The Premier League's Matchweek 27 is upon us, and the starting line-ups are a hot topic of discussion among fans and pundits alike. But with injuries, suspensions, and form to consider, predicting the final XIs is no easy feat.
Crystal Palace's defensive woes: The Eagles are facing a defensive crisis ahead of their clash with Wolves. Maxence Lacroix's injury and Chadi Riad's cramp leave them short at the back, and with Jefferson Lerma still out, it's a real concern. Oliver Glasner might opt for Tyrick Mitchell or bring back Jaydee Canvot, but it's a tough call. And with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah still weeks away from a return, the attack is also looking thin.
See the full Crystal Palace team news: https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/first-team/glasner-on-lacroix-fitness-wolves-strengths-and-strand-larsen-sarr/
Wolves' injury concerns: Wolves have their own injury worries, with Angel Gomes' back spasm ruling him out of the midweek game. He's back in training, but will they risk him again? Toti Gomes could feature, but probably from the bench. The manager hinted at other players carrying minor injuries, so we might see some surprises in their lineup.
For more on Wolves' team news: https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/features/20260220-preview-crystal-palace-vs-wolves/
Nottingham Forest's European high: After a stunning Europa League victory over Fenerbahce, Nottingham Forest's new manager, Vitor Pereira, is likely to stick with the winning formula against Liverpool. Nicolas Dominguez and Lorenzo Lucca could be in contention for a starting spot, but will Pereira disrupt the momentum?
Liverpool's right-back dilemma: With Wataru Endo out long-term, Liverpool have a decision to make at right-back. Joe Gomez is available, but if he starts, where does Dominik Szoboszlai fit in? He's been a utility player recently, so his position is a real conundrum.
Check out Liverpool's injury updates: https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpools-injury-list-suspensions-and-availability
Sunderland's captain returns: Granit Xhaka is back in training and could feature against Fulham, which is a huge boost for Sunderland. Reinildo's absence means a reshuffle at left-back, with Trai Hume or Dennis Cirkin likely to step in. Nilson Angulo impressed in his first start, so he could retain his place.
Sunderland's team news: https://www.safc.com/news/2026/february/20/xhaka-available-as-le-bris-delivers-fulham-team-news-update/
Fulham's defensive options: Marco Silva has a selection headache at the back, with multiple players vying for three spots. Only Joachim Andersen seems a guaranteed starter. The left side is up for grabs with Samuel Chukwueze out, and Kevin and Oscar Bobb are in contention.
Read Silva's pre-match thoughts: https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/february/20/marco-s-sunderland-preview/
Spurs' new manager, old problems: Igor Tudor takes charge of Spurs, but he inherits the same injury woes. With a preferred 3-4-2-1 system, he's short on options. The inexperienced Souza or Archie Gray could feature at wing-back, and Yves Bissouma might be brought in to add some bite.
Spurs team news: https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2026/february/live-blog-tottenham-hotspur-vs-arsenal-premier-league/
Arsenal's attacking boost: Mikel Arteta is optimistic about Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz's availability, but will they start? The Arsenal boss also confirmed no new injuries from the Wolves draw, indicating a clean bill of health for Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal's injury updates: https://www.arsenal.com/news/artetas-update-havertz-odegaard-and-trossard
Everton's wing dilemma: Everton have a choice to make on the wing, with Tyrique George and Harrison Armstrong competing for a spot. Seamus Coleman's return is a boost, but Jack Grealish's long-term injury and Jake O'Brien's suspension are blows.
Everton team news: https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2026/february/20/everton-team-news-for-man-united-clash/
Man Utd's unchanged approach: Michael Carrick's side are on a roll, and with no new injuries, expect a similar lineup to their previous outing. Will their unbeaten streak continue?
Man Utd's team news: https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/team-news-for-everton-v-man-utd-on-23-february-2026
And there you have it! The predicted line-ups for Matchweek 27, with plenty of talking points. But here's where it gets controversial: who do you think will make the biggest impact? Are there any surprise inclusions or omissions you disagree with? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark some lively debate!
