Premier League team news and FPL stats ahead of Gameweek 4

Introduction to Premier League team news and FPL insights

As Gameweek 4 approaches, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are eager for the latest team news and player statistics to optimise their squads. This article consolidates injury updates, player form, and key FPL stats from this weekend's Premier League fixtures, helping managers make informed decisions.

Saturday's key fixtures and injury updates

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

The lunchtime kick-off at 12:30 BST features Arsenal hosting Nottingham Forest. Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka, while Nottingham Forest’s new head coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed full-back Ola Aina is sidelined due to injury sustained on international duty. Notably, Oleksandr Zinchenko is ineligible to face his parent club, Arsenal, which impacts Forest's defensive options. Arsenal's William Saliba is also doubtful for the match.

FPL managers should note Riccardo Calafiori (£5.7m), who has impressively taken six shots, four inside the penalty area, over the last two Gameweeks, ranking him among the Premier League's top attacking defenders. Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.5m) leads Nottingham Forest midfielders in shots and shots in the box this season, while Elliot Anderson (£5.5m) tops the league in corners and indirect free-kicks taken, highlighting his set-piece threat.

Bournemouth vs Brighton

Brighton continue to be without long-term absentees Solly March and Adam Webster, but the rest of their squad is fit. Bournemouth will be missing Enes Unal. Brazilian forward Evanilson (£7.0m) has created six chances and taken eight shots in the last two Gameweeks, making him a key attacking asset. Meanwhile, David Brooks (£5.0m) shows promising underlying stats with multiple shots and big chances despite limited minutes, signalling a potential uptick. Brighton midfielder Yankuba Minteh (£5.9m), though yet to score or assist, leads the Premier League in penalty area touches and successful take-ons, suggesting FPL managers keep an eye on his imminent output.

Midday matches: Palace, Sunderland, Everton and Aston Villa

Crystal Palace vs Sunderland

Crystal Palace will await late team news, while Sunderland could see new signings Brian Brobbey, Bertrand Traore, and Lutsharel Geertruida feature. Sunderland faces several injury absences but expects Dan Ballard's return soon. For FPL, Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m) is a reliable option, having scored six goals against newly promoted teams over recent seasons. Daniel Munoz (£5.5m) has been consistent, contributing defensively and offensively with clean sheets and an assist.

Everton vs Aston Villa

Everton's Jack Grealish (£6.7m) is currently the most transferred-in player in FPL, boasting four assists and two big chances created since joining the starting lineup. Aston Villa remain the only English team yet to score this season, increasing the pressure on Ollie Watkins (£8.9m), who has a strong goal and assist record against Everton. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£5.0m) has also been influential, creating seven chances in the last two Gameweeks.

Fulham, Leeds, Newcastle, and Wolves updates

Fulham vs Leeds

Leeds face goalkeeper Lucas Perri's absence due to a muscle injury, with Karl Darlow expected to deputise. Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Lukas Nmecha, and Joel Piroe remain doubtful but are returning to training. Young Fulham striker Josh King (£4.5m) has started all games this season, showing promise with shots on target and chances created. Serbian midfielder Sasa Lukic (£5.0m) leads Fulham in set-piece deliveries, a valuable asset for FPL managers. Anton Stach (£5.0m), Leeds’ new signing, dominates his team’s set-piece duties and leads in chance creation and shots.

Newcastle vs Wolves

Newcastle will miss Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey due to injuries, while Anthony Gordon is suspended. Joelinton has returned, and Nick Woltemade could make his debut. Fabian Schar (£5.5m) is an underrated FPL pick with a goal and three assists against Wolves in his last eight appearances. Jorgen Stand Larsen (£6.4m) and Rodrigo Gomes (£4.5m) have shown attacking potential early this season, with goals and shots in the box.

Evening fixtures: West Ham, Tottenham, Brentford, and Chelsea

West Ham vs Tottenham Hotspur

West Ham monitor Niclas Fullkrug’s slight calf injury, while Luis Guilherme remains out. New signing Igor Julio may make his debut. Tottenham are without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Radu Dragusin. James Ward-Prowse (£5.9m) quietly leads West Ham in chance creation. Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus (£6.6m) stands out for his take-on attempts and chance creation for Spurs despite limited shots. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario (£5.0m) tops league saves, recording two clean sheets and conceding just once.

Brentford vs Chelsea

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is a doubt due to a groin issue. Alejandro Garnacho is not fully fit yet, with Dario Essugo and Liam Delap sidelined long term. Brentford’s record signing Dango Ouattara (£6.0m) has made a promising start, nearly scoring twice in two appearances. Joao Pedro (£7.7m) and Enzo Fernandez (£6.6m) lead Chelsea’s goal involvements this season alongside Everton’s Jack Grealish. Moises Caicedo (£5.5m) made a remarkable defensive display last game, the highest combined defensive actions in a single match this season.

Sunday's fixtures and standout players

Burnley vs Liverpool

Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony (£5.5m) is a key threat, scoring two goals and an assist in his last two Premier League matches. Liverpool’s new signing Alexander Isak is available but will be eased in gradually. Curtis Jones is out injured, while Jeremie Frimpong is returning to training. Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.5m) became the first Premier League scorer from a direct free-kick this season, marking a milestone after 18 previous attempts failed. Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) has struggled historically against Burnley, scoring just once in 10 matches.

Manchester City vs Manchester United

Erling Haaland (£14.1m) leads the Premier League in shots inside the box, big chances, and shots on target, with three goals already this season. His record against Manchester United’s upcoming opponents is formidable, with six goals and three assists in five games. Joshua Zirkzee (£5.9m) impressed with nine penalty box touches and multiple attempts in Gameweek 3. Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) tops the league in chances created so far, making him crucial for FPL managers.

Conclusion and actionable FPL tips for Gameweek 4

With injuries impacting key players across clubs and several emerging FPL performers showing promising statistics, Gameweek 4 offers multiple tactical opportunities. Managers should consider recent form, underlying stats such as shots and chances created, and injury news before finalising squads. Keeping tabs on young talents like Elliot Anderson and Josh King can provide differential advantages, while established stars such as Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland remain essential picks.

For those seeking expert insights and live Q&A sessions, the analysis of Elliot Anderson’s rise offers a fascinating perspective on England’s emerging talents. Additionally, exploring the top sports in the UK can enrich your broader sporting knowledge beyond football.