Football: Team news

Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool

Warhurst is set to return to Blackburn's side today after five months out with a broken leg. The pounds 2.75m former Sheffield Wednesday utility player is one of three long-term casualties in contention. The other two are Newell and Hendry, who join Pearce in the squad now that striker Gallacher is out for the rest of the season with a broken leg. Liverpool goalkeeper James continues to deputise for Grobbelaar who has an injured hamstring.

Everton v Oldham Athletic

Everton's new pounds 250,000 signing from Cambridge, Rowett, has been ruled out of a debut because of a hamstring injury. Also out are Ablett (foot injury) and Ebbrell (suspension). Oldham central defender Fleming is a major doubt and will have a test on a twisted ankle. Redmond, who has had only one game as substitute in the last six outings, stands by.

Ipswich Town v Arsenal

Ipswich could have midfielder Mason back in the starting line-up after a long hamstring injury. Defender Whelan is also named in the squad after a lengthy absence with groin trouble. Arsenal's Wright, left out of the game in Turin, is included in the squad. Davis and Merson both passed fitness tests on minor injuries suffered in Europe.

Leeds United v Southampton

Leeds have O'Leary fit and available after the former Republic of Ireland international missed the 1-1 draw at Oldham on Monday night with a slight hamstring strain. His fitness increases competition for the central defensive positions with Newsome, Wetherall, Fairclough and Pemberton also in contention. Southampton expect to have an unchanged team for the fourth time in five matches.

Manchester United v Chelsea

Manchester United are still without Cantona who has a calf strain and Pallister is extremely doubtful with a damaged neck. If Pallister is out, Keane may be switched to centre-back, with McClair in midfield and Dublin partnering Hughes in attack. Cascarino is in contention for a place in Chelsea's attack but Stein and Spencer are expected to continue up front.

QPR v Manchester City

QPR striker Ferdinand could miss the match with a foot injury. Also doubtful are Barker (foot) and Holloway (gashed leg). Manchester City are hoping to get clearance from the German and English FA's in time to include German newcomer Rosler in their side. If the formalities are completed, Rosler will join City on loan from Dynamo Dresden.

Sheffield Wed v Newcastle United

Newcastle welcome back Howey and Beresford after injury, Barry Venison is completing a two-match suspension. Late fitness tests will be given to Lee (ankle) and Clark (groin). Wednesday will again be without Waddle (Achiles tendon) while Sinton is doubtful (ankle).

Swindon Town v West Ham United

Swindon face a defensive crisis with Kilcline (broken foot) and Fenwick (suspension) both out. Also injured are the club's reserve central defenders, Thomson and Murray. Swindon manager Gorman is expected to switch Nijholt from midfield into the back four while Ling seems certain to be recalled in place of Bodin (ankle injury) in midfield. West Ham expect to keep the side which drew with Man United last Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur v Sheffield United

Tottenham will again be without full- backs Edinburgh (groin) and Kerslake (rib). Spurs, who have not won at home in the Premiership for five months, are still without long-term injury victims: Sheringham, Thorstvedt, Hazard and Howells. Sheffield United are likely to recall Norwegian World Cup striker Flo.

Wimbledon v Norwich City

Fashanu returns to the Wimbledon attack after being left out following a row with manager Kinnear. Norwich captain Butterworth makes his first start since being dropped for the FA Cup match with Manchester United. Butterworth replaces Polston, who is ruled out after straining a calf muscle.

TOMORROW

Coventry City v Aston Villa

Babb returns to Coventry's defence for after missing the last match with a knee injury. Striker Ndlovu is under treatment for a minor knee injury but will join in training today.