Football: Team news

Aston Villa v Ipswich

Both lost in cups in midweek; both keen to stake claim for Premier League title. Striker Atkinson (stomach muscle) is named in manager Atkinson's 16-man Villa squad after a month out. The key question for Big Ron is: recall Spink between the sticks or stick with Aussie understudy Bosnich who impressed in midweek? Town have Wark, Whitton and Stockwell available again.

Liverpool v Nottingham Forest

Marsh (ankle) recovered for Liverpool, so Souness could stick with side who prospered at Arsenal last Sunday, the first time this season the Anfield manager will have been able to field the same team for two consecutive fixtures. Pearce (groin) still out for Forest, who are off the bottom for the first time in 21 weeks. Midfield maestros Webb and Keane have shaken off ankle knocks.

Manchester Utd v Sheffield Utd

Cantona says he may not complete three- year contract at United but he will be there for this FA Cup fifth-round dress rehearsal. United unchanged for the third successive match. Bassett, the Blades manager, has no such joy: the injury crisis is such that has asked his entire playing staff to stand by. Tracey and Whitehouse are long-term casualties while Gage, Barnes, Littlejohn, Bradshaw, Hodges and Rogers are all under treatment. One ray of light: loan man Carr (groin) is back in the driving seat.

Middlesbrough v Coventry City

Slaven in Boro's starting line-up for the first time in four months after coming off the transfer list a fortnight ago. Gittens and Hignett are also recalled after the midweek FA Cup replay rout by Forest. City's 15-man squad includes centre-half Pearce, who is interesting Everton.

Oldham Athletic v Chelsea

Oldham (they're bottom) enouraged by return of Henry (ankle) but are without Bernard (tonsilitis), Barlow (back) and Jobson (ban). Redmond steps up. Chelsea's game of musical keepers continues, Hitchock replacing Kharin (thigh) as the Blues attempt to stop their winless run reaching double figures. Defender Lee (hamstring) returns but Wise (foot) is still out.

QPR v Manchester City

With England looking for in-form goalscorers to punish San Marino, Ferdinand is keen to shine for Rangers, who are seek revenge for their FA Cup defeat. Late test on Holloway (groin) but Sinton (back) returns. Unchanged City, beaten only once in their last 10 outings, are still without the driving influence of the suspended Flitcroft.

Sheffield Wednesday v Everton

Bart-Williams (bruised leg) and Harkes (stomach strain) face late tests for Wednesday, who are unbeaten in 10, but England hopefuls Bright and Hirst are definitely out. Sansom, signed from Coventry on a free 24 hours after Keown left for Highbury, makes his Everton debut but Rideout (hamstring) misses out.

Wimbledon v Leeds United

Sanchez should replace Jones (ban) in Dons' side. Elkins is recalled to squad while Earle and Scales, both nursing knocks, are expected to play. Leeds await fitness reports on Strachan, Chapman, Fairclough and Wetherall.

Tomorrow . . .

Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton

Barmby (thigh) recovered and could return alongside Sheringham in Spurs attack. Bergsson and Nayim also in the 14 while Gray retains his squad place. Monkou (hamstring) returns for Saints so Moore steps down; doubt over Cockerill (calf) while Groves (achilles tendon) is out for the season.

Crystal Palace v Arsenal

Armstrong is cup-tied for Palace's Coca- Cola Cup semi-final first leg. Watts, Ndah and Williams vie to partner Coleman up front. Thomas (eye) cleared to play. For Arsenal, Bould (thigh) and Hillier (dead leg) could return along with Jensen (after suspension). Limpar still out and Parlour doubtful.