Welcome to a new series on predicted lineups and team news from all Premier League clubs from injury guru Ben Dinnery ahead of the upcoming Gameweek.

Updated: 17/09/2020. Will be updated again on Friday with full news from the press conferences

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta will want to back up last weekends’ fantastic start with another three-points against London-rivals West Ham. Given his goal at Craven Cottage, Alexandre Lacazette should keep his place ahead of Nketiah. At the same time, the performance of Ainsley Maitland-Niles is likely to ensure Bukayo Saka is named amongst the subs. Not many could have predicted Mo Elneny starting in week one, but that’s precisely what happened, although you have to feel that long-term, Dani Ceballos will be the preferred partner of Granit Xhaka. David Luiz has trained this week, and with Gabriel claiming the man-of-the-match award on his debut, then Rob Holding could be the one to step aside.

Predicted lineup

No mention of a problem for Granit Xhaka (ankle) and therefore we must assume he has recovered from the knock which forced him off in week one. Arsenal have an extensive injury list, and with the exception for Sokratis (calf) and Pablo Mari (ankle), none are expected to return anytime soon. Mesut Ozil was missing from the squad last weekend, and Arteta dodged questions when about his potential involvement on Saturday: “I think they have all been training really, really well; the spirit at the training ground is great, and we are happy because everyone is pushing each other. So, let’s try to maintain that.”

Pending Evaluation

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Calf) – Sustained mild strain to right calf. Was expected to rejoin the group in full training this week.
Granit Xhaka (Ankle) – Limped off at Fulham following a heavy challenge. No mention and should be fine.

Ruled Out

Shkodran Mustafi (hamstring) – Targeting a return-to-training in October.
Pablo Mari (ankle) – Hopefully training with the group later this month.
Gabriel Martinelli (knee surgery) – RTP in early 2021.
Calum Chambers (ACL rupture) – Potential RTT before the end of the year.
Emile Smith Rowe (Shoulder) – Protective sling will be removed by the end of this week. Aiming to integrate back into training soon.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

David Luiz (Neck) – The centre-back has trained all week and is pushing for a return to the side.

Aston Villa

Tuesday nights’ Carabao Cup win at Burton may not give us a great deal of insight into the Villa line-up, but last weekends’ final pre-season friendly will hopefully point us in the right direction. New signing Matty Cash played 72-minutes while Ollie Watkins grabbed the only goal of that game before following it up three days later with another. Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish started in both matches with Dean Smith choosing to rest most of his side midweek after featuring against United.

Predicted lineup

Dean Smith has a decision to make in goal. Reading between the lines, I’d be surprised if Emiliano Martinez hadn’t had assurances about being one (despite what the manager says) and I fully expect him to start: “He’s ready to play, whether he’s our automatic No.1 depends on what he does in training and matches. He played against us a couple of weeks [and] he played In the Community Shield, so he’s probably had more games than our goalkeepers so far. In terms of readiness, he’s 100 per cent.” Tom Heaton and Wesley, both side-lined long-term due to serious knee ligament injuries, are ruled out with Bjorn Engels joining the casualty list due to a thigh strain.

Pending Evaluation

None

Ruled Out

Tom Heaton (ACL knee) – The goalkeeper is eyeing a return after the international break.
Wesley (ACL knee) – Taking part in aspects of first-team training.
Bjorn Engels (Thigh) – Ruled out of game week two although no time frame currently. Missed the final pre-season friendly + Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

No further reported issues.

Brighton and Hove Albion

In spite of the loss to Chelsea, Brighton impressed for long periods and Graham Potter may be tempted to stick with the same starting XI after confirmation that Ben White and Adam Lallana will train ahead of the Seagulls trip to Tyneside. However, while I feel White will be fine, Potter may look to protect Lallana given his injury history.

Predicted lineup

Adam Lallana joined the group on Friday,” said Graham Potter. “So that’s positive. We will give him time before we make that decision [on his involvement]. We can see where he is and look to make a decision as late as Saturday.” Ben White finds himself in a similar position, and he has every chance. Davy Propper came through 90-minutes in the Carabao Cup (vs Portsmouth) unscathed, but Dale Stephens needs to be assessed after complaining of muscle tightness in his leg.

