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Premiership team news

Wednesday 07 January 2004 01:00 GMT
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BOLTON v MANCHESTER UTD

Javi Moreno is pencilled in for his Bolton debut, providing he receives international clearance on his loan deal from Atletico Madrid. Apart from Mario Jardel, who has a hamstring problem, and long-term injury victim Florent Laville, Bolton are at full strength.

Rio Ferdinand should be fit after flu. United's record signing is still deciding whether to appeal against his eight-month ban and will compete for a place with Wes Brown, who returned from cruciate knee ligament surgery against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday. Phil Neville should be back from a minor ankle problem and Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy will also return to the starting line-up.

CHELSEA v LIVERPOOL

Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo has recovered from a virus and is likely to replace goal-shy Adrian Mutu. Carlo Cudicini may return after a groin strain. Winger Damien Duff (shoulder) and midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron (back) are close to fitness but not close enough, and Emmanuel Petit (knee) is still out.

Liverpool's captain, Steven Gerrard, will miss the game with a groin injury which kept him out at Yeovil, but Michael Owen could return after a six-week absence.

EVERTON v ARSENAL

Everton have doubts over Alan Stubbs (groin), Thomas Gravesen (knee) and Duncan Ferguson (foot) and are still without Richard Wright, Alex Nyarko and Alessandro Pistone with long-term problems. David Weir is available again and Tomasz Radzinski returns. Joseph Yobo, who will leave for the African Nations Cup after Saturday's trip to Fulham, can play in midfield if Gravesen is not fit.

Dennis Bergkamp (calf) and Sylvain Wiltord (ankle) are ruled out for Arsenal. Arsène Wenger could now bring back Pascal Cygan and Robert Pires. Jérémie Aliadière needs more time to convalesce from a virus.

MAN CITY v CHARLTON

Steve McManaman is City's major doubt with a tight hamstring, so Joey Barton may be back in the starting line-up. Michael Tarnat (back) may be replaced by Danny Tiatto.

Charlton will call on Scott Parker to help them bounce back from their FA Cup exit at Gillingham. The England midfielder should return after an ankle injury. Defender Luke Young is also fit after a similar problem - but Shaun Bartlett (ankle), Richard Rufus and Gary Rowett (both knee) and Kevin Lisbie (back) are all out.

MIDDLESBRO v FULHAM

Young Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones may make Premiership debut in absence of the injured Mark Schwarzer and Carlo Nash. Midfielder Jonathan Greening (tonsillitis) is out but Juninho could return, along with fellow Brazilian Doriva (ankle). Midfielder Gaizka Mendieta (virus) is doubtful as is striker Michael Ricketts (knee) so Joseph-Desire Job could lead the attack.

Luis Boa Morte (ban) and Lee Clark (calf) both return for Fulham. Mark Hudson is added to squad that beat Cheltenham in FA Cup third round.

NEWCASTLE v LEEDS

Newcastle have no fresh injury problems but will miss Wales striker Craig Bellamy (knee surgery), Lee Bowyer (hip), Carl Cort (hamstring), Steve Caldwell (thigh) and Gary Caldwell (groin).

Jermaine Pennant is recalled by Leeds after missing Sunday's 4-1 FA Cup third-round defeat to Arsenal after the London club refused permission for him to play against them while on on loan. Gary Kelly may be available after a foot injury.

SOUTHAMPTON v LEICESTER

Apart from Gaeme Le Saux (foot injury) Southampton have a full squad to choose from.

Nikos Dabizas goes straight into the Foxes squad after transfer from Newcastle. Steve Howey is also set to travel after recovering from a hamstring strain but Frank Sinclair (Achilles tendon) is till unfit. Ben Thatcher (calf) is a doubt as is John Curtis (thigh) and Riccardo Scimeca (shin). Matt Elliott is suspended.

TOTTENHAM v BIRMINGHAM

Darren Anderton hopes to play after a calf injury, but Tottenham defender Dean Richards his out with a similar problem. Freddie Kanouté (groin) and Stéphane Dalmat (back) are both fit, and Bobby Zamora has recovered from a knock to his knee.

Birmingham will miss Matthew Upson (ankle), Stan Lazaridis (groin), Jamie Clapham (hamstring), and Christophe Dugarry (knee). However, David Dunn (calf) should be fit.

WOLVES V BLACKBURN

Romania striker Vio Ganea is set for first Wolves start, replacing either Steffen Iversen or Kenny Miller. Henri Camara (foot injury) is in line for a recall but Nathan Blake (calf) is still out. Paul Ince wants to return after being rested, while defender Paul Butler (virus) hopes to start.

Blackburn midfielder Brett Emerton returns to the squad after a foot injury. Defender Craig Short may play, despite a chest infection.

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