week 7 EPL Team News & Prediction

Arsenal

Next Match: Tottenham (A)
Out: Diaby, Wilshere, Vermaelen, Djourou, Koscielny
Doubts: Benayoun, Gervinho, Walcott, Squillaci
Banned:

Last Time Out….Arsene Wenger made two personnel changes from the side that lost at Blackburn the previous gameweek. Kieran Gibbs returned at left-back to replace Andre Santos and Andrei Arshavin dropped to the bench as Theo Walcott regained his place in the starting XI. The move saw Gervinho swap flanks, returning to the left to accommodate Walcott on the right. With a lack of fit central defenders, Arsene Wenger utilised Alex Song as Per Mertersacker’s partner for the Champions League show-down with Olympiakos. The manager rested Robin Van Persie and Aaron Ramsey, whilst Theo Walcott and Gervinho missed out through injury. This meant Marouane Chamakh, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlaine, Tomas Rosicky and Andrey Arshavin all started. Andre Santos was favoured over Kieran Gibbs.

This Time Around….Alex Song may be forced to, once again, feature out of position for the Gunners in central defence, although Sébastien Squillaci is back in training and be fit enough to return in this one – Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou are both absentees once again. If Song is used as part of the back four, Emmanuel Frimpong should hold on to his place in central midfield. Robin Van Persie and Aaron Ramsey will surely return to the starting lineup having been rested for the midweek Champions League win over Olympiakos, whilst Theo Walcott and Gervinho could occupy the flanks, although both remain injury doubts and late decisions will be made on the pair – Walcott is the most likely to return according to Wenger. Andrei Arshavin could earn a start here then, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tomas Rosicky and Marouane Chamakh who started in the midweek, look set for bench roles. The Arsenal boss must choose between Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos for the left-back role – the latter found the net in Wednesday’s tie but could well make way having started that one.

Predicted Lineup: Szczęsny, Sagna, Mertersacker, Song, Gibbs; Frimpong, Arteta, Walcott, Ramsey, Arshavin; Van Persie.

Aston Villa

Next Match: Wigan (H)
Out: Lichaj
Doubts: Jenas, Clark, Herd, Cuellar, Heskey, Bent, Collins
Banned:

Last Time Out….A groin injury to Darren Bent meant Alex McLeish made one change to the Aston Villa lineup as they travelled to QPR. Gabby Agbonlahor led the line, with Stephen Ireland given a rare start in the hole behind. Barry Bannan was again preferred to Marc Albrighton on the right and scored with a spot-kick in the one-all draw.
This Time Around….Darren Bent has confirmed that he will be “100% for Wigan on Saturday”, and should come straight into the starting lineup. His availability will therefore see Alex McLeish reshuffle the pack. McLeish could switch to a 4-4-2 formation here, with Gabriel Agbonlahor as Bent’s striker partner, although a 4-2-3-1 setup could be employed again, with Agbonlahor switching to the left-wing. Stephen Ireland is the leading candidate to find himself on the bench to accommodate Bent’s return. James Collins is a doubt after a leg injury sustained at QPR. Elsewhere, you would expect to see the manager keep the same side. Though, Emile Heskey and, in particular, Jermaine Jenas could come into contention and push for places with McLeish reporting that they were back in training.
Predicted Lineup: Given, Hutton, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Petrov, Delph, N’Zogbia, Bannan; Agbonlahor, Bent.

Blackburn Rovers

Next Match: Man City (H)
Out: Nelsen
Doubts: Dunn, Pedersen, Goodwillie, Dann, Givet, Salgado
Banned: Olsson

Last Time Out….A trip to Newcastle saw Martin Olsson come in for Ruben Rochina in Blackburn’s only change from the previous week’s win over Arsenal. The Swede saw red for two yellow cards, however, and will miss the home clash with Man City. Steve Kean admitted Scott Dann played through the pain barrier and may also be a doubt.
This Time Around…. Scott Dann and Michel Salgado are both injury concerns for Steve Kean, the defenders will undergo late fitness tests ahead of the fixture. The defensive woes do not end there for Rovers as Gael Givet is also nursing a knock, although he has come through this week and trained. Add a Martin Olsson suspension to the mix, and a makeshift defence is a real possibility for this one. Grant Hanley could partner Chris Samba at centre-back, with Jason Lowe and potential début Bruno Ribeiro options in the full-back positions. Morten Gamst Pederson and David Goodwillie could make returns to the squad from injury, whilst David Dunn could also come back into contention.
Predicted Lineup: Robinson, Salgado, Dann, Samba, Givet; NZonzi, Lowe, Formica, Rochina, Hoilett; Yakubu.

