Fantasy Premier League: Predicted Lineups | Team News | Injury Updates | FPL GW 20
As we approach Gameweek 20 of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), let’s delve into the latest team news gathered from pre-match press conferences. The press conferences began on Thursday and featured insights from three Premier League managers—Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Sheffield United. Additional updates from 16 other top-flight bosses are expected on Friday, providing a return to the usual routine after Gameweek 19.
It’s important to note that Roberto De Zerbi’s press conference may occur over the weekend or just before Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tuesday night clash with West Ham United. For comprehensive information on predicted lineups, team news, and injury updates to fine-tune your FPL strategies for Gameweek 20, you’ve come to the right place.
Manchester City
Erling Haaland appears set to miss another Premier League match due to a lingering foot injury that has sidelined him since mid-December. In a brief update during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola effectively ruled out Haaland, along with Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) and Jeremy Doku (hamstring) once again. The injury concerns have now extended to John Stones, who sustained an ankle injury in the midweek victory over Everton.
While De Bruyne has returned to training, Guardiola mentioned earlier in the week that the Belgian midfielder was close but experiencing fatigue. As of Wednesday night, Haaland was reported to be “training a lot but not with the team yet.” There is uncertainty regarding Ruben Dias, who missed the midweek game due to illness. Despite being pictured in training on Thursday, it remains unclear if Guardiola’s comments about the unchanged team news situation extend to Dias.
Predicted XI: Ederson, Walker, Rúben Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Kovacic, Grealish, Álvarez.
Liverpool
Liverpool are set to assess the fitness of Alexis Mac Allister (knee) in Friday’s training session to determine his availability for the New Year’s Day clash against Newcastle United. Unfortunately, several players continue to be sidelined, including Andrew Robertson (shoulder), Kostas Tsimikas (collarbone), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Thiago Alcantara (hip), Ben Doak (knee), and Joel Matip (knee).
Jurgen Klopp provided updates on Robertson, Tsimikas, and Bajcetic in his pre-match press conference. The trio remains unavailable due to their respective injuries. Additionally, Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo are expected to join their national teams, Egypt and Japan, after Monday’s game.
On a positive note, Liverpool welcomed back Diogo Jota from injury in Tuesday’s victory over Burnley, providing Klopp with the option to choose from all five attacking players against Newcastle United.
Predicted XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Gomez, Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones (Curtis), Salah, Núñez, Gakpo
Newcastle United
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe expressed optimism on Friday regarding Jamaal Lascelles’ injury, stating that he didn’t believe it was a serious issue. Lascelles, who came off in Gameweek 18 against Luton Town with a problem around his hip/thigh area, might be in contention for a return in Gameweek 20, according to Howe.
On the injury front, Javier Manquillo (groin), Harvey Barnes (toe), Joe Willock (Achilles), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), and Matt Targett (hamstring) seem likely to remain unavailable based on Howe’s comments. Sandro Tonali is suspended until August.
Joelinton, who made a substitute appearance in Gameweek 19 after recovering from a hamstring injury, could be in line for a starting role at Anfield.
Predicted XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Schär, Botman, Burn, Longstaff (Sean), Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, Almirón, Isak, Gordon
Aston Villa
Aston Villa is grappling with a series of injuries and suspensions ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Lucas Digne is set to be sidelined for up to a month due to a hamstring injury suffered during the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Boxing Day.
Several key players remain unavailable due to injuries, including Youri Tielemans (calf), Bertrand Traore (unspecified), Robin Olsen (unspecified), Tyrone Mings (knee), and Emi Buendia (knee). Pau Torres, although among the substitutes at Old Trafford, is still not fully fit and is unlikely to start against Burnley.
Boubacar Kamara will serve the third match of his four-game suspension, adding to the team’s defensive challenges. On a positive note, Matty Cash is set to return to the squad after serving a one-match ban. Aston Villa will manage their squad carefully and make decisions based on the available players as they prepare for the upcoming fixture against Burnley.
Predicted XI: Martinez, Konsa Ngoyo, Diego Carlos, Lenglet, Álex Moreno, Bailey, Douglas Luiz, Dendoncker, Zaniolo, McGinn, Watkins
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeeper Picks for FPL Gameweek 20
West Ham United
West Ham United faced setbacks in their recent win over Arsenal as Kurt Zouma missed the match due to knee discomfort suffered in training. Lucas Paqueta, who started the game, reported a similar knee issue during the warm-up and was promptly replaced. Paqueta is now scheduled for a knee scan to assess the extent of the injury.
Nayef Aguerd was once again absent in Gameweek 19 due to illness, and there’s no clear return date for Michail Antonio, who has resumed training on the grass after a knee injury.
