Overview
- Arsenal sit four points clear after Matchweek 9 and visit Burnley today, with William Saliba a doubt for central defence.
- Mikel Arteta urged welfare-first decisions on December dates as Arsenal and Crystal Palace discuss their Carabao Cup quarter-final, with Christmas Eve among options.
- The Premier League said expanded European competitions squeezed the calendar, resulting in only one Boxing Day fixture this season.
- Liverpool have lost four straight in the league and six of seven overall after a heavily rotated side lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, with Aston Villa next at Anfield.
- Arne Slot said he retains support from Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and FSG as scrutiny of summer recruitment and defensive issues intensifies, while Manchester United carry a three-game league winning run six points off the top.