Pending Evaluation

Adam Lallana (Muscle) – Trained normally on Friday with Graham Potter set to make a late call.
Ben White (Ankle) – Trained normally on Friday with Graham Potter set to make a late call.
Dale Stephens (Muscle) – Complained of tightness on Thursday, and given the quick turnaround, the midfielder must be considered a major doubt.

Ruled Out

Jose Izquierdo (Knee surgery) – Integrating himself back into full training.
Christian Walton (Ankle) – Hopeful that the injury will be weeks as opposed to months.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

No further reported issues.

Burnley

Having seen several players leave Turf Moor in the summer, Sean Dyche is already juggling his squad with another four definite first-teamers side-lined through injury for the trip to Leicester. The Clarets could be restricted to naming a similar side which faced Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup.

Predicted lineup

Johann Berg Gudmundsson was on the receiving end of what Sean Dyche described as a “red card” tackle on Thursday, and the winger, who was hoping to put last seasons’ injury nightmare behind him, will now return to the treatment room. “It was a really bad challenge; he should’ve been red-carded,” mused Dyche. “It’s a twist of his knee, and it won’t be a matter of days. He’s been looking nice and sharp, and it’s another player down.” Although the setback is not as bad as initially feared, the winger did suffer medial knee ligament damage, and he will be missing for several weeks. Erik Pieters appears to be his obvious replacement, although Robbie Brady has played there before. James Tarkowski – badly bruised toe – missed the penalty shootout win and there are no guarantees that he will recover amid growing speculation that West Ham are preparing another bid for the coveted centre-back. Ashley Barnes is expected to feature in two matches for the Under-23s next week as he steps up his recovery from an ongoing groin problem. Meanwhile, Jack Cork (ankle) is working in the gym after having his protective cast removed and Ben Mee (thigh) is building fitness outside on the grass.

Pending Evaluation

James Tarkowski (Toe) – Badly bruised and Sean Dyche could not give any guarantees.

Ruled Out

Ben Mee (Thigh) – “Responding well to treatment” but not yet back with the group.
Jack Cork (Ankle) – Remains unavailable for the start of the campaign with no fixed date for his return.
Ashley Barnes (Hernia) – Will look to build fitness with the Under-23s from next week.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson (MCL knee) – Not as bad as first feared but the defender will still be missing for a number of weeks.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

No further reported issues.

Chelsea

The Blues came through a tricky encounter on the south coast to take maximum points on Monday, and while the performance was nothing to write home about, the result was pleasing. With another week of training under his belt, Cesar Azpilicueta is well-placed for a return to the side meaning Marcos Alonso could drop out. Frank Lampard also faces the dilemma of whether to include Mateo Kovacic following his return from a one-match ban… or keep Jorginho alongside Kante.

Predicted lineup

Christian Pulisic (hamstring) has suffered a slight setback, and Thiago Silva will not be ready as he looks to build fitness having only arrived at the club seven days ago. Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech remain out, but new German striker Timo Werner is fit to face Liverpool after recovering from a dead leg.

Pending Evaluation

Ben Chilwell (Achilles) – Building fitness. Game week two ‘may’ come too early but the full-back won’t be too far away.
Thiago Silva (Fitness) – Needs to build fitness before Lampard will consider his new arrival.

Ruled Out

Billy Gilmour (Knee Surgery) – Potential RTP in late 2020.
Hakim Ziyech (Knee) – Recovering from a “little twist” and is not expected to recover until the end of the month/early October.
Christian Pulisic (Hamstring) – Complained of discomfort following his return to training last week. Taken back a step in his recovery.
Marco van Ginkel (Knee) – Long-term absentee. No timeline for the player who hasn’t played competitively for more than two years.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

Mateo Kovacic – Back in contention after serving a one-match ban.
Timo Werner (Thigh) – Suffered a dead leg in a collision with Mat Ryan at the Amex. Passed fit.
Jorginho (Tiredness) – Fatigue-related withdrawal – cramp – at Brighton. Expected to be fine.

