Could Arsene have his main man back for 'Slam Dunk Sunday', or whatever it's called? All the latest news and full expected line-ups for all the weekend's games is right this way...

Saturday 15th December

Birmingham City v Reading

Midfielder Damien Johnson has recovered from a long-term hamstring injury and could start in place of the suspended Mehdi Nafti.

Alex McLeish is looking for his second win as Birmingham manager, but will probably have to do without full back Johan Djourou.

Reading boss Steve Coppell has no new injury worries and could also have Michael Duberry back in the squad after the defender recovered from a rib injury.

Derby County v Middlesbrough

Derby striker Steve Howard is pushing for a start after scoring his first goal of the season against Manchester United.

Aside from Andy Todd and Marc Edworthy, Paul Jewell has no new injury worries.

Filled with renewed confidence following his side's defeat of Arsenal last weekend, Boro boss Gareth Southgate could have both Julio Arca and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer return, the latter having missed the last two matches with a broken thumb.

Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers

City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson should receive a massive boost as he aims for his ninth home win out of nine, with the news that Brazilian playmaker Elano should return to the side after suffering a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Stephen Ireland starts his suspension for the red card he received against Tottenham, while Dietmar Hamann returns from his own enforced lay-off.

Bolton manager Gary Megson is likely to field an unchanged side from that which trounced Wigan 4-1 last weekend.

Portsmouth v Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Redknapp's thin squad will be strengthened by the return to fitness of reserve goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown as back up for the ever-present David James.

Midfielder Sean Davis is fit again, although the form of Pedro Mendes and Papa Bouba Diop should keep him out of the side this week.

Spurs have the familiar list of defensive absentees, with Gareth Bale, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Ricardo Rocha and Anthony Gardner all still long-term absentees.

Top-scorer Robbie Keane is still suspended for his controversial red card against Birmingham.

The only silver lining for them is that captain Ledley King is close to a return to fitness.

Sunderland v Aston Villa

Liam Miller begins his suspension for the red card he received after slapping Chelsea's Claudio Pizarro last weekend.

Roy Keane is also without Carlos Edwards in midfield and Nyron Nosworthy in defence through injury, though winger Kieran Richardson has made his long-awaited return to training for Sunderland.

Aston Villa are likely to name a familiar side, given manager Martin O'Neill's small squad and the overall success of his first XI.

West Ham v Everton

Carlton Cole is struggling to be fit for a hip injury, although Dean Ashton is set to feature from the start. Lee Bowyer is also ready to return to the squad.

The latest injury to Leighton Baines opens up the left back berth for Nuno Valente. Strike duo James McFadden and James Vaughan could be back in contention, although they will be lucky to usurp last week's hat-trick scorer, Yakubu, from the starting line-up.

Wigan Athletic v Blackburn Rovers

Following the recent return of Emile Heskey, Wigan boss Steve Bruce has further good news in his striking department as Julius Agahowa returns following his lay-off with an infected toe.

Blackburn are almost at full strength with both David Bentley and Ryan Nelsen returning from suspension.

Fulham v Newcastle United (ko 17:15)

Lawrie Sanchez and Fulham's injury woes continue as none of their nine long term absentees, including Brian McBride, Kasey Keller and Ian Pearce are fit yet.

Newcastle have their own problems after news that Michael Owen and Damien Duff were close to recovery looks to have come at least a match too soon.

Sunday 16th December

Liverpool v Manchester United (ko 13:00)

Midfielder Xabi Alonso is fit again after two months out for Liverpool, though the partnership of Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano may keep him out of this key match.

Steve Finnan is still not over his calf problem so Alvaro Arbeloa will remain at right back.

Manchester United will be boosted in midfield by the return of Owen Hargreaves to partner Michael Carrick.

Arsenal v Chelsea (ko 16:00)

The news of the weekend is that Arsene Wenger has announced it is likely that Francesc Fabregas will be fit enough to start the match at the Emirates Stadium.

The big match may have come too soon for Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini, however.

Chelsea are still without midfielder Michael Essien due to his suspension, so Steve Sidwell is likely to continue his rare run in the side.

Didier Drogba is definitely out with a knee injury, while Ricardo Carvalho and Florent Malouda could make surprise returns to the side if they pass late fitness tests.

Eurosport