Premier League match previews, team news, stats, predictions, kick-off time and how to follow | Football News

Team news, stats, predictions and how to follow the Premier League on Saturday as Manchester City host Tottenham, live on Sky Sports.

West Ham vs Newcastle – Saturday; kick-off 12.30pm

Team News: West Ham defender Kurt Zouma could return to the squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle after recovering from illness.

The defender withdrew from the team to face Leicester last weekend after feeling unwell in the warm-up and was replaced by Issa Diop, but is back in training and in contention.

Manager David Moyes was otherwise keeping his cards close to his chest over “one or two” doubts, but defenders Angelo Ogbonna (cruciate ligament) and Arthur Masuaku (knee) are still out.

Newcastle will be without full-backs Kieran Trippier and Javier Manquillo for the trip to the London Stadium.

Trippier has undergone surgery after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during last weekend’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa and is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while Manquillo suffered an ankle ligament problem in the same game and while the damage is not thought to be extensive, he will also sit out.

Skipper Jamaal Lascelles returns to contention after illness prevented his participation against Villa and loan signing Matt Targett, who was ineligible to face his parent club, is available again, but central defender Federico Fernandez (thigh), midfielder Matt Ritchie (knee) and striker Callum Wilson (calf) continue to work their way back to fitness.

Opta stats…

• West Ham have scored at least once in all 12 of their Premier League home games this season, the best such 100% record in the competition this term. The Hammers have both scored and conceded in 16 Premier League games this season, with no side doing so more often.
• Newcastle have scored from a direct free-kick in each of their last three Premier League games, with Jonjo Shelvey scoring against Leeds, and Kieran Trippier netting against Everton and Aston Villa. No side has ever scored from a direct free-kick in four consecutive games in the competition.
• Newcastle have won their last two Premier League away games against West Ham – they have never won three consecutive visits to the Hammers in their league history.
• Since David Moyes’ return to West Ham, only Liverpool (27) have scored more Premier League goals from corners than the Hammers (25). This season alone, only the Reds (11) have scored more such goals than West Ham (nine).
• Newcastle have won each of their last three Premier League games, moving themselves four points clear of the relegation zone. They last won four consecutive league games back in April 2018.

How to follow: Follow West Ham vs Newcastle in our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Arsenal vs Brentford – Saturday; kick-off 3pm

Team News: Arsenal are hopeful Takehiro Tomiyasu will be fit to return for the visit of Brentford.

The Japan international has been missing with a calf injury but has trained in recent days and could be available.

Gabriel Martinelli is suspended after his red card in the win at Wolves, but otherwise Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has no other injury worries.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney missed the goalless draw against Crystal Palace with a calf issue but has again taken part in light training ahead of a late fitness test.

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen will not be in line to make his Premier League debut for the club but is set for another run-out in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Monday to build up match sharpness.

Defenders Mathias Jorgensen (thigh) and Julian Jeanvier (knee) and midfielder Tariqe Fosu (thigh) all continue their own recovery.

Opta stats…

• Brentford are looking to become the first promoted side to complete the Premier League double over Arsenal since Blackburn Rovers in the 1992-93 campaign.
• Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 32 Premier League home games against promoted sides (W27 D5), since a 1-0 loss against Newcastle in November 2010. The Gunners have only failed to score in one of those 32 matches, a goalless draw with Middlesbrough in October 2016.
• Brentford are winless in their last six league games, last having a longer run between September and October 2018 (8 games). The Bees have also lost their last four away league games, last suffering a longer losing run on the road in February 2011 (5).
• This is Arsenal’s first home game against Brentford since a 3-1 win in the EFL Cup in September 2018, while it is the first time they are hosting the Bees in a league match since a 2-2 draw in October 1946.
• Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has scored 12 London derby goals at the Emirates Stadium – he is the highest scoring player in such fixtures at the ground in the competition.

How to follow: Follow Arsenal vs Brentford in our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Aston Villa vs Watford – Saturday; kick-off 3pm

Team News: Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has no new injury worries for the visit of Watford.

