FPL GW26 Predicted Lineups, Injury/Press Conference Updates

In this blog, we’ll deep dive and predict the GW26 lineups of all Premier League teams going into Gameweek 26 of the 2022/23 Premier League season. The blog will be updated as per the latest injury news and Press Conference updates.

Link to all our FPL GW26 blogs including Fixtures to target, Double and blank game-week news, Predicted GW26 Lineups, Captaincy metrics, transfer trends, and more. Completely free to access as well!

All Premier League Teams Predicted GW26 Lineups

Arsenal

Trossard and Martinelli started both games in Double Gameweek 25 with Nketiah on the bench in both the games. With games coming thick and fast, one of them can be given a rest to accommodate Nketiah in the starting lineup. But Nketiah himself was limping off at the end of the game which means that it is difficult to predict which two among Martinelli/Trossard/Nketiah will start. Gabriel Jesus meanwhile is making good progress in his recovery from his injury and should be back soon.

Partey made 2 substitute appearances in GW25 to gain match fitness coming back from an injury. He is likely to start a game soon.

Arteta when asked in the Post-match press about Nketiah limping off post-match

Hopefully, he is fine, he ended the game well but he has been carrying a little thing.”

Arsenal GW26 Predicted formation:

• 4-3-3

Arsenal GW26 Predicted lineup:  

Ramsdale, 

White – Saliba – Gabriel – Zinchenko

Odegaard – Partey – Xhaka 

Saka – Trossard – Martinelli

Arsenal PC/Injury Update:

Speaking in his pre-match press conference(via arsenal.com), Arteta said: “We are assessing [Eddie Nketiah] and it’s a bit uncertain what’s going to happen with him, to be honest. Let’s see and keep the options open. He’s very positive about it, so hopefully he will be fine.

Arteta on Jorginho:

“Jorgi’s fine. He had an illness and he was suffering but to be fair, he put in a great effort and shift in the first half. We decided to take him off but he’s fit now.”

Arteta on Jesus:

One player edging closer to a first-team return is Gabriel Jesus, who has been back in training with his teammates, albeit in non-contact sessions.

The boss is hoping to have the striker available sooner rather than later, but still doesn’t want to put a timeframe on when exactly his name could reappear on a teamsheet for the first time since November.

“He’s not far now,” Arteta updated. “I don’t want to give a timeline but he’s doing certain things with the team and certain things outside the team. He’s not very close but he’s not far at all. He’s feeling better every day and the doctors are confident with the way the injury is evolving.

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Aston Villa

Aston Villa registered an impressive win over Everton over the weekend and will now face Palace this week. Emery has been rotating a bit recently and it remains to be seen if Buendia returns to the 11 after coming on as a substitute and scoring against Everton. If he starts, then most likely Bailey drops to the bench.

Aston Villa GW26 Predicted Formation:

4-4-2

Aston Villa GW26 Predicted Lineup:

Martinez

Cash – Mings – Konsa – Digne

Ramsey – Kamara – Luiz – McGinn

Buendia – Watkins

Aston Villa PC/Injury Update:

Aston Villa injury updates below, Carlos is expected to be available for selection after the international break. Coutinho is ruled out for a month and Dendoncker is not available for the Palace game.

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Bournemouth

Bournemouth were defeated 4-1 by Man city over the weekend. The cherries played 5 at the back but that was merely to restrict Man City from scoring. It remains to be seen if they’ll lineup with a back 5 once again against Arsenal this week or revert to their regular formation. O’Neill confirmed that Tavernier will be out for GW26.

Bournemouth GW26 Predicted Formation:

4-4-1-1

Bournemouth GW26 Predicted lineup:

Neto 

Smith – Stephens – Senesi – Zemura

Ouattara – Lerma – Billing – Anthony

Traore

Solanke

Bournemouth PC/Injury Update:

O’Neill Press Conference quotes via Bournemouth website

On Tavernier

 “Marcus won’t be available again this weekend. We’ve got two more games before the international break and hopefully he’ll play a part in those, but it’s not confirmed.

“It’s a slight hamstring issue and it’s not too serious, so we’re hopeful to have him back as soon as possible.”

