Football Team News

Arsenal v Ipswich Town

The Gunners, with one point and one goal from their last four games, will have to make do without their captain, Adams, who is suspended. Merson is very doubtful with an ankle injury, while Bould has a groin problem. In contrast, Ipswich are on a roll - after Monday's win at Norwich they are unbeaten in 11 games. The tall Whelan may return to their central defence, with Wark moving back to sweeper and Whitton dropping out.

Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United

Ripley, the solitary casualty from Blackburn's win over Sheffield United last Saturday, has shaken off an ankle injury, leaving manager Dalglish with a full squad. The champions are a shorter price (5-1) to be relegated than retain their title after losing four of their last six league games, but manager Wilkinson could have Sterland, Batty and Sellars back in his squad after injury absences of varying lengths.

Chelsea v Southampton

Chelsea's top scorer, Harford, is struggling to shake off a calf strain. Their Russian goalkeeper, Kharin, who gained his work permit this week, is expected to be a substitute, in place of Colgan. Southampton could be without the former Stamford Bridge man Monkou, who has a hamstring injury and is very doubtful, along with the captain, Cockerill, who has missed the last two games with a calf injury.

Coventry City v Aston Villa

Gould Jnr is likely to remain in goal for the Sky Blues, as Ogrizovic is still unfit. Villa give their top scorer, Atkinson, a fitness test on a stomach strain, but Regis is recovering well from a thigh problem.

Crystal Palace v Wimbledon

Palace retain the youngsters who did well in wins over Liverpool and Leeds, but Coleman is available and may play a part. Wimbledon make the long trek from the home dressing-room to the away one, and are hoping that Barton can return to their back line after a long absence.

Everton v Middlesbrough

Cottee, the former West Ham striker, has had his comeback from a troublesome Achilles tendon injury delayed, he has has been told to rest for a further week. Middlesbrough look set to rely upon the side that earned a

1-1 draw with a fine performance at Arsenal last Saturday.

Manchester City v Sheffield Utd

For the Blades, the former Maine Road striker Bradshaw is a definite starter, and Hoyland could keep his place against his former club. However, Gayle, another former City man, is still out after knee surgery. The home side may choose to recall their young midfielder Sheron, with their player- manager, Reid, reverting to the bench.

Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur

After two successive defeats, Norwich could again be without their midfield playmaker, Crook, against his old club - his calf strain has not cleared up. Their captain, Butterworth, is also struggling to overcome a rib injury. Newman and Megson stand by. Spurs await the result of a fitness test on Nayim.

Nottingham Forest v QPR

Forest, the Premier League's bottom club, hope to have Pearce fit after a shin injury, while Rangers expect to name an unchanged side despite their recent slump in form.

Oldham Athletic v Liverpool

Oldham are still without the suspended left-back, Pointon, with Barlow continuing in his place, but Royle, their manager, is encouraged by the return to fitness of both Marshall and McDonald after month-long absences, plus Henry. Liverpool will wait for fitness tests on Nicol and McManaman - both men have groin injuries.

Sheffield Wed v Manchester Utd

Shirtliff, the Wednesday central defender, could return for the first time since damaging a hamstring against Oldham in October, with Palmer moving back into midfield. United are hoping that Giggs will recover from a foot injury to restore balance to their attack.