Premier League team news May 24th

Gerrard makes 710th and final Reds appearance

Injuries & Suspensions

Barclays Premier League

 

Sunday May 24th – all games kick off at 15:00

 

 

 

Arsenal v WBA

Danny Welbeck will again have to sit out an Arsenal game as the striker is still suffering with a knee injury. Mathieu Debuchy and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss out this Sunday but should be passed fit for the FA Cup Final, while an ankle problem is still causing serious problems for skipper Mikel Arteta.

West Brom have nothing to play for as their season draws to a close having eased out relegation trouble since the New Year. The Baggies have no fresh injury concerns with keeper Ben Foster (cruciate knee ligament) being the only major absentee.

 

 

Aston Villa v Burnley

Aston Villa will be at virtual full strength for the visit of Burnley despite having one eye on the FA Cup Final the following Saturday. Manager Tim Sherwood has hinted he won’t be resting anyone as the big game approaches. Nathan Baker and Ciaran Clark are still nursing a knee injuries while Kieran Richardson is a definite absentee with a calf problem.

Steven Reid announced his retirement from football this week and he’ll feature in some capacity for Burnley on Sunday. The Clarets’ long-term casualties remain Dean Marney and Kevin Long, otherwise they’ll travel with a full squad.

 

 

 

Chelsea v Sunderland

Emergency wisdom teeth surgery could mean Eden Hazard misses his first Premier League match of the season for Chelsea. Cesc Fabregas is a definite absentee after receiving a ban for a sending off last weekend but Diego Costa is being tipped to start despite carrying a minor hamstring problem. However, definitely missing out will be Kurt Zouma (knee), Ramires (kidney) and Oscar (thigh).

Sunderland will travel to London without keeper Costel Pantilimon (knee), while Danny Graham may also not be risked due to an ankle injury. Sebastien Larsson has been passed fit after sustaining a minor knock midweek but certain no to make the trip are Wes Brown, Liam Bridcutt and Jordi Gomez.

 

 

 

Crystal Palace v Swansea

Crystal Palace host Swansea with a full fit squad to choose from as their terrific season draws to a close in front of their own fans.

Swansea travel to Selhurst Park without Ki Sung-yeung, who underwent minor knee surgery this week. He’ll be back for next season. Meanwhile, some regular first teamers may be rested allowing the likes of Leon Britton, Jay Fulton and Modou Barrow some game time.

 

 

 

Everton v Tottenham

Sylvain Distin has been out of the Everton squad since January but if he’s recovered sufficiently by Sunday he’ll get a run out to bid the Goodison faithful farewell – he’s out of contract in the summer. Aaron Lennon is ineligible to face his parent club and will watch from the stands alongside crocked sextet Antolin Alcaraz, Leighton Baines, Tony Hibbert, Steven Pienaar, Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson.

Emmanuel Adebayor has returned to Togo for compassionate reasons while Spurs keeper Michel Vorm is struggling to recover from an illness. Vlad Chiriches is suspended while long-term casualties remain Kyle Walker and Ben Davies.

 

 

 

Hull v Manchester United

Hull absolutely must get all three points against Manchester United on Sunday and they will be aiming to name an unchanged side with Nikica Jelavic expected to lead the line. Jake Livermore is missing through a club suspension while Gaston Ramirez and Mohamed Diame remain absent.

Manchester United may be able to pick David de Gea in goal if he passes a fitness test on Saturday. Wayne Rooney returns to the fray following leg surgery but definitely ruled out are Rafael (rib), Michael Carrick (calf) and Luke Shaw (concussion).

 

 

 

Leicester v QPR

Leicester’s Danny Simpson was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and will not feature on Sunday. Matty James is out until at least Christmas with cruciate knee ligament damage, while David Nugent is out with a calf injury.

After being injured in QPR’s match last weekend, both Rob Green (concussion) and Steven Caulker (hand) will miss out on the final game of the season. QPR boss Chris Ramsey was given a permanent contract as head coach at the club this week and may make some changes as he looks to next season.

 

 

 

Manchester City v Southampton

Fernando again misses out for Manchester City with an unspecified minor injury. Samir Nasri is City’s only other major absentee due to a groin strain.

After trouncing Aston Villa last weekend, expect Southampton to remain unchanged. Jay Rodriguez is back in training but will not feature, while Saints absentees are Morgan Schneiderlin and Dusan Tadic.

 

 

 

Newcastle v West Ham

Mike Williamson returns to the Newcastle line up after a two-match suspension. Siem de Jong is back in training following a thigh problem, and he could be included in the matchday squad. Papiss Cisse and Rolando Aarons are available for selection and may earn substitute berths, while Rob Elliot (thigh), Steven Taylor (calf/shin), Massadio Haidara (knee), Cheick Tiote (also knee) remain on the sidelines.

A calf strain will keep West Ham’s James Collins on the sidelines for the final game of the season, and he will also miss out on Wales Euro qualifier next month against Belgium. However, James Tomkins returns to the squad after a dislocated shoulder.

 

 

 

Stoke v Liverpool

Stoke, who have nothing to play for, will have Asmir Begovic back in goal for the visit of Liverpool. Stephen Ireland will have a physio assess his stiff back while former Reds forward Victor Moses has shrugged off a hamstring injury and is fit to feature.

Despite being in the headlines all week regarding an Anfield departure, Raheem Sterling is available for selection this Sunday. Steven Gerrard will make his final appearance for Liverpool before moving to America while Mario Balotelli is still ill and will not be risked.