English Top Flight Resumes with Important Fitness Reports
The English top flight resumes this matchweek following the FIFA window, with managers providing crucial team news ahead of Saturday's matches.
The Reds Face Major Absences
Anfield coach Arne Slot has announced that the young defender, Jeremie Frimpong, and the German midfielder will all be unavailable for this weekend's fixture against the visitors.
However, starting keeper Alisson has returned to fitness from his muscle problem and is available.
The Liverpool boss admitted that Joe Gomez sat out training on Thursday but is expected to be fit for selection, though he probably won't be used for the complete game.
Burnley Have Positive Report on Armando Broja
Burnley manager the manager has announced that forward Armando Broja may have "avoided serious injury" after picking up an knock while appearing for his national team against England.
Broja left the match on a assisted device, but follow-up assessments have revealed the problem is "much less severe than feared."
Parker commented that their striker has been in training since midweek and could yet face his former club Chelsea on matchday.
St James' Park Side Fitness News
Magpies boss Eddie Howe has given reports on several important squad members ahead of their fixture against Manchester City.
Gordon has "trained extensively" to recover from his hip injury and is "touch-and-go" for the weekend's fixture.
Tino Livramento is "very close" after recovering from a serious knee issue and is also in the running for the matchday roster.
Pope is "alright" after following concussion protocols, while the Brazilian and the Italian are both available to face City.
Weekend English Football Games
- Chelsea travel to Burnley (Sat early kickoff BST)
- Forest visit Anfield (3pm)
- Bournemouth v West Ham (standard kickoff)
- Wolves host Palace (standard kickoff)
- The Seagulls host Brentford (afternoon)
- Sunderland visit Craven Cottage (3pm)
- The Magpies host City (late kickoff)
- Leeds host Villa (Sunday 2pm)
- Arsenal host Tottenham (Sunday evening)
- Man United v Everton (Mon 8pm)
Tactical Focus on Howe
St James' Park side could potentially be in the bottom three if they suffer defeat against City and outcomes elsewhere don't go their way.
The historical record are unfavorable for the Newcastle manager, who has never won Pep Guardiola in 18 past English football attempts.
Howe's history against the City manager stands at two tied games and 16 losses from their historical matchups.
"We've improved and without doubt I've seen a significant progress from us," stated Burnley coach the gaffer. "They're just minor aspects at this present moment in time."
The comeback of Premier League fixtures comes after a eventful FIFA window that saw remarkable events including Scotland's thrilling success for the global tournament.
