The Gunners are five points clear at the summit of English football after Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Brentford with Mikel Arteta overseeing that excellent start to the season despite injuries to key personnel.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli have all been sidelined at various stages this season.
First choice centre-half pairing William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have also been unavailable with the latter not expected to be fit again until the end of December.
Cristhian Mosquera has deputised at the back alongside Piero Hincapie in their absence but there was concern for the former Villarreal star after an awkward landing forced him off in the first-half against Brentford.
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Rice told reporters he was ‘fine’ on Wednesday (Picture: Getty Images)
Arsenal are in action away to in-form Villa in Saturday afternoon’s early kick-off but Arteta was giving little away with final decisions to be taken after training this afternoon.
‘Let’s see [on Rice],’ Arteta told a press conference. ‘I think with all the questions I’m gonna get the answer will be the same. We have another training session in the afternoon.
‘Every hour is going to be very important. So, after that, we will decide who travels.’
Will William Saliba return for Arsenal against Villa?
Saliba has missed Arsenal’s last two games after an inury suffered in training ruled him out of the game against Chelsea last weekend.
Arteta was hopeful the injury was nothing serious with the France international but suggested he is still ‘a couple of days’ away – as is the case with Leandro Trossard.
Saliba has missed Arsenal’s last two games (Picture: Getty)
Cristhian Mosquera injury latest
Summer signing Mosquera has proved to be a very capable deputy in the absence of Saliba and Gabriel.
Arteta confirmed his injury midweek was an ankle issue but is hopeful it is not a serious one.
‘That’s the one that is more complicated. We have another scan to do today,’ Arteta said of his defender.
Asked if it is serious, he added: ‘No. We need to know, because the feeling that we had after the game and yesterday, we need to corroborate with what happens with other testing that we do today.’
England head into the World Cup finals as one of the favourites with Tuchel’s side currently fourth in the FIFA world rankings.
Tuchel will be managing England at a major tournament for the first time after he succeeded Gareth Southgate in January.
Under Tuchel, England became the first European nation to ever go an entire World Cup qualifying campaign of over six games without conceding, winning all eight of their matches and scoring 22 goals.
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But there is one particular country England’s German head coach Tuchel is desperate to steer clear of when the World Cup finals get started in June.
Tuchel does not want England to face Germany in the knockout rounds as he told ITV: ‘For me personally, it adds some emotions on top of it and some extra pressure.’
Germany are currently ninth in the FIFA world rankings (Picture: Getty)
England view Germany as their biggest and most significant international football rivals, having faced them in the 1966 World Cup final as well as in the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and semi-finals of Euro 1996.
The last time the two nations locked horns at a major tournament was at Euro 2020 as England defeated Germany 2-0 in the last 16 at Wembley.
England beat Germany in the last 16 at Euro 2020 (Picture: Getty)
At the 2010 World Cup, Germany beat England in the last 16 with Frank Lampard cruelly denied a goal which had clearly crossed the line.
England and Germany have faced each other 35 times in total with the Three Lions winning 14 of those matches.
The largest victory came in 2001 when England thrashed Germany 5-1 away from home.
‘I am sorry I just have a German passport,’ Tuchel said in his first press conference as England boss last year.
‘But maybe the supporters can feel my passion for the Premier League, my passion for the country, how I love to live and work here.
‘I will do everything to show respect to this role and to this country. This is the biggest one in world football and everybody can be assured, no matter what nationality my passport says.
‘Everyone has their opinion. Even if someone says, “I would fancy an English coach more for the English team”, I can understand it. But I think we deserve a fair chance.
‘We deserve the credit for having a good record in the country, for never being shy of how much we love to live in the country. Maybe this counts a little bit for a British edge on my German passport. So we will try to convince them by results and the way we play.’
48 teams will learn their fate this afternoon (Picture: Getty)
England and Scotland will learn their FIFA World Cup 2026 fate as the group stage draw for next summer’s competition takes centre stage today.
Managers Thomas Tuchel and Steve Clarke will be watching in anticipation as they look forward to what will be the biggest tournament in history, with a record 48 teams participating across 16 stadiums in three countries.