Bertrand Traore and Marvelous Nakamba remain sidelined, while Ezri Konsa is suspended.

Konsa’s second red card of the season against Leeds means he missed the defeat at Newcastle and Saturday’s game at Villa Park.

Ismaila Sarr is set to make his first Watford start for three months after injury and international duty.

Sarr played the second half of last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat to Brighton on his return from Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

Peter Etebo is back in training having recovered from the quad injury that has kept him out since September, but the Nigeria midfielder will not be included in the matchday squad.

Opta stats…

• Watford have won four of their last five league games against Aston Villa (L1), just one fewer than they had in their first 16 meetings with the Villans (W5 D5 L6).
• Aston Villa have conceded 18 goals in their last eight Premier League home games, one more than they had in their previous 17 at Villa Park combined.
• Since beating Manchester United 4-1 in November, Watford have taken just two points from 33 available in the Premier League (W0 D2 L9). Indeed, no side is on a current longer winless run in the competition than the Hornets (11 games).
• Aston Villa striker Danny Ings has scored in each of his last three Premier League games against Watford, netting four goals in total in this run. His first goal for the Villans came in the reverse fixture on the opening weekend this season.
• 20-year-old Jacob Ramsey has scored five Premier League goals for Aston Villa this season; only two players have scored more in a single campaign for the Villans while aged under 21 – Luke Moore in 2005-06 (8) and Gabriel Agbonlahor in 2006-07 (9).

How to follow: Follow Aston Villa vs Watford in our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Brighton vs Burnley – Saturday; kick-off 3pm

Team News: Brighton are set to be without captain Lewis Dunk through suspension for the clash against bottom club Burnley.

Defender Dunk was sent off in the midweek defeat at Manchester United, having initially been cautioned before referee Peter Bankes was advised to check the pitchside monitor and then brandished a red card.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been able to train again as normal following a knock to his side, while Enock Mwepu and teenager forward Jeremy Sarmiento remain unavailable because of respective hamstring issues.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche expects Wout Weghorst to be fit after he took a blow to the hip in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool.

The Netherlands striker hobbled off with 15 minutes left, but took part in light training on Thursday and should be involved in the squad.

Ashley Barnes replaced Weghorst and has benefitted from 90 minutes for the U23s in midweek, but Charlie Taylor, Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Matej Vydra remain out.

Opta stats…

• Brighton have won just one of their last eight Premier League home games (D5 L2), beating Brentford 2-0 on Boxing Day. Indeed, only Wolves (38%) have won a lower percentage of their Premier League points in home games this season than the Seagulls.
• Following their 2-1 victory on the opening weekend, Brighton are looking to complete their first league double over Burnley since the 2012-13 Championship campaign.
• Burnley have won just one of their 21 Premier League games this season, just the fifth side to have one win or fewer after 21 games of a campaign in the competition after West Bromwich Albion in 2004-05 (survived), Sunderland in 2005-06, Watford in 2006-07 and Derby County in 2007-08 (all relegated).
• Though he’s yet to find the net across his three Premier League games so far, Wout Weghorst has had more shots than any other Burnley player (8), while no player has created more chances for the Clarets than the Dutchman since his arrival (3).
• Eight of the last 12 league games between Brighton and Burnley has finished level, with each side winning two games apiece in the others. Four of those eight draws have been 0-0.

How to follow: Follow Brighton vs Burnley in our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea – Saturday; kick-off 3pm

Team News: Crystal Palace will be without Conor Gallagher for Saturday’s visit of Chelsea in the Premier League.

The midfielder is unable to face his parent club due to the terms of his loan agreement, but the Eagles will have Will Hughes available after he recovered from a slight knock sustained in last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Brentford.

Defender Nathan Ferguson (hamstring) remains the only injury concern for Palace and will not play again until March.

Mason Mount will miss out for Chelsea but is fighting hard to be fit for the Carabao Cup final on February 27.

The England forward damaged ankle ligaments in Chelsea’s 2-1 Club World Cup final win over Palmeiras.

