Eurosport - Fri, 18 Sep 13:36:00 2009
Team news ahead of Saturday's League One fixtures, with defender Ben Parker back for Leeds as they host Gillingham.
(All matches kick off at 3pm on Saturday)
Brentford will check on Carl Cort and Ryan Dickson ahead of the visit of Bristol Rovers.
Striker Cort missed last Saturday's goalless draw at Huddersfield with an ankle injury and remains a doubt, with Steve Kabba and fit-again Charlie MacDonald set to continue in attack.
Defender Dickson has been sidelined for three weeks with a knee injury but is back in light training and will be handed a late fitness test.
Sam Wood will deputise at left-back if Dickson misses out again.
Boss Andy Scott switched loaned centre-half James Wilson to right-back to accommodate the return of skipper Alan Bennett (groin) last weekend and was rewarded with a second clean sheet of the season.
Forward Ben Strevens is still recovering from a broken leg.
New signing Chris Dickson goes straight into the Bristol Rovers squad for the tricky trip to Brentford.
The 24-year-old has opted to join the Pirates on a three-month loan deal from Charlton despite Gillingham making their interest in him public.
Dickson scored 11 goals in a 14-game spell with the Gills two years ago but has opted to move to Bristol rather than returning to Priestfield and should go straight into Paul Trollope's side.
Trollope, who is now officially the club's manager after signing a new deal that means he is no longer the first-team coach, has no injury or suspension worries.
David Pipe may not be involved, though, after being arrested on suspicion of assault.
Brighton v Southend
Arron Davies is an injury doubt ahead of Brighton's home clash with Southend.
The on-loan Nottingham Forest midfielder is battling to shake off a hamstring problem and will be given a late fitness test.
Winger Dean Cox will be added to the squad after missing last weekend's win at Carlisle through illness and he could be in line for an immediate recall if Davies misses out.
Left-back Jake Wright could return after a month out with a hamstring injury but right-back Andrew Whing is sidelined with a groin problem which requires surgery.
Fellow defenders Jim McNulty (ankle) and Colin Hawkins (broken nose) are still missing along with Glenn Murray, although the striker is back in training following a hernia operation.
Roy O'Donovan is in line to make his Southend debut at Brighton.
The 24-year-old Ireland U21 striker has joined the Shrimpers on a one-month loan deal from Sunderland and could be thrown straight into Steve Tilson's starting line up for the Withdean clash.
O'Donovan could replace Francis Laurent alongside Lee Barnard in attack, although veteran forward Dougie Freedman will also be looking for a recall.
Barnard will be looking to add to the seven goals he has already scored this season, especially after missing a late penalty in last Friday's 0-0 draw at home to Leeds.
Jean-Francois Christophe is expected to continue in midfield, though on-loan Chelsea man Lee Sawyer is pushing for a recall.
Colchester v Hartlepool
Kayode Odejayi and Danny Batth will be added to the Colchester squad for the home clash with Hartlepool.
Striker Odejayi has arrived on a three-month loan deal from Barnsley and teenage centre-half Batth has agreed a month's switch from Wolves.
Boss Adrian Boothroyd moved to boost his options following injuries to Pat Baldwin (leg), Lee Beevers (shoulder), Paul Reid (knee) and Ashley Vincent (ankle).
Winger Vincent was stretchered off against Swindon last weekend but an X-ray showed he did not break any bones and he is touch and go to face Pools.
Midfielder Kem Izzet serves the second game of his three-match ban following his red card against Southampton.
Striker Steven Gillespie (hamstring) will be on the bench again following another run-out for the reserves in midweek.
Hartlepool director of sport Chris Turner has received mixed news on the injury front.
Ritchie Humphreys made his long-awaited return from an Achilles injury in the reserves` 4-1 win at Bradford in midweek and he should be on the bench.
Left-back Peter Hartley, who was carried off in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Wycombe, is also in contention.
Hartley fell awkwardly on his ankle but the problem turned out to be cramp in his calf and he has trained this week with no problems.
However, fellow defender Ben Clark has been dealt a fresh blow after learning he must undergo groin surgery just weeks after a hernia operation. He now faces a further six weeks on the sidelines.
Armann Bjornsson scored twice for the second string, while Colin Larkin also impressed, and the pair will hope to be involved.