While factors like soaring summer temperatures and long distances to travel will be of concern, this week all eyes will be on Washington DC as delegates from football federations converge to find out their fate.
Next year’s tournament features more games than ever, a brand new format and a tennis-style seeding system that could benefit England as they progress through the tournament.
A total of 108 games will take place to eventually crown the next World Cup champions in the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey next summer – this is how the draw will work, including where to watch it and the all-important pots and seeds.
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When is the draw? Date and UK start time
The draw for the World Cup 2026 takes place on today (Friday, December 5). The draw will begin at 12pm local time – 5pm in the UK.
Today’s draw will confirm the groups and fixtures for all 48 teams set to compete at the tournament. 42 of the spots at the World Cup have been filled with UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs taking place in March to decide the six remaining spots.
There are 12 groups of four at the World Cup, with each group consisting of one team from each of the four seeded pots.
England are included in Pot 1, along with reigning champions Argentina and hosts Canada, Mexico and USA. Scotland have been allocated a place in Pot 3 after confirming their qualification in dramatic style last month.
A new, tennis-style seeding system has been introduced this year that means the top two teams in the current FIFA rankings – Spain and Argentina – will be on opposite sides of the draw, as well as the third and fourth-ranked sides in France and England.
Confirmed World Cup draw teams and pots
Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany.
Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.
Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.
Pot 4: Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, European play-off winners from path A, B, C, D, and FIFA inter-confederation play-off winners 1 and 2.
European play-off teams and fixtures:
Path A: Winner of Wales/Bosnia & Herzegovina vs winner of Italy/Northern Ireland.
Path B: Winner of Ukraine/Sweden vs winner of Poland/Albania.
Path C: Winner of Slovakia/Kosovo vs winner of Turkiye/Romania.
Path D: Winner of Czechia/Republic of Ireland vs winner of Denmark/North Macedonia.
Each semi-final takes place on March 26, 2026, with the play-off finals scheduled for March 31, 2026.
FIFA inter-confederation play-off teams and fixtures:
Path 1: Winner of New Caledonia/Jamaica vs DR Congo.
Path 2: Winner of Bolivia/Suriname vs Iraq.
Games will take place in a one-off playoff tournament in Mexico on March 26 and March 31, 2026.
Can England and the other home nations be drawn together?
England’s position in Pot 1 and Scotland’s in Pot 3 means they could be drawn in the same group on Friday.
However, due to the rule meaning only two teams from the same confederation can be in the same group, if England were to be drawn against another European team from Pot 2, then Scotland can’t be put into the same group.
Scotland’s John McGinn (L) and Kenny McLean celebrate after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1990. (Picture: SNS)
If they aren’t drawn together, England and Scotland could face one of Northern Ireland, Wales or the Republic of Ireland if they make it through the playoff round.
All three countries would be put into Pot 4 if they qualify and will know ahead of time who their potential World Cup opponents will be.
As Northern Ireland and Wales are both competing in the same side of the play-off draw, only one of them will be able to qualify for the World Cup.
Where is the draw being held and who will be attending?
The World Cup draw is being held in the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, which traditionally hosts different types of performance art, from theatre and jazz to opera and orchestral music.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino will be joined by USA President Donald Trump at the draw, who is widely expected to be the recipient of FIFA’s brand new award: ‘FIFA Peace Prize – Unite the World.’
FIFA President Gianni Infantino shows US President Donald Trump the World Cup Trophy in the Oval Office as Vice President JD Vance looks on. (Picture: Chip Somodevilla/Getty)
Delegates from the English and Scottish FAs will attend, along with those of all the countries set to compete, with one major omission.
Iran are set to boycott the World Cup draw after learning that their federation’s President, Mehdi Taj did not receive a visa to allow him to enter the USA.
‘We are evaluating our options, which will depend on timing and circumstances,’ Taj told Iranian television last week. ‘The current position of the Iran Football Federation executive committee is that no one will attend the event unless all visas are issued.’
How to watch on a TV channel and live stream
The draw will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and will be available to livestream directly on FIFA.com and FIFA’s YouTube channel globally.
