Premier League teams are navigating a mix of injury doubts and returns ahead of gameweek 9 fixtures starting Friday. Notable concerns include Alexander Isak's groin issue for champions Liverpool and Gabriel's thigh problem for leaders Arsenal. Managers like Ruben Amorim report minor knocks for Manchester United players Harry Maguire and Mason Mount.
The gameweek begins Friday with Leeds hosting West Ham at 20:00 BST. Leeds have fitness doubts over Noah Okafor, Willy Gnonto, Ethan Ampadu, and Pascal Struijk, while West Ham's Dinos Mavropanos is out after a scan for an injury sustained against Brentford. Niclas Füllkrug and George Earthy remain sidelined for the Hammers, but Tomas Souček could reach 200 Premier League appearances.
Saturday's slate features Chelsea versus Sunderland at Stamford Bridge (15:00 BST), where Chelsea's Malo Gusto is suspended following a red card, and no fresh injuries are reported beyond ongoing absences like Liam Delap (hamstring) and Cole Palmer (groin). Sunderland's Omar Alderete misses out due to concussion, with Reinildo available after a ban.
Newcastle face Fulham at St James' Park (15:00 BST), with Sandro Tonali doubtful due to illness per Eddie Howe. Fulham's Joachim Andersen is out with a muscle issue, though Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney are back. Manchester United host Brighton at Old Trafford (17:30 BST), where Maguire and Mount are doubts with minor knocks, as Amorim stated: "Knocks but nothing serious." Brighton's Brajan Gruda, Kaoru Mitoma, and Joel Veltman are potential returns.
Brentford welcome Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium (20:00 BST). Liverpool have doubts over Isak (groin discomfort) and Ryan Gravenberch (ankle), with Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong, and others out. Brentford's Aaron Hickey remains sidelined, but Paris Maghoma and Gustavo Nunes could feature.
Sunday highlights include Arsenal versus Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium (14:00 BST), with Gabriel doubtful after a thigh issue and Martin Odegaard sidelined until after November. Aston Villa host Manchester City at Villa Park (14:00 BST), hoping Lucas Digne recovers from an ankle cut; City's Nico Gonzalez is assessed for a foot problem. Other matches: Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest, Wolves v Burnley, and Everton v Tottenham, with Tottenham missing nine players including Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke.
Key Fantasy Premier League notes highlight performers like Cody Gakpo (17 chances created for Liverpool) and Erling Haaland (33 shots in the box for City).