Premier League predicted lineups · GW9

Arsenal travel to Liverpool sitting second in the table, with seven wins from eight and an impressive 80% return from their last five matches. Saka, Saliba and Tzolis are unavailable, while Calafiori, Madueke and Rice are understood to be fitness doubts; Dowman is suspended. Konsa and Gabriel have both returned a form score of 9.0, but attacking momentum is harder to find, with Ødegaard on 2.3, Eze on 1.3 and Havertz on 1.7. Liverpool are fourth and also in decent recent shape, making this a significant test of Arsenal’s depth.

• Arsenal’s right-sided options are stretched by Saka’s absence and Madueke’s fitness concern.
• Konsa and Gabriel’s strong recent returns offer encouragement for an Arsenal defence facing a major away assignment.
• Rice and Calafiori’s potential availability could be pivotal to how settled Arsenal are through midfield and defence.
• Arsenal’s league form has been stronger than Liverpool’s overall, but their depleted attack raises the difficulty of the trip.

Aston Villa are set to be without Onana, Ruggeri and Wan-Bissaka, while Cissé remains a doubt for Fulham’s visit. N.Jackson is the standout in the predicted XI on form of 8.0, with McGinn and Manzambi also returning 5.7, although Buendía’s 2.3 highlights a quieter spell. Villa sit ninth on 11 points from eight matches and their recent return of 67% of available points suggests a positive run despite Wednesday’s cup defeat. Fulham arrive 15th, four points behind Villa, giving the hosts a chance to strengthen their top-half position.

• N.Jackson’s form makes him Villa’s clearest attacking focal point, with McGinn and Manzambi offering support from midfield.
• Absences at full-back could leave Emery with decisions to make around Cash, Maatsen and the balance of his defensive unit.
• Villa’s recent league form has been stronger than Fulham’s, but a return of only nine goals in eight games means efficiency in the final third remains important.

Scott is set to miss Leeds, although Marco Rose said he is “working hard and has no problems” as he targets a return after the international break, while Kroupi.Jr is back but still building towards a first start. J.Araujo and Tóth.A are understood to remain out, with Milosavljević a doubt. Evanilson (8.3) and Tavernier (7.0) carry the strongest form into the game, with Hill also at 6.7, while Kluivert (2.3) and Adams (2.7) need a lift. Bournemouth sit 13th on nine points and their last-five return of 47% is mixed, although Rose has praised the confidence generated by a five-match winning run and five straight clean sheets.

• Scott’s absence leaves Bournemouth short of a midfield option, while Kroupi.Jr may be limited to an impact role as he rebuilds fitness.
• Evanilson and Tavernier are Bournemouth’s key in-form attacking assets, with the pair combining form figures of 15.3.
• Rose expects a demanding test from Leeds, highlighting their set-pieces, throw-ins, wing-backs and Calvert-Lewin’s aerial threat.
• Bournemouth will look to turn their recent defensive momentum into another strong home display, despite their middling league position.

Brentford will be without Furo for Nottingham Forest’s visit, while Dasilva and Milambo remain fitness doubts and Yarmoliuk is suspended. The Bees sit sixth on 11 points after eight matches, although their last-five return of 40% of available points points to mixed recent momentum. Lewis-Potter and Thiago have been the liveliest of the predicted starters, both carrying 4.3 form, with O.Dango also on 4.0, while Janelt’s 0.7 and Schade’s 1.0 underline some quieter recent returns.

• Yarmoliuk’s suspension leaves Brentford needing a midfield adjustment, with Janelt, Jensen and M.Sangaré among the options to provide control.
• Lewis-Potter, Thiago and O.Dango offer the strongest recent attacking form heading into a favourable home fixture.
• Brentford’s sixth-place position remains encouraging, but they need to turn draws into wins after taking just 40% of available points across the last five.
• Forest arrive in 18th with only six goals scored in eight league games, giving the Bees’ defence an opportunity to tighten up.

