Israel Saria
Eurosport
Team news and predicted line-ups for Saturday’s matches in the Premier League as Samir Nasri misses out on Arsenal‘s trip to Bolton.
Click on the links underneath the photograph to see the predicted line-ups!!
Matches kick off at 15:00 UK time unless otherwise stated.
Bolton v Arsenal (17:30)
Arsenal are again missing playmaker Samir Nasri due to a knee injury for their second trip to Lancashire in a week to face Bolton. Mikael Silvestre (muscle) must again wait to make his debut following his move from Manchester United while Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Abou Diaby (thigh), Amaury Bischoff (groin) and striker Eduardo (leg) are also sidelined.
Record signing Johan Elmander should return to the starting line-up to partner Kevin Davies in attack for Bolton. Defender Matthew Taylor (broken toe) and Gary Cahill (suspended) are both unavailable this weekend while loan signing Ebi Smolarek is not yet ready for his debut.
Liverpool v Stoke
Striker Fernando Torres and midfield captain Steven Gerrard should return to the domestic starting line-up for Liverpool after featuring in the Champions League in midweek against Marseille. Philipp Degen remains the Reds’ only injury absentee while left-back Fabio Aurelio is a concern.
Amdy Faye is again suspended for Stoke while Andrew Davies is yet to recover after suffering a variety of injuries. Abdoulaye Faye may replace Leon Cort in defence, with Ireland star Glenn Whelan moving into Faye’s vacant midfield slot at Anfield.
West Ham v Newcastle
The Hammers are without key striker Dean Ashton (ankle) while Craig Bellamy (hamstring and groin) is doubtful, paving the way for David Di Michele to partner Carlton Cole in attack. Midfielder Kieron Dyer and defenders Jonathan Spector and Danny Gabbidon are still out.
Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith faces three months on the sidelines as he prepares for surgery on a stress fracture on his foot but left-winger Damien Duff and striker Obafemi Martins should return. Danny Guthrie is suspended for three matches following his horror tackle on Craig Fagan, while Joey Barton is also banned. Mark Viduka and Habib Beye (both Achilles), Jonas Gutierrez (shoulder) and Jose Enrique are injured.
Sunderland v Middlesbrough (12:45)
Midfielders Mohamed Shawky, Julio Arca and Marvin Emnes join defender David Wheater in returning to Boro’s squad for the north-east derby after injury. Striker Tuncay Sanli (knee) is missing for Gareth Southgate‘s team.
Kenwyne Jones is Sunderland’s only absentee for the clash at the Stadium of Light as fellow striker Michael Chopra returns for his first league game of the season after a suspension and Carlos Edwards is back following international duty.
Blackburn v Fulham
Blackburn midfielder David Dunn is out for three to four months as he contemplates an Achilles operation. Midfielder Vince Grella (calf) is out but defender Andre Ooijer returns after missing the defeat to Arsenal.
Midfielder Leon Andreasen is back in the Fulham squad for the trip to Blackburn but Roy Hodgson is expected to keep faith with the same side that beat Bolton a week ago, with Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson leading the line in attack.
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