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Premier League Team News
Arsenal
- Next Match: Stoke (H)
- Out:
- Abou Diaby
- Almunia
- Gibbs
- Sagna
- Vermaelen
- Wilshere
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Aaron Ramsey missed out against Sunderland due to a very minor hamstring strain – that allowed Tomas Rosicky to come into the midfield. Kieran Gibbs started at left-back once again but was forced off on 50 minutes with a stomach muscle strain. Theo Walcott and Gervinho were again given the wide roles with Andrei Arshavin restricted to a cameo from the bench.
- This Time Around…Arsene Wenger may be without a fit right-back for the clash after Carl Jenkinson suffered a knee injury in the Champions League victory over Marseille. The youngster had been deputising for Bacary Sagna, who is sidelined with an ankle problem, but it has been confirmed that he is very unlikely to make the game. If he fails to prove his fitness, the manager will most likely use Johan Djourou who is adept in the position. Kieran Gibbs is another defensive doubt with Andre Santos, who started in Europe, likely to continue. Aaron Ramsey, should return in midfield with Tomas Rosicky likely to make way. Wenger must once again decide who to start in the wide roles with Andrei Arshavin again likely to miss out.
Aston Villa
- Next Match: West Brom (H)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Alex McLeish brought Emile Heskey back into his starting lineup, preferring him to Barry Bannan, perhaps due to the latter’s recent international duties. The Scot did feature in the second half, though. James Collins failed to recover from a foot injury, with Ciaran Clark stepping into the defence as his replacement. The likes of Marc Albrighton and Charles N’Zogbia were again given bench roles, although both saw action in the second-half.
- This Time Around…James Collins has handed Alex McLeish a boost by declaring himself fit for clash. The centre-back missed out against Manchester City with a groin injury and is expected to replace Cairan Clark in the starting lineup. The game will come too soon for on-loan Jermaine Jenas though who is reportedly still three to four games away from full fitness. Emile Heskey could make way with Barry Bannan, who was benched at City last time out, coming back into the team. This would mean a shift back to 4-4-2 formation, with Darren Bent and Gabby Agbonlahor partnered up front.
Blackburn Rovers
- Next Match: Tottenham (H)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Steve Kean made three changes to the side that lost at home to Man City the previous Gameweek, with Jason Roberts, Michel Salgado and Martin Olsson all in the starting XI. David Goodwillie recovered from food poisoning but could only make the bench, though he did come on as a second half sub late on. Yakubu’s brace against Arsenal already seems a lifetime away- the Nigerian sat on the bench for the entire game. Jason Lowe shifted to a midfield role, alongside Steven N’Zonzi and Radosav Petrovic.
- This Time Around…Steve Kean could welcome back midfielders David Dunn and Morten Gamst Pederson for the clash with Spurs. The pair were both reportedly close to returns last time out against QPR and may into contention. Radislav Petrovic could be the one to make way should Pedersen make a return, Dunn would seem more likely to claim a bench role. Up front, the manager must decide whether to recall Yakubu or persist with Jason Roberts. David Goodwillie may also be in with a shout, but could be preferred for a role on the flank.
Bolton Wanderers
- Next Match: Sunderland (H)
- Out:
- Alonso
- Davis
- Holden
- Lee
- Mears
- Ricketts
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Owen Coyle rang the changes at Wigan with David Wheater recalled in defence alongside Gary Cahill, while Dedryk Boyata kept the right-back role. Zat Knight dropped to the bench then, while Gretar Steinsson and Fabrice Muamba were left out of the squad with Darren Pratley and Nigel Reo-Coker continuing in central midfield. Ivan Klasnic was available after suspension but was given just a five minute sub appearance late on, with David N’Gog justifying his manager’s decision with a goal.
- This Time Around…A win marked the end to Bolton’s lengthy losing streak and Owen Coyle, who revealed that the players’ jerseys are theirs to lose, will surely stick with the same starting lineup for this one. David Ngog will be expected to keep his place next to Kevin Davies in attack, with Ivan Klasnic again left on the bench. Fabrice Muamba, Zat Knight and Gretar Steinsson will be expected to miss out once again – the latter pairing failed to make the 18-man squad at Wigan.
Chelsea
- Next Match: QPR (A)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Andre Villas-Boas recalled Branislav Ivanovic to his defence against Everton, with David Luiz nursing a knock. Elsewhere, the Chelsea lineup was unchanged with Didier Drogba leading a three-pronged attack, leaving Nicolas Anelka benched.
- This Time Around…Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that Ramires has been ruled out the clash after the Brazilian international suffered an ankle injury against Everton and then missed out in the Champions League victory over Genk. Expect Mikel or Josh McEachran to come in alongside Frank Lampard and Raul Meireles in the midfield three. Didier Drogba, Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge, none of whom featured against Genk, should all take their places in the starting line-up. Fernando Torres will complete the final game of his three match ban here.
Everton
- Next Match: Fulham (A)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…David Moyes was able to field an unchanged side at Stamford Bridge, with Jack Rodwell available in midfield after his red card was rescinded. That meant that club skipper Phil Neville was again left on the bench. He saw action on 72 minutes, replacing Tim Cahill but it was fellows subs Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe who again made the impact. Vellios notching a consolation for the Toffees to continue building his reputation.
- This Time Around…James McFadden starts his second stint as an Everton player and, although he is unlikely to be thrown in at the deep-end with a start, could get some minutes off the bench for the Toffees. Louis Saha should continue up front with Tim Cahill in the support role. Although, with no goals to his name so far this season, Saha’s position is under threat from Apostolos Vellios who has grabbed two in just five brief substitute appearances. Phil Neville may once again miss out with the likes of Jack Rodwell and Mauro Fellaini preferred in the central midfield positions and Tony Hibbert at right-back.
Fulham
- Next Match: Everton (H)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Aaron Hughes returned to the starting lineup, with Chris Baird getting the nod at right-back. Moussa Dembele lasted just thirty-six minutes on the wing before a knock forced the Belgian off, affording Damien Duff some game time after Jol had decided to start him on the bench.
- This Time Around…Danny Murphy is considered a doubt after failing to make the squad for his side’s Europa League clash with Wisla Krakow after sustaining a knee injury at Stoke. Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora, both of whom were rested for the trip to Poland will come back into contention. Damien Duff could challenge for a place in the starting lineup but faces competition from Moussa Dembele, who has been favoured one the left side of midfield in recent weeks. Orlando Sa is a doubt after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Europa League.
Liverpool
- Next Match: Norwich (H)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Kenny Dalglish was able to welcome skipper Steven Gerrard to his starting lineup, with Andy Carroll dropping to the bench to make way. That saw a shift to a 4-5-1 with Dirk Kuyt and Stewart Downing flanking Luis Suarez up front. Lucas picked up his fifth booking of the season and was replaced by Jordan Henderson on the hour-mark – the former Sunderland man would seem favourite to replace Lucas for the meeting with Norwich.
- This Time Around…The fit again Steven Gerrard should keep his place in the starting lineup and, after impressing against Manchester United, indeed, Kenny Dalglish will be expected to make few enforced changes here. Glen Johnson could be pushing for a starting role having come through over an hour of action in a friendly with Rangers on Tuesday and is now ready to battle it out with Martin Kelly for the right-back spot. Dalglish will be forced into a change in midfield with Lucas suspended - Jordan Henderson looks most likely to be drafted in. Alternatively, the Liverpool boss could shift to a standard 4-4-2, with Dirk Kuyt on the right flank with Gerrard adopting a deeper midfield role. That would see Andy Carroll partnering Luis Suarez up front.
Manchester City
- Next Match: Man United (A)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Roberto Mancini rang the changes for the league game with Aston Villa, Edin Dzeko was rested, allowing Mario Balotelli to lead the line. David Silva grabbed just a brief second half cameo, while Samir Nasri was also rested, as Adam Johnson took centre stage with a goal and assist. James Milner lined up on the opposite flank as Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong took up the holding roles. Yaya Toure was charged with supporting Balotelli in attack from midfield. Sergio Dzeko and Aguero returned to action in Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Villarreal – the latter starting from the bench but emerging to fire the priceless winner. Mancini again rotated his lineup for this game, drafting in Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov at full-back – the latter putting in a man of the match performance in the 2-1 win. Nasri and Silva were restored, while Johnson was replaced after just 40 minutes as Mancini changed tact by introducing Barry from the bench.
