The Premier League weekend is headlined by a seismic Manchester derby at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick facing a baptism of fire as interim Manchester United manager against the reigning champions. The clash kicks off a packed schedule of fixtures, each with significant team news and selection dilemmas.
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Carrick's Big Test
All eyes will be on Old Trafford for Saturday's early kick-off, where Manchester United host rivals Manchester City at 12:30pm, live on Sky Sports. Anthony Taylor will be the referee for this high-stakes encounter. United, under new temporary leadership, have a relatively clean bill of health. Their only confirmed absentee is defender Matthijs de Ligt, who is out with a back injury until 25 January. Key midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also unavailable due to a one-match suspension.
For Pep Guardiola's City, the injury list is more concerning. The champions will be without several key players, including Mateo Kovacic (ankle, April), Josko Gvardiol (leg, May), and Ruben Dias (hamstring, 21 February). John Stones (thigh) and Oscar Bobb (hamstring) are also sidelined, while exciting winger Savinho is out with an unknown issue. Erling Haaland, their leading scorer with 20 goals, is expected to lead the line.
Weekend Fixtures: Team News Round-Up
Chelsea face Brentford at Stamford Bridge with concerns over the fitness of Cole Palmer (thigh) and Reece James (hip). Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended indefinitely for the Blues. Brentford travel without Frank Onyeka, who is on international duty.
At Elland Road, Leeds host Fulham. The home side have doubts over Jayden Bogle (calf) and Liam Rodon (fatigue), while Dan James remains injured. Fulham miss several players due to the African Cup of Nations, including Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi.
Liverpool welcome Burnley to Anfield. The Reds will be without the influential Mohamed Salah, who is on international duty, and have long-term injuries to Conor Bradley and Alexander Isak. Burnley's lengthy injury list includes Zeki Amdouni and Josh Cullen.
In North London, Tottenham take on West Ham. Spurs have significant injury worries, with Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Richarlison all ruled out. West Ham have doubts over Lukasz Fabianski and Lucas Paquetá.
The Saturday evening fixture sees Nottingham Forest clash with Arsenal at the City Ground. Forest will assess Ryan Yates, while Chris Wood is injured. Arsenal have doubts over defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Sunday and Monday Action
The weekend action continues on Sunday with two key matches. Wolves play Newcastle at Molineux, with the Magpies missing Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles. Later, Aston Villa meet Everton at Villa Park. Everton will be without the suspended Michael Keane, while Villa have injury concerns over goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
The round concludes on Monday night as Brighton & Hove Albion face Bournemouth at the Amex Stadium. Bournemouth's injury crisis continues, with Tyler Adams and Justin Kluivert among those sidelined.
With crucial points, European places, and survival battles at stake across the league, team selection and the handling of these numerous absences could prove decisive in every fixture.