Brighton travel to Manchester City with Andrés and F.Kadıoğlu expected back in the matchday squad after hip injuries, while Kostoulas is available after being rested for the cup. Struijk remains sidelined but is training with the under-21s and is expected to rejoin the senior group next week. De Cuyper has been Brighton’s standout recent FPL performer on 7.3 form, with Vuskovic (6.7) and Ayari (6.0) also in good touch, while Andrés returns on a form score of 2.0. Brighton sit third with 16 points from eight matches and have taken 80% of the available points across their last five, though they face table-topping City, who have matched that recent return; Fabian Hurzeler insisted that “success is the only revenge” after the cup defeat.

• Andrés and F.Kadıoğlu add timely depth for a demanding trip to the Etihad, although neither is certain to start immediately.
• Kostoulas should be refreshed after his cup rest and is set to lead Brighton’s attacking options.
• Struijk is the only confirmed absentee, with his senior return pencilled in for next week.
• Hurzeler expects personnel changes but says Brighton’s “approach won't change” as they look to build on a positive cup display.

Chelsea are set to be without Martinez, James, Gittens, Chavarria and João Pedro for Manchester United’s visit, although Martinez is exploring a protective face mask in the hope of accelerating his return. Penders is expected to continue in goal, while Neto and Henderson arrive in the strongest form of the predicted XI, both carrying 7.7. Chelsea sit fifth on 13 points after eight matches, with their recent form mixed at 47% of available points from the last five, but they face a Manchester United side down in 16th.

• Penders looks set for another start as Chelsea await clarity on Martinez’s potential return.
• Neto and Henderson have been Chelsea’s standout recent fantasy performers and could be key in supplying the attacking threat.
• The absences of James, Chavarria and Gittens reduce the manager’s options in wide areas and at full-back.
• Chelsea have a chance to strengthen their top-five position against a United side with just one league win so far.

Thomas is a late doubt with a small calf issue, while Amenda, Eccles, Woolfenden and Wright remain unavailable. Mfuni is in line to benefit if Thomas misses out, with Frank Lampard calling the young defender “a fantastic young player” and saying the situation is “an opportunity, for sure.” Rudoni and Cherif arrive as Coventry’s standout Fantasy performers on form scores of 5, but Lampard wants a sharper response after the passive Fulham defeat, demanding greater energy and tactical detail. Coventry sit 19th on six points from eight games, with two wins in their last five, and host a Sunderland side one place below them after a particularly poor recent run.

• Thomas’ fitness check could open the door for Mfuni to step into the defence.
• Rudoni and Cherif are Coventry’s in-form attacking hopes as Lampard seeks a more energetic display.
• Both sides are in the bottom two, making this a significant early-season home opportunity for Coventry.
• Lampard has stressed that selection remains fluid as newer and less experienced players adapt to Premier League football.

Mateta is ready to start at Tottenham after being managed in midweek, with Pierre Sage explaining: "He's ready to play, and we managed him yesterday, because he played two 60-minutes in seven days, and normally he has to play only two 30-minutes." Sarr remains unavailable until after the international break, while Tomiyasu is also out; Strand Larsen is stepping up to group training and Timber could be fit for a cameo. Yeremy has been Palace’s sharpest recent performer with a form rating of 4.0, followed by Kamada and Wharton at 3.7, but the Eagles sit 17th after taking just 27% of available points across their last five matches. Henderson is understood to be a doubt, adding a little uncertainty to a side that has conceded 19 goals in eight league games.

• Mateta’s return to the starting XI offers a timely focal point up front after his planned midweek rest.
• Sarr’s continued absence limits Sage’s attacking options, although Strand Larsen is closing in on a return after individual work.
• Timber could be involved from the bench after returning to training, while Henderson’s fitness remains one to watch.
• Palace need a response after five defeats in eight league games, with Yeremy, Kamada and Wharton carrying the best recent form.

Mykolenko is understood to be a doubt for Everton’s trip to Newcastle, with O'Brien set to feature in the back line if the left-back is unavailable. Dewsbury-Hall has been Everton’s standout recent performer on FPL form of 5.7, while Barry (3.3) and Garner (3.0) have also offered more encouragement than most in a side sitting 11th on 10 points. Everton have taken only 33% of the available points across their last five matches, so their recent league form has been mixed-to-poor despite a relatively solid defensive record of nine goals conceded in eight games.

