Premier League clubs face several suspension threats heading into this weekend’s round of fixtures. Stars from Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are all at risk of missing a game if they are booked.
Players who receive five yellow cards up to and including gameweek 19 are handed a one-match ban. Suspensions could prove costly as teams enter the Christmas period, known for its gruelling nature as squads are tested to their limits.
At Arsenal, one more booking for Gabriel Jesus would see him sit out for a game. The Gunners face Everton at the Emirates Stadium and if the Brazilian forward is yellow-carded, he will miss his side’s visit to Crystal Palace on December 21.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is also at risk. The 31-year-old has been involved in each of Ruben Amorim’s last three Premier League games and seems set to play a frequent role in the Portuguese coach’s back three.
But Maguire’s return to full fitness following a knee injury could be hampered if he is booked in Sunday’s Manchester derby. A yellow card against Manchester City would see the England international miss the visit of Bournemouth on December 22.
The same applies to Liverpool duo Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate. While the latter is a long-term injury absentee, to miss Gravenberch would be a particular blow for Arne Slot. A booking for the Dutchman against Fulham on Saturday would see him miss a crunch clash with Tottenham on December 22.
Chelsea and Tottenham both have two players at risk of a one-game ban. Bookings for either Nicolas Jackson or Robert Sanchez against Brentford this weekend would see them miss a visit to Everton. Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven will walk a disciplinary tightrope against Southampton, hoping to avoid being suspended for the clash with Liverpool.
Rodrigo Bentancur is also sitting on four yellow cards but the Argentine must serve three more games of a seven-match ban for a racial slur.
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva will be suspended for the trip to Aston Villa on December 21 if he is booked during the Manchester derby.
There are several exciting matches taking place this weekend. On Saturday, Arsenal welcome Everton hoping to continue their good form, while Liverpool host Fulham. The Manchester derby then takes place on Sunday, with West Ham’s visit to Bournemouth rounding off the weekend’s action on Monday evening.