Football: Team News

Arsenal v Chelsea

Arsenal's Merson has lost his fight against an ankle injury and misses the match so Campbell deputises again. Keown, Selley, Hillier are added to the 14 on duty but there is no place for Davis. Chelsea's only concern is Spencer, who has damaged a hamstring; Shipperley stands by.

Aston Villa v Norwich

Villa captain Richardson is back after missing three matches with a thigh injury. Houghton (thigh), McGrath (knee), Atkinson (hamstring) and Fenton (ankle) should also be fit but Townsend and Fashanu (Achilles tendon) are doubtful. Norwich are without both first-choice central defenders, Polston (dead leg) and Newsome (back). Goss (broken nose) is also missing while there will be decisions on Crook (knee) and Milligan (shoulder).

Blackburn v Liverpool

Sherwood, the Rovers captain, starts a three-match ban and is replaced by Slater. Liverpool striker Rush insists he does not need an operation on his troublesome knee and will play. Right-back Jones took a blow to the ribs during England's clash with Romania but should also play.

Crystal Palace v Newcastle

Defender Humphrey makes his first appearance of the season for Crystal Palace, replacing Patterson who begins a three-match suspension. Beardsley is fit to partner Cole up front after pulling out of the England game, but ever-present right-back Hottiger and central defender Peacock are both doubtful along with Lee.

Everton v Coventry

Ferguson is set to partner Amokachi in the Everton attack. Durrant should also make his Goodison debut while Ablett is available after suspension. Coventry striker Ndlovu, the club's top scorer last season, is sidelined after suffering a recurrence of knee trouble. His place on the bench is expected to go to transfer-listed Quinn.

Leeds v Tottenham

McAllister, the Leeds captain, could miss his first club game for 17 months with the leg injury that kept him out of Scotland's midweek win. Palmer could be switched to midfield with Fairclough drafted into defence. Tottenham are again without Anderton (thigh) and there are also doubts about Popescu (ankle), Dozzell (ankle) and Hill (flu). Striker Barmby is likely to play despite picking up a knock in training. Manager Ardiles selects from 20 players.

Leicester v Southampton

Joachim (ankle) is rated doubtful by Leicester and there is also a worry over defender Willis (groin). Striker Lowe and left-back Lewis are set for recalls. Oldfield and Hill are also added to the squad. Southampton's Allen returns after a two-match lay-off with knee trouble but skipper Hall (foot) and goalkeeper Grobbelaar, who sustained severe facial injuries last week, are ruled out. Beasant makes his first start of the season in goal.

Man Utd v West Ham

Cantona returns for United after missing two games but there are doubts about Ince and Pallister, back from England duty with calf strains, while Irwin picked up a shin injury during his Republic of Ireland match. West Ham may ask Cottee to play a lone striker's role. Chapman did not make the squad and Hutchison might drop back into midfield.

QPR v Man City

Striker Ferdinand starts his last match for Rangers before a three- match ban. Barker and Sinclair should both play after a flu virus. Man City's German striker Rosler faces his fourth match on the sidelines and now faces a hospital scan after suffering a reaction to his ankle injury in training. Skipper Curle returns after only one outing in the last seven games.

TOMORROW

Ipswich v Sheff Wed

Paz and Genchev could form an unlikely partnership in attack for Ipswich. Marshall and Mason are doubtful but Milton and Youds could return. Wednesday's England winger Sinton returns to the squad after missing last week's win against Manchester United because of concussion. Petrescu, who has been on international duty, should also be back.