Football Team News

Barnsley v Oxford United

Barnsley's Northern Ireland international Taggart and midfielder O'Connell return after suspension. Midweek victory moved Oxford six places away from the relegation zone and they keep an unchanged squad led by captain Melville.

Birmingham City v Tranmere

Steadman, Birmingham's third-choice rookie goalkeeper, is set to take over from Thomas (back problem). Aldridge (stomach muscle) returns to the Tranmere squad after a two-month lay-off.

Bristol City v Cambridge Utd

City are beset with injury problems and player-manager Osman has delayed naming his squad. Cambridge could be without midfielder Leadbitter (knee).

Derby County v Luton Town

Derby's Welsh international Pembridge has been cleared to play by Fifa. Leading scorer Gray (groin) is doubtful for Luton. Rees has flu and Hughes stands by. Dixon's loan has been extended.

Millwall v Charlton Athletic

Millwall, without the injured May, Stevens and Kerr, are likely to name prolific reserves scorer Kennedy, who has yet to make his League debut, as substitute. Charlton, without midfielder Garland and the injured Pardew, include joint player-manager, Gritt, and Bacon in the squad.

Notts County v Swindon Town

Turner (groin and ankle) is in line for a return to County's squad while Short (virus) is doubtful and Thomas is suspended. Swindon are boosted by the availability of Welsh international defender Bodin.

Peterborough v Leicester City

Peterborough's Retallick, bought from non-League Histon last year, steps into defence for Greenman (shoulder injury). Striker Lowe (suspension) returns to Leicester's squad.

Portsmouth v Wolverhampton

Welsh international defender Symons is cleared to play for Portsmouth, who remain unchanged. Wolverhampton's Steele (knee) faces late check.

Watford v Brentford

Nogan (hamstring), leading scorer Furlong and Holdsworth return to Watford's squad. Smillie (knee) and Millen (stomach strain) are expected to start for Brentford. Allon faces fitness check.

West Ham Utd v Bristol Rovers

Striker Clive Allen is back in training, otherwise West Ham remain unchanged. Rovers' Pounder or Mehew will be drafted into midfield for Hardyman (groin).

TOMORROW

Newcastle Utd v Sunderland

Howey (groin) returns for Newcastle, replacing Kilcline. Sunderland, free from injury worries, keeps an unchanged squad.