Saturday's potential Premier League debutants assessed

While it’s fair to say deadline day was somewhat underwhelming as fair as Premier League clubs were concerned, there are a handful of players in line to make their debuts today, and we run through the likelihood that each player will feature.

Tottenham vs Newcastle

While it was another window without any incomings at Tottenham visitors Newcastle did make two notable deadline day signings, not least the record breaking acquisition of Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan arrived from MLS franchise Atlanta having fired his former side to the title with 13 goals and 11 assists but Magpies fans will be made to wait for a first glimpse of their new man having not yet secured a work permit.

Fellow newcomer Antonio Barreca is available but hasn’t featured for Monaco since November due to injury and is unlikely to be fast tracked into a side that got the better of Manchester City last time out.

Likelihood of debut: Miguel Almiron - 0, Antonio Barreca - 3

Brighton vs Watford

The Seagulls may not have made any marquee signings last month but they did bring in three for the future in the form of Alexis Mac Allister and deadline day arrivals Jan Mlakar and Tudor Baluta. All three have returned to their former clubs on loan for the remainder of the season, however, which is also true of sole Watford signing Filip Stuparevic.

Burnley vs Southampton

The arrival at Turf Moor of Peter Crouch was certainly a surprising deadline day deal, with the 38-year-old trading places with Sam Vokes, who moved to Stoke in a switch both clubs confirmed were unrelated transfers. The veteran has started just two of 23 league appearances this season and will no doubt be used in a similar manner for the Clarets. In a game against one of his former clubs that should prove to be tight there is every chance we could see a late Crouch cameo.

Likelihood of debut: Peter Crouch - 6

Chelsea vs Huddersfield

While Gonzalo Higuain has already made his cup and league debuts respectively, the same can’t be said of new Terriers striker Karlan Grant. The youngster signed from Charlton in midweek and unlike his new attacking teammates he should be full of confidence in front of goal. The 21-year-old is certainly match fit and has 14 league goals to his name this season so an appearance at Stamford Bridge is a real possibility, though it’s more likely to come from the bench.

Likelihood of debut: Karlan Grant - 5

Crystal Palace vs Fulham

The big deadline day arrival at Selhurst Park was that of Michy Batshuayi and the Belgian will have joined the club on loan from the Chelsea with assurances of regular first team football. The 25-year-old last completed 90 minutes in the Champions League for Valencia so isn’t fully match fit but he should feature, and possibly even earn a start in the absence of the suspended Wilf Zaha.

Fulham, meanwhile, added two new faces on deadline day, both of whom have struggled to make an impact in English football in the past. Havard Nordveit and Lazar Markovic will hope to see plenty of action in the Cottagers survival bid but neither are likely to start after the 4-2 win over Brighton in midweek and the latter hasn’t played all season.

Likelihood of debut: Michy Batshuayi - 7, Havard Nordveit - 3, Lazar Markovic - 4

Everton vs Wolves

There’s no opportunities for debuts in this one, though Wolves did secure the permanent signature of Jonny from Atletico following a successful season so far on loan at the club.

Cardiff vs Bournemouth

Leandro Bacuna was the only deadline day arrival at Cardiff in a somewhat underwhelming switch from Reading, with the midfielder hardly setting the Championship alight following a nightmare time in the Premier League with Aston Villa. It’s difficult to see how he strengthens to Bluebirds modest squad but a substitute appearance this weekend is a possibility.

As far as the Cherries are concerned, Chris Mepham made an injury time cameo against Chelsea in midweek but there could be a first appearance in the match day squad for Dominic Solanke. The young striker signed at the start of the window but hadn’t played all season and is lacking match fitness. With both Callum Wilson and David Brooks sidelined, however, the 21-year-old could make the bench.

Likelihood of debut: Leandro Bacuna - 5, Dominic Solanke - 5