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Premier League team news: How Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Tottenham, Chelsea and City will line up

How will the Premier League’s six biggest clubs line up this weekend?

Harry Latham-Coyle
Friday 29 November 2019 15:07 GMT
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Unai Emery sacked as Arsenal manager

The Premier League’s big six are all back in action this weekend, with a new face at the helm for Arsenal with Unai Emery sacked.

Freddie Ljungberg takes charge on an interim basis, with his first game an intriguing trip to face Norwich at Carrow Road.

Elsewhere, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham all enjoy the pleasures of home comforts on Saturday afternoon, while Manchester City travel to Newcastle.

And finally Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the big six managerial axe now perhaps hovering over his head, host Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s how we think the Premier League’s big six might line up this weekend:

Manchester City (vs Newcastle)

Manchester City

Sergio Aguero has been ruled out for this clash and perhaps a couple more, with a bothersome thigh issue sidelining the Argentinean.

It will therefore be Gabriel Jesus leading the line against Newcastle, while Fernandinho may well continue at the back.

Pep Guardiola has not appeared to settle on a first-choice full-back pair this season, but both Joao Cancelo and Benjamin Mendy impressed against Chelsea and may continue.

Liverpool (vs Brighton)

Liverpool

Liverpool suffered a major injury blow this week with Fabinho ruled out until the new year after damaging the ligaments in his ankle.

Jordan Henderson may slide back into the deepest midfield role in the Brazilian’s absence, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Georginio Wijnaldum are likely to complete the midfield three.

Dejan Lovren has played well alongside Virgil Van Dijk recently, and the pair will continue in tandem against Brighton.

Chelsea (vs West Ham)

Chelsea

The fitness of Tammy Abraham is a major concern for Chelsea, even if his injury is not as bad as feared when he was forced on to a stretcher against Valencia. Abraham has been ruled out for this game, with Michy Batshuayi set to deputise.

Mason Mount could return to the midfield in the place of Mateo Kovacic.

There are decisions to be made at both right and left-back, with Frank Lampard perhaps favouring the blend of youth and experience provided by Cesar Azpilicueta (on the left) and Reece James (on the right).

Tottenham (vs Bournemouth)

Tottenham

Harry Winks’ disappointing midweek showing may see the midfielder replaced by Tanguy Ndombele against Bournemouth, with Eric Dier’s solidity perhaps a necessity despite his early midweek substitition.

Ben Davies has been ruled out with injury, which means it could well be Jan Vertonghen who starts at left-back for Tottenham.

The front four appears settled, with Dele Alli thriving behind Harry Kane.

Arsenal (vs Norwich)

Arsenal

Quite how Freddie Ljungberg will look to structure his side is unknown, but the interim manager may favour a move away from the three-at-the-back formation employed by Unai Emery in his final days as manager.

Granit Xhaka could be brought back in to stabilise the midfield, and Ljungberg may opt to use a front three, with Nicolas Pepe in combination with established first-choice forward pair Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Callum Chambers could start at right-back with Hector Bellerin an injury doubt.

Manchester United (vs Aston Villa)

Manchester United

The admission that a three-at-the-back was a mistake came midway through Manchester United’s draw with Sheffield United, and the likely fitness of Scott McTominay should solve the midfield issue for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Andreas Pereira has failed to build on a promising beginning to the season and could step away from the starting lineup, which could prompt a recall for Juan Mata.

Those who made the long trip to Kazakhstan are unlikely to feature, and Brandon Williams seems to have asserted himself as Solskajer’s top left-back option.

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