Gameweek 21 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is approaching, and press conferences have already taken place with nine Premier League managers on Wednesday and Thursday.
We’ve gathered essential injury updates from those sessions, and the remaining managers, such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, and Eddie Howe, are scheduled to provide their insights on Friday. Let’s have a look at predicted lineups, team news, and injury updates as the game week unfolds.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson revealed in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday that Michael Olise is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury sustained in Gameweek 20. Unfortunately, Olise will miss the upcoming cup tie against Everton, and Hodgson couldn’t provide a specific timeline for his return, making his availability for Gameweek 21 against Arsenal uncertain.
Hodgson also mentioned that the overall injury situation at the club hasn’t seen much change. Players such as Sam Johnstone (calf), Cheick Doucoure (Achilles), Rob Holding (ankle), Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (hamstring), Nathan Ferguson (hamstring), and Joel Ward (hamstring) are presumably still unavailable.
Additionally, Jordan Ayew has left for the Africa Cup of Nations, further impacting Crystal Palace’s squad for the upcoming fixtures.
Predicted XI: Dean Henderson, Clyne, Andersen, Marc Guehi, Mitchell, Lerma, Richards (Chris), Olise, Eze, Schlupp, Mateta.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top XI Players to Buy in your FPL Team for Gameweek 21
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou provided updates on the team’s injury and availability status ahead of Gameweek 21. Unfortunately, the chances of James Maddison featuring in the upcoming game week seem slim, as he has not yet trained and is still “a couple of weeks” away from full fitness due to an ankle injury.
On a positive note, Micky van de Ven, recovering from a hamstring issue, appears set to be available for selection, and Dejan Kulusevski is back from suspension.
However, the injury list for Tottenham has grown, with Manor Solomon (knee), Ivan Perisic (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Alfie Whiteman (ankle), Cristian Romero (hamstring), and now Alejo Veliz (knee) all sidelined. Veliz is expected to be out for two months, and Postecoglou mentioned that Romero is still in the “very early stages” of his rehabilitation.
In addition to the injuries, Son Heung-min, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Matar Sarr are unavailable as they are away on international duty.
Predicted XI: Vicario, Porro, Emerson Royal, Davies (Ben), Destiny Udogie, Skipp, Bentancur, Lo Celso, Kulusevski, Richarlison, Johnson (Brennan).
Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that goalkeeper Andre Onana would be involved in the FA Cup match against Wigan Athletic on Monday. Despite being called up to Cameroon’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), both the club and national team have agreed to postpone Onana’s departure, making his availability uncertain for Gameweek 21, contrary to earlier media reports.
Sofyan Amrabat is also headed to AFCON, while Jadon Sancho is currently unavailable for selection due to disciplinary reasons and is potentially linked with a return to Borussia Dortmund. Victor Lindelof remains sidelined with a groin injury.
On the positive side, several players are nearing returns from injuries. Luke Shaw (knock), Harry Maguire (groin), Casemiro (ankle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), and Mason Mount (calf) are all progressing, with Casemiro and Martinez back in training this week. Ten Hag anticipates the return of Maguire, Malacia, Shaw, and Mount at some point in January.
Anthony Martial has been absent due to illness but is not facing any additional injury concerns.
Predicted XI: Bayindir, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen, Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Højlund.
Brentford
Brentford manager Thomas Frank provided updates on the team’s status ahead of the upcoming fixtures. Ben Mee is back from suspension, adding depth to the squad, while Ivan Toney, set to be available from January 17, will miss the FA Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers but is expected to return for Gameweek 21. Despite transfer speculation, Frank boldly stated in Thursday’s press conference that Toney will be staying with the club.
Josh Dasilva has recovered from a hamstring issue, but the match comes too soon for Kristoffer Ajer, who is nearing a return from a foot injury. Shandon Baptiste, who has been absent for the last two matches with a foot injury, is considered a “maybe” for Gameweek 20, indicating a potential return.
Several players remain sidelined due to injuries, including Bryan Mbeumo (ankle), Aaron Hickey (hamstring), Kevin Schade (muscle), and Rico Henry (knee). Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa, Frank Onyeka, Saman Ghoddos, and Kim Ji-Soo are currently away on international duty.
Predicted XI: Flekken, Collins, Mee, Pinnock, Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Damsgaard, Janelt, Toney, Lewis-Potter.
