You’d be forgiven for thinking this weekend has more than a strong whiff of an old boys’ reunion about it….
Jose Fonte endured a torrid evening on his Hammers debut at the hands of Messrs Jesus, Sterling and Sane…. And the Portuguese centre-back can expect another tough game after spending seven years down on the south coast.
Patrick van Aanholt lit the touch paper this week when comparing his new club to his former teammates on Wearside: “Individually we are better, we have a lot of good players here [Crystal Palace]. I think we are more compact as a team and the players have worked together for so long.” I’m sure Lee Cattermole would love to be involved, but unfortunately, the Black Cats midfielder is still a month or two away from a return.
Saido Berahino travels back to the Hawthorns feeling he has a big point to prove, although a start from the bench is most likely. Revelations of a failed off season drugs test, and subsequent suspension, will only add fuel to what promises to be fiery encounter.
Game week twenty-four follows quickly on the heels of a full midweek programme, and now that deadline day has passed, and squads have been bolstered, you can expect lots of change/rotation as we fast approach the business end of the seaso
Chelsea – vs – Arsenal
Chelsea boast a clean bill of health although one or two members of Antonio Conte’s squad have been playing through pain in recent weeks. David Luiz admits he is still feeling the after-effects of Sergio Aguero’s challenge which resulted in the Argentine serving a four-match ban. Meanwhile, reports from London indicate that Eden Hazard has been unable to complete 90 minutes in his last three games due to a niggling hamstring complaint. However, both players are training and will be available on Saturday. One to monitor from afar perhaps!
Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out with a calf injury. Wenger expects the Wales international to be missing for around 21 days and with Santi Cazorla, Mo Elneny and Granit Xhaka also absent, the Gunners are a little lightweight in midfield. Olivier Giroud faces a late test "but should be fit,” similarly, Oxlade-Chamberlain who will be checked as well. Danny Welbeck "could" come back into the squad.
Crystal Palace – vs – Sunderland
"All the players that were involved at Bournemouth are fine. We've gained a bit of confidence, [and we] need that level of performance Saturday." Jeffrey Schlupp won't be fit, but he should be back for Stoke next weekend." Bakary Sako is out, he returned from AFCoN duty with a hamstring problem. Steve Mandanda is training again: "Not sure when he'll play but he will be involved with U23s as soon as possible." Luka Milivojevic is not available: "He's away sorting his visa and bringing his family over. Disappointing, it's going to take a bit longer than we thought.” Mamadou Sakho will only make the bench while "we're getting him up-to speed, he's lacking sharpness."
David Moyes is "looking forward" to playing against former full-back Patrick van Aanholt on Saturday. "You'll always be friends, but on the pitch, you want to get a result." Bryan Oviedo will cover at left-back after receiving international clearance while Darron Gibson reinforces the midfield. "They're good lads." The Africa Cup of Nations boys [Didier Ndong andLamine Kone] “came straight back in but they did well, so let's hope they can continue their good form."
Everton – vs – AFC Bournemouth
Joel Robles keeps his place in goal: "There's been no reason to change. I like to be fair in everything." Idrissa Gueye is back in the squad but Ronald Koeman has “five very good midfielders” and there are no guarantees of an instant recall for the Senegal international: "I have taken my decision [on who will play] but I don't say." No fresh injury concerns. Mo Besic can be involved in parts of training within a fortnight. "He's working really hard."
Callum Wilson has been ruled out for the remainder of 2016-17 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. The Cherries striker injured his left knee in training [not the same as last time] and will meet with a specialist: "After that we'll know more about the extent of his injury and his recovery time," said Eddie Howe who went onto add. "He worked so hard to get back, to see him suffer an injury again is heart-breaking. If anyone can come back, he can." Charlie Daniels will miss out again after failing to recover from a hamstring complaint. Marc Wilson and Lewis Grabban are unavailable for selection after completing transfer deadline day loan moves to West Bromwich Albion and Reading respectively.
Hull City – vs – Liverpool
No Lazar Makovic this weekend. The Liverpool winger cannot face his parent club under the terms of his loan agreement. Marco Silva reveals new signings Kamil Grosicki and Alfred N’Diaye are available for selection: "They are fit, if I decide to include them in the team.” Dieumerci Mbokani will come back in the squad following his involvement at AFCON “he trained with us yesterday.” No fresh injury concerns - Curtis Davies [hamstring], Moses Odubajo [knee], Markus Henriksen [shoulder], Ryan Mason [fractured skull] and Will Keane [ACL] are still missing.
No fresh injury concerns for Liverpool who travel to the KCOM Stadium. A couple of players are carrying knocks "but they should all be training [on Thursday]” confirms Jürgen Klopp. Marko Grujic [hamstring], Danny Ings [knee] and Ovie Ejaria [ankle] remain on the sidelines
Southampton – vs – West Ham United
Claude Puel says Manolo Gabbiadini could feature on Saturday, but admits "he may not be ready to start." Defender Virgil van Dijk [ankle] looks set to miss up-to three months. “Ryan Bertrand is a possibility for centre-back, but we have to look at all of the options in the squad.” James Ward-Prowse and Jay Rodriguez face a late fitness test but Sofiane Boufal is back.
