Arsene Wenger has cast doubt over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s involvement in Arsenal’s home fixture against West Ham, but Aaron Ramsey is available again for the Gunners on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp confirms he will name a “strong line-up” for Liverpool’s trip to West Brom ahead of their Champions League clash with Roma. Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero remains sidelined for Manchester City’s title party at home to Swansea after undergoing minor knee surgery earlier in the week.
Here’s our summary of the team news so far ahead of the reduced Gameweek 35, with more press conferences still to come later today.
Arsene Wenger plans to name a strong starting XI for the home clash against West Ham United in preparation for the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. The Gunners boss stated that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may miss out, then, given that the forward is ineligible to play in Europe. Aaron Ramsey is available again following a shin problem, while David Ospina is also fit to return. But Jack Wilshere (ankle) is doubtful and Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains sidelined, though the latter could possibly be back in time for Thursday’s tie.
For the Hammers, playmaker Manuel Lanzini will push for a recall for the Emirates encounter after returning from injury as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City. He could replace Edimilson Fernandes in the starting XI.
Earlier this morning, Jurgen Klopp confirmed he will name “a strong line-up” for Liverpool’s trip to West Brom, despite the Reds having a UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg clash with Roma on Tuesday night. This suggests that the prolific front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will be unleashed at The Hawthorns, handing Free Hit chip managers food for thought ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. In defence, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez are both back in full training, though Nathaniel Clyne remains a doubt due to a muscle problem.
Caretaker manager Darren Moore has revealed thatJonny Evans and Hal Robson-Kanu are both back in contention for West Brom, while Nacer Chadli continues to build up his fitness levels. On-loan forward Daniel Sturridge is ineligible to face his parent club.
Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero is likely to miss the rest of the season after undergoing minor knee surgery, with Gabriel Jesus set to continue as the lone striker for the visit of Swansea. Ilkay Gundogan is expected to deputise for the suspended Fernandinho once again, while Nicolas Otamendi should return for the newly-crowned champions after being rested to the bench in last week’s win at Spurs. John Stones (groin) and Benjamin Mendy (lack of match fitness) are still unavailable.
Sam Clucas returned to training yesterday for the Swans following a knee problem and is expected to be available for the trip to the Etihad Stadium. But Luciano Narsingh has been ruled out with a twisted ankle and, while Renato Sanches is back in Wales, he will only return to full training next week.
Jose Holebas is available for Watford’s home encounter against Crystal Palace after missing the 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town due to a back problem, while Richarlison could earn a recall for the Hornets.
As for Palace, they were boosted yesterday by the return to training of Jeffrey Schlupp, but he is unlikely to be ready to return at Vicarage Road. Christian Benteke may again have to settle for a place among the substitutes, with Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend expected to form a two-man forward line once again.
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes must decide whether to hand a recall to Peter Crouch for the home fixture against Burnley after the target man came off the bench to score in the 1-1 draw with West Ham. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Glen Johnson (both groin) and Konstantinos Stafylidis (broken rib) remain sidelined.
Clarets defender Ben Mee (shin) is set to miss out again, with Kevin Long retaining his spot alongside James Tarkowski at centre-half. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (hamstring) and Jon Walters (lack of match fitness) are both doubts, while Tom Heaton will again challenge Nick Pope for the keeper’s jersey.
Everton manager Sam Allardyce has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the home encounter against Newcastle United. Tom Davies is perhaps the player most likely to push for a recall following the 1-1 draw with Swansea.
Following four consecutive victories, Rafa Benitez is set to name an unchanged starting XI once again for the trip to Goodison Park.
Islam Slimani is the most likely to force a change, he provides an alternative option to Dwight Gayle in the lone striker role after replacing him on the hour-mark in last weekend’s win over Arsenal.
All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter account for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Friday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.
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