Did you hear? We’ve got a lot of injuries!
It’s been something of a perfect storm, coming into this FPL Gameweek 13 round-up. We’d already just had a load of big injuries. Drop an international break on top of that, and you get more, more, more. And, with European games immediately beginning again after this gameweek, this situation is unlikely to magically fix itself.
Anyway! We are where we are – and where we are is all having lots of injury controls. Let’s whip through the international action first, then get onto the injuries and suspensions, before wrapping up with a look ahead.
International Round-Up
It was the last international break for a while, and basically every country in the entire world played.
We had quite a few players out there for two full games. Akanji even managed three, what a stud! Here are just a few FPL-relevant players who got 180mins of action (or near enough):
- Salah (the guy never rests)
- Son
- Various goalkeepers (Martinez, Pickford, etc.)
- Pinnock
- Anderson, Guehi
- Foden
- Kulusevski
- Trent
- Luis Diaz
Other members of the 150min+ club include Martinelli, Darwin, Alvarez, and Gabriel.
You might also notice that most of these players will be playing in Europe, straight after their Premier League games.
Basically, as noted – more injuries are coming. Just hope they happen to other people’s teams!
Injuries, Suspensions, Etc.
Lots and lots of injuries to get to this week. I’ve un-scientifically ranked these in rough order of FPL relevance. Let’s get stuck straight in.
- Bowen – I wish I had some actual news for you. There are various rumours flying around on social media, from supposed insiders. Most of them are negative. Moyes himself says he ‘hopes’ Bowen will be available. So do I, David, but I’ve got a decision to make!Right now, I’m leaning towards holding.
He’s one of the best players in FPL, and remains excellent value. The injury can’t be that serious, if he’s in contention to play this weekend. And as soon as he returns (which should be next week, presumably), he’ll be right back in West Ham’s team and mine.
- Haaland – He has trained, and will surely start if he possibly can. Start him in your team with confidence, but I wouldn’t rush to buy him in before Liverpool
- Mitoma – Has officially been ruled out by De Zerbi, even after we were teased with a short video of him running to training. Even if he’s only out one week, three of his next four games are Chelsea, Brentford, and Arsenal. So you’re binning him this week if you can anyway.
Annoyingly, the best replacements – Mbeumo and Palmer – have tough fixtures this week. If you’ve got only got 1 FT, you probably have to bring one of them in anyway, ahead of their good GW 14 fixtures. If you’ve got 2 FT, I’m fine taking a one week punt on someone with a better fixture this week – like Hwang or JWP – then moving him to one of those other two players afterwards.
- Odegaard – Arteta says he’ll be ‘available’. Does that mean he’ll start? Not a clue! I’d bin him anyway – he wasn’t producing enough for the price before this lingering injury
- White – Nothing concrete, but sounds like he’ll be playing. Keep him regardless for the good upcoming fixtures
- Jesus – Played for Brazil. Will be in the squad, but who knows if he starts. Either way, you can’t trust him or Nketiah right now
- Isak – As usual, Howe was completely unhelpful. We’ve got no idea if he’s playing, and I wouldn’t want any part of him right now
- Darwin/Diaz – Klopp said he didn’t know which South American players would start, and which would be benched. Neither of them are reliable long-term anyway – I’d bin them, there are much more trustworthy options
- Udogie – Returning from suspension. Tricky fixtures upcoming, though – I’d still bin him
- Romero – Still a naughty boy. Still suspended for 2 more games
- Hojlund – Sounds like he’ll be fine… Not that I’m saying he should be anywhere near your FPL team anyway
Upcoming Fixtures
As noted, we’re right back into the thick of it. European games start immediately, following Gameweek 13. That means all of this lot are in action:
- Man City
- Newcastle
- Man U
- Arsenal
- Brighton
- West Ham
- Liverpool
- Aston Villa
Basically, almost every team with the FPL players we all want/own! Hope for the best, prepare for the worst… get the worst. That’s what I’m expecting, based on how things have gone recently.
On that cheery note, best of luck in Gameweek 13, everyone!