Bolton Wanderers

Next Match: Chelsea (H)
Out: Alonso, S Davies, Lee, Mears, Ricketts, Kakuta, Holden
Doubts: Jaaskelainen
Banned: Klasnic, Wheater

Last Time Out….Owen Coyle chose a 4-5-1 formation for the trip to Arsenal and made the surprise decision to bench Kevin Davies, with David N’Gog named as the lone forward. Gary Cahill missed out through illness, giving David Wheater a rare start in central defence but received a straight red card and will miss this week’s game at home to Chelsea. Chris Eagles started on the right wing in place of Tuncay and Fabrice Muamba returned to bolster the central midfield.
This Time Around….Having just made his comeback from a lengthy period on the sidelines, Stuart Holden has been dealt the news that he will spend a further six months out with his ongoing knee problem. Gary Cahill is back in contention and should return into central defence after missing the defeat to Arsenal with illness, replacing David Wheater, who is suspended for this one after receiving his marching orders at the Emirates. Owen Coyle will be expected to switch to a 4-4-2 having gone with 4-5-1 at Arsenal and, with Ivan Klasnic still suspended, Kevin Davies will be expected to return to the starting lineup to partner David Ngog up front. Jussi Jaaskelainen is considered touch and go with a leg injury and we could see Adam Bogdan deputise.
Predicted Lineup: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Reo-Coker, Muamba, Petrov, Eagles; Ngog, K Davies.

Chelsea

Next Match: Bolton (A)
Out: Essien, Hilario
Doubts:
Banned: Torres

Last Time Out….Daniel Sturridge dropped out through injury, allowing Nicolas Anelka to return to the right of Chelsea’s front three. John Obi Mikel also returned, with Raul Meireles moving to the left of the midfield three, as Frank Lampard was benched. Fernando Torres’ red card leaves a gap in the central forward position, with Didier Drogba and Anelka likely to battle it out, depending on Sturridge’s availability for the trip to Bolton. For the Champions League trip to Valenica, Frank Lampard was favoured in midfield, fetching the side’s only goal of the game, with Raul Meireles on the bench. Florent Malouda got the nod over Nicolas Anelka in the forward three, and Branislav Ivanovic made way for David Luiz at the back.
This Time Around….With Fernando Torres starting the first of a three game suspension, Andre Villas-Boas is left to shuffle the pack up front. Juan Mata seems to be a given on the left side of a three man attack and Daniel Sturridge, now fully recovered from a knee injury, could occupy the right. This leaves Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba fighting it out for a place in the middle, with Anekla perhaps favoured and Drogba coming off the bench. After impressing with a Champions League goal, Frank Lampard may well keep his place midfield although competition in a 4-3-3 looks fierce. The in-form Ramires will surely continue in the starting lineup, whilst Mikel and Raul Meireles will also be vying for starts. Branislav Ivanovic will likely be favoured over David Luiz at centre-back having been rested for the European tie.
Predicted Lineup: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Meireles, Mikel; Mata, Anelka, Sturridge.

Everton

Next Match: Liverpool (H)
Out: Anichebe
Doubts: Cahill
Banned:

Last Time Out….David Moyes made just one change to his lineup for the trip to Man City. Phil Neville came back into the starting XI, with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov dropping out. This meant Leon Osman moved to the left, with Neville sitting in front of the defence in a more defensive 4-1-4-1 formation. Tim Cahill continued as the lone Toffees forward.
This Time Around….Tim Cahill has trained ahead of the Merseyside derby and will undergo a fitness test before the game. Cahill, who suffered a shin injury against Manchester City last weekend, has been leading the Everton attack in recent weeks and his potential absence could leave a place up front. With Victor Anichebe injured, the role could be handed to Louis Saha, who had been out of favour in recent weeks, or Denis Stracqualursi who could start his first Premier League game. Phil Neville may once again be used in midfield, adding protection to the backline, whilst Roysten Drenthe and Apostolos Vellios will likely be pushing for minutes from the bench.
Predicted Lineup: Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Distin; Fellaini, Rodwell, Neville, Coleman, Osman, Cahill.

