Team News
16 May 2025 395 comments
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We’ll be getting team news from 13 more Premier League managers on Friday ahead of the early Gameweek 37 deadline.

Two of them, Pep Guardiola and Oliver Glasner, are facing the media ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final. Their Gameweek 37 matches are next Tuesday.

All the injury updates will appear in this ‘live’ article, which will be regularly refreshed during the day.

For the headline news from the five pressers held on Thursday, check out this piece here.

That leaves two Premier League bosses remaining: Andoni Iraola and Vitor Pereira. Unfortunately for Fantasy managers, we won’t be hearing from those two before the deadline. Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers are not in action till next midweek, so we’re expecting those two to fulfil their media commitments on Monday.

GAMEWEEK 37: FRIDAY’S KEY TEAM NEWS UPDATES

GAMEWEEK 37: FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES

ARSENAL

Mikel Arteta says he will make a late call on Kai Havertz‘s involvement ahead of Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United.

The German has been absent since Gameweek 24 with a hamstring injury but has trained this week.

“We’re going to decide that tomorrow. So, he’s done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days. He looks in great shape but I think it’s more a shout of first of all, the medical staff, the doctors especially, giving the clearance and then how Kai actually feels to contribute if he’s required.” – Mikel Arteta on if Kai Havertz is ready to feature on Sunday

Also spotted in open training this week were Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice. The former seemed to be holding his hamstring when limping out of the draw with Liverpool, while the latter missed the game entirely with a hamstring issue of his own.

A Gabriel Martinelli scare appears to have amounted to nothing: he hobbled out of training but then returned soon after.

Jurrien Timber was not involved, however.

“Again, they’ve done parts of the session, not a complete session so we’re going to have to wait and see tomorrow if they can deal with things that they haven’t done because they weren’t ready to do that earlier in the week.” – Mikel Arteta on Messrs Rice, Trossard, Martinelli and Timber

The Gunners will definitely be without one of their regulars: Mikel Merino is banned following his Gameweek 36 dismissal.

The seasons of Gabriel Jesus (knee), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are over, meanwhile.

LIVERPOOL

Arne Slot was asked if Trent Alexander-Arnold would feature against Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday, having been jeered by a section of Liverpool’s support in Gameweek 36.

Having only just returned from some early summer holidays, Slot couldn’t give us an answer.

“It’s the first day we train after a few days off so it’s quite early for me now to say what the team would look like and what the squad would look like for Monday.” – Arne Slot

Slot admitted that motivation may be an issue post-title win.

“I think the honest answer is yes, yeah, although I cannot look in all of their heads but I think it’s clear to everyone if we would still compete for the Premier League then there would have been few days off as well but probably we wouldn’t have gone [abroad].

“I think the honest answer is that there is a difference but if I look at the way we played the Arsenal game, I saw a team that wanted to compete against Arsenal from the first second till the last, even when we were having some problems in the second half. They were able to come back into the game.

“So, that tells you the mentality is still very good but it was a home game and what is the main thing for us is, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve won the league, if you play Chelsea away, Arsenal at home and Brighton away, these are difficult games to play.” – Arne Slot on if motivation is an issue

MANCHESTER CITY

City have no fresh concerns ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wembley.

Rodri (knee), Nathan Ake (foot) and Oscar Bobb (unspecified) were all on the grass last week, with Ake and Bobb “partially” training with the squad. None of them were available for selection against Southampton.

Pep Guardiola was asked again about Rodri’s availability ahead of the FA Cup final.

“He is much, much better.

“I am waiting on the doctors [to give Rodri the green light to play]. When they tell me he is ready, he is going to start. We don’t want to take a risk and make setbacks now.” – Pep Guardiola on Rodri

John Stones (adductor) remains out.

Asked about Kevin De Bruyne‘s minutes in both the final and his last-ever home match for City, Guardiola was predictably non-committal.

“I’m thinking just about tomorrow’s game.” – Pep Guardiola on Kevin De Bruyne’s minutes on Saturday and Tuesday

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Kieran Trippier looks set to miss out again this weekend with a minor calf problem.

Joelinton (knee) is unlikely to feature, too, with Eddie Howe saying the betting money would be on the midfielder not featuring again this season.

Another Gameweek 36 absentee, Joe Willock (thigh), has a “slight chance” of featuring at the Emirates.

“Kieran, I don’t think so for this weekend but again, not a big injury, a very minor calf problem. Joe Willock, probably again, we’ll leave the door open for him, I think there’s a slight chance.” – Eddie Howe

“He’s working away behind the scenes. Typical Joe, he’s absolutely foot to the floor to try and get back fit because that’s his nature, he wants to be involved. But he’s not close yet, he’s still working his way back.

