be okay for 30. The other's will be appearance points really.

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          Yep thats me, 3x Ars 3x Wol & Maddison, no FH

    4. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks everyone

  5. bros
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    GW30 As it stands which games are defo on?
    Thanks

    1. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Above!

    2. bros
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Ignore I see it posted above

  6. juicewagz
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Shaw or Cresswell?