On Cook, Kelly, Zabarnyi

“Lloydy(Kelly) is close and was back on the grass today. Lewis(Cook) is back involved and he will join the squad, which is a big positive for everybody.

“Illia(Zabarnyi) is back out running and is doing good work but won’t be involved this weekend. The rest is fairly similar.”

On Brooks

“Brooks is close. There’s still bits to do and we maybe need to get him some time on the pitch in bigger areas but he’s trained well in and around the lads.

“There’s a few little bits to tick off, final hurdles to get over before he’s back involved but hopefully very, very soon.”

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Brighton

March and Estupinan missed the midweek FA Cup win over Stoke City due to injuries. Roberto however confirmed that both are fit and available for GW26.

Brighton GW26 Predicted formation

4-2-3-1

Brighton GW26 Predicted lineup:

Sanchez 

Veltman – Webster- Dunk – Estupinan 

Gross – Caicedo

March – Mac Allister– Mitoma

Ferguson

Brighton PC/Injury Update:

via Brighton Twitter

Roberto on March, Estupinan and Welbeck

“Pervis(Estupinan) and Solly(March) are able to play tomorrow which is good news for us. “[Danny] Welbeck is back in good condition too. We are ready.”

Roberto on Colwill

“Levi is not available this weekend. I want him to play with the under-21s to achieve the best physical condition. “He will be a very important player for us for the rest of the season.”

On playing games in quick succession

“Three games in a week is better. We are lucky to play football and work in football. We are ready. “It is never a problem for us.”

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Brentford

The headlines for Brentford are dominated by Toney’s betting charges. A ban is expected for Toney although it might not come immediately with a hearing date likely to come in April which would allow Toney to continue till then.

This does suggest that he should be good to play in the shorter run and be ready for GW26.

Brentford GW26 Predicted formation:

4-3-3

Brentford GW26 Predicted lineup:

Raya 

Hickey – Pinnock – Mee– Henry

Da Silva – Norgaard – Jensen

Mbeumo – Toney– Wissa

Brentford PC/Injury Update:

“Ivan is amazing in many, many aspects,” Frank showed full support for his star striker who has been in the news for his FA Betting charges in the last week.

“The way he copes with pressure and distractions is amazing.

“He’s been scoring goals, performing for the team and driving the team. He’s remarkable.

Frank on injuries: Pontus Jansson and Frank Onyeka, having recovered from hamstring injuries, are now available for selection. Goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha (ankle) is Brentford’s only absentee. via Brentford website

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Chelsea

Chelsea statement on Thiago Silva has confirmed that “he has sustained a knee injury, underwent further assessment and scan confirmed damage to Thiago’s knee ligaments”. Thiago Silva will be out for almost 5/6 weeks. Potter confirmed that Mason Mount is ruled for GW26 while Reece James is a doubt.

Chelsea GW26 Predicted formation:

4-3-3

Chelsea GW26 Predicted lineup:

Kepa

James – Fofana – Badiashile – Chilwell

Kovacic – Enzo

Ziyech – Felix – Sterling

Havertz

Chelsea PC/Injury Update:

Quotes from Potter via Chelsea website

On Mason Mount

‘Mason’s had a problem with his lower abdomen area, the bone, so he’ll miss the game tomorrow. We hope it won’t be too long but tomorrow will be too soon.

On Reece James

‘Reece has got a tightness in his hamstring, we’re just assessing him, so he’s doubtful for tomorrow as well.’

On Mendy

‘Mendy’s making progress but he’s not yet joined full training with the group.

On Kante and Azpi

‘N’Golo had his first full training session today but obviously still needs time. Azpi’s made progress, but he’s still not through the protocols we have to do after a head injury like that.’

Further Read: When to Use Your FPL Chips? FPL Chip Strategy Explained

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Crystal Palace

Zaha was not in the squad last week but Viera confirmed last Saturday that he should be good for GW26.

