Premier League team news, injury latest, fixtures – matchweek 1
The new Premier League season is here.
Eighty-three days after claiming their fifth crown in six seasons, Manchester City will start their title defence against a familiar face in Burnley boss Vincent Kompany on Friday.
The opening weekend sees Chelsea and Liverpool face off in a heavyweight clash at Stamford Bridge, while Luton make their Premier League bow against Brighton, and last term’s runners-up Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest.
To add extra intrigue, the summer transfer remains open until September 1, meaning several players are heading into the new term with their futures still unclear. Keep track of all the team news and injury latest below.
Burnley vs Manchester City
Friday, August 11 (8pm BST)
Burnley team news: Michael Obafemi sustained an injury on international duty at the end of last season and will miss the beginning of the new campaign.
Manchester City team news: Pep Guardiola has confirmed that new signing Josko Gvardiol is fit after missing the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. Asked how he had settled in with the rest of the team, Guardiola said: “Perfect.”
Nathan Ake was also missing from the squad at Wembley after picking up a knock on the pre-season tour to Asia, but Guardiola — who reported no other issues — said of the defender: “He trained good, he’s ready too.”
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Saturday, August 12 (12.30pm BST)
Arsenal team news: Gabriel Jesus has a knee injury that will keep him out of the first few games. Reiss Nelson, Folarin Balogun and Jorginho have also suffered with problems throughout pre-season.
Nottingham Forest team news: Steve Cooper confirmed on Thursday that Moussa Niakhate, Omar Richards and Felipe remain out as they recover from their injuries. The head coach did add that Taiwo Awoniyi had returned to training and previously said Brennan Johnson would be eased back into action following his injury.
Saturday, August 12 (3pm BST)
Bournemouth team news: Lloyd Kelly and Marcus Tavernier sustained injuries during pre-season, while Ryan Christie is also ruled out. Dominic Solanke was rested for their final pre-season fixture last weekend.
West Ham team news: Lucas Paqueta was substituted with a knock during West Ham’s 4-0 defeat by Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday.
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Brighton & Hove Albion vs Luton
Saturday, August 12 (3pm BST)
Brighton team news: Brighton said Moises Caicedo missed their friendly against Rayo Vallecano due to injury. Jakub Moder is still recovering from an ACL injury.
Luton team news: Reece Burke, Gabriel Osho, Dan Potts and Jordan Clark are all ruled out.
Saturday, August 12 (3pm BST)
Everton team news: Dele Alli is still some way off a return, while Dwight McNeil will also miss the start of the campaign.
Fulham team news: Marco Silva has confirmed that Aleksandar Mitrovic is “100 per cent” available for selection, despite the striker’s hopes of sealing a summer transfer. Joao Palhinha is out after suffering a shoulder injury in pre-season, while Andreas Pereira is continuing his recovery from ankle surgery.
Saturday, August 12 (3pm BST)
Sheffield United team news: Paul Heckingbottom has admitted his side are “desperately stretched” ahead of their top-flight return against Crystal Palace. Key players Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge have been sold, while Oli McBurnie, Oliver Norwood, John Fleck and Daniel Jebbison have suffered recent injuries. New midfield signing Vinicius Souza could be thrust straight into action.
Crystal Palace team news: Michael Olise had surgery earlier this summer and is out for another couple of months. New signing Matheus Franca is also injured and will miss the start of the season.
Saturday, August 12 (5.30pm BST)
Newcastle team news: Joe Willock won’t feature until after the first international break, but Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday that Fabian Schar is available for the Villa game. Emil Krafth remains out and new signing Tino Livramento needs “looking after”.
Aston Villa team news: Jacob Ramsey will miss the first few games with an injury sustained on England Under-21 duty, while Emiliano Buendia ruptured his ACL and will miss most of the season. Alex Moreno had surgery on a hamstring problem back in May.
Sunday, August 13 (2pm BST)
Brentford team news: Ivan Toney cannot return until January due to his FA ban.
Tottenham team news: Bryan Gil and Ryan Sessegnon sustained serious injuries during pre-season. Rodrigo Bentancur is still recovering from an ACL injury.
Chelsea vs Liverpool
Sunday, August 13 (4.30pm BST)
Chelsea team news: Mauricio Pochettino will be without Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku.
Liverpool team news: Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago are doubts for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Monday, August 14 (8pm BST)
Manchester United team news: Rasmus Hojlund will have to wait to make his debut due to a back issue, while Anthony Martial is also out.
Wolves team news: TBC
(Top photo: xx/Getty Images)