Team News
31 March 2025 303 comments
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The Gameweek 30 press conferences are off and running, with eight taking place on Monday.

The headline team news from these pressers is in the article below.

We’ll be back on Tuesday with a busier day of injury updates from around the country.

GAMEWEEK 30 TEAM NEWS: MONDAY’S INJURY UPDATES

GAMEWEEK 30 TEAM NEWS: MONDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES

Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna was belatedly added to the list above.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Nuno Espirito Santo says Chris Wood is “improving” ahead of Nottingham Forest’s clash with Manchester United on Tuesday.

The Kiwi striker missed Saturday’s cup tie against Brighton and Hove Albion with a hip injury sustained over the international break.

Nuno suggested that the scan had shown only bruising but that pain was still an issue for Wood ahead of Gameweek 30. The Forest boss had previously said his forward was “not good”.

“He’s improving, he’s improving. He’s getting better day by day.

“We have to assess him day by day, it’s all about him being pain-free and then getting back to fitness.

“It’s a big contusion, so it’s very painful.” – Nuno Espirito Santo on Chris Wood

As for the rest of Forest’s team news, Nuno said more assessment was needed.

“Yeah, yeah, of course we have. After we played extra time, it was a demanding game. We have to assess them all.

“I think we are recovering well. The joy and happiness of coming through and playing at Wembley will give us an extra run for tomorrow, for sure.” – Nuno Espirito Santo when asked if he had any more injury concerns

Morgan Gibbs-White was substituted late in the cup tie against Brighton after colliding with the post, although his manager also said his withdrawal was “more than anything, fatigue”.

Back-up goalkeeper Carlos Miguel (hamstring) returned in that cup tie and we’re not aware of any other issues affecting the Tricky Trees.

ARSENAL

Bukayo Saka (hamstring) is back and “ready to go” in Gameweek 30, according to Mikel Arteta.

“Bukayo is ready to go.

“All the careful things he’s already done, so now it’s about putting him on the grass in the right moments. But he’s pushing because he really wants it. We have respected the timeframe, we have done everything and we have had to hold him back even, so he’s ready to go.

“Yeah [he could be in a position to start].

“It’s another massive weapon that we have. We know the impact that he’s had on the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success, so great to have him back, obviously.” – Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka

“We’ll see that tomorrow.” – Mikel Arteta on whether Bukayo Saka will start

“It’s more the energy that he transmits, that he’s missed the thing that he loves the most in his life, which is to be around the team, to play, to train, and to compete at the highest level. The fact that he’s able to come in the most important part of the season obviously is a massive boost for him and the team as well.

“[It’s important to hit the ground running] especially to get that out of your head. You haven’t played for three months but you have played for the last 48 months. So three in 48 is a very small percentage. I haven’t done maybe the housekeeping duties for a week, but I’ve done them for 10 years, so I know what to do, I know how to sustain it, and I’m clever enough to maintain that. The habit is certainly there, so don’t think about that.” – More from Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka

In the embargoed section of Arteta’s presser, the Arsenal boss even revealed that Saka has featured in a behind-closed-doors game already.

Elsewhere, Jurrien Timber appears to be fine after suffering from illness over the international break.

Riccardo Calafiori (knee) has joined the injury list, however.

“Riccardo unfortunately picked up an injury again with the national team. It’s really unfortunate the way it happened. It could have been much worse so hopefully it’s going to be a matter of weeks, but we’ll have to see how that injury evolves.

“Jurien was ill for a long period, quite badly. He’s felt much better in the last few days, so he’s available.” – Mikel Arteta

Gabriel Jesus (knee), Kai Havertz (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are on the long-term injury list.

Raheem Sterling is back: the loanee couldn’t face his parent club in Gameweek 29.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Patrick Dorgu is back from a domestic suspension after his straight red card in Gameweek 27.

Leny Yoro (foot) and Harry Maguire (knock) are off the injury list, too.

Ayden Heaven (ankle/foot) is sidelined after picking up an issue in Gameweek 29 but, according to his manager, will “return this season for sure”.

Kobbie Mainoo (calf) and Luke Shaw (hamstring) are closing in on a comeback, too, but this match comes too soon.

Jonny Evans (back), Amad Diallo (ankle) and Lisandro Martinez (knee) remain sidelined, as well.

Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir have been sighted in training over the break and Amorim’s comments below suggest they are available.

