Team News

FPL Gameweek 35 team and injury news: Live press conference updates

We’ll be bringing you the key team news and injury updates live from all the Premier League pre-match press conferences ahead of Gameweek 35.

All 20 teams will play exactly once, with no blanks or doubles this time. Six managers spoke to the media on Thursday – those of Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley, Leeds United, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers  – and you can read all the headline news from those pressers via this link here.

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

GAMEWEEK 35 TEAM NEWS – FRIDAY

ARSENAL

Bukayo Saka is available to start against West Ham United on Sunday. Having left the win over Manchester United in the 73rd minute – after receiving a couple of knocks – there were worries that the 20-year-old was hurt. However, Mikel Arteta doesn’t believe there is a problem.

“Yeah, hopefully he will be fine. He had some issues in the final part of the [Man United] game but he has recovered well and we are expecting him to be fine.”

Two individuals who still miss out are Kieran Tierney (knee) and Thomas Partey (thigh).

LIVERPOOL

There are a couple of illnesses within the Liverpool squad. It rules Curtis Jones out for the weekend but Kostas Tsimikas is more likely to recover. As for Roberto Firmino (foot), his injury is taking slightly longer than anticipated.

“It’s not a serious injury, we’re still kind of convinced. But now it takes a little bit longer already than we all thought. He will not be ready for tomorrow, didn’t train yet.” – Jurgen Klopp on Roberto Firmino

MANCHESTER CITY

Ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Leeds United, Pep Guardiola is without defensive pair Kyle Walker (ankle) and John Stones (muscle). Having missed facing Real Madrid due to suspension, Joao Cancelo is fresh and expected to start.

“For tomorrow he is out and we’ll see for Wednesday.” – Pep Guardiola on John Stones

MANCHESTER UNITED

There are a few knocks for Ralf Rangnick to consider. Tonsilitis may have ended Jadon Sancho‘s season prematurely, with Luke Shaw (leg) and Paul Pogba (calf) also hurt.

Also uncertain are the statuses of Edinson Cavani (calf), Fred (hip), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (knock), Harry Maguire (knee) and Jesse Lingard (personal reasons).

“I hope Fred will make it for the Brentford game. As it seems, Jadon [Sancho] might be out for the rest of the season with his tonsillitis, so he will most likely be unavailable. Apart from that, we have to wait and see. Harry Maguire [missed the game vs Chelsea], Jesse (Lingard) was missing for personal, family reasons.”

CHELSEA

No new issues came up last night at Old Trafford. Thomas Tuchel is still without Ben Chilwell (knee), Mateo Kovacic (ankle) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (back), although late decisions will be made on the ill pair of Andreas Christensen and Ross Barkley.

“Ben Chilwell, no. For Kovacic, it is too early. Callum Hudson-Odoi as well. Maybe Andreas Christensen, but let’s see after he was ill. And the same for Ross Barkley. Let’s wait until [Saturday] to see how they feel.”

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Antonio Conte says that Sergio Reguilon will not make the Leicester game because a groin injury, with no timeframe so far placed on his return. Oliver Skipp (groin), Matt Doherty (knee) and Japhet Tanganga (knee) are out for the season.

EVERTON

Absent for the Toffees’ last two league encounters, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh) returns to Frank Lampard’s squad this weekend. Another back is Yerry Mina (match fitness) but fellow centre-back Ben Godfrey (thigh) has joined the likes of Donny van de Beek (groin), Andre Gomes (groin), Andros Townsend (knee) and Nathan Patterson (ankle) on the injury list.

“Yerry Mina is back in the squad, it was more being careful with him. Ben [Godfrey] is out, will be a few weeks out. Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] is back in the squad. Donny [van de Beek] is not fit, nor is Andre Gomes.”

ASTON VILLA

Lucas Digne remains out with a shoulder injury but Bertrand Traore (groin) is set to return. Kortney Hause (abdominal) and Morgan Sanson (knock) also fail to make the home clash against Norwich City.