- This Time Around…Roberto Mancini will bring his big guns back into the starting lineup for this top-of-the-table derby. Sergio Aguero will be expected to return after recovering from injury and grabbing a crucial late goal in the Champions League victory over Villarreal. A handful of misses and a rather disappointing performance may see Edin Dzeko benched with the in-form Mario Balotelli given the nod as Aguero’s partner. Alternatively, Augero could play up front on his own with Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri and David Silva supporting. Micah Richards is a slight doubt after suffering a head injury against Aston Villa – should he fail to recover in time Pablo Zabaleta should start at right-back. Mancini must also make a decision at left-back, with Alex Kolarov impressing against Villareal – Clichy faces competition to regain his start. Elsewhere Adam Johnson will be looking to keep his place on the flank having been replaced on 40 minutes in Tuesday’s European tie.
Manchester United
- Next Match: Man City (H)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting XI was a major surprise. Wayne Rooney, Nani, Javier Hernandez and Anderson were all omitted for the 1-1 with Liverpool. Phil Jones’ versatility continues to offer him plenty chances of starts- this time he moved to central midfield and has now started United’s last eight league games. Rio Ferdinand joined Jonny Evans in the heart of the back-four as Nemanja Vidic missed out altogether, despite playing for Serbia in midweek. Vidic made his return to the starting lineup against Otelul Galati in the Champions League, partnering Chris Smalling in central defence with Fabio returning at right-back. Ferdinand was rested for Tuesday’s tie along with Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher and Danny Welbeck, who all dropped to the bench. Wayne Rooney returned up front and claimed the 2-0 win via a pair of spot-kicks.
- This Time Around…Sir Alex Ferguson has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from for the derby clash. Darron Gibson remains out with an ankle problem, whilst Tom Cleverley is still doubtful after sustaining a foot injury last month. Ferguson is likely to turn to a Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez strike partnership, with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic paired at the back. Phil Jones will be favourite to claim the right-back role with Chris Smalling and Fabio set to miss out after starts in Tuesday’s Champions League tie. Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Ashley Young and Nani would seem likely starters in midfield. Although Ji-Sung Park, who is often used in important games, could also challenge for a start on the flank.
Newcastle United
- Next Match: Wigan (H)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Alan Pardew was able to field an unchanged side in the 2-2 with Spurs. Davide Santon made his debut late on in the second half, replacing Danny Simpson, and may be pushing for a start next week at home to Wigan. Shola Ameobi came off the bench to strike a superb equaliser and he will be threatening to break up the Demba Ba and Leon Best partnership up front.
- This Time Around…After coming off the bench against Tottenham, Davide Santon could make his first start in the Premier League for the Magpies. Alan Pardew has hinted that Danny Simpson is perhaps favourite to drop out, with Ryan Taylor continuing to impress at left-back. Although Santon is equally adept on either side of defence. Shola Ameobi gave his boss food for thought after grabbing the late equaliser last weekend and may nudge Leon Best, who has failed to score in his last three games, out of the starting lineup. With the midfield continuing to impress, Hatem Ben Arfa looks set to continue in a bench role.
Norwich City
- Next Match: Liverpool (A)
- Out:
- Ayala
- Vaughan
- Ward
- Whitbread
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Paul Lambert named an unchanged lineup for the fourth consecutive match, again leaving club skipper Grant Holt on the bench as Steve Morison lead the line in a 4-5-1. The likes of Ritchie De Laet, Andrew Surman and Andrew Crofts all had to make do with bench duty having been given opportunities earlier in the season.
- This Time Around…Unless injuries force changes, Paul Lambert is expect to hand in the same teamsheet for the fifth consecutive Premier League fixture. The switch to a 4-5-1 formation has proven successful in recent weeks. Steve Morison has recovered from a knock picked up in the win over Swansea and should start this one - club captain Grant Holt, who has had to make do with a bench role recently, is expected to miss out again. Zak Whitbread is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Queens Park Rangers
- Next Match: Chelsea (H)
- Out:
- Agyemang
- Campbell
- Dyer
- Gabbidon
- Hulse
- Rowlands
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Neil Warnock sprung a major surprise at Loftus Road, with Adel Taarabt benched after his walk-out in the 6-0 defeat at Fulham in Gameweek seven. Jay Bothroyd also dropped out, with Jamie Mackie and Heidar Helgusson selected as their replacements. Armand Traore returned at left-back after serving a one-match suspension.
