Another dramatic Premier League weekend awaits as several top clubs look to steady themselves after midweek European challenges and shaky domestic form.
Arsenal and Manchester City each face tricky tests against struggling but dangerous opposition, while Chelsea and Liverpool enter their fixtures needing stability after inconsistent league runs.
Newcastle seek to continue their climb up the table in a fiery encounter against Sunderland, and Aston Villa travel to West Ham looking to continue their impressive
surge.
Spurs, Brentford, and Crystal Palace all face decisive matches that could significantly impact their league positioning. With form swings, injuries, and fierce rivalries in play, this gameweek promises intensity across every pitch.
Chelsea v Everton
Chelsea welcome Everton in what promises to be an unpredictable encounter.
The Blues have failed to win any of their last three league games and also suffered defeat to Atalanta on Tuesday. This poor run has seen them slip out of the top four.
Everton, meanwhile, have been on the rise, winning four of their last five matches.
Key to this resurgence is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has scored or assisted in four of those five games.
Chelsea will be without Moisés Caicedo due to suspension and Liam Delap due to injury. Everton welcome back Idrissa Gana Gueye and Thierno Barry from suspension, with Barry also passed fit.
Liverpool v Brighton
The major news from Arne Slot’s prematch press conference was his plan to speak with talisman Mo Salah, with the outcome determining Salah’s availability for this clash.
A vital Champions League win away to Inter Milan should give the Reds much-needed confidence.
Brighton rescued a point through a late Georginio Rutter goal against West Ham last week.
The Seagulls are level on points with Liverpool and have lost just one of their last five matches.
For Liverpool, Wataru Endo and Cody Gakpo are ruled out, while Alexander Isak is a doubt.
Brighton welcome back Kaoru Mitoma, James Milner, Yasin Ayari, and Thomas Watson from injury.
Burnley v Fulham
Burnley will be eager to snap a run of five consecutive defeats when they host Fulham at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Their terrible form has seen them fall to 19th, with just ten points from a possible 45.
Burnley will be without Lucas Pires and Kyle Walker due to suspension.
Fulham suffered a second straight defeat last week against Crystal Palace.
The Cottagers have struggled recently, winning just two of their last five and sliding into the bottom half. Antonee Robinson will face a late fitness test.
Arsenal v Wolves
Arsenal welcome Wolves to the Emirates in what is expected to be a straightforward affair.
The Gunners will be eager to respond after last week’s last-minute league defeat against Aston Villa.
Their Champions League win over Club Brugge allowed them to rest key players ahead of this fixture.
Arsenal will be without Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman due to injury, while William Saliba, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Leandro Trossard are doubts. Riccardo Calafiori is suspended.
Wolves have struggled mightily and are unlikely to reverse their form this weekend.
The bottom-placed side have lost their last five games and have only two points after 15 matches. João Gomes returns from suspension, while Marshall Munetsi is ruled out.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
Crystal Palace take on Manchester City in what could be a difficult test for the visitors.
The Eagles have lost just once in their last five matches and sit only five points behind City.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jaydee Canvot, and Ismaïla Sarr are doubts, while Ismailar Sarr is ruled out.
Manchester City secured a huge Champions League win over Real Madrid on Wednesday—their fourth straight victory in all competitions.
Pep Guardiola’s side has shifted into another gear recently, scoring freely and grinding out results. City could move into the top spot this weekend if Arsenal fail to beat Wolves.
Nottingham Forest v Spurs
Nottingham Forest will be without Yates, Wood, Awoniyi, Gunn, and Aina, while first-choice goalkeeper Matz Sels is still being monitored.
On the bright side, Murillo, Luiz, Zinchenko, and Bakwa all returned in the Europa League on Tuesday.
Forest returned to winning ways on Thursday against FC Utrecht after a disappointing 3–0 loss to Everton last week.
Spurs welcome back Brennan Johnson after he missed the Brentford match through injury.
Spurs grabbed a much-needed victory in that game, halting a run of four league matches without a win.
Sunderland v Newcastle
Sunderland suffered a 3–0 defeat against Manchester City last week, dropping into ninth place.
The newly promoted side has been a revelation this season, climbing as high as third at one point.
Their meeting with Newcastle promises to be a fiery affair, with both teams known for their physical, high-energy style.
Newcastle have won three of their last four league games, including a 2–1 victory over Burnley last week.
This run has moved them within one point of tenth-placed Liverpool. Joelinton is a doubt due to injury.
West Ham v Aston Villa
West Ham’s 1–1 draw with Brighton last week was their third stalemate in four games, leaving them in 18th place—two points behind Nottingham Forest.
The Hammers need to begin turning draws into wins if they hope to avoid a relegation battle in the second half of the season.
Aston Villa strengthened their resurgence with a late winner against league leaders Arsenal last week.
The Villains have now won five consecutive matches and sit just three points behind the Gunners.
Emiliano Martinez and Pau Torres are doubts with injuries.
Brentford v Leeds
Brentford will be without suspended attacker Kevin Schade when they host Leeds at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.
Reiss Nelson picked up a knock last week but is expected to be fit.
Brentford have lost their last two league matches and currently sit 13th.
Leeds have shown excellent spirit, securing a huge win against Chelsea and earning a draw against Liverpool in recent weeks to climb out of the relegation zone.
Those results should give Daniel Farke’s side the confidence needed for this fixture.
Man United v Bournemouth
Manchester United are eager to stop a trend that has seen Bournemouth win their last two matches at Old Trafford without conceding.
The Red Devils have lost just one of their last five, collecting three wins and a draw during that run.
The availability of Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo remains unknown due to their potential AFCON involvement.
Benjamin Sesko is a doubt, while Matthijs de Ligt is ruled out.
Bournemouth will be without Lewis Cook after his red card last week, while Tyler Adams returns from suspension. Marcos Senesi is a doubt due to the cramps he suffered in the draw against Chelsea