Fulham

Next Match: QPR (H)
Out: Davies
Doubts: Hughes, Zamora, Dembele
Banned:

Last Time Out….Bobby Zamora missed out due to illness and Damien Duff was stood down for “personal reasons” for the game at West Brom. Orlando Sa came into the first XI, joining Moussa Dembele up front for the Cottagers, with Patjim Kasami given a chance on the right. Zdenek Grygera replaced Stephen Kelly at right-back as Fulham picked up their first clean sheet since gameweek 1.
This Time Around….Mousa Dembele and Bobby Zamora could come back into the squad after missing out on Thursday’s Europa League action through illness. The pair are currently Martin Jol’s preferred strikers, although Andy Johnson announced his return to fitness in some style with a brace in Thursday’s Europa tie Johnson, along with Orland Sa, could both be in Jol’s plans here. The manager will hope to welcome back Aaron Hughes from injury, the defender has missed the last two Premier League games with a knock and was absent again in Thursday’s tie. Damien Duff did make a return for that one after sitting out the West Brom stalemate due to personal reasons and should start against Rangers.
Predicted Lineup: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Grygera, Riise; Duff, Sidwell, Murphy, Dempsey; Dembele, Zamora.

Liverpool

Next Match: Everton (A)
Out: Agger, Johnson
Doubts:
Banned:

Last Time Out….Martin Kelly, having returned to action in the midweek Carling Cup match at Brighton, returned at right-back in the home game with Wolves. With Daniel Agger injured, Martin Skrtel moved into central defence. Kenny Dalglish kept faith with Andy Carroll, despite Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt both scoring in the 2-1 win over Brighton. Steven Gerrard came on as a late substitute for his first league appearance of the season with eight minutes left on the clock.
This Time Around….Kenny Dalglish welcomed back Daniel Agger to training this week and the centre-back, who has been ever-present in central-defence this season until suffering a rib injury against Tottenham, could come straight back in alongside Jamie Carragher. If Agger does return to the starting lineup, Martin Skrtel could shift over to right-back with Martin Kelly dropping to the bench. A decision must be made over Andy Carroll’s place in attack, with Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy further options. The manager remained cagey over the chances of Steven Gerrard returning to the starting lineup, his inclusion could see Charlie Adam or Jordan Henderson benched.
Predicted Lineup: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique; Adam, Lucas, Henderson, Downing; Suarez, Carroll.

Manchester City

Next Match: Blackburn (A)
Out: Tevez
Doubts:
Banned:

Last Time Out….After resting the vast majority of his players in the midweek Carling Cup game with Birmingham, Roberto Mancini named an unchanged lineup from the side that started the previous league game with Fulham, meaning starts up front for Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko. The major talking point from the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich came from Carlos Tevez’s alleged refusal to come off the bench, the striker is now suspended by the club. Nigel de Jong returned from injury and earned a place on the bench, whilst Kolo Toure started his first game since returning from suspension with Joleon Lescott making way. Roberto Mancini hinted that Edin Dzeko would be benched after reacting angrily to being substituted early in the second-half, Mario Balotelli is the likely replacement.
This Time Around….With Carlos Tevez suspended by the club and Roberto Mancini revealing that Edin Dzeko will join the manager on the bench, Sergio Aguero should be partnered by Mario Balotelli up front. Dzeko has since publically apologised, making peace with Mancini, and he could therefore force his way back on to the team-sheet. The manager may wish to freshen things up a bit after the midweek game and he has options with James Milner, Adam Johnson, Nigel de Jong, Joleon Lescott, Aleksander Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta all fresh and able to slot into the starting lineup. That could see the likes of Gael Clichy, Micah Richards and possibly Samir Nasri make way.
Predicted Lineup: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Y Toure, Barry, Silva, Nasri; Aguero, Balotelli.

Manchester United

Next Match: Norwich (H)
Out: Rafael, Gibson, Vidic, Cleverley, Smalling
Doubts: Evans
Banned:

Last Time Out….The big news was, of course, Wayne Rooney’s omission due to a hamstring strain. Dimitar Berbatov joined Javier Hernandez up front but the Mexican lasted just three minutes before a challenge from Jonathan Woodgate saw him limp off and replaced by Michael Owen. Antonio Valencia came in at right-back due to Chris Smalling’s groin injury. A foot injury meant Jonny Evans was replaced by Rio Ferdinand in central defence. For the Champions League clash with Basle, Sir Alex Ferguson made further changes. Danny Welbeck grabbed a brace whilst leading the attack. He was supported by an attacking midfield three of Ashley Young and Antionio Valencia on the flanks and Ryan Giggs in a central position. Fabio came into the team at right-back, and Michael Carrick joined Anderson in central midfield with Darren Fletcher benched.
This Time Around….It has been confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson will welcome back first-choice strikers Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney for the clash. It had been thought that that Dimitar Berbatov, who didn’t start against Basel in midweek, would partner Danny Welbeck up front. But given Rooney and Hernandez’s surprise return to fitness, they seem more likely. Michael Owen is another option but the veteran striker is, perhaps, the least likely to get the nod. Johnny Evans could come back into contention and partner Rio Ferdinand in central-defence although the latter may require a rest having just returned to fitness. Phil Jones seems set to remain in the centre then, with Antonio Valencia vying with Fabio for a start at right-back. Chris Smalling will miss out, once again. Darren Fletcher may replace Michael Carrick in central-midfield, while Nani will surely be restored to the starting lineup having figured from the bench on Tuesday.
Predicted Lineup: De Gea, Valencia, Ferdinand, Jones, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Young; Rooney, Hernandez.

Newcastle United

Next Match: Wolves (A)
Out: Williamson, Smith
Doubts: Sh Ameobi, Vuckic
Banned:

Last Time Out….Alan Pardew kept faith with the side that drew at Aston Villa the previous week. He was rewarded with a 3-1 win over Blackburn, with Demba Ba finally starting to settle since his summer move with a finely taken hat-trick. The game also saw Hatem Ben Arfa return to the fold, coming on as a second half substitute.
This Time Around….Having come through a reserve match in midweek Davide Santon has been included in the squad, though is likely to make do with a place on the bench. Shola Ameobi missed out last week due to a shoulder injury but, even if fully-fit, is unlikely to dispossess the impressive Demba Ba and Leon Best up front. Hatem Ben Arfa should feature once again, although a place on the bench is likely as Newcastle look to ease him back into action. Haris Vuckic is on the road to recovery after undergoing an operation on his hand but should still be considered a doubt.
Predicted Lineup: Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, S Taylor, R Taylor; Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez, Obertan; Ba, Best.

Norwich

Next Match: Man United (A)
Out: Ayala, Ward, Whitbread, De Laet, Vaughan
Doubts:
Banned:

Last Time Out….Paul Lambert fielded the same starting XI that beat Bolton and Norwich picked up their second win in a row in a 2-1 Carrow Road win. Steve Morison kept his place as the lone forward in a 4-5-1, with Grant Holt reduced to a role as a late sub. Russell Martin’s adaptability looks bad news for Ritchie De Laet, as the Canaries skipper slotted into central defence again, keeping the on-loan Man United youngster benched for the second game running.
This Time Around….James Vaughan has been ruled out until the New Year with a knee injury sustained against Sunderland on Monday night. After grabbing a goal against the Black Cats, Steve Morison should hold on to his place up front, with Grant Holt once again benched. A 4-5-1 formation has harvested six points from the last two games, though Paul Lambert fielded a 5-4-1 at Chelsea and may consider this shape for the trip to Old Trafford. Ritchie De Laet is unavailable for this game against his parent club but has been benched for the past two games, with Russell Martin claiming the centre-back role alongside Leon Barnett.
Predicted Lineup: Ruddy, R Martin, Naughton, Barnett, Tierney; Johnson, Fox, Hoolahan, Bennett, Pilkington; Morison.

QPR

Next Match: Fulham (H)
Out: Dyer, Hulse, Mackie
Doubts: Gabbidon
Banned: Traore

Last Time Out….A knee injury to Danny Gabbidon gave Fitz Hall the chance to partner Anton Ferdinand in central defence at Aston Villa. This was Neil Warnock’s only change from the side that won at Wolves, with Jay Bothroyd kept as the lone striker despite failing to find the net so far. Armand Traore’s red card means he misses the next match at Fulham
This Time Around….Armand Troare’s suspension could offer Matthew Connelly a chance at left-back. With form on their side, QPR boss Neil Warnock is unlikely to many enforced changes to his starting lineup. Danny Gabbidon could recover from a knee injury that saw him miss the game against Aston Villa and return in central defence at the expense of Fitz Hall. DJ Campbell will be pushing Jay Bothroyd for a place up front, but may have to make do with a substitute role. Jamie Mackie, who has returned to full training following a broken leg, is thought to be some way from making the first-team.
Predicted Lineup: Kenny, Young, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Connolly; Derry, Faurlin, Barton, Wright-Phillips, Taarabt; Boothroyd.