“Morgan Sanson and Kortney Hause will be missing. We welcome Bertrand Traoré back, who missed the last fixture.” – Steven Gerrard

NEWCASTLE UNITED

The season is likely over for Ryan Fraser (hamstring) but both Callum Wilson (calf) and Kieran Trippier (foot) are nearer a return. They won’t make Saturday’s clash with Liverpool but Eddie Howe believes the pair will appear soon.

“Kieran and Callum are getting closer but I don’t think they’ll be ready. Kieran we’ve seen on the grass, has trained with us, one session. Callum is not quite there yet but is edging closer and is doing a lot of hard work with the sports science team.”

WEST HAM UNITED

It’s all about the centre-backs at West Ham. The timely return of Kurt Zouma (ankle) on Thursday night coincides with a one-man suspension for Craig Dawson, who was sent off at Chelsea last weekend. Angelo Ogbonna (knee) and Issa Diop (ankle) are still unavailable, although the latter could get minutes before the season finishes.

“Issa Diop is making a very good recovery and there’s always an outside chance he could return before the end of the season. Angelo Ogbonna has started some running on the grass, which is good.” – David Moyes

LEICESTER CITY

Last night also reintroduced Jamie Vardy to proceedings. He played an hour of the Foxes’ 1-1 draw against Roma, with Timothy Castagne available to face Spurs this weekend after a scan on his eye revealed no issues. Wilfred Ndidi and Ryan Bertrand continue to have knee injuries.

NORWICH CITY

Dean Smith is optimistic that the trio of Josh Sargent (ankle), Kenny McLean (foot) and Lukas Rupp (knee) will be in the squad to face Aston Villa. However, defender Christoph Zimmermann pulled up in training with a hip problem and joins Adam Idah (knee), Ozan Kabak (hamstring) and Andrew Omobamidele (back) on the sidelines.

“It is not the big toe. It is a small fracture. It is one back in the day you will have probably taped up and got on with it, but we have got a medical department that can take the pain away. He won’t want our sympathy.” – Dean Smith on Kenny McLean

CRYSTAL PALACE

Tyrick Mitchell (knock) and Luka Milivojevic (hamstring) both return for the Eagles this weekend.

“Everybody trained this morning. The only one who was out was Nathan Ferguson.” – Patrick Vieira

WATFORD

The hamstring injury of Cucho Hernandez may not finish his season, according to Roy Hodgson.

“I hope he will return before the end of this season but it will be close.”

There could be appearances from Samuel Kalu (ankle) or Francisco Sierralta (calf) on Saturday but much more likely are the recovered Kiko Femenia and Juraj Kucka. Both had minor knocks.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

664 Comments Post a Comment
  1. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Watkins or Countinho? Which pick is better for dgw 36?

    1. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      pool home they won't do much. burnley will be tight too.

    2. Harvey_27
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I think Watkins' fitness means he's the most likely to play 180 minutes and should be on pens when Ings isn't playing, but he misses so many chances. Frankly, if you can get to him for free, with strikers being so poor and there being plenty of midfield options, I like Watkins

      1. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Boy is a machine - has he ever been injured?!

  2. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Any thoughts on this? Bowen & Lacazette to:

    A) Watkins & Saka
    B) Nketiah & Foden (or Sterling)

    I will BB in 36 so Nketiah will need to play if I go with A. The reason I favor Foden over Sterling in B is due to higher chance of starts in 36, otherwise for this GW, would prefer Sterling.

  3. Jatz10
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Jesus on a wildcard and bench boost next week. On top form, worth a punt or too much of a rotation risk.

  4. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Only have Cancelo and want 3 City for BB36. Make sense to go James -> Laporte this week? Have a feeling City could run riot against Leeds and unsure of James starting. Cheers.

    1. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't sell James. He is a rotation risk for GW35 but is as good an option as any City defender for DGW 36.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Will he play vs Leeds though?

