Prepare for more angry Premier League managers when forgotten games bring chaos

Premier League clubs have already seen a host of big names fly off to the Africa Cup of Nations.

But what might have gone under the radar is two more rounds of South America World Cup qualifiers at the end of the month.

Brazil face Ecuador in Quito on January 27 and Paraguay in Belo Horizonte on February 1 which could potentially cause chaos to Premier League fixtures and the fourth round of the FA Cup.

On top of that, Prem clubs will face another huge bill for private planes and transport which, on top of the financial implications, is a logistical nightmare while travel is seen as the biggest risk to potentially catching Covid.

Argentina face Chile and Colombia in the crunch round of qualifiers - with another set in March - which are being squeezed into this calendar year because of the winter World Cup.

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is suspended for the Ecuador game, while Chelsea 's Thiago Silva and Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus are available despite being one booking away from suspension. Everton star Richarlison was not picked last time but may be included.

Brazil coach Tite will pick a provisional 40 and then the technical committee will meet on January 14 to trim down the squad to 25 with one source insisting: "They will not hesitate to pick Premier League players."

Clubs may be asked to release players from the weekend of January 22/23, rearranged fixtures are being scheduled in free weeks and then and players could miss FA Cup ties.

Prem clubs have voiced their frustrations over AFCON largely because of the difficulties in the season with the added complication of Covid. Now they are facing a double whammy.

It was all too easy and rather lazy to blame the media coverage over AFCON when the reality was the clubs' frustrations over releasing players, travel and attempts to get it postponed was being reported.

FIFA's talks with bosses

FIFA laid on talks for national bosses and captains to discuss plans for a biennial World Cup.

It was known that England boss Gareth Southgate decided not to take up the invitation in October having already spoken to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger about the plans previously.

However, England skipper Harry Kane has not had the briefing either even though FIFA tried to set up talks for the captains in November during the last international break.

The FA have suggested the talks were pulled at the last minute for UEFA nation captains with the view that they would wait on the outcome of the December meeting on the plans. But FIFA did talk to other captains.

One thing is for sure, a World Cup every two years is not gaining much support among European nations.

Familiar concerns over Qatar

National associations have been hugely impressed on various visits to Qatar ahead of this year's World Cup.

The organisation, infrastructure, facilities and the travel are all expected to make it a well-run tournament - but most European nations are coming back with the same concern.

And that is how much accommodation will be available for fans and the footballing world who will descend upon Doha from November.

Hotel rooms are going to be at a premium and several associations have massive misgivings about whether there will be enough.

There are already plans in place for "glamping" in the desert and luxury rooms on moored boats. But it seems unlikely there will be enough to go round amid concerns the average fan will not want to go camping whether it is luxury or not.

City deals set to go under the microscope

Manchester City could be the first club to have a new sponsorship deal examined by Premier League chiefs.

The clubs voted in new rules last month to ensure that all tie-ups meet market value criteria amid concerns over Newcastle 's Saudi-led takeover to stop anyone registering inflated deals to pass spending regulations.

City this week announced a partnership with Abu Dhab i -based Emirates Palace which will feature sponsored logos on training kit and Pep Guardiola did a promotional video.