Premier League Matchweek 5: Predicted XIs and Key Selection Decisions

With the Gameweek 5 deadline looming at 18:30 BST, managers across the Premier League – and millions more in Fantasy – are juggling injuries, suspensions and form. Ben Bloom and David Coverdale have sketched out how each side could line up. The selection battles tell their own stories.

Brentford v Chelsea

Brentford

Aaron Hickey has prised open the door at right-back and now wants to slam it shut behind him. He took Michael Kayode’s spot last weekend and has every chance of keeping it.

On the left, there’s a straight shootout. El Hadji Malick Diouf started at left-back in the EFL Cup in midweek and did enough to ask a serious question of Keane Lewis-Potter’s place in the league side.

Keith Andrews’ big tactical call comes in midfield. Yehor Yarmoliuk was used higher up the pitch for extra defensive security last time out. The Ukrainian did the dirty work well, but Andrews must now decide whether to stick with that balance or restore the more creative Mikkel Damsgaard to that advanced central role.

Chelsea

Xabi Alonso is playing his cards tight to his chest. Joao Pedro’s status remains deliberately vague. “It is a possibility,” was all Alonso would give away when asked if the forward is available, despite Pedro withdrawing from the Brazil squad through injury. If he fails to make it, Danny Welbeck stands as the obvious replacement through the middle.

There’s more mystery around Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson. Alonso has simply parked the decision on that quartet until Friday. Any or all could feature; any or all could miss out.

One player desperate for a chance is Pep Chavarria, still waiting for his first Premier League start and hoping this is the moment.

Spurs v Aston Villa

Spurs

Roberto De Zerbi looks ready to shuffle his full-backs again. Pedro Porro, left out as a precaution against Everton, is fit and primed to reclaim his place from Archie Gray on the right.

On the opposite flank, Destiny Udogie started the midweek EFL Cup defeat at Liverpool after missing the Everton match. He is expected to hold off Andy Robertson for the left-back slot.

Sandro Tonali, absent at Anfield, has been cleared to return against Villa. James Maddison is also available and edging closer to his first start of the season after a series of substitute cameos as he recovers from injury.

There is a glimmer of longer-term good news too. Dejan Kulusevski is back training with the group, though his competitive return is likely to wait until after the international break.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery’s defence will look different. Matteo Ruggeri, impressive on his first start in the EFL Cup win at Coventry, is in line to replace the injured Ian Maatsen at left-back.

In central defence, Tyrone Mings is set to partner Victor Lindelof, with Pau Torres ruled out. At right-back, Matty Cash is pushing hard to dislodge Aaron Wan-Bissaka after overcoming muscle soreness and returning to the squad in midweek.

Joao Gomes is back from suspension and adds bite in midfield. Up front, Emery faces a classic form-versus-faith dilemma: stick with Nicolas Jackson or reward Tammy Abraham, who helped himself to two goals in the cup.

Brighton v Arsenal

Brighton

After a 5-0 demolition of Coventry City in the league, Fabian Hurzeler could simply say: same again. That XI earned the right to go again.

But there is a twist. Georginio Rutter is back from injury and featured in the EFL Cup win at Manchester United, putting real pressure on the forward positions.

At left-back, Jaouen Hadjam has been cleared to play despite being forced off on his debut at Old Trafford. Out wide, Femi Azeez remains unavailable with the hamstring problem he brought with him from Millwall on Deadline Day.

Brighton’s longer-term injury list is sizeable: Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood, Stefanos Tzimas, Yankuba Minteh, Zadok Yohanna, Evan Ferguson and Mats Wieffer are all still sidelined.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has decisions, but also options. Ben White picked up a groin issue at Sunderland and missed the EFL Cup win at Ipswich Town. Arteta believes he should be fit, yet Jurrien Timber is ready and waiting to step in at right-back if needed.

Arteta is also “really positive” about Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, expecting both to be available.

The intriguing call lies in midfield. Bruno Guimaraes, who came off the bench at Sunderland, scored and changed the game. The Brazilian could now make his first Premier League start for Arsenal, potentially taking the place of Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arteta’s view is clear: Guimaraes can influence the game from almost anywhere. The selection will come down to what Arsenal need on the day.

