Football Team News

Aston Villa v Oldham Athletic

Staunton, the Villa full-back, is poised to return after missing the last seven matches after a second groin operation in four months. He could replace Small who was substituted after a disappointing display against Leeds in midweek. Leading scorer Atkinson is ruled out with a hamstring injury, which leaves an opening for either Yorke or Fenton. Townsend and Daley are still sidelined but Houghton could return after a hamstring problem. Struggling Oldham have doubts over defenders Jobson (back) and Fleming (ankle) and midfielder Bernard (knee).

Leeds United v Coventry City

Leeds are forced to make their first change in four matches as Newsome deputises for central defender O'Leary, who suffered a recurrence of Achilles tendon trouble in the midweek win against Aston Villa. However, right-back Kelly has recovered from a leg injury. Coventry, beaten in their last three matches without scoring a goal, are expected to be unchanged.

Liverpool v Chelsea

Evans has named his first unchanged side as Liverpool manager. Goalkeeper Grobbelaar is still missing with a hamstring injury so James keeps his place in goal. The only player with a knock is defender Matteo who was a substitute in last week's derby win over Everton. Chelsea defender Sinclair begins a two-match suspension and either Donaghy or Barnard will come will come in at left-back.

Manchester City v Sheffield United

German trialist Karl is in Manchester City's side. The 24-year-old striker - on loan from Borussia Dortmund - has impressed in training. Edghill has been sidelined for six weeks after breaking his toe so Hill moves to right-back to deputise. Sheffield United have Whitehouse back after a two-match ban but the Norwegian international defender, Nilsen, and midfield player Hodges face fitness tests.

Queen's Park Rangers v Wimbledon

Striker Penrice (hamstring) is the most doubtful starter among three injured QPR players. Allen could return after being out since Christmas with a foot injury. Rangers also wait on tests on centre back Yates (hip) and midfielder Barker (back). England striker Ferdinand looks certain to start the game after proving his fitness as a substitute in midweek. Wimbledon are set to name an unchanged side despite their 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday.

Southampton v Arsenal

Southampton expect to name an unchanged side and will continue with Benali playing as an extra central defender with Maskell and Dowie up front. Arsenal will be without midfielder Hillier, injured in their midweek European Cup-Winners' Cup success. Parlour and Limpar who were both left out of the European match, could return.

Swindon Town v Manchester United

Swindon defender Kilcline is set to play after sessions in an oxygen tank which cured a serious foot injury. Kilcline has been sidelined since February, when he broke a bone in his foot against Norwich. Swindon are also boosted by the return of defender Whitbread and midfielder Summerbee, while Sanchez, a free transfer from Wimbledon is also in the squad. Manchester United are unchanged.

Tottenham Hotspur v Ipswich Town

Tottenham's Barmby has recovered from a knee injury and will play. Spurs will be without defenders Edinburgh (groin) and Nethercott (head injury). Ipswich's Welsh international midfielder Williams has recovered from a groin injury and is in the squad. Veteran Wark, who has not missed a game this season, will have a late test on an Achilles tendon injury.

West Ham v Newcastle United

Former Liverpool defender Burrows misses the game because of a one-match suspension. Rowland is expected to take his place at left-back although Brown is included in the squad and there could be a place on the bench for fit-again Gale or Butler. Newcastle are likely to be unchanged following the 7-1 thrashing of Swindon.

TOMORROW

Sheffield Wed v Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn must decide between returning strikers Warhurst and Newell to partner Shearer up front. The pair returned in partnership for Blackburn's reserves on Monday. Warhurst broke his leg five months ago while Newell has been out with knee ligament damage.