Another intriguing Premier League round awaits as several sides battle injuries, suspensions, and AFCON absences across the table. Manchester United and Newcastle meet in a clash between two inconsistent sides, while Arsenal look to maintain their narrow lead at the top against Brighton. Manchester City and Liverpool both face tricky away fixtures despite being depleted […]
Another intriguing Premier League round awaits as several sides battle injuries, suspensions, and AFCON absences across the table.
Manchester United and Newcastle meet in a clash between two inconsistent sides, while Arsenal look to maintain their narrow lead at the top against Brighton.
Manchester City and Liverpool both face tricky away fixtures despite being depleted by injuries and international duty.
Relegation pressure mounts for Burnley and West Ham as they chase vital points against Everton and Fulham, respectively.
With momentum, squad depth, and discipline set to play decisive roles, this matchweek could prove pivotal.
Friday
Man United v Newcastle
Manchester United welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford as they look to return to winning ways following last week’s defeat to Aston Villa.
The Red Devils had previously gone four games unbeaten and will aim to start another positive run.
Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are unavailable due to AFCON commitments, while Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are ruled out with injuries.
Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are doubts, but Casemiro is expected to return from suspension.
Newcastle surrendered a two-goal lead in a 2–2 draw with Chelsea last week, leaving them in the bottom half of the table.
Inconsistency has plagued the Magpies this season, but a trip to a depleted United side presents a strong opportunity. Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, and Sven Botman are ruled out, while Nick Pope remains a doubt.
Saturday
Nottingham Forest v Man City
Nottingham Forest failed to seriously test Fulham’s backline in their narrow defeat last week, continuing a frustrating campaign.
Despite the appointment of Sean Dyche, Forest have struggled to gain momentum.
Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangaré are unavailable due to AFCON participation, while Dan Ndoye is sidelined through injury.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will be aiming for a sixth straight league win but will be without Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush due to AFCON commitments.
Arsenal v Brighton
Arsenal needed penalties to edge past Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. With just a two-point lead at the top of the table, Mikel Arteta’s side have little margin for error.
Gabriel Martinelli and Piero Hincapié are doubts due to knocks. Arsenal and Brighton have produced entertaining encounters in the past, and this fixture promises more of the same.
Brighton are winless in four matches, most recently drawing 0–0 with Sunderland. The Seagulls sit ninth, five points off the top four.
Carlos Baleba is unavailable due to AFCON, while Paul van Hecke, Mats Wieffer, and Danny Welbeck are doubts. Lewis Dunk and Diego Amarilla return from suspension.
Brentford v Bournemouth
Brentford picked up their first win in four games by defeating Wolves last week.
Although not as defensively solid as in previous seasons, the Bees have continued to find goals despite the summer departures of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.
Dango Ouattara and Frank Onyeka are unavailable due to AFCON, while Reiss Nelson is an injury doubt.
Bournemouth have struggled recently, with two defeats and three consecutive draws following a strong early-season run. The Cherries have slipped to 15th, nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Burnley v Everton
Burnley ended a four-game losing streak by securing a much-needed draw last week.
The Clarets sit 19th and must begin collecting points quickly to avoid a relegation scrap.
Everton pushed league leaders Arsenal to the limit but ultimately fell 1–0 to a Gyökeres penalty. The Toffees sit tenth with two wins from their last five matches.
Burnley will be without Axel Tuanzebe and Lyle Foster due to AFCON duties, while Maxime Estève faces a late fitness test.
Everton are missing Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye due to AFCON, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remains sidelined.
Liverpool v Wolves
Liverpool have been hit hard by injuries, with summer signing Alexander Isak ruled out long-term.
Mo Salah is unavailable due to AFCON, Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended, and Wataru Endo remains injured. On the positive side, Florian Wirtz has been passed fit, while Cody Gakpo and Conor Bradley are doubts.
Wolves’ losing run continued with another home defeat last week. Emmanuel Agbadou is away on AFCON duty, Hugo Bueno is a doubt, and Yerson Mosquera returns from suspension.
West Ham v Fulham
West Ham are without key full-backs Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to AFCON participation. Niclas Füllkrug is a doubt, while Oliver Scarles has been passed fit.
The Hammers are winless in five and currently sit 18th in the table.
Fulham secured a disciplined win over Nottingham Forest last week and sit 13th after winning three of their last five.
The Cottagers will again rely on defensive solidity but are missing Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze due to AFCON. Harry Wilson is a doubt.
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter. Villa are riding an eight-game winning streak, while Chelsea are unbeaten in five.
The Blues showed resilience by coming back from two goals down in a 2–2 draw with Newcastle. Morgan Rogers’ brace helped Villa secure a 2–1 win at Old Trafford last week.
Chelsea welcome back Estêvão and Liam Delap from injury. For Villa, Evann Guessand is unavailable due to AFCON, Harvey Elliott is a doubt, and Jadon Sancho cannot face his parent club.
Sunday
Sunderland v Leeds
Sunderland were held to a goalless draw by Brighton last week, a result that lifted them to sixth place.
The Black Cats have lost just once in their last five matches and sit three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
However, they are heavily depleted by AFCON absences, with Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo, Arthur Masuaku, Bertrand Traoré, and Chemsdine Talbi all unavailable. Luke O’Nien is suspended.
Leeds have been impressive of late, with two wins and two draws in their last four.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin extended his scoring streak to five games with a brace in the win over Crystal Palace. The Peacocks have climbed to 16th, though Lukas Nmecha remains a doubt.
Crystal Palace v Spurs
Crystal Palace suffered a third consecutive defeat after losing on penalties to Arsenal. The Eagles have struggled in attack, with Jean-Philippe Mateta wasteful in front of goal.
Palace will be without Ismaïla Sarr due to AFCON, while Eddie Nketiah and Chris Richards are doubts.
Spurs are missing Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma due to AFCON, while Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero are suspended. Tottenham sit in the bottom half with just one win from their last five league matches.
Category: General Sports
