Fantasy Football Press Conference and Team News GW7

Welcome to Fantasy Football Press Conference and Team News GW7

Make sure to check all the Team News before the deadline and see what each manager had to say before their corresponding fixture. Best of luck this for this gameweek and may your ranking reflect the effort you put in.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Click on the Team Badge above or scroll down to find the team news you want

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• The Gunners head to Old Trafford on the back of a three game winning streak and with Manchester United really struggling with injuries.
• Dinos Mavropanos is available for selection. Alex Lacazette (ankle) remains out until October, while Emile Smith Rowe is being assessed after suffering a head injury in the EFL Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
• Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin returned in the Carabao Cup midweek, and it remains to be seen whether Unai Emery believes either player is ready for a premier league return.
• Xhaka has been named the new Arsenal captain in other news.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Aston Villa Villa are currently 18th after just six games as they prepare to host Burnley.
• Dean Smith confirmed James Chester is working his way back to fitness. “(Chester) will need a couple of games before he’s ready because he got injured in pre-season and he’s not had an awful lot of game time. James Chester played on Monday evening against Manchester United U23s, had a good sixty minutes and trained with us today”.
• Jonathan Kodjia had his mask fitted on Wednesday so he’s back training looking like a superhero,” said Smith.
• Lansbury will continue to miss out. Lansbury has been suffering from a twisted ankle, which kept him out of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third round win over Brighton. Smith “He’s back jogging now, “Saturday will come too soon for him but he’ll be back training with us on Monday.”

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Shane Duffy sustained a calf injury against Aston Villa and has gone for a scan and will miss the game at Chelsea. The defender is likely to be out for weeks rather than days.
• Leandro Trossard, Solly March, Bernardo Leon Balogun will all miss out. Potter “Jahanbakhsh may be back for the weekend, March is more likely for Spurs. Bernardo had a knock a few weeks ago that needs to settle down. Trossard is also still making really good progress.”
• Glenn Murray has trained with the team this week and will be fine for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Bournemouth made ten changes to the side for the Carabao Cup at Burton Albion. Howe “We’re very, very disappointed to go out in midweek. In terms of the team I picked, I loved that team. It’s full of quality but it didn’t show, they’re good enough to win that match.”
• Howe has been given an injury boost ahead of the West Ham game, with Simon Francis, Lloyd Kelly (LB so will threaten Rico) and Arnaut Groeneveld all back in contention. Howe “It makes the squad stronger and to have our captain, Simon Francis back in our ranks is a huge lift and to have the other two players we’ve signed in the summer we’ve got high hope for. “It’s great for the group and I’m really excited for what lies ahead because if we got one or two bodies back fit, we’ve still got three or four quality players to come back in and make us even better.”
• Ryan Fraser is pushing to start after being benched in last two premier league games. Stanislas, Brooks, Adam Smith and Daniels continue to miss out.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• SD confirms that JBG (Gudmundsson) will be back in the squad for the weekend trip to Villa Park. Dyche: “Johann [Berg Gudmundsson] comes back into the thinking, he was physically fit last weekend but he had [just] two days training so we made a call on that one. Drinky is back on the grass but not with us yet, he’ll have a longer period of recovery.”
• Dwight McNeil is expected to recover in time. Dyche: “Dwight [McNeil] had a dead leg but I’m hoping and expecting that he’ll be OK.”
• Tom Heaton faces his old club this week. SD: “Tom Heaton is a player I have maximum respect for. He was a brilliant servant, but that won’t cross my mind during the game.”
• Dyche on Chris Wood and other forward options. “Him and Barnesy know they have got the shirts at the minute but they know that J-Rod is training hard and training well, trying to affect games when he is coming on. Vyds has popped up lately, looking sharper.”

