Gameweek 30 is upon us, and with that the rather imminent need to pick up points if you are scrabbling for European places or battling relegation.
There’s also the small matter of a clash between heated rivals Manchester United and Liverpool on Saturday, so without further ado here is the latest Premier League injury and suspension news:
Manchester United vs Liverpool (Saturday, 12:30pm)
Jose Mourinho is sweating on the fitness of Anthony Martial and Phil Jones for the visit of his side’s bitter rivals. Both have suffered knocks and both are considered 50/50 to play. Ander Herrera is definitely out, with Ibrahimovic, Blind, Rojo and Fellaini also sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is hoping that the dead leg Jordan Henderson suffered in midweek clears up in time for him to start here, although there’s positive news in that Andy Robertson should be ready for selection along with Gigi Wijnaldum.
Everton vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)
Ashley Williams will start the first of a three-match ban here, although Everton boss Sam Allardyce can at least call upon the services of the fit-again Phil Jagielka, Ramiro Funes-Mori and Leighton Baines. James McCarthy and Eliaquim Mangala are out for the season.
Brighton have no new injury concerns with Ezequiel Schelotto recovering well from a nasty blow to the head in the 2-1 win over Arsenal last time out.
Huddersfield Town vs Swansea City (Saturday, 3pm)
Aaron Mooy has returned to full training this week for Huddersfield, who will be without Elias Kachunga and Terence Kongolo here. Michael Hefele has had surgery on his damaged Achilles and faces up to six weeks in the stands.
Carlos Carvahal has a full deck to work with at Swansea other than the four long-term absentees: Angel Rangel, Renato Sanches, Leroy Fer and Wilfried Bony.
Newcastle United vs Southampton (Saturday, 3pm)
It’s touch and go whether Jonjo Shelvey will be fit in time for this relegation six-pointer against the Saints – his injured knee is still tender. Jesus Gamez has undergone ankle surgery, while Islam Slimani’s setback after re-injuring a thigh will likely keep him out until the end of the month.
Southampton are still without Charlie Austin (thigh), Steven Davis (thigh) and Maya Yoshida (knee) at present, although they should all return to first team duty within a fortnight.
West Brom vs Leicester City (Saturday, 3pm)
West Brom could be without Jonny Evans and Chris Brunt for this all-Midlands clash; both have suffering with illness this week. Sturridge, Morrison and Chadli remain sidelined, although Gareth Barry could feature for the Baggies.
Shinji Okazaki has fully recovered from injury and can re-join the Leicester squad for the trip west, although Daniel Amartey’s hamstring strain is as bad as first feared and he will be out for around a month.
West Ham vs Burnley (Saturday, 3pm)
In life sometimes it never rains but it pours. Winston Reid suffered a double injury-whammy against Swansea on Saturday; being knocked out in an aerial collision before damaging knee ligaments upon landing. He is out for the season, and will watch on from the stands along with Carroll, Obiang, Masuaku, Byram and Edemilson, although James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna could return.
Sean Dyche has confirmed that Burnley have no new injury worries ahead of the trip south, and so Tom Heaton and Scott Arfield remain on the sidelines for the time being.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 5:30pm)
Antonio Conte has confirmed that N’Golo Kante has trained well all week and is fit to return, while Tiemoue Bakayoko is closing in on full fitness. David Luiz and Ross Barkley remain Chelsea’s only injury concerns.
Roy Hodgson will make a late call on Wilfried Zaha, who returned to light training in midweek. Joel Ward and Yohan Cabaye could return, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to return to full training on Monday.
Arsenal vs Watford (Sunday, 1:30pm)
As if to add to Arsene Wenger’s misery, there’s something of a defensive crisis at Arsenal with Chambers, Monreal, Kolasinac and Bellerin all struggling to be ready in time for Sunday’s game. Alexandre Lacazette is a couple of weeks away from a full return.
Kiko Femenia could return for Watford here, but the Hornets are not optimistic about the immediate fitness of Wague, Kaboul, Cleverley, Kabasele, Holebas, Chalobah and Deulofeu.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham (Sunday, 4pm)
Jermain Defoe is itching for a return to the Bournemouth side ahead of this clash with his former club, and it appears as if he is winning his battle for fitness. Three others – Marc Pugh, Jordan Ibe and Ryan Fraser – will need to pass late fitness tests.
Toby Alderweireld isn’t expected back until after the international break for Tottenham, while physios are still assessing the extent of the damage to Eric Dier’s elbow.
Stoke City vs Manchester City (Monday, 8pm)
Mame Biram Diouf dislocated his shoulder against Southampton last time out, and he will make Paul Lambert’s Stoke squad proving the pain has relented. Otherwise, the Scot has a full squad to work with.
Manchester City could welcome back Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling for Monday’s clash, although Fabian Delph may have his return stalled under after the international break.