Stoke City

Next Match: Swansea (A)
Out: Fuller, Higginbotham, Jones
Doubts: Diao, Sidibe
Banned:

Last Time Out….Tony Pulis made three changes for the visit of Man United. Andy Wilkinson was preferred to Robert Huth at right-back, Glenn Whelan came into central midfield for Dean Whitehead and up front, Jonathan Walters partnered Peter Crouch, as Cameron Jerome dropped to the bench.
This Time Around….After their impressive draw with Manchester United last weekend, Tony Pulis could field an unchanged side. Cameron Jerome could force his way into the starting lineup though, partnering Peter Crouch up front with Jonathan Walters adept at switching to a midfield role. Elsewhere, there are no new injury concerns for the manager. Mamady Sidibe made his comeback for the reserves against Nottingham Forest but, given the length of his absence, is surely nowhere near a first-team recall.
Predicted Lineup: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Woodgate, Wilson; Delap, Whitehead, Etherington, Pennant, Walters; Crouch

Sunderland

Next Match: West Brom (H)
Out: Angeleri, Campbell, Gordon, Meyler, Bramble
Doubts:
Banned: Bardsley

Last Time Out….Steve Bruce kept faith with the dame XI that hammered Stoke 4-0 the previous gameweek, with David Vaughan keeping Black Cats skipper Lee Cattermole on the bench. Bruce turned to Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-Won as he chased a two-goal deficit late in the second half but despite a Kieran Richardson goal, the Black Cats slipped to defeat.
This Time Around….Titus Bramble has been suspended from first-team duties, leaving a place in central defence up for grabs – Michael Turner is ready to make his first appearance of the season, although there could be some concern about throwing him in here after a long absence. Steve Bruce could shift John O’Shea to a central role and draft in Elmohamady at right-back as an alternative. Bruce has admitted that “six or seven players played well below their level” against Norwich, and Stephane Sessegnon and Elmohamady’s places in the starting lineup are understood to be at risk. It has been reported that the manager could switch to a 4-4-2 with Connor Wickham partnering Nicklas Bendtner up front, and Lee Cattermole returning to central midfield with David Vaughan or Craig Gardner moving out wide.
Predicted Lineup: Mignolet, O’Shea, Turner, Brown, Richardson; Vaughan, Cattermole, Larsson, Gardner; Wickham, Bendtner.

Swansea

Next Match: Stoke (H)
Out: Bodde, Tate, Agustien, Caulker, Beattie
Doubts: Britton
Banned:

Last Time Out….For the trip to Stamford Bridge, Brendan Rodgers unsurprisingly kept the same starting XI that saw off West Brom 3-0 the previous week. This meant Leroy Lita kept his place as the lone front man ahead of Danny Graham after a goal and assist against the Baggies. Wayne Routledge replaced Leon Britton after the interval, with Graham and Stephen Dobbie coming off the bench late in the second half.
This Time Around….Leon Britton is struggling with the back problem that forced him off at half time last week, meaning Wayne Routledge or Stephen Dobbie could feature in central midfield. Danny Graham is fully fit after a back problem and will do battle with Leroy Lita for a place up front. Ferry Bodde, who has yet to feature this season, has been hit by the news that he will have to undergo an operation to cure his continued knee problem.
Predicted Lineup: Vorm, Rangel, Monk, Williams, Taylor; Allen, Gower, Routledge; Dyer, Sinclair, Graham.