Reece James remains sidelined with hamstring trouble, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek is fit after a minor Achilles issue.

Opta stats…

• None of the last 21 Premier League meetings between Crystal Palace and Chelsea have finished level, with the Eagles winning four to Chelsea’s 17 in that time.
• Crystal Palace have won just one of their last 16 Premier League London derby matches (D8 L7), beating Spurs 3-0 at Selhurst Park earlier this season.
• After losing back-to-back league games against Crystal Palace in April/October 2017, Chelsea have won each of their last eight against the Eagles in the competition.
• Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise has been directly involved in seven goals in his last seven games in all competitions (3 goals, 4 assists), while overall this season he’s averaging a goal or assist every 75 minutes for the Eagles.
• Having won all four of their Premier League games in October by an aggregate score of 14-1, Chelsea have failed to win back-to-back league games since then (W5 D7 L2). The Blues have also kept just three clean sheets in this run, shipping 15 goals in total.

How to follow: Follow Crystal Palace vs Chelsea in our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Liverpool vs Norwich – Saturday; kick-off 3pm

Team News: Liverpool forward Diogo Jota will miss the visit of Norwich with an ankle problem. That is likely to mean a recall for Roberto Firmino, goalscorer in the San Siro in midweek.

Centre-back Joel Matip, rested for the Champions League, could come return at the expense of Ibrahima Konate while there may be other changes with three matches in eight days, which includes the Carabao Cup final.

Norwich will be without Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah, who is expected to miss the rest of the season following knee surgery.

Midfielder Mathias Normann (pelvis) and defender Ozan Kabak (illness) both stepped up their fitness work in a training game at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, so should be in contention.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul (shoulder) continues his own recovery, along with midfielders Lukas Rupp (hamstring) and Jacob Sorensen (knee), while centre-half Andrew Omobamidele is managing a troublesome back issue.

Opta stats…

• Liverpool have won 13 of their last 15 Premier League games against Norwich (D2), netting 47 goals in these matches (3.1 per game).
• Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League home games (W11 D4), winning the last six in a row by an aggregate score of 17-1.
• Following their 3-0 win at Watford last month, Norwich are looking to win back-to-back Premier League away games for the first time since January 2012. However, the Canaries have won just one of their 25 away top-flight games against sides in the top three (D8 L16), beating Manchester City 3-2 on the final day of the 2012-13 campaign.
• Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in five goals in three Premier League games against Norwich for Liverpool (2 goals, 3 assists), while teammate Roberto Firmino has been directly involved in five in his last four against the Canaries (3 goals, 2 assists).
• Liverpool average 2.8 goals-per-game in the Premier League against Norwich (53 goals in 19 games), their highest rate against any side they’ve faced at least five times in the competition.

How to follow: Follow Liverpool vs Norwich in our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Southampton vs Everton – Saturday; kick-off 3pm

Team News: Nathan Tella will miss Southampton‘s clash with Everton.

The midfielder has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from a groin injury, and will need another week to find full fitness.

Winger Nathan Redmond is back in training and could come into contention, while goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and defender Lyanco are longer-term absentees.

Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko is back in contention after missing Frank Lampard’s first league win in charge last week against Leeds.

But winger Demarai Gray (hip) and midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure (groin) are not expected to be available until the following week.

Lampard is also still without Yerry Mina (thigh), Ben Godfrey (hamstring) and Fabian Delph as Everton chase their first league win on the road since August.

Opta stats…

• Southampton have lost just once at home in the Premier League this season, and are unbeaten in their last eight at St Mary’s (W3 D5) since a 1-0 loss against Wolves in September.
• Southampton are without a clean sheet in 13 Premier League games, the longest current run in the competition. However, Saints have also found the net themselves in each of the last eight.
• Everton’s Dele Alli has been directly involved in nine Premier League goals against Southampton (5 goals, 4 assists), more than he has against any other opponent in the competition. However, eight of these came in his first four appearances against them (5 goals, 3 assists), with just one coming in his last five (1 assist).
• Southampton have lost their last two Premier League games against Everton, last losing three league games in a row against the Toffees between September 1990 and January 1992.
• No side has scored fewer Premier League goals in the first half of games this season than Everton (8), though three of their eight such strikes have come in their two league games under Frank Lampard so far.