Crystal Palace GW26 Predicted formation

4-2-3-1

Crystal Palace GW26 Predicted lineup:

Guaita

Clyne – Andersen – Guehi – Mitchell

Doucoure – Lokongo

Ayew – Olise – Zaha

Mateta

Crystal Palace PC/Injury Update:

Viera when asked about Team News and Zaha:

via Crystal Palace Twitter

“We had a full squad this week, Wilfried trained the last two weeks with the team and this week he didn’t miss any training. He’ll be in the squad tomorrow”

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Everton

Everton suffered back-to-back defeats against Villa and Arsenal with striker DCL continuing to miss out due to injury setbacks. Everton will look to score points against Forest to improve their chances of staying in the PL.

Everton GW26 Predicted formation

4-5-1

Everton GW26 Predicted lineup

Pickford

Coleman – Keane – Tarkowski – Mykolenko

McNeil – Doucoure – Gueye – Onana – Iwobi

Maupay

Everton PC/Injury Updates:

Dyche on DCL

“Dominic Calvert-Lewin is recovering and getting strong. We’ll see [for Sunday].”

Dyche on Patterson and Garner(Both were involved in Under21s game)

“Patto is a little bit behind but he played 70 minutes last night. Jimmy [Garner] is a little bit closer.” 

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Fulham

Mitrovic came back to the starting 11 against Leeds in the midweek cup game. He should be back in Premier League for GW26 vs Brentford. Palhinha received his 10th yellow card of the season and is suspended for two games. Lukic should come in his place.

Fulham GW26 Predicted formation:

4-2-3-1

Fulham GW26 Predicted lineup:

Leno

Tete – Diop – Ream – Robinson

Lukic – Reed

Reid – Andreas – Willian

Mitrovic

Fulham PC/Injury Update:

Marco Silva in today’s press conference:

On João’s suspension: “He’s been really important for us of course. There will be a different player there but our approach and what we demand from that position will be the same.”

On Brentford: “They have been really consistent, they’re a really solid team, really compact as well. It will be a really tough one and I think it will be a proper derby.”

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Leeds United

Leeds won 1-0 against fellow relegation strugglers Southampton last weekend but were knocked out of the FA Cup in the midweek game vs Fulham. Leeds although looked decent and had good goal-scoring chances. No news on the injury front as Garcia continues not to reveal injury updates in press conferences.

Leeds United GW26 Predicted formation:

4-2-3-1

Leeds United GW26 Predicted lineup:

Meslier 

Ayling – Koch- Wobber – Firpo 

Adams – Mckennie

Summerville – Aaronson – Gnonto

Bamford

Leeds United PC/Injury Update:

via Leeds Live

Gracia when asked about injury updates of Struijk, Cooper, and Wober

I know you are really concerned about injured but don’t worry they are in the best hands to recover as soon as possible. I don’t like speaking about players because I don’t want to give information about players. To be honest, some of them, today, I don’t know if they will be ready or not. The main reason is not only that, I don’t want to speak about injured players.

Gracia when asked about the possibility of two-up top- Bamford and Rutter

It’s an option. Some of you asked me about it after the game. It’s an option, a real option, to play with two players up front. In this case in the last game I’m happy with the way Georginio played. What I’m not so happy about is the goal disallowed. In my opinion it was really, really soft and after watching, really soft. In my opinion that circumstance can change the game and during the game it was the same in the second half. Before they scored we had one clear chance with Weston giving a good pass for Summerville, we were really close and that’s why I’m a bit disappointed because we wasted a good chance to get a better result. Now, speaking about the next game I think it’s a good option to play two players up front, whoever it is, with Georginio, with Patrick, with Rodrigo, with Aaronson, with all the attackers we have in the club.

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Leicester City

After being knocked out of the FA Cup by Blackburn rovers the attention turns solely to the PL for the foxes. Rodgers confirmed James Maddison is in contention to return this week after missing out on the last two games for Leicester. Ricardo Pereira is also back after being out for a long time and he started in the FA Cup defeat against Blackburn rovers, since he’s returning after a long time he should be eased in rather than start right away.

Leicester City GW26 Predicted formation: 

4-2-3-1

Leicester City GW26 Predicted lineup:

Ward 

Castagne – Souttar – Faes – Kristiansen

Ndidi – Dewsbury Hall

Tete – Maddison – Barnes

Iheanacho

Leicester City PC/Injury News:

There’s no new injury concerns. Some of the guys who got through the game the other night are all good.

