TEAM NEWS

Bolton v Aston Villa

Scotland striker McGinlay and defender Stubbs - again linked with Arsenal this week - are doubtful with calf and foot injuries. McGinlay's absence may mean a recall for Blake who was demoted to the substitutes' bench last weekend. Midfielder Thompson could make his first start for nine weeks after a hernia operation, but Taggart and Todd are still out. Defender Ehiogu and striker Johnson are in contention for Villa recalls, but are far from certain to displace Staunton and Taylor, who impressed when deputising in last week's 3-0 win over Leeds.

Coventry v Chelsea

Ndlovu could be promoted from the substitutes' bench for Coventry to replace 39-year-old assistant manager Strachan, who played in the last two matches. Chelsea skipper Wise returns from a two-match ban, but young defender Duberry and striker Hughes are still suspended. Second-choice goalkeeper Kharin is away on international duty with Russia in Malta.

Everton v Manchester City

Striker Rideout is ruled out with a thigh strain for Everton, along with winger Kanchelskis, who is on international duty for Russia. Nigerian Amokachi is brought into the squad, as is defender David Unsworth. Republic of Ireland striker Quinn has passed a fitness test on a hamstring problem and returns after missing City's midweek FA Cup trip to Coventry. But utility man Brightwell is doubtful with a calf problem.

Man United v Blackburn

May is set to face his former team-mates as the answer to Alex Ferguson's defensive problems, which have ruled out Bruce with a gashed forehead as well as Neville, who starts a two-match ban. But England centre-half Pallister returns for his first Premiership start since November after recovering from a back problem. Wilcox could make his long-awaited return for the champions after 11 months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury. Winger Ripley is definitely out and Norwegian midfielder Bohinen is also doubtful after picking up a calf strain on international duty in midweek.

Middlesbrough v Newcastle

Fjortoft and Wilkinson are battling for the target-man role for out-of- form Boro. Wilkinson played in the midweek 0-0 FA Cup fourth-round tie against Wimbledon while Fjortoft was on international duty for Norway, and manager Robson must choose between them. Central defender Peacock returns after being banned for last week's 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. But the Premiership leaders are still without suspended French winger Ginola.

Nottm Forest v Arsenal

England winger Stone could return after missing Forest's last three matches with a foot injury, but manager Clark has doubts over Woan and Silenzi. Midfielder Woan is struggling with a hamstring problem, while Italian striker Silenzi has an ankle injury. Black and Rosario are added to the squad, but England left-back Pearce misses his fourth consecutive game. Arsenal are still without first-choice central-defenders Adams and Bould due to injuries, but Keown is back from suspension to bolster the Gunners' back line.

Sheffield Wed v Wimbledon

Yugoslavian internationals Kovacevic and Stefanovic are likely to return for Wednesday, with pounds 2.5m striker Kovacevic set to come in for Hirst after making a substitute appearance in last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle. Skipper Earle and Nigerian striker Ekoku are back after two-match bans for Wimbledon, with Casteldine and Harford set to make way. Norwegian Leonhardsen, who missed the midweek 0-0 FA Cup fourth round draw with Middlesbrough, returns from international duty at the likely expense of Talboys.

TOMORROW

QPR v Liverpool

Former England right back Bardsley is back after injury for QPR and will probably replace Maddix, with Yates moving into the centre of defence. Midfielder Impey could be set for a recall. England midfielder Redknapp, who has not started a Premiership match since November, could be back in Liverpool's line-up at the likely expense of Thomas.