Liverpool wait on star duo and United need a win – Premier League talking points

The Premier League resumes with a full round of fixtures in midweek.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some talking points ahead of the games.

Manchester United have seemed far from a happy camp of late. Interim boss Ralf Rangnick has struggled to contain reports of disharmony within the squad while performances and results have hardly inspired. Friday’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship side Middlesbrough compounded a miserable week. Tuesday provides them an opportunity to lighten the mood as they face bottom side Burnley, who have only won once in the Premier League all season. Anything other than a victory would be unthinkable.

Liverpool may have coped well without inspirational attacking duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane over the past month, but they will nevertheless welcome both back with open arms following the Africa Cup of Nations. The question is, after the pair were involved in Sunday’s final, whether they go straight into Jurgen Klopp’s side for Thursday’s clash against Leicester. It could be a big ask but the Reds, who could be 12 points behind Manchester City come kick-off, can ill afford to drop points against a side that beat them just six weeks ago.

Memories of that recent victory over Liverpool are something the Foxes may want to draw upon as they travel to Anfield on the back of Sunday’s humiliating FA Cup loss to Championship side Nottingham Forest. Manager Brendan Rodgers pulled no punches in his assessment after the 4-1 defeat at the City Ground, which will certainly sting given the gap in divisions and the clubs’ local rivalry. An “embarrassed” Rodgers questioned whether some players have a future at the club and he will demand a response as he returns to his old club.

After positive endings