Saturday 8th March 2014
Barclays Premier League
WBA v Manchester United (kick off 12:45)
Manchester United will be able to call upon Robin van Persie despite the striker falling ill midweek while on international duty.javier Hernandez is also out – he’s carrying a knee injury. Phil Jones is back from a hip injury but Jonny Evans and Nani are still out.
Cardiff v Fulham (kick off 15:00)
Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no fresh injury problems ahead of the visit of fellow relegation candidates Fulham. Jordon Mutch had a hamstring issue last weekend but the midfielder has made a full recovery and is available for selection.
Fulham could be able to call upon Kostas Mitroglou. the striker is struggling with a hamstring problem but should be given the all clear to play. Scott Parker will miss out due to a knee injury while Damien Duff is another knee victim and will miss out on the remainder of the season. Fernando Amorebieta is still out, while William Kvist is out with a hamstring problem.
Crystal Palace v Southampton (kick off 15:00)
Crystal Palace’s Marouane Chamakh is carrying a hamstring strain and will probably not take part. Kagisho Dikgacoi has recovered well from a knock and should be able to play some part.
Southampton will give all their 18 internationals as much time as possible to prove their fitness after returning to the club this week. Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez are making good recoveries from ankle ligament problems and should be able to play a major part this weekend.
Norwich v Stoke (kick off 15:00)
Norwich should have Ricky van Wolfswinkel availabel for selection for Stoke’s visit on Saturday afternoon. Jonny Howson could get a starting berth after making an impact off the bench last weekend, while Joseph Yobo and Martin Olsson could get seats on the bench due to the pair carrying slight knocks. On-loan winger Jonas Gutierrez (calf) and centre-back Michael Turner (hamstring) should start full training next week, but midfielder Leroy Fer (hamstring) and winger Elliott Bennett (knee) are still not close to a return.
Stoke’s Charlie Adam is serving the first of a three-match ban for stamping on Olivier Giroud last weekend but Peter Odemwingie could return after a recent calf problem.Marko Arnautovic returned from interational duty with a hamstring problem but Geoff Cameron will miss out with an unspecified injury.
Chelsea v Tottenham (kick off 17:30)
Ashley Cole was ruled out of Chelsea’s Saturday evening kick off against Spurs with a minor knee injury. Cesar Azpilicueta, who has been keeping Cole out of the team, is also out with a lateral ligament injury. David Luiz is also out with a groin problem but Eden Hazard has been passed fit after suffering a minor ankle injury.
Spurs trio of Kyle Walker, Younes Kaboul and Zeki Dryers will all face fitness tests but Christian Eriksen is a definite absentee with a muscle problem in his back. Erik Lamela and Vlad Chiriches remain sidelined with back complaints, while Etienne Capoue and Danny Rose have also been ruled out.
