With only two gameweeks remaining in the Premier League season, the pressure continues to rise across every part of the table.
The battle for Champions League qualification remains fiercely competitive, while the relegation fight could still go down to the final day.
Squad rotation, fatigue, and injuries are also becoming increasingly important factors as several clubs continue balancing domestic and European commitments.
Managers will now need to make difficult decisions regarding player fitness and rest, especially with cup finals and European finals on the horizon. Here is the latest injury news and preview ahead of another crucial round of Premier League fixtures.
Friday
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Aston Villa will be without the trio of Boubacar Kamara, Alysson Santos, and Amadou Onana due to injury when they welcome Liverpool on Friday night.
Villa have struggled for consistency recently, winning just one of their last four league games, and may still require another victory to secure Champions League football next season.
However, Unai Emery could choose to rotate some key players with the club’s Europa League final against Freiburg rapidly approaching.
Fatigue has appeared to affect Villa’s performances in recent weeks, particularly in midfield where the absence of Kamara and Onana has reduced their defensive stability.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be eager to return to winning ways after failing to win either of their last two matches.
Arne Slot’s side are aiming to finish an underwhelming domestic campaign strongly and still have plenty to play for heading into the final weeks. The return of Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah is a major boost, although doubts remain surrounding Alisson Becker and Florian Wirtz ahead of kickoff.
Prediction: 1-2
Sunday
Man United v Nottingham Forest
Manchester United continue to monitor both Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro ahead of this encounter. Ugarte missed the clash against Sunderland after suffering a knock in training, while the exact nature of Casemiro’s issue remains unclear.
Despite the injury concerns, the Red Devils have already guaranteed Champions League football for next season following their excellent recent run under Michael Carrick.
Confidence around Old Trafford has grown significantly in recent weeks, particularly due to the club’s improved attacking displays and defensive organization.
Nottingham Forest secured their Premier League safety after West Ham’s defeat against Arsenal last weekend confirmed survival.
However, Forest head into this game with several injury concerns. The likes of Murillo, Ola Aina, Ibrahim Sangare, Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Zach Abbott are all doubts for the trip to Old Trafford.
Prediction: 2-1
Brentford v Crystal Palace
Brentford have received encouraging news with Rico Henry nearing a return, although he remains a doubt for this fixture.
The Bees still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League and know that anything less than a victory could severely damage those hopes.
Thomas Frank’s side have enjoyed an impressive campaign and continue to push beyond expectations despite injuries throughout the season.
Brentford currently sit two points behind Bournemouth in sixth place, which may ultimately be enough to secure Champions League qualification depending on European results elsewhere.
Crystal Palace will assess Evan Guessand, Borna Sosa, and Cheick Doucoure ahead of kickoff. The Eagles have failed to win any of their last five league matches and currently sit 15th in the table.
With their Premier League status already secured and a Conference League final approaching, Oliver Glasner could opt to rotate parts of his squad to avoid further injuries.
Prediction: 3-0
Everton v Sunderland
Everton are still assessing Idrissa Gueye ahead of their clash against Sunderland. The Toffees have endured a disappointing run of form recently, failing to win any of their last five league matches.
David Moyes’ side now have little left to play for, but will still want to finish strongly in front of their supporters.
Sunderland, meanwhile, continue to impress in their first season back in the Premier League despite recent struggles.
Bertrand Traore remains a doubt due to a knee injury. The Black Cats are now winless in four matches but have still exceeded expectations this season and secured survival comfortably.
Prediction: 1-1
Leeds v Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion have been boosted by the return of Diego Gomez, who has been fully cleared to play this weekend.
However, Mats Wieffer remains a doubt and will undergo a late fitness test. Brighton remain firmly in the hunt for Champions League football, making this an extremely important fixture for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Leeds United, on the other hand, have very little left to play for after securing survival. Daniel Farke’s side have no fresh injury concerns and will simply aim to end the season positively in front of their home supporters.
Prediction: 1-3
Wolves v Fulham
Bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers will be without goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury.
Wolves’ relegation has already been confirmed and recent performances have reflected a squad struggling for confidence, with four defeats in their last five matches.
Fulham also have little left to play for and head into the encounter having won just one of their last five games. The Cottagers will be without suspended defender Joachim Andersen, while both Ryan Sessegnon and Alex Iwobi remain sidelined through injury.
Prediction: 0-2
Newcastle v West Ham
Newcastle United will be without Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Miley when they host West Ham United. Miley recently underwent surgery following a freak training-ground injury, while Livramento has returned to light training but will not feature again this season.
West Ham arrive at St James’ Park needing points desperately in their fight against relegation. The Hammers are still monitoring Adama Traore ahead of the clash, with the winger facing a late fitness test.
Prediction: 1-1
Monday
Arsenal v Burnley
League leaders Arsenal have been dealt a defensive injury blow with Ben White ruled out for an extended period due to a ligament issue.
The Gunners are already missing Jurrien Timber, while uncertainty also surrounds Riccardo Calafiori after he was forced off injured against West Ham. Despite the setbacks, Arsenal remain in pole position in the title race and know victory here would move them another step closer to the Premier League crown.
Burnley are still assessing both Hannibal Mejbri and Connor Roberts ahead of the trip to the Emirates.
Prediction: 3-0
Bournemouth v Man City
AFC Bournemouth continue to monitor Lewis Cook after the midfielder missed the win over Fulham with a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Ryan Christie will miss the encounter through suspension following his red card last week. Bournemouth have been one of the league’s surprise packages this season and still remain in contention for European football.
Manchester City have very few injury concerns heading into this crucial clash. Rodri is the only major doubt for Pep Guardiola’s side as they continue to chase Arsenal in the title race.
Prediction: 1-2
Chelsea v Spurs
Chelsea are expected to welcome back goalkeeper Robert Sanchez alongside attackers Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro for the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. All three players have trained well this week and should return barring any late setbacks.
Spurs remain fully embroiled in the relegation battle. Guglielmo Vicario is the only player close to returning from injury for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Tottenham currently sit just two points above 18th-placed West Ham and desperately need a positive result to avoid slipping into the relegation zone heading into the final gameweek.
Prediction: 1-2