Looking ahead, West Ham is set to lose Mohammed Kudus, Aguerd, and potentially Said Benrahma to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty in January. Manager David Moyes expressed uncertainty in Friday’s press conference about the exact departure dates for the AFCON call-ups, causing a bit of concern. The upcoming Gameweek
20 clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on January 2 adds complexity, as some AFCON call-ups might already be en route to Ivory Coast. However, Moyes remains hopeful for positive news, akin to Liverpool’s situation with Endo and Salah being permitted to play on New Year’s Day.
Predicted XI: Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Ogbonna, Emerson, Álvarez, Ward-Prowse, Kudus, Soucek, Benrahma, Bowen.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur will be without Dejan Kulusevski for the upcoming match against Bournemouth, as he received his fifth booking of the season in the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion. Yves Bissouma remains suspended for two more league and cup matches. Manager Ange Postecoglou hinted that Giovani Lo Celso could be the one to fill Kulusevski’s spot on Sunday.
In terms of injuries, James Maddison (ankle), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Manor Solomon (knee), Ivan Perisic (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Alfie Whiteman (ankle), and Rodrigo Bentancur (ankle) are all expected to remain unavailable until 2024.
On a positive note, Oliver Skipp is anticipated to make a return after missing Gameweek 19 due to a minor knock.
Predicted XI: Vicario, Porro, Emerson Royal, Davies (Ben), Destiny Udogie, Sarr, Skipp, Lo Celso, Johnson (Brennan), Richarlison, Son.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeeper Picks for FPL Gameweek 20
Manchester United
Manchester United continues to grapple with player availability for the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest. Manager Erik ten Hag suggested that Anthony Martial (illness), Luke Shaw (knock), and Sofyan Amrabat (knock) are unlikely to return for the upcoming fixture. He hinted at expecting a “similar” group of players to be available.
The unavailable list for Manchester United also includes Harry Maguire (groin), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Casemiro (ankle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Mason Mount (calf), and Victor Lindelof (groin).
However, there is optimism as many of these injured players are anticipated to make a return for Gameweek 21 or 22. The club will be eager to welcome back key players to bolster their squad in the upcoming fixtures.
Predicted XI: Andre Onana, Diego Dalot, Raphael Varane, Willy Kambwala, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund.
Arsenal
Arsenal will welcome back Kai Havertz for Gameweek 20 after he served a one-match ban in Gameweek 19. In the recent defeat to West Ham United, Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Fabio Vieira (groin), Thomas Partey (muscle), and Jurrien Timber (knee) were the only Arsenal players on the injury list, with all except Timber aiming for a return in January.
Manager Mikel Arteta delivered the Gameweek 20 press conference following the loss to West Ham, but the quotes were embargoed until 10.30 pm GMT on Friday. However, the press conference lacked substantial team news updates, with the only mention being that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are described as “fresh.” Arsenal will be looking to regroup and strengthen their squad for the upcoming challenges in the league.
Predicted XI: Raya Martin, White (Ben), Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeeper Picks for FPL Gameweek 20
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers receive a boost as Hwang Hee-chan, who has been dealing with a back spasm, and Craig Dawson, recovering from a knee issue, have both been deemed fit to face Everton on Saturday. Notably, this will be Hwang’s final game before he departs for the Asian Cup.
There is optimism that Boubacar Traore, recovering from illness, may be available for the match, with further assessment to be conducted after today’s training session. However, Jonny won’t be in consideration for selection due to disciplinary reasons, and Fabio Silva has agreed to a loan move to Glasgow Rangers.
On the downside, Mario Lemina is a major doubt for the match as he has flown back to France to attend to a personal matter. Wolves will be managing their squad as they navigate through various player availability challenges for the upcoming fixture.
Predicted XI: José Sá, Dawson, Kilman, Toti, Semedo, Doyle, João Gomes, Ait Nouri, Sarabia, Matheus Cunha, Hwang Hee-Chan
Chelsea
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino provided updates after the win over Crystal Palace ahead of Gameweek 20. The quotes released on Friday revealed fresh injury concerns for Romeo Lavia (thigh) and Mykhailo Mudryk (knock). However, the Blues will welcome back Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer from suspension.
Pochettino mentioned that he doesn’t anticipate the return of any other players, indicating that Enzo Fernandez (hernia), Lesley Ugochukwu (hamstring), Reece James (hamstring), Marc Cucurella (knee), Robert Sanchez (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), and Ben Chilwell (hamstring) are likely to remain unavailable for the upcoming fixture. Chelsea will navigate through these player availability challenges as they prepare for the next match.