Crystal Palace

After a solid win over Southampton on the opening weekend, I can’t see Roy Hodgson making too many changes. One potential switch would see the skipper return to the XI, although I do have concerns that he played 90-minutes in the Carabao Cup midweek…

Predicted lineup

The Eagles’ injury problems are beginning to ease. This week Palace saw the return of Mamadou Sakho in the Carabao Cup while Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham took part in training on Thursday. Jaïro Riedewald, who suffered a muscle complaint on the eve of the opening weekend, should rejoin the group on Friday to boost numbers. Roy Hodgson is still without the likes of James Tomkins, Gary Cahill, Nathan Ferguson and Patrick van Aanholt. Nathaniel Clyne needs to be tested ahead of his trial at the club, and the former Liverpool full-back will be involved from Monday. Michy Batshuayi has added “enormous competition” to the frontline.

Pending Evaluation

Jaïro Riedewald (Muscle) – Expected to train normally on Friday.

Ruled Out

James Tomkins (Thigh) – Long term absentee. No timeline currently.
Gary Cahill (Hamstring) – Long term absentee. No timeline currently.
Patrick van Aanholt (Shoulder) – Ahead of schedule. Targeting early-October.
Nathan Ferguson (Knee) – Individualised programme. No timeline.
Connor Wickham (Muscle) – Took part in his first session on Thursday, albeit slightly modified.
Christian Benteke (Foot) – Recently rejoined the group and should come into contention over the coming weeks.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

Mamadou Sakho (Hamstring) – Completed a 30-minute run out in the Carabao Cup and could make the bench.

Everton

The loss of Jarrad Branthwaite to an ankle injury in the Carabao Cup has left Carlo Ancelotti with only two fit centre-backs, and the Everton boss will look to strengthen his squad before the transfer window shuts. Three-points on the road at Tottenham (GW1) should see the Toffees unchanged for the early kick-off.

Predicted lineup

predicted lineups

Mason Holgate (toe) could be missing for up to three months, and Branthwaite is unlikely to return before the international break – Michael Keane and Yerry Mina will be paired centrally. Alex Iwobi has missed the first two fixtures but comes back into contention after recovering from a knock, and Fabian Delph is also nearing a return.

Pending Evaluation

Fabian Delph (Calf) – Training with the group again. Building fitness. Assessed GW-to-GW.

Ruled Out

Jean-Philippe Gbamin (Achilles) – Surgery. No definitive timeline currently.
Cenk Tosun (ACL rupture) – Not expected to play again this year.
Mason Holgate (Toe) – Could spend up to three months on the side-lines.
Jarrad Branthwaite (Ankle) – Targeting a return after the international break (GW5).

Banned

None

Return to Competition

Alex Iwobi (Unspecified) – Confirmation from Ancelotti that the winger is available.

Fulham

The Lilywhites failed to land a glove on Arsenal in the early kick-off last weekend and Scott Parker will be tempted to shake things up. However, the question remains whether those arriving at the club at ready for the rigours of Premier League football.

Predicted lineup

Fulham came through a tricky encounter at Ipswich on Wednesday after making nine changes to the side which lost 0-3 at home to Arsenal. Denis Odoi and Neeskens Kebano were the players to retain their places. Scott Parker remained coy on the possibility of his new signings starting at Elland Road. Still, he did single out Mario Lemina as someone who can “open a door” and the Southampton loanee is in the managers’ thoughts: “When he first game to the Premier League I think everyone saw what qualities he has. He has that extra vision; he can open a door; he can assist but also use the physical side of his game and his technical ability. I think he will bring massive quality to us.” Marek Rodák is facing competition from Alphonse Areola who arrived on a season-long loan from Paris-Saint Germain: “The goalkeeper department is one of a few where I have big decisions to make. There are certain areas of the squad where there is good competition. These are the decisions that you want.” Jean Michael Seri is working his way up to full fitness.

Pending Evaluation

Jean Michael Seri (Fitness) – Working with the group. Assessed GW-to-GW.

