Football: Team News

Arsenal v Oldham Athletic

Arsenal's Linighan is set to miss out on a recall against one of his former clubs. McGoldrick (knee) is fit and set to retain midfield place, keeping Merson on bench. Oldham's skipper Milligan (ankle) has passed fitness test. Norwegian defender Pedersen is back from international duty, but strikers Ritchie (calf) and Beckford (who is starting a three- match ban) as Palmer and Pointon join squad.

Chelsea v Aston Villa

Chelsea give late fitness tests to Wise (knee), Clarke and Myers. Hall is in squad as cover for Clarke. Aston Villa unchanged as winger Daley keeps his place after impressing in his first full game for two months against West Ham last Saturday. Whittingham and Yorke compete for place on bench.

Coventry City v Queen's Park Rangers

Coventry have more injury worries. Flynn is doubtful after straining knee in training. Also doubtful are Borrows (fractured cheekbone) and Morgan (thigh muscle). Pickering and Paul stand by. Robertson, signed from Rangers, could make his debut in midfield. QPR captain, McDonald (Achilles tendon), is out after surgery. Ferdinand (bruised leg) faces late test.

Ipswich Town v Wimbledon

Kiwomya (foot) and Wark (groin) face late fitness tests for Ipswich, but Genchev is back from World Cup warm- up duty. Wimbledon will probably miss Jones (flu), Sanchez and Fear stand by. McAllister (knee) is still out, but Joseph returns to squad after recovering from groin injury.

Liverpool v Manchester City

Liverpool are without Fowler who suffered a stress fracture of his leg against Bristol City in midweek. Wright (groin) is also out. Rosenthal, however, could be recalled and Clough is likely to move up to partner Rush. Manchester City skipper Curle (knee) is still out. Groenendijk is also out, but Flitcroft, who has signed a new four and a half year contract, returns to the starting line-up after knee problems.

Manchester United v Everton

Manchester United field unchanged team. Everton are without Watson but striker Angell could return, although Barlow has a claim for the place after scoring twice against Bolton in midweek. No changes in defence.

Newcastle United v Southampton

Although midfielders Bracewell (groin) and Sellars (flu) have recovered Keegan keeps unchanged side for Newcastle. New Southampton manager, Ball, keeps faith with squad that earned victory against Coventry, but midfielder Widdrington was sent off in the FA Cup game at Vale Park and Ball may relegate him to the bench and give either Banger or Bennett a chance.

Sheffield Wed v Sheffield Utd

Coleman is set to make debut for Wednesday at Hillsborough. Sheridan, Waddle and Worthington are still out. Linighan and Watson may also figure in a Sheffield derby for first time, although Linighan's place is threatened by Nilsson, who has recovered from ankle injury and faces fitness test. Gayle still out for United who are likely to pair former non-League player Scott with Norwegian Flo up front.

Swindon Town v Tottenham Hotspur

Swindon are likely to use new signing Kilcline in his normal role as central defender. Striker Scott is likely to return to the attack. For Spurs, Hazard (ankle) misses trip to his old club. Dozzell and Campbell face late fitness tests. Thorstvedt and Walker compete for place in goal.

TOMORROW

Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United

Hendry (knee) hopes to be fit for Rovers and Batty faces his old club for first time. Rod Wallace (hamstring) has an outside chance to rejoin Leeds team and faces late fitness test. Speed (knee) has fully recovered.