Exeter v Tranmere
On-loan duo Oscar Jansson and Craig Noone are expected to make their home bows for Exeter against League One strugglers Tranmere on Saturday.
Swedish U21 keeper Jansson - on a month-long loan from Tottenham - has played in City's last two games in the absence of injured number one Paul Jones (knee).
Winger Noone, who has just started a three-month loan from Plymouth, celebrated his Grecians bow with a cross-cum-shot leveller in last week's 1-1 draw at Leyton Orient.
After an impressive man-of-the-match debut, the Liverpool-born winger is set to start again this weekend, with James Dunne among the substitutes.
Manager Paul Tisdale's other change for the Orient game, following a 3-0 reverse at Gillingham, was to recall Danny Seaborne at left back.
Under-fire Tranmere manager John Barnes is set to hand a debut to new signing Seb Carole.
Barnes, who has seen his side lose six of their opening seven games this season, has signed the winger on a short-term contract until January.
The Frenchman, 27, was a free agent after his four-month deal with Brighton expired at the end of last season.
Goalkeeper Luke Daniels, who is on a season-long loan from West Brom, is facing a race to be fit after he sustained a knee injury during last weekend's 3-2 loss at home to Walsall.
Joe Collister replaced him for the second half and could be asked to deputise if Daniels is not passed fit.
Defender Shaleum Logan is available again after a one-match ban but striker Bas Savage (Achilles) remains a long-term absentee.
Leeds v Gillingham
Leeds defender Ben Parker (pictured) is expected to return to the squad for the home clash with Gillingham.
But full-back Jason Crowe is doubtful after being forced off in last Friday's goalless draw at Southend due to a hamstring strain.
Parker has been sidelined since the opening-day win over Exeter with a hamstring problem of his own, but could provide manager Simon Grayson with a boost.
Leigh Bromby switched to the flank in place of Crowe at Southend, with Lubo Michalik stepping up from the bench to partner Patrick Kisnorbo in the centre of defence and Parker will give Grayson an extra option if he is ready to start.
Central defender Rui Marques missed out against Southend due to an Achilles injury and remains doubtful.
Grayson has no other new injury or suspension problems as his side look to stretch their record-breaking league winning run at Elland Road to 15 matches.
Gillingham boss Mark Stimson has no fresh injury worries.
Striker Mark McCammon is still sidelined with a hamstring strain he picked up a fortnight ago in the 3-0 victory over Exeter.
The former Doncaster player is responding well to treatment but is not likely to feature until the start of October.
Simon King is a long-term absentee having had exploratory surgery on his ankle. The defender is set to be on the sidelines for a further three months.
Midfielder Stuart Lewis is recovering from an ankle injury and will be in contention for a reserve run-out in a couple of weeks.
Jacob Erskine is pushing for a recall after bagging a brace in Wednesday's 4-1 reserve win over Leyton Orient on Wednesday.
Stimson's men have secured seven points from their last three league outings, including back-to-back victories against Exeter and Millwall at the Priestfield Stadium.
Millwall v Huddersfield
Millwall will check on James Henry and Gary Alexander ahead of the visit of Huddersfield.
On-loan Reading winger Henry suffered a hamstring strain during last week's 2-0 defeat at Gillingham, a game striker Alexander missed with a heel injury. Both remain doubtful starters but boss Kenny Jackett has not ruled either out.
There is also positive news on frontman Neil Harris, who will be fit despite limping off against the Gills with a calf injury.
But the Lions' treatment room remains crowded with Jason Price missing with a thigh problem and fellow forward Ashley Grimes out after pulling a hamstring playing for the reserves.
Defenders Zak Whitbread (hip), Paul Robinson (ankle), Tony Craig (back), Danny Senda (Achilles) and Pat O'Connor (cruciate) are also on the sidelines while George Friend's loan spell from Wolves has ended.
The match has been designated &lsquoTacheback Day' at The Den, with fans urged to sport a moustache to help raise awareness for male cancers.
Huddersfield manager Lee Clark is expected to name an unchanged starting line-up.
Clark has no new injury or suspension problems and the only first-team squad member who is absent is Tom Clarke, who is recovering from knee ligament damage.
Huddersfield were held to a goalless draw by Brentford at the Galpharm Stadium last weekend but Clark is expected to stick with Jordan Rhodes and Theo Robinson up front, with the two young strikers looking to add to their 14-goal partnership.