Ruled Out

None

Banned

None

Return to Competition

Expected to have a clean bill of health

Leeds United

Marcelo Bielsa brought in 11 new faces for the domestic cup game versus Hull City midweek, a decision which backfired after the League One side dumped the Premier League new boys out of the competition. Expect the Leeds boss to revert to a more familiar-looking side on Saturday after a seven-goal thriller at Liverpool in week one.

Predicted lineup

predicted lineups

Liam Cooper is expected to recover from the calf injury which kept him out of the opener at Anfield. Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa confirms that Patrick Bamford will line-up against Fulham on Saturday despite Rodrigo being ready to start in the Premier League. The Spaniard played 90-minutes in the Carabao Cup midweek. There are no new injury concerns with Adam Forshaw edging closer to a return after taking part in collective training. “Next week, his rehab will continue.”

Pending Evaluation

Liam Cooper (Calf) – Trained as normal. Barring a reaction, the skipper is expected to recover.

Ruled Out

Adam Forshaw (Hip) – Taking part in aspects of first-team training and will continue to step up his recovery after close to a year out.
Gaetano Berardi (ACL knee) – Long-term. Due back at the club later this month.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

No further reported issues.

Leicester City

Wes Morgan failed a late test (GW1), but with the club-captain due to rejoin the group, Brendan Rodgers must decide whether to hand the veteran defender a recall or continue with Wilfried Ndidi as a makeshift centre-back. James Maddison has benefited from more minutes on the training pitches, but Brendan Rodgers will look to err on the side of caution and the England international may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Predicted lineup

Brendan Rodgers hinted that Ndidi could deputise once again following the 0-3 win at the Hawthorns. “Wilf is a player that I have real confidence in. He played the position very well, and he has the attributes to play there,” the Leicester boss revealed before adding that he only sees this as a short-term solution. Either until Morgan is fully fit, or Jonny Evans returns after his ban. Ricardo Pereira (ACL knee) is still a “period” away from being considered, although it is hoped that the full-back will return towards the backend of October.

Pending Evaluation

Wes Morgan (Hamstring) – Trained ahead of the West Brom game. Well-placed for a recall.

Ruled Out

Ricardo Pereira (ACL rupture) – Brendan Rodgers reveals the player is targeting a return by late-October.
Filip Benkovic (Hip) – Shouldn’t be out for too long, but expected to leave on-loan.

Banned

Jonny Evans – Suspended for the first three games of the season.

Return to Competition

No further reported issues.

Liverpool

The defending Champions were given a little insight into what they can expect over the coming season with sides arriving at Anfield hoping for a major scalp. But despite Leeds exposing Liverpool on several occasions, I don’t expect a knee jerk reaction. Jurgen Klopp knows his players well and could stick with the same XI after a full week of recovery.

Predicted lineup

Jurgen Klopp refused to answer questions on Thiago Alcantara who isn’t officially a Red *at the time of writing* but he did admit a deal “looks quite promising.” Regarding team news, the Liverpool boss would not name individuals, although there is nothing major: “[An] intense week, a few things here and there… Nobody is coming back [but we still have] a few days still to go so we have to see; they seem okay.” Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remains side-lined, and even though Konstantinos Tsimikas and Xherdan Shaqiri have been training, it appears as though neither will be considered.

Pending Evaluation

Konstantinos Tsimikas (COVID-19) – Back in full training. Decision taken GW-to-GW.
Xherdan Shaqiri (Muscle) – Back on the training pitches but lacks fitness.

Ruled Out

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Knee) – Likely to be after the October international break.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

No further reported problems.

Manchester City

Riyad Mahrez was spotted on the training pitches this week following a period of self-isolation, but having missed a number of key sessions, the winger may not be ready to start in the Premier League with Ferran Torres potentially inline to make his full debut. Aymeric Laporte is in a similar position, and after testing positive for COVID-19, Nathan Ake could be paired alongside young centre-back Eric Garcia in his first competitive start for the Citizens. Sergio Aguero has not fully integrated with the group meaning Gabriel Jesus is likely to retain his place in attack. 180 minutes of international football in the recent Nations League games gives Joao Cancelo the edge over Benjamin Mendy in terms of fitness.

