Premier League Team News 2011/12

Arsenal


Next Match: Bolton (H)

Out: Diaby, Wilshere, Vermaelen, Squillaci, Benayoun

Doubts:

Banned:



Last Time Out…. Arsene Wenger gave Andre Santos his league debut for the Gunners; Kieran Gibbs dropped out at left-back. Elsewhere, Gervinho returned from suspension and it was Theo Walcott rather than Andrei Arshavin, perhaps surprisingly, who was omitted from the starting XI at Blackburn, as Gervinho took his place on the right. Alex Song also returned after a three-match ban, with Emmanuel Frimpong making way in central midfield. For the Carling Cup victory over Shrewsbury, the manager rotated and gave the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Francis Coquelin and Cho Young-Park starts. Kieran Gibbs and Oxlade-Chamberlain found the back of the net and generally impressed, with the other goalscorer Yossi Benayoun picking up an injury.

This Time Around….Yossi Benayoun has been ruled out for this one, which leaves less competition for places in the Gunners’ midfield. One change from the team that lost to Blackburn could be the reintroduction of Theo Walcott, with Andrey Arshavin likely to make way as Gervinho switches to the left flank. Bacary Sagna has been made available following the knock he suffered against Blackburn. Arsene Wenger must decide between Andre Santos and Kieran Gibbs at left-back – the latter was on the scoresheet in the Carling Cup win over Orient. Thomas Rosicky is also back in the squad and should find a place on the bench.

Predicted Lineup: Szczęsny, Sagna, Mertersacker, Koscielny, Santos; Song, Arteta, Walcott, Ramsey, Gervinho; Van Persie.





Aston Villa

Next Match: QPR (A)

Out: Cuellar, Lichaj, Heskey, Bent

Doubts: Jenas, Warnock, Petrov, Clark, Herd

Banned:



Last Time Out….An injury to Emile Heskey allowed Barry Bannan a rare start on the Villa right for the home match with Newcastle. This enforced change was Alex McLeish’s only alteration to the side that drew with Everton the previous week, though Big Eck gave Marc Albrighton, Nathan Delfouneso and Stephen Ireland their chance from the bench late on. In the midweek Carling Cup tie against Bolton, the Villa manager fielded a strong lineup with the notable changes being Nathan Delfouneso coming in for the injured Darren Bent and Charles N’Zogbia dropping to the bench with Albrighton starting.

This Time Around….Alex McLeish is without Darren Bent for the fixture, the striker has been described as “touch and go” after sustaining a groin injury in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle. With Emile Heskey already on the sidelines, this leaves Villa short of attacking options. Nathan Delfouneso could continue there, after starting in the Carling Cup, although Gabby Agbonlahor will be expected to lead the attack, with Charles N’Zogbia and Barry Bannan, or perhaps even Marc Albrighton, on either flank. Jermaine Jenas is rated 50/50 to return from his thigh injury, whilst Stephen Warnock and Stilian Petrov, who both suffered injuries against Newcastle, and Cairan Clark and Chris Herd should be considered doubts.

Predicted Lineup: Given, Hutton, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Petrov, Delph, N’Zogbia, Bannan, Albrighton; Agbonlahor.



Blackburn Rovers

Next Match: Newcastle (A)

Out: Dunn, Nelsen

Doubts: Pedersen, Goodwillie, Salgado

Banned:



Last Time Out….Steve Kean made two enforced changes from the side that drew at Fulham for the visit of Arsenal. David Dunn missed out with a calf injury, meaning Jason Lowe took his place in central midfield and a knock kept David Goodwillie on the sidelines. Luckily for Kean, Yakubu took his chance in the lone front role with a brace and looks likely to maintain his starting role for the trip to Newcastle next week. Against Leyton Orient in the midweek Carling Cup clash there were a few changes, with key men Yakubu, Paul Robinson, Mauro Formica and Scott Dann all benched and other rested all together. Simon Vukcevic came in and grabbed a goal and did his first start for the club.