But fellow forwards Robbie Simpson and Lee Novak were second-half replacements against the Bees so Clark has plenty of options.
Midfielder Michael Collins is hoping to have impressed enough for the reserves in midweek to be promoted off the substitutes' bench.
Norwich v Charlton
Norwich manager Paul Lambert is set to be without a clutch of players for the visit of League One leaders Charlton.
Defenders Michael Nelson and Adam Drury and midfielder Stephen Hughes all came off against MK Dons on Monday night to leave Lambert with selection issues.
Nelson has an ankle injury and is unlikely to feature while Hughes has an Achilles problem and is rated as doubtful.
However, left-back Drury has had treatment on a hip injury and should be fit to keep his place in the starting XI.
Midfielder Darel Russell is back in training after a calf problem but will not be considered but fellow midfielders Matt Gill (knee) and Owain Tudur Jones (calf) continue to miss out.
Full-back Rhoys Wiggins (knee) is back in training but is not yet fit enough to be considered for his debut.
Leon McKenzie could be added to the Charlton squad.
The striker, recently signed from Coventry, played for the reserves in midweek to build up his match fitness and may make the bench against his former club.
Winger Lloyd Sam has shrugged off the knock which saw him hobble off late on against Southampton last week so boss Phil Parkinson will name the same starting XI for the eighth successive game, having picked up six wins and a draw so far to top the table.
Deon Burton, who hit a hat-trick when Charlton condemned Norwich to join them in League One on the final day of last season, continues in attack.
Midfielder Dean Sinclair (knee) is still out and striker Chris Dickson has joined Bristol Rovers on loan.
Oldham v Carlisle
Oldham boss Dave Penney will check on the fitness of a number of players when his side host Carlisle.
Defender Andy Holdsworth (knee) and striker Nick Blackman (foot) picked up knocks during last weekend's defeat at Bristol Rovers and will be assessed.
Midfielder Jon Worthington again looks certain to be missing due to an ankle injury while Joe Jacobson and Rob Purdie, who have yet to feature this season, could remain sidelined.
Defender Jacobson is currently troubled by a pelvic problem and midfielder Purdie is recovering from a stomach injury.
Striker Deane Smalley, 20, has yet to feature this season due to a back problem and will be missing for several weeks.
The Latics are languishing fourth bottom of League One after winning only one of their opening seven matches.
Carlisle manager Greg Abbott could give striker Richard Offiong his first league start for the club.
The former Newcastle man joined the club from Hamilton last month but has failed to cement a place in Abbott's side since then, with his only start so far coming in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy win over Morecambe.
However, with winger Kevan Hurst struggling with a ankle injury, Abbott could move Scott Dobie or Joe Anyinsah to the right of midfield, allowing Offiong to take his place up front.
On-loan midfielder Tom Taiwo could also force his way into Abbott's thinking for the trip to Boundary Park but the game will come too soon for defender Richard Keogh (ankle), who is only just returning to non-contact training.
Southampton v Yeovil
Radhi Jaidi is in line to make his full Southampton debut in the home clash with Yeovil.
The former Birmingham defender came on as a late substitute during last weekend's 1-1 draw at Charlton and managed 75 minutes for the reserves in midweek to build up his match fitness.
Fellow new-boy Papa Waigo N'Diaye also played for the second string but boss Alan Pardew will probably start with the Senegalese striker on the bench again.
Winger Lee Holmes is fit following a groin problem so Graeme Murty and Kayne McLaggon are Saints' only injury absentees.
Veteran full-back Murty is still recovering from a knee injury and young winger McLaggon is two or three weeks away with his Achilles problem.
Yeovil will be without suspended goalkeeper Alex McCarthy for the short trip.
The on-loan Reading stopper was sent off in the early stages of Yeovil's 2-2 home draw with Stockport last weekend.
Richard Martin took over between the sticks and will deputise for McCarthy at St Mary's.
Gavin Tomlin is likely to continue in attack after marking his return to the side against the Hatters with a goal. Fellow forward Sam Williams is also available following a hip injury.
Williams was initially named among the substitutes on Saturday but came off the bench to grab Yeovil's equaliser - his first goal for the club.
Stockport v Leyton Orient
Stockport boss Gary Ablett should hand a home debut to on-loan Leeds defender Paul Huntington when his side host fellow strugglers Leyton Orient.