Predicted XI: Petrovic, Gusto, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill, Moises Caicedo, Gallagher, Madueke, Palmer, Sterling, Jackson
Everton
Everton faces some uncertainty regarding player availability for the upcoming match at Molineux on Saturday. Abdoulaye Doucoure, dealing with a hamstring issue, is considered “touch and go” to feature in the game. Manager Sean Dyche tends to exercise caution in situations where the decision is 50/50.
Dele Alli (hip) and Idrissa Gueye (calf) remain sidelined, while Ashley Young, although back on the training ground, is likely to miss the clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers due to a muscle concern.
Despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Tarkowski missing training on Thursday, Dyche downplayed their absences, suggesting that their situations might not be significant concerns. Everton will assess and manage the squad to ensure optimal player fitness for the upcoming fixture.
Predicted XI: Pickford, Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Harrison, André Gomes, Mvom Onana, McNeil, Garner, Calvert-Lewin
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeeper Picks for FPL Gameweek 20
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace are dealing with some injury concerns as they approach Gameweek 20. Sam Johnstone, who has been dealing with a calf issue, is not expected to be ready for a return. However, there is a possibility that Odsonne Edouard, recovering from a knee problem, could be involved in the match against Brentford. Assessment on Edouard’s condition is ongoing, and a decision may have been made by the time of Roy Hodgson’s press conference, which was embargoed until Friday lunchtime.
Unfortunately, several players remain unavailable for Crystal Palace due to injuries. Cheick Doucoure (Achilles), Rob Holding (ankle), Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (hamstring), Nathan Ferguson (hamstring), and Joel Ward (hamstring) continue to be sidelined. Crystal Palace will manage their squad and make decisions based on the available player options for the upcoming fixture.
Predicted XI: Henderson (Dean), Clyne, Andersen, Marc Guehi, Mitchell, Lerma, Richards (Chris), Olise, Eze, Ayew (Jordan), Mateta
Brentford
Brentford will welcome back Frank Onyeka from a one-match ban, providing a boost to their midfield options. However, Ben Mee and Ivan Toney will remain sidelined due to suspension. Toney is set to be eligible to return to Premier League action in Gameweek 21 following the completion of his eight-month ban.
Several players are still out injured for Brentford. Bryan Mbeumo (ankle), Aaron Hickey (hamstring), Kevin Schade (muscle), Rico Henry (knee), Kristoffer Ajer (foot), and Josh Dasilva (hamstring) are unavailable.
Shandon Baptiste, who missed the defeat to Wolves due to a “minor foot injury,” “may be available” for the upcoming clash with Crystal Palace. Brentford will assess their options and manage the squad to navigate through these player availability challenges for the upcoming fixture.
Predicted XI: Flekken, Zanka, Collins, Pinnock, Ghoddos, Onyeka, Norgaard, Damsgaard, Janelt, Wissa, Lewis-Potter
Fulham
Fulham are facing some player availability challenges as they approach the upcoming match. Tim Ream, dealing with a calf issue, and Adama Traore, recovering from a hamstring problem, are expected to remain sidelined. Manager Marco Silva mentioned on Friday that Willian, who has been dealing with a hamstring concern, is still a “doubt.” Willian was anticipated to return against Bournemouth but missed out, raising uncertainty about his involvement in the upcoming match against Arsenal.
On a positive note, Raul Jimenez is back available for selection after serving a three-match ban. Fulham will assess the fitness of key players and make decisions accordingly to ensure the optimal squad for the upcoming fixture.
Predicted XI: Leno, Castagne, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson, João Palhinha, Reed, Wilson (Harry), Pereira, Iwobi, Raúl Jiménez.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are dealing with various player issues as they approach the upcoming fixtures. Hamed Traore, who has been absent due to illness for the last month, has been diagnosed with malaria, as revealed by Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola on Friday. Traore has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home, but he continues to experience after-effects and will miss the Africa Cup of Nations.
In terms of injuries, Milos Kerkez (foot), Lloyd Kelly (hamstring), Tyler Adams (hamstring), and Ryan Fredericks (calf) are all ruled out. The availability of Lewis Cook (adductor) for the match against Tottenham Hotspur remains uncertain, and it’s not confirmed whether he will be ready to return. Bournemouth will assess and manage their squad to navigate through these player availability challenges for the upcoming fixtures.
Predicted XI: Neto (Murara), Smith (Adam), Zabarnyi, Senesi, Dango Ouattara, Christie, Scott, Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier, Solanke
Luton Town
Luton Town are facing some player availability challenges as confirmed by manager Rob Edwards. Marvelous Nakamba, dealing with a knee issue, is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
On the positive side, Issa Kabore (muscle) and Jordan Clark (illness) are fit and available for selection.
