Team News

FPL Gameweek 1 team news: Live updates from Pep, Klopp, Tuchel and more

We’ve got the live updates from all 12 Premier League pre-match press conferences that take place on Friday as Gameweek 1 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) draws ever nearer.

For ease of access, this article will remain live in the ‘featured’ box on the home page even when it is no longer at the top of the site.


KEY UPDATES SO FAR

We heard from eight managers yesterday, with the following dozen up today:

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


LIVERPOOL

Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Alisson is “fine” ahead of the trip to Fulham, although Curtis Jones, Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Diogo Jota and Caoimhin Kelleher all remain on the injury list.

Naby Keita has been ill but returns to training today.

 “Ali [is] fine.

“We hope with Curtis we caught it in the right moment, that’s just how it is with young players. They have some kind of stress reactions sometimes and then if they go over it because it’s not massive pain, it could lead to something serious. We caught it early but we still have to be careful. That’s it with him, so he is not in.

“Naby is ill, but I think he will be back today the first day. I underestimated it a little bit when I said he will definitely be fine. He came in yesterday and still showed some little symptoms, no COVID but it is not right. I guess he will be back today.

“Then Kostas [was] unlucky in a training situation. I saw him now, he was out on the pitch and he might be – in his opinion, anyway – ready to train next week, which is helpful. Ibou, in a challenge in the game against Strasbourg, what happened there we have to see how long it will take but he is out for a while. Oxlade [is also out], of course.

“[Kelleher] is still a few weeks away. We have too many injuries, that’s true, but in the moment nothing changed. There were a lot of unlucky situations; started with Caoimhin, started with Diogo pretty much. One was injured, the other one got a re-injury, it was not 100 per cent clear.” – Jurgen Klopp

Asked about Darwin Nunez, Klopp said:

“Darwin is ready, that doesn’t mean he has to start. We have obviously still different options and that’s what we’ll use and Darwin needs time to get used to lots of things but he is already a real help.” – Jurgen Klopp

MANCHESTER CITY

There were precisely zero questions asked about the Manchester City team news in the broadcast section of Pep Guardiola’s press conference.

With Gameweek 1 getting underway tonight, we won’t hear any embargoed quotes until well after the deadline has passed.

We do know that Aymeric Laporte (knee) will miss out, at least, with the Spaniard set to be sidelined until September at the earliest.

“I like to work with not many players and have everyone involved.” – Pep Guardiola on having a small squad for 2022/23

Guardiola was asked about the penalty-taking pecking order at City and Erling Haaland‘s potential position within it but effectively told us that there isn’t one.

“Last season we improve. We rise a lot the quality of our penalties in terms of goals, in the past we missed a lot. Last season Riyad [Mahrez] was exceptional under incredible pressure to do it, of course he missed the last one but in general the penalties he took were really good.

“They will decide. As much the taker when you walk up to the penalty, look at the goalkeeper, in your mind: ‘One decision, I’m going to score.’ So much as they think like that, the rest is not important.” – Pep Guardiola

CHELSEA

Thomas Tuchel confirmed on Friday that Marc Cucurella‘s arrival was imminent and discussed the Spaniard’s impact on Ben Chilwell, who is still building up match fitness after a lengthy lay-off.

“It helps Ben [Chilwell] escape the pressure of ‘I have to deliver’ and ‘we absolutely need you now’. We have also in this position Marcos Alonso, Kenedy and Emerson. But, hopefully when things go through, Marc is the option in this position and he can play, I think, very well in the back three. He gives us many options.

“[Chilwell] looks better and better, but at the same time, he needs a little bit more time to adapt to the rhythm and physicality of the match itself, which is absolutely normal.

“It’s a very, very demanding league and we have to take care of him, it’s our responsibilty. We can’t just throw him in.” – Thomas Tuchel

MANCHESTER UNITED

New signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez could make their full United debuts this weekend but Anthony Martial will miss out with a minor hamstring injury.

“I think they are fit enough to start” – Erik ten Hag on Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez

“It is always difficult to say with these injuries, but hopefully not too long.” – Erik ten Hag on Anthony Martial

LEICESTER CITY

Brendan Rodgers has said that Ricardo Pereira could be out of action for up to six months after rupturing his Achilles in pre-season.

Harvey Barnes will also be out for a fortnight or so with a knee injury, while Ryan Bertrand (knee) is sidelined for a few more weeks.

