PREMIER LEAGUE ULTIMATE WEEKEND GUIDE: Our experts tell you the team news, injury updates and players to watch, plus key stats and predictions

It’s the Premier League’s final fling before another international break and week 11 features a raft of crucial fixtures at the top and bottom of the table.

In the relegation dogfight, West Ham and Everton do battle at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon, while bottom club Wolves, who look to finally get their first win of the season against the team directly above them, Southampton.

Saturday evening has a pair of mouth-watering clashes with Man City – fresh off their first three-game losing run for six years – down on the south coast to face Brighton, and leaders Liverpool looking to stretch their two-point advantage at the top against Aston Villa, who like City have also lost their last three in all competitions.

On Sunday a revived Manchester United host Leicester in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final game as caretaker boss, before third-placed Nottingham Forest take on Newcastle looking to continue their brilliant start to the season. The weekend closes out with a huge London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal – the Gunners, who hope to finally have captain Martin Odegaard back, have won three of the last four meetings at Stamford Bridge but have been all out of sorts in recent weeks.

Here, we tell you everything you need to know about the weekend’s action, including the latest injury updates and team news, the players you to look out for and something all of our experts are looking forward to at the games they will be reporting from.

SATURDAY

3pm: BRENTFORD v BOURNEMOUTH

Gtech Community Stadium. Referee: Darren Bond

Our expert’s view: This game promises action. Between them, Brentford and Bournemouth have just one clean sheet this season. Brentford have dropped 14 points from winning positions, including all three in stoppage time against Fulham, but have scored the joint-most home goals (15). The Cherries may have beaten both Arsenal and Man City, but they’ve scored only five on the road and have conceded at least two in 17 of their last 22 trips to the capital. Cue a 0-0 draw… DOMINIC HOGAN

Players to watch: Brentford – Yoane Wissa. The forward has been directly involved in seven goals in his last four Premier League home games (five goals, two assists) and has a fantastic partnership with the red-hot Bryan Mbeumo. 

Bournemouth – Milos Kerkez. Antoine Semenyo has been getting plenty of attention for Bournemouth, but the 21-year-old left back picked up two assists last time out against Man City – a fine reward for his aggressive offensive play, but also diligent defending.

Key stat: Brentford are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with Bournemouth (five wins, two draws), since a 1-0 defeat in August 2014 in the Championship.

Brentford injury news – Out: I Thiago, J Dasilva, R Henry (all knee), G Nunes (back), A Hickey (thigh), K Ajer (foot)

Bournemouth injury news – Out: A Scott (knee), L Sinisterra (hamstring), D Ouattara (thigh)

Mail Sport prediction: Bournemouth win

3pm: CRYSTAL PALACE v FULHAM

Selhurst Park. Referee: Michael Salisbury

Our expert’s view: Crystal Palace may have finally got their season up and running in the past few weeks but, after another spate of injuries, manager Oliver Glasner could be forgiven for feeling as though he’s back to square one. Fulham, buoyed by Harry Wilson’s late show to secure a dramatic victory over Brentford, will be poised to take advantage of the Palace injury crisis. HENRY CLARK

Players to watch: Crystal Palace – Daniel Munoz. The full back has proven himself to be useful in both boxes, registering an assist in his last two games while also being tied with Moises Caicedo and Joao Gomes for the making the most tackles in the Premier League this season. 

Fulham – Antonee Robinson. It might be unfashionable, but I’m going to pick out another full-back because the American is just too good to ignore. He is one of the best left backs in the league and I can’t believe Fulham have managed to hold onto him.

Key stat: Fulham are unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with Fulham.

Crystal Palace injury news – Out: J Lerma (thigh), C Riad (knee), A Wharton, M Franca (both groin), E Eze, E Nketiah (both hamstring), W Hughes (suspended). Doubt: C Richards (thigh), J Ward (undisclosed).

Fulham injury news – Out: S Lukic (shoulder)

Mail Sport prediction: Crystal Palace win

3pm: WEST HAM UNITED v EVERTON

London Stadium. Referee: Stuart Attwell

Radio: talkSPORT

Our expert’s view: Both teams could do with a win after defeats last weekend but West Ham are in more desperate need than Everton. Julen Lopetegui has insisted he is not under any heightened pressure from above despite a suggestion his job is on the line if his team does not get a result. Everton would likely settle for a draw but may feel this mismatch of a West Ham team is there for the taking. KATHRYN BATTE

Players to watch: West Ham – Tomas Soucek. Set to come back into the team after missing the defeat at Nottingham Forest through illness. Has spoken this week about wanting to be a leader and can often come up with important goals. 

Everton – Beto. May have to settle for a place on the bench but has shown he can have an impact as a substitute. Scored a late equaliser against Fulham and had one ruled out for a tight offside against Southampton.

Key stat: Everton have won more Premier League games against West Ham (13) than any other opponent.