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: Pre-Draw Predictions 📈Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw on Friday 5 December, the Opta supercomputer has produced it’s early predictions for this summer’s tournament in North America. Here are the results. pic.twitter.com/3Spwslmxrr
The opening game of the 2026 World Cup will take place between hosts Mexico and another of their group stage opponents at the Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 – it will be the third time the iconic stadium has hosted the first game of a World Cup, the first to do so.
Aerial view of the remodeling works at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City, as it is being renovated to host the inauguration of the 2026 World Cup. (Picture: Getty)
Hosts Mexico, Canada and the USA will all play their three group-stage games on home soil – Canada’s first game takes place on Friday, June 12 in Toronto, while USA will begin their World Cup journey on the same day in Los Angeles.
While it remains to be seen when and where exactly England will kick off their tournament, each of the 16 stadiums at the World Cup have been allocated into one of three ‘regions’: Western, Central and Eastern, with teams to play all their group stage games in the same region to minimise travel for players and fans.
Where are the World Cup stadiums?
Western region: Vancouver, Seattle, San Fransico, Los Angeles.
Central region: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City.
Eastern region: Atalanta, Miami, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, New York.
So while we will find out England’s exact fixtures, and potential route to the final on Friday, for now we know their games will take place in one of those three regions.
United were without Matheus Cunha for both of those games as a result of a head injury the Brazil international suffered in training. But the former Wolves star is available again this week.
With Benjamin Sesko sidelined until mid-December, Joshua Zirkzee has come into the side in his absence. After a disappointing showing against Everton, the Netherlands international was on the score sheet with a superbly taken strike at Selhurst Park to strengthen his case for another start against the Hammers.
Amorim has the option of sticking with Zirkzee ahead of Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo while Mason Mount, also on the score sheet against Palace, is also an option to come into that attacking three.
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But having played the full 90 minutes for the first time since arriving at United from Chelsea, Mount could be handed a midweek rest.
Zirkzee and Mount scored on Sunday (Picture: COLORSPORT / Andrew Cowie)
The United boss did not reveal which players are doubts. There was concern for Bruno Fernandes in the dying moments of the Palace game with the skipper seen speaking at length with United’s medical staff.
But Amorim later eased any fears over his captain, insisting ‘it was just a kick so everything is okay.’
Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will be available for the next three games before jetting off for the Africa Cup of Nations, along with Noussair Mazraoui.
Man Utd XI to face West Ham – Metro prediction
With Amorim refusing to reveal which two players are doubts, our predicted XI is an educated one. This is the first time United will have two games in a week since their early Carabao Cup and will provide a clearer indication of where Amorim is prepared to rotate as we head into the frantic festive period.
Casemiro would be the most likely candidate but a lack of alternative options in his role is a problem. Manuel Uagrte is waiting on the bench but the Uruguay international has struggled this season amid reports he has been put up for sale in January.
Man Utd vs West Ham TV channel and live stream
Manchester United vs West Ham kicks off at 8pm tonight (Thursday 4 December).
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.
Despite the player’s pleas of innocence, Enzo Maresca was among the vast majority that agreed it a was a clear sending off, leaving the Chelsea boss with a big decision to make in midfield.
The Brazil international has only started three league matches this season but stepped into replace Caicedo effortlessly against Burnley.
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The former Brighton star was benched that afternoon after a long trip back from international duty with Santos Chelsea’s man of the match at Turf Moor that day.
Reece James was exceptional in midfield against Arsenal with Maresca now regarding him as a genuine midfield option if he can be spared at right-back.
Santos excelled recently against Burnley (Picture: Getty)
But the Chelsea boss is understandably wary of starting his captain twice in the space of four days given his injury history. Given the sheer number of games on the horizon, exercising caution with James may be Chelsea’s best bet.
Cole Palmer was back in the squad on Sunday after recovering from the toe injury that delayed his comeback after the international break.
A starting role could beckon tonight with Maresca eager for him to start building up his match fitness again.
Chelsea remain without midfielders Romeo Lavia and Dardio Essugo in addition to long-term absentee Levi Colwill.