WEST HAM UNITED

David Moyes says that he is “not expecting” new striker Gianluca Scamacca to be involved against Manchester City on Sunday due to a lack of pre-season minutes.

Angelo Ogbonna also won’t be called upon as he builds up match sharpness with the under-23s instead.

Aside from that, Moyes added that the Hammers had “quite a lot of concerns” heading into the City game but, true to form, refused to name names.

ASTON VILLA

Emiliano Buendia (quad) and Tyrone Mings (unspecified) had “niggles” ahead of Aston Villa’s Gameweek 1 clash tomorrow but have trained and should be available.

“It’s really positive, we’ve had a positive pre-season. We’ve had a couple of niggles within the last seven days – Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendía to name a couple – but we had a full squad available who trained yesterday. If they get through today’s session, we should have a full squad to pick from. Kortney Hause is still not back with the team, Keinan Davis is back with the team and the plan is for him to get some minutes in the U21 game later on. Outside of those two, we’re fully fit and ready to go.” – Steven Gerrard

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Assessment is continuing on Jonjo Shelvey‘s hamstring injury, with the midfielder heading to London tonight for another opinion.

Jamal Lewis, Federico Fernandez and Javier Manquillo are all nearing a return, with the latter back in training, although all three are peripheral figures in the Newcastle squad now anyway.

“Jonjo is in London tonight for another assessment so we don’t have a clear, defined timeframe for you on his injury. He’s probably the big one to have come out of pre-season.

“We’ve got Jamal Lewis and Fede Fernández who are working their way back to fitness who shouldn’t be too long. (Javier) Manquillo’s back in training with us and looking good, so we’re not too bad, apart from Jonjo.” – Eddie Howe on injuries

“I think he’s ready to play. I’ve seen him during pre-season, as probably you all have, and what a talent he is. I think he’s going to be everything we hoped he would be.

“He’s technically very good, very, very strong physically, very good defensively. But we look at every player individually and try to make the right call for them and the team. What I’ll do with Sven, you’ll find out. But I’ve been so pleased with the signing.” – Eddie Howe on Sven Botman

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Bar long-term absentee Jakub Moder (knee), the whole of Brighton’s squad are fit for Sunday.

Manager Graham Potter confirmed that Alexis Mac Allister has shaken off groin tightness to feature.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Raul Jimenez (knee) and Adama Traore (hamstring) were the two players confirmed as being absent by Bruno Lage this afternoon, although Chiquinho (knee) is also a long-term absentee.

FULHAM

As we expected, Marco Silva has confirmed that Nathaniel Chalobah and Harry Wilson have been ruled out of tomorrow’s match against Liverpool due to injury.

BRENTFORD

Thomas Frank is hopeful that Kristoffer Ajer will return from a hamstring injury towards the end of August. Sergi Canos (hamstring) – who is suspended anyway – is on a similar timeframe but Ethan Pinnock (knee) will be out for longer.

Who played the most minutes over the March international break?

1,961 Comments Post a Comment
  1. dannyboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    In doubts:

    Saka + Bailey
    or
    Martinelli + Diaz

    Thank for any comment!

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      2. Although Diaz not my favourite £8m mid

    2. RyanC
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Martinelli + Saka?

      1. dannyboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        already jesusu and ramsdale 🙂

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

  2. hazzlehoff
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Ward
    Trent cancelo Perisic xxxx
    Salah saka xxxx Bailey
    Jesus xxxx

    Subs: Sanchez neco Andreas greenwood

    A) Robertson, martinelli, haaland
    B) James, son, mitrovic/solanke

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I think A offers better balance, although wouldn't have triple Arsenal attack.

      A + Saka -> £8m mid

      1. hazzlehoff
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Out the £8m options would only want Diaz over saka and have 3 pool already. Could do ribbon down to James and saka to Diaz. Or Potentially Like the look of Barnes

    2. zm82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I would go with B, just because James, Son and Mitrovic should be nailed, but A looks great too.

  3. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Ward (Sanchez)
    Trent, Cancelo, James, Gabriel (Neco)
    Salah, Mahrez, Martinelli, Rashford (Andreas)
    Jesus, Kane (4.5m)

    G2G or tinker with the defence? Not sold on James....

    1. nolard
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A bit too punty in midfield with mahrez, rashford and martinelli.
      I'd say you could do two out of them with Martinelli being one, not three,

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I think (hope) Rashford is good. Have thought about Mount or another £8m mid. Think Mahrez will play first few though

  4. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    a. Ward & Iverson, Perisic
    b. Ward & Mendy, Saliba
    c. Ward & Ramsdale, Botman
    d. Ward & Sanchez, Trippier

    ???

