Premiership Preview (23-25/09/06)

In Milan Mandaric`s final game with Pompey we entertain Bolton for our latest Barclays Premiership match, let`s hope we can send him off with another win. What about the others…

Saturday 23/09/06
Arsenal v Sheff Utd, 15:00
Still searching for that elusive win at the Emirates Stadium Arsenal can welcome back Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie from injury. Theo Walcott (shoulder) won`t be part of the squad though.

A mounting Sheffield United injury list will help Arsenal`s cause with as many as nine first teamers out including Paddy Kenny, Michael Tonge, Nick Montgomery, Danny Webber, Steve Kabba and Neil Shipperley.

Aston Villa v Charlton, 15:00
Gavin McCann could be available after finding out a calf injury isn`t as bad as first thought. A headache of a good kind for Martin O`Neil is a decision on which two from three of Martin Laursen, Liam Ridgewell and Olof Mellberg play.

After suspension Hermann Hreidarsson can return, however there are doubts over Bryan Hughes (groin) and Matt Holland (rib), adding to Andy Reid, Omar Pouso, Jonathan Fortune are Souleymane Diawara already still out, although they should return soon.

Fulham v Chelsea, 15:00
Chris Coleman has a number of injury problems with Luis Boa Morte, Jimmy Bullard, Ahmad Elrich, Simon Elliott, Mark Pembridge and Philippe Christanval all ruled out, with Carlos Bocanegra (groin), Brian McBride (ankle) and Papa Bouba Diop (thigh) all rated doubtful.

Joe Cole won`t play a part, so Arjen Robben should play from the start. Michael Ballack serves the first of his three-match ban for his stamp on Mohamed Sissoko.

Liverpool v Tottenham, 12:45
Having missed the midweek game with Newcastle Jermaine Pennant (muscle twinge) should be able to return. John Arne Riise (ankle) on the other hand will miss out.

Once again Dimitar Berbatov (groin) will miss out, as will Steed Malbranque (groin) and Aaron Lennon (knee). Hossam Ghaly, also groin, has recovered from injury and will be a part of the squad.

Man City v West Ham, 15:00
Paul Dickov could return for under pressure Stuart Pearce with American on loan star DaMarcus Beasley possibly being handed his full debut.

A calf strain rules out Tyrone Mears, with Welshman James Collins (groin) also missing out. American Jonathan Spector isn`t yet deemed fit enough for selection so will again sit out this match.

Middlesbrough v Blackburn, 15:00
Having rested several first team players for the midweek Carling Cup defeat most should return. Gareth Southgate will have to do without George Boateng, Chris Riggott, Stewart Downing, Julio Arca and Ugo Ehiogu though.

Blackburn will be without Francis Jeffers who has been ill and the still absent Jason Roberts (groin). Steven Reid is still having problems with a back injury and the much talked about Andy Todd will miss out through injury.

Reading v Man Utd, 17:15
With Dave Kitson (knee) still out the fact that Kevin Doyle`s dead leg won`t rule him out will be a boost to Steve Coppell. Sam Sodje, also knee will miss the game though.

Mikael Silvestre (twisted ankle) is out for Sir Alex Ferguson, however Gabriel Heinze is in the squad for the first time this season and could play. Alan Smith and Nemanja Vidic could play a part but Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and Park Ji-Sung (ankle) are out.

Wigan v Watford, 15:00
Many first team players were rested for the defeