🔗 Share this article

The English top flight resumes this weekend following the pause for national teams, with bosses providing vital team news ahead of Saturday's matches.

The Reds Deal With Major Missing Players

Reds boss Arne Slot has revealed that the young defender, Frimpong, and Wirtz will all be unavailable for this weekend's match against Nottingham Forest.

On a positive note, starting goalkeeper Alisson Becker has fully recovered from his muscle problem and is fit to play.

Slot revealed that Gomez sat out practice on Thursday but should be ready for consideration, though he probably won't be played for the full 90 minutes.

Burnley Get Encouraging News on Their Striker

Burnley manager the manager has announced that striker the Albanian may have "dodged a bullet" after suffering an ankle injury while featuring for his national team against the English team.

The 24-year-old left the fixture on a assisted device, but subsequent assessments have shown the problem is "very, very, very minor."

Scott Parker added that their striker has trained since Wednesday and could still face his former club the Blues on matchday.

St James' Park Side Injury Updates

St James' Park coach the manager has given news on multiple important individuals ahead of their game against City.

the winger has "put in significant effort" to recover from his hip injury and is "touch-and-go" for tomorrow's encounter.

the full-back is "nearing fitness" after returning from a serious knee issue and is also in contention for selection.

Pope is "okay" after completing concussion protocols, while the Brazilian and Sandro Tonali are both available to play against the visitors.

Upcoming Premier League Games

• Chelsea travel to Burnley (Sat early kickoff GMT)
• Liverpool host Forest (afternoon)
• Bournemouth v West Ham (afternoon)
• Wolves v Crystal Palace (afternoon)
• The Seagulls host Brentford (afternoon)
• Fulham host Sunderland (standard kickoff)
• The Magpies host City (evening)
• Leeds v Aston Villa (Sun 2pm)
• Arsenal host Tottenham (Sunday 4.30pm)
• Man United v Everton (Mon 8pm)

Tactical Spotlight on Howe

St James' Park side could end up in the relegation zone if they are defeated against Manchester City and outcomes elsewhere go against them.

The historical record aren't great for Howe, who has failed to secure victory the City boss in 18 prior English football attempts.

His record against Pep stands at two tied games and sixteen unsuccessful attempts from their historical matchups.

"We've improved and definitely I've seen a huge development from us," commented Turf Moor manager Parker. "We need to work on minor aspects at this current stage."

The resumption of top flight fixtures comes after a chaotic FIFA window that saw unforgettable highlights including the Scottish team's nail-biting achievement for the global tournament.