Team News - EPL

Saturday

Chelsea v Manchester United (12:45)

Frank Lampard misses out following the death of his mother with Michael Essien, who was suspended for the Blues' European clash with Liverpool on Tuesday, set to return in place of the England midfielder. Chelsea boss Avram Grant has no further selection worries.

United defender Nemanja Vidic looks set to return to the side after a stomach bug ruled the Serb stopper out of the midweek game against Barcelona. Other than long-term casualty Louis Saha, Alex Ferguson has a full squad to choose from. Anderson is expected to start in midfield having not featured at the Camp Nou while Darren Fletcher could return to the squad from a long-term knee injury.


Birmingham v Liverpool

Midfielder Sebastian Larsson is set to make a comeback after a knee problem but Damien Johnson serves the final game of his three-match suspension. Olivier Kapo is pushing for a place in the starting XI.

Rafa Benitez is set to ring the changes once again and is likely to field a reserve side with one eye on next week's Champions League semi-final second leg with Chelsea. That could mean a call-up for youngster Damien Plessis. Fabio Aurelio is out for the rest of the season with a groin injury.


Man City v Fulham

Defenders Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha are both out for the season and skipper Richard Dunne is doubtful after limping off during last week's win over Portsmouth. But Sven-Goran Eriksson could be boosted by the return of Sun Jihai after an illness.

Jari Litmanen will miss out again after sustaining an ear injury during a freak training ground incident so David Healy and Brian McBride will continue up front together. Kasey Keller continues to deputise for Antti Niemi (shoulder) despite the Finn having trained this week.


Sunderland v Middlesbrough

Jonny Evans is doubtful for the Black Cats after sitting out last week's derby with Newcastle and Phil Bardsley is out for the rest of the season as he prepares to undergo knee surgery. Dwight Yorke (knee) is also a doubt and Dickson Etuhu remains sidelined after a knee operation.

Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer could return from a back problem but there are fresh concerns for his deputy Ross Turnbull. Robert Huth is doubtful with a foot problem while Gary O'Neil remains sidelined with a long-term injury.


Tottenham v Bolton

Paul Robinson could return from an ankle injury for Spurs and Pascal Chimbonda (calf) and Jonathan Woodgate (ankle) are also in line to feature. But Gareth Bale (foot) and Ledley King (ankle) are out for the season. Tom Huddlestone could replace Didier Zokora in the centre of midfield.

Bolton striker Kevin Davies completes a two-match ban but Joey O'Brien returns to the squad from a hamstring injury. Grzegorz Rasiak is set to replace Davies up front, despite receiving a cut eye in last weekend's clash with Middlesbrough.


West Ham v Newcastle

Dean Ashton could return for West Ham after having missed last weekend's outing against Derby. Otherwise, Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has a similar squad to choose from. James Tomkins could again stand in for Anton Ferdinand (hamstring).

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has no new injury concerns. Emre (calf), Stephen Carr (hamstring), Claudio Cacapa (groin), Peter Ramage (knee) and James Milner (foot) are all nearing returns.


Wigan Athletic v Reading

Emile Heskey (hamstring) and Marcus Bent (cut leg) have been passed fit and are in contention while Erik Hagen is available after illness. Erik Edman remains sidelined with a knee problem.

Reading midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson has suffered a setback following a groin operation and Jimmy Kebe is doubtful after having made his debut last weekend. Leroy Lita has returned from his loan spell with Charlton and is available for selection.



Sunday

Portsmouth v Blackburn (13:30)

Portsmouth striker Kanu could win a recall to the side to partner Jermain Defoe up front. David Nugent and Pedro Mendes are doubtful with slight knocks while Hermann Hreidarsson is suspended. Lauren is expected to switch to left-back to fill in for the Icelandic defender with Glen Johnson poised to return from illness.

Blackburn are likely to name an unchanged side after having taken a point off Manchester United last weekend as boss Mark Hughes has no new injury concerns.



Everton v Aston Villa (16:00)

Everton will have Leon Osman back after a hip injury, but there are still doubts over Mikel Arteta's fitness. The Spaniard, who has been suffering from stomach and groin problems, faces a late fitness test.

Villa have no new injury concerns ahead of the trip to Goodison Park. Gabriel Agbonlahor has a slight cold, but is expected to play. Craig Gardner is still sidelined with a thigh problem and Curtis Davis (Achilles) is out for the rest of the season.



Monday

Derby v Arsenal (20:00)

Midfielder David Jones (calf) is a doubt for Rams boss Paul Jewell and faces a late fitness test while Marc Edworthy is struggling with a cracked rib. He joins Claude Davis and Giles Barnes on the sidelines.

Manuel Almunia returns for Arsenal after a wrist injury, but Alexander Hleb starts his three-match ban and misses out on the trip to Pride Park. Denilson is in line for a rare start as injuries to Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky have ruled them out.

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