“I think the biggest possibility is that we don’t see him again this season and we’ll get him ready for next year.” – Eddie Howe on Joelinton

Sven Botman (knee) is the newest concern after coming off last weekend, with his manager saying he is “not sure” the Dutchman will be available.

“It was a knock, actually, so I think he got a bang on his knee but it was sore. So, we’re not sure about Sven’s availability for the weekend, we’ll give him every chance to be fit. Don’t think it’s a serious injury.” – Eddie Howe on Sven Botman

Lewis Hall (foot) and Matt Targett (hamstring) are still out. 

Jamaal Lascelles returned to the matchday squad last weekend but isn’t likely to start, even if Botman misses out.

“I wouldn’t say he’s necessarily ready to start a game in the Premier League at the moment. I think probably ready to contribute from the bench is probably where he’s at at the moment.” – Eddie Howe on Jamaal Lascelles

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

As widely reported elsewhere, Taiwo Awoniyi needed emergency abdominal surgery this week after colliding with the post in Gameweek 36. Reports suggested he had been placed in an induced coma at one point.

Nuno Espirito Santo at least had relatively positive news to report on Friday.

“Surgery went well, thank God. He’s on observation now but I think he’s recovering. We still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits, his family are there. We are concerned but we are positive.” – Nuno Espirito Santo on Taiwo Awoniyi

We didn’t get an update on Murillo (hamstring) or Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring) but the former had been in partial training ahead of the Leicester City game before missing out.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Adam Wharton (ankle) is back for the FA Cup final, which comes three days before Tuesday’s Gameweek 37 fixture.

Other than Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure, who are out for the season with knee injuries, the Eagles have no concerns.

“Everybody is fit. Adam trained the whole week and is available, all the others as well. Some tough decisions to take but good decisions to take.” – Oliver Glasner

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Joao Pedro is available again following the completion of his three-match ban.

Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman return, too, having missed out in Gameweek 36 with slight injuries.

“Lewis will be back in the squad, Joel will be back in the squad.” – Fabian Hurzeler

Fabian Hurzeler is also hopeful about the availability of Kaoru Mitoma, who has been affected by some “minor issues” this week.

“Kaoru had some small, minor issues, so hopefully he will also be a possibility for us in the squad.” – Fabian Hurzeler

As for the long-term absentees, Georginio Rutter (ankle) is “close” and has an outside chance of featuring on the final day.

James Milner (hamstring) is less likely to recover: he is still only doing individual rehab work.

“James is doing rehab on the pitch, so he’s getting closer. I’m not sure if we will see him this season.

“Georginio Rutter is also very close, so hopefully he will be back next week with the team. There’s a small chance, like I said from the beginning, that he can be an option for the end of the season, for the last game.” – Fabian Hurzeler

Ferdi Kadioglu (toe) and Solly March (knee) remain out.

FULHAM

Marco Silva will assess Sasa Lukic and Antonee Robinson ahead of Sunday’s short trip to Brentford.

Lukic sat out last weekend’s defeat to Everton with a minor issue, while Robinson was unexpectedly absent.

Robinson returned to training on Thursday, with Lukic involved on Friday.

“We have to keep working with them and assessing to see how they are going to be tomorrow. They have not been working all week with the team. Sasa, some moments this morning, like Robinson had yesterday. We have to look to see how they are going to come tomorrow and after to take a decision.” – Marco Silva on Antonee Robinson and Sasa Lukic

Harrison Reed (calf), Timothy Castagne (ankle), Rodrigo Muniz (Achilles) and Reiss Nelson (hamstring) are all out.

EVERTON

Jake O’Brien (knee) is fit again, having missed out last weekend with a minor issue.

James Tarkowski (hamstring), Orel Mangala (knee) and Jesper Lindstrom (hernia) remain out for the Toffees.

WEST HAM UNITED

Graham Potter says it’s a case of “as we were” with regards to the West Ham United team news.

“No injury problems from the game [last week]. Everybody’s been training so, yeah, pretty much as we were.” – Graham Potter

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

LEICESTER CITY

Mads Hermansen (groin), Bobby De Cordova-Reid (muscle), Abdul Fatawu (knee) and Stephy Mavididi (muscle) remain out but Ricardo Pereira (muscle) could return to the squad this weekend. He’ll be assessed in training before a decision is made.

The Foxes have no fresh fitness concerns.

“There’s no news on last week’s squad and team news. It’s the same.

“Ricardo is actually one that, today and tomorrow, we can have the final view on him to take him into Sunday’s game.” – Ruud van Nistelrooy

This is, of course, Jamie Vardy‘s final match as a Leicester player.

