After an action-packed midweek round of games in the Champions League and Europa league, the Premier League is back again this weekend with plenty to play for at both ends of the table.
League leaders Liverpool play hosts to strugglers Ipswich, while Arsenal will be looking to keep pace with the Reds when they travel to Wolves.
This season’s surprise package Nottingham Forest will seek to strengthen their European hopes further when they take on an impressive Bournemouth side at the Vitality.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will leapfrog Chelsea should they beat the Blues in Saturday’s evening showdown at the Etihad.
Elsewhere, Manchester United face a tricky trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham, after suffering a 3-1 defeat by Brighton last weekend. At the bottom, Southampton host Newcastle, whose nine match winning streak was emphatically ended by Bournemouth last weekend at St James’ Park.
Here, Mail Sport tell you everything you need to know about the weekend’s action, including the latest injury updates and team news, the players you to look out for and something all of our experts are looking forward to at the games they will be reporting from.
League leaders Liverpool play hosts to Ipswich as they seek to remain clear of Arsenal
Nottingham Forest will seek to strengthen their European hopes when they face Bournemouth
Manchester City host Chelsea days after their defeat by PSG in the Champions League
SATURDAY
3pm: BOURNEMOUTH v NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Vitality Stadium. Referee: Craig Pawson.
TV/radio: Live on talkSPORT. Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: A match of compelling similarities and differences. Neither manager cares much for dwelling on the ball for possession’s sake, both attack with directness, and each side is finely choreographed to make an art of a style rarely found in the top half of the table.
The twist is that Bournemouth press like monsters and Forest do not, but their managers, Andoni Iraola and Nuno Espirito Santo, are behind only Arne Slot as the most impressive in the Premier League this season. RIATH AL-SAMARRAI
Players to watch: Bournemouth – Milos Kerkez. Superb and tireless as a bombing full-back. Excelled against Newcastle.
Nottingham Forest – Morgan Gibbs-White. Either had a booking, a goal or an assist in each of his past 10 games. In the case of the Manchester United win he had all three. An embodiment of Forest’s all-action approach.
Bournemouth injury news: Out: J Araujo, L Sinisterra, J Hill(all hamstring), A Scott, E Unal (both knee), M Senesi (thigh), A Smith (muscle), Evanilson (foot), J Soler (international duty). Doubt: M Tavernier (hamstring).
Nottm Forest injury news: Callum Hudson-Odoi has a groin injury and a late call will be made on his availability. Out: I Sangare (hamstring). Doubt: C Hudson-Odoi (groin).
Mail Sport prediction: Draw.
3pm: BRIGHTON v EVERTON
Gtech Community Stadium. Referee: Tim Robinson.
TV/radio: Live on BBC 5 Live. Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: The new age of baby-faced managers meets wily, old experience as Brighton’s 31-year-old boss Fabian Hurzeler takes on a man, in Everton manager David Moyes, about to take charge of his 700th Premier League game.
Talk about a clash of generations. How Moyes will need all of that wit and know-how in charge of an Everton side that has won just one of their last 21 Premier League away games but goes into it with a win over Tottenham. Hurzeler’s men have wobbled but back-to-back wins sets up this fascinating battle of minds. JAMES SHARPE
Players to watch: Brighton – Kaoru Mitoma. Two goals and an assist in his last two Premier League games and could become the first Japanese player to score in three matches in a row.
Everton – Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Goodness me, he’s struggled in front of goal this season. His goal against Spurs ended a run of 16 games without one but the way he finished his chance showed something might have clicked…at last.
Brighton team news: Brajan Gruda looks set for a return and Jack Hinshelwood may feature. Out: J Milner, I Julio (both hamstring), F Kadioglu (toe), J Steele (shoulder), M Wieffer (thigh), E Ferguson (match fitness). Doubt: J Hinshelwood (knee), M O’Riley (knee), L Dunk (muscle).
Everton team news: James Garner has been back in training but needs Under 21s minutes after a lengthy lay-off. Dwight McNeil may require surgery on his knee. Out: T Iroegbunam, A Broja (both foot), S Coleman (calf), Y Chermiti (thigh), D McNeil (knee). Doubt: J Garner (back).
Mail Sport prediction: Brighton win.
