Barclays Premier League
Saturday, February 21st
Aston Villa v Stoke (kick off 15:00)
Aston Villa are hoping to be at near full strength for the visit of Stoke on Saturday. The only doubt is Gabriel Agbonlahor (hamstring) but Scott Sinclair is vying for a starting berth after scoring last weekend. However, definitely missing out will be Nathan Baker and Philippe Senderos while Libor Kozak is not yet ready for a return to first team action following a lengthy lay off due to a broken leg.
Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross has been receiving injections to curb the pain in his back but he won’t be considered for the trip to Villa Park. He’ll be left at home along with Geoff Cameron (banned). Bojan remains on the sidelines due to a knee injury but returning to take seats on the team bus are Jonathan Walters, Erik Pieters, Marc Wilson and Stephen Ireland after their recent injuries.
Chelsea v Burnley (kick off 15:00)
Chelsea’s only absentee is John Obi Mikel. The midfielder is carrying a knee injury and won’t be seen wearing blue until next month.
Burnley have included Stephen Ward in their travelling squad for the first time in 10 weeks. The defender has fully recovered from a fractured ankle but Dean Marney will be out until next season after undergoing cruciate ligament surgery. Shane Long is another out until the new campaign but Matt Taylor is back in the fray following a recent Achilles injury.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal (kick off 15:00)
Mile Jedinak is in line for a return for Crystal Palace this Saturday after sustaining an ankle injury while away on international duty. Shola Ameobi is also in the running for inclusion after achieving full fitness following his transfer window move from Newcastle. on-loan Yaya Sanogo is unavailable to face his parent club while Jonny Williams and James McArthur are carrying minor knocks which are likely to keep them sidelined.
Arsenal will have Jack Wilshere back after an absence of three months following an ankle injury. While Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is taking part in full training, it’s unlikely he’ll be involved this week after his recent groin strain. Hector Bellerin is set to face a fitness test on his ankle while definite absentees are Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta, Abou Diaby and Mathieu Debuchy.
Hull v QPR (kick off 15:00)
Hull continue without Mohamed Diame, who has sustained a fresh minor injury to his knee. Long-term casualties remain James Chester, Liam Rosenior and Robert Snodgrass.
QPR should have 13-goal striker Charlie Austin leading their line again after missing out last weekend through a minor injury. Mauricio Isla joins Leroy Fer, Sandro, Richard Dunne, Alejandro Faurlin and Nedum Onouha on the treatment table.
Sunderland v West Brom (kick off 15:00)
Jermain Defoe has shrugged off a calf strain and should be available to lead Sunderland’s line against West Brom. Lee Cattermole has been out with groin and knee problems since December but he could be ready to start for the Black Cats. Anthony Reveillere and Emanuele Giaccherini are both carrying knocks and will be assessed prior to kick off.
After successful Achilles surgery last year, Jonas Olsson is preparing to feature for WBA for the first time since September. Victor Anichebe is a definite absentee with a groin problem but Youssouf Mulumbu appears to have shaken off a hamstring injury.
Swansea v Manchester United (kick off 15:00)
Swansea should have Gylfi Sigurdsson back in their starting line-up after his three-match ban. Wayne Routledge is back after a five-week absence with a calf injury and also pushing for a start is Marvin Emnes, who has recovered from a hamstring problem. However, Kyle Bartley has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury.
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal can recall Robin van Persie after the striker proved he’s back to full fitness after a minor knock. Michael Carrick is out with a calf issue, but Phil Jones returns following a knee injury.
Manchester City v Newcastle (kick off 17:30)
Manchester City will be missing influential midfielder James Milner due to a knee injury. He’ll definitely miss out this weekend, but may be passed fit for the Champions League on Tuesday. Back in the squad are Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero, while it’s being reported that Wilfried Bony will start up front.
Newcastle are on the verge of a defensive crisis. The only fit senior defenders at the club are Daryl Janmaat, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini and Massadio Haidara. Paul Drummett is out for the guts of a year with a knee injury, joining long-term absentee Steven Taylor on the sidelines. Cheick Tiote is out with a minor knee injury, but definitely ruled out are Remy Cabella (knee) and Siem de Jong (collapsed lung).
Sunday, February 22nd
Tottenham v West Ham (kick off 12:00)
Harry Kane should be reinstated in the Spurs attack after being rested midweek. Ryan Mason and Mousa Dembele were also rested, so expect all three to feature in the Spurs starting XI.
West Ham’s defence is set to receive a boost with the return of Winston Reid and James Collins – both have recovered from hamstring strains. Morgan Amalfitano is banned but Diego Poyet and Cheikhou Kouyate are both available after recent knocks. With Andy Carroll ruled out for the season, replacement signing Nene will not be involved as he lacks match fitness.
Everton v Leicester (kick off 14:05)
Everton will have a change of personnel at left back with strung hamstring victim Bryan Oviedo making way for Leighton Baines, who has shaken off a knee problem. Gareth Barry is suspended and the trio of Aiden McGeady, Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman will again miss out. Aaron Lennon, who was cup-tied midweek, returns to the fray.
Leicester are set to pair up Robert Huth and Matthew Upson at the centre of their defence on Sunday. Huth returns after being cup-tied while Upson is back from injury. The Foxes’ only two injuries concern Kaspar Schmeichel and Chris Wood – both could be back next week.
Southampton v Liverpool (kick off 16:15)
Southampton will welcome back Shane Long and Morgan Schneiderlin after both returned to training this week after injuries. Matt Targett is available for selection after a head injury but still under the care of the physio are Toby Alderweireld, Jay Rodriguez, Emmanuel Mayuka and Ryan Bertrand.
Steven Gerrard will again miss out for Liverpool due to a hamstring problem so Jordan Henderson will again captain the side. Raheem Sterling may be started up front with Daniel Sturridge after he shrugged off a foot injury.
