Injuries and a hectic schedule have left Howe's squad looking weary in recent games and that was exploited by Nottingham Forest, who beat them 3-1 on Boxing Day.
Jurgen Klopp will back his team to do the same on Monday evening. The Reds returned to winning ways by beating Burnley 2-0 on Boxing Day and should have simply too much dynamism and quality for the visitors.
Whatever happens, it doesn't look like a contest that will be short on entertainment and is a fitting way for the Premier League to get going in 2024. Read More...
Casemiro is one booking away from a suspension so he could be given a breather, with Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay potentially teaming up in midfield. There might also be an attacking rethink with wingers Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho vying for places in the XI.
Spanish side Betis make the trip to England without their talisman, Nabil Fakir, who will miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Read More...
It's a great story with a cracker of a cast. Find out which star goes where below.
John Thomson as Len Spud
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Character? Len is the inventor of Bum Fresh, father to Joe, and now also an immensely wealthy entrepreneur. His intentions are noble, but he often puts too much stock in the power of money.
Where have I seen him before? John Thomson has been gracing British screens for decades and is best known by older viewers for his role in the nineties television series Cold Feet. Read More...
