EPL GW31: Team news, injury updates and live chat

A truncated Premier League matchday takes centre stage this weekend as four top-flight clubs are excused from league duty, creating a rare mid-season breather for some and a gilt-edged opportunity for others. Arsenal and Manchester City will contest Sunday’s EFL Cup Final at Wembley, while Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace also sit out the round, trimming the schedule to six fixtures but amplifying the stakes from the summit to the relegation scrap.

With the division’s heavyweights temporarily sidetracked, the chasing pack sense a moment to steal precious points. “It’s a weekend where momentum could quietly shift,” the league acknowledged in its pre-round briefing, “even without some of the biggest names on the pitch.”

Bournemouth vs Manchester United, Vitality Stadium Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth will remain without midfield duo Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams as they welcome Michael Carrick’s resurgent Manchester United. Cook, nursing a thigh complaint, is not expected back until after the international break, while Adams continues his own rehabilitation. The visitors will make a late call on full-back Noussair Mazraoui, who has been laid low by illness. Carrick confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu are “a bit further down the line” in their recoveries, and Lisandro Martínez should also return post-internationals.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool, Amex Stadium Brighton’s in-form winger Kaoru Mitoma remains a major doubt after several weeks out with an ankle problem, leaving the Seagulls looking to stretch their run to four wins from five. Liverpool arrive buoyed by a 4-0 Champions League triumph over Galatasaray but may be without Mohamed Salah, who was forced off in midweek and will undergo a Saturday-morning assessment.

Fulham vs Burnley, Craven Cottage Marco Silva expects to have virtually a full complement for the visit of Burnley, with only Kevin Santos definitely ruled out. Emile Smith Rowe is still being monitored after a knock. The Clarets, hovering just above the drop zone, could welcome back Mike Trésor following a lengthy lay-off, though his match fitness will be evaluated; Maxime Estève is questionable after illness.

Everton vs Chelsea, Goodison Park Everton will be without on-loan Tyrique George under the terms of his parent-club agreement. Centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski are uncertain after missing the defeat to Arsenal. Chelsea’s casualty list lengthened this week: captain Reece James faces a considerable hamstring absence, Malo Gusto is ill, goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen is out for weeks with a groin strain, Levi Colwill remains long-term, and Trevoh Chalobah is now sidelined for at least six weeks with ankle damage. Benoît Badiashile and Jamie Gittens are also doubtful.

Newcastle United vs Sunderland, Tyne–Wear derby Bruno Guimarães, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schär and Lewis Miley are all unavailable for the Magpies, while Sandro Tonali is a doubt after going off against Barcelona. Sunderland’s lengthy injury roll-call includes Reinildo, Nordi Mukiele, Robin Roefs, Enzo Le Fée, Daniel Ballard and Wilson Isidor, each facing late tests.

Aston Villa vs West Ham United, Villa Park Villa, losers of their last three, remain without Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara. West Ham are again missing Crysencio Summerville, and Oliver Scarles is questionable after a knock. Both clubs are desperate for points: Villa to re-enter the top-four conversation, the Hammers to continue their climb away from relegation trouble.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium A bona-fide six-pointer sees Spurs, West Ham and Forest separated by a single point at the foot of the table. Tottenham halted a five-match slide with a draw against Liverpool last week but could be without Dominic Solanke and João Palhinha. Forest travel without Chris Wood and Jair Cunha, though Wood has resumed training.

Across the reduced slate, every touch, tackle and tactical tweak carries magnified importance. With the league’s giants momentarily distracted, the race for Europe, and for survival, could tilt decisively before the traditional Sunday afternoon echoes around England’s stadiums.

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