English Top Flight Comes Back with Key Fitness Updates
The English top flight resumes this matchweek following the pause for national teams, with bosses providing vital team news ahead of the weekend's matches.
Anfield Side Face Major Missing Players
Anfield coach Arne Slot has confirmed that Bradley, the Dutch full-back, and Wirtz will all miss this upcoming game against Forest.
However, starting keeper Alisson Becker has returned to fitness from his recent setback and is available.
The Liverpool boss revealed that the versatile defender sat out practice recently but is expected to be available for consideration, though it's unlikely he'll be used for the entire match.
The Clarets Get Good Update on Broja
Turf Moor coach the manager has announced that striker the Albanian may have "avoided serious injury" after sustaining an knock while appearing for his national team against England.
Broja left the match on a assisted device, but subsequent checks have shown the issue is "much less severe than feared."
The Burnley manager added that Broja has been in training since midweek and could potentially play against his previous employers the London side on the weekend.
St James' Park Side Fitness Updates
St James' Park coach the manager has provided updates on a number of first-team players ahead of their game against City.
the winger has "put in significant effort" to recover from his hip problem and is "touch-and-go" for the weekend's match.
Livramento is "very close" after recovering from a knee ligament injury and is also in consideration for the squad.
Pope is "alright" after following safety procedures, while Joelinton and Tonali are both fit to face Manchester City.
This Round's English Football Matches
- Chelsea travel to Burnley (Saturday lunchtime GMT)
- Forest visit Anfield (standard kickoff)
- West Ham travel to Bournemouth (standard kickoff)
- Wolves host Palace (afternoon)
- Brentford travel to Brighton (afternoon)
- Fulham host Sunderland (afternoon)
- Newcastle v Man City (evening)
- Leeds v Aston Villa (Sun early kickoff)
- Arsenal host Tottenham (Sun evening)
- United host Everton (Mon 8pm)
Tactical Focus on Eddie Howe
The Magpies could end up in the drop zone if they lose against the champions and outcomes elsewhere don't go their way.
The omens don't look good for the Newcastle manager, who has been unable to beat the City boss in eighteen previous top flight matches.
His record against Pep stands at two draws and 16 losses from their historical matchups.
"We've developed and certainly I've seen a massive improvement from us," commented Turf Moor manager Scott Parker. "It's only little tiny bits at this present moment in time."
The comeback of top flight matches comes after a eventful national team period that featured memorable moments including Scotland's dramatic qualification for the international competition.