“Luke is not ready yet. We are starting doing some drills with the team. But we are building Luke.

“Mason Mount is feeling better but he was already on the bench in the last game.

“I think Kobbie is almost returning also but is not ready for this game. Jonny Evans is recovering, Ayden is recovering. Who else? Licha is out you know that I think that’s it.

“Maguire is also ready to go to the game. Yoro, yes.” – Ruben Amorim

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Vitor Pereira reported that his internationals have returned to the club unscathed.

“No new injuries, they are in condition to help the team.” – Vitor Pereira

Jorgen Strand Larsen (hand) is also okay, despite pulling out of the Norway squad over the March break.

Matheus Cunha remains suspended and will only return in Gameweek 32. In case you missed it, the Football Association (FA) handed the Brazilian an extra one-match suspension for “acting in an improper manner” following his dismissal for violent conduct in the FA Cup fifth round a month ago.

Sasa Kalajdzic (knee), Yerson Mosquera (knee), Leon Chiwome (knee) and Enso Gonzalez (knee) have been on the injury list for umpteen months.

WEST HAM UNITED

Niclas Füllkrug (hamstring) is back in training and in contention to feature at Molineux on Tuesday.

The Hammers are still without Michail Antonio (leg) and Crysencio Summerville (hamstring), however.

“Summerville, no [he won’t be available], but Füllkrug has been training with the group and will more than likely be in the squad. So we’ve just got to obviously build his minutes up in terms of what he’s able to do. He hasn’t played competitive football for a while and he’s had a fairly significant injury, but he’s training well and he’s building his fitness up, so he’ll be in the squad.

“You can do all the rehab in the world and you can train as well, but you can’t beat and you can’t almost replicate Premier League competitive minutes, so that’s the next stage for him. But whatever role we can give him, he’ll do it as best as he can, and then it’s good to have him back in the squad.” – Graham Potter

Graham Potter added that there were a few knocks to assess after the international break.

“A few bumps and bruises and a bit of fatigue from internationals but we’ve got another training session now and everybody’s in a decent place, so a relatively full squad apart from Summerville [and Antonio].” – Graham Potter

FULHAM

Marco Silva doesn’t have any fresh worries from the weekend’s defeat to Crystal Palace.

“Nothing really serious. Some knocks, [which is] normal, some tiredness from the game but nothing really serious. We are going to do the same today, we have a session to assess them and, of course, after to take decisions related with the game.” – Marco Silva

Kenny Tete (knee) is not quite ready to feature despite returning to training, while Reiss Nelson (hamstring) and Harry Wilson (foot) remain on the Fulham injury list, too. Wilson could return in Gameweek 32, with Tete even sooner than that.

Sasa Lukic is at least available again in the Premier League after serving a two-match ban.

IPSWICH TOWN

Wes Burns (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) and Sammie Szmodics (ankle) are all on the medium-to-long-term injury list, while it looks like Ari Muric might need surgery after he reinjured his shoulder while away with Kosovo.

“Aro’s seeing a specialist. He’s looking at shoulder surgery. It’s a different shoulder than what he has been having some treatment on over the couple of weeks beforehand, so it’s completely unrelated and very unfortunate. If he has the surgery this week then that’ll certainly be a good period of months.” – Kieran McKenna, via EADT

Kalvin Phillips is also a doubt with a gashed foot.

“Kalvin Phillips came off with a gash in his foot [in Gameweek 29]. It was 20-plus stitches, a pretty serious gash, so he hasn’t been training with us. But he isn’t too far away now, so again that’s a judgement to make.” – Kieran McKenna, via EADT

Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring/thumb) and Conor Chaplin (knee) are closing in on returns, at least.

“Conor’s trained with the group over the last week so that’s a positive. So he’s not going to be too far away from this week. 

“Axel’s done a little bit of training now with the group which is a positive but we have to make judgements on this week.” – Kieran McKenna, via EADT

“We have one or two that are still being assessed to be honest. So we have one or two doubts going into Wednesday night.” – Kieran McKenna, via EADT

LEICESTER CITY

Ricardo Pereira could return to the Leicester squad for Wednesday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium.

The defender returned from a long-term absence as a substitute in Gameweek 28 but then missed out in the following match.

Now, though, the Portuguese full-back may be back again for the clash with Manchester City.

