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We’re back with a mini DGW. Unfortunately, in this one only Manchester City and Southampton feature twice. This game-week is certainly stretched out, with matches on Saturday, Manchester City hosing derby rival Manchester United on Sunday, and the Citizens also concluding on Wednesday as they host the Saints.
Don’t forget to check out our FPL Player Picks & Fantrax Player Picks articles for this week!
Also check out the GW-27 NMA Podcast Preview!
Saturday
Burnley vs Arsenal
[ This is the one early match from which we expect to see confirmed lineups before the Fantrax deadline. ]
Jack Cork is the newest injury concern for Burnley and will face a late fitness test for this one; Barnes, Gudmundsson and Brady all remain major doubts. Emile Smith-Rowe is the only doubt for the Gunners, having come off early in the impressive win over Leicester.
Prediction: 1-2
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Sheffield United vs Southampton
The Blades recorded a much needed win last time out and face no new injury concerns, but have an already hefty treatment table: six defenders are sidelined; Phil Jagielka is the latest, suspended following his red card last time out. Kyle Walker-Peters is a doubt for the Saints as he continues his recovery from injury, along with Minamino and Djenepo. Walcott is out and won’t be back till April. It’s worth noting that Southampton has a DGW, so some initial doubts may feature in the second game.
Prediction: 1-2
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Aston Villa vs Wolves
Villa captain Jack Grealish is the only recent and major injury concern, having missed the last three matches with a bruised calf and still only 50/50 for this game-week. No new injury news for the inconsistent Wolves, with Podence, Jimenez and Marcal out with long term injuries.
Prediction: 2-2
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Brighton vs Leicester
Striker Connolly is a doubt for the Seagulls after coming off early in the loss to relegation rivals from West Brom last time out. Lamptey, March and Webster all remain sidelined. Leicester has struggled in recent weeks, not helped by their injury concerns; especially being dealt a major blow as in-form Harvey Barnes is now out for six weeks. He joins Praet, Maddison, Perez, Justin and Evans on the sidelines.
Prediction: 1-1
Sunday
West Brom vs Newcastle
West Brom was unlucky not to grab a late equalizer against Everton last time out, having been much improved with an earlier win against Brighton. Gibbs remains out for the Baggies with a long-term injury. The Magpies are also showing slight signs of improvement but have quite a few injury concerns. Key attacking trio Wilson, Almiron & Saint-Maximin are all out for the short-term at least. Fernández may feature after coming back from injury but lacks match fitness.
Prediction: 1-2
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Liverpool vs Fulham
We all know Liverpool has major injury problems at the back, not helped by the recent injury to captain Jordan Henderson. Diogo Jota will hope to return, but he is lacking match fitness so may play only a small role. No new injury concerns for Fulham who lost to Spurs last time out with an own-goal.
Prediction: 3-1
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Man City vs Man United
The Manchester Derby is the marquee match of the game-week! The Citizens are in formidable form right now, with Ake the only injured party. They hope to make it 29 unbeaten. De Gea and Martial are slight doubts due to personal reasons and a knock, respectively. Pogba and Mata remain out with longer-term injuries.
Prediction: 3-1
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Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
Lo Celso is the only injured Spurs player right now, due back in GW-28. Bale and Alli suddenly find themselves back in favor after having started last time out. Palace talisman Zaha looks a doubt as he makes his way back from injury. McCarthy is also a doubt for this one. The Eagles have a fair number of long-term injuries to their defenders, with Mitchell the latest casualty.
Prediction: 2-0
Monday
Chelsea vs Everton
No fresh injury concerns for Chelsea; Thiago Silva is the only absentee as he struggles to come back from a thigh injury. Defender Yerry Mina remains out for Everton, along with midfielder Fabian Delph. Both teams featured twice last time out.
Prediction: 2-1
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West Ham vs Leeds
West Ham has a few injury concerns, with keeper Fabianski a doubt due to an arm injury that kept him out last time. His backup Randolph is also a doubt after picking up a thigh injury in his place. Fredericks looks set to miss this one, with Yarmalenko and Ogbonna out with longer-term injuries. Masuaku may return to the squad after having just come back from a long-term injury. Leeds has a few doubts this week with Harrison, Rodrigo, Koch and Poveda-Ocampo all set to miss this one.
Prediction: 2-1
Wednesday
Man City vs Southampton
Both sides have already been covered as they are the only teams to feature in this mini-DGW. You’d be foolish not to back Man City, but you could be wise to expect more Pep roulette.
Prediction: 3-0
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What are your predictions for this game-week? Whom are you backing in the Manchester Derby? Have any differential tips to share? Late news? Early lineups? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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