- This Time Around…Neil Warnock has defended Adel Taarabt after the midfielder received a public berating from captain Joey Barton. The Moroccan midfielder could be recalled to the starting lineup after being dropped last week, although Jamie Mackie impressed with an assist and will be looking to hang on to his starting role. Heidar Helguson was favoured over the likes of Jay Bothroyd in the lone striker position and should continue there after grabbing the goal in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn.
Stoke City
- Next Match: Arsenal (A)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Tony Pulis was without Jonathan Woodgate in his defence for the 2-0 win over Fulham, the former Spurs man again struggling to sustain back-to-back starts. Matt Upson came into the starting lineup then, while both Matt Etherington and Jermaine Pennant overcame injury concerns to claim starting roles. Rory Delap partnered Glenn Whelan in midfield as Dean Whitehead dropped to the bench. Kenwyne Jones was fit enough for the bench but was unable to dislodge the partnership of Peter Crouch and Jonathan Walters up front.
- This Time Around…After heavy rotation for the Europa Leauge against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, Tony Pulis is likely to revert back to his usual suspects for the trip to Highbury. Jonathan Walters and Peter Crouch should continue up front, keeping Cameron Jerome and Kenwyne Jones on the bench after their stint in Thursday’s tie. Danny Higginbotham and Wilson Palacios both featured for the reserves this week and could be in with a chance of making the squad. Glenn Whelan and Rory Delap will be expected to start in central midfield however, with Matt Etherington on the left-flank. Jermaine Pennant missed Thursday’s tie, along with Jonathan Woodgate, and their availability could yet be a concern for Pulis with reports suggesting that Pennant is touch and go. Ryan Shotton played on right side of midfield for Stoke in the Europa League and could fill in once again if Pennant fails to make the clash. Another option is dropping Walters back to the flank with Jerome or Jones coming in next to Crouch.
Sunderland
- Next Match: Bolton (A)
- Out:
- Angeleri
- Bramble
- Campbell
- Gordon
- Gyan
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Steve Bruce was without the service of Nicklas Bendtner at the Emirates due to the conditions of his loan deal. Stephane Sessegnon was given the lone striker role in a 4-5-1 with David Vaughan returning to bolster the midfield that also included Lee Cattermole and Jack Colback. Seb Larsson picked up his fifth booking of the season in the 2-1 defeat and will now miss the trip to Bolton.
- This Time Around…Steve Bruce has revealed that he will play 4-4-2 and switch Stephane Sessegnon to midfield role, with Ahmed Elmohamady possibly making way. Nicklas Bendtner, who will come straight back into the side after sitting out against parent club Arsenal, is now lacking a strike partner and the manager has revealed that he could hand Connor Wickham his first start in the Premier League. Dong-Won Ji is another option up front. Sebastian Larsson will miss out though through suspension and the boss may now push Richardson up to the left-flank. Phil Bardsley returns from his four-game ban and can therefore slot in at left-back.
Swansea City
- Next Match: Wolves (A)
- Out:
- Agustien
- Bodde
- Caulker
- Dobbie
- Tate
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Brendan Rodgers was able to recall Leon Britton to his midfield, with Mark Gower dropping to the bench to make way. Wayne Routledge supported lone striker Danny Graham. Stephen Dobbie replaced Routledge late on but picked up an ankle knock, forcing the Swans down to ten men, having used all of their subs.
- This Time Around…Stephan Dobbie, who has mainly been used as a substitute this season, will miss out after suffering an ankle injury in the defeat at Norwich. After finding the back of the net in his last two games, Danny Graham will surely get the nod over Leroy Lita up front. Mark Gower found himself benched last time out and would seem unlikely to dislodge Leon Britton and Joe Allen for a central midfield role. New signing Vangelis Moras could challenge Garry Monk for a central defensive spot.