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      D

    2. nolard
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      c or d

  5. The Pep Revolution
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Can you please pick A or B
    A. Start with Kane and switch to Haaland for gw2
    B. Start with Haaland

    1. The Wheeler Dealer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I was A for a few weeks, but I think booking in a transfer for gw2 is not a good optimal strategy, and haaland in theory could score against anyone, so I'm sticking with Haaland and saving that FT for my midfield/defence in gw2

      1. Fred the Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        +1

        1. The Pep Revolution
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Thanks all.

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Do you think your other 14 picks are good enough for GW2? If yes, then A. Most of us will have something we want to tweak which will mean A is a hit and would question whether it pays off over B

    3. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Check out Camzy's hot topic

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Thank you for pointing that out and thanks to Camzy throwing my Kane pick up in the air (wasn't particularly planning to move to Haaland either)

  6. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    0.5itb , let's go.

    Ward
    TAA Cancelo Gabriel Trippier
    Salah Son(c) Diaz Saka Bailey
    Jesus

    Iversen Neco Greenwood Archer

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Why the no Neto love?

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Toothless Wolves don't excite me , I do like their defence though, got the 0.5m if I'm proven wrong though, but I doubt I will be

      • Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Solid team. Good luck

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Cheers mate, let's see yours

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Iverson
            Trent(v) Trippier Collins
            Son(c) Diaz Saka Martinelli
            Haaland Darwin Jesus

            Ward | Neco, Andreas, Patterson 🙂

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Raya
      Robbo Perisic Walker White
      Salah(C) L.Diaz Kulusevski Mount
      Haaland Jesus

      Ward Greenwood N.Williams Andersen

      Final dilemma:

      A) stick with Robbo+Perisic combo or go TAA+Dier instead?

      B) Keep Mount or rather do Saka or Mahrez?

      Cheers.

    3. Bullet Eder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A. Sanchez, Dunk, Cash

      B. Ward, Neco, James

    4. farqy
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Any last minute recommendations for this lot?

      Raya, Ward
      Cancelo, James, TAA, White, Williams
      Mount, Diaz, Martinelli, Bailey, Peirera
      Jesus, Haaland, Kane

      Cheers!

      1. Fred the Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Bold move going without Salah

      2. BobbyV
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        no Salah against relegation fodder?

    5. tikitaka123
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Start Mount or Neto? Playing James so unsure

      1. Forget Special, I am the ON…
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Mount imo

      2. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        100% Mount

        1. In a Rush
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          This shouldn’t be a question imo

    6. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Perisic and Doherty less likely starters - certainly has James at Planet FPL rethinking

      https://twitter.com/PlanetFPLPod/status/1555519874675490817

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I'm the only person left with Perisic then, confirmed

          1. Cruyff's Eleven
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Nope, you and me both.

            Catch you in a week or two

        • Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Short term thinking, innit

          1. Union_Jacks
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            See you in GW3 when he’s 5.4m 😉

            1. Cruyff's Eleven
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              Yeah, and you're stuck with a Newcastle defender.

      2. Fred the Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Thoughts on this team?

        Ramsdale Ward
        Trent Roboo Cancelo James Neco
        Salah Martinelli Neto Bailey Andreas
        Jesus Haaland Greenwood

      3. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Choose one!!

        A - Gabriel for the Arsenal triple up / play every week.

        B - Trippier, Andreas in GW'w 3 & 5 to cover bad fixtures?

        Thanks.

      4. MT180
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Rmt

        Ederson

        TAA — Cancelo — Trippier — James

        Salah — Martinelli — Saka — Neto

        Haaland — Jesus

        Ward — Williams — Archer — Andreas

        1. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Strong team. A touch heavy on Arsenal maybe & no spurs attacking cover are the only issues I see but very strong team!

      5. Dags
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 7 months ago

        What is your predicted Chelsea back 5?
        For me I think- James Azpi Silva Koulibaly Cucu

        1. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Are Chelsea definitely a back 5 now? Heard people mentioning of a back 4 shift??

        2. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Tuchel doesn't know yet...

          Why would we?

          1. nico05
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Difficult to predict then

            1. Dags
              • 1 Year
              1 year, 7 months ago

              Yeah it's all guesswork tbh. 🙂

      6. The Wheeler Dealer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        A) Perisic and Wilson/Watkins
        or
        B) Digne/Doherty and Jesus?