This Time Around….Steve Kean should be expected to hand in a similar looking team-sheet to the one which saw off Arsenal. With David Goodwillie and Morten Gamst Pedersen potentially returning from injury, on top of Jason Roberts and Simon Vukcevic’s impressive midweek performances, Kean has a number of options available to him. Michel Salgado is a slight doubt at right-back and Jason Lowe, who’s usually a midfielder but featured in the role in midweek, could continue. This would leave a midfield space alongside Steven N’Zonzi, with Radoslav Petrovic vying for the start. Goal hero Yakubu will surely keep his place as the lone front man. David Dunn and Ryan Nelsen have been ruled out with injury.

Predicted Lineup: Robinson, Lowe, Dann, Samba, Givet; NZonzi, Petrovic, Formica, Rochina, Hoilett; Yakubu.



Bolton Wanderers

Next Match: Arsenal (A)

Out: Alonso, S Davies, Lee, Mears, Ricketts

Doubts:

Banned: Klasnic



Last Time Out….Owen Coyle made two changes from the side that lost to Man United the previous week. Despite hinting at a defensive shake-up, it was in midfield where the Trotters boss freshened things up- Darren Pratley replace Mark Davies in the centre, while Chris Eagles dropped out for Tuncay on the right. Ivan Klasnic’s straight red card forced Coyle to remove Kevin Davies and Tuncay at half-time though with the Croatian now set to be banned for three matches, David N’Gog may get his chance in the upcoming weeks. Wanderers beat Villa 2-0 in the midweek Carling Cup show down with a fairly strong lineup. Notably, Gael Kakuta came in and scored with David Wheater, Fabrice Muamba and Stuart Holden all starting for the Trotters.

This Time Around….Owen Coyle says he will carefully consider including Stuart Holden, who played 90 minutes in midweek. The manager kept him out of training on Thursday, revealing that he doesn’t want the midfielder to do too much too soon. The Trotters’ boss could now go for a 4-5-1, with Kevin Davies supported from midfield and David Ngog starting life on the bench. Chris Eagles is a candidate for the free role after impressing in midweek with Tuncay presenting an option on the right. Gael Kakuta is expected to feature at some point after his goal against Aston Villa. Elsewhere, Bolton have no new injury concerns.

Predicted Lineup: Jaaskelainen, Boyata, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Reo-Coker, Holden, Tuncay, Petrov, Eagles; K Davies.



Chelsea

Next Match: Swansea (H)

Out: Essien, Sturridge

Doubts:

Banned: Alex



Last Time Out….Andre Villa-Boas kept faith with Fernando Torres in his starting lineup at Old Trafford following the Champions League tie with Bayer Leverkusen. John Terry made a return to the side having missed the midweek European clash so David Luiz dropped to the bench. Ramires and Frank Lampard also made returns to the midfield with Mikel and Malouda dropping out. In the Carling Cup verses Fulham, Chelsea fielded a weakened side including David Luiz and Florent Malouda who both played for the full 120 minutes. Didier Drogba found a place on the bench for the first time since suffering concussion, signalling his return. Daniel Sturridge picked up a knee injury and is a doubt, whilst Petr Cech was taken to hospital after a clash with Orlando Sa but has been given the all clear. Alex received a red card and is suspended for this one.

This Time Around….Daniel Sturridge is ruled for the trip with a knee injury sustained in the midweek Carling Cup tie, paving the way for Nicolas Anelka to come into the starting lineup in a forward three alongside Juan Mata and Fernando Torres. With Didier Drogba back in the squad, Andres Villas-Boas has further options available to him but the Ivorian seems set for a bench role here. Branislav Ivanovic is set to keep his place as John Terry’s central-defensive partner, with Alex suspended and David Luiz playing 120 minutes in midweek. Petr Cech is in the squad and will be expected to start here, despite suffering a blow to the head in midweek which saw him replaced at half-time.

Predicted Lineup: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Meireles, Lampard; Mata, Anelka, Torres.



