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First Story: Star Player Palmer Ready for High-Stakes London Derby with The Gunners

The Blues head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on the final weekday that Cole Palmer is set to return for the team's significant Premier League fixture against London opponents Arsenal.

The young English midfielder was unavailable due to a broken toe incurred after an accidental incident.

“He is available to start and to play,” Maresca said. “The whole team is delighted.”

In the current campaign, Palmer has featured in just four games in all tournaments, netting two goals.

Since his arrival from City in 2023, he has recorded 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 appearances for the London club.

“He is our top performer, we are pleased he is back, we need to allow him time to be fully fit,” Maresca added. “He has been brilliant historically and no doubt he is going to do very good for this club in the future.”

2. Everton Get No Explanation for Failed Idrissa Gueye Dismissal Challenge

Everton were unsuccessful in their appeal against Idrissa Gueye's dismissal for a physical confrontation with fellow player Michael Keane during the squad's single-goal triumph at Manchester United.

The 36-year-old Senegal player was shown a red card only 13 minutes into the game after hitting Keane during a dispute over a misplaced pass.

The player quickly said sorry, and the pair were seen making up later in a light-hearted social media video.

However, the challenge against the dismissal was denied, and Gueye must complete a three-match suspension, making Everton shorthanded for their upcoming match against Newcastle.

“We challenged the decision and it was rejected,” coach the manager revealed. “We received no rationale for the denial but we did appeal it.”

When asked about additional consequences from the event, Moyes continued: “It was over immediately, it was done, that was it, we moved on swiftly and it was all sorted within the team environment.”

3. Wissa Practices with The Magpies for First Time since Injury

The club's new acquisition Yoane Wissa has practiced with his new teammates for the first time since suffering a knee injury soon after his move from his former club in September.

Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the news on the end of the week but did not disclose a possible comeback timeline for the player.

Newcastle signed the striker for £55m to replace Alexander Isak, who moved to Liverpool for a British record transfer fee.

Regrettably, Wissa was hurt while on international duty before he could play his first game for his new club.

“He is doing well, he trained with us for the first time on Wednesday, so I was very happy with how he looked,” Howe stated. “This marked his debut in a competitive setting with the squad. Let’s see how he responds today.”

Howe added: “We have a target return date, but it’s likely best if I do not share it publicly. We don’t want to disappoint anyone. Naturally, we want to involve him as promptly.”

Additionally, Kieran Trippier will be sidelined for a four-week period with a hamstring issue.

4. The Reds' Poor Form ‘Doesn’t Matter’, Insists West Ham Boss Nuno

The Hammers head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that the reigning champions' recent poor form “doesn’t really matter” as his side prepares to take on the ailing Premier League title holders.

Arne Slot's team has been defeated in six of their previous seven Premier League matches, dropping out of the upper half of the standings.

However, Nuno stressed that there can be no taking it easy when the teams clash on the weekend at the their home ground.

“The Reds are a strong team and in football, what matters is what you do on the day,” Nuno remarked. “So what we expect is the champions of the Premier League, players that are talented and capable of doing great things, so we have to be ready.

“The history of the results before, the form of the teams, is not that important. It is about the day. Aware that we are going to face a very good team, that has players capable of doing amazing feats, so we have to be fully prepared, to compete.”

The Hammers will welcome back Lucas Paquetá after his suspension, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are stepping up their return from injury.

5. Morgan Gibbs-White Could Feature for Nottingham Forest against Brighton

Nottingham Forest's manager Sean Dyche is optimistic that Morgan Gibbs-White will be available for the side's home match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

The England international was absent for Thursday's European game against the Swedish side due to a back issue.

“Hopefully it’s settling down,” Dyche commented as he got ready to face the Brighton manager's side, who have secured a decent haul from their past three matches.

“It’s comparable to back pain, but a waking-up sort of injury, one where you just sleep funny or twist funny. So we’re not anticipating, at this stage anyway, that it’s very severe and it’s improving already. So we’re confident that it’ll be okay for the weekend.”

Murillo was experiencing discomfort in his hamstring muscle after the comfortable Europa League win, but Dyche said the player “will likely be available”.

However, the full-back (thigh injury), Douglas Luiz (thigh), the winger (hamstring), Chris Wood (knee), and the defender (hip) are likely to miss out.

6. Oliver Glasner: European Loss Won't Hinder Palace

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner believes that the disappointment of Thursday's European defeat to Strasbourg is a sign of how much progress the team has advanced in competing on two fronts.

The FA Cup holders went ahead at the away ground through Tyrick Mitchell's first-half goal but were equalized against by Liam Rosenior's side, who moved up to second in the group standings.

The Eagles now switch focus to domestic action with a at Selhurst Park fixture against Manchester United, and Glasner is confident his team can maintain their push for a Champions League place.

“Similar to the late loss against Everton, it just feels that it was totally avoidable and it is our fault,” Glasner said. “Alternatively, we have to accept it. The commitment was there but it is a game we shouldn’t definitely lose.”

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