Eurosport - Wed, 02 Jan 08:56:00 2008
All the team news ahead of Wednesday's four Premier League clashes, with doubts hanging over Elano's inclusion in Manchester City's starting line-up against Newcastle.
Click on the links below the photos for predicted line-ups. Kick-offs 20h unless otherwise stated.
Newcastle v Manchester City (19:45)
Brazilian Elano could be rested by City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, with Geovanni among the candidates to replace the midfielder. Michael Johnson remains sidelined with an abdominal strain, but Emile Mpenza could return to the fold from a muscle problem. Newcastle could be without Alan Smith for the visit of City after a clash of heads at the weekend, but Michael Owen's successful return against Chelsea means he is in the frame again. Joey Barton misses out on playing against his former club as he is in prison.
Liverpool v Wigan
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is available again after completing a three-match ban but with both Sami Hyypia and Dan Agger both out injured, boss Rafa Benitez will have to call on Alvaro Arbeloa as a make-shift centre-back once again. Emile Heskey is set to play against his former club after having overcome a recent ankle injury and Latics boss Steve Bruce is further boosted by the return of midfielder Jason Koumas.
Bolton v Derby
Trotters full-back Nicky Hunt is a doubt for the visit of bottom-club Derby and boss Gary Megson could be tempted to shake things up a little as his side search a fourth straight home victory. Derby manager Paul Jewell has a number of injury concerns ahead of the match at the Reebok, with defenders Dean Leacock and Michael Johnson both doubtful and Stephen Bywater, Stephen Pearson (both shoulder), Andy Griffin (calf), Andy Todd (back) and David Jones (groin) all out. Rob Earnshaw is 50-50 but Matt Oakley and Claude Davis are back in contention after making successful comebacks from injury at the weekend.
Blackburn v Sunderland
Rovers boss Mark Hughes is hopeful that Steven Reid will have shaken off a calf problem by the time Sunderland come to town, but may decide not to rush the midfielder back. Chris Samba is set to return after having missed the weekend's win at Derby to be with his pregnant wife. Sunderland midfielder Ross Wallace is doubtful with a hamstring injury, but Nyron Nosworthy (hamstring) and Russell Anderson (ankle) could make appearances. Carlos Edwards is still some way off full fitness though.
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