Welcome to your essential guide for Premier League Matchweek 35. As the 2025/26 season approaches its climax, every point is crucial. This weekend features massive clashes, including a North West derby between Manchester United and Liverpool and a capital city showdown with Arsenal hosting Fulham. Teams are battling injuries, European commitments, and intense pressure. Consequently, predicting the starting XIs is more challenging than ever.
Saturday’s Key Clashes
Arsenal vs. Fulham
17:30 BST
Arsenal will be looking to maintain their title charge at home. After rotating their squad for the Champions League, Mikel Arteta is expected to bring back his key stars. Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze should return to provide their attacking spark. However, the Gunners are still without the services of Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
Arsenal XI
Raya; Mosquera,
Saliba,
Gabriel,
Calafiori;
Ødegaard,
Zubimendi,
Rice;
Saka,
Gyökeres,
Eze.
Fulham XI
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukić; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jiménez.
Newcastle vs. Brighton
15:00 BST
Newcastle face a tough test against Brighton at St. James’ Park. The Magpies are sweating on the fitness of winger Anthony Gordon, who is a late doubt for the match. This could open the door for Jacob Murphy to start.
Newcastle Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Pope; Miley, Botman, Thiaw, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Murphy, Osula, Ramsey.
Brighton Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Verbruggen; Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk, Estupiñán; Wieffer, Baleba; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Sunday’s Marquee Match-ups
The North West Derby: Predicted Line-ups
Man Utd vs. Liverpool
15:30 BST
This historic rivalry sees both teams dealing with significant player absences. Liverpool will be without the influential Mohamed Salah, a major blow to their attack. Furthermore, goalkeeper Alisson is a major doubt, meaning Freddie Woodman is likely to start.
Man Utd (4-2-3-1)
- Lammens
- Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw
- Casemiro, Mainoo
- Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha
- Šeško
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
- Woodman
- Jones, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Szoboszlai, Mac Allister
- Gravenberch, Wirtz, Gakpo
- Isak
Aston Villa vs. Tottenham
European ambitions are on the line in this fixture. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is expected to rotate his squad heavily. This is because Villa has a crucial Europa League semi-final second leg on the horizon.
Aston Villa XI
Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Tielemans, Bogarde; Bailey, Rogers, Sancho; Watkins.
Tottenham XI
Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Maddison; Richarlison.
Monday Night Football
Chelsea vs. Nott’m Forest
Chelsea welcome back Cole Palmer to the starting XI.
Chelsea Predicted XI
Sánchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; João Pedro.
Everton vs. Man City
Pep Guardiola is set to recall Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.
Man City Predicted XI
Donnarumma; Khusanov, Guéhi, O’Reilly; Bernardo Silva, Gonzalez, Kovacic, Cherki; Doku, Haaland, Savinho.
Conclusion
Matchweek 35 is set to be a thrilling round of Premier League action. Key player returns for Arsenal, and Manchester City could prove decisive in the title race, while Liverpool’s ability to cope without Salah will be severely tested. With so much at stake at both ends of the table, expect drama, intensity, and potentially season-defining results.