Predicted lineup

Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Sergio Aguero is still working on an individualised programme following surgery on his knee. “He didn’t make one training session with us,” which suggests that the Argentine is still around 2-3 weeks away. Pep also reports that Phil Foden is well following his indiscretion while on international duty. “He knows he made a mistake, and that’s all.” Riyad Mahrez has been working for the past “three-four days” and he will be available for Monday; however, Aymeric Laporte only joined the group today and he is expected to miss out… There was nothing on Bernardo (thigh) who was injured with Portugal, so it looks like he is good to go.

Pending Evaluation

Aymeric Laporte (COVID-19) – Positive test. Back on the training pitches but missed key sessions. Late decision.
Riyad Mahrez (COVID-19) – Positive test. Returned to full training although lacks sharpness/fitness. Gameday decision.
Sergio Aguero (Knee) – Stepping up his recovery following surgery at the end of 2019/20. Could make the matchday squad.
Bernardo Silva (Thigh) – Injured playing for Portugal in the Nations League. Pending an official update.

Ruled Out

None

Banned

None

Return to Competition

No further issues reported.

Manchester United

Solskjaer remained coy on his starting XI, but he did confirm the likes of Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Mason Greenwood are in contention, although with players at “different levels with their fitness” this will impact on his team selection. So, with that in mind, I’d expect Donny van der Beek to make his full debut with Pogba not quite ready for 90-minutes. Daniel James, who played 90-minutes against Villa seven days ago, just gets the nod ahead of Mason Greenwood as Ole looks to protect his young starlet.

Predicted lineup

United have two confirmed absentees for the early evening kick-off against Crystal Palace: “Phil Jones is still out,” Ole said during Fridays’ press conference. “Axel [Tuanzebe] is not 100 per cent back with us yet, but he’s on the grass running, which is a positive. Apart from that, we don’t have any serious injuries, but, as we’ve said, the players are at different stages of their training programmes.” Solskjaer has a decision to make in goal with Dean Henderson and David De Gea vying for the Number One spot – Sergio Romero will miss out as he has been given “extra time” away. Mason Greenwood is available, but Ole admits the 18-year-old “needs managing” both physically and mentally. “Yeah, he’s part of the group. With the testing and COVID protocols, he trained by himself for a little while. He’s a big part of this group [but] he’s an 18-year-old kid who needs managing. I tried my best to give him a rest over the summer, we asked [the Football Association] specifically – ‘He should have had a rest, he needs it’ both mentally and physically, but he was called up to the England squad.”

Pending Evaluation

None

Ruled Out

Axel Tuanzebe (Foot) – Recovering from surgery. Hopeful of rejoining the group in training before the end of September.
Phil Jones (Knee) – Training individually and won’t be considered just yet.
Sergi Romero (Unavailable) – Given additional time-off.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

Paul Pogba ( COVID-19) – Tested positive. Returned to full training on Monday and he will be available although may not be ready for 90-minutes.
Bruno Fernandes (Fitness) – Returned to the AON Training Complex last weekend.
Nemanja Matic / Juan Mata / Fred / Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Eric Bailly began training with the group again this week.
Luke Shaw (Hamstring) – Returned after two months out last weekend (vs Villa). In contention and well-placed to start.

Newcastle United

Steve Bruce made a bold decision by dropping Miguel Almiron at West Ham, but it did pay off as United secured an excellent win in an unfamiliar 4-4-2 which saw Andy Carroll alongside Callum Wilson. Newcastle set-up in a similar vein midweek (vs Blackburn), and this looks to be his preferred formation in a move away from last seasons’ lone striker. Ryan Fraser played an hour in the cup, but a league start looks to be a little optimistic at this stage after more than six months out.

Predicted lineup

predicted lineups

Newcastle have “no new injuries” following back-to-back wins although Allan Saint-Maximin has been on the receiving end of some rough treatment in both fixtures. Paul Dummett, Matty Longstaff, Fabian Schär, Dwight Gayle and the goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, are out. After ten changes midweek – only Javier Manquillo played in both – expect the Magpies to leave Almirón out again as they start with the same XI as seven days ago.

