Predicted Line-ups for Chelsea and Other Premier League Clubs in Matchweek 2

This weekend's Premier League action promises intriguing match-ups as clubs finalize their starting XI for Matchweek 2, including key players returning from injury and new signings aiming to make an impact.
Matchweek 2 of the Premier League is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as teams prepare to field their strongest line-ups. The stakes are high, with clubs eager to secure vital points early in the season. Let’s dive into the predicted line-ups for each match and highlight the crucial changes as teams look to capitalize on their strengths.
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City
Crystal Palace will be without Ismaila Sarr and Chadi Riad for their match against Manchester City. Manager Pierre Sage confirmed Sarr is suffering from a groin issue, while Riad's absence follows a substitution due to injury. This situation opens the door for Axel Disasi, who recently joined on loan from Chelsea, to potentially start. Anan Khalaili, another summer recruit, may also make his full debut at right wing-back.
On the other hand, Manchester City’s fears regarding Elliot Anderson’s fitness have been eased, with manager Enzo Maresca stating that Anderson's earlier substitution was due to cramp. However, Jeremy Doku will miss out with a calf injury, and Matheus Nunes is still not fully fit. New signing Ayyoub Bouaddi could be included in the squad, although his immediate inclusion in the starting XI remains uncertain.
Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest
Liverpool heads into their match against Nottingham Forest with no new injury concerns following a draw with Newcastle. This suggests they are likely to remain unchanged. Jeremy Jacquet was substituted last week due to fatigue, but head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed his availability. Injuries remain for Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Joe Gomez, while Federico Chiesa is sidelined with a minor muscle injury.
Nottingham Forest welcomes new signing Liam Delap, although he will need time to acclimatize after transferring from Chelsea. Ibrahim Sangare is ruled out, providing an opportunity for Ryan Yates, who is back from injury, to start in midfield. Morgan Gibbs-White will be available after missing the EFL Cup, while Ousmane Diomande is hoping to replace Jair Cunha in defense.
Bournemouth vs. Everton
Bournemouth emerged from their last match against Manchester City unscathed, but head coach Marco Rose has several players unavailable including Amine Adli, Junior Kroupi, Veljko Milosavljevic, and Julian Araujo. Ryan Christie returns from suspension and will compete for a midfield spot alongside Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams.
Everton’s Hayden Hackney is a doubt, with manager David Moyes stating it will be a close call for his availability. James Garner may start in Hackney's absence, and Brennan Johnson, fresh off a goal, could be pushing for a starting spot.
Coventry vs. Hull
Coventry's Taiwo Awoniyi is vying for a starting role after a strong performance on his debut. Jack Rudoni and Mason Ephron-Clark also contributed to the scoring in midweek. Ethan Pinnock is fit after joining from Brentford, while Haji Wright’s muscle injury could keep him sidelined until November. Head coach Frank Lampard noted that Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Luke Woolfenden are also out for several weeks.
Hull City is likely to field an unchanged side following their victory against Manchester United, with head coach Sergej Jakirovic downplaying injury concerns for several key players. Joe Gelhardt remains unavailable due to an ankle injury but is hoping to return soon.
Tottenham vs. Newcastle
Tottenham's Roberto De Zerbi has a wealth of options after recent signings, including Savio and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City. Savio is anticipated to start following a goalscoring debut in the EFL Cup. Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro may also return to the starting line-up. However, they will miss James Maddison due to a shoulder fracture, while Mohammed Kudus might be an option from the bench.
Newcastle could see Nico Gonzalez make his debut against Spurs after a successful first training session. Manager Matthias Jaissle expressed optimism about Gonzalez's readiness, although William Osula’s injury keeps him out. Bazoumana Toure is likely to start after a precautionary substitution in the previous match, while Dan Burn, Joelinton, and Tino Livramento are still sidelined.
Chelsea vs. Brighton
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces a decision in goal, potentially opting for Mike Penders after his EFL Cup start. Alonso's side has been competitive, and several players are pushing for a starting role, including Wesley Fofana, back from suspension, and Pedro Neto. Moises Caicedo might be available, though Enzo Fernandez was absent from midweek fixtures.
Brighton, having recently completed UEFA Conference League duties, may be without Ferdi Kadioglu, who missed last week’s game. Manager Fabian Hurzeler has numerous left-back options to choose from, but Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh are out, and Georginio Rutter’s availability remains uncertain.
Leeds vs. Brentford
Leeds has welcomed back several players to training, but changes to their winning side from the previous week are unlikely. New signings Noah Okafor and Nico Elvedi may provide depth but are not expected to start. Brentford’s manager Keith Andrews is weighing the option of giving a debut to El Hadji Malick Diouf, although he may stick with the squad that performed well last week, keeping Jaidon Anthony on the bench despite his impressive EFL Cup performance.
Sunderland vs. Fulham
Sunderland's new signing Dayann Methalie is suspended due to yellow card accumulation from his previous club, but Jules Ahoka is available for selection. Chris Rigg and Chemsdine Talbi are options on the wings, while Simon Adingra is out.
Fulham is set to benefit from Joachim Anderson's return from suspension, with few changes expected from their last match. Most of the squad rested during the EFL Cup, so continuity is likely as they look to build on their previous performance.
Manchester United vs. Ipswich
Manchester United is facing some injury challenges, with Amad and new signing Carlos Baleba both out. However, Mason Mount is back in contention as they seek redemption after a defeat against Hull City. Defensive changes could see Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro returning to the fold.
Ipswich, fresh off their return to the Premier League with a win, might stick with an unchanged side unless tactical adjustments are needed. Manager Gary O’Neil is hopeful Florentino Luis and Exequiel Palacios will be fit enough to contribute, but both may start on the bench.
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
Aston Villa is undergoing changes, with Ollie Watkins departing and Nicolas Jackson potentially making his debut if his transfer is finalized. Leon Goretzka and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are ready to play, while Joao Gomes is suspended.
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Ezri Konsa is available for selection and could make his debut against his former club. Bruno Guimaraes remains a question mark due to injury, while Jurrien Timber and William Saliba continue their recovery.
As Matchweek 2 approaches, fans can expect an exciting display of talent and strategy as teams position themselves for the season ahead. Each line-up will be crucial as clubs aim to establish momentum in the Premier League.
- Premierleague — Second tier source
- Premierleague — Second tier source