“We obviously had Ricardo Pereira out for the Man United game. But he’s doing really well. Hopefully we can get him on the training pitch with the team today and tomorrow and see if he’s ready for Wednesday.” – Ruud van Nistelrooy

The only other known concern is Abdul Fatawu (knee), who is out for the season.



303 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Does Wood/Haaland > Mateta/Isak for a hit make sense?

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Maybe Marmoush over one of them?

      1. The Iceman
        • 3 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Marmoush vs Leicester could be gold.

      2. Mozumbus
        • 4 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Isak is a must

        1. The Iceman
          • 3 Years
          8 months, 9 days ago

          Agree, Isak and Marmoush for me.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      In isolation yes. Might be a different answer when you factor in your overall team and remaining chips e.g. WC this GW to savw

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 6 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        WC this GW to save the hit*

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Think both Haaland and Wood will be our?

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        *out

    4. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      8 months, 8 days ago

      Thanis all

  2. Kane Train
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    How much does a win for assistant manager give you. Say pep against leicester

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Looked at history and somewhere between 8-10 without table bonus seems standard. When table bonus is involved you can expect double that.

    2. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      6 for the win, 1 for each goal, 2 for a clean sheet.
      So a minimum of 8 points, e.g. a 2-1 win scores 8 (6 for the win and 2 for two goals), and a 1-0 win scores 9 (6 for the win, 1 for the goal and 2 for the clean sheet).

    3. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Add another 10 points for a table bonus win.

  3. boombaba
    • 12 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Glasner likely to get a table bonus vs Brighton ? If AM 31

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      There's a chance, but I fancy Palace to beat Soton and Villa to at least get a point vs Brighton which could eliminate this.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      It will be dependant certain results and goal difference

  4. boombaba
    • 12 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Eze or Sarr
    Funds no issue

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Eze I reckon. Looking great at the moment.

    2. sirmorbach
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      I have Sarr but prefer Eze

      1. Podorsky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Whos eon penalties at CP

        1. The Iceman
          • 3 Years
          8 months, 9 days ago

          Mateta, followed by Eze.

  5. Il Capitano
    • 5 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    1FT 0.5m WC, FH, BB, TC remaining

    Pickford
    Gabriel Gvardiol Huijsen
    Salah Palmer Bruno Mbeumo Kluivert
    Isak Wissa

    Fab - Robinson Greaves Wood*

    Not a terrible team for this GW, but worth hitting the WC anyway? Can't get to Mateta/Marmoush from Wood without a hit.

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Depends if you want those GW33 fixtures confirmed for certain. I have gone a week early personally.

  6. Mozumbus
    • 4 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Which teams expect to have DGW33?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      FAC semi finalists and their respective GW34 opponents except Forest v Brentford, likely to rearrange midweek in 34

      1. Mozumbus
        • 4 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Thanks
        NF, MC, CP, AV
        ARS, BRE
        Right?

        1. _Ninja_
          • 15 Years
          8 months, 9 days ago

          Forest and Brentford unlikely in 33 as they can play each other in 34

          1. Mozumbus
            • 4 Years
            8 months, 9 days ago

            Thanks

  7. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Would you wildcard the team now or GW21. This gameweek seems a good entry point to get City players?

    Pickford
    Gabriel / Kerkez / Munoz
    Palmer / Kluivert / Bowen / Salah / Mbuemo
    Wissa / Evanlison

    Thanks

    1. Firmino
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Now

    2. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      I have gone a week early and activated now.

  8. Firmino
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Which route scores more?

    A)
    GW30 Eze (sou) Livramento (BRE)
    GW31 Gordon (lei) Eze (BHA)
    GW32 Gordon (MUN CRY) Eze (mci new) Gvardiol (CRY)

    B)
    GW30 Palmer (TOT) Munoz (sou)
    GW31 Murphy (lei) Palmer (bre)
    GW32 Murphy (MUN CRY) Palmer (IPS) Munoz (mci new)

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      I'm slightly confused with the structuring of this (sorry) but I prefer Eze and Gordon to Palmer and Murphy, so A for me.

      1. Firmino
        • 10 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Well, that would be the difference in players playing each week. Others are the same or benched so it doesn't matter. I'm leaning towards A also.

  9. sirmorbach
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Raya / Verbruggen
    Gabriel / Muñoz / Kerkez / RAN / Neco
    Salah / Saka / Sarr / Kluivert/ Murphy
    Isak / Mateta / Marmoush

    1.5 itb for Howe AM next week.