[Ricardo] had not after-effects. It was great for him to get the game time. It’s good to have him back on the training field and we’ll see what game time he gets. It’s great to have him back on training field.”

James should be fine,” Rodgers told the media at the Club’s Seagrave training ground on Thursday. “Fingers crossed he gets through the rest of the week okay. He’s obviously a very important player for us. It’s about the team. Obviously, James gives another dimension to the team. His importance is clear to see but ultimately it’s a team effort.” via Leicester City Website

Speaking immediately after the FA Cup loss to Blackburn, the Northern Irishman revealed that Youri Tielemans will be absent for up to six weeks with an ankle ligaments issue. Thankfully, there’s no new concerns in the squad. 

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Liverpool

Liverpool had a mixed double gameweek 25 with a draw against palace and a win against Wolves. The victory over Wolves is a much-needed confidence booster for the reds who welcomed back Konate in the playing 11. Tsimikas also played over Robbo vs Wolves and was impressive but you could expect Robbo to slot right back in. Jota started ahead of Gakpo and should retain his place in the 11.

Klopp confirmed in the GW26 Pre-match press conference that Gomez, Diaz and Thiago are all still out.

Liverpool GW26 Predicted formation

4-3-3

Liverpool GW26 Predicted lineup:

Allison

TAA – Konate – Van Dijk – Andy Robertson

Elliott – Bajcetic – Fabinho

Salah – Nunez – Jota

Liverpool PC/Injury News:

Klopp On Nunez’s display after the Wolves game:

I would say he is really getting there. Everybody can see he is just a handful, just a proper threat. Again, the [disallowed] goal he scored was a super reaction, a super finish. The runs he had, one again down the line; in the end cross doesn’t arrive but [it was] pretty similar to the Everton goal, if you want. Using his speed in both directions, offensively and defensively. He is really good. He is still a young boy and I think everyone can see he will get there, there is no doubt about it, but he is already for us super-important. Via Liverpool website

Klopp on Injuries(Pre-match press conference)

“We had little [knocks] – should be [the same],” Klopp told his pre-match press conference.

“The last message I got, it’s now early [and] I didn’t see them this morning – a lot of things can happen overnight – but yesterday evening they were all fine apart from the players who are out; Thiago and Luis Diaz. Joe(Gomez) obviously I think is closer, but not close enough.”

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Manchester City

Phil Foden is back amongst the goals for Man City and should be rewarded a start after impressive displays against Bournemouth and Bristol City. KDB is back as well after missing out on the Bournemouth game and he scored as well in a 3-0 win over Bristol in midweek. With Stones and Laporte also back in training, it is difficult to predict the City lineup.

Grealish was rested in the cup game and should surely start. Mahrez/Foden will be a very close call on the other wing.

Manchester City GW26 Predicted formation

4-2-3-1

Manchester City GW26 Predicted lineup:

Ederson

Walker – Dias – Ake – B Silva

Rodri – Gundogan

Mahrez – KDB – Grealish

Haaland

Manchester City PC/Injury Update:

Quotes from Pep via City Xtra

On Ortega, Stones and Laporte

“They already trained. They feel better, much better.”

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Manchester United

Man United won the Carabao cup over the weekend and registered a comeback win over West Ham in the midweek FA Cup game. They are back in PL action against hated rivals Liverpool. Shaw missed out in the midweek game vs the hammers but is expected to return back to the 11.

Manchester United GW26 Predicted formation: 

4-2-3-1

Manchester United GW26 Predicted lineup:

De Gea

Wan Bissaka – Varane – Martinez – Shaw 

Casemiro – Fred

Antony – Bruno – Rashford

Weghorst

Manchester United PC/Injury Update:

Ten Haag quotes via United website

On Luke Shaw and Sancho

“I think we will have players back,” “Yesterday Luke Shaw was not available, so we expect him back.

“Sancho was ill, but we will have to wait and see how that develops but I think [he could be available] as well.”

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Newcastle United

Newcastle suffered a defeat in the carabao cup finals against Man united over the weekend and are now back in PL action with the sole focus on getting back into the top four once again after dropping out due to a run of poor results. Pope is back from suspension and Howe also confirmed that Guimares should be back for GW26.

