Hive FPL - Gameweek 24 Preview

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Greetings

In a league known for its consistently thrilling game weeks, another exciting round has unfolded. With each passing week, the overall picture becomes clearer. Now, let's delve into the takeaways from Gameweek 10 in the English Premier League.

So, without further ado, let's get into the decisions to make ahead of Gameweek 23.

Manchester City vs Everton

Manchester City had no absent players for their recent win against Brentford and are expected to have a full squad available. Everton's Amadou Onana is back in training after a knee injury, while Abdoulaye Doucoure is still recovering from a hamstring issue. Arnaut Danjuma, Andre Gomes, and Dele Alli are sidelined. Sean Dyche, managing his 300th Premier League game, serves a touchline ban.

In head-to-head stats, Manchester City is unbeaten against Everton in 13 Premier League matches. City hasn't lost at home in 21 league fixtures. They have a good record against relegation zone teams and have shown resilience, gaining points from losing positions. However, they've struggled with clean sheets lately. Phil Foden has been in good form for City.

Everton is winless in six league games but has drawn the last three. They have scored a significant portion of their goals from set-pieces. Sean Dyche has a poor record against Manchester City. Dominic Calvert-Lewin hasn't scored in his last 17 appearances.

Fulham vs Bournmouth

Fulham will be missing Raul Jimenez, Issa Diop, and Kenny Tete due to injury, while Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Harry Wilson and Adama Traore are back from injury. Armando Broja is available for his home debut. Bournemouth's Philip Billing starts a three-game ban, but Enes Unal might make his debut. Tyler Adams, James Hill, Ryan Fredericks, and Max Aarons remain sidelined.

In head-to-head stats, Fulham has struggled against Bournemouth recently, with only one win in the past 13 meetings. Fulham has had scoring issues this season but has been strong when they do score. Manager Marco Silva has a good record against Bournemouth. Bournemouth is winless in four games but has been consistent in scoring away from home. They've conceded goals from set-pieces and have a tendency to score early. Dominic Solanke has been in good form for Bournemouth, especially against Fulham.

Liverpool vs Burnley

Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah due to a thigh injury, and Kostas Tsimikas and Dominik Szoboszlai are doubtful. Wataru Endo returns from the Asian Cup, but Ibrahima Konate is suspended and Conor Bradley is unavailable. Burnley may see the return of defenders Hannes Delcroix and Charlie Taylor, but Jordan Beyer is likely to remain sidelined, along with long-term absentees Nathan Redmond and Luca Koleosho.

In head-to-head matchups, Liverpool has dominated recent encounters, winning eight of the last ten Premier League meetings. Burnley's last victory at Anfield was in January 2021, ending Liverpool's long unbeaten home run. Liverpool's loss to Arsenal broke their 15-match unbeaten streak but they remain strong at home. Burnley has struggled lately, with just one win in their last eight away league games. Vincent Kompany, Burnley's manager, has a history of struggles at Anfield during his time at Manchester City. David Datro Fofana was the first Burnley player to score more than once in a league game this season.

Luton Town vs Sheffield United

Luton Town might be without defender Teden Mengi due to an ankle injury, and Mads Andersen is still recovering. New signing Daiki Hashioka isn't ready, while Sheffield United's Ivo Grbic is out due to concussion protocols. Rhian Brewster returns from suspension, and Oli McBurnie could recover from a calf issue.

In their head-to-head history, Luton has been unbeaten in their last four home league games against Sheffield United. Luton aims to equal a club record of scoring in 11 consecutive top-flight matches and become the first promoted team since 1977 to score four goals in three consecutive top-flight games. Sheffield United struggles away from home, yet to win after 11 Premier League away games. They've conceded a high number of goals and have a poor record conceding early in games. Chris Wilder has lost his previous three meetings against teams managed by Rob Edwards.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton

Tottenham welcomes Son Heung-min and Yves Bissouma back from international duty, while Giovani Lo Celso returns from a thigh injury. Brighton may have Kaoru Mitoma available, but Simon Adingra is unavailable due to the Africa Cup of Nations final. Julio Enciso, Solly March, James Milner, and Joel Veltman remain sidelined.

In head-to-head matchups, Tottenham has dominated at home against Brighton, winning six of their past seven encounters. Brighton seeks back-to-back wins against Spurs for the first time. Tottenham suffered a 4-2 defeat at the Amex Stadium in December, the first time they conceded four or more goals against Brighton.

Tottenham has been in good form, losing just one of their past eight league games and boasting the longest current run of scoring in 35 consecutive Premier League matches. However, they have struggled to hold onto leads, dropping 18 points from winning positions this season. Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski have been key players for Tottenham.