Everton
Dele Alli continues to be sidelined due to a setback in his recovery from a hip injury, and he remains unavailable for Everton. Additionally, Idrissa Gueye is dealing with a calf injury and has also been called up by Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations, making him unavailable for the club.
Ashley Young, who has been recovering from a muscle issue, is back on the training ground but will not be available for the Thursday night cup clash against Crystal Palace. Abdoulaye Doucoure is described as “touch and go” due to a hamstring concern, indicating uncertainty about his availability for upcoming matches.
Predicted XI: Pickford, Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Harrison, Garner, Mvom Onana, McNeil, Doucouré (Abdoulaye), Calvert-Lewin.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly injury-free for their upcoming FA Cup tie against Brentford. However, despite the absence of injuries, six players will be unavailable for first-team selection.
Mario Lemina continues to be absent due to personal reasons related to the death of his father. Additionally, Jonny Otto is not being considered for selection, with disciplinary reasons cited for his exclusion.
The international duty further impacts the squad, as Rayan Ait-Nouri, Boubacar Traore, Hwang Hee-chan, and Justin Hubner are set to participate in either the Africa Cup of Nations or the Asian Cup, making them unavailable for the upcoming fixtures.
Predicted XI: José Sá, Dawson, Kilman, Toti, Semedo, Lemina, Doyle, Bueno, Sarabia, Matheus Cunha, Neto (Pedro).
Fulham
Fulham are dealing with some injury concerns as Tim Ream remains sidelined with a calf issue. However, manager Marco Silva mentioned that Ream is “closer” to a return, indicating positive progress in his recovery. Adama Traore is also out with a hamstring injury, with his expected return set for the end of January.
Furthermore, Fulham will be without the services of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Fode Ballo-Toure, as they are away on international duty participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with their respective countries.
Predicted XI: Leno, Castagne, Tosin, Diop, Robinson, João Palhinha, Cairney, Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian, Raúl Jiménez.
Burnley
Burnley’s Jordan Beyer will be unavailable for the cup tie against Spurs on Friday night. However, there is optimism that the center-half could make a return for the Gameweek 21 clash against Luton Town.
As for Hjalmar Ekdal and Jack Cork, recent absentees, there is no specific update provided. The status of their injuries remains uncertain. On the other hand, Luca Koleosho is confirmed to be out for an extended period due to a knee injury.
Predicted XI: Trafford, Vitinho, O’Shea, Delcroix, Taylor, Berge, Brownhill, Gudmundsson, Amdouni, Odobert, Foster.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United receives positive news as Gustavo Hamer and Anel Ahmedhodžic return from suspensions. Loanee James McAtee is also available again after being ineligible to face his parent club in Gameweek 20.
However, Yasser Larouci and Anis Ben Slimane have departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, impacting the team’s squad.
In terms of injuries, Chris Basham (leg), John Egan (leg), and Daniel Jebbison (illness) continue to be longer-term absentees. On a brighter note, Tom Davies, recovering from a thigh issue, is “closer” to a return and might be back in action at some point in January.
Predicted XI: Foderingham, Baldock, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Trusty, Hamer, Vinicius Souza, Brooks, McAtee, McBurnie, Archer.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top 5 Defenders for FPL Gameweek 21
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has provided updates on the fitness of key Manchester City players. Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are in contention to make their return this weekend, while Erling Haaland may require additional time.
Regarding De Bruyne, Guardiola emphasized the need for him to accumulate more weeks of training and playing minutes to ensure a gradual return and avoid setbacks. Guardiola acknowledged De Bruyne’s freshness and strong desire to play but emphasized the importance of careful management.
On the injury front, John Stones is making progress but remains unavailable. Additionally, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Kalvin Phillips, and Scott Carson have been dealing with illness, affecting their availability.
Rodri is facing a family bereavement, adding to the challenges for Manchester City.
Predicted XI: Ederson, Walker, Rúben Dias, Aké, Gvardiol, Rodri, Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Grealish, Haaland.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United have provided an update on the fitness of their players ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby. Kieran Trippier is set to undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability for the match. However, Callum Wilson will be sidelined due to a calf injury and won’t be part of the squad for the upcoming fixture.
Predicted XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Schär, Botman, Burn, Longstaff (Sean), Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, Almirón, Isak, Gordon.
Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Dominik Szoboszlai has suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out of the FA Cup game against Arsenal and the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Reds will miss Mohamed Salah, who is currently on international duty with Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Also, Trent has suffered an injury and will be out for the next 3 weeks.
Predicted XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Gomez, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones (Curtis), Díaz, Diogo Jota, Núñez.
Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea manager, has confirmed positive updates on the injury front. Both Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are nearing a return from their respective injuries, indicating a potential boost for the squad.
However, there’s a mention of Christopher Nkunku having “suffered an issue” during the week. Despite the setback, he is expected to be included in the matchday squad.
Predicted XI: Petrovic, Gusto, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill, Moises Caicedo, Gallagher, Madueke, Palmer, Sterling, Nkunku.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is still dealing with the absence of several key first-team players for the upcoming trip to Middlesbrough. Pau Torres, Lucas Digne, and Youri Tielemans will be unavailable for the match.
However, there is positive news as Boubacar Kamara returns from suspension, and Matty Cash is set to travel to Teesside.
Regarding Pau Torres, Emery mentioned that he is not at 100%, but there is hope that he will regain full fitness for Gameweek 21.
Predicted XI: Martinez, Konsa N’Goyo, Diego Carlos, Torres, Álex Moreno, Bailey, Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, McGinn, Watkins.
Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided updates on the team’s fitness ahead of the FA Cup clash with Liverpool. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s availability will be assessed, and Arteta mentioned that the player is progressing well. Zinchenko will undergo another training session, and a decision on his participation will be made based on his fitness.
Regarding Thomas Partey, Arteta expressed hope that the midfielder is only weeks away from returning to action, not months. However, there is less optimistic news about Jurrien Timber, as Arteta doesn’t expect him to be back anytime soon.
Predicted XI: Raya Martin, White (Ben), Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Martinelli.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Captains for FPL Gameweek 21
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are dealing with several injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Blackpool. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo provided updates on the team’s fitness:
Anthony Elanga will be unavailable for the game due to injury.
Taiwo Awoniyi is also sidelined with an injury.
Felipe and Divock Origi are considered doubtful for the upcoming fixture.
Morgan Gibbs-White suffered a dead leg in Gameweek 20 but is expected to be back until Gameweek 21.
Predicted XI: Vlachodimos, Montiel, Worrall, Murillo, Toffolo, Yates, Danilo, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Nicolás Domínguez, Wood.
Brighton
Brighton has received positive news ahead of the upcoming Gameweek 21:
Lewis Dunk is back and available for selection after serving a suspension.
Jakub Moder and Evan Ferguson have been confirmed to start by manager Roberto De Zerbi.
There is also an update on Adam Webster, who is considered “okay.” However, his condition will be further assessed ahead of the game to determine his availability.
Predicted XI: Steele, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupiñán, Hinshelwood, Gros, Gilmour, Milner, Buonanotte, Welbeck, João Pedro.
West Ham
West Ham is currently assessing the fitness of several key players and decisions regarding their involvement will be made after Saturday’s training session. The players under assessment are:
Vladimir Coufal
Kurt Zouma
Lucas Paqueta
Michail Antonio
The final decision on their availability for the upcoming match will depend on their performance and condition during the training session.
Predicted XI: Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Ogbonna, Emerson, Álvarez, Ward-Prowse, Fornals, Soucek, Benrahma, Ings.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola provided updates on the team’s injury status:
Milos Kerkez, Lloyd Kelly, and Tyler Adams are still a considerable distance away from returning to first-team training as they continue their recovery from respective injuries.
Regarding Dango Ouatarra, who limped off against Tottenham Hotspur in Gameweek 20, the team will have to “wait and see” how he feels. However, Iraola mentioned that his knee issue is “not a big injury,” providing some optimism about the severity of the problem.
Predicted XI: Neto (Murara), Smith (Adam), Zabarnyi, Mepham, Aarons, Christie, Cook (Lewis), Tavernier, Scott, Sinisterra, Solanke.
Luton Town
Luton Town manager Rob Edwards mentioned that the upcoming game comes “too soon” for Dan Potts and Reece Burke. Although both players are back in full training, they are currently lacking match sharpness, making their involvement in the upcoming match impractical at this moment.
Predicted XI: Kaminski, Mengi, Osho, Bell, Doughty, Barkley, Sambi Lokonga, Giles, Ogbene, Adebayo, Townsend.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Forwards for FPL Gameweek 21