However, Daniel Potts (hamstring), Reece Burke (hamstring), and Tom Lockyer (health) are currently unavailable. Burke is aiming to make a return in the FA Cup next week. Luton Town will manage their squad and make decisions accordingly to ensure the optimal lineup for the upcoming fixtures.
Predicted XI: Kaminski, Mengi, Osho, Bell, Issa Kabore, Barkley, Sambi Lokonga, Doughty, Townsend, Adebayo, Brown
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeeper Picks for FPL Gameweek 20
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are set to face Manchester United with a lineup that remains “basically the same,” according to manager Nuno Espirito Santo. However, the Tricky Trees will be without the services of the suspended Ibrahima Sangare. On a positive note, Willy Boly is set to return from a one-match ban.
Unfortunately, Serge Aurier (calf), Felipe (hamstring), and Taiwo Awoniyi (groin) continue to remain unavailable for selection. Recent media reports suggest that Awoniyi is ahead of schedule in his recovery but is still 2-3 weeks away from returning to action. Nottingham Forest will navigate through these player availability challenges to field a competitive lineup for the upcoming fixture against Manchester United.
Predicted XI: Turner, Montiel, Murillo, Niakhate, Toffolo, Yates, Danilo, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Wood
Sheffield United
Sheffield United faces some player availability challenges heading into Gameweek 20. Gustavo Hamer and Anel Ahmedhodžić, both receiving their fifth bookings of the season on Boxing Day, will be unavailable for the upcoming fixture as a result. On the positive side, Jayden Bogle is back from his one-match suspension.
James McAtee, on loan from Manchester City, cannot face his parent club. Meanwhile, long-term absentees Chris Basham (leg), Tom Davies (thigh), John Egan (leg), and Daniel Jebbison (illness) remain sidelined. There is some positive news as Tom Davies, who has been out with a thigh injury, is back on the grass and appears to be eyeing a return in January.
Manager Chris Wilder mentioned “knocks” in the squad ahead of the trip to Manchester City and expressed the need to utilize the squad effectively. Sheffield United will manage their player rotations to field a competitive lineup for the upcoming fixture.
Predicted XI: Foderingham, Baldock, Robinson, Trusty, Bogle, Norwood, Vinicius Souza, Lowe, Ben Slimane, Archer, Brooks.
Burnley
Burnley are facing some player availability challenges as they prepare for the trip to Aston Villa. Hjalmar Ekdal, dealing with an unspecified issue, won’t be available for the upcoming fixture. Luca Koleosho, recovering from a knee problem, remains a long-term absentee.
On a positive note, Jack Cork, who wasn’t specifically mentioned, is not thought to be too far away from a return based on previous updates. Additionally, Lyle Foster won’t be participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with South Africa, making him available for selection during January and early February.
Burnley will manage their squad and make decisions accordingly to ensure a competitive lineup for the upcoming fixture against Aston Villa.
Predicted XI: Trafford, Vitinho, O’Shea, Beyer, Taylor, Berge, Brownhill, Gudmundsson, Amdouni, Odobert, Foster
Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Hove Albion are grappling with a growing injury list and potential absences as they approach their upcoming fixtures. Following the thrashing of Spurs, Facundo Buonanotte and Igor Julio sustained injuries, and the severity is yet to be confirmed. Igor mentioned on social media about inflammation of the Achilles tendon, raising concerns about his availability for the next match on Tuesday.
Several key players are already on the injury list, including Simon Adingra (hamstring), Kaoru Mitoma (ankle), Joel Veltman (knee), Adam Webster (unspecified), Tariq Lamptey (muscle), Solly March (knee), Ansu Fati (muscle), Julio Enciso (knee), and the newly booked Lewis Dunk. If Igor is unavailable, Jan Paul van Hecke may be the last center-half standing.
Roberto De Zerbi faces the challenge of redeploying senior players like Carlos Baleba, Pervis Estupinan, or Pascal Gross at center-half or promoting a rookie like Leigh Kavanagh. Adam Lallana and Jakub Moder are potential replacements for Buonanotte, with Mahmoud Dahoud and Evan Ferguson also pushing for inclusion after being on the bench in Gameweek 19.
With a generous Thursday-to-Tuesday turnaround, there is hope that players like Danny Welbeck and James Milner, who performed well against Spurs, have sufficient time to rest before their next match against West Ham. Brighton will carefully manage their squad and make decisions based on player fitness and availability.
Predicted XI: Steele, Hinshelwood, Van Hecke, Baleba, Estupiñán, Gilmour, Gros, Milner, Lallana, Welbeck, João Pedro
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeeper Picks for FPL Gameweek 20