There is plenty of action and many exciting clashes in this weekend’s Premier League fixture list…
Chelsea vs. Manchester City – 12:30pm
Chelsea have made an excellent start to the season, as expected, winning four of their first five matches.
A draw at Anfield with 10-men saw them drop 2 points, but they sit joint top of the table and look a force to be reckoned with this season.
This is a huge test for them, although playing at Stamford Bridge should give them an advantage.
However, Manchester City will be looking to bounce back in the league following their 0-0 draw at home to Southampton.
Last season, Thomas Tuchel managed to beat City boss Pep Guardiola in the FA Cup semi-final, the Premier League and the Champions League Final.
City face a tough task to get their own back on Chelsea here, with the London-based club in fine form so far this season.
Chelsea are without attacking-midfielder Mason Mount who misses out with a minor injury.
John Stones and Aymeric Laporte are expected to be in contention for selection for City after returning to training this week. City are expected to be without duo Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Odds (at the time of writing): Chelsea 8/5, Draw 23/10, Man City 17/10
Manchester United vs. Aston Villa – 12:30pm
Manchester United are an acceptable third in the table, level on points with the leaders but missing out on the top spot to goal-difference.
Since re-signing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, the Red Devils’ form has been up and down, although they remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
Aston Villa have won two of their first five matches, beating Everton 3-0 last time out. Villa lay in 10th and will be hoping to keep out United’s attacking threat.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær confirmed that Edinson Cavani is returning to the squad after being out with injury. Ronaldo is expected to make a return to the starting line-up after being rested in the Carabao Cup midweek loss to West Ham.
United loanee Alex Tuanzebe cannot feature against his parent club, whilst Leon Bailey (quad) and Morgan Sanson (hamstring) will also be missing for Villa.
Odds: Man Utd 2/5, Draw 19/5, Villa 13/2
Leeds United vs. West Ham United – 3pm
Leeds remain winless so far in the Premier League, and fans will be keen to see a win at Elland Road against West Ham.
The Hammers suffered their first league loss of the season at the hand of Manchester United last Sunday but came from Old Trafford with a win in the Carabao Cup midweek. They’ll hope Michail Antonio can get them back to winning ways in the Prem.
Leeds will be without striker Patrick Bamford, who has failed to recover from an ankle injury which ruled him out midweek.
Leeds’ Luke Ayling (knee), Raphina (hip), Jack Harrison (Covid) are doubts for the clash, whilst Diego Llorente and Robin Koch are confirmed absentees. Pascal Struijk is suspended for the tie.
West Ham don’t have too many injury worries. Ryan Fredericks misses out after having limped off in their midweek clash at Old Trafford.
Striker Antonio is expected to be back for the Hammers following his absence during last week’s Premier League fixture due to suspension.
Odds: Leeds 2/1, Draw 11/4, West Ham 6/5
Leicester City vs. Burnley – 3pm
Leicester are currently sitting in 12th place, after losing three of their five opening matches. The Foxes will be expected to start rising up the table soon, and will be favourites to win against a struggling Burnley side who remain winless in the Premier League this season.
Burnley have only 1 point so far this season and will need to hope for more soon if they’re to stay up this season.
Jonny Evans is in contention to make his first Premier League start this season for Leicester after playing 74 minutes midweek. Ayoze Perez is back available, but Wesley Fofana (broken leg) and James Justin (knee) are both out.
Josh Brownhill returns for Burnley. Kevin Long is back in training, but manager Sean Dyche implied this fixture could come too soon for him.
Dale Stephens, Wayne Hennessey and Connor Roberts are all absentees for the Turf Moor side.
Odds: Leicester 4/7, Draw 16/5, Burnley 9/2
Everton vs. Norwich City- 3pm
Everton suffered a defeat at the hands of Aston Villa last weekend, and will look to get back to winning ways but remain without a number of key players.
Norwich desperately need points on the board having lost all five league matches so far. They’ll be looking to capitalise on an Everton side weakened by absentees.
Jordan Pickford is back for Everton following a shoulder problem. Lucas Digne (calf strain) is a possible doubt for the Toffees.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (quads) and Richarlison (knee) will be a huge miss for Everton. Seamus Coleman also remains absent with a hamstring injury.
Christoph Zimmermann (knee), Przemysław Placheta (Covid) and Todd Cantwell are all absentees for Norwich. Milot Rashica is a doubt, whilst Mathias Normann and Josh Sargent both return.
Odds: Everton 3/5, Draw 3/1, Norwich 9/2
Watford vs. Newcastle – 3pm
Watford are currently 10th in the table, with two wins, two losses and a draw in their first five matches. They’ll be turning to Ismaila Sarr for the goals. Providing a double last time out, he’ll aim to continue his goalscoring form from Watford’s 3-1 win at Norwich.
Newcastle are currently 18th, with only two points from their opening matches.
Having started their last away match well and defensively compact before faltering a couple of weeks ago against a talented Manchester United side, they’ll be hoping to leave London with a point or three against an easier opponent.
Allan Saint-Maximin has looked dangerous each time the ball is at his feet this season, and will be trying to add to the two goals he has scored so far this season.
Goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann (knee) looks a likely absentee for Watford and Joao Pedro has a similar problem. Kiko Femenia is likely to be fit for contention after a muscle problem.
Joe Willock is out for Newcastle after picking up an injury in training, Steve Bruce has confirmed, whilst Jamaal Lascelles is out with a thigh injury. Allan Saint-Maximin is sure to threaten for the Magpies once again.
Australian referee Jarred Gillett is set to make history by becoming the first referee from outside the British Isles to officiate a Premier League match at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
He has been involved in the Premier League during the 2021-22 campaign so far, assisting with VAR at Stockley Park.
Odds: Watford 11/10, Draw 5/2, Newcastle 12/5
Brentford vs. Liverpool – 5:30pm
Brentford are currently in 9th place, winning 8 points from their opening matches in the top-flight. Having gained promotion via the play-offs last season, they have started their Premier League campaign well.
After beating Arsenal at home in the first game of the season, Brentford have also been successful against a strong Wolves side. This will be their toughest task yet. They’ll be hoping Ivan Toney can fire for them.
Liverpool are current joint-leaders of the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United. Jurgen Klopp’s side appear to be full of confidence and are strong favourites for this clash.
Brentford’s Shandon Baptiste could possibly return after suspension. The Bees have no new injury problems, but are still without Mads Sorensen and Josh Dasilva who are both long-term absentees.
Liverpool midfielders Thiago Alcantara (calf) and Naby Keita (foot) are ruled out, however Klopp does not expect them to be missing for too long.
James Milner, Trent Alexander-Arnold (illness), Roberto Firmino (hamstring) and Neco Williams are expected to be available for selection.
Odds: Brentford 6/1, Draw 7/2, Liverpool 4/9
Sunday’s Premier League fixtures (26/09/21):
Southampton vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (2pm)
Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (4:30pm)
Monday Night Football (27/09/21):
Crystal Palace vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (8pm)
KM
THE CONDITIONAL 