Everton v Ipswich

Everton

Harrison Armstrong is the big question mark. He missed the EFL Cup win over Wolves with injury, but David Moyes says he “expects him to be OK” to partner James Garner in central midfield. Everton’s balance hinges on that pairing.

Jack Grealish is pushing hard for his first league start since rejoining on loan from Manchester City, adding a high-profile selection headache.

On the right, Tyrique George could get the nod ahead of Brennan Johnson, though youngster Tyler Dibling made his case with an impressive display in midweek. Merlin Rohl and Christian Norgaard are still out.

Ipswich

Gary O’Neil has his main striker back. Emersonn is fit again after a tight quad ruled him out of the EFL Cup defeat to Arsenal.

Yet that doesn’t settle the debate. Zian Flemming, who came off the bench to score the winner at Crystal Palace last weekend after replacing the injured Emersonn, is also pushing for a start.

Azor Matusiwa is available but not expected to feature, leaving Jack Taylor as Ipswich’s only absentee. O’Neil has near a full deck to play with.

Newcastle v Hull

Newcastle

Matthias Jaissle’s injury list keeps growing. Anthony Elanga missed Monday’s defeat to Leeds, with Jacob Murphy stepping in. If Jaissle opts to change again, Harvey Barnes could switch across to the right, freeing Bazoumana Toure to come in on the left.

Nico Gonzalez’s concussion against Leeds opens a gap in central midfield, one Sean Steur is expected to fill. Jacob Ramsay is also unavailable, stretching resources further.

At the back, Amar Dedic has joined the casualty list. That should hand Tino Livramento a start. Higher up, Joe Willock and Matias Fernandez-Pardo appear locked in a direct battle for one midfield spot.

Hull

Hull City’s return to the Premier League has started with a stubborn unbeaten run across four games. That stability has allowed Sergej Jakirovic to keep his side relatively settled.

He will, however, be without Nobel Mendy after a clash of heads left the midfielder with concussion. Lucas Herrington and Paddy McNair are the main contenders to step into that role.

Matt Crooks will look to fend off Lucas Gourna-Douath and Tim Iroegbunam in central midfield, while Sorba Thomas is pressing hard to unseat Elliot Stroud in the attacking line.

Nott’m Forest v Coventry

Nott’m Forest

Oliver Glasner’s side are walking a tightrope with injuries. Jair Cunha and Nikola Milenkovic both missed last weekend’s match with hamstring problems. Milenkovic remains out.

Cunha has returned to training, but Glasner wants to see “how he reacts” before making a call. Ola Aina is ready to fill in again if required.

In midfield, Ibrahim Sangare was overlooked in favour of Xaver Schlager and James McAtee against Aston Villa and looks set to miss out again. Up front, Igor Jesus came off the bench to score the winner in that game, putting real pressure on Dan Ndoye for a starting berth.

Coventry

Frank Lampard has a system decision to make. He switched from a back three to a back four in the EFL Cup and must now decide whether to revert.

What he cannot change is the absence of Aurele Amenda, who has a calf injury. Man City loanee Stephen Mfuni is the obvious candidate to replace him, unless Lampard reshapes the defence entirely.

In midfield, Victor Torp and Caleb Yirenkyi impressed in midweek and are knocking on the door for starts. Competition is fierce for the two No 10 roles, with new signing Yann Gboho among those in contention. Up front, teenager Sidiki Cherif stood in for the suspended Taiwo Awoniyi on Wednesday and will battle Ellis Simms for the striker’s shirt.

AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool

AFC Bournemouth

A famous European night has created a new selection dilemma. Bournemouth went to Real Sociedad, played their first European match and won – with the same XI that started last weekend’s draw with Brentford.

Marco Rose could now roll that team out for a third time in eight days. There are no fresh injury concerns, and Amine Adli, Julian Araujo, Junior Kroupi and Veljko Milosavljevic remain sidelined.

If Rose does tweak anything, it is most likely in central midfield. Tyler Adams has been the man rotated most often this season, with Lewis Cook ready to step in if legs need protecting.

