Story byOlakunle AfolabiTue, December 2, 2025 at 10:04 AM UTC·5 min readAn intense round of Premier League action awaits as title contenders, top-four hopefuls, and relegation battlers all face pivotal mid-season tests. Manchester City travel to Craven Cottage looking to extend their momentum, while Arsenal aim to bounce back at home against a confident Brentford side. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNewcastle and Spurs meet in a crucial clash between teams desperate to rebuild consistency, and Aston Villa look to continue their impressive surge when they face an in-form Brighton. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United each confront tricky fixtures against sides that have shown flashes of dangerous form in recent weeks. With injuries, suspensions, and shifting narratives across the table, this matchweek promises drama and potentially major movement in the standings. Bournemouth v EvertonBournemouth will be without Lewis Cook and Marcos Senesi for this showdown due to suspensions. Cook picked up a red card against Sunderland last week, while Senesi received his fifth yellow card of the season. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cherries lost that match 3–2 despite going two goals up in the first half. Everton, meanwhile, found themselves on the wrong end of a 4–1 scoreline against Newcastle last weekend. The Toffees remain without Seamus Coleman due to a hamstring issue and Idrissa Gana Gueye due to suspension. Fulham v Man CityFulham secured an impressive 2–1 away victory against Spurs last week to claim back-to-back wins. The Cottagers now face an even bigger challenge as they host Manchester City at Craven Cottage. Harry Wilson is a doubt after picking up a knock following his goal against Spurs. Manchester City secured a last-minute 3–2 victory thanks to a Foden double and a Gvardiol strike. Newcastle v SpursNewcastle earned just their second away win of the season by dismantling Everton 4–1 at Goodison Park on Saturday. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was the Magpies’ third win in five games, bringing them closer to the upper half of the table. Emil Krafth is a doubt, while Sven Botman and Nick Pope are ruled out. Spurs suffered a third consecutive defeat last week against Fulham, dropping out of the top ten. There is some good news for Spurs, however, with Cristian Romero expected to return after missing the Fulham match through suspension. Arsenal v BrentfordArsenal will be eager to return to winning ways in front of their home fans after being held to a draw against ten-man Chelsea despite having over 50 minutes with the numerical advantage. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKai Havertz and Leandro Trossard are doubts and are being monitored ahead of the clash. Brentford secured a third win in five games by beating Burnley on Saturday, with an Igor Thiago double and a late Dango Ouattara goal sealing a 3–1 victory. Reiss Nelson will not feature for the Bees due to being unable to face his parent club. Brighton v Aston VillaBrighton secured a huge away win against Nottingham Forest last week to move into the top five. The Seagulls have won three and drawn one of their last five, putting them in a strong position ahead of their trip to Villa Park.