Premier League Weekend: Team News and Predicted Lineups for Key Matches
The Premier League returns this weekend with several crucial fixtures that could shape the title race and European qualification battles. All eyes will be on Anfield where Liverpool host Manchester City in what promises to be a season-defining encounter.
Liverpool vs Manchester City: Salah Expected to Start
Mohamed Salah is anticipated to be in the starting lineup for Liverpool when they face Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. The Egyptian forward's inclusion provides a significant boost for Jurgen Klopp's side as they seek to maintain their position at the summit of the Premier League table.
Liverpool face some injury concerns with Joe Gomez listed as doubtful due to a hip issue. The Reds have several players sidelined including Jeremie Frimpong (groin), Alexander Isak (fractured leg), and Conor Bradley (knee). Liverpool's current form stands at DDDDLW with their leading scorer being Hugo Ekitiké who has netted ten goals this season.
Manchester City arrive at Anfield with their own selection dilemmas. Bernardo Silva and Savinho are both listed as doubtful due to fitness concerns. Pep Guardiola's squad is missing Jeremy Doku (leg), John Stones (thigh), Mateo Kovacic (ankle), and Josko Gvardiol (fractured tibia). The Citizens' form reads DDDLWD with Erling Haaland leading their scoring charts with an impressive twenty goals.
Manchester United vs Tottenham: Saturday's Early Kickoff
Manchester United welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford in Saturday's early fixture with both teams looking to improve their inconsistent form. United's squad shows several changes with Matthijs de Ligt (back), Andrea Dorgu (muscle), and Mason Mount (knock) all ruled out through injury.
The Red Devils' current form stands at DDDWWW with Bryan Mbeumo their top scorer with eight goals. Tottenham face significant injury problems with Pedro Porro (hamstring), Kevin Danso (toe), Richarlison (hamstring), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), and Lucas Bergvall (ankle) among those unavailable. Their form has dipped to DDLLDD with Richarlison leading their scoring despite his injury absence.
Arsenal vs Sunderland: Gunners Seek Consistency
Arsenal host Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium with Mikel Arteta's side looking to build momentum after mixed recent results. The Gunners have concerns over Martin Ødegaard who is doubtful with a muscle problem, while Bukayo Saka (hip), Mikel Merino (foot), and Ruby Dowman (ankle) are all injured.
Arsenal's form reads WWDDLW with Viktor Gyökeres their leading marksman with six goals. Sunderland travel to London with Granit Xhaka (ankle), Adama Traoré (ankle), and Wilfried Ta Bi (fitness) all expected to return on February 22nd. The Black Cats' form stands at DDLWLW with Brian Brobbey their top scorer with five goals.
Other Key Fixtures and Team News
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa: Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth face Unai Emery's Villa at the Vitality Stadium. David Brooks is doubtful for Bournemouth with an ankle issue, while Marcus Tavernier (hamstring) and Che Adams (knee) are among their injured players. Aston Villa are without Alex García (hamstring), John McGinn (knee), and Youri Tielemans (ankle).
Burnley vs West Ham: Vincent Kompany's Burnley host David Moyes' West Ham at Turf Moor. The Clarets have several long-term absentees including Zeki Amdouni (knee) and Josh Cullen (knee). West Ham will be without Jean-Clair Todibo who begins a three-match suspension following his red card against Chelsea.
Fulham vs Everton: Marco Silva's Fulham face Sean Dyche's Everton at Craven Cottage. Sasa Lukic is Fulham's only injury concern with a hamstring problem. Everton are missing Jack Grealish who is sidelined with a foot injury until April.
Wolves vs Chelsea: Gary O'Neil's Wolves welcome Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea to Molineux. Wolves have few injury concerns while Chelsea face doubts over Reece James, Pedro Neto, and Romeo Lavia. Mykhailo Mudryk serves an indefinite suspension for the Blues.
Newcastle vs Brentford: Eddie Howe's Newcastle host Thomas Frank's Brentford at St James' Park. Bruno Guimarães and Lewis Miley are both doubtful for the Magpies. Brentford will be without Kevin Schade who begins a three-match suspension.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace: Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton face Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium. Both teams have relatively clean injury sheets with few major concerns ahead of this South Coast derby.
Referee Appointments and Broadcast Information
Michael Oliver takes charge of Manchester United vs Tottenham at Old Trafford, while Craig Pawson will officiate the crucial Liverpool vs Manchester City clash at Anfield. Anthony Taylor, Darren England, and Stuart Attwell are among other experienced officials appointed for this weekend's fixtures.
Broadcast coverage sees Manchester United vs Tottenham airing on TNT Sports 1, while Newcastle vs Brentford, Brighton vs Crystal Palace, and Liverpool vs Manchester City will all be shown on Sky Sports Premier League. Several matches will be available through various streaming platforms and international broadcast partners.
This Premier League weekend promises drama at both ends of the table with title contenders, European hopefuls, and relegation battlers all in action across ten fascinating fixtures.