Slaven Bilic has no concerns about Jose Fonte returning to his former stomping ground: "He is a very experienced player and is focused. He has nothing but good memories and is looking forward to it." Injury-wise there's nothing serious: "Sam Byram has a hamstring [injury] but we hope he will be OK." Bilic straight bats rumours linking the Hammers to Joe Hart: "If there is one position that I am not even thinking of changing, it's the goalkeeper, because I have two great ones."
Watford – vs – Burnley
The Hornets will be looking to build on an excellent away win at Arsenal on Tuesday when the league’s worst travellers arrive at Vicarage Road. Jose Holebas and Mauro Zarate are available after serving their respective bans but Costel Pantilimon [ankle] and Roberto Pereyra [knee] will miss out. Christian Kabasele won't be ready and Saturday will come too soon for Nordin Amrabat who has missed the last month due to an ankle injury. Miguel Britos [groin] faces a late fitness.
Steven Defour is out with the hamstring injury he suffered on Tuesday night. "He won’t be fit for this weekend," Dyche said. "We’ll wait and see how long, but it won’t be days, it could be beyond a couple of weeks but we’ll wait and see." New boys Robbie Brady and Ashley Westwood come into contention.
West Bromwich Albion – vs – Stoke City
Tony Pulis remains tight-lipped regarding stories which broke on Friday relating to Saido Berahino testing positive for a recreational drug: "He served a ban while he was here but I won't comment why. He didn't play for me because he wasn't fit enough." Evans [calf] has been ruled out again: "We are really disappointed with how long it's taking for Jonny to get back." Marc Wilson arrived on deadline day to help bolster the Baggies squad: "We've got 16 senior professionals at the club. It's a tight group. He can cover a number of positions."
Mark Hughes says Stoke were aware of the FA disciplinary matter which resulted in Berahino receiving an eight-week suspension. "Why wouldn't I play him? He came on to good effect on Wednesday and there is no reason why Berahino shouldn't be involved tomorrow." Peter Crouch continues to impress: "The goal was a great goal scorers goal [vs Everton]. On the night, I thought he was excellent, I have emphasised for quite some time his attributes and qualities aren't waning at all.” Xherdan Shaqiri [calf] is injured, Glen Johnson is likely to miss out. “We are hoping they will both be available for the next game”. Geoff Cameron is making progress “and with a bit of luck he will be back in a couple of weeks. He isn't quite with the group yet though”. Jon Walters is progressing too “The timetable for him is being followed.” Mame Diouf and Wilfried Bony are in contention after returning from the African Cup of Nations.
Tottenham Hotspur – vs – Middlesbrough
"Danny Rose had a scan on Thursday, now we need to wait until Monday to see the specialist," confirmed Mauricio Pochettino. Georges-Kevin N'Koudou [knee] and Kieran Trippier [hip] are both out. "Jan Vertonghen is better and starting to run which is very positive.” He should be back within two or three weeks. Hugo Lloris has trained ahead of the game and will be ready." Erik Lamela is progressing: "Day by day he's getting there. It's important to be cautious but positive."
Gaston Ramirez is still recovering: "I hope he can be training with us next week, maybe Monday or Tuesday." Calum Chambers [foot] is back with the group: "I am not 100 percent but I hope he will be available." George Friend is still sidelined with a calf injury: "I think everyone else will be fit.” Adlene Guedioura has been added to the match day squad: "I know him because we’ve played against him a few times. He gives us experience and quality."
Manchester City – vs – Swansea City
Pep says Sergio Aguero "remains one of the most important players in our squad" despite the striker being named on the bench at West Ham on Wednesday. While Guardiola was full of praise for new signing Gabriel Jesus: "The three games he has played, he showed a lot of things. Desire, helping us in our high pressing, his intensity, his movement." The two can play together, but Pep will cut his cloth accordingly depending upon the opposition. "In Brazil, Gabriel played on the left side." No decision yet on who will play in goal after Claudio Bravo was surprisingly axed midweek. "In the big clubs, you have good goalkeepers and I have it, so I will decide on what I see."
"Leon Britton is fit and training and everyone else is fine." Luciano Narsinghcould be in line for his first Premier League start: "I think physically he is ready, he made a big impact with his movement for the goal. You can see he is new to the group and needs a better understanding of defensive role but we are working on that."
Leicester City – vs – Manchester United
Claudio Ranieri says Leonardo Ulloa warmed up with the group on Friday: "I hope he continues to get better.” Hmmmmm, may be the Italian doesn’t do social media and missed the strikers Twitter rant following the clubs’ refusal to sanction a move during the January window ‘…… I will not play again for them!’ Molla Wague may not be involved: "He is doing okay but he’s had some travel to do having played in the Africa Cup of Nations recently.” Islam Slimani [groin] is out but could return to face Swansea next weekend: "He’s getting better and trained hard but I do not want to risk him on Sunday or against Derby."
Jose Mourinho reveals Phil Jones is the only senior member of his squad who is not fit for Sunday's meeting with Leicester. The centre-back hobbled off against Hull on Wednesday although the problem is not thought to be serious: “My foot's bruised but I'll be fine, so hopefully in a few days." Eric Bailly is available following his return from international duty and the minor [ankle] knock he picked up playing for the Under-23s. Third-choice goalkeeper Joel Pereira suffered a knee injury in training prompting United to recall Dean Henderson from Grimsby. There has been no official comment on the precise nature of the injury, or indeed, his proposed length of absence.
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