Where Can You Find All the Latest FPL Stats and Premier League Team News?

This article covers the latest injury updates and Fantasy Premier League (FPL) insights ahead of the upcoming Premier League fixtures, including critical player availability and performance statistics. Key highlights include Burnley captain Josh Cullen's expected absence due to a knee injury and Arsenal's injury concerns. For FPL managers, players like Martin Dubravka and Anthony Gordon have been standouts recently, providing essential insights for squad selection.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Premier League is set to see exciting fixtures this week, including Arsenal's match against Aston Villa, which kicks off at 20:15 on Tuesday. As managers prepare their squads, injury updates are crucial for fans and Fantasy Premier League participants alike. Notably, Burnley will be without captain Josh Cullen due to a knee issue, while Newcastle's defensive woes continue with multiple players still sidelined.

Key takeaways

• Burnley captain Josh Cullen is likely to miss the match due to a knee injury.
• Arsenal's injury concerns include defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.
• Key FPL players like Anthony Gordon and Martin Dubravka are in strong form.
• Several teams are missing key players due to injury and suspension, impacting their line-ups.
• Budget options like John Victor and Igor Jesus are emerging as valuable FPL picks.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the season, various teams have faced injury challenges. Key dates of note include:

• 1 August 2023: Premier League season begins, with many players announcing their fitness.
• 15 October 2023: Injuries start to mount, impacting team selections.
• 28 October 2023: Current injury reports emerge ahead of this week's fixtures.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent updates indicate that Burnley's Josh Cullen is not expected to play due to a knee injury sustained in their previous match. Newcastle's injury list remains lengthy, with no immediate returns expected for key defenders.

What was already established

Prior to this week, multiple teams, including Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, were already grappling with injuries to important players. The ongoing struggles for fitness in various squads have been a central theme this season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing injury crises across teams may affect match outcomes, potentially influencing ticket sales and viewership as fans react to their team’s prospects.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs face challenges in maintaining competitive squads, which may affect their performance, ultimately impacting revenue from matchday sales and merchandise.

Policy and regulation

No significant new policies have emerged recently that would directly affect player management or squad selections due to injuries, but ongoing consultations regarding player health and safety protocols continue.

Numbers that matter

• 11 points: Martin Dubravka's total points from three clean sheets this season.
• 30 shots: The number of attempts made by Igor Jesus since the start of November, the highest among forwards excluding Erling Haaland.
• 24 points: Trevoh Chalobah's total over the last four matches at Stamford Bridge.
• 91 points: Michael Keane's total, making him the third-highest scoring defender in FPL.
• 84 points: Ryan Gravenberch's total, leading Liverpool's scoring this season.

Definitions and jargon buster

• FPL: Fantasy Premier League, a fantasy football game based on real football matches.
• Clean sheet: When a team does not concede any goals in a match.
• Double-digit haul: When a player scores 10 or more points in a single match.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Monitor injury reports closely as teams will be assessing player fitness leading up to matches. With several key players out, FPL managers should consider benching or swapping out injured players.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, keep an eye on returning players. Those returning from injury may take time to regain form, affecting their FPL value.

Signals to watch

• Injury updates from club managers before matches.
• Player performances in upcoming fixtures as they return from injury.
• Changes in team dynamics with new player signings or returning players.

Practical guidance

Do

• Keep up to date with injury news to make informed FPL selections.
• Consider form and fitness when selecting budget options.
• Monitor players’ performance leading up to match days.

Don’t

• Ignore injury reports; they can significantly impact match outcomes.
• Hold onto underperforming players without assessing alternatives.
• Overlook the potential of players returning from injury.

Checklist

• Check injury updates for your selected players.
• Review FPL points for players in your squad.
• Assess upcoming fixtures for potential match winners.
• Consider bringing in players with a good run of fixtures.
• Stay informed about team news from press conferences.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As injuries can evolve quickly, it's essential to remain flexible in your FPL strategy. New injuries can arise during training or matches, and players returning from injury may not perform at their best immediately. Therefore, continuously assess the situation as the season progresses.

Bottom line

With the Premier League fixtures approaching, staying informed about player injuries is crucial for both fans and Fantasy Premier League managers. The current injury climate suggests that squad depth will be tested, and those who adapt quickly may find success in their FPL endeavours.

FAQs

Which players are currently injured ahead of the fixtures?

Key injured players include Burnley’s Josh Cullen, Newcastle’s Sven Botman, and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, among others.

What impact do injuries have on Fantasy Premier League?

Injuries can significantly affect team performance and player selection, making it crucial for FPL managers to stay updated on player availability.

Who are the top-performing players in FPL currently?

Currently, Martin Dubravka and Anthony Gordon are standout performers in FPL, with Dubravka achieving multiple clean sheets and Gordon delivering consistent points through goals and assists.