Premier League Weekend Preview: Big Matches, Key Injuries, and Predicted Lineups
From Chelsea vs. Tottenham to Manchester United vs. Bournemouth, here's everything you need to know about this weekend's Premier League action.
There is a packed schedule of Premier League soccer this weekend, with nine matches spread across Saturday and Sunday. Some of the biggest clubs in England will face off, including Chelsea hosting Tottenham on Saturday evening and Manchester United taking on Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. Fans can watch most games live on Sky Sports and TNT Sports. With injuries, suspensions, and players fighting for their spots, every team has a lot riding on these games.
The weekend kicks off early on Saturday when Aston Villa welcome Manchester City to Villa Park at 12:30 pm. Manchester City are in amazing form right now — they have won all six of their last six matches. Their top scorer is Erling Haaland, who has already netted eight goals this season. Aston Villa will need to be at their best to slow City down, though they are missing players like Onana and Ruggeri due to injury.
Later on Saturday at 3 pm, Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have been strong lately, winning four of their last six games. However, they are missing some key players — star winger Bukayo Saka is out with a thigh injury, and defenders Saliba and Mosquera are also sidelined. Everton head into the game without a win in their last five matches, so Arsenal will be looking to take full advantage at home.
Also at 3 pm on Saturday, Coventry take on Fulham at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Coventry have struggled recently, losing four of their last six games. Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon is suspended and cannot play in this match. Both sides are searching for a spark, and with both teams' top scorers only on two goals each, this could be a tight, low-scoring game.
The highlight of Saturday comes at 5:30 pm when Chelsea face Tottenham in a London derby at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have won two of their last three matches and will count on top scorer João Pedro, who has five goals this season. Tottenham are without several injured players and also have Bentancur suspended. This is always one of the fiercest rivalries in English soccer, so fans should be in for an exciting match.
Sunday's action starts at 2 pm with three matches played at the same time. Crystal Palace host Newcastle at Selhurst Park, with both teams hoping to turn around disappointing recent runs. Hull take on Brentford at the MKM Stadium, with Brentford missing two players due to suspension. Liverpool face Brighton at Anfield, and Brighton arrive in good form, having won four of their last six games.
Also on Sunday at 2 pm, Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford. United's form has been shaky, with just one win in their last six games, and several players are listed as doubtful due to fitness concerns. Bournemouth arrive in better spirits after winning their most recent match, with top scorer Tavernier having scored four goals this season. This match could be closer than many people expect.
The weekend closes at 4:30 pm on Sunday when Sunderland host Leeds at the Stadium of Light. Leeds striker Calvert-Lewin leads his team with four goals, though he is listed as doubtful with a foot problem. Sunderland will be without suspended defender Danso. Referee Stuart Attwell is known for showing lots of cards — he has averaged 6.5 cards per game this season — so both teams will need to stay disciplined.
Manchester City come into the weekend in red-hot form, having won all six of their last six matches.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. How many goals has Erling Haaland scored for Manchester City this season?
2. Where do Chelsea play their home matches?
3. Which Tottenham player is suspended for the Chelsea match?