Team news has started to come in today as managers complete their pre-match press conferences. Will update this post as more arrives.
Arsenal v Man City
Arsenal will be absolutely desperate to bounce back after that humiliating defeat last weekend. They will have to do so without Andrei Arshavin again though as Wenger extended his time-out until next week. Wenger can welcome back Alex Song and Eduardo whilst it’s widely expected Van Persie will make his first start since November.
Man City travel to The Emirates knowing a win will give them a good chance of finishing 4th. Adebayor returns to his former club after making a right old scene at Eastlands earlier in the season. Micah Richards could return in this game, which would give Man City’s defence a good boost.
Bolton v Portsmouth
No Bolton team news just yet, with Bolton having all but secured safety Coyle maybe tempted to start giving some of the younger members of the Bolton set up some first team experience though.
Portsmouth are already relegated and have a cup final coming up. Will Grant rest some players? He’d be a fool not to but with the injury table still busy he may struggle to shuffle much about. Some good news in the shape of Lens waving their right to additional payment for Aruna Dindane so he can now play a further part in Portsmouth’s season.
Hull v Sunderland
Hull are still fighting for their unlikely survival. Dowie must be more bold with his selection, his strikers have been poor this season but Hull are even less likely to score if he goes 4-5-1 again. Jan V Hesselink will not be available after getting knocked unconscious during the mid-week game against Villa. Dean Marney may be available, Mendy is doubtful.
Sunderland have enjoyed a resurgence of late and are now comfortably clear of the bottom. They have a few doubts, notably Cattermole and Cana, Bruce can afford to blood some young players now though.
Man Utd v Tottenham
This is a huge game for both team… Man Utd could go top of the table with a win against Tottenham, whilst Spurs can strengthen their claim for 4th spot with a win of their own. What is clear is a draw is not enough for either side.
Man Utd will have Wes Brown and Rio Ferdinand back, however Owen Hargreaves will not make the bench as Ferguson had hoped due to yet another injury set back. Will he ever play again?
Tottenham will be boosted by having Palacios return, and with Jenas, Lennon and King likely to feature from the bench they have a strong squad going into the game. Should be a good one.
West Ham v Wigan
West Ham need a win here to move clear of the bottom three, a loss for them and a win for Hull would see them above the relegation zone only on goal difference. Scott Parkers return should give them a lift.
Wigan came from two behind to beat Arsenal last weekend, however their form this season has been incredibly inconsistent so I wouldn’t expect that win to have an impact on their performance tomorrow. They are without Thomas and Kingson only, everyone else is fit.
Wolves v Blackburn
Probably the least exciting prospect of the weekend, an all-but safe Wolves team take on the unbearably dull Blackburn. I’m rooting for a Wolves win, hopefully they’ll go for it and give their fans something to cheer about.
For Wolves, Henry is suspended, Kightly is out.
Blackburn will probably be missing the wind up merchant Diouf (Tonsillitis) and Olsson. Samba and Emerton are out.