Everton

Next Match: Man City (A)

Out: Anichebe

Doubts:

Banned:



Last Time Out….David Moyes kept faith in the same starting XI that drew 2-2 at home with Aston Villa the previous week. The 3-1 win over Wigan saw his three substitutes all play vital roles for the Toffees, though, and will give Moyes food for thought. Royston Drenthe and Apostolos Vellios both scored and Denis Stracqualursi picked up an assist against the Latics and may be pushing for starting roles, with Drenthe perhaps favourite to displace Diniyar Bilyaletdinov next time round. Everton played an almost full-strength side for their Carling Cup extra time victory against West Brom, with Tim Howard, Tim Cahill and Tony Hibbert rested.

This Time Around….After being rested in the Carling Cup, Tim Cahill, Tony Hibbert and Tim Howard’s names should return to David Moyes’ starting lineup. Cahill could once again play as the main striker, although the Toffees’ boss does have options with Apostolos Vellios and Denis Stracqualursi available. Louis Saha is another alternative, but the Frenchman currently seems out of favour – although assistant manager Steve Round has offered him an olive branch by saying he can still play a key role this season. Royston Drenthe and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will battle it out for a place on the left flank, with Drenthe getting the nod in the midweek Carling tie.

Predicted Lineup: Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Distin; Fellaini, Rodwell, Drenthe, Coleman, Osman, Cahill.



Fulham

Next Match: West Brom (A)

Out: Davies, BH Riise, Etuhu, Johnson

Doubts: Hughes, Duff

Banned:



Last Time Out….Stephen Kelly kept his place at right-back for the home game with Man City after Aaron Hughes failed to recover from a knock picked up in the previous game against Blackburn. Chris Baird partnered Brede Hangeland at centre half as Philipp Senderos dropped out. Moussa Dembele replaced Bryan Ruiz up front alongside Bobby Zamora, as Clint Dempsey stayed in midfield. Martin Jol made a number of changes to his side for the Carling Cup penalty defeat to Chelsea with just Martin Kelly and Chris Baird keeping their places from the beginning.

This Time Around….Martin Jol is hoping to welcome back defender Aaron Hughes, who has missed the previous three fixtures with a knee injury. If deemed fit, Hughes should come into the back four and partner Brede Hangeland in central defence at the expense of Chris Baird. Alternatively, Jol could elect to hand another start to Philippe Senderos, with Hughes shifting to right-back. Moussa Demebele will be expected to continue as Bobby Zamora’s partner up front, although Bryan Ruiz and Clint Dempsey remain options. Damien Duff, who was forced off against Manchester City with a knock, should return after earning a rest in the Carling tie at Chelsea.

Predicted Lineup: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise; Duff, Sidwell, Murphy, Dempsey; Dembele, Zamora.



Liverpool

Next Match: Wolves (H)

Out: Agger

Doubts: Johnson

Banned:



Last Time Out….Kenny Dalglish recalled Andy Carroll to his starting lineup for the trip to Spurs but, having seen his side demolished at White Hart Lane, his starting role would seemingly be under threat next time out. Dalglish saw both Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel dismissed for two bookable offences but both will be available for the Anfield clash with Wolves as they served one-match bans in the Carling Cup at Brighton on Wednesday evening. Dan Agger is a doubt after being forced off at Tottenham after just 21 minutes. Steven Gerrard made his comeback against Brighton for the last 15 minutes, whilst Craig Bellamy impressed with a goal – putting Andy Carroll’s place under further pressure.

This Time Around….Kenny Dalglish has welcomed back defenders Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio to training this week although neither will be expected to start here. With Daniel Agger ruled out with a fractured rib, Martin Skrtel should move into central defence with John Flanagan and Martin Kelly giving the Liverpool manager options at right-back. Johnson could be a factor here, but seems unlikely to figure having just returned to light work in training. Up front, Andy Carroll could find himself on the bench, with Dirk Kuyt recalled alongside Luis Suarez although Carroll didn’t feature in the Carling Cup, with Dalglish perhaps keeping him fresh with this one in mind. Craig Bellamy also put forward a strong case for selection with an impressive midweek showing against Brighton in the midweek tie.

Predicted Lineup: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique; Adam, Lucas, Henderson, Downing; Suarez, Kuyt.