Tottenham Hotspur

Next Match: Arsenal (H)
Out: Huddlestone, Pienaar, Dawson, Kranjcar
Doubts: Defoe, Lennon
Banned:

Last Time Out….Jermain Defoe was ruled out with a bug, forcing Harry Redknapp to shuffle his pack. Sandro came in alongside Scott Parker in central midfield, as Luka Modric moved out to the right, with license to come inside in a more tucked-in position, allowing Kyle Walker to bomb forward from right-back. Rafael Van der Vaart returned, playing just off lone front man Emmanuel Adebayor, with Gareth Bale wide left.
This Time Around…. Harry Redknapp could continue with the 4-2-3-1 system he fielded at Wigan, meaning a place on the bench for Jermain Defoe, despite his return to action in the Europa League game with Shamrock Rovers. Sandro could continue in central midfield alongside Scott Parker, with Luka Modric on the right and Rafael Van der Vaart will play in a more advanced role just off Emmanuel Adebayor. Danny Rose should return to the squad after featuring in the Europa League, whilst Aaron Lennon was substituted at half-time with a recurrence of a groin injury and is considered a doubt.
Predicted Lineup: Friedel; Walker, King, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Parker, Sandro, Modric, Bale, Van der Vaart; Adebayor.

West Bromwich Albion

Next Match: Sunderland (A)
Out:
Doubts:
Banned:

Last Time Out….Gareth McAuley replaced Craig Dawson at centre half for the Baggies home clash with Fulham. Graham Dorrans came into central midfield for Paul Scharner in the only other change but despite fielding his first-choice strike-force of Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie, West Brom failed to find the net yet again- a second clean sheet of the season will be scant consolation, as they picked up their first home point of the campaign.
This Time Around….Roy Hodgson has revealed he may persist with a 4-3-3 formation, despite abandoning it at half time against Fulham and reverting back to 4-4-2. The idea is to use Jerome Thomas in a more advanced position as a left-sided forward, with Peter Odemwingie on the opposite side and Shane Long in the middle. The manager has also admitted that Paul Scharner, Zoltan Gera, James Morrison and George Thorne could all push for places in midfield.
Predicted Lineup: Foster, Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Shorey; Mulumbu, Brunt, Thomas, Dorrans; Odemwingie, Long.

Wigan Athletic

Next Match: Aston Villa (A)
Out: Alcaraz, Rodallega
Doubts: Boyce
Banned: Gohouri

Last Time Out….Steve Gohouri came in for Adrian Lopez at right-back, in the continued absence of Emmerson Boyce. Gohouri picked up two yellows, both for fouls on Gareth Bale, and will miss the visit to Aston Villa. Mohamed Diame replaced Jordi Gomez in the midfield three and grabbed a goal- the latter was moved to left of the front three in light of Hugo Rodallega’s knee injury.
This Time Around…. Emmerson Boyce is back in training but remains a doubt for the trip to Aston Villa. If he fails to recover from the hamstring problem that has sidelined him for the last two games, Adrian Lopez could return at right-back. Roberto Martinez is without the suspended Steve Gohouri, after he picked up two yellow cards against Spurs. Antolin Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega remain on the sidelines, meaning Jordi Gomez could continue left of the front three.
Predicted Lineup: Al Habsi, Van Aanholt, Lopez, Caldwell, Figueroa; Diame, Watson, Gomez, McCarthy, Moses; Di Santo.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Next Match: Newcastle (H)
Out: Ebanks-Blake, Foley, Craddock, Zubar
Doubts: Stearman
Banned:

Last Time Out….Mick McCarthy fielded a 4-5-1 for the first time this season for the trip to Liverpool. Stephen Ward returned to left-back as Kevin Doyle led the line. Dave Edwards and Stephen Hunt came in to bolster the midfield, as Michael Kightly dropped down to the bench. Big Mick reverted to 4-4-2 after the break, bringing Steven Fletcher on to partner Doyle and the Scotsman picked up a goal in the 2-1 defeat.

This Time Around….After fielding a 4-4-1-1 against Liverpool, Mick McCarthy has confirmed he will return to his preferred 4-4-2 for the home clash with Newcastle. Dave Edwards was deployed just behind Kevin Doyle at Anfield, but Stephen Fletcher should get the nod in a two man attack, having scored as a substitute in last week’s 2-1 loss and now fully recovered from a groin problem. With right-back Richard Stearman considered a doubt due to a toe injury, Big Mick has revealed that youngster Matt Doherty could make his first league start. Ronald Zubar made his return to the reserves this week having been sidelined since February, but is some way away from match fitness.

Predicted Lineup: Hennessey, Stearman, Berra, Johnson, Ward, Henry, O’Hara, Hunt, Jarvis; Fletcher, Doyle