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• The Blues are coming off the back of a thumping 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in midweek, handing Lampard is first victory at home as head coach. Lampard will be now hoping for his first premier league home victory as Chelsea host Brighton. Lampard “The fact we haven’t won at home is something we want to correct. We need a similar performance to Liverpool. If we get that level then I expect we can do okay. We have had a run of home games, but we have to respect Brighton”.
• On injuries Rudiger Emerson and Loftus Cheek will miss our while Giroud and Christensen could return. Lampard “Rudiger, out. Toni has got a recurring injury in the groin, he still has some pain. Andreas, should be okay. A bit of pain but not a risk.Olivier, yes he is over his illness. It left him pretty weak and he has got some strength.Emerson, other side of international break with hamstring. Ruben, no date but he is jogging outside”.
• N’Golo Kante got a rest during the week and it means that he should be fit to play against the Seagulls.
• Hudson-Odoi and Reece James both impressed in the week. Lampard “They are in the squad. They performed well the other day, delighted for them to score. It was good for the home fans to see Reece, great to see Callum back”. On Hudson-Odoi “We have to be careful, but it doesn’t mean he can’t play a major part or a minor part”.
• On there being a problem with the Chelsea defence Lampard said “It’s not the reason, it’s a team effect. We want consistency, of course, he hasn’t really been around. It isn’t the reason, though. We work hard to iron out the issues”. Lampard confirms Tomori has earned his place near the top of Chelsea’s CB pecking order: “He’s one or two as it stands”.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Crystal Palace host Norwich this week. Hodgson “I’m expecting to play against a very good team I must say all of the information that we the coaching staff have been given, they look very, very good. They lost 4-0 to Liverpool and I remember watching thinking they were a very, very good team. I would rather be playing against another team, a team I feared a bit less”.
• Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins made his first appearance since April on Monday as he featured for the Eagles’ U23 side against Queens Park Rangers.
• Wilfried Zaha sustained a knock on his foot against Wolves but has recovered. Roy “Nasty kick on the top of his foot after Wolves. He wanted to come out and take part as much as he could but he wasn’t going to take part in the kicking part. He will be fine for the weekend”. Meanwhile Sakho has a “small problem” that will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s game.
• On Benteke Hodgson said “We work very hard with him to make certain there are aspects of his game that we appreciate and we still want him to give us and to encourage him to get into goalscoring positions. We eleive there will e moment for all strikers where it turns for him. In the two years I’ve been at the club, his scoring record has been poor. It’s not because he doesn’t try hard but he’s in a rut”.
• Connor Wickham (ankle) has trained all week but tomorrow comes too soon Hodgson confirmed.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Marco Silva is far from happy with Everton’s league position as they prepare to host Manchester City. Asked if 14th place is under-achieving, Silva says: “Of course I am not happy.”
• Everton boss Marco Silva has confirmed André Gomes and Jean-Philippe Gbamin will miss Saturday’s game against Manchester City. On Gomes, Silva added: “He will be out, he still hasn’t been working with his team-mates. He is doing some steps to integrate with the team, possible next week.” Very worrying given it has been a minor injury….”
• Silva on Sidibe’s chances of starting over Coleman: “Unfortunately for us he didn’t do the pre-season with us. He didn’t have time to do a friendly game in that period. He is pushing Coleman. It will be a good fight between them both.”
• Silva is not currently happy with his defence either currently. “No-one is happy when you concede goals like we have conceded in the last few games.”. Basically Marco Silva is not very happy

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Leicester host Newcastle this week and will be hoping to build on their impressive win over Spurs last time out. Rodgers “It was a very important win, when you play against the top sides, you want to do well. Tottenahm have top quality players, a real test for us, especially going behind. The connection between supporters and players was very strong. It helps build confidence.”
• Brendan Rodgers says James Maddison’s fitness is ‘questionable’ ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Newcastle United. Maddison suffered an ankle injury in the latter stages of City’s comeback win over Tottenham last weekend. Rodgers did not rule him out completely but said “We’ll see over the next couple of days he’s a doubt, he’s putting some weight on his ankle. “We’ll give him every chance”. Rodgers says the success of the team not based on one person. If Maddison does miss out, then someone will need to come in and fill that “creative side of our game”.
• If Maddison does miss out Rodgers said “We’ve got options, like Dennis Praet and other talented players. We understand it’s going to be a tough game, a different game. Last week, both times were trying to win. Now we’re going to play a team that will sit in really deep.”
• Long-term absentees Matty James (Achilles) and Daniel Amartey (ankle) remain injured.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Klopp on 15 PL wins as they travel to Sheffield United this week: “We don’t think about. The only moment I think about it is in press conferences. We don’t mention it, it’s just the next game. That’s how we’ve won a few of the last game”.
• Mane and Origi are fit to play. Klopp “Both trained yesterday, Sadio and Div, completely normal, no issues”.
• Allison is closing in on a return but not this week. Klopp “Ali is not in contention tomorrow. It looks like he can train with the team from Sunday on, not 100%. He is really close”. “Ali is in a good way. Trained with goalkeeper coaches. Getting closer and closer. He looks like he is close”.
• Shaqiri remains out. Klopp “Shaq is not ready, doing rehab”. James Milner is a doubt. Klopp: “Millie got a knock in his back against MK Dons early in the game, looked a bit awkward after the game but it should be good.” Klopp went on to praise Milner “Unbelievably important to us. He is Mr Professional, that is how it is. Serious in what he does but a funny guy. Against MK Dons, five kids and you have six seniors. No chance [of complacency] while Milner is there. He is a role model for the team.”
• Klopp on Elliott and Jones playing in PL: “They are ready for that but we need to learn the right moment. We are not in doubt with these boys, we know exactly what we want to do with them and what we expect from them. They have all the time in the world”.
• Klopp on Matip’s form: “Joel was always an incredible talent. He played for Schalke as an 18 year old boy. He grew and developed. In a world of big transfer fees, to sign someone like him on a free transfer was incredible – one of the best pieces of business we’ve done.”