Tottenham Hotspur
- Next Match: Blackburn (A)
- Out:
- Bentley
- Corluka
- Dawson
- Gallas
- Huddlestone
- King
- Kranjcar
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Emmanuel Adebayor shrugged off a hamstring problem to start at Newcastle, while Rafael Van der Vaart was given his wish, playing just off the lone forward, as Luka Modric was moved to the flank by Harry Redknapp. Jake Livermore joined Scott Parker in central midfield, while Jermain Defoe was benched. The striker staked his claim for a starting role next time out with the second goal in the 2-2 draw. Ledley King’s withdrawal due to injury just before the half-hour mark afforded Sebastian Bassong a chance against his former club and adds to Spurs’ injury woes at the back.
- This Time Around…Ledley King’s groin injury is not as serious as first feared, according to reports, and the central defender should be back by early November. Harry Redknapp will be forced to turn to Sebastien Bassong to partner Younes Kaboul in defence in the meantime, the latter should be recalled here having been rested for Thursday’s Europa League tie. Sandro, who missed out with a calf injury at Newcastle, returned for Thursday’s Europa League tie with Ruben Kazan, along with the Aaron Lennon and Danny Rose – all three are in contention here then. Sandro would seem most likely to start in a central midfield spot, ousting Jake Livermore to the bench. Jermain Defoe could push for a start after coming off the bench last time out to grab a goal at Newcastle but, after playing 90 minutes up front with Roman Pavlyuchenko in Europe, Redknapp would seem likely to stick to a partnership of Emmanuel Adebayor, with Rafael Van der Vaart used up in support.
West Bromwich Albion
- Next Match: Aston Villa (A)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Roy Hodgson made four changes from the draw at Sunderland. Nicky Shorey surprisingly dropped to the bench with Billy Jones lining up at left-back. James Morrison and Graham Dorrans were amongst the subs as Paul Scharner and Jerome Thomas came in. Somen Tchoyi was given the nod up in support of Shane Long, although Peter Odemwingie came off the bench to notch a goal and push himself forward for a start at Villa.
- This Time Around…Roy Hodgson is confident that Youssouf Mulumbu and Steven Reid will be fit for the clash. The pair missed training session in the week and are recovering from minor knee and hand problems respectively. Gabriel Tamas’ inclusion is less likely though as he is still suffering with a thigh injury. Peter Odemwingie is expected to start up front alongside Shane Long after scoring in the 2-0 win over Wolves.
Wigan Athletic
- Next Match: Newcastle (A)
- Out:
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…Roberto Martinez was able to recall the experience of Antolin Alcaraz to his back four, along with Steve Gohouri, who returned from suspension. Maynor Figueroa dropped to the bench, while Lopez dropped out of the squad. Gomes also missed out in midfield with Dave Jones claiming a starting role. Hugo Rodallega was fit enough to return to the bench and was introduced at half-time as Wigan chased the game to no avail. Ben Watson was forced off at half time with a knock and could be an early doubt for the trip to Newcastle.
- This Time Around…Roberto Martinez has confirmed that there are no new injuries to worry him for the trip to the North East. Although, with five defeats in a row behind them, the manager may look to ring the changes. David Jones, who won his first start of the season last time out, could hold on to a midfield role. Shaun Maloney, Jordi Gomez and James McArthur will all push for recalls. Hugo Rodallega would seem most likely to be drafted in after impressing from the bench last time out.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Next Match: Swansea (H)
- Out:
- Elokobi
- Fletcher
- Foley
- Kightly
- Doubts:
- Banned:
- Last Time Out…With Steven Fletcher missing out due to a calf injury, Mick McCarthy opted for a 4-5-1, as Stephen Hunt dropped to the bench. Adam Hammill came into the lineup, while Nenad Milijas also claimed a starting role. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was fit enough for a return to the bench and may come into contention for a start with Fletcher set to be sidelined for two-to-four weeks.
- This Time Around…Mick McCarty must make a decision on formation and a partner for Kevin Doyle after it was confirmed that Stephen Fletcher will spend the next few weeks on the sidelines. Nenad Milijas could hold on to his advanced central midfield role in the 4-5-1 formation or, if fit, Dave Edwards may come in. Alternatively, McCarthy could be tempted to hand Sylvan Ebanks-Blake his first Premier League start of the season alongside Doyle in a 4-4-2 formation. Stephen Hunt and Adlene Guedioura both found themselves benched last time out and could challenge the likes of Adam Hammill for starting roles. Kevin Foley is facing further time on the sidelines after undergoing an operation on a long-term ankle problem.
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