Football Team News

TODAY

Blackburn Rovers v Wimbledon

Moran and Marker look set to continue in the centre of defence for Blackburn as first-choice pair Hendry and May are still struggling for fitness. Wimbledon's leading scorer Holdsworth is the club's only doubt; Blissett stands by. Defender McAllister and winger Clarke are back in the squad after injury.

Everton v Chelsea

Everton are without four players - midfielders Horne and Ward are suspended while Watson and Cottee are both injured. Radosavljevic and Kenny are in the squad for the first time. Newton returns to Chelsea's squad less than three weeks after a knee operation, but striker Cascarino, who had similar surgery must wait for a reserve-team comeback on Monday. Skipper Wise is also still out with a knee injury and player-manager Hoddle saves his own possible comeback for next week's FA Cup replay at Sheffield Wednesday. Danish international defender Kjeldbjerg is also in the squad.

Manchester City v Ipswich Town

McMahon returns to Manchester City's midfield after a seven-game absence with a hamstring injury and he is joined by Edghill, who has recovered from a groin strain and is included in the 15-strong squad. Kernaghan is ruled out with a swollen ankle and goalkeeper Coton faces a late fitness test on his damaged leg. Ipswich could be without midfielder Johnson (ankle) and Palmer is expected to take his place. Whitton, the 32-year-old midfield player offered a player-coach's job at Colchester, is added to the squad.

Norwich City v Liverpool

New Liverpool manager Evans may solve a defensive crisis by recalling Danish defender Piechnik. Harkness and Ruddock are both suspended while Wright and Dicks face fitness tests. Former skipper Whelan could win a midfield place vacated by the loss of Redknapp for a cartilage operation. Teenage Norwich winger Eadie is set to start his first game for two months in place of Fox, who joined Newcastle this week.

Oldham Athletic v Southampton

Oldham give a late fitness test to midfielder Bernard. The Scotland Under-21 captain has a calf strain and McDonald, who has played just one game all season, is called into the 16-man squad. Striker McCarthy, cup-tied last week, returns, but Beckford is again missing as he completes a three-match suspension. Southampton will be without suspended midfielder Widdrington while Benali has completed a ban and is set for a place on the substitutes bench.

QPR v Manchester United

Ferdinand has been passed fit but it is not certain if the England striker will return in place of his replacement White, who scored last week's winner at Coventry. Defender Wilson and midfielder Barker are both doubtful with back injuries and face late tests while Allen has had more trouble with the foot injury that has kept him out of first-team action since Christmas. United are unchanged, so McClair, who has started only six League games this season, must again be content with a place on the substitutes bench.

Swindon Town v Coventry City

Swindon will be without Mutch, who starts a three-match ban for a sending- off at Everton last month but Scott has recovered from an ankle injury and will link up with Norwegian international Fjortoft. Midfielders Nijholt and Ling have recovered from leg injuries. Gayle is expected to keep Quinn on the sidelines.

Tottenham v Sheffield Wednesday

Spurs will give debuts to striker Rosenthal and defender Scott. Former England midfielder Gray is also included in the squad for the first time this season. Midfielders Hazard and Dozzell are ruled out with knee injuries, while Samways must test a thigh strain. Sheffield Wednesday striker Bright and winger Sinton could return. Sheridan is in the squad after three months out with a thigh injury.

Elsewhere

Crystal Palace v Derby

Salako is set to recover from a hamstring pull and take his place in the team of First Division leaders, Crystal Palace. Forwards Whyte and Williams, midfielder Osborn and defender Patterson are added to the squad.

TOMORROW

Aston Villa v Leeds United

Aston Villa striker Yorke is set to make his first full appearance of the season. The Trinidad and Tobago international is set to replace Saunders, who has a back injury. Leeds captain McAllister is likely to have recovered from a groin injury. Striker Deane has recovered from a similar injury and defender Newsome is also fit after being substituted at Oxford with a 'dead leg'. Defender O'Leary, who has only made one appearance since his transfer from Arsenal, is back in contention after Achilles tendon trouble since August, while Rod Wallace has a 50-50 chance of recovering in time from a hamstring problem.