It would be a close call between Longstaff and Willock for the final midfield slot.

Newcastle United GW26 Predicted formation:

4-3-3

Newcastle United GW26 Predicted lineup:

Pope

Trippier – Botman – Schar – Burn 

Willock – Bruno Guimares- Joelinton

Almiron – Wilson – Saint Maximin

Newcastle United PC/Injury Update:

Quotes from Howe Press Conference via Newcastle Twitter

On Bruno

“Bruno is fine. He was in a bit of short term pain but nothing that’s impacted his training week.”

On Isak

“He’s improving with more training sessions and more understanding of what we want from him. He’s still probably not at his optimum but he’s getting close. He’s got so much to give us and he’ll add a different dimension to our team.”

On Gordon

“He’s got a big part to play. He’s been working hard in the background because when he came to us he was a little bit short of high end fitness so we’ve done that work with him. I’m really excited about what he can do in the rest of the season.”

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Nottingham Forest

Forest suffered a massive 4-0 defeat away from home in GW25 and are back home this week for a crucial game vs Everton.

Nottingham Forest GW26 Predicted formation: 

4-3-1-2

Nottingham Forest GW26 Predicted lineup:

Navas

Williams – Worall – Phillipe – Lodi

Shelvey – Freuler – Danilo

Gibbs White

Johnson – Wood

Nottingham Forest PC/Injury Update:

Summary: Boly, Kouyate, McKenna, Henderson, Awoniyi, Aurier, Richards, and Biancone are all long-term absentees continuing their recovery. Niakathe(Hamstring) and Yates(Illness) should be closing in on returns.

Cooper in the Press conference ahead of the Everton game (Via Nottingham Post):

Renan Lodi faces a late fitness check ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash with Everton.

The left-back was forced off with little more than 10 minutes to go of last weekend’s 4-0 thumping with West Ham United. 

“Lots of players are close to being fit and returning. Some players are quite a way away. When they are back and available, great, we will get them back involved.

“I’m not sure on Serge at the moment. I can’t put a timescale on how long he will be out for. He has picked up a few niggles since he joined us, but he is working hard so let’s see.

“Taiwo is making good progress. He is out on the grass and he’s running. He’s not with the team yet and not kicking any balls, but he has made progress in terms of not just straight-line running but doing some change of direction, which is a positive step for him.

“He is still weeks away from being close to training. But he is making good steps.

“Yatesy (Ryan Yates) and Moussa (Niakhate) are back in training. Moussa has been out for a long while, we have to be really careful with introducing him back.

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Southampton

Southampton continues their struggling run after another back-to-back defeat, this time against fellow relegation battlers Leeds and Grimsby Town in the FA Cup.

Southampton GW26 Predicted formation

4-2-2-2

Southampton GW26 Predicted lineup:

Bazunu 

Walker Peters- Bella Kochap – Bednarek – Perraud

Ward Prowse – Lavia

Elyounoussi – Armstrong

Sulemana – Onuachu

Southampton Injury/PC Updates

Selles ahead of the Leicester Game via Southampton website:

“We have Ché Adams back,” confirmed the manager, “he will be bought in for tomorrow and we have no more issues other than Tino Livramento.

“Mohammed Salisu is fit but he had some problems ahead of the last two games, which put him aside. We don’t need someone at 80 or 90 per cent, we need everyone at 100 per cent.”

The manager also provided an update on the fitness level of Juan Larios, who continues his recovery from a long-term injury.

“Juan Larios is coming back and he will have some minutes with the B team to test himself.”

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Spurs

Spurs recorded a 2-0 win over Chelsea over the weekend but ended up losing 1-0 to Sheffield United in the FA Cup. A few changes should be expected from the side that lost to Sheffield, Richarlison is still searching for his first PL goal for Spurs and he could drop to the bench for Son this week. Kane only came on as a sub in the FA Cup and Stellini gave the reasons in the post match press conference.

