The Premier League is set for another action-packed weekend as the latest gameweek begins on Friday, March 20, 2026, with Bournemouth welcoming Manchester United to the Vitality Stadium at 20:00 GMT. With every club fighting for crucial points as the season enters its decisive stages, managers are juggling injury concerns, tactical tweaks, and Fantasy Premier League (FPL) implications. Here’s a comprehensive round-up of the key team news, injury updates, and FPL talking points ahead of the fixtures.
Bournemouth’s head coach Andoni Iraola delivered a sigh of relief to Cherries fans, confirming there are no fresh injury worries ahead of their clash with Manchester United. However, the game comes too soon for Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook, while Justin Kluivert and Julio Soler remain unavailable. The south coast side will be hoping their defensive stalwart James Hill, who has racked up more FPL points than all but four defenders in the past six gameweeks, can continue his rich vein of form. Marcus Tavernier, Bournemouth’s creative spark, leads the club in chances created (35) and sits second for shots attempted (56) this season, making him one to watch for both fans and FPL managers.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are boosted by the return of Mason Mount from injury, though the midfielder is unlikely to start on Friday night. Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt due to illness, and Lisandro Martinez is not expected back until after the international break. United will be counting on Bruno Fernandes, who’s been in scintillating form since Ruben Amorim’s departure, producing 11 attacking returns in just 10 matches and notching five double-digit FPL hauls during that period.
Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off sees Brighton & Hove Albion host Liverpool at the Amex Stadium. Karou Mitoma is back in contention for Brighton after recovering from an ankle injury, but Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster remain long-term absentees. For Liverpool, there’s bad news as Mohamed Salah is sidelined after picking up an injury against Galatasaray in midweek. Head coach Arne Slot remains optimistic about Salah’s recovery timeline, but the Egyptian is definitely out for this game. Joe Gomez is also nursing a fitness issue and, according to Slot, "won’t be fit enough to start." The Reds will look to Dominik Szoboszlai, who sits just one free-kick goal shy of the Premier League single-season record after netting his fourth of the campaign. Virgil van Dijk has been a defensive rock, leading all defenders in FPL points over the last four away matches, while Jan Paul van Hecke has quietly become a top FPL asset for Brighton.
Fulham face Burnley at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon. Fulham are monitoring Emile Smith Rowe’s fitness after he missed last weekend’s draw but has since returned to training. Kenny Tete is also a doubt, while Kevin remains sidelined. Burnley, who have managed just one win in their last 21 league outings, are without Amdouni, Beyer, Broja, Cullen, Roberts, and Tuanzebe. Jaidon Anthony has been a rare bright spot for the Clarets, delivering three attacking returns and 27 FPL points in the last five gameweeks. Fulham’s Harry Wilson, with nine Premier League goals this season, is only bettered by one FPL midfielder, and Joachim Andersen’s defensive contributions have been vital for the Cottagers.
Everton host Chelsea in Saturday’s late game at Goodison Park. The Toffees are hoping to have James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite back after both missed the defeat to Arsenal. Tyrique George, on loan from Chelsea, is ineligible to feature against his parent club. Chelsea are facing a defensive crisis with Trevoh Chalobah ruled out for six weeks following an ankle injury sustained against Paris St-Germain, while Reece James and Filip Jorgensen are also unavailable. Malo Gusto, who missed the midweek defeat through illness, will be assessed. Cole Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea since Liam Rosenior’s arrival, scoring six goals and providing an assist in eight matches, while Joao Pedro leads all players in attacking returns over the last four away fixtures.
Saturday’s late kick-off features Leeds United against Brentford at Elland Road. Leeds are without left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson due to suspension, but manager Daniel Farke otherwise has a fully fit squad thanks to Noah Okafor’s return. Brentford are still missing a host of key players, including Carvalho, Dasilva, Henry, Hickey, Janelt, and Milambo. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has played a pivotal role for Leeds, being involved in 39% of their goals when on the pitch, while Anton Stach leads all midfielders in crosses over the last six home games. Brentford’s Igor Thiago is hot on the heels of Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot, having netted his 19th league goal last weekend.
Sunday’s action begins with a North East derby as Newcastle United take on Sunderland at St James’ Park. Newcastle are sweating on the fitness of Sandro Tonali after he was forced off against Barcelona, but head coach Eddie Howe is hopeful the injury is not as bad as first feared. Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, and Fabian Schar remain out but could return after the international break. Sunderland have their own injury headaches, with Angulo, Ta Bi, Mundle, and Traore sidelined. Anthony Gordon is thriving in a centre-forward role for the Magpies, scoring in each of the past two matches, while Malick Thiaw has been a defensive asset. Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey has found the net twice in his last four away games, keeping him in the FPL conversation.
Aston Villa host West Ham United later on Sunday. Villa will assess Youri Tielemans, who has resumed full training after a two-month absence, while Boubacar Kamara remains out. West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville is progressing in his recovery but won’t be available, and Fabianski is also sidelined. Morgan Rogers leads all midfielders in shots attempted over the last 13 matches and scored a brace in the reverse fixture. For West Ham, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been productive with two assists in his last four away games, and Jarrod Bowen continues to impress with seven attacking returns in his last eight matches.
The weekend wraps up with Tottenham Hotspur facing Nottingham Forest. Spurs welcome back Micky van de Ven from a domestic ban, and Cristian Romero could return from concussion. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will play before undergoing hernia surgery next week. Nottingham Forest’s Stefan Ortega is back after a calf injury, and head coach Vitor Pereira is expected to recall key players Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson. Richarlison remains a threat for Spurs, having struck late to earn a point at Liverpool last time out, while Gibbs-White and Anderson continue to shine for Forest both in real life and in FPL, with Anderson’s defensive contributions ranking among the best in the league.
As the Premier League gameweek unfolds, managers and fans alike will be glued to the action, with injuries, returns, and FPL dynamics adding extra intrigue to every fixture. Stay tuned for updates as the weekend drama plays out and the battle for points intensifies!