Manchester City

Next Match: Everton (H)

Out:De Jong

Doubts:

Banned:



Last Time Out….Roberto Mancini kept Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero in his starting lineup at Fulham having opted for that pairing in the Champions League tie with Napoli. Carlos Tevez started life on the bench then, alongside the goalscorer against Napoli – Aleksandar Kolarov making way as Gael Clichy returned at left-back. In the Carling Cup victory over Birmingham the City boss made wholesale changes. Owen Hargreaves grabbed the headlines with a debut goal, whilst Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli played as the forward pair, the latter fetching a goal.

This Time Around….Roberto Mancini is expected to recall first-choice forward pair Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero, after they were rested in the Carling Cup. With Aleksander Kolarov used in the midweek game, the fresher Gael Clichy should get the nod at left-back here. With Nigel De Jong the only injury in the City squad, we should see a similar lineup to the one that earned a draw at Fulham, despite the impending trip to Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday. James Milner and Adam Johnson will be knocking on the door for midfield roles but may have to, once again, make do with the bench along with Carlos Tevez.

Predicted Lineup: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Y Toure, Barry, Silva, Nasri; Aguero, Dzeko.



Manchester United

Next Match: Stoke (A)

Out: Rafael, Gibson, Vidic, Cleverley

Doubts: Ferdinand, Smalling

Banned:



Last Time Out….Rio Ferdinand failed to make the United line-up for the home game with Chelsea, meaning Chris Smalling returned to the starting XI at right-back, with Phil Jones moving back to the centre. Tom Cleverley’s injury allowed Darren Fletcher a start in the heart of midfield in Sir Alex Ferguson’s only two changes from the 5-0 win at Bolton. Fergie will be sweating on the availability of Smalling and Javier Hernandez, though, after both limped off in the win over Andre Villas-Boas’ side. Sir Alex made big changes for the comfortable victory over Leeds in the Carling Cup. Michael Owen seized his rare start by scoring a brace, and he could now find himself featuring more prominently as a substitute. Danny Welbeck returned from injury, coming off the bench in the second half.

This Time Around….Following a shin injury picked up in the victory over Chelsea, Alex Ferguson has revealed that Javier Hernandez is available for the game. He should hold on to his place up front next to Wayne Rooney available in the starting lineup. Danny Welbeck, now recovered from a hamstring injury, should make the bench. Rio Ferdinand has returned to training and, with Chris Smalling a doubt with a groin strain, he could partner Jonny Evans in central defence with Phil Jones at right-back. Darren Fletcher looks set to continue alongside Anderson in central midfield.

Predicted Lineup: De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Young; Rooney, Hernandez.



Newcastle United

Next Match: Blackburn (H)

Out: Williamson, Vuckic, Santon, Smith

Doubts: Ameobi, Coloccini

Banned:



Last Time Out….Alan Pardew made just one change to the Newcastle lineup for the away trip to Aston Villa. Demba Ba came in to partner Leon Best up front as Shoal Ameobi dropped out. Davide Santon’s knee problem is not quite as bad as initially feared, though, and the Italian may be pushing for a start at full-back in the next week or two, despite Newcastle’s strong defensive performances so far. The Newcastle Manager made a number of changes for the extra time victory over Nottingham Forest in the Carling Cup. Hatem Ben Arfa made his long-awaited return from injury and Peter Lovenkrands impressed with a brace.

This Time Around….There are no new injury worries for Alan Pardew to fret over and he should keep a similar starting lineup to the one which drew away at Villa last weekend. After grabbing two goals against Nottingham Forest in midweek, the manager may wish to bring in Peter Lovenkrands at the expense of Demba Ba. Sylvain Marveaux also impressed and could feature at some point. Hatem ben Arfa should expect to get some more minutes under his belt, but the gaffer has revealed that his chance will come from the bench. Fabricio Coloccini is being monitored after featuring for the full 120 minutes in midweek, but “he’ll be fine”, whilst Shola Ameobi is a slight doubt with a knock. Alan Smith this week joined Mike Williamson, Haris Vuckic and Davide Santon on the injury list. Ryan Taylor should feature after the birth of his baby, but is a slight doubt with fatigue.