• Mykolenko’s fitness could force a defensive reshuffle, with O'Brien a likely option to join Tarkowski, Branthwaite and Maitland-Niles.
• Dewsbury-Hall is the clear form player in Everton’s midfield and will be central to their creative threat.
• Everton’s low-scoring record of eight goals in eight games remains a concern, placing added pressure on Barry to lead the line effectively.
• The Toffees trail eighth-placed Newcastle by just one point, maKing this an opportunity to close the gap in the table.

Sessegnon is suspended for Fulham’s trip to Aston Villa, while there are no other reported injury concerns. Iwobi (6.0) and Bassey (6.0) have been the standout performers in the predicted side, with Bobb also returning a healthy 5.7, but Gonzalo (2.0) and the Berge-Charles midfield pairing (both 2.7) need a lift. Fulham sit 15th on eight points from eight games and have taken 53% of the available points across their last five, a mixed run compounded by Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace; Alvaro Arbeloa admitted his side “need to learn and improve and we have to do better” after failing to take clear chances.

• Sessegnon’s suspension leaves Robinson set to continue at left-back for the away trip.
• Iwobi and Bobb offer Fulham their most encouraging attacKing form, but Gonzalo will be under pressure to convert opportunities.
• Bassey has been one of Fulham’s more reliable recent FPL performers as they seek a tighter display against a Villa side above them in the table.
• Fulham’s recent league form has been mixed, and the cup loss will add urgency to their response at Villa Park.

Hull have no fresh injury concerns for Ipswich, with Mendy back in contention after his concussion and Hughes training following double hernia surgery, although Butland faces a late fitness call. Jakirovic said of Mendy: “I will be careful but also we have to use him,” with the defender’s return offering a timely boost. Belloumi is Hull’s standout predicted starter on current form at 4.0, while Iroegbunam and McBurnie are both at 3.7; Herrington, meanwhile, has managed only 1.3. The Tigers sit 10th on 10 points from eight matches, but have taken just 20% of the available points across their last five, so their recent form has been poor despite Jakirovic insisting his side have been competitive in all but one match.

• Mendy’s return gives Jakirovic another defensive option, but he may be managed carefully after missing the Newcastle game.
• Butland’s late fitness verdict could decide whether Tzolakis continues between the posts.
• Belloumi, Iroegbunam and McBurnie carry the strongest recent FPL form among the expected starters as Hull search for a lift in front of goal.
• Hull will look to make home advantage count against an Ipswich side level on points but in better recent form.

Ipswich travel to Hull with Lukić understood to be a fitness doubt, although he remains in contention for a midfield role. O'Shea has been their standout among the predicted starters with a 5.3 FPL form score, while Ouattara (5.0) and Enciso (4.7) have also offered encouraging recent returns; Davis (1.0), Lukić (1.3) and Emersonn (1.7) need an upturn. Town sit 12th on 10 points from eight matches, with their last-five return of 47% suggesting mixed but improving form. Hull are level on points in 10th, though their 20% return across the last five points to a difficult recent spell.

• Lukić's potential absence would leave Ipswich needing to reshuffle a midfield that includes Palacios.
• O'Shea and Ouattara bring the strongest recent FPL form into a defence that has conceded 16 league goals.
• Enciso looks the most in-form attacking option, with Emersonn and Clarke needing to provide greater support in the final third.
• Ipswich's recent form is stronger than Hull's, despite the sides being level on points.

Leeds travel to Bournemouth with a much improved injury picture, as Elvedi has recovered from illness, while Calvert-Lewin and Okafor are both in contention after encouraging training weeks. Stach remains a doubt with a foot issue, while Rodon and James are still building fitness following hamstring rehabilitation and recent returns to full training respectively. Muharemović has been Leeds’ standout in the current XI on 5.3 form, with Trafford and Justin both at 4.7, while Elvedi (1.0), Ampadu (1.3), Stach and Okafor (both 1.7) will want stronger returns. Leeds sit seventh on 11 points after a mixed five-game spell, and Farke knows his side face a stiff away test against a Bournemouth team he considers among the division’s form sides.

