The Premier League returns this round of fixtures following the pause for national teams, with bosses providing important fitness reports ahead of Saturday's fixtures.
Anfield Side Face Significant Absences
Anfield coach Arne Slot has confirmed that Conor Bradley, the Dutch full-back, and Wirtz will all sit out this upcoming game against the visitors.
On a positive note, number one shot-stopper Alisson Becker has fully recovered from his hamstring injury and is fit to play.
The Liverpool boss revealed that the versatile defender sat out practice on Thursday but is expected to be fit for selection, though he probably won't be played for the complete game.
Turf Moor Side Have Positive Update on Armando Broja
Turf Moor coach Scott Parker has announced that attacker the Albanian may have "escaped major damage" after sustaining an ankle injury while featuring for his national team against the Three Lions.
The striker left the match on a medical cart, but follow-up checks have indicated the injury is "much less severe than feared."
Scott Parker noted that Broja has participated in sessions since Wednesday and could still face his previous employers the London side on matchday.
St James' Park Side Injury Reports
Magpies boss the manager has provided updates on multiple first-team individuals ahead of their match against City.
Anthony Gordon has "put in significant effort" to return from his hip injury and is "a doubt" for the weekend's match.
the full-back is "nearing fitness" after overcoming a serious knee issue and is also in contention for selection.
Pope is "okay" after completing safety procedures, while the Brazilian and Sandro Tonali are both fit to play against the visitors.
Upcoming Premier League Matches
- Chelsea travel to Burnley (Saturday early kickoff BST)
- Liverpool host Forest (3pm)
- Bournemouth v West Ham (3pm)
- Wolves host Palace (3pm)
- The Seagulls host Brentford (afternoon)
- Fulham v Sunderland (afternoon)
- City travel to Newcastle (evening)
- Leeds v Aston Villa (Sunday 2pm)
- Spurs visit the Emirates (Sun late kickoff)
- Man United v Everton (Monday evening kickoff)
Coaching Attention on Eddie Howe
St James' Park side could end up in the drop zone if they are defeated against Manchester City and results elsewhere don't go their way.
The omens are unfavorable for Howe, who has never won Pep Guardiola in numerous past top flight encounters.
Howe's history against the City manager stands at two tied games and sixteen defeats from their historical matchups.
"Our progress and without doubt I've seen a significant progress from us," commented Burnley boss Parker. "We need to work on minor aspects at this current stage."
The return of top flight fixtures comes after a chaotic FIFA window that included unforgettable highlights including Scotland's thrilling qualification for the World Cup.
