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First Story: Key Player Palmer Available for Important Capital Derby with The Gunners

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on the final weekday that Cole Palmer is set to return for the team's important Premier League encounter against London rivals Arsenal.

The 23-year-old English midfielder was unavailable due to a fractured toe incurred after an unfortunate incident.

“He is available to start and to play,” Maresca commented. “All involved are pleased.”

This season, Palmer has made only four appearances in every contest, netting two goals.

Since his arrival from City in 2023, he has recorded 45 strikes and 29 setups in 101 games for Chelsea.

“He is our top performer, we are pleased he is back, we need to give him time to be completely ready,” Maresca continued. “He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do great things for this club in the future.”

2. The Toffees Receive No Explanation for Failed Idrissa Gueye Dismissal Challenge

Everton were unsuccessful in their challenge against Idrissa Gueye's sending off for an on-field altercation with fellow player Michael Keane during the team's single-goal triumph at Old Trafford.

The veteran Senegalese midfielder was sent off just 13 minutes into the match after slapping Keane during a dispute over a poor pass.

The player quickly said sorry, and the teammates were seen making up afterwards in a light-hearted online post.

However, the appeal against the red card was turned down, and Gueye must complete a three-match ban, making Everton short-staffed for their next fixture against Newcastle.

“We have appealed it and our appeal was turned down,” manager the manager revealed. “No explanation was provided for the rejection but we did appeal it.”

When asked about any further fallout from the incident, Moyes added: “The matter was resolved instantly, it was done, that was it, we progressed quite quickly and it was all sorted within the dressing room.”

3. Yoane Wissa Practices with Newcastle for Initial Session since Injury

The club's recent acquisition Yoane Wissa has practiced with his new teammates for the first time since suffering a knee injury soon after his arrival from Brentford in the autumn.

Head coach Eddie Howe announced the development on Friday but did not disclose a possible return date for the player.

Newcastle brought in the striker for £55m to replace Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a record-breaking sum.

Unfortunately, Wissa was injured while on international duty before he could make his debut for his new club.

“He is progressing nicely, he trained with us for the first time on Wednesday, so I was very happy with how he looked,” Howe said. “It was his initial competitive session with the team. Let’s see how he reacts today.”

Howe continued: “We’ve got [a return date] in mind, but it’s likely best if I do not share it publicly. We don’t want to disappoint anyone. Naturally, we want to utilize him as soon as possible.”

Additionally, the defender will be sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury.

4. The Reds' Poor Form ‘Irrelevant’, Says Hammers Manager Nuno

The Hammers head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that the reigning champions' dip in performance “doesn’t really matter” as his side prepares to face the ailing top-flight champions.

The Liverpool manager's team has suffered six losses in seven recent league games, falling out of the upper half of the standings.

Nevertheless, Nuno emphasized that there can be no complacency when the teams clash on Sunday at the their home ground.

“Liverpool are a quality side and in football, what counts is what you do on the day,” Nuno commented. “So what we expect is the champions of the Premier League, players that are skilled and capable of doing fantastic things, so we have to be ready.

“The past of the results before, the performance of the teams, is largely insignificant. It is about the day. Aware that we are going to face a excellent team, that has players able of doing wonderful things, so we have to be fully prepared, to compete.”

The Hammers will have available Lucas Paquetá after his ban, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are stepping up their return from fitness issues.

5. Gibbs-White in Contention for Nottingham Forest against Brighton

Nottingham Forest's boss Sean Dyche is optimistic that Morgan Gibbs-White will be fit for the team's home fixture against Brighton on the weekend.

The England international missed Thursday's European match against Malmö due to a back injury.

“We hope it is improving,” Dyche said as he got ready to face the Brighton manager's side, who have secured seven points from their past three matches.

“It’s comparable to back pain, but a morning sort of injury, one where you just rest awkwardly or twist funny. So we’re not expecting, at this point anyway, that it’s very severe and it’s settling down already. So we’re hopeful that it’ll be fine for the weekend.”

The defender was feeling his hamstring muscle after the 3-0 European victory, but Dyche said the player “is expected to be okay”.

Meanwhile, Ola Aina (thigh injury), Douglas Luiz (thigh), Dilane Bakwa (hamstring), Chris Wood (knee), and the defender (hip) are expected to miss out.

6. Oliver Glasner: Conference League Defeat Will Not Hinder Palace

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner believes that the disappointment of Thursday's Conference League defeat to Strasbourg is a indication of how far the team has advanced in competing on multiple fronts.

The domestic cup holders went ahead at the away ground through Tyrick Mitchell's opening period goal but were equalized against by Liam Rosenior's team, who climbed to second in the table.

The Eagles now switch focus to domestic action with a home match against Manchester United, and Glasner is confident his team can maintain their challenge for a Champions League spot.

“Comparable to the recent setback at Goodison Park, it just feels that it was completely unnecessary and it is our fault,” Glasner said. “Alternatively, we have to accept it. The commitment was there but it is a game we could have avoided losing.”

Glasner confirmed that Borna Sosa would be absent for Sunday's game after he did not travel to Strasbourg, but Will Hughes, who was substituted during the opening period against Strasbourg, should be in the matchday squad.