3pm: LIVERPOOL v IPSWICH
Anfield. Referee: Michael Salisbury.
TV/radio: Live on talkSPORT. Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: I am looking forward to seeing how Ipswich respond to their 6-0 thrashing at the hands of champions Manchester City last weekend. Does Kieran McKenna go more pragmatic away at Anfield?
The Tractor Boys certainly gave Liverpool a good game in the reverse fixture, a 2-0 defeat. They have the sort of players that can cause the leaders problems but it feels like this game either ends up in another hammering — or Ipswich spring a surprise. LEWIS STEELE
Players to watch: Liverpool – Ibrahima Konate and Ipswich – Liam Delap. The battle between this pair will be good to watch. Forward Delap often drifts out to that side and thus away from Virgil Van Dijk, so Liverpool’s Frenchman has a big task on his hands.
Unlike many in the league Delap has all the hallmarks of a traditional, big centre-forward — but he also has the pace and technical ability to play on the shoulder of the defender.
Liverpool injury news: Curtis Jones felt pain in the first half of Liverpool’s midweek win over Lille and was substituted at half-time. He will miss this game but could return next week. Out: J Gomez (hamstring), C Jones, D Jota (both leg).
Everton injury news: Julio Enciso is available following his arrival on loan from Brighton. Jaden Philogene could make his full debut. Axel Tuanzebe returns. Out: C Ogbene (achilles), S Szmodics (ankle), C Chaplin (knee).
Mail Sport prediction: Liverpool win.
3pm: SOUTHAMPTON v NEWCASTLE
St Mary’s Stadium. Referee: Sam Barrott.
TV/radio: Live on talkSPORT 2. Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: Can Newcastle get back to winning ways after their 4-1 humbling by Bournemouth? Eddie Howe said his players were mentally and physically fatigued on the back of nine wins in 32 days, so a seven-day break should have done them good. And they need to win this to keep alive their Champions League ambitions. CRAIG HOPE
Players to watch: Southampton – Adam Armstrong. Tyler Dibling has been perhaps the only bright light in a dreadful season for Saints but in his absence Armstrong is one of many who will need to step up if they are to have even the smallest chance of survival. Armstrong has scored just two league goals so far but one of them was the one which brought their only win, against Everton.
Newcastle – Alexander Isak. His club-record run of goals in eight straight Premier League games was brought to an end by Bournemouth, but it’s said he’s been razor-sharp in training this week. Southampton, be warned.
Southampton injury news: Aaron Ramsdale has suffered an injury in training and may miss out. Out: R Stewart, K Sulemana (both hamstring), J Stephens (knock), T Dibling (ankle). Doubt: A Ramsdale (unknown).
Newcastle injury news: Callum Wilson is targeting a return in early February, while there is a chance Nick Pope could play. Out: J Lascelles (knee), C Wilson (hamstring), H Barnes (thigh). Doubt: N Pope (knee).
Mail Sport prediction: Newcastle win.
3pm: WOLVES VS ARSENAL
Molineux. Referee: Michael Oliver.
TV/radio: Live on BBC 5 Live. Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: I’m looking forward to seeing what mettle Wolves have under new boss Vitor Pereira. The west Midlands club took seven points from his first three top-flight matches in charge, but Wolves have now suffered three straight losses — and only netted once in that period. This will be a proper test for them against Arsenal. ISAAN KHAN
Players to watch: Arsenal – Kai Havertz. The German showed his class against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday where he registered a goal and an assist. It came after a difficult period both on and on the pitch, which included his wife receiving abhorrent abuse on social media. He will hope to kick on from Wednesday’s display to further quieten fan demands for a new striker.
Wolves – Matheus Cunha. Their leading scorer has been widely linked with Arsenal which makes his likely inclusion a fascinating one. What better way to put yourself in the shop window than a big performance against your suitors.
Wolves injury news: Mario Lemina has been dropped from the squad as he continues to be linked with a move away. Out: Y Mosquera, S Kalajdzic, E Gonzalez, B Traore (all knee), M Lemina. Doubt: Toti (hamstring).
Arsenal injury news: Riccardo Calafiori and Ethan Nwaneri are both available. Out: G Jesus, B White, T Tomiyasu (all knee), B Saka (hamstring). Doubt: G Saliba (hamstring), M Lewis-Skelly (knee).
