
The Premier League is resuming with critical matches that impact both the title race and relegation battles. Teams are either gaining players back or facing ongoing injuries as they prepare for the weekend's fixtures.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 4: Mohammed Kudus of Tottenham Hotspur warms up before during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 4, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another exciting round of Premier League fixtures is set to unfold after a very long break, with crucial battles shaping both the title race and the fight for survival.
Several teams head into the weekend boosted by returning players, while others continue to struggle with key absences.
At the top end of the table, the race for Champions League qualification remains fiercely contested, with little margin for error.
Meanwhile, the relegation battle continues to intensify, with multiple clubs fighting to avoid the drop. With high stakes across the board, fans can expect a weekend filled with drama, intensity, and defining moments.
West Ham United have received a major boost ahead of this clash, with Konstantinos Mavropanos, Alphonse Areola, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all declared fit. Jean-Clair Todibo, Callum Wilson, and Crysencio Summerville are also pushing for returns and could feature if they pass late fitness checks.
Wolverhampton Wanderers will be without Enso González and Sam Johnstone, while Matt Doherty remains a doubt for this encounter.
Prediction: 2-1
Arsenal could be boosted by the return of Eberechi Eze, who has resumed training after missing recent matches. However, Martin Ødegaard is a major doubt after picking up a knock in midweek, while Bukayo Saka and Jurriën Timber are also being assessed.
Bournemouth have a concern of their own, with Eli Kroupi a doubt and set to undergo a late fitness test.
Prediction: 2-1
Brentford are set to welcome back Mikkel Damsgaard, who has returned to training. However, they remain without several players including Fábio Carvalho, Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, and Vitaly Janelt.
Everton will have Tyrique George available again after he missed the Chelsea clash due to eligibility rules. Iliman Ndiaye is a doubt due to a foot injury and will face a late fitness test.
Prediction: 1–1
Burnley will be without Josh Laurent due to suspension as they look to end a five-game winless streak. Axel Tuanzebe is also a doubt after a late return from international duty.
Brighton & Hove Albion have no fresh injury concerns, but captain Lewis Dunk will miss out due to suspension after accumulating 10 yellow cards.
Prediction: 2-3
Liverpool come into this fixture amid major off-field news, with both Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah reportedly set to leave at the end of the season. On the pitch, however, the Reds have no new injury concerns.
Fulham have been boosted by the return of Calvin Bassey, who is now fully fit after recovering from a back injury.
Prediction: 1-2
Crystal Palace could see Cheick Doucouré return to action after a long spell out, although his availability remains uncertain.
Newcastle United have been boosted by the return of Sandro Tonali, while Bruno Guimarães, Fabian Schär, and Lewis Miley continue to be monitored.
Prediction: 0-2
Nottingham Forest head into this clash in decent form, unbeaten in their last three matches. However, Jair Cunha is a major doubt.
Aston Villa have minimal injury concerns, with Boubacar Kamara ruled out and Jadon Sancho a doubt.
Prediction: 1-1
Sunderland will be without several players, including Jocelyn Ta Bi, Romaine Mundle, Bertrand Traoré, and Nilson Angulo. Robin Roefs and Daniel Ballard are doubtful.
Tottenham Hotspur are enduring a difficult run, having lost five of their last six league matches. However, they could be boosted by the possible returns of Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Ben Davies.
Prediction: 1-1
Chelsea host Manchester City in the standout fixture of the weekend. Chelsea will be without Enzo Fernández due to disciplinary reasons, while Benoît Badiashile is a doubt.
Manchester City come into the game in strong form, although Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias are both being monitored ahead of kickoff.
Prediction: 1-3
Manchester United will look to continue their strong run of form as they push for a top-four finish. Harry Maguire is suspended, while Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško are doubts.
Leeds United have a few injury concerns of their own, with Noah Okafor, Jaka Bijol, and Gabriel Gudmundsson all being assessed. With Leeds just four points above the relegation zone, this is a crucial encounter in their fight for survival.
Prediction: 2-2
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Several teams are boosted by returning players, although specific names and teams were not detailed.
The matches are crucial for both the title race and the fight against relegation, with Champions League qualification also on the line.
The article mentions a very long break before the Premier League fixtures resumed, although the exact duration is not specified.
Teams struggling with key absences due to injuries may face challenges in their performance and standings in the league.




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