Predicted Lineup: Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, S Taylor, R Taylor; Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez, Obertan; Ba, Best.



Norwich

Next Match: Sunderland (H)

Out: Ayala, Ward, Whitbread

Doubts:

Banned:



Last Time Out….Paul Lambert is proving to the most unpredictable of Premier League managers when it comes to player rotation. Five games into the season and just one player- Marc Tierney- has started every game for the Canaries. Lambert even changed formation for the trip to the Reebok- a 5-4-1 was rolled out, with six changes from the previous week’s home loss to West Brom. Ritchie De Laet was replaced by Russell Martin in central defence, Andrew Surman lost out to Anthony Pilkington on the left wing, while in central midfield, David Fox and Wes Hoolahan were drafted in. Forwards Grant Holt and Chris Martin were both dropped, as Steve Morison led the line as a lone front man.

This Time Around….Having fetched all 3 points on the road against Bolton, Paul Lambert may not want to disrupt his squad too much. As the game is at Carrow Road, however, Lambert could switch from the 4-5-1 back to 4-4-2 with Grant Holt perhaps drafted back in, with Wes Hoolahan or David Fox missing out. Lambert is proving impossible to second-guess, though; only Marc Tierney also started all five games for the Canaries thus far. Daniel Ayala, Zak Whitbread and Elliot Ward remain sidelined.

Predicted Lineup: Ruddy, R Martin, Naughton, Barnett, Tierney; Johnson, Fox, Hoolahan, Bennett, Pilkington; Morison.



QPR

Next Match: Aston Villa (H)

Out: Dyer, Hulse, Mackie

Doubts: Helguson, Orr, Rowlands, Gabbidon

Banned:



Last Time Out…. Neil Warnock named an unchanged lineup from the side that drew at home with Newcastle. QPR’s new-look side are clearly starting to gel quicker than anticipated, and consistency of selection is giving them time to do so. DJ Campbell put his name forward as a possible starter next time round though; coming on as a sub for Jay Bothroyd, the former Blackpool forward grabbed the third in a comprehensive 3-0 win at Wolves.

This Time Around….Following the impressive 3-0 away victory over Wolves, Neil Warnock is unlikely to make many alterations to his side. DJ Campbell came on at Molineux and grabbed a goal in a brief cameo and will be pushing Jay Bothroyd for the lone striker role. Warnock may be forced into one change though, with Danny Gabbidon rated as a doubt with a knee injury. If he fails to prove his fitness before the game, expect Fitz Hall to come back into the backline. Bradley Orr, Martin Rowlands and Heidar Helguson could all return to the squad from injury.

Predicted Lineup: Kenny, Young, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Traore; Derry, Faurlin, Barton, Wright-Phillips, Taarabt; Boothroyd.



Stoke City

Next Match: Man United (H)

Out: Fuller, Higginbotham, Sidibe, Jones

Doubts:

Banned:



Last Time Out….Tony Pulis made eight changes to his Europa League lineup for the trip to Sunderland – recalling his first team regulars. There were some notable changes however – Cameron Jerome kept his starting role up front with Peter Crouch with Jon Walters shifted to a right midfield role; Jermaine Pennant dropped to the bench to make way. Both Jonathan Woodgate and Marc Wilson overcame knocks to start as Matt Upson and Ryan Shotton made way. The Stoke gaffer rested a number of first-teamers for the Carling Cup penalty shoot-out victory over Spurs. Kenwyne Jones partnered Jerome in attack, although had to be replaced on 12 minutes by Crouch after suffering an ankle injury.

This Time Around….Kenwyne Jones has been ruled out of the game with a hamstring injury picked up in the Carling Cup tie against Tottenham. With this in mind, it seems likely that Peter Crouch and Cameron Jerome will be the forward pair for the Potters. Jonathan Walters is another option to play up front but he may, once again, operate on the right flank. For the victory over Spurs, Tony Pulis made changes to the side which lost heavily against Sunderland and the manager could be tempted to stick with some of his cup heroes. Wilson Palacios and Jermaine Pennant will be vying for starting roles having missed out in the 4-0 defeat at Sunderland.