IPSWICH TOWN

Leif Davis is back from suspension this week, while Nathan Broadhead (thigh) has resumed training.

Other than that, though, Kieran McKenna says the Ipswich team news is pretty much unchaged.

Conor Townsend (hamstring) and Sammie Szmodics (ankle) are getting closer to recovery but remain out.

Kalvin Phillips (gashed foot) also isn’t ready to feature and may additionally miss Gameweek 38.

Ari Muric (shoulder), Wes Burns (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) and Jaden Philogene (knee) are sidelined for the rest of 2024/25, too.

Conor Chaplin came off early in Gameweek 36 but only with sickness. 

SOUTHAMPTON

Kyle Walker-Peters (illness) may miss out again, with Simon Rusk saying the full-back has not trained much this week.

Saints have no other known concerns.

“Kyle had the illness last week. He hasn’t trained much this week, so there’ll be a decision to be made on that. But, other than that, we’ve generally got a fit squad to pick from.” – Simon Rusk



395 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Would you © Haaland this GW ?

    1. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      BOU are not easy so no. I think Watkins and Mbeumo are better options personally

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        I hate to © Most transfered in player and also first fixture

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      One of the best differentials in the game imo

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        Yes dude I love it

    3. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      If Palace win the FA Cup it could be gold. I am thinking about it

    4. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      If Palace win the FA Cup it could be gold. I am thinking about it or Rogers

  2. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    1 FT and 1.7 ITB

    A - Isak > Watkins (c)
    B - Roll and get Evanilson & Saka next week for free 
    C - Other option?

    Raya
    Gvardiol - Munoz - Milenkovic
    Salah - Mbeumo - Rogers - KDB
    Cunha - Isak - Wissa

    Sels - Sarr - RAN - Livra 

  3. CAPA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    I brought in Cunha for Marmoush last week. Obviously that wasn’t successful.
    Have been contemplating Cunha to Watkins for days and not been able to press the button on it. Is it a no brainer taking this and next GWs together?

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      I got Cunha last week too - I'd let that play out a bit longer. Could be playing a hungover CPL midweek

      1. CAPA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        That’s in my mind too. But posts and predicted line up comments about cunha’s possible restricted minutes are spooking me

  4. philc
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Is it worth taking a hit to bring Watkins in? Already have 3 Villa players.

    Alternatively is Wissa for not hit.

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Not for a hit. Wissa not essential. Maybe roll

  5. Bad Kompany
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    For next week, better last gw punt?

    A. Martinelli (sou)
    B. Gordon (EVE)

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      A

  6. Philosopher's Stones
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    DEADLINE CALL

    Best Mateta replacement for the last two? First to 5 votes wins.

    A: Watkins
    B: Vardy
    C: Cunha
    D: Beto

    *chasing big time and just wanna have some fun.

    1. G Banger
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Vardy for fun

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      B

    3. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      You'll be luck to get 5. I usually have to post 5 times to get one answer on a day like today.

      A

    4. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Vardy doesn't play gw38

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      A

    6. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Whatever you think is the most fun

    7. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      A

  7. AF90
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Which moves are better?

    A) KDB, Robinson -> Palmer, Konsa
    B) Murphy, Robinson -> Rogers, Cucurella

    1. G Banger
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      cant see why KBD is being dumped b4 last home game so B)

      1. AF90
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        I have 3FT's & instead of selling Salah to get Palmer.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      B

      1. AF90
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        B involves benching Cunha too. Basically KDB, Rogers, Cucurella vs Palmer, Cunha & Konsa.

  8. G Banger
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Been over this multiple times and asking in different ways, but decided it has to be Marmoush => Watkins with a DEF change for a hit.

    Last question before I lock it in, who is the lucky 4.4mil DEF who gets the last spot:

    a) Digne
    b) Mykolenko

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      A if you feel there would be no rotation

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      I like b more this gw but a more if also need to play next

    3. AF90
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      B

    4. syke63
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Maatsen starting home games, so B

  9. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Have 7.2 to spend on a Mateta replacement, which option:

    A) Gakpo
    B) Evanilson
    C) Wood
    D) Keep Mateta this GW

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Evanilson if you have no other pressing issues. - Could do damage v City and great fixture next week

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Wood

    3. Bad Kompany
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      I like b but also feel like you can wait a week

  10. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    I know what everyone will say so don't know why I'm asking but which of these moves do you prefer and why?
    A. Mateta to Watkins
    B. Mateta to Evanilson
    C. KDB to Saka

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      A

      I think KDB starts this gameweek, and I see both B and C as better moves in gw38.

