All the team news ahead of a big weekend in the Premier League, with all of the big guns set to fire on all cylinders.

Kick-offs 15:00 unless otherwise stated

Sunday 23rd March

Manchester United v Liverpool (13:30)

Rio Ferdinand could return to the heart of the United defence for the lunchtime kick-off, though Gerard Pique could keep his place if the England man doesn't recover from his back injury in time. Tomasz Kuszczak will stay in goal if Edwin van der Sar is not passed fit. Patrice Evra should regain his place at left-back after being rested against Bolton, while Carlos Tevez could renew his partnership with Wayne Rooney.

Rafael Benitez is expected to field something approaching his first XI as he chases that lucrative fourth-spot finish, with Dirk Kuyt supporting Fernando Torres in attack. In defence, however, Daniel Agger and Steve Finnan are still out for the long term, so Alvaro Arbeloa and Martin Skrtel will take their respective places.

Chelsea v Arsenal (16:00)

The only likely team change for Chelsea boss Avram Grant is Jon Obi Mikel returning to midfield at the expense of Claude Makelele. Didier Drogba is expected to keep his lone target man role as Nicolas Anelka is still out with a thigh problem, while Carlo Cudicini remains in goal.

Arsenal are still without Tomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby, so Alexandr Hleb will continue on the left of midfield, with Emmanuel Eboue covering him for him on the right. There are likely to be few changes for Arsene Wenger's side as they bid to knock Chelsea out of this season's title race for good.

Saturday 22nd March

Tottenham v Portsmouth (12:45)

Jermaine Jenas is a doubt after picking up a knock in the midweek match against Chelsea, meaning Tom Huddlestone could start. Other than that, it's the same long-term defensive absences for Spurs, with Gareth Bale, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Ricardo Rocha and Younes Kaboul.

Neither Jermain Defoe nor Sol Campbell will be able to play against their former club. Defoe is not eligible under the conditions of his loan, while former Spurs captain Campbell is still out with a knee injury. Sulley Muntari and Papa Bouba Diop are both missing through suspension.

Aston Villa v Sunderland

Aston Villa's team has been remarkably consistent all season. The only expected change is Craig Gardner deputising at right-back for the suspended Olof Mellberg, while Shaun Maloney continues in midfield in place of Stiliyan Petrov.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has a fully fit squad, aside from long-term absentees Ross Wallace and Liam Miller, and is unlikely to change his side from the one that lost 1-0 to Chelsea.

Blackburn Rovers v Wigan Athletic

The injury to Brett Emerton means that Mark Hughes is set to start Zurab Khizanishvilli in the centre of defence, with Andre Ooijer filling in at right-back. Jason Roberts could keep his place up front at the expense of Benni McCarthy.

Hughes's old team-mate, Wigan boss Steve Bruce, is set to keep faith with the players that beat Bolton last time out. The only change is likely to be Kevin Kilbane coming into the left wing as Jason Koumas begins his suspension for his red card in that match.

Bolton Wanderers v Manchester City

Ali Al-Habsi will remain in the Bolton goal for the rest of the season, as Jussi Jaaskelainen will play no more this term. Joey O'Brien keeps his place in midfield as captain Kevin Nolan is still out injured.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is still missing defensive duo Michael Ball and Micah Richards, so the City side may well remain the same as the one that beat Tottenham at the City of Manchester Stadium last Sunday.

Middlesbrough v Derby County

Brazilian striker Alfonso Alves is out with a hamstring injury, and Mido begins his suspension for his dangerous challenge on Gael Clichy. That gives Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli the chance to continue their effective partnership up front. Julio Arca will come into midfield to replace Fabio Rochemback, who is also suspended.

Derby have an entire back four out injured, with Claude Davis and Alan Stubbs joining long-term casualties Danny Mills and Tyrone Mears on the injury list. Marc Edworthy and Dean Leacock keep their places in defence.

Newcastle United v Fulham

Habib Beye will continue at right-back as Newcastle continue the search for their first win under their new manager. Kevin Keegan may punish Obafemi Martins's bad reaction to being substituted against Birmingham by giving him a place on the bench this time.

Roy Hodgson has no new injury worries for his Fulham side, and will stick with the All-American strike duo of Eddie Johnson and Brian McBride. Kasey Keller will continue in goal as Antti Niemi is still out.

Reading v Birmingham City

Dave Kitson will compete with Shane Long to partner Kevin Doyle in the Reading attack. Liam Rosenior will continue at right-back as club captain Graeme Murty remains on the sidelines with a knee injury, the same as fellow defender Michael Duberry.

Sebastian Larsson sustained medial knee ligament damage in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle, so Daniel de Ridder will take his place on the right of midfield. Gary McSheffrey does the same on the other wing for Olivier Kapo, who is out with a hamstring problem.

Everton v West Ham

Striker Andy Johnson lasted only 14 minutes in the defeat at Fulham before pulling his groin. He will miss this match, meaning Victor Anichebe is in line for a rare start. Tim Cahill is expected to be out with a foot injury, so Lee Carsley will continue in midfield.

Despite his match-winning goal against Blackburn, teenager Freddie Sears is set to start on the bench again as Alan Curbishley continues with Dean Ashton and Bobby Zamora. The Upton Park injury list isn't getting any shorter, with Jonathan Spector continuing in defence with Matthew Upson and Anton Ferdinand both still out.

Tony Mabert / Eurosport