Pending Evaluation

None

Ruled Out

Fabian Schar (Shoulder) – Game week four is looking like a realistic timeline for the centre-back.
Paul Dummett (Hamstring) – Setback. Hopeful it is not long-term.
Martin Dúbravka (Knee) – Will miss a minimum of two months. Could be back after the break.
Dwight Gayle (Knee) – Surgery will keep him out for 3-4 months.
Matty Longstaff (Thigh) – Recurrence of an ongoing muscle issue which is becoming a concern.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

Ciaran Clark (Ankle) – Returned to action against Blackburn on Tuesday.
Allan Saint-Maximin (Knee) – Took a knock in the Carabao Cup midweek, but Steve Bruce confirms there are “no new injuries.”

Sheffield United

After making 10-changes to his starting eleven for the Carabao Cup tie at Turf Moor, expect Chris Wilder to unveil a more familiar line-up on Monday. The Blades were disappointing in GW1, but Wilder boss was quick to dismiss any suggestion that his side is suffering from second-season syndrome. “There are 37 games to go. Whatever. Words and statements like that come at us thick and fast [last year] if we lose a game; if we win a game we’re the best thing since sliced bread- that’s the coverage the Premier League gets.”

Predicted lineup

The return to full fitness of Sander Berge may see John Lundstram make way, one of possibly two changes as Wilder prefers to keep the nucleus of his side. David McGoldrick, the scorer of the only United goal midweek, might the other with Billy Sharp dropping to the bench. Simon Moore (finger) remains out, and Lys Mousset has had a minor operation on his foot.

Pending Evaluation

None

Ruled Out

Simon Moore (Finger) – Recovering from surgery. No timeline.
Lys Mousset (Toe) – Minor operation after suffering a “rare” ligament injury under his toe.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

No further reported problems.

Southampton

After a disappointing start to the campaign – two straight defeats – Ralph Hasenhuttl could look to freshen his side at home to Spurs.

Predicted lineup

The Saints will be without the services of Nathan Redmond on Sunday after the winger was injured in the Carabao Cup. “At the moment we have Reddy from the game against Brentford with a light ankle ligament injury and [he] isn’t available.” However, manager Ralph Hasenhüttl may be able to call upon Stuart Armstrong who has recovered from a thigh injury quicker than expected. “Stu was for the first time back out on the pitch today [Friday], but if that’s enough to start at the weekend, I don’t know. Maybe he will be part of the squad.” On his sides lacklustre start to 2020/21, Hasenhuttl defended his players: “We were very fit after the restart. But the players needed some rest. They are not machines; we cannot force the highest level for such a long time. It is normal that you have a team on different levels. So it may take some time.” Summer signing Salisu is getting closer to being ready. “Hopefully, soon we see him on the pitch.”

Pending Evaluation

Mohamed Salisu (Fitness) – Conditioning programme with the Saints’ sports science team. Assessed GW-to-GW.
Stuart Armstrong (Thigh) – Returned to the training pitches on Friday and has a good chance of making the squad.

Ruled Out

Nathan Redmond (Ankle) – Forced off after 70-minutes in the Carabao Cup. Initial assessments suggest around 2-3 weeks out.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

No further reported problems.

Tottenham Hotspur

Jose Moutinho was extremely critical of his players after the defeat to Everton with Dele Alli being singled out. The England international was not part of the travelling group in the Europa League and his involvement this weekend hangs in the balance. With a hectic fixture schedule coming up – nine games in 22 days – expect changes as Tottenham attempt to juggle three competitions.

