Football: Weekend guide to the Premiership: Derby v Arsenal

Last season: 3

DERBY COUNTY will again be without their captain, the Croatian international Igor Stimac, for the game at Pride Park. The influential defender is recovering from an ankle problem while Italian striker Francesco Baiano is also out with a groin injury.

Baiano's fellow Italian, midfielder Stefano Eranio, looks certain to return to the starting line-up for the first time since October and Jim Smith could make other changes as Derby aim for their first home win since September.

The selection problems of Arsenal's manager, Arsene Wenger, have increased yet again as two players are doubtful with flu to add to the six first- team regulars ruled out by injury. Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Stephen Hughes are all casualties. Now Fredrik Ljungberg and Remi Garde have been struck down with flu and although they will both travel to Derby, Wenger will have to wait until this morning to find out if they are well enough to play.

DERBY COUNTY (from): Poom, Prior, Carbonari, Laursen, Delap, Carsley, Bohinen, Eranio, Powell, Dorigo, Sturridge, Wanchope, Harper, Schnoor, Elliott, Hoult, Bridge-Wilkinson.

ARSENAL (from): Seaman, Dixon, Vivas, Keown, Bould, Parlour, Garde, Ljungberg, Overmars, Wreh, Anelka, Boa Morte, Grimandi, Manninger, Caballero, Upson, Mendez.

Suspensions: None.

Referee: M Reed.