Predicted Lineup: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Woodgate, Wilson; Delap, Whitehead, Etherington, Walters; Jerome, Crouch



Sunderland

Next Match: Norwich (A)

Out: Angeleri, Campbell, Gordon, Meyler

Doubts:

Banned: Bardsley



Last Time Out….Steve Bruce was forced into a change to his back four when the Black Cats welcomed Stoke to the Stadium of Light – John O’Shea returning from injury to take his place at right-back to replace the suspended Phil Bardsley. David Vaughan and Ahmed Elmohamady both came into a new midfield lineup with Lee Cattermole and Jack Colback dropping to the bench.

This Time Around….Steve Bruce is expected to keep the same starting lineup after cruising to victory over Stoke last weekend. The manager has no new injuries to worry his squad for the trip to Norwich and is likely to stick with a 4-4-1-1, using Stephane Sessegnon just behind Nicklas Bendtner. Unless Bruce wishes to change a winning team, Lee Cattermole and Jack Colback will remain benched, meaning David Vaughan and Elmohamady will retain their starting roles in midfield.

Predicted Lineup: Mignolet, O’Shea, Bramble, Brown, Richardson; Vaughan, Elmohamady, Larsson, Gardner, Sessegnon; Bendtner.



Swansea

Next Match: Chelsea (A)

Out: Bodde, Tate, Agustien, Caulker, Beattie

Doubts: Graham

Banned:



Last Time Out….Brendan Rodgers had three changes to make for the home game with West Brom, with injuries forcing Steven Caulker (knee), Kemy Augustien (hamstring) and Danny Graham (back) out of the starting XI. In came Garry Monk, Mark Gower and Leroy Lita and the hosts resultantly picked up their first win –and goals- of the campaign. Lita, in particular, made a strong case for a regular place, scoring and assisting in the 3-0 win over the Baggies.

This Time Around….Brendan Rodgers, who was sweating on the fitness of Neil Taylor,will be relieved as the left-back has declared himself fit after being stretchered off with a head injury. Fede Bessone had been the obvious like-for-like replacement for Taylor. Danny Graham, whose back injury kept him out of last week’s clash with West Brom, could return for this one, but after scoring in their impressive 3-0 victory over the Baggies, Leroy Lita may hold on to his place as the main front man.

Predicted Lineup: Vorm, Rangel, Monk, Williams, Taylor; Britton, Allen, Gower; Dyer, Sinclair, Lita



Tottenham Hotspur

Next Match: Wigan (A)

Out: Rose, Huddlestone, Pienaar, Dawson, Pavlyuchenko, Kranjcar

Doubts: Lennon

Banned:



Last Time Out….Harry Redknapp kept an unchanged lineup following the win at Wolves despite Rafael Van der Vaart overcoming a hamstring injury. The Dutchman started on the bench against Liverpool but emerged to replace Niko Kranjcar after he sustained a tight hamstring in the first-half. For the Carling Cup penalty shoot-out loss at Stoke, the Spurs gaffer started Van der Vaart from beginning and the midfielder went on to play for over an hour. There were many changes elsewhere including Sandro making his return from injury in midfield, whilst regular starters Youness Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto played the full 120 minutes.

This Time Around…. Rafael Van der Vaart could come back into the starting lineup, having made his way through 63 minutes in the Carling Cup. Given the form of Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor up front, though, the Dutchman may have to make do with a place on the right side of midfield. Niko Kranjcar is out with a hamstring injury, which would mean Gareth Bale shifting back to his usual left flank position. Roman Pavlyuchenko is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Aaron Lennon might come back into contention from a groin injury which has kept him out for the last few weeks. William Gallas turned out for the reserves in midweek and could challenge Younes Kaboul for a place alongside Ledley King in central defence; Kaboul featured for the whole 120 mins in Spurs Carling Cup defeat at Stoke in midweek and Harry Redknapp may decide to freshen things up at the back. Benoit Assou-Ekotto is suffering with illness and should be considered a doubt.