Liverpool

Cody Gakpo has made his case. He missed the goalless draw with Fulham through injury, then returned with a goal and an assist in the EFL Cup win over Spurs. That should be enough for a start.

The positional puzzle comes on the flanks. To keep summer signing Bradley Barcola on the left, Gakpo may be asked to operate from the right.

Alexis Mac Allister also strengthened his claim with a midweek goal and could replace Ryan Gravenberch alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in central midfield.

At left-back, Milos Kerkez is expected to reclaim his place from Konstantinos Tsimikas to face his former club. Joe Gomez made his comeback against Spurs, but Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Federico Chiesa all remain out.

Leeds v Crystal Palace

Leeds

Daniel Farke has little reason to touch a winning team. Leeds dismantled Newcastle 4-1 on Monday night, and that XI has earned another shot.

Harry Wilson is out with a quad injury, though he has been used only from the bench recently, so the starting structure should remain intact.

Noah Okafor is likely to keep his place after scoring against Newcastle. Brenden Aaronson offers an alternative if Farke opts for fresh legs. Ilia Gruev is back in contention after coming through an Under-21s match unscathed, but Joe Rodon and Mateo Joseph remain unavailable.

Crystal Palace

Pierre Sage must reshuffle his defence. Axel Disasi is suspended after his red card against Ipswich, opening the door for Takehiro Tomiyasu to step in at centre-back.

Ismaila Sarr is the wild card. The Senegal winger made his first appearance of the season as a second-half substitute in the Europa League win over Lech Poznan. Sage says Sarr could “maybe” start at Leeds, though he is not ready for 90 minutes.

Dean Henderson and Jean-Philippe Mateta are still out until after the international break, limiting options in goal and up front.

Man City v Sunderland

Man City

Enzo Maresca must replace Phil Foden, suspended after his red card in the derby against Manchester United. That opens the door for Iliman Ndiaye, in line for just his second Premier League start for the club.

Jeremy Doku is close. Maresca expects him to be available after recovering from the calf injury sustained in the Community Shield, though a place on the bench looks more realistic than an immediate start.

Nico O’Reilly returned from injury to start the EFL Cup win over Norwich at left-back, but dislodging Josko Gvardiol in the league is another matter. The Croatian should keep his place.

Sunderland

Regis Le Bris has one major call to make. Reinildo Mandava is suspended after his late red card against Arsenal, leaving a vacancy at left-back.

Le Bris can either turn to the reliable Trai Hume, a right-footer who has covered the left before, or hand a Premier League debut to summer signing Dayann Methalie. The rest of the side is expected to resemble the one that pushed Arsenal, with the Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar prompting four changes that are likely to be reversed.

Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle are Sunderland’s only injury concerns.

Fulham v Man Utd

Fulham

Alvaro Arbeloa is still chasing his first Premier League win, but he may not feel the need to tinker. Fulham’s performance in the draw at Liverpool earned plenty of credit, and the same XI could start again.

Sander Berge and Shea Charles formed a new-look central midfield partnership at Anfield and are favourites to continue, with Alex Iwobi operating further forward.

Ryan Sessegnon, used only from the bench so far, faces a late fitness test. Kenny Tete is ruled out as he follows concussion protocols after being struck in the face by the ball at Anfield. Tom Cairney remains sidelined with a knee problem.

Man Utd

Luke Shaw is the main doubt. Michael Carrick describes his issue as “really short term” and insists “there is a chance” he plays, but the safer bet is another start for Patrick Dorgu at left-back.

Up front, Carrick has a problem he could do without. Matheus Cunha has yet to score in the league this season, while Benjamin Sesko started in the EFL Cup defeat to Brighton and failed to seize his opportunity. If Sesko is handed another chance through the middle, Cunha may be shunted to the left, potentially at Marcus Rashford’s expense.

Carlos Baleba is on the verge of his first Man Utd appearance and could feature off the bench.

The line-ups will be confirmed an hour before kick-off in each match. For managers, real and virtual, the margins in these selection calls may define more than just a single weekend.