The 21-year-old centre-half is at Edgeley Park for an initial one-month period until October 10 and made his bow in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Yeovil.
Ablett has no suspensions to deal with but highly-rated skipper Michael Raynes could again be forced to settle for a place among the substitutes as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Midfielder Matty Mainwaring remains sidelined after he broke a leg during pre-season but is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
County have won only one of their opening seven League One matches this season and victory would ease fears of being dragged into a relegation dogfight.
Leyton Orient will hand late fitness checks to Stephen Purches, Ben Chorley and Adam Chambers.
Skipper Purches (leg), fellow defender Chorley and midfielder Chambers (both hamstring) all hobbled out of last weekend's draw against Exeter.
But boss Geraint Williams is hoping all three will train on Friday.
Midfielder Sean Thornton is still sidelined with a knee injury and will be absent for another three weeks.
Swansea loanee Kristian O'Leary is pushing for a full debut after two substitute appearances.
Goalkeeper Jamie Jones has been on the bench for the last two games following a hip injury and is now breathing down Glenn Morris' neck following his mistake which gifted Exeter their equaliser.
Walsall v Swindon
Walsall have a number of injury problems ahead of the visit of Swindon.
Chris Hutchings, who this week penned a new rolling contract with the Saddlers, will definitely be without winger Peter Till once again after he injured his hamstring in the run-up to last weekend's 3-2 triumph over Tranmere.
Richard Taundry also misses out with a hamstring problem of his own while striker Steve Jones (groin) will be assessed over the next 24 hours. Defender Stephen Roberts remains out due to his troublesome back.
Striker Sam Parkin is available, however, making missed the victory at Prenton Park with a shoulder injury while captain Mark Hughes is now fully-fit having made the bench last weekend after recent hip problems.
Walsall full-back Jamie Vincent is expected to line up against his former employers.
David Lucas is battling to be fit for Swindon.
The Robins goalkeeper injured his knee in the warm-up prior to last weekend's 1-1 draw against Colchester and has been in a race against time all week, although the early signs are looking good.
Similarly, captain Gordon Greer sustained a knock towards the end of the game against the Us but should keep his place at the centre of defence.
Midfielder Alan O'Brien is expected to be out for at least another week as he completes his recovery from a hamstring strain, while striker Lee Peacock (back) is lacking the match fitness required despite making his comeback for the reserves in midweek.
Tope Obadeyi has extended his loan stay at the County Ground by a further month and will be involved, but Mark Marshall has departed for Hereford and will not be involved in a game which will see full-back Jamie Vincent come up against his former employers.
Wycombe Wanderers v MK Dons
Wycombe manager Peter Taylor could have defender Lewis Hunt in his squad for the first time this season when MK Dons visit Adams Park.
The right-back has not featured for the first team this season after a recurrence of an earlier foot injury.
Hunt`s return to fitness has allowed Taylor to send on-loan full-back Adam Smith back to Tottenham while midfielder Lewis Spence has joined Forest Green on loan as he builds up his fitness from a foot problem.
Midfielders Tommy Doherty (ankle) and Matty Bloomfield (broken nose and cheekbone) remain sidelined, however, as Wycombe hope for a much-needed win to climb away from the wrong end of the League One table.
MK Dons manager Paul Ince is waiting on the fitness of Danny Woodards and Jermaine Easter.
Defender Woodards limped out of the 3-2 defeat to Huddersfield a fortnight ago with an ankle injury but has returned to light training and could return if he passes a late fitness test.
Former Wycombe striker Easter missed the 2-1 win over Norwich on Monday evening with a thigh problem and has an outside chance of facing his former employers.
Easter scored 28 goals in 70 appearances for the Chairboys before joining Plymouth in October 2007 and will be keen to return if possible.
New loan signing Oscar Gobern should be in the squad alongside brother Lewis while utility man Luke Howell is back from a one-match ban.
Forward Aaron Wilbraham (ankle), midfielder Peter Leven (groin) and defender Danny Swailes (Achilles) all topped up their fitness with run-outs against a Celtic side in a midweek friendly and should all be on the bench.
Defenders Sean O'Hanlon (knee) and Jude Stirling (groin) remain absent as Ince's side look to continue their good start to the season.
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