West Ham injury news – Out: N Fullkrug (achilles), M Kudus, E Alvarez (both suspended)

Everton injury news – Out: T Iroegbunam, Y Chermiti (both foot), A Broja (achilles), J Garner (back), S Coleman (hamstring). Doubt: D McNeil (knee), A Doucoure (groin), I Ndiaye (leg)

Mail Sport prediction: Everton win

3pm: WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v SOUTHAMPTON

Molineux. Referee: Thomas Bramall

Radio: LIVE on BBC 5 Live

Our expert’s view: The tension here will be quite something. Both Wolves boss Gary O’Neil and his Southampton counterpart Russell Martin will be hanging by a thread if they lose here, with defeat possibly signalling the end of O’Neil’s reign. If Wolves fans felt Molineux was nervy for the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend, this will be on another level entirely – especially if Saints score first. TOM COLLOMOSSE

Players to watch: Wolves – Joao Gomes. When Wolves fans turned on their team against Palace, Gomes kept looking for the ball and attempting to drive his team back into the game. It showed admirable personality and Wolves will need more of the same on Saturday. 

Southampton – Taylor Harwood-Bellis. A surprise inclusion in Lee Carsley’s final England squad, Harwood-Bellis will have his work cut out against Matheus Cunha, one of the most exciting attackers in the league when on form. Jorgen Strand Larsen also has four goals in 10 for Wolves.

Key stat: Wolves have won their last five Premier League home games against Southampton, their best run against a single opponent.

Wolves injury news – Out: Y Mosquera, E Gonzalez, B Traore, S Kalajdzic (all knee). Doubt: H-C Hwang (ankle)

Southampton injury news – Out: W Smallbone (hamstring), R Stewart (calf), G Bazunu (achilles). Doubt: R Fraser (undisclosed), A Lallana (groin)

Mail Sport prediction: Draw

5.30pm: BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION v MANCHESTER CITY

American Express Stadium. Referee: Sam Barrott

TV & radio: LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and BBC 5 Live

Our expert’s view: They are always entertaining games between these two at the Amex and I’m intrigued as to how City respond to a third consecutive defeat in midweek. Pep Guardiola has injury concerns aplenty and Brighton, unbeaten at home, will fancy themselves. If Jahmai Simpson-Pusey plays again at centre half, can City offer him suitable protection? Or does Kyle Walker fill in? And will they find a solution to the gaping holes left in transitions? Brighton isn’t the ideal place to find the answers to those questions. JACK GAUGHAN

Players to watch: Brighton – Danny Welbeck. A renaissance up front this season and a Manchester United supporter. So he’ll be eyeing this up. 

Man City – Mateo Kovacic. Big responsibility on Kovacic to stem the tide defensively. City have been too easy to play through recently.

Key stat: Man City have scored the most goals of any team against Brighton in the Premier League, finding the net 40 times with the Seagulls yet to keep a clean sheet in 14 meetings.

Brighton injury news – Out: A Webster, J Milner (both thigh), S March (knee). Doubt: Y Minteh (muscle), L Dunk (calf), M O’Riley, J Pedro, Y Ayari (all ankle)

Man City injury news – Out: J Grealish (hamstring), R Dias, J Stones (both knocks), Rodri (knee), O Bobb (leg). Doubt: N Ake (hamstring)

Mail Sport prediction: Man City win

8pm: LIVERPOOL v ASTON VILLA

Anfield. Referee: David Coote

TV & radio: LIVE on TNT Sports 1 and talkSPORT

Our expert’s view: Liverpool fans are pinching themselves at hitting top spot so quickly under new gaffer Arne Slot. Is it too good to be true? The team will have to cope with raised expectations now and Aston Villa are no gimme. Should be a Saturday night cracker, even Jurgen Klopp might want to tune in. JOE BERNSTEIN

Players to watch: Liverpool – Curtis Jones. The Kop has another hometown hero to celebrate even if they fear losing Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

Aston Villa – Lucas Digne. Left back can expect hostile reception due to Everton connections and faces a tough task keeping Mohamed Salah quiet.

Key stat: Liverpool have won five and drawn one of their last six home games against Aston Villa.

Liverpool injury news – Out: D Jota (abdominal), Alisson (hamstring), H Elliott (foot), F Chiesa (fitness)

Aston Villa injury news – Out: R Barkley (undisclosed), M Cash (calf)

Mail Sport prediction: Liverpool win

SUNDAY

2pm: MANCHESTER UNITED v LEICESTER CITY

Old Trafford. Referee: Peter Bankes

Radio: LIVE on BBC 5 Live

Our expert’s view: The curtain comes down on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s time in the Old Trafford dugout and he will want to keep making a big impression to push his claim to remain on Ruben Amorim’s staff. Defeat would see them slip below their opponents in the table. DAVID KENT

Players to watch: Man Utd – Casemiro. The much-maligned Brazilian has popped up with a number of key goals in recent weeks. 

