A preview of the weekend's matches

Bolton (8)

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Everton (13)

DANIEL STURRIDGE withdrew from England Under-21 duty this week but will be hoping for a second consecutive start after netting twice in two games since joining Bolton on loan from Chelsea. .

Everton have lost Louis Saha, who scored four against Blackpool last week, to a hamstring injury and Jack Rodwell to a groin problem sustained on England U-21 duty. Defender Phil Jagielka, who had a spell out with a thigh injury, is pushing for a start after two substitute appearances.

Last season: Everton 2 Bolton 0; Bolton 3 Everton 2.

Last five league matches: Bolton DLLWL; Everton WDDLW.

Top scorers: Johan Elmander (Bolton) 10; Louis Saha and Tim Cahill (Everton) 9.

Match odds: H 17-10 A 8-5 D 11-5.

Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).

Blackburn (11)

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Newcastle (10)

STRIKER Roque Santa Cruz returns to Blackburn’s squad after missing two matches with a groin injury, but defender Gael Givet (groin) is still not fit. January signings Mauro Formica and Ruben Rochina are still a few weeks away from featuring.

Newcastle strikers Leon Best and Nile Ranger will be fit following hamstring and back problems respectively, and will be joined in the squad by new recruit Shefki Kuqi. Stephen Ireland continues his recovery from a knee problem.

Last season: No corresponding fixture.

Last five league matches: Blackburn WLWLL; Newcastle WDDLD. Top scorers: Mame Diouf (Blackburn) 6; Kevin Nolan (Newcastle) 10.

Match odds: H 21-20 A 5-2 D 12-5.

Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).

Blackpool (15)

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Aston Villa (14)

BLACKPOOL could have only one senior goalkeeper available, as Paul Rachubka damaged his knee yesterday and Matt Gilks, who has not played since November due to a knee problem of his own, is still several weeks away. Richard Kingson is therefore in line to start in goal.

Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is available despite having withdrawn from the England squad for “family reasons”. On-loan midfielder Michael Bradley is in contention to make his debut.

Last season: No corresponding fixture.

Last five league matches: Blackpool LLLLL; Aston Villa DWWLD.

Top scorers: DJ Campbell (Blackpool) 9; Darren Bent (Aston Villa) 13.

Match odds: H 21-10 A 6-5 D 5-2.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Arsenal (2)

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Wolves (19)

ABOU DIABY is suspended and Tomas Rosicky also misses out for Arsenal with a groin problem, but Denilson returns to the squad and Johan Djourou has recovered from his knee problem.

Mick McCarthy could retain the team that ended Manchester United’s unbeaten start to the league last week. Loan signing Jamie O’Hara made his first start in that match and is likely to retain his place, but Stephen Hunt, who missed out with a calf strain, could be out again.

Last season: Arsenal 1 Wolves 0; Wolves 1 Arsenal 4.

Last five league matches: Arsenal DWWWD; Wolves WLLLW.

Top scorers: Samir Nasri (Arsenal) 14; Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher (Wolves) 4.

Match odds: H 1-4 A 9-1 D 5-1.

Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

Sunderland (7)

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Tottenham (5)

STEVE BRUCE will make a late decision on midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has a groin problem. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon should be fit after returning early from the Scotland camp with a knee problem.

Tottenham will be without Gareth Bale (back), Rafael van der Vaart (calf) and Luka Modric (appendix), while Peter Crouch did not report for England duty with a back injury and is doubtful.

Last season: Sunderland 3 Tottenham 1; Tottenham 2 Sunderland 0.

Last five league matches: Sunderland WDWLL; Tottenham LDDWW.

Top scorers: Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) 9; Rafael Van der Vaart (Tottenham) 12.

Match odds: H 9-5 A 6-4 D 23-10.

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire).

English Premier League Teams news and statistics

Manchester United (1)

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Manchester City (3)

CHRIS SMALLING will be handed his first start in a Manchester derby as Rio Ferdinand (calf) and Jonny Evans (ankle) are both ruled out. Javier Hernandez is expected to be named on the bench after his arduous journey following Mexico’s meeting with Bosnia.

City midfielder Nigel de Jong (ankle) is doubtful, but Micah Richards has recovered from a similar problem. Mario Balotelli could return after a four-week absence with a knee injury.

Last season: Man City 0, Man Utd 1; Man Utd 4, Man City 3.

Last five league matches: Man Utd DWWWL; Man City DWLDW. Top scorers: Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd) 20; Carlos Tevez (Man City) 20.

Match odds: H 8-11 A 7-2 D 11-4.

Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).

Fulham (12)

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Chelsea (4)

EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN could make his first Fulham start against his former club having been a late substitute in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Dickson Etuhu (hamstring) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) are likely to miss out again.

David Luiz will be given his first start for the club, coming in for Jose Bosingwa and pushing Branislav Ivanovic to right back. In attack they are set to persevere with a front three of Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

Last season: Chelsea 2 Fulham 1; Fulham 0 Chelsea 2.

Last five league matches: Fulham DWLWD; Chelsea LWWWL. Top scorers: Clint Dempsey (Fulham) 10; Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) 14.

Match odds: H 7-2 A 4-5 D 5-2.

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Liverpool (6)

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Wigan (18)

LIVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish will make a late decision on Steven Gerrard’s availability after the captain missed England’s midweek friendly victory with a groin problem, while centre back Martin Skrtel (thigh) is a doubt.

James McCarthy is likely to be available after he was withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad to rest his previously injured ankle. Defender Gary Caldwell could play with a mask to protect a fractured cheekbone.

Last season: Wigan 1 Liverpool 0; Liverpool 2 Wigan 1.

Last five league matches: Liverpool DWWWW; Wigan DLLDW. Top scorers: Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Raul Meireles (Liverpool) 4; Hugo Rodallega (Wigan) 7.

Match odds: H 4-11 A 8-1 D 7-2.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).

West Brom (17)

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West Ham (20)

WEST HAM are hopeful that Robbie Keane’s calf injury is not as serious as it first seemed, but the striker is still set to miss out today. Manuel Da Costa is available after coming through the defeat to Birmingham unscathed following four months out with an ankle injury.

West Brom should have Marek Cech available after he recovered from a groin strain, while Graham Dorrans has shook off an ankle knock.

Last season: No corresponding fixture.

Last five league matches: West Brom LWLDL; West Ham LLDWL.

Top scorers: Peter Odemwingie (West Brom) 9; Victor Obinna (West Ham) 8.

Match odds: H 19-20 A 11-4 D 5-2.

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

Birmingham (16)

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Stoke (9)

BIRMINGHAM newcomer Obafemi Martins is included in the squad for the first time but he may be on the bench having not played competitively for two months. Goalkeeper Ben Foster has recovered from a thumb injury.

Stoke’s Mamady Sidibe, who has been missing for five-and-a-half months, looks set to remain on the sidelines for an extended period after injuring his Achilles in training yesterday. Ricardo Fuller is back after compassionate leave.

Last season: Stoke 0 Birmingham 1; Birmingham 0 Stoke 0. Last five league matches: Birmingham WDLDW; Stoke LWLLW Top scorers: Craig Gardner (Birmingham) 7; Robert Huth and Kenwyne Jones (Stoke) 7.

Match odds: H 6-4 A 15-8 D 11-5.

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).