Stellini on Kane’s benching in FA Cup/Illness concern

via Football London

“We need to look in the medium period, we have many games. Harry Kane played in the last six games, one time with fever, one time with a problem, we have to take care of our best player .He was ill one week ago and he didn’t train on some days because he was very ill. After he played a game with a fever he was very ill, so he didn’t. For that reason we decided to keep him on the bench and maybe play a part of the match. A player like this also needs to work not only to play.”

Given how important Kane is for Spurs, he should be in the starting 11. Bentancur, Lloris, Sessegnon will continue to be unavailable.

Spurs GW26 Predicted formation:

3-4-3

Spurs GW26 Predicted lineup:

Forster

Romero – Dier – Lenglet

Emerson – Hojbjerg – Skipp – Ben Davies

Kulusevski – Kane – Son

Spurs Injury/PC News

Stelleni quotes via Football London

On Team news

We don’t have team news. Everyone is fine like in the last game. We are ready to play the next match with same squad.

When asked if Emerson Royal is fine

Yes

On Conte’s comeback

I said he would come back this week and straight after the match against Wolves he will be in London and will be in charge again from Sunday.

Further Read: Confirmed & Likely FPL Double/Blank Gameweeks From FPL GW26

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West Ham

West Ham recorded an impressive 4-0 win over Forest over the weekend at the London Stadium, in the midweek FA Cup game the hammers went 1-0 up against Man United but eventually lost 3-1 in the end. Ings should keep his place after scoring a brace over Forest.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski could be set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured cheekbone and eye-socket injury against Forest. Coufal went off limping against Forest due to a heel injury and did not play against Man United, but Moyes didn’t mention about them when asked for team news in the press conference before the Brighton game.

West Ham GW26 Predicted formation

4-3-3

West Ham GW26 Predicted lineup:

Areola

Johnson – Aguerd – Ogbonna – Emerson

Paqueta – Rice – Soucek

Bowen – Ings – Benrahma

West Ham PC/Injury Updates: 

Moyes quotes via West Ham website

On Zouma and Cornet

“Kurt Zouma is doing better, and Maxi is coming on, “We’ll see how he is and hopefully we’ll get them closer to the first team.”

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Wolves

Wolves had a mixed double gameweek after a draw against Fulham, they lost to Liverpool in the second game of Gameweek 25. Worryingly they also had a few injury concerns with Hugo Bueno being substituted due to a hamstring injury. Bueno is ruled out for 3-4 weeks. Pedro Neto is also slowly improving his fitness and should be involved with the first team soon.

Wolves GW26 Predicted formation:

4-2-3-1

Wolves GW26 Predicted lineup:

Sa

Semedo – Dawson – Kilman – Ait Nouri

Neves – Lemina

Sarabia – Moutinho – Nunes

Jimenez 

Wolves Injury/PC Updates:

On Bueno’s hamstring injury

“He’s out unfortunately for us because he was working in a very good way in the last matches. When you’re talking about a hamstring, it depends on each person, and maybe three or four weeks, but we will see.

“It’s a pity, but with one player out, it brings one player in and we have to think in the players that are ready, and wish him the best of luck to come back as soon as possible.”

On Cunha, Boubacar and Hwang’s recovery

“Cunha’s better, he has worked with us and I think he’s going to be ready. Bouba is closer, but he’s not ready to start with us.

“He’s getting better, but he’s had a little problem in the last part of his recovery, but now he’s closer to start with us, and Hwang is the same. He’s better and closer, but it’s not enough time.”

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Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW26

Confirmed & Likely FPL Double/Blank Gameweeks From FPL GW26
FPL GW26 Tips & Preview – Breaking Down Key Dilemmas 
FPL GW26 Predicted Lineups, Injury/Press Conference Updates
FPL GW26 Wildcard Team & Drafts to Consider | Wildcard Guide
FPL Gameweek 26 Scout Picks based on Stats and Matchups
Gameweek 26 Transfer Tips- Players to Buy, Hold, Sell
Top FPL GW26 Differential Picks to Consider(<10% TSB)
FPL GW26 Odds Preview- Goals, Clean Sheets and Predicted Points
FPL GW26 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More
When to Use Your FPL Chips? FPL Chip Strategy Explained

FPL Gameweek 26 Stream

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