Saturday 24th March 2012
Barclays Premier League
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur (kick off 12:45)
John Terry is on the brink of his return to the Chelsea team. The Blues captain has fully recovered from a calf strain. However, Branislav Ivanovic is doubtful with a thigh problem while Oriol Romeu returns after a recent knee injury.
Spurs travel across London to Stamford Bridge without the injured Aaron Lennon, who is suffering with a hamstring strain. He is training, but not moving easily enough to be declared match-fit. Ledley King (knee) is awaiting a fitness test but Spurs will definitely be without long-term casualties Michael Dawson (ankle), Heurelho Gomes (knee) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle).
Arsenal v Aston Villa (kick off 15:00)
Abou Diaby is almost fit enough to start for Arsenal but he will not be risked until next week. Expect the Gunners to remain laregly unchanged with both Per Mertesacker and Jack Wilshere still keeping the physio busy.
Aston Villa will give Charles N’Zogbia every chance to prove his fitness ahead of their difficult trip to the emirates after the winger strained some knee ligaments. Andreas Weimann is being tipped for a starting berth on Saturday following his goal two weeks ago. Ciaran Clark is working his way back to fitness but definite absentees are Darren Bent (ankle), Richard Dunne (shoulder) and Fabian Delph (ankle).
Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers (kick off 15:00)
Bolton face their first game since Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch at White Hart Lane. He remains in intensive care but his family have given the club their blessing to fulfill this fixture. Every Bolton player will be phsychologically assessed but it is thought every player will be determined to take part.
Blackburn’s only doubt for the trip to the Reebok is Gael Givet, who has a hamstring twinge. He’ll face a late fitness test, though expect Blackburn to remain unchanged.
Liverpool v Wigan Athletic (kick off 15:00)
Liverpool’s Martin Kelly has been substituted in the Reds last two games due to injury but he is expected to be declared fit for the visit of Wigan. Charlie Adam has a knee problem and the club are awaiting on scan results so he may not feature. Glen Johnson and Craig Bellamy are both out with minor knock and will watch from the stands alongside Daniel Agger (rib).
Hugo Rodellega is a big doubt for wigan due to a knee problem. He’ll face a fitness test but definite absentees will be David Jones and Mike Pollitt.
Norwich City v Wolverhampton Wanderers (kick off 15:00)
Norwich can count on the servies again of Anthony Pilkington, who has shaken off a minor knock suffered last weekend. James Vaughan is still some way off making his return (knee) but closer to first-team action are Marc Tierney and Daniel Ayala, but that duo will not be considered for the visit of wolves.
Wolves travel without the banned Ronald Zubar so expect Roger Johnson to be recalled. David Davis and Karl Henry will both miss out and have joined Jamie O’Hara on the casualty list. However, midfielder Nenad Milijas returns.
Sunderland v Queens Park Rangers (kick off 15:00)
Sunderland will be bolstered by the return of Stephane Sessegnon after his recent ban. John O’Shea will undergo a late fitness test on a hamstring strain but definite absentees are Kieran Richardson (calf), Wes Brown (knee) and Titus Bramble (Achilles).
Armand Traore has been ruled out of QPR’s trip to the north-east with a hamstring problem. Definite absentees are DJ Campbell and Heidar Helguson.
Swansea City v Everton (kick off 15:00)
Swansea will bring back Ashley Williams for the clash with Everton on Saturday. Nathan Dyer is still suspended so expect Wayne Routledge to continue on the right wing.
Darron Gibson should return to Everton’s starting XI after he has made sufficient recovery from a knee problem for the past five games. However, the Toffees will be without the services of Seamus Coleman (thigh) and Jack Rodwell (hamstring).
Stoke City v Manchester City (kick off 17:30)
Stoke will take on Manchester City with Matthew Etherington declared fit enough to start after his recent ankle injury. Salif Diao‘s hamstring will keep him out of the matchday squad but Jonathan Woodgate could take a seat on the bench. Ricardo Fuller is banned.
Vincent Kompany is in line to return to skipper Manchester City as his calf injury is clearing up. He’ll be assessed closer to kick off. However, Joleon Lescott misses out with a hip injury. Expect Carlos Tevez be on the bench again.
Sunday 25th March 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United (kick off 16:00)
West Brom are waiting on Peter Odemwingie. He’s carrying a hamstring injury but will be assessed shortly before the Sunday kick off. Jonas Olsson returns from suspension meaning a back-four shuffle. Definite absentees are Steven Reid and Zoltan Gera.
Tough-tackling Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote is a major doubt. He is being given every chance to prove his fitness but his hamstring will be tested nearer the time. The outs for the Toon Army are Ryan Taylor, Peter Lovenkrands, Leon Best, Sammy Ameobi, Steven Taylor and Sylvain Marveaux.