Predicted Lineup: Friedel; Walker, King, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Parker, Modric, Bale, Van der Vaart; Adebayor, Defoe



West Bromwich Albion

Next Match: Fulham (H)

Out:

Doubts:

Banned:Tamas



Last Time Out….Roy Hodgson made two changes for the trip to Swansea. Gabriel Tamas’ three-match ban gave Craig Dawson a chance at centre half, while James Morrison took the place of Graham Dorrans on the right wing. Chris Brunt again lost out, though with the Baggies now sitting bottom, Hodgson may choose to shake things up ahead of next week’s home clash with Fulham. Hodgson rotated the lineup for the Carling Cup defeat to Everton. Gareth McAuley, Billy Jones and Joe Mattock came in to defence with the backline, bar Martin Olsson, all rested. Simon Cox partnered Peter Odemwingie up front, with Shane Long sitting this one out.

This Time Around….Apart from the suspended Gabriel Tamas, Roy Hodgson has a fully fit squad to choose from. The manager is expected to recall some of his first-team members to replace sections of the youthful side that crashed out of the Carling Cup at the hands of Everton. Although, with his side sat at the foot of the table, Hodgson the manager may wish to try something new and stick with his younger players – with Billy Jones battling the likes of Steven Reid for a starting place.

Predicted Lineup: Foster, Reid, Dawson, Olsson, Shorey; Thomas, Mulumbu, Scharner, Brunt; Odemwingie, Long.



Wigan Athletic

Next Match: Tottenham (H)

Out: Alcaraz, Rodallega

Doubts: Boyce, Gohouri

Banned:



Last Time Out….Roberto Martinez made two changes to his Wigan lineup for the trip to Everton. James McCarthy came back into central midfield and a hamstring injury to Emmerson Boyce meant a start for on-loan Patrick Van Aanholt, as Martinez shuffled his back-four around to accomdate the Dutchman at left-back. An injury to Hugo Rodallega may force the Wigan into a rethink over the next few weeks, as the Columbian looks set to be sidelined with a knee injury.

This Time Around…. Roberto Martinez has revealed that the game will probably come too soon for injured trio Emmerson Boyce, Antolin Alcaraz and Steve Gohouri. This leaves Patrick Van Aanholt set to continue at left-back, with Maynor Figueroa alongside Gary Caldwell in central defence and Adrian Lopez at right-back. Although not as serious as first feared, Hugo Rodallega has been ruled out with the knee injury which he suffered during the 3-1 defeat against Everton – Shaun Maloney could get a chance in his absence. Franco Di Santo scored once again for Wigan last week, so his place looks secured, but the manager may wish to make changes elsewhere.

Predicted Lineup: Al Habsi, Van Aanholt, Lopez, Caldwell, Figueroa; Watson, Gomez, McCarthy; Maloney, Moses, Di Santo.



Wolverhampton Wanderers

Next Match: Liverpool (A)

Out: Ebanks-Blake, Foley, Craddock, Zubar

Doubts:

Banned:



Last Time Out….A groin injury forced Steven Fletcher out the Wolves starting lineup for the home match with QPR. Steven Ward shifted from left-back to up front, meaning George Elokobi stepped in to the space vacated in the back-four. Michael Kightly kept his place on the right wing and with Matt Jarvis returning from a hamstring problem, Stephen Hunt dropped to the bench. Wolves made changes for the Carling Cup clash for victory against Millwall, with David Edwards notably returning from injury after 6 months out and found the back of the net. Adlene Guedioura won Man of the Match, whilst Adam Hammil also impressed in the 5-0 victory.

This Time Around….Mick McCarthy will welcome back Steven Fletcher who should come straight in up front, Stephen Ward should move back to left-back with George Elokobi dropping to the bench. Roger Johnson is in the squad after recovering from a calf strain. But Kevin Foley, Jody Craddock, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Ronald Zubar are sidelined for the fixture. The manager will be delighted with the performance of his side in the Carling Cup, so shouldn’t be too concerned if he needs to make changes to his starting lineup. The likes of Dave Edwards, Adlene Guedioura and Adam Hamill will be pushing for places from the bench. McCarthy has signalled out Guedioura in particular, saying that he could be due a run in the first-team.

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