Saturday 15th December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Newcastle United v Manchester City (kick off 12:45)
For the early Saturday kick-off, it’s looks as though Newcastle will have to face champions Manchester City without influential playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa. He made his comeback from a ahmstring injury last week but jhas aggravated it. Long-term Magpie absetnees are Steven Taylor (hamstring) and Yohan Cabaye (groin).
Manchester City will proabably travel without captain Vincent Kompany, who is carrying a hamstring injury. Gareth Barry is banned while the long-term casualty list contains the names of Jack Rodwell, James Milner and Micah Richards.
Liverpool v Aston Villa (kick off 15:00)
Jose Enrique has been a revelation for Liverpool in recent weeks but he is a doubt for the visit of ASton VIlla. His hamstring is causing problems but he will be given every chance to prove his fitness. Luis Suarez returns to the starting XI following a one-match ban.
Darren Bent has been dealt a big blow by being ruled out until well after Christmas due to a hamstring injury. He’ll miss the Saturday afternoon visit to Anfield. Ashley Westwood is available for the starting XI again after being cup-tied midweek while Joe Bennett and Enda Stevens are also in contention.
Manchester United v Sunderland (kick off 15:00)
Manchester United skipper Nemanja Vidic is back in the matchday squad. Johnny Evans is missing (hamstring) and midfield Shinji Kagawa will return to training next week.
Sunderland will be forced to replace injured duo Adam Johnson and Danny Rose for the visit to Old Trafford. Also missing will be Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole but Steven Fletcher should be okay.
Norwich City v Wigan Athletic (kick off 15:00)
Norwich should have Wes Hoolahan and Alex Tettey back after their recent minor knocks but Steven Whittaker will need to pass a fitness test on his hip before being considered for selection. harry Kane is still some way off being match fit after his broken foot and others on the long-term sick list are Ryan Bennett, Andrew Surman and John Ruddy.
Wigan can welcome back Mayor Figueroa after a ban but they’ve still got a few injuries to contend with. Gary Caldwell also returns from a ban but he’s being plagued with a hamstring injury and will most likely miss out. Ivan Ramis is also out due to a hamstring complaint while Ryo Miyaichi (ankle), Ben Watson (broken leg), Albert Crusat (knee) and Antolin Alcaraz (groin) will all be kept at home.
Queens Park Rangers v Fulham (kick off 15:00)
QPR must face Fulham without Park Ji-sung – he’s got a knee problem. Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson are both on the long list but ‘keeper Julio Cesar has been declared fit after shrugging off a groin strain.
Fulham will travel across London without Mahamadou Diarra, who is struggling with a minor knock. Although Simon Davies is back training after a hip injury, he’s still a long way off making a return while Bryan Ruiz is still out a hamstring problem.
Stoke City v Everton (kick off 15:00)
Ryan Shotton is banned for Stoke leaving a void at right-back. Andy Wilkinson, Dean Whitehead or Matthew Upson are being touted as possible replacements. Charlie Adam is back from a ban while Michael Owen continues his comeback from injuries.
Awaiting Everton news……
Sunday 16th December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City (kick off 13:30)
Spurs can welcome back Scott Parker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto. Parker hasn’t played yet this season and Assou-Ekotto has been absent for three months. Gareth Bale will have work done on his hamstring on Saturday and will be assessed nearer kick-off. Definite absentees are Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul.
Swansea will be without banned skipper Ashley Williams.Garry Monk will deputise. Michel Vorm is still struggling with a groin strain so Gerhard Tremmel will mind the sticks.
West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United (kick off 16:00)
WBA have several players either missing or doubtful for the visit of West Ham. Ben Foster, Claudio Yacob and Liam Ridgewell are all doubts while there are at least three other unamed players struggling to make the Sunday lunchtime kick-off.
West Ham have several injury woes of their own. George McCartney is the latest to drop out as he injured his knee during training this week. He joins Mohamed Diame (hamstring), Yossi Benayoun, Andy Carroll, Jack Collison, Ricardo Vaz Te and Alou Diarra on the sidelines.