Chelsea XI to face Leeds – Metro prediction
Santos will surely get the nod in midfield where Enzo Fernandez could also drop back into a more familiar role to make room for Palmer if Maresca decides he is fit to start.
Estevao Willian was hooked at half-time against Arsenal with Pedro Neto played the full 90. Alejandro Garnacho will be hopeful of getting the nod in one of those wide roles.
Leeds vs Chelsea TV channel and live stream
Leeds vs Chelsea kicks off at 8:15pm on Wednesday 3 December.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
There are huge question marks over the fitness of Chelsea captain Reece James for the clash against Leeds too, meaning Enzo Maresca may need to find a way to cope without both players.
Usually deployed as a right-back, James has been moved into midfield amid Romeo Lavia’s ongoing injury problems, and shined against the Gunners last time out, with pundit Daniel Sturridge labelling him a ‘beast’.
James played the full 90 minutes and covered huge ground with Chelsea being forced to play with 10 men for the majority of the match but he is still being carefully managed by Blues boss Maresca to avoid injury.
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‘It’s complicated,’ Maresca said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday when quizzed if James would start against Leeds. ‘I would like to start him every game, but we need to see.’
With Caicedo ruled out, and James needing some form of rest, here’s how Chelsea can deal without the two stars as they renew their rivalry with Leeds at Elland Road on Wednesday night…
Andrey Santos to partner Enzo Fernandez?
Andrey Santos looks likely to start against Leeds United (Picture: Getty)
James lined up alongside Caicedo in Chelsea’s midfield for the draw against Arsenal with Enzo Fernandez pushed further forward – but it’s more than likely the Argentine will return to a deeper position against Leeds.
You can expect Andrey Santos to be handed his fourth Premier League start of the season to partner Fernandez in Chelsea’s midfield.
‘Andrey is ready,’ Maresca said on Tuesday. ‘His position is playing as a No.6, like Moi, but he is ready. When players are not available, we need to find solutions. Now we need to do something different.’
Enzo Fernandez looks set to drop down to a deeper midfield position (Picture: Getty)
Santos has been patiently waiting for chances under Maresca and had a full rest on Sunday, having not made it off the bench against Arsenal.
Santos played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 win over Burnley on November 22 and massively impressed for the Blues, with 13 defensive actions against Scott Parker’s side, more than any other player on the pitch.
Andrey Santos' performance against Burnley
Andrey Santos was one of Chelsea’s best players against Burnley (Picture: Getty)
Minutes played – 90
Key passes – 1
Tackles (won) – 3 (2)
Interceptions – 5
Clearances – 4
Blocked shots – 1
Total defensive actions – 13
Ground duels (won) – 7 (5)
Aerial duels (won) – 3 (2)
Speaking to the BBC after the win against Burnley, Santos said: ‘I think today is my best [ever] performance [for Chelsea].’
Josh Acheampong to partner Enzo Fernandez?
Josh Acheampong is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder (Picture: Getty)
Josh Acheampong, normally used as a centre-back or right-back, is capable of playing in defensive midfield too and could partner Fernandez instead of Santos.
Acheampong has had plenty of rest in recent weeks, having been an unused substitute in Chelsea’s last four Premier League games.
Maresca mentioned Acheampong when quizzed about replacing Caicedo in his press conference.
‘One that can play good in that position is Josh [Acheampong], but we will see,’ Maresca said.
Enzo Maresca set to reshuffle Chelsea’s attack
If Fernandez drops deeper to partner Santos or Acheampong against Leeds, it begs the question: Who will start in the attacking midfield role?
Cole Palmer is finally back from a groin problem and returned to Chelsea’s matchday squad against Arsenal – but didn’t make it off the bench.
The Englishman is unlikely to be named in the Chelsea XI against Leeds but he is set to come on this time to get ‘some minutes’ under his belt.
‘He is available,’ Maresca said on Tuesday. ‘He was on the bench last game. With 10 players, it was more complicated for Cole because he needs to come back in terms of fitness condition.
‘The idea is to give him some minutes until he can play 90 minutes.’
It is likely that Maresca will start Joao Pedro instead – with Liam Delap playing ahead of the Brazilian up top.