• Calvert-Lewin’s availability could reshape Leeds’ attacking plan, with Farke saying: “If he is on the pitch, we want to deliver more crosses into the box and adapt our play a bit.”
• Stach’s foot problem leaves a potential midfield decision late, despite his inclusion in the predicted XI.
• Rodon has partially rejoined team training and James is into a second full week, but neither is yet being rushed back into contention.
• Muharemović’s 5.3 form offers Leeds a key defensive platform, while Calvert-Lewin’s 4.3 could make him an appealing returning option if passed fit.

Liverpool are set to be without Bradley, Ekitiké, Frimpong and Leoni, while Munoz and Szoboszlai are understood to be fitness doubts for Arsenal’s visit. Isak arrives as the standout Fantasy performer on form 6, with Jacquet (4.7), Virgil and Wirtz (both 4.3) also contributing well, although Gravenberch (0.7) and Gakpo (1.0) have been quieter. Liverpool sit fourth on 15 points after eight matches and have taken 67% of the available points across their last five, a solid run but one that leaves them chasing an Arsenal side second with 21 points. Virgil believes the atmosphere is building at Anfield, saying the fans “definitely like what they’re seeing” and that the team can feel that energy.

• Liverpool’s injury list could leave them short of options, with Munoz and Szoboszlai particularly important late calls.
• Isak’s form makes him Liverpool’s primary Fantasy attacking threat heading into a demanding home fixture.
• The Reds have been hard to beat, with only one league defeat in eight, but Arsenal’s stronger recent run raises the difficulty level.
• Anfield’s renewed energy could be significant as Liverpool look to close the six-point gap to the visitors.

Manchester City are set to be without Semenyo, while Matheus N. remains a doubt, leaving some uncertainty around the right side of the defence. Haaland is again the standout Fantasy prospect after returning a form score of 9.0, with Doku also in sharp shape on 6.7; Ndiaye and Donnarumma have both posted 3.7. City sit top of the table on 21 points from eight matches and have taken 80% of the available points across their last five, although Brighton arrive third and in equally strong recent form.

• Semenyo’s absence and Matheus N.’s fitness concern could force changes to a City back line expected to feature Khusanov, Rúben, Guéhi and Gvardiol.
• Haaland and Doku provide the major attacking appeal, while Bouaddi’s 0.7 form underlines his limited recent Fantasy output.
• This is a quick rematch after the midweek EFL Cup tie finished 2-2 before City progressed on penalties.
• Brighton’s position in third, alongside 23 league goals already, makes this a serious test for City’s title-leading side.

Šeško is set for a long spell out as he continues his healing process, with Carrick admitting, “Unfortunately, Benjamin has had to go through this again and to not have him available is obviously a blow.” Dorgu, Shaw and Ugarte are also unavailable, while Mainoo has returned to some training and is around the group but remains an uncertainty for the trip to Chelsea. Mbeumo is United’s standout recent Fantasy performer on form 6, with Cunha also at 4, whereas B.Fernandes has managed only 0.7; Carrick insists his captain is “fully committed to making things better.” United are 16th on seven points and have taken just 20% of available points across their last five league matches, leaving them in poor form heading to fifth-placed Chelsea.

• Šeško’s extended absence leaves United short of a recognised forward option, increasing the attacking burden on Cunha and in-form Mbeumo.
• Mainoo’s training return offers a potential midfield boost, but his involvement is still far from certain after his recent issue.
• Carrick has backed B.Fernandes to continue leading the side despite the midfielder’s low recent Fantasy returns and United’s difficult run.
• With Shaw, Dorgu and Ugarte out, United’s squad depth is again set to be tested away from home.

