FOOTBALL TEAM NEWS

TODAY

FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Newcastle v Norwich

Full-back Beresford failed a test on the hamstring injury which has now kept him on the Newcastle sidelines for a month while Northern Ireland winger Gillespie serves a one-match ban. Norwich are deep in trouble after one win in 14 Premiership games since they beat the Geordies at Carrow Road on the final day of 1994. Milligan and Crook return to bolster midfield and Polston, Ullathorne and Bowen are expected to feature despite fitness doubts.

Nottm Forest v West Ham

Collymore will be looking to score for the sixth consecutive game, while his strike partner Roy has hit two in each of the last three games. Cooper, who injured his ankle in last weekend's 7-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday, plays in an unchanged side. For the Hammers, right-back Breacker, midfielders Moncur and Rush and forward Hutchison are all suspended. Brown and Boere can expect starting roles, but on-loan German, Eckstein, has blisters and is unfit to make his debut.

QPR v Arsenal

Hodge is back in the Rangers squad after illness and a foot injury and may play his first senior game since January. Defenders Bardsley and Maddix return from suspension. Arsenal goalkeeper Seaman could play against his old club after a five-match Premiership absence having survived Thursday's European Cup Winners' Cup tie without the aid of pain-killing injections for his cracked ribs. Jensen (groin) is still out but there is a recall for Helder, ineligible against Sampdoria, and Keown, who served a one- match European ban.

Sheffield Wed v Leicester

The former England striker, Hirst, makes his long-awaited comeback for the troubled home side after a six-month absence with a knee problem. Leicester will give a late fitness check to Draper as they chase back- to-back wins for the first time this season. The midfielder has missed the last two games with knee and hamstring problems, while Blake is available again after a two-match suspension.

TOMORROW

FA CUP SEMI-FINALS

Tottenham Hotspur v Everton

Anderton is facing a tough battle to recover from a knee ligament strain and play for Spurs, who wait on midfielder Howells (knee) and defender Campbell (hamstring). Full-back Kerslake has been ruled out and Edinburgh is suspended. Rideout gave Everton a boost by declaring himself fit after a seven-match absence with a knee ligament injury. Ferguson, Samways and Ebbrell are all suspended; Barrett is cup-tied and Barlow (ankle) and Watson (virus) are in doubt.

Manchester Utd v Crystal Palace

Giggs could be switched from the wing to partner Hughes as holders United counter the loss of cup-tied Cole. Sharpe returns on the left flank after suspension while midfielder Beckham and full-back Gary Neville may feature. Kanchelskis (stomach injury) is the big doubt while Keane retains his centre-back role in place of suspended Bruce. Salako should play despite a strained hamstring, while Young (groin) and Coleman (ankle) are also winning their injury battles.

FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Liverpool v Leeds Utd

Kennedy waits to learn whether he will be given his Liverpool debut in place of Bjrnebye, who broke a leg against Southampton midweek. The £2m Irish winger from Millwall is competing with Walters for a starting place in an otherwise unchanged team. For Leeds, Kelly is doubtful with a groin strain that could rob him of an ever-present record stretching back to the start of last season. Couzens stands by while White could be back on the bench.