Mail Sport prediction: Arsenal win.
5.30pm: MANCHESTER CITY v CHELSEA
Etihad Stadium. Referee: John Brooks.
TV/radio: Live on Sky Sports and BBC 5 Live. Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: Somebody has scratched the vinyl at Manchester City because it’s the same: more injuries and more defensive problems. Cole Palmer’s influence on this game will prompt plenty of intrigue, while does Pep Guardiola throw in Abdukodir Khusanov after his £33m switch from Lens? A big ask in such a big fixture. Chelsea’s recent away form is fairly patchy but they’ve got pace that can hurt an aging City. JACK GAUGHAN
Players to watch: Man City – Phil Foden. Seemingly back to something near his best with five goals in his last three Premier League games coinciding with City getting back on track – domestically, at least. This will be a far bigger test than Ipswich last week, though. He’s faced Chelsea more than any other team in his career, though has just two goals in his 17 appearances against them so far.
Chelsea – Jadon Sancho. Cole Palmer might be the obvious one who got away from Pep but Sancho is also another ex-City man seemingly revitalised at Stamford Bridge. He has just two goals to show for his promising time there so far but looks a much better fit than he did at United and might fancy his chances against City’s defence, not least after they conceded four at PSG in midweek.
Man City injury news: New signings Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Omar Marmoush will all be available but may have to settle for a spot on the bench. Out: Rodri (knee), O Bobb (leg), R Dias (muscle), J Doku (unknown), N Ake (muscle).
Chelsea injury news: Cole Palmer is fine, while Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez will both probably be available. Out: W Fofana (hamstring), B Badiashile (thigh), M Mudryk (suspended), R Lavia (thigh). Doubt: L Colwill, E Fernandez (both knocks).
Mail Sport prediction: Chelsea win.
SUNDAY
2pm: CRYSTAL PALACE v BRENTFORD
Selhurst Park. Referee: Tony Harrington.
TV/radio: Live on Sky Sports and BBC 5 Live Sports Xtra. Highlights on Match of the Day 2, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: You can never go wrong taking a trip to Selhurst Park, that ground guaranteeing you one of the Premier League’s best atmospheres, even if this is a Sunday 2pm outing.
Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace have quietly lost only once in their last 11 games, so I’m looking forward to taking a closer look at their set-up. KIERAN GILL
Players to watch: Crystal Paalce – Jean-Philippe Mateta. You’ve got to love his passion, Mateta not being one of those strikers who needs firing up by his manager. He’s a handful and forever up for it, and I suspect we will be treated to a special battle between Palace’s big man and Brentford’s defenders.
Brentford – Yoane Wissa. Nottingham Forest wanted him, but it seems they cannot get him, and so we will need to see what that has done to Wissa’s head. You suspect he will be able to focus on the game, as the Brentford striker doesn’t seem the type to let himself be affected.
Crystal Palace injury news: Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad both miss out due to knee injuries. Out: M Franca, A Wharton (both groin), R Holding (unknown), C Doucoure, C Riad (both knee).
Brentford injury news: Kristoffer Ajer has trained all week and will likely get some minutes. Out: I Thiago, J Dasilva (both knee), A Hickey, E Pinnock (both hamstring), G Nunes (back). Doubt: R Trevitt (achilles).
Mail Sport prediction: Palace win.
2pm: TOTTENHAM v LEICESTER
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Referee: Rob Jones.
TV/radio: Live on BBC 5 Live. Highlights on Match of the Day 2, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: Do not expect a classic because form is dreadful. These two teams have just one point between them to show for their last five Premier League outings. That came from Tottenham’s draw with Wolves and they lost four in a row since.
Leicester have lost the last seven and haven’t won since the first game of December. Spurs have not won since their mid-December trip to Southampton, the only team with current form worse than these two. Do expect nerves to be highly strung and mistakes to occur. That doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. MATT BARLOW
Players to watch: Tottenham – Heung-min Son: Two goals in Europe eased some of the pressure building amid injuries and poor form but can they spark a little vintage Son? Ange Postecoglou could do with his captain rediscovering his sharpness and clinical aim in front of goal at a time when Dominic Solanke is ruled out for up to six weeks with a knee injury.
