Football: TEAM SHEET

Arsenal v Aston Villa

Last season: 2-0

Last five League matches: Arsenal WWDLD; Aston Villa WWWWL

Platt is ruled out by a hamstring strain, but Vieira returns after suspension and will partner fellow Frenchman Garde in Arsenal's midfield. Dixon, Merson and Keown will undergo fitness tests. Villa have doubts over the fitness of Milosevic (virus) and Draper (groin) and Taylor (knee).

Chelsea v Sheff Wed

Last season: 0-0

Last five League matches: Chelsea LDLWW; Sheffield Wed DWDDD

Leboeuf and Wise are available for Chelsea after suspension, but may have to wait for their recalls. The Dutch winger Blinker could return for Wednesday as they seek to extend their 10-match unbeaten run, while the pounds 2.65m striker Booth may replace Hirst.

Coventry v Middlesbro

Last season: 0-0

Last five League matches: Coventry LLWWW; Middlesbrough LLDLW

Coventry goalkeeper Ogrizovic will set a club record as he makes his 544th appearance in what is likely to be an unchanged side. Middlesbrough are without Whyte, who starts a two-match suspension. The former Republic of Ireland international Morris deputises.

Derby v Blackburn

Last season: Did not play

Last five League matches: Derby WDLLL; Blackburn DWDLW

Derby's Asanovic and Stimac are expected to play. Rowett has a sore foot, but has trained and is likely to be available. Hendry has a dead leg and faces a late fitness test before Blackburn finalise their side. Midfielder Flitcroft is again missing with an ankle injury.

Everton v Wimbledon

Last season: 2-4

Last five League matches: Everton LDWDL; Wimbledon DWWWL

Everton have big injury problems. Hinchcliffe is out for the season with knee ligament trouble, while Watson faces a lay-off with a rib injury and Kanchelskis is out with flu. McAllister may return for Wimbledon, who have been afforded valuable rest by the postponement of their Boxing Day fixture with West Ham.

Leicester v N Forest

Last season: Did not play

Last five League matches: Leicester LWDLD; Nottm Forest LDLWL

Leicester's squad is stretched to the limit, with Kamark ruled out by a hamstring strain and Lennon doubtful with a bruised foot. They are still without long-term absentees Walsh and Whitlow, so Lewis will be drafted into defence. On-loan Clough has recovered from a nose injury and is likely to play for Forest.

Man Utd v Leeds Utd

Last season: 1-0

Last five League matches: Man Utd WDDWW; Leeds Utd WDDDL

Cole scored on his return for United as a substitute on Boxing Day and will be hoping to have earned a place in the starting line-up. Sharpe (groin) is likely to miss his first return to Old Trafford, but Yeboah may start for Leeds after his substitute appearance on Thursday. Dorigo could start for the first time this season after injury.

Newcastle v Tottenham

Last season: 1-1

Last five League matches: Newcastle LDLDL; Tottenham LWDDW

Newcastle have no injury concerns, but Tottenham may be without Scales, who suffered a hamstring injury on Boxing Day. Campbell has an ankle problem but is expected to play. The visitors will again be without Anderton and Armstrong, both long-term casualties.

West Ham v Sunderland

Last season: Did not play

Last five League matches: West Ham DDLDL; Sunderland WLWLW

West Ham could be without Lazaridis, Breacker and Jones. Newell continues in attack, while Potts may return. Sunderland have injury worries in defence. Ball (fractured jaw), Scott (groin) and Howey (ankle) are unavailable, while Hall is struggling with a calf strain.

tomorrow...

Southampton v Liverpool

Last season: 1-3

Last five League matches: Southampton LLLWL; Liverpool LWWDD

Le Tissier starts to Southampton's in place of Maddison, who suffered an ankle injury on Boxing Day. If Fowler recovers from his ankle problems, Berger may drop back into Liverpool's midfield at the expense of Thomas.