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• City travel to Everton this week. Pep is expecting a tough test. “They’re an incredible team, top manager. It’s one of the toughest games you can play during the season, we know it. We’ve prepared, the players know how difficult it is.”
• Pep Guardiola on Bernardo Silva’s tweet: “We spoke many times about what happened in stadiums, regarding Bernardo I was incredibly clear. If the people believe Bernardo is this type of person they are completely wrong. They judge one joke, I judge three years.” Pep added “Make a focus on other issues, not Bernardo, because Bernardo is not absolutely guilty. His intention was just as a joke. If the people believe he is guilty, Bernardo and Manchester City are open to listen.”
• Gabriel Jesus is growing impatient over his limited opportunities at Manchester City but admits it will be difficult to take Aguero’s place in the team. Jesus “I’m over the ‘I have to wait’ phase. I’ve been here for almost three years, it’s my fourth season…” Pep had his say on this “Gabriel Jesus wants to play, of course, he is Number 9 for Brazil. He is perhaps the only player with this personality, friendship with players. Every time he plays, he does his best. I understand completely – It’s normal”.
• Pep on defenders. “I knew they [Garcia and Harwood-Bellis] were ready. They train with us, they play with us. If they weren’t ready they wouldn’t play with us”.
• Guardiola was very unhelpful when it came to injuries. He said there was no update until after training this afternoon.
• John Stones, Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte remain out. Zinchenko has been pictured on the training pitches this week.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Anthony Martial (thigh) is struggling and OGS reveals the Frenchman may not be back until after the international break. Luke Shaw is improving and has a chance of returning soon but this week maybe too soon. Phil Jones is another casualty from the Carabao Cup. Solskjaer: “Phil [Jones] will be out until after the international break. I don’t think we’ll see Anthony [Martial] before the international break. No, I don’t think so. Luke [Shaw] is improving so, hopefully, we’ll see him.”
• OGS confirms Paul Pogba aggravated an ankle injury during the win over Rochdale in the cup. “He was really struggling as it was really swollen, so let’s see how that repairs. He got 90 minutes but was sore towards the end again.” On whether he will be fit for Monday “Doubt? Yes, but that’s just the way it is”.
• Rashford’s injury isn’t as bad as initially thought but is not expected to be available this week. Solskjaer “He’s recovering. He’s not very, very bad. We hope to see him before the international break.” Further on Rashford and Martial? “I wouldn’t put my life on it but that’s part of this game, you work with what you have and we’re looking forward to this game.”
• Angel Gomes and Diogo Dalot haven’t been training “Hopefully, [they’ll] be back for Alkmaar, that’s what we’re hoping.”
• Solskjaer coy on Greenwood starting but is there anyone else. “He’s proven when he’s been on the pitch – Astana and Rochdale – when you get him in the box he’s dangerous. So I’m not worried about him, but we’ve managed him, can’t just throw him in the deep end. I’ll have the weekend to think about it”.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• On news on yet another Newcastle takeover bid. Bruce said “News to me,” speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. “It’s not something I can comment on – I haven’t heard anything.”
• Steve Bruce has ruled Jonjo Shelvey out for two weeks with a hamstring problem. Sean Longstaff returns. Bruce “Sean Longstaff is OK, he’s trained all week and he’s OK”. I guess he’s ok then.
• Bruce was also asked about Matt Ritchie’s current fitness status, he said: ” Matt Ritchie now weeks into his, and he’s making progress. “He’s not too far away”.
• In other injury news Bruce added. “Allan (Saint-Maximin) and Andy (Carroll) are OK. DeAndre Yedlin is now available after a five-month spell on the sidelines.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Daniel Farke reveals that Norwich City will be without Tim Krul until after the international break. Farke: “We have to play without Tim Krul tomorrow. We hope to have him back after the international break for the Bournemouth game. Ralf Fahrmann is also a doubt. Mario Vrancic, Onel Hernandez, Timm Klose and Christoph Zimmermann are still out.
• Max Aaron’s returns. Farke “The good news is Max Aarons could return earlier than expected. It’s down to the good work of our physios and good work from him. He will travel with us to Palace”.
• Alex Tettey is a doubt. DF: “Alex Tettey overstretched his groin when he slipped against Burnley. It’s quite a small groin injury – there’s hope for the Aston Villa game but it’s more likely for the Bournemouth game”.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Billy Sharp serves the final game of his three-match ban and won’t be considered. David McGoldrick remains a major doubt after the Republic of Ireland striker “tweaked his groin” in training during the build-up to week six.