Leicester – Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp. Both on their first returns to Tottenham. They were raised and developed in the club’s academy and looked like future captains of the club before injuries, managerial preferences and tactical fashions led them to leave. They can expect a warm reception unless, of course, they manage to orchestrate a shock away win.
Tottenham injury news: Out: G Vicario (ankle), W Odobert, M van de Ven, D Udogie, T Werner (all hamstring), C Romero (thigh), D Solanke (knee), B Johnson (calf). Doubt: P Sarr, D Spence, Y Bissouma (all knock).
Leicester injury news: New signing Woyo Coulibaly is set to travel with the team to Tottenham. Out: A Fatawu (knee), W Ndidi (hamstring), M Hermansen (groin), R Pereira (muscle).
Mail Sport prediction: Draw.
4.30pm: ASTON VILLA v WEST HAM
Villa Park. Referee: Peter Bankes.
TV/radio: Live on Sky Sports and BBC 5 Live. Highlights on Match of the Day 2, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: It will be fascinating to see how West Ham have evolved from their FA Cup defeat at Villa Park on January 10, which was Graham Potter’s first game in charge. Villa are in the middle of a ferocious run of games between Premier League and Champions League football and Unai Emery is bound to shuffle his pack ahead of the European clash against Celtic on Wednesday. TOM COLLOMOSSE
Players to watch: Aston Villa – Emi Buendia. The Argentine looked destined for the exit door this month until he was surprisingly named in the starting XI for Villa’s Champions League clash at Monaco. Even though Villa were beaten 1-0, Emery was full of praise for the performance of Buendia, who was inventive throughout. He will be disappointed not to retain his place after that.
West Ham – Danny Ings. It never quite happened for Ings at Villa. He looked a smart signing when he joined from Southampton in summer 2021 but struggle to find an understanding with Ollie Watkins and left shortly after Emery was hired. He has not pulled up trees at West Ham either but would love to remind his old fans of his talent.
Aston Villa injury news: John McGinn has returned to full training but Amadou Onana remains sidelined. Out: R Barkley (calf), P Torres (ankle), A Onana (hamstring).
West Ham injury news: Jarrod Bowen is nearing a return and there’s a small chance he’ll get some minutes this weekend. Out: M Antonio (health), JC Todibo (ankle), N Fullkrug (hamstring), K Mavropanos (suspended). Doubt: C Summerville (hamstring), J Bowen (foot).
Mail Sport prediction: Villa win.
7pm: FULHAM v MANCHESTER UNITED
Craven Cottage. Referee: Anthony Taylor.
TV/radio: Live on TNT Sports and talkSPORT. Highlights on Match of the Day 2, BBC One 10.30pm
Our expert’s view: Which Manchester United will turn up tomorrow? It’s anyone’s guess. Ruben Amorim just can’t get momentum and this side – then managed by Erik ten Hag – was very lucky to beat Fulham at Old Trafford on the opening night, when Joshua Zirkzee’s late winner hinted at a brighter future than he’s been able to deliver on so far.
Fulham are no better at home than away – four of their eight wins have come on the road – but it would be no real surprise if Marco Silva’s well-drilled side cause plenty of problems for United again. BEN WINSTANLEY
Players to watch: Fulham – Alex Iwobi. With seven goals so far this is his most prolific season in the top flight and he has played in all of their games. United’s three-man defence, to put it politely, awork in progress and they will be wary of the threat the former Arsenal man poses.
Manchester United – Amad Diallo. Just over two years ago a United winger announced himself on the scene with an exhilarating last-minute winner at Fulham. Alejandro Garnacho’s future is up in the air but Diallo has been their main man for a rescue act this season and at 22 is already the man many fans – and perhaps team-mates – look to for inspiration.
Fulham injury news: No fresh injury concerns to Marco Silva’s squad. Reiss Nelson has returned to training this week. Out: K Tete (knee). Doubt: R Nelson (hamstring).
Man Utd injury news: Victor Lindelof may pick up some minutes after potential injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro. Out: M Mount (thigh), L Shaw, J Evans (both unknown). Doubt: M De Ligt, N Mazraoui (both knocks), L Yoro (fatigue).
Mail Sport prediction: Draw