Premier League injuries: Tierney, Traore and Willian at risk in fantasy football Gameweek 29

With Liverpool’s unbeaten streak finally ended, there is a pleasant sense of chaos going in to gameweek 29.
No-one turns possession into points more efficiently than Kevin de Bruyne. Picture: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty ImagesNo-one turns possession into points more efficiently than Kevin de Bruyne. Picture: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
No-one turns possession into points more efficiently than Kevin de Bruyne. Picture: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Which makes it the perfect time for a Manchester derby, especially given erratic seasons both City and United are having.

As entertaining as a dash of anarchy makes the Premier League, it does make picking your Fantasy side that much more difficult.

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Here’s a few tips on those that might be out for the count this weekend.

Adama Traore put his body on the line once again against Tottenham. Picture: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesAdama Traore put his body on the line once again against Tottenham. Picture: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Adama Traore put his body on the line once again against Tottenham. Picture: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
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Celtic’s boy wonder has had a hard time since arriving in London – will fans, coaches and team-mates have all been blown away by his attitude and aptitude, injuries have prevented him from establishing himself in the team.

The emergence of winger-turned-full-back Bukayo Saka has made his path into the starting line-up that much more difficult.

A hero in Glasgow, Tierney's London adventure has yet to really get goin. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty ImagesA hero in Glasgow, Tierney's London adventure has yet to really get goin. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images
A hero in Glasgow, Tierney's London adventure has yet to really get goin. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

However, Scottish fans will be delighted to hear that he has returned to full training and looks poised to play a role in the closing chapter of the campaign, should he get the opportunity. For the national team, at least, that could be meaningful.

Should I keep him in my FPL team?

Honestly, if you still have him in your team at this point, your loyalty is to be admired. Not your tactical thinking or your general common sense, but your loyalty.

He almost certainly won’t feature this week though, so cutting him might be wise.

Adama Traore, Wolves

Anyone who saw Traore hurtling through heavy challenges against Tottenham would be forgiven for thinking that the muscle-bound Spaniard was nigh-on indestructible. He certainly looks it.

However, all those late tackles do begin to stack up and Traore finds himself in a fitness race ahead of Saturday’s game against Brighton.

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Traore’s juggernaut runs and his intuitive relationship with Raul Jimenez have made him an indispensable part of Wolves’ first team this season, and they’ll certainly miss him if he is unable to get on the park.

Should I keep him in my FPL team?

Traore’s past reputation as a novelty act combined with his brilliant form this season has made him one of the best value-for-money picks to be found. However, with one eye on Europe, it seems likely enough that he’ll be benched this weekend. A gut call.

Daniel James, Manchester United

The lighting-quick young Welshman has had a highly encouraging opening season at Old Trafford, playing more consistently than he might have expected when he arrived last summer.

At only 22 years old, he has pushed his way into Manchester United’s top five FPL performers this season. While that might also speak for the dreary state of United’s campaign, James has been a consistently bright spot throughout.

United will host their city rivals on Sunday and while Guardiola’s team sit 15 points clear and will be heavy favourites, both teams have proven unpredictable this season.

Should I keep him in my FPL team?

Between the odds against James playing and the odds against Manchester United succeeding even if he does, maybe this is one to chop for gameweek 29.

Willian, Chelsea

Chelsea’s well-seasoned winger Willian looks likely to be heading for the exit in the summer but he’s still got plenty to offer Chelsea in the meantime – as his goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup proved.

However, at 31 years of age the spritely Brazilian may have to be a little more guarded about his condition if he wants to keep playing at the top level for years to come, wherever that might be.

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With plenty of tough games to come – such as Chelsea’s upcoming mission impossible in Munich – Lampard might feel like a Sunday afternoon fixture with Everton is one he can navigate without Willian’s influence on the wings.

Should I keep him in my FPL team?

Willian has had a fairly successful season, even if he’d rather have a few more goals and assists to his name at this point. While his odds of making Sunday’s game look fairly good (75% according to the FPL) it’s likely he’ll be rested.

Leave him out for the weekend.

Kevin de Bruyne, Manchester City

There is no better man to have in your FPL squad than City’s Belgian midfield maestro. Blessed with both an astonishing range of passing and a ruthless eye for goal, de Bruyne is a supplier-scorer hybrid who guzzles up the points – 178 of them this season.

That makes him the league’s top earner.

The one caveat to an almost perfect player is that he has been hampered by injuries during much of his time at the Etihad. Being the best player in the Premier League is no good if you’re not actually on the pitch.

Fortunately, his recent shoulder injury looks to be a minor one and he should certainly be back in time for the second half of his side’s Real Madrid clash.

Should I keep him in my FPL team?

The FPL site currently gives him a 75% chance of playing. Guardiola might be more inclined to risk him for this weekend’s game against Manchester United to ensure their rivals don’t pull of any surprises.

It’s a risk but keeping de Bruyne around usually pays off w