Arsenal (2) v Middlesbrough (16) - Rookie goalkeeper Stuart Taylor keeps his place for Arsenal even though England international Richard Wright is fit again. Ray Parlour is ruled out with a dead leg, while Lauren is suspended and his place at right back is set to go to Oleg Luzhny.
Boro striker Alen Boksic is out with flu. The Croatian reported in sick yesterday morning to leave manager Steve McLaren to choose between Hamilton Ricard, Noel Whelan, Andy Campbell and Sziland Nemeth to fill the forward berth.
Aston Villa ( 8) v Tottenham (7)
Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie is a big doubt after picking up an ankle injury which forced him off against Liverpool on St Stephen's Day. Ian Taylor stands by, while David Ginola is available again after serving a three match ban following his recent dismissal against Leicester.
Defenders Alpay and Mark Delaney and midfielder Mustapha Hadji are all still out but hope to return early in the New Year. Spur's Norwegian midfielder Oyvind Leonhardsen is set to return after missing the 1-0 defeat at Southhampton because of flu. Manager Glenn Hoddle is likely to keep faith with the paring of Teddy Sherringham and top scorer Les Ferdinand.
Backburn ( 14) v Derby( 18)
Blackburn manager Graeme Souness is expected to make changes. Matt Jansen is likely to be restored to the starting line-up, with Italian striker Corrado Grabbi in danger of losing his place.
Derby could welcome back Argentinian defender Horacio Carbonari for his first start of the season if centre back Youl Mawenw fails to shrug off an ankle injury, which he sustained against West Ham. His defensive partner Chris Riggot sustained a similar knock but is expected to be fit.
Bolton (15) v Leicester ( 20)
Late decisions will be made on Bolton captain Gudni Bergsson ( hamstring) and strikers Michaek Ricketts (neck) and Rod Wallace ( dead leg) after they missed the St Stephen's Day defeat by Leeds. Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet has a slight back problem but is expected to take his place. Denis Wise could return from the bench to the starting line-up.
Everton (13) v Charlton ( 12)
Everton strikers Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell are both back in train but unlikely to make the starting line-up. Ferguson may make the bench but Campbell is expected to miss out. Paul Gascoigne could start in midfield, defender Alan Stubbs could return to the squad.
Defender Nark Fish is a major doubt for Charlton after being forced off at the interval at Fulham with a groin strain.
John Robinson made his comeback off the bench at Craven Cottage and could start this time.
Ipswich (19) v Sunderland (9)
Ipswich will be without midfielder Sixto Peralta because of a foot injury. Capt. Matt Holland is expected to pass a late fitness test on his bruised ankle.
Sunderland will be unchanged for the third successive match. Manager Peter Reid had planned to make use of the squad system over the holiday period but sticks to the side which beat Everton and Blackburn.
Newcastle (1) v Chelsea( 6)
Newcastle defender Nikos Dabzios is back in the squad after recovering from a thigh injury picked up in the 4-3 win at Leeds last weekend. He missed the 3-0 St Stephen's Day victory over Middlesbrough.
Chlesea winger Boudewijn Zenden is ruled out with the calf injury that also kept him out of the St Stephen's Day defeat at Arsenal. Marcel Desailly who has been in full training this week after an Achilles problem, is again included in the squad but may not make the starting line-up.
Southhampton (17) v Leeds (4)
Southampton defender Paul Williams is Gordon Dtrachan's main injury worry. He will undergo a late fitness test on a groin strain. Midfielder Matthew Oakley is back in contention after overcoming an ankle injury but Ecuador international Agustin Delgado is still not fully fit as he recovers from knee surgery.
Leeds manager David O' Leary is without nine players, with Robbie Keane( ankle), Erick Bakke ( ankle ligaments) Seth Johnson( leg) Harry Kewell ( back) and Dominic Matteo (hamstring) joining longtern injured Oliver Dacourt, Michael Bridges, Lucas Radebe and Jacon Burns on the casualty list. Right back Danny mills is the only addition to the squad after serving a one-match suspension.
West Ham (11) v Liverpool (3)
Italian striker Paolo di Canio is suspended for tomorrow's visit of Liverpool, so Jermain Defoe is likely to partner Frederic Kanoute in attack.
Liverpool assistant boss Phil Thompson looks likely to have a virtual clean bill of health, while striker Emile Heskey expected to have recovered from an ankle injury. Nicolas Anelka provides an option up front.
Sunday
Fulham( 10) v Man Utd (5)
Fulham's Lee Clarke faces a two-week injury lay-off after hobbling out of the 0-0 St Stephens Day draw with Charlton with a strained calf. Club-record signing Steve Marlet played for the reserves in midweek but is unlikely to feature against the champions.
England duo David Beckham and Paul Scoles are hoping for a recall to the Manchester United starting line-up. Scholes was suspended for the St Stephen's Day victory at Everton, with Ryan Giggs taking over. Beckham, though may have to make do with a place on the bench again.