On the other hand, Brighton has struggled away from home, with just one win in their last nine Premier League away games. Despite this, they have seen contributions from teenagers, with 11 Premier League goals scored by teenagers this season. Joao Pedro has been in excellent form, scoring eight goals in his last seven appearances and totaling 19 goals in all competitions this season.

Wolves vs Brentford

Wolves have Boubacar Traore and Hwang Hee-chan available for the first time in 2024 after returning from international duty, giving head coach Gary O'Neil a fully-fit squad. Brentford's Saman Ghoddos is back from the Asian Cup, but Josh Dasilva is ruled out with knee ligament damage. Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa are still at the Africa Cup of Nations.

In their head-to-head matchups, Wolves and Brentford have faced each other frequently recently. Wolves won 4-1 in the reverse Premier League fixture and 3-2 after extra time in an FA Cup replay. Brentford's only victory in the past 11 meetings was in September 2021.

Wolves have been in good form, sitting 10th in the table and scoring in each of their last 18 Premier League home fixtures. They have a strong home record but have yet to score from outside the penalty area this season. Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto have been influential for Wolves.

On the other hand, Brentford has struggled despite leading in many matches, dropping points consistently. They have lost seven of their past eight Premier League fixtures and are looking to avoid six consecutive away defeats. Neal Maupay has been in good form, scoring in all five appearances in 2024.

Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United

Nottingham Forest will be without Gonzalo Montiel due to a hamstring injury sustained against Bristol City. Morgan Gibbs-White will be assessed for discomfort from the same game, while Chris Wood remains injured. Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak are out for Newcastle United, but Callum Wilson is set to return. Bruno Guimaraes is close to a suspension due to bookings.

In head-to-head matchups, Nottingham Forest secured their first Premier League win against Newcastle in Boxing Day's reverse fixture and could achieve a league double over them for the first time since 1977-78. Newcastle has been unbeaten in seven top-flight visits to the City Ground since May 1987.

Forest has struggled recently, winning only two of their past 12 league matches and losing five of their last six home fixtures. They have conceded the most goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season. Newcastle aims to win four consecutive away matches for the first time since 2016 and has been involved in high-scoring games this season. Callum Wilson looks to end a goal drought, while Kieran Trippier seeks to reach 10 assists in a season for Newcastle.

West Ham United vs Arsenal

West Ham's Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio remain out, while goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is expected to be available after a collision last weekend. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is confident of being fit despite hobbling off in the previous match. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus are nursing injuries and will be assessed.

In head-to-head matchups, West Ham has already beaten Arsenal twice this season and aims for a league double for the first time since 2006-07. Arsenal has lost just one of their past 15 Premier League away games against West Ham.

West Ham recently ended an unbeaten league run but remains strong at home, having not lost since October. They aim to secure their first win of 2024. Arsenal seeks to begin the year with four straight league wins for the first time since 1935. While they've been solid defensively away from home, they've struggled in London derbies recently. Leandro Trossard has been influential for Arsenal, averaging a goal or assist every 99 minutes in the Premier League.

Aston Villa vs Manchester United

Aston Villa's Pau Torres is set to start after being an unused substitute, while Lucas Digne could return from a hamstring injury. However, Ezri Konsa is out with a sprained knee. Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez faces an eight-week absence due to knee ligament damage, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka suffered a setback in training. Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, and Anthony Martial remain sidelined.

In head-to-head matchups, Manchester United seeks a fourth consecutive victory over Aston Villa. Villa won this fixture last season, ending a long winless run against United at home.

Aston Villa has been strong at home, winning nine of their 11 matches and scoring in every game at Villa Park. However, they've lost successive home fixtures for the first time in a year. Ollie Watkins has been in impressive form, becoming the first player in Europe's top five leagues this season to reach double figures in both goals and assists.

Manchester United aims for a fourth consecutive win in all competitions, having scored 11 goals in their last three victories. They've struggled away from home recently but remain unbeaten in their last 24 Premier League matches in February. Rasmus Hojlund has been a key contributor for United, scoring in five of their last six games. Bruno Fernandes has a strong record against Aston Villa, scoring in all three of his visits to Villa Park and totaling seven goals in this fixture home and away.

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

Crystal Palace faced a tough defeat against rivals Brighton, increasing pressure on manager Roy Hodgson, who faces uncertainty. They'll miss key players like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze due to injuries. Chelsea, after a convincing win over Aston Villa, seeks defensive improvement following recent struggles, especially against Liverpool and Wolves. Chelsea faces doubts over the availability of Benoit Badiashile. The predicted lineups suggest Crystal Palace may struggle without key attackers, while Chelsea aims for defensive stability.