    2. capoultra
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      James is my only route into Cancelo. He's gone this week

  5. MrZ
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Pick 1 :

    1. Laporte to cash
    2. pukki to nketiah
    3. Both for -4
    4. Roll the transfer

    Other defenders are trent, robertson, cancelo & alonso.
    Other forwards are watkins & richarlison

    1. Monty123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      2 and keep laporte this week

      1. MrZ
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Tks m8

  6. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Would u rather Mount or Coutinho this wk?

    Considering holding Son/Kane/Kulu this wk maybe..

    Saiss ➡️Cash
    Mount➡️Coutinho - 4

  7. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    I know it's a little early, but how do we feel about this WC37? Bench is light but I have 0.5m to play with - where to improve?

    Schmeichel
    Robbo - TAA - Cancelo
    Kulu - Salah - Foden - Saka - KDH
    Kane - Weghorst

    Foster - White - Kelly - Forde

    1. Wee Jinky
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Why wait for GW37? Why not now?

      1. Cheeky Onion
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Playing BB GW36 and will have 15 players with DGWs after taking 1 hit - no need to WC

  8. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Best Sterling replacement? Pogba or save some cash and go Delph?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Keep him.

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Really think Delph might outscore him tho

    2. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Don't like either of those. What's the rest of your mid? Maybe a City mid or Coutinho?

    3. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Pogba?! 😮

      1. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Wild

      2. Camino Aleatorio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Is this a post from 2017 something?

        Pogba is pretty clearly a worthless player

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      The answer is never ever Pogba...next!!

    5. Zaruto
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Selling Sterling why?

  9. Wee Jinky
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    This Fantasy game is fantastic and run very well, but I can't understand why the game organizers class forwards as midfielders. Salah, Jota, Mane, Diaz, Mount, Havertz, Pulisic, Mahrez, Sterling, Foden, Greenwood, Rashford, Son & Kulusevski are all obvious forwards, and I really think the game should accurately reflect this. Anyone else agree?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      The mids would be mostly terrible then.

    2. slipthemonkey
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      They're attacking midfielders or wingers predominantly, not your classic striker. If they were reclassified then you'd need to allow more forwards and less midfielders in a team.

    3. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A simpler solution would be if they changed Forwards to Strikers - because that's what they really mean

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      To be fair that's part why there are 5 mid slots vs. 3 forward slots
      If you put all those players as forwards in the same system, everyone would probably trend to a 5-2-3 formation!

    5. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      imagine how low scores would be if the best mid you could get was Jorginhno or fabinho.

      i think they play with the classification to make the game fun.

      (1) A change to make is to switch Kane and Son. HK is more likely to go deep and make passes than HMS. In fact, Kane is more a mid than Salah or Mane these days.

      (2) Another fun change is Foden, Mahrez, Jota, Diaz, Havertz, and Sterling to Forward. This would allow you to own more MCI and Pool.

      (3) Another is to make Cancelo a Midfielder. This would make Cancelo worthless and allow us to move this worthless and poor finishing player from our teams. I hate owning him.

    6. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      It doesn’t matter because the premium mids carry a higher price for the additional 1pts per goal and CS potential.

      Imagine having 5 midfield slots for Fred, Kovacic etc.

    7. Wee Jinky
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Some interesting comments here. Personally, I think the game would be better if the players I mentioned were classed as attackers. Picking 3 attackers from a choice of 15 to 20 prime players would make teams a lot different. I suppose everyone would have the likes of Kevin De Bruyne in midfield, but they would also have made a big mistake picking Fernandes! You will still have other midfielders such as Maddison, Barnes, Gallacher, Saka, Ward-Prowse, Gundogan, Bernardo, Coutinho, Bowen, Raphinha, Pogba, Smith Rowe, Zaha and Erikson to choose from.

  10. HTL
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Which 2 from 3?

    A) Dewsbury Hall
    B) Gordon
    C) Ramsey

    I know it’s bargain bin stuff

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      AB

    2. Malaikat Jihad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      D-H might be due a rest.

  11. Saintjack01
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Watkins and Gordon in for Fraser and wood -4

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I think it's worth it. The hit should pay off assuming both play all fixtures which is pretty likely.