Predicted lineup

predicted lineups

Eight players did not travel to Bulgaria midweek, and Mourinho admits he is not comfortable with the number of players in his squad: “It is very, very difficult to manage in every aspect of my job. Very difficult to manage this situation, too many players.” However, that hasn’t stopped him bringing in another two new signings with Gareth Bale and Sergio Reguilon boosting numbers further although neither can be considered for Sunday. Tanguy Ndombele is not ready for 90-minutes, but the Frenchman’s fitness is improving following a disrupted pre-season, and he has impressed the boss. Giovani Lo Celso is available, and Serge Aurier should recover from a minor knock. Japhet Tanganga is the only definite absentee.

Pending Evaluation

Serge Aurier (Knock) – Missed the Europa game on Thursday but Mourinho insists the problem is only minor.

Ruled Out

Japhet Tanganga (Thigh) – May not be ready before the international break.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

Giovani Lo Celso (Hamstring) – Involved in the Europa League on Thursday.

West Bromwich Albion

The Baggies look set for another tough season in the top-flight after their humbling at home to Leicester which left them bottom of the table. Bilic will be keen to get his first points on the board, but a trip to Goodison Park is not what Slaven would’ve had in mind. Now is not the time for wholesale changes, although a clearing of the treatment room does provide options to freshen things.

Predicted lineup

Matty Phillips and Conor Townsend, who missed the defeat to Leicester last weekend due to back and ankle injuries respectively, are available after featuring in the Carabao Cup. That means Kenneth Zohore and Ahmed Hegazi are the only confirmed absentees, and following a disappointing loss, Slaven Bilic could shuffle his pack. Branislav Ivanović is not ready just yet, but it “won’t be long” before the former Chelsea defender is in contention. Conor Gallagher, on loan from Chelsea, is confirmed and the 20-year-old could make the matchday squad.

Pending Evaluation

None

Ruled Out

Kenneth Zohore (Calf) – Missed the Baggies’ final game of pre-season and Slaven Bilic confirms he is not training with the squad.
Ahmed Hegazi (Hamstring) – Suffered a setback in training on Monday. Tests continue but Bilic remains “hopeful” that the injury is not too serious.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

Conor Townsend (Ankle) – Played in the Carabao Cup midweek and can be called upon.
Matt Phillips (Back) – Looks set for a return to the matchday after being afforded minutes from the bench on Wednesday.

West Ham United

A much-needed win in the cup provided a welcome confidence boost. And after making 10-changes from the loss to Newcastle, David Moyes could consider bringing in one or two fresh faces for the game at the Emirates.

Predicted lineup

A toe injury threatens Mark Noble’s involvement and the skipper was not risked in training on Friday. “We’ll see how he is tomorrow, and hopefully, he will be okay,” said David Moyes. If he does miss out, then Sebastian Haller, who grabbed two-goals against Charlton could start with Antonio playing in behind. Jack Wilshere is back with the group after missing out on Tuesday through injury: “He has had a scan on his ankle. [There’s] a little bit of bone growth which is causing him irritation; we got it checked, and he’s trained.”

Pending Evaluation

Mark Noble (Toe) – Missed training on Friday and David Moyes will make a late call on his involvement.

Ruled Out

None

Banned

None

Return to Competition

Jack Wilshere (Ankle) – Available again after missing out in the Carabao Cup.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Nuno named a strong side in the Carabao Cup – only six changes – but Stoke produced the shock of the round by leaving Molineux with a tidy one-nil victory. So, it’s back to the league, and I don’t expect wholesale changes, if any, from the win at Bramall Lane.

Predicted lineup

Thursday nights’ loss means Wolves can focus their attention on the league, and they’ll be hoping to catch City on the hop as the former Premier League champions kick-off their campaign. Pedro Neto was a surprise starter in week one with Diogo Jota named on the bench – an unused substitute – although that decision could have been influenced by his impending transfer to Liverpool for a reported £35m. There was also a full debut for Fernando Marçal, preferred to Ruben Vinagre, but it was fantasy favourites Jimenez and Saïss who stole the plaudits. Only long-term absentee Jonny (ACL knee) is reported as injured.

Pending Evaluation

None

Ruled Out

Jonny (ACL rupture) – Expected to miss the remainder of 2020.

Banned

None

Return to Competition

No further reported problems.

* RTT – Return to Train ** RTP – Return to Play *** GW – Game Week

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