Livramento is Newcastle’s only confirmed absentee for Everton’s visit, leaving the hosts otherwise relatively settled. N.Gonzalez has been their standout recent FPL performer with a form score of 4.7, while Barnes (4.0) and Dedić (3.7) have also offered encouraging returns; Joelinton (1.3) and Willock (1.7), however, need sharper displays. Newcastle sit eighth on 11 points from eight matches, with three wins, two draws and three defeats, and their last-five return of 40% of available points points to mixed form. Everton arrive one point and three places behind, so this is a useful opportunity for Newcastle to create some breathing room.

• Livramento’s absence limits Newcastle’s options at full-back, with Dedić and Hall set for important roles in providing width.
• N.Gonzalez and Barnes carry the strongest recent attacking form, giving Newcastle a couple of in-form routes to goal.
• The midfield needs more from Joelinton and Willock after modest recent returns, particularly in a match Newcastle will expect to control at home.
• Eighth-placed Newcastle can move further clear of Everton with a result, despite neither side arriving in particularly convincing form.

Forest travel to Brentford with Savona and Igor Jesus still sidelined, while Dominguez is progressing but may not be ready after only returning to team training on Friday. Ndoye is also a doubt with hamstring fatigue, although N.Williams is fit after training all week following his nerve issue. Ndoye’s form of 4.0 has been a rare bright spot, with McAtee (3.7), Muñoz and Schlager (both 3.3) also showing encouraging returns; Glasner said of Dominguez: “let's see if the game is maybe a little bit too early.” Forest sit 18th on six points after eight matches, with just 27% of available points collected over the last five, though Glasner feels his side are becoming more stable despite the poor results.

• Dominguez and Ndoye will need late fitness checks, potentially leaving Forest short of midfield and attacking options.
• N.Williams’ return to full fitness is a timely boost, particularly with Savona unavailable.
• Ndoye has been Forest’s standout recent FPL performer, but his hamstring issue puts that attacking momentum at risk.
• Forest face a difficult away test against sixth-placed Brentford while sitting in the relegation zone.

Sunderland travel to Coventry with Ballard and Mundle unavailable after failing to gain clearance to travel, but Isidor should return to contention following his five-match absence with a knock. Brobbey is also building fitness after a hamstring issue and returned against Leeds, with Regis le Bris saying: “Brian is really important for the team. He's getting better, so hopefully he can progress.” Roefs has been Sunderland’s standout in the predicted XI on form 4, while O'Nien and Hume are both on 3.3; Brobbey (0.7) and Danso (-0.7) need an uplift. The Black Cats are bottom of the table in 20th on five points, and their return of 7% of available points over the last five matches underlines a poor run.

• Isidor’s potential return gives Sunderland another attacking option, while Brobbey continues his recovery back towards full sharpness.
• Ballard’s absence leaves Sunderland short of a travelling defensive option ahead of a crucial game between the bottom two.
• Roefs, O'Nien and Hume have offered the best recent FPL form in the likely side, but Sunderland need more from their forward line.
• Le Bris has been managing a demanding European and domestic schedule, having made 11 changes for the midweek win over Brentford.

Tottenham are without Sávio, Mudryk, Odobert, Xavi and Udogie, while Bentancur is suspended; Bergvall remains a doubt and Maddison is closer to a return but may still need assessing. There is some encouragement in the likely XI, with Tonali carrying a team-high FPL form of 5.3, while Van Hecke (4.7), Kudus (4.0) and Solanke (4.0) have also offered useful recent returns; Pedro Porro's 0.3 form, however, underlines a difficult spell. Spurs sit 14th on nine points from eight matches and their recent record has been mixed, taking 53% of the available points across the last five. Palace arrive in 17th, with just 27% of available points taken over the same period.

• Bentancur's ban and the absences of Sávio, Xavi and Mudryk leave Spurs short of options in central and attacking areas.
• Maddison's possible return could offer a timely creative boost, although Fernandes and Gallagher are set to compete for midfield involvement.
• Tonali's 5.3 form makes him Tottenham's standout recent performer, with Kudus and Solanke also central to their attacking threat.
• The defence has work to do after conceding 10 goals in eight league games, with Pedro Porro's recent output particularly subdued.