  12. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Not entirely chuffed with this lot but leaning towards saving the FT to have two for DGW36.

    Pope
    Robertson (rest incoming?) - Cancelo - Rudiger
    Salah - Son (c) - Kulusevski - Saka - Mount (bench looming?)
    Werner (bench looming?) - Mateta (bench looming?)
    > Foster - Broja - Schar - White
    (0.6 itb)

    Any obvious moves or roll the transfer?

    1. Brewstercat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Kulu to Gordon, Schar to Cash?

  13. mcflyjohn
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    How's this for a 35 WC team set up for a BB in 36 and free hit 37/38?

    Schmeichel

    TAA | Robbo | Alonso | Cancelo | Laporte

    Salah | Foden | Coutinho | Mount |

    Dennis

    Bench: Saka | Foster | Pukki | Nkeitia

    Considerations:

    - Too loaded on LIV and Man City defence?

    - High rotation risks

    - No Maddison

    - No Spurs.

    G2G or changes needed. Have 0.3 ITB

    1. HTL
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Downgrade a defender and try and find a way to Kane

    2. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Foden to gordon/ramsey
      Pukki to Richy

      1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Foden to Gordon Ramsey not a move I was expecting…

  14. StingRay
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Question:

    Is this a good move to transfer OUT Laporte for either Alonso or Zinchenko.

    If yes...who would you choose.

    It’s just that this move frees up more money. The worry is rotation / playing full 90 mins.

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Why would you transfer out Laporte? Most are bringing him in.

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      If you have to make the move then get Alonso not Zinch.

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Laporte out? Shirley you can't be serious?!!

    4. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      If i want to move laporte out, it'll be for cash.
      Alonso is more rotation risk than laporte.

  15. FredUpAlready
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Havertz and Sterling to Foden/Coutinho and Son for a -4?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Keep raz for a last dance

  16. Fpl_Ludwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Saka or Jota?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Saka

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Saka certainly plays and features. He's going to get passes, make passes, and take shots.

      Jota is 50/50. Since he started vs Villarreal. But Jota plays for a team where he pop a goal in a 10 min cameo.

      Jota costs you more money

      1. ZimZalabim
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        jota didnt start vs Villareal

        1. Camino Aleatorio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          By god, you are correct. Diaz started, Jota only played 17 minutes or so.

    3. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Saka based on opponent.
      New are tight at the back recently.
      Whu lost their 1st choice CBs

  17. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    I've tried and I've tried but I still can't decide on whether to do Havertz > Foden for free this week or not?

    A - Yay!!
    B - Nay!!

    First to 14,948 wins!! Thanks 😉

    1. Brewstercat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      yay for me! chelsea out of form, nothing to play for, FA cup final coming up. Vs City got a title to win

    2. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B
      Havertz only play 69 minutes vs ManU, got a lot of chances, vs Everton who leak goals

  18. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    WC35, BB36 & FH still available ... Typical scenario

    just planning on whether I will have 2FTs in GW37 or does BB chip affect the transfer roll??

    Thanks

  19. ONLYPEPKNOWS
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    James will probably not start this weekend, right?

    1. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      wrong

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Could start or play Central Defense

      Playing Central Defense is almost as bad as being benched. As a CB, he attacks less and is a terrible defender, so you lose a clean sheet.

  20. Morthau
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Werner and Telles -> Laporte and Jesus

  21. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    So many rotation risks?

    Ramsdale
    TAA White James Laporte
    Salah Saka Kulu Havertz Mout
    Kane

    Schmeichel Schar Richardson Cucho

    Cheers

  22. Dave2008
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Start three:

    A Pukki
    B Watkins
    C Nketia
    D Matip

  23. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Do we think that Leicester put out a weakened team vs spurs?

  24. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    A Kane + Coutinho or
    B Son+ Watkins