Saturday 26th April 2014
Barclays Premier League
Southampton v Everton (kick off 12:45)
Southampton’s players are dropping like flies as the end of the season approaches. Morgan Schneiderlin is the latest addition to the casualty list with a muscle injury. Jay rodriguez, Gaston Ramirez, Maya Yoshida and Kelvin Davis are all sidelined too.
Everton could be forced to field Antolin Alcaraz and John Stones in central defence due to injuries to Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka. Kevin Mirallas won’t be seen again this season due to groin issues and will watch from the stands alongside Darron Gibson, Arouna Kone, Bryan Oviedo, Steven Pienaar and Lacina Traore.
Fulham v Hull (kick off 15:00)
Although Fulham’s striker Kostas Mitroglou is back training, he won’t be involved on Saturday. Lewis Holtby is back in the matchday squad but on the sidelines will be Mahamadou Diarra, Kieran Richardson and Sascha Riether.
Hull should be able to call upon Shane Long and Sone Aluko after their recent injuries to complicate the team selection process for Steve Bruce. He can also call upon Matty Fryatt, Yannick Sagbo and Nikica Jelavic. Allan McGregor is back training but not ready for first team action following breaking his ribs and bruising his kidneys in March.
Stoke v Tottenham (kick off 15:00)
Stoke’s on loan winger Oussama Assaidi is back in the fray following a lengthy absence due to knee ligament damage meaning the Potters only casualties are Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington.
Spurs will travel with Michael Dawson in their squad for the first time since March 30th. He’s shaken off a hamstring injury but definite absentees for Saturday’s clash will be Jan Vertonghen, Etienne Capoue, Kyle Walker and Erik Lamela.
Swansea v Aston Villa (kick off 15:00)
Swansea defender Chico Flores is banned for the visit of ASton Villa and will be replaced by Jordi Amat. Michu is suffering a very frustrating season and again misses out, this time due to an ankle inflammation which requires medical attention.
Aston Villa travel to south Wales with a weakened squad. Joe Bennett is the latest addition to their casualty list with an ankle injury. He joins Christian Benteke, Libor Kozal, Charles N’Zogbia, Nicklas Helenius, Jores Okore and Gary Gardner on the treatment table.
WBA v West Ham (kick off 15:00)
West Brom could have a defensive crisis on their hands if Gareth McAuley fails a late fitness test on his calf. Defensive colleague Liam Ridgewell is already ruled out with a knee problem. However, after being ineligible last weekend, Scott Sinclair is available for selection.
West Ham will travel without Matt Taylor, who has been granted compassionate leave to accompany his sick daughter. Guy Demel is in line to return after suffering with a virus, while Marco Borriello is out with a calf problem.
Manchester United v Norwich (kick off 17:30)
Ryan Giggs takes his first game in charge at Manchester United with Robin van Persie (knee) and Rafael (thigh). Expect Giggs to be in the squad himself, but he might restrict himself to a place on the bench.
Norwich can welcome back winger Elliott Bennett after a serious knee injury but centre-half Joseph Yobo is again absent with a calf injury.
Sunday 27th April 2014
Barclays Premier League
Sunderland v Cardiff (kick off 12:00)
Sunderland will have Liam Bridcutt back in the matchday squad after being absent for personal reasons. Phil Bardsley is back from a ban but definite absentees include Carlos Cuellar, Ki Sung-yueng, Steven Fletcher and Keiren Westwood.
Craig Bellamy is in the travelling squad for the trip to Sunderland. The striker has been suffering with a virus but has fully recovered. Cardiff are reporting no fresh injury concerns leaving Craig Noone as the sole absentee with a abdominal injury.
Liverpool v Chelsea (kick off 14:05)
Liverpool will be hoping Daniel Sturridge is passed fit following a minor hamstring problem. Victor Moses, on loan at Anfield from Chelsea, is ineligible to face his parent club. Jordan Henderson is suspended.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is considering a rotation of his squad ahead of the club’s Champions League semi-final next week. However, The Blues must cope without Petr Cech, John Terry, Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto’o and the suspended Ramiers. Expect Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel, Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah to all feature.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City (kick off 16:10)
Crystal Palace are sweating on the fitness of Marouane Chamakh and Kagisho Dikgacoi. Both are carrying knocks and are facing fitness tests.
Manchester City are missing both David Silva and Jesus Navas due to ankle injuries. Yaya Toure is back from a muscle injury but long-term absentee Matija Nastastic is still out with a knee injury.
