Football: Team News

Aston Villa v Swindon Town

Villa's manager, Ron Atkinson, may be forced into a double defensive change. Teale is missing, starting three-match ban after being sent off at Grimsby in the FA Cup, while Staunton (groin) is doubtful. Barrett is set to switch into the middle of the back four, with Cox recalled at right-back and Small on stand-by to start his first game for nearly two months. Swindon are unchanged with Mutch still under suspension and keeper, Digby, still out with shoulder injury.

Everton v Ipswich Town

Everton have to decide which of their in-form goalscoring strikers to leave out. Angell and Rideout are under threat from Cottee, who returned from injury with a reserve-team hat-trick in midweek. The injured Ablett is set to be replaced by Moore and Ebbrell is available before starting a two-match suspension. Ipswich will be without midfielder Johnson (ankle) who is likely to be replaced by Mason, back after hamstring injury. Whelan returns to squad after groin injury.

Manchester City v West Ham United

Manchester City wait fitness tests on skipper Curle (knee) and Flitcroft (ankle) before naming side. McMahon is back in contention following a seven-week absence with hamstring injury, but may have to wait to regain his place. West Ham's new signing, goalkeeper Kelly, comes into squad as back-up for Miklosko following Peyton's departure for a coaching appointment in Japan. Morley is back in the squad after being dropped, along with Allen, who made a substitute appearance in the midweek Cup win over Notts County.

Oldham Athletic v Chelsea

Oldham make one change to their squad: striker McCarthy coming in for Ritchie. The former Bradford player was cup-tied for the midweek FA Cup win over Stoke City, but could displace Beckford in the starting line-up. Chelsea's only injury doubt is Myers (leg), that could mean a recall to the starting line-up for Danish international Kjeldbjerg, a substitute at Hillsborough. Wise (knee) is still out but is close to match fitness.

Sheffield United v Coventry City

Sheffield United captain, Gayle, will make his first appearance of the season at home. Gayle has been recovering from knee surgery in the summer and completed his fitness comeback when he twice played during United's visit to Dubai last week. Right-back Bradshaw and veteran striker Cork are both suspended. However, Norwegian internationals Flo and Nilsen should be fit. Coventry welcome back Quinn to strengthen an attack which has scored only once in four matches.

Tottenham Hotspur v Blackburn

Tottenham will again be without Dozzell (ankle) and Hazard (knee). However, Samways (thigh) has recovered. Gray is again likely to be on the bench as Ardiles probably keeps unchanged side. Blackburn hope to ease their injury list with the return of May to the heart of the defence as they try to keep within striking distance of Manchester United. He has missed last three games with a damaged hamstring. Midfielder Sherwood, who hurt his shoulder against Wimbledon a week ago, is probable, but Hendry and Newell are again ruled out with knee injuries.

Wimbledon v Newcastle United

Jones looks set to return to midfield to bolster Wimbledon's line-up after serving a two-match suspension following an accumulation of bookings. Sanchez will probably lose place to make way for Jones. Defender Blackwell returns to the squad following problems with sore Achilles, Dobbs and Clarke are also included. Newcastle, without Premiership's leading scorer, Cole (shoulder), and midfielder Bracewell (groin) are set to give Fox his debut. Keegan could switch Lee to play alongside Beardsley up front, or call up one of two youngsters, Mathie or Jeffrey.

TOMORROW

Norwich City v Arsenal

Norwich are likely to be unchanged. Arsenal's centre-half Bould still has chance to play despite suffering a badly bruised shin. Although it was thought he had broken a leg against Bolton on Wednesday, X-rays have ruled out a suspected hairline fracture. With Wright (hamstring) out, Dickov could be added to squad. Smith and Campbell are likely to form the spearhead of attack. Hillier (knee) is almost certainly out and Keown, sent off after appearing as a substitute against Bolton, looks likely to be in starting line-up.

COCA-COLA CUP

SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG

Manchester Utd v Sheffield Wed

United field an unchanged side tomorrow while Hirst (Achilles tendon) is back in contention for Sheffield Wednesday after making an appearance for the reserves on Thursday and scoring twice. If he plays, Watson will probably drop out to enable Hirst to resume partnership with Bright. Francis also has to decide whether to recall Waddle, who made his first appearance for six weeks as a substitute against Chelsea in midweek.