The Premier League returns with a packed weekend schedule, beginning with Saturday afternoon kick-offs at Stamford Bridge and Anfield. Injury updates, suspensions, and Fantasy Premier League data shape selection decisions as clubs manage fitness concerns before a decisive round of fixtures.
Chelsea and Everton monitor fitness and suspensions
Chelsea enter Saturday’s home match against Everton with mixed availability across the squad. Wesley Fofana and Cole Palmer are cleared to feature, offering a boost after recent inconsistencies. However, Moises Caicedo is suspended following his red card against Arsenal, while Romeo Lavia and Liam Delap remain sidelined until January.
Chelsea prepare to host Everton at Stamford Bridge as the Premier League returns this weekend.
Everton arrives with fewer fresh concerns but continues to manage long-term absences. Thierno Barry is expected to play despite a shoulder issue, while Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam return from suspension. Jarrad Branthwaite has resumed training after a lengthy layoff, although this fixture comes too early.
From an FPL perspective, Chelsea’s attacking output remains under scrutiny. Pedro Neto has produced four goals and two assists across his last eight league appearances. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also impressed recently, delivering another double-digit return through combined attacking and defensive contributions.
Liverpool and Brighton assess key attacking options
Liverpool hosts Brighton amid continued focus on Mohamed Salah’s situation. The forward returns to the squad after discussions with Arne Slot, though recent team selections have drawn attention. Cody Gakpo is unavailable due to a muscle injury, while Conor Bradley serves a one-match suspension.
Mohamed Salah is expected to return to the Liverpool squad ahead of the Brighton fixture
Brighton travels north without Solly March and Adam Webster, alongside long-term absentee Stefanos Tzimas. Kaoru Mitoma and James Milner have recovered, adding depth. Alexander Isak picked up a knock in midweek and faces a late assessment.
FPL managers may look toward Dominik Szoboszlai, who continues to combine goals with high creative output. Brighton’s defence has steadied in recent weeks, although Jan Paul van Hecke remains a threat from set pieces, offering value even when clean sheets are elusive.
Burnley and Fulham navigate defensive absences
Burnley’s defensive options are stretched after suspensions to Lucas Pires and Kyle Walker. Axel Tuanzebe is nearing a return but is unlikely to feature. Fulham could welcome Antonee Robinson back, though Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz stay out.
Zian Flemming continues to contribute despite rotation, converting a late penalty last weekend. His recent scoring run keeps him relevant for budget-focused squads. Quilindschy Hartman’s creative output from defence also stands out statistically.
Burnley forward Zian Flemming has continued to deliver goals despite rotation in recent matches
Fulham’s Harry Wilson has quietly delivered consistent returns, with four goal involvements in three matches. His role remains important as Fulham aim to exploit Burnley’s defensive reshuffle.
Arsenal and Wolves face late fitness calls
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta offered limited clarity before facing Wolves, with several players requiring assessment. Declan Rice is recovering from illness, while Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard are monitored closely. Riccardo Calafiori is suspended.
Wolves travel without Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who suffered a hamstring injury last weekend. Joao Gomes returns from suspension, providing balance in midfield after recent disruptions.
Bukayo Saka’s consistency remains central for Arsenal. The winger has produced returns in five straight gameweeks and boasts a strong scoring record against Wolves at home. Rice’s involvement across phases also keeps him among Arsenal’s most reliable performers.
Bukayo Saka enters the Wolves match on a strong run of consistent league returns
Sunday fixtures bring derby and title focus
Crystal Palace hosts Manchester City, with Oliver Glasner expecting Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr to be available. Daniel Munoz remains out until January. City continues without Rodri and Mateo Kovacic, while John Stones is doubtful.
Marc Guehi’s attacking returns have added value for Palace, while City’s Phil Foden remains in strong form. Erling Haaland seeks to extend his scoring record against Palace, having found the net in every league meeting so far.
Erling Haaland has scored in every Premier League appearance against Crystal Palace
Elsewhere, Sunderland welcome Newcastle for a rare league derby. Joelinton’s absence creates midfield questions for Eddie Howe, while Bruno Guimaraes remains influential. Granit Xhaka continues to anchor Sunderland’s midfield through chance creation and defensive actions.
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Manchester United and Bournemouth close the round
Manchester United face Bournemouth on Monday night amid uncertainty around several players departing for the Africa Cup of Nations. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui remain doubts. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are ruled out.
Bournemouth are without Veljko Milosavljevic after knee surgery, though Marcos Senesi could return. Tyler Adams is available again following suspension, adding midfield stability.
Bruno Fernandes’ recent 18-point FPL haul underlines his growing influence. Mbeumo remains United’s leading scorer and could feature in his final appearance before international duty. For Bournemouth, Antoine Semenyo’s underlying numbers suggest continued involvement despite last weekend’s frustration.