    What do you think?

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Lovely team.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 9 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Thank you so much, mate. As for your team, lovely as well, I've considered Watkins myself. Would probably go there!

        1. The Iceman
          • 3 Years
          8 months, 9 days ago

          Cheers for your feedback mate. Best of luck!

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Good team. When will you play the other chips?

      1. sirmorbach
        • 9 Years
        8 months, 8 days ago

        Many thanks! I have used TC already, plan is to FH on the blank and BB on one of the doubles!

  10. The Iceman
    • 3 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Afternoon all - please help finalise my WC30 team! Have left enough funds for AM in 31-33 plus Saka.

    Raya | Areola
    Gabriel | Gvardiol | Muñoz | Kerkez | Livramento
    Salah | Eze | Kluivert | Sarr | Murphy
    Isak | Marmoush | xxxxxx

    A) Evanilson
    B) Watkins
    C) Other non-Palace FWD?

    1. Bucket Man
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Watkins

    2. Bucket Man
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Love Watkins and Eze picks by the way but if I do this I don't think I can afford Saka. Is your plan Eze to Saka?

      1. The Iceman
        • 3 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        I can afford any of those midfielders (even Murphy) to Saka even if I go with Watkins thankfully.

    3. estheblessed
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Evanilison vs Ipswich surely a no brainer?

      1. The Iceman
        • 3 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        That's the key point for me - Evanilson's fixture this week is better but afterwards I would want Watkins for his nice run and likely DGW33.

  11. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Is Barnes maybe a better pick than Murphy and Gordon?

    1. Firmino
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      No

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Barnes unlikely to start when Gordon/Murphy are available

      1. Zladan
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        This is why I’m avoiding Newcastle midfielders.

      2. Bucket Man
        • 7 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Agree with this

  12. Bucket Man
    • 7 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    Who is the best Pick Max 6.3. Keeping money for AM Glasner/Emery most likely

    Sarr - means would need to use FT if I want to AM Glasner
    Savinho - would need a transfer later down the line
    Any one else?

    Raya, Areola
    Gabriel, Gvardiol, Munoz, Livramento, Williams
    Salah, Palmer, Kluivert, Murphy, X
    Isak, Marmoush, Mateta

    Or drop Palmer to Saka and a mid up to 6.9. Not much more choice

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Still Sarr I think mate.

      1. Bucket Man
        • 7 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Thanks. Just seen your team above. Love the Watkins pick but not sure I can afford it while getting Saka later on.

        1. The Iceman
          • 3 Years
          8 months, 9 days ago

          Thankfully I'm in a position where my team value allows me to do this, but I prefer Saka to Watkins when their respective doubles come round if it's one or the other mate.

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Great team, would have 8.3 left if I WC to it, who would you bring in for the last spot then?

  13. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    8 months, 9 days ago

    On WC, would you still go with 3 Bournemouth?

    1. Bucket Man
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      2 at most for me. Fixtures look a bit tougher after next 2. Looking like I will drop Kerkez even though I got him at 4.4

      1. Conners
        • 6 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Just Kluivert for me

    2. Conners
      • 6 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Also depends on your gw34 plans though.

    3. Firmino
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Only one, Kluivert

    4. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      I was on 3 but now thinking of cutting that down as they don't double soon and seem to have hit a bit of a rocky patch.

    5. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      8 months, 9 days ago

      Cheers guys. I'm on Munoz and evanilson for now.

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 15 Years
        8 months, 9 days ago

        Sorry Kerkez!

  14. J to the T
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 8 days ago

    How is this for a wildcard squad (bench boost 32 i think)

    Raya Martinez
    Gvardiol Gabriel Munoz Burn Greaves
    Salah Saka Kluivert Sarr Mbuemo
    Marmoush Isak Mateta

    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 8 days ago

      Not sure about Mbeumo. Maybe get Eze.

      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        8 months, 8 days ago

        Ah, sorry. Just spotted Muñoz

  15. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 14 Years
    8 months, 8 days ago

    Team ATM is

    Pickford
    Gabriel Kerkez Gvardiol
    Bowen Mbuemo Salah (C) Kluivert Palmer
    Isak Marmoush

    SUBS Wood, Aina, Wan Bissak

    One week punt...before the WC

    A Palmer to Sarr (Bench Wood)
    B Valdimarson to Henderson
    C Wood to Mateta (Bench Palmer)