• Chris Wilder will have close to a full complement of players to choose from in the early kick-off. Wilder apart from McGoldrick and Sharp “Everyone else is fine.”
• The fringe players lost at home to Sunderland in the cup so no changes are expected after the win at Everton last week.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• There will be no imminent return for Djenepo: The boss said “So far, we took a few new pictures, there’s no too much to say at the moment… He has no chance to play.”
• Danny Ings is pushing to start after scoring two goals against Portsmouth. Hasenhüttl “It was special for him. The most important thing is that he is fit. These goals are very important for him. A player who can decide a game will always be always in the mind of the fans. “I know he is coming from here or is a local guy and that gives him a very good connection and it pushes him I think.”
• Alex McCarthy is also contending with a slight muscle problem, following his involvement on Tuesday night, but isn’t yet ruled out of the coming Spurs clash. “Alex McCarthy has a little problem with his muscle. So maybe we take another goalkeeper at the weekend. Gunn then it is.
• No other injuries were reported. “We managed the game on Tuesday very well,” Hasenhüttl asserted.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Mauricio Pochettino revealed after Tuesday’s defeat at Colchester that he will be looking to make changes to his side once the January transfer window reopens and then in the summer. “We’ve decided to take a look at who could come in and who could leave over the coming months”.
• Poch on the recent slump in form for Spurs. “We feel disappointed because we expect to win the last three games and we haven’t. We deserved to beat Leicester. And Colchester, we are disappointed when you play a League Two and don’t go through, you cannot be happy. That is the beauty of the cup.”
• Giovani Lo Celso won’t be back until after the international break as he continues his recovery from the hip injury he picked up playing for Argentina. Ryan Sessegnon has been complaining of irritation in his hamstring. There is no timeframe on his return. No new injuries reported.
• Hugo Lloris returned to the squad for the Colchester game so is available to return in goal.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Quique Sánchez Flores reveals Welbeck is available for the trip to Wolves after the forward scored his first Hornets goal on Tuesday night. “He is involved with the squad, he will be in the list. We are taking care, but he wants to play [and] he wants to be involved”.
• Craig Cathcart has been back training with the first team squad this week, having picked up an injury when playing for Northern Ireland earlier this month.
• Troy Deeney is the only player definitely unavailable. Flores “I know Troy Deeney very well and I know what he can do for us, and the connection with him is amazing,”. “He is one of the main players in the squad. He knows this is a difficult period for Watford, so he wants to participate”.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• West Ham travel to Bournemouth this week after Wednesday night’s humiliation against Oxford Pellegrini said “This is football. Can’t take anything away from Oxford, they played well also. We couldn’t score goals and found a team that played well. I hope it was an accident and we must return to understand to play against every team with 100% concentration and intensity”.
• On team news Pellegrini said “Antonio is recovering from surgery”. Winston Reid remains injured. “The rest of the players are OK”.
• There was better news on Manuel Lanzini (foot). Pellegrini “returned to work with the team in the last three or four days.” Basically he’s trained all week.
• Arthur Masuaku is available after serving his ban but replacement Cresswell scored last time out against Man United.
• On Seb Haller Pellegrini “Sebastien works a lot for the team and is scoring goals. His performances are good and he will continue that”.

Last Updated: Friday 27th September

• Wolves host Watford this week really hoping to kick start their season. Nuno on Wolves and Watford’s respective struggles after doing so well last season. “The Premier League is a tough league. You cannot focus too much on the past. You have to keep working.”
• Nuno on injuries. Wolves have close to a fully fit squad as usual. Shabani and Jordao: “Shabani had a serious knee injury so will be out for a long time. It’s ACL. Jordao is ankle, not so serous, so hopefully not such a long time.”
• Nuno on if Joao Moutinho could play for another five years – and maybe spend them at Wolves: “I cannot anticipate the future, but Joao treats himself well. I hope he can be around in football for a long time because he’s a top professional.”

Thanks for reading Fantasy Football Press Conference and Team News GW7

FPL FIXTURE TRACKER

FIXTURE TRACKER LINK

FIXTURE TRACKER 2019/20