Leicester – Abdul Fatawu. Few players in the league are more exciting to watch when they get going than the Foxes’ flying winger.

Key stat: Man Utd have scored in 28 league games in a row against Leicester, since a 1-0 defeat in January 1998.

Man Utd injury news – Out: L Yoro (foot), H Maguire (calf), K Mainoo (muscle), M Mount (knock), L Shaw (hamstring), T Malacia (knee). Doubt: A Diallo (undisclosed)

Leicester injury news – Out: J Stolarczyk (ankle), B De Cordova-Reid (achilles). Doubt: H Choudhury (shoulder)

Mail Sport prediction: Man Utd win

2pm: NOTTINGHAM FOREST v NEWCASTLE UNITED

City Ground. Referee: Anthony Taylor

TV & radio: LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and BBC 5 Live

Our expert’s view: A resurgent Newcastle on the back of home wins over Chelsea and Arsenal versus the league’s in-form team has all the makings of one of the games of the weekend. Throw in former Newcastle pair Chris Wood and Elliot Anderson – who have been excellent this season – and this is a fixture dripping with intrigue. Newcastle have won only once away this season and look like a different team on the road. Eddie Howe admits that has to change, and quick. CRAIG HOPE

Players to watch: Nottingham Forest – Elliot Anderson. He comes into this with Howe saying he never wanted to sell him and he’s good enough for England. Will the Geordie Maradona live up to the billing? 

Newcastle – Joelinton. The Brazilian has been moved to the left wing after a string of below-par displays in midfield and he looks transformed. When he plays well, so do Newcastle.

Key stat: Newcastle are unbeaten in their last six top-flight visits to the City Ground, dating back 37 years to May 1987.

Nottingham Forest injury news – Out: I Sangare (hamstring), Danilo (ankle)

Newcastle injury news – Out: C Wilson (fitness), K Trippier (hamstring), S Botman, J Lascelles (both knee)

Mail Sport prediction: Nottingham Forest win

2pm: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v IPSWICH TOWN

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Referee: Darren England

Radio: LIVE on BBC 5 Live

Our expert’s view: For all their mishaps on the road this season, Spurs have been a free-flowing delight to watch at home. Always adventurous. Always looking to thrill… and it will be fascinating to see how Ipswich cope as their campaign transforms from the excitement of promotion, fresh and overjoyed to be back in the elite, to one facing up to the reality of the long struggle ahead. Kieran McKenna started his coaching career at Spurs and is quietly viewed as a potential future boss for them, but this season is going to be a real test of his skills. MATT BARLOW

Players to watch: Tottenham – Dejan Kulusevski. Kulusevski is the man making Spurs tick this season. They are much more cohesive and attack with more fluency with him in the team. 

Ipswich – Liam Delap. Rory’s son has half of Ipswich’s 10 league goals this season and has been a constant threat.

Key stat: Spurs can make Premier League history… if they let Ipswich score first. Ange Postecoglou’s side have won their last three games having gone 1-0 down in each, and no team has come from 1-0 down to win four times in a row.

Tottenham injury news – Out: M Van de Ven, W Odobert, Richarlison (all hamstring). Doubt: C Romero (toe), M Moore (virus), T Werner (groin)

Ipswich injury news – Out: J Greaves (hamstring), A Tuanzebe (hand), C Ogbene (achilles), J Taylor (unknown), K Phillips (suspended), J Donacien (ankle)

Mail Sport prediction: Tottenham win

4.30pm: CHELSEA v ARSENAL

Stamford Bridge. Referee: Michael Oliver

TV & radio: LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and BBC 5 Live

Our expert’s view: This has been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal in recent years and one user on X pointed out that the Gunners have regularly ended losing runs with a victory over Chelsea since Mikel Arteta has been in charge. Martin Odegaard‘s potential return should help to continue that trend, as would Cole Palmer being out for the hosts, who stuck eight away in midweek and will probably use precisely none of that starting lineup here. You feel that whoever loses is probably already out of the title race, even at this early stage. GEORGE BOND

Players to watch: Chelsea – Nicolas Jackson. A year on from the hat-trick at Spurs that kickstarted his Chelsea career, Jackson has become a really dangerous Premier League striker. 

Arsenal – Kai Havertz. Still has a fair bit to prove to Chelsea fans and to those who claim he isn’t good enough to lead the line for a title-winning team.

Key stat: Chelsea have won just once in the last nine meetings (two draws, six defeats), a 2-0 win at the Emirates in 2021. They have not beaten Arsenal at home since the Gunners were managed by Unai Emery, a 3-2 victory in August 2018.

Chelsea injury news – Doubt: C Palmer (knee), J Sancho (illness)

Arsenal injury news – Out: T Tomiyasu, R Calafiori (both knee), K Tierney (thigh), R Sterling (parent club). Doubt: K Havertz, M Merino (both head), D Rice (foot).

Mail Sport prediction: Arsenal win