    2. syke63
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      A

  11. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Captain:

    a. Watkins
    b. Haaland
    c. Mbeumo

    ???

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      B for differental

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      I’m on a but if I had Haaland I’d be very tempted to go him

    3. DandyDon
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      I’d be worried with Haaland that he plays cup final and benched game after?

    4. Conners
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      I'm on Mbeumo. Most seem to be going Watkins.

    5. DandyDon
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Any Brentford forward is best captain pick for me

    6. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      A

  12. DandyDon
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    -8 with Wissa, Watkins and Braintwaite in for Marmoush, Wood and Sessegnon?

    Sanchez
    Munoz Dias Brainthwaite
    Salah Saka Rogers De Bruyne Schade
    Watkins Wissa(c)

    Raya - Isak Williams Burn

  13. Feanor
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    I could take a hit to bring in Watkins for Isak, but that seems risky

    Martinez (Reya)
    Gvardiol, Ruben, Munoz (Saliba, Milenkovic)
    Salah, Mbeumo (c), Bowen, Rogers, Sarr
    Isak, Cunha (Marmoush)

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Yh wouldn't advice a hit

  14. Zinedine Kilbane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    5 points behind in mini league so no real need to go mad but thinking either
    A) Risky option- Isacc & Sarr to Palmer & Vardy (-4)
    B) Sarr to Neto

    1. Sarri-ball
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Tough.
      For me B)
      Vardy won't play gw38 so does that become a problem

      1. Zinedine Kilbane
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        He'd be benched for me 38 anyway, but think I'm edging towards B too

        1. Sarri-ball
          • 16 Years
          7 months, 11 days ago

          Yeah I think it's neto v palmer

          Isak OK away arsenal but nice gw38 especially if not set champs league

          Isak/neto +4
          Beats
          Vardy/palmer

  15. Sarri-ball
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    All set bar start/bench

    Wood or isak

  16. sunzip14
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Neto or Palmer? Money no issue. FH next gw.

    1. syke63
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      I'm on Palmer

    2. Under my Cucurella
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      Palmer

  17. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Play 2

    A)munoz
    B)konsa
    C)collins
    D)n.williams

    1. syke63
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      A, B

  18. Jstap94
    • 2 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Options for Sarr:

    1) Palmer for -4 (also Gabriel to Kiwior)
    2) Rogers
    3) Roll and play

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 11 days ago

      2

  19. Ruinenlust
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    I wouldn’t be surprised if Isak outscores Wackins

  20. Steve Stiffler
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    Start Sels or Raya?

  21. Vovhund
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 11 days ago

    For just this week:
    A) Schade
    B) McNeil
    C) Enzo

  22. FPLAnon
      7 months, 11 days ago

      What to do with Sarr? Worry about his minutes after FA Cup final, only 3 days rest.

      A.) Keep and start
      B.) Bench and play Williams instead
      C.) Sell for Rogers -4
      D.) Sell for Neto -4

      1. Under my Cucurella
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        A

      2. FPLAnon
          7 months, 11 days ago

          Probably sensible but I am drawn to C, can see Rogers doing well in next 2 and Sarr has Liverpool in 38

      3. theshazly
        • 2 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        Bench Sarr or Mamroush ?
        Captain Watkins or Mbuemo ?

        1. Under my Cucurella
          • 10 Years
          7 months, 11 days ago

          Marmoush and Watkins

      4. dillydally1982
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        Who to bring in?: Neto / Asencio / Bowen? I already have Watkins, but not Palmer.

        Whoever comes in doesn't necessarily have to play in GWK38. If I bring Bowen in, would probably bench Murphy/Wissa in GWK38.

        1. Under my Cucurella
          • 10 Years
          7 months, 11 days ago

          Bowen

      5. tiger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        I’m thinking just about tomorrow’s game too, Pep, tell us more...

      6. CAREFREEE
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        A. Cunha > (W)atkins
        B. Cunha & Salah > Watkins & (P)almer (-4)

        40 points behind in my money league after going Sarr over Eze a few weeks ago.

        FML.

      7. Viper
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        Cunha -> Watkins with 1FT or roll?

      8. FootballRookie
        • 3 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        I already have 3 Villa players... Martinez, Konsa and Rogers.
        So I'm struggling to bring in Watkins.

        Would you do 2FT and swap out a Villa player to then get Watkins in?

        Or a different approach and get Vardy in?

      9. FDMS All Starz
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        TC on whoooo??

        A) Watkins GW37
        B) Saka GW38
        C) Salah GW38

      10. Viper
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 11 days ago

        Cunha & KDB -> Watkins & Palmer (-4) too aggressive?