How to follow: Follow Southampton vs Everton in our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Manchester City vs Tottenham – Saturday; kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports from 5pm

Team News: Jack Grealish is expected to again be missing when Manchester City host Tottenham on Saturday.

City’s record signing has sat out their last two games due to a shin issue, and boss Pep Guardiola has said he does not think Grealish will be involved in the Spurs clash.

The Premier League leaders, who have also had Gabriel Jesus and Cole Palmer out because of injury, can call on Kyle Walker, who was unavailable for the 5-0 Champions League win at Sporting Lisbon through suspension.

Tottenham will have defender Eric Dier back after he missed seven of the last eight games with a troublesome thigh injury.

Forward Steven Bergwijn is also available after he shook off a calf injury.

Midfielder Oliver Skipp (groin) and defender Japhet Tanganga (knee) continue to miss out while there is a confirmed Covid-19 case for an unnamed player in the camp.

Opta stats…

• Spurs have won three of their last four Premier League games against Man City (L1), as many as they had in their previous 13 against them. However, these last three victories have all been in home games.
• Since losing 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace in October, Man City have earned 43 points from 45 available in the Premier League (W14 D1 L0), with the only exception being a 1-1 draw at Southampton last month.
• Tottenham have lost each of their last three Premier League games, conceding more goals in these games (7) than they did in their first nine under Antonio Conte (6). Spurs haven’t lost four in a row in the competition since a run of six between October and November 2004.
• This will be the fifth meeting between Man City boss Pep Guardiola and Tottenham’s Antonio Conte in all competitions. In 2016-17, Conte became the first manager to achieve a league double over the Spaniard, while Guardiola won both meetings with the Italian the following campaign.
• Tottenham’s Son Heung-min has scored six goals in his last eight appearances against Manchester City in all competitions, netting the winner in the reverse fixture on the opening weekend this season.

How to follow: Watch Manchester City vs Tottenham live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, or follow in our dedicated live match blog featuring in-game highlights. Full match highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel at the final whistle.

How the table stands

How to watch Premier League highlights on Sky Sports Digital

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Sky Sports’ digital platforms are the home of live blogs for every Premier League game, including commentary, analysis and team line-ups. Users with a free Sky ID can watch in-game clips from Sky live games in our dedicated live blogs.

Latest Essential Football Podcast

Premier League Preview: Can Spurs trip Man City up at the Etihad? | Race for the top four continues with Man Utd, Wolves and Leicester all in action

In the latest Football Essential Podcast, host Ron Walker is joined by Joe Shread and Ali Muzaffar to discuss a thrilling weekend of Premier League fixtures as Tottenham travel to Manchester City on Saturday while Manchester United, Wolves and Leicester continue to compete for the top four on Sunday.

PART ONE | After thrashing Sporting Lisbon 5-0 in the Champions League this week, Manchester City will host Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday Night Football. Pep Guardiola’s side have been imperious in the Premier League this season – can anyone stop them? Joe Shread and Ali Muzaffar also take a look at Antonio Conte’s comments about Tottenham’s squad being made weaker after the January transfer window. Will Conte still be at the club next season?

PART TWO | The stage is set for another Roses Derby as Manchester United travel to Elland Road to face Leeds on Super Sunday. United managed to beat Brighton in their midweek fixture, but their poor performances on the pitch have been followed by rumours of disharmony in the dressing room. Meanwhile, Leeds have struggled to build on their impressive return to the Premier League last season and could face a relegation battle if their form does not improve.

Joe and Ali discuss Leicester’s clash with Wolves, with both teams competing for a place in European competition next season. Wolves look to be a revitalised side under Bruno Lage, while Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester have endured a series of difficult results amid injury troubles and defensive woes.

Finally, the pair give their verdict on who will finish in the top four this season and claim a coveted position in next season’s Champions League. Tune in to find out who they pick…