FOOTBALL: TEAM SHEET
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Blackburn v Aston Villa
Last season: 1-1
Last five League matches: Blackburn WDDWL; Aston Villa WDWLD
Striker Pedersen (ankle) is doubtful for Blackburn. Sutton could get a place in the starting line-up and Bohinen is available again after suspension. Villa may well be without defender Southgate (ankle). Milosevic (thigh strain) is still struggling and Joachim is called up again.
Coventry v West Ham
Last season: 2-2
Last five League matches: Coventry DLDDL; West Ham WLWDD
Williams and Whelan are expected to be recalled to Coventry's squad, but Salako, injured against Leicester, is receiving further treatment to his back problem. Rieper, West Ham's Danish centre-half, is aiming to continue his scoring run against Coventry and takes his place in an unchanged line-up.
Derby v Tottenham
Last season: No corresonding game
Last five League matches: Derby DLWLL; Tottenham LLWWD
Sturridge returns for Derby after a two-match ban and manager Smith also has midfielder Van der Laan back. Defender Stimac (knee) is doutbful. Midfielder Howells (back) is out of the Spurs side and Swiss defender Vega (hamstring) is still recovering. A fit Edinburgh will be pushing for a place.
Everton v Man Utd
Last season: 2-3
Last five League matches: Everton DLDLW; Man Utd WDWLW
Danish midfielder Thomsen (ankle) will have a late fitness test for Everton and Speed returns after a one-match suspension. Keane is back for United after his ban and manager Ferguson will field his strongest side, although there are injury worries over Beckham and Giggs.
Middlesbro v Chelsea
Last season: 2-0
Last five League matches: Middlesbro LLWWW; Chelsea LDLWW
Ravanelli is ruled out for Middlesbrough with a hamstring injury and Robson may start with Beck on his own up front. Minto returns for Chelsea after a one-game ban. Manager Gullit, still without Leboeuf, is again set to leave Vialli on the bench as he sticks with Zola and Mark Hughes up front.
Sheff Wed v Leeds
Last season: 6-2
Last five League matches: Sheffield Wednesday WWWWL; Leeds WWWDL
Leeds' Yeboah will have to wait to learn if he keeps his place after his shirt-throwing incident. Captain Palmer starts a two-match ban, with Deane (ankle) and Wallace (hamstring) expected to be fit. Pembridge returns from suspension for Wednesday, who lose Atherton to a one-match ban.
Southamptonv Leicester
Last season: No corresponding game
Last five League matches: Southampton WDDLL; Leicester WWDLD
Manager Souness has to decide whether to recall Le Tissier, who insists he is fit. Centre-back Monkou presses for a recall but Dodd and Lundekvam are out injured. Leicester captain Walsh (knee) could return, while Heskey (foot) faces a late fitness test and Poole continues in goal.
Sunderland v Nottm Forest
Last season: No corresponding game
Last five League matches: Sunderland LLWLL; Nottm For WLLDD
Waddle makes his debut for Sunderland and Stewart is also expected to be in the line-up. Howey replace central defender Melville (Achilles). Loan signing O'Neil is in line to make his Forest debut and Cooper (ban) is back. Also included are Moore and Lee, who returns from a loan spell.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments