Football Team News

TODAY

Arsenal v Newcastle United

Defender Howey is included in Newcastle's squad for the first time since the opening day of the season and is likely to be a substitute. Left-back Beresford failed a fitness test on his calf, Elliott continues to deputise in an unchanged team. Adams is set to return for Arsenal after a three-match absence.

Coventry v Manchester United

Wegerle is back from a two-match suspension for Coventry who have not won in their last eight meetings with United. Busst acts as cover for Burrows (flu). With Keane (thigh) and Robson (hamstring) doubtful Ferguson and McClair stand by for Manchester. Cantona celebrates his first anniversary with United.

Ipswich Town v Blackburn Rovers

Goalkeeper Baker returns for Ipswich after recovering from flu and Slater also returns after a foot injury. They have not won a home game since 21 August. Blackburn have no injury worries and include centre-back Hendry and winger Wilcox in their squad after recovering from a heavy cold and chest infection respectively.

Leeds United v Swindon Town

Pemberton makes his home debut for Leeds alongside Wetherall, with Newsome and O'Leary unfit. Strachan is in the 17-man squad. Swindon keep faith with the side that gained them their first League win of the season on Wednesday with midfielder MacLaren and defender Thompson added for cover.

Manchester City v Sheffield Wed

With Pearce out, Palmer may switch to central defence. Hyde may replace Palmer in midfield while Bright is expected to return after a three-match ban. Sinton faces a late fitness test but Watson is out with a virus. City's flu victims - Kernaghan, Quinn and Lomas - have all recovered and will play in an unchanged side.

Oldham Athletic v Norwich City

Oldham welcome the return of Holden after a three-match ban but are without Milligan (knee) and Olney (knee) and Beckford (ankle). Norwich are expected to bring in Power for his first League game of the season to partner Sutton with Ekoku and Robins still injured.

Queen's Park Rangers v Tottenham

Sedgley switches from midfield to centre-half to replace Mabbutt and he also takes over the Spurs captaincy. Right-back Kerslake is out with flu. QPR are expected to make changes after losing to Swindon.

Sheffield United v Chelsea

Muggleton, signed from Leicester as cover for Sheffield's two goalkeepers, is set to make his debut. Gage is fit to return, there will be late checks on Littlejohn, Hodges and Hartfield but Cork and Flo are out. Shipperley, Cascarino and Newton have all been troubled by a flu virus but the three are all in Chelsea's squad.

Wimbledon v Everton

Fashanu will take his place for Wimbledon despite assistant manager Terry Burton's hint that he might not be in the right frame of mind for the match. Snodin starts only his second League game since August for Everton but strikers Rideout (stomach injury) and Beagrie (hamstring) are out.

TOMORROW

Liverpool v Aston Villa

Villa may recall striker Atkinson, recovered from a groin injury, plus midfielders Cowans and Houghton. Defender Shaun Teale also hopes to play despite an operation to remove a blood clot in his nose. Liverpool may bring back full-back Jones, fit after minor knee surgery.