Aston Villa take on Chelsea in a crucial Premier League clash, while Liverpool and Manchester United grapple with key injuries to their star players.
ASTON Villa face a stern test at Chelsea on Saturday as they continue their unlikely charge in the Premier League title race.
Unai Emery’s side sit third, just three points behind leaders Arsenal, after a club-record 10th consecutive win in all competitions against Manchester United.
England midfielder Morgan Rogers has been instrumental, with 11 goal involvements in his past 15 appearances after a slow start.
Despite their form, analysts Opta give Villa only a 5% chance of winning their first English title since 1981.
Their credentials face a severe examination with matches against Chelsea and Arsenal in quick succession.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is confronting a striker crisis ahead of his side’s match against Wolverhampton.
Top scorer Alexander Isak is out for at least two months with a fractured leg, while Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Summer signing Hugo Ekitike, with eight league goals, will shoulder increased responsibility in their absence.
Manchester United will also be without their captain and creative fulcrum Bruno Fernandes against Newcastle.
The Portuguese midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in the defeat at Villa Park and has been ruled out of Friday’s match.
Manager Ruben Amorim described Fernandes as “impossible to replace” and called on his squad to step up.
Defender Diogo Dalot acknowledged the significance of the loss, stating, “It’s massive.”
Fernandes has contributed five goals and seven assists for an inconsistent United side this season.
United are also without top scorer Bryan Mbeumo, who is on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon.
In other key fixtures, leaders Arsenal host Brighton while second-placed Manchester City travel to Nottingham Forest.
