Football: Team news

TODAY

Barnsley v Luton Town

Peake (hamstring) is absent from Luton's defence for the trip to bottom club, Barnsley. Dreyer replaces him and Matthew, on a month's loan from Chelsea, is recalled.

Birmingham City v Leicester City

Gayle, troubled for 14 months with an Achilles tendon problem, returns to Birmingham's squad as a substitute. Midfielder Rennie (knee ligaments), out for six weeks, is likely to start the match which would allow Frain to revert to left-back in place of Matthewson.

Bristol City v Charlton Athletic

City manager Denis Smith, who has already used 23 players this season because of an injury crisis, delays selection. Second-placed Charlton, unbeaten and yet to concede a goal away from home, choose from a

16-man squad.

Millwall v Cambridge United

Millwall are expected to retain the side which took Arsenal to a penalty shoot- out in the Coca-Cola Cup. Cambridge are without centre-back and skipper Chapple (knee) and manager John Beck may continue with utility player Clayton, or risk Heathcote or O'Shea, who both trained this week after injury.

Newcastle United v Tranmere Rovers

Newcastle, the leaders who will be seeking their 10th successive win, will be without Sheedy (thigh). Brock takes his place and Quinn is consigned to the bench. Tranmere, unbeaten in nine matches, will choose from a squad of 14.

Notts County v Grimsby Town

County are likely to be unchanged against Grimsby, who will be without midfielder Gilbert. He strained knee ligaments in the Coca-Cola Cup tie against QPR. Ford, who suffered concussion during the tie, is out and his midweek replacement Watson continues at right-back.

Peterborough United v Brentford

Peterborough are without defender Robinson and winger Barnes, both injured in midweek. Midfielder Ratcliffe (ankle) faces a late fitness test and keeper Peyton, on loan from Everton, returns in place of Bayes.

Portsmouth v Swindon Town

Midfielder McLoughlin and striker Clarke are expected to return for Portsmouth after missing the midweek Coca- Cola Cup victory over Blackpool.

Southend United v Wolves

Southend give striker Ansah (ankle) and defender Edwards (knee) late fitness tests. For Wolves goalkeeper Stowell will have a late check on a twisted ankle. Reserve keeper Jones, who made his first-team debut nine days ago, stands by.

Watford v Bristol Rovers

Watford's pounds 175,000 signing from Barnet, Willis, makes his debut. He will link up in attack with leading scorer Furlong, recovered from a back injury. For Rovers, defender Hardyman and midfielder Skinner are doubtful.

TOMORROW

Derby County v Oxford United

Simpson (ankle) is doubtful for Derby, who are seeking to continue their revival against the side one point and a place above them. Oxford should have Magilton back after suspension.

West Ham United v Sunderland

West Ham seek revenge for the FA Cup defeat last season. For Sunderland Davenport and Goodman keep out Byrne and Rush, both fit after injury. Former England defender Butcher is ruled out with injury and Bennett continues in central defence.