Saturday October 4
15:00 Hull v Crystal Palace
Hull’s Allan McGregor could miss six weeks due to a shoulder problem so expect Steve Harper to start between the sticks. Steve Bruce could hand club debuts to new recruits Gaston Ramirez and Hatem Ben Arfa, while if there is a formation change, James Chester could be recalled.
Crystal Palace travel to Hull with a full fit squad. Maraoune Chamakh is fully fit again after a recent hamstring problem and could start for the Eagles.
15:00 Leicester v Burnley
Nathaniel Chaloboah is the latest name to be added to the Burnley casualty list. He received a kick in the throat midweek and will be left under the care of the physio alongside David Jones, Dean Marhey and Matthew Taylor.
15:00 Liverpool v West Brom
Liverpool are waiting on the assessment of the physio on Dean Sturridge before finalising their starting line-up. The striker has been carrying a thigh strain but could get the nod to feature this weekend. However, the Reds will face West Brom without Glen Johnson, Mamadou Sakho, Jon Flanagan, Joe Allen and Emre Can.
West Brom will travel to Anfield without Silvestre Varela – the winger may need surgery on a hernia. Brown Ideye and Victor Anichebe remain out meaning Saido Berahino will feature again, as will fit again Chris Baird.
15:00 Sunderland v Stoke
Sunderland’s defence will be bolstered by the return of Wes Brown to the fray after he shrugged off a calf problem. However, Sebastian Coates has been ruled out with a thigh injury, while an ankle knock will keep Emanuele Giaccherini on the treatment table.
Mame Biram Diouf will not be risked for Stoke against Sunderland as he is carrying a minor knock but will be given time to recover fully. Expect Marko Arnautovic to replace him. Geoff Cameron is back from a hernia problem and will take his place on the team coach.
15:00 Swansea v Newcastle United
Swansea will have to manage without Angel Rangel – the striker is banned after being sent off last weekend. Reserve striker Dwight Tiendalli is out with a groin strain so Jazz Richards, who hasn’t featured in the Swansea first team for almost three years, will get the nod. He’ll be partnered by Wilfried Bony up front while definite absentees are Jordi Amat and Leon Britton.
Newcastle are struggling for goals at present and will give Papiss Cisse every chance to prove his fitness – the striker is still recovering from a fractured knee cap.On the casualty list are Ryan Taylor, Davide Santon, Siem de Jong and Rolando Aarons.
17:30 Aston Villa v Manchester City
Aston Villa could be buoyed by the return of Christian Benteke up front. The Belgium forward has recovered from a ruptured Achilles and is in the matchday squad but Ron Vlaar (calf) and Libor Kozak (broken leg) remain sidelined.
Manchester City have Fernando back in the squad after missing the last six games due to a groin strain. Samir Nasri is out after undergoing groin surgery and is City’s only major absentee.
Sunday October 5
12:00 Man Utd v Everton
Manchester united captain Wayne Rooney will miss out facing his former club due to a suspension. Tyler Blackett returns from his ban but Paddy McNair will keep his spot in the starting XI. Definitely missing out this weekend will be Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Michael Carrick, Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera and James Wilson. Marouane Fellaini is making good recovery from an ankle problem and could be involved.
Everton should be able to recall Steven Pienaar who is recovering from a thigh injury. Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy will undergo late fitness tests while Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley are definite casualties with hamstring and knee problems respectively.
14:05 Chelsea v Arsenal
Didier Drogba will miss Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal but Diego Costa will feature despite carrying a hamstring strain. Ramires is out with a groin strain.
Arsenal should be able to recall Nacho Monreal after his recent back trouble. Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta are out through injury, while Abou Diaby will be rested. Long-term absentees remain Theo Walcott, Serge Gnabry, Yaya Sanogo, Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud.
14:05 Tottenham v Southampton
Spurs will recall several players after resting them midweek. Expect Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose, Ryan Mason, Etienne Capoue, Christian Eriksen and Nacer Chadli all to feature but Kyle Walker remains out with abdominal problems after recent surgery.
Florin Gardos has returned to training following a calf problem and will face a fitness test prior to kick off. Definitely missing out for Southampton will be Maya Yoshida, James Ward-Prowse and Jay Rodriguez.
16:15 West Ham v QPR
West Ham could be without Guy Demel – he pulled out of training midweek with a minor knock and will face a fitness assessment on Sunday morning. James Tomkins is in the squad despite being found guilty of assaulting a police officer while Cheikhou Kouyate (groin), Joey O’Brien (knee), Mark Noble (calf) and Andy Carroll (ankle) and Matt Jarvis (thigh) are all still out.
Joey Barton and Jordon Mutch will face late fitness tests. Manager Harry Redknapp is expected to continue with a flat back four after starting the season favouring 3-5-2.