        1. Lignja
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B

      7. jimboakimbo
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Speaking of Differentials:
        Vardy or Sterling?

        1. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Very tempted by Vardy at this price point I must say

      8. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Hello guys torn between two squads essentially this is the difference, please help. I have no other Spurs asset other than Kane.

        A. DDG - Wilson - Vardy
        B. Ward - James - Kane (Ward rotates with Sanchez)

        Thank you in advance 🙂

      9. Please Help I Don't Kn…
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Hi guys I would appreciate your input

        1. Please Help I Don't Kn…
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Fail

          1. Cruyff's Eleven
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Don't be too hard on yourself mate

        2. Well you know, Triffic
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          😀

      10. tats_lads
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        (A) Sterling + Trippier

        OR

        (B) Mount + Robertson

        First 3 weeks only.

        1. tricpic
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B but A if you want a differential

        2. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B is the solid choice

        3. Hairy Potter
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B

        4. Manani
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          b

        5. tats_lads
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Thanks all!

      11. Please Help I Don't Kn…
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Hi guys I would appreciate your input

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Fail

          • Cruyff's Eleven
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Gotta wait until you're completely finished typing dude!

          • MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            A lot of people appreciate my input

        2. Manani
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Ramsdale or Mendy?

          1. Hairy Potter
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Might depend on when you plan on using WC

            1. Hairy Potter
              • 8 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              I prefer Ramsdale personally

          2. @persecuted_by_mods
              1 year, 7 months ago

              Rambo

              1. nico05
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                This

          3. PLANT_POWER
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Thoughts on swapping Iverson, Trippier and Saka to Sanchez, Perisic and Marinelli? Would also leave some in the bank.

            Ward/Iverson
            Trent Cancelo James Trippier/N.Will
            Salah (C) Mount Saka Bailey/Andreas
            Haaland Jesus/Greenwood

          4. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Perisic is looking super sketchy now. More rumors that he isn't gonna start.

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                1 year, 7 months ago

                Agreed, I've been spreading half those rumours

              • Nespinha
                • 8 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                gotten him out, not worth the risk with chelsea next gw

              • SADIO SANÉ
                • 8 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                the fact I think he's probably still a decent pick without clean sheet points is mental, defo gonna get him in GW3

              • nico05
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                Not worth risking especially as week after wont yield a CS

              • Cruyff's Eleven
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                Is one rumour better, or worse, than more rumours?

              • Dynamic Duos
                • 10 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                I've gone Trippier with 0.5m itb

            2. One Man
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              I know everyone says you need Kane or Haaland to jump on one once they start firing. But if you have Salah. Isn’t as wise to instead have Son and KDB to jump on one as they start firing ?

              1. Hairy Potter
                • 8 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                I'm on Salah and KDB, but having Jesus as my only playing forward is a concern.

                1. One Man
                  • 7 Years
                  1 year, 7 months ago

                  Better returns in midfield and defence. I have Wilson alongside Jesus, fancy Wilson in those opening fixtures. There are question marks attached to Kane and Haaland which aren’t being discussed much. Namely Kanes normal slow start and Haalands minutes.

              2. Aussie Rules
                • 11 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                I agree, I just have too many mids and not enough strikers to use a spot that way

                1. One Man
                  • 7 Years
                  1 year, 7 months ago

                  Thanks, makes sense.

            3. Pegilagi
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              Ramsdale (Ward)

              TAA - Robbo - Walker- Cancelo (Neco)

              Salah - Martinelli - Mount - Bailey (Pereira)

              Jesus - Kane (Archer)

              Thinking of changing:

              A. Robbo --> James and Bailey to Neto (0,5 ITB)
              B. keep it as it is (0 ITB)

              What you think?

              1. nico05
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                Hold

              2. Manani
                • 12 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                keep

            4. Letsgo!
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              RAN nailed?

            5. The Head-Ake
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              Ward/Iversen
              TAA, Walker, Cash, Trippier (Dalot)
              Salah, Martinelli, Bailey, (Neto)(Andreas)
              Kane, Jesus, Haaland

              Thoughts on this team? Going against template for the first time on GW1

            6. Fero1905
              • 4 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              Do you think curcurella gonna start?

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  1 year, 7 months ago

                  Yes

              2. Well you know, Triffic
                • 13 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                Pick 3 from:

                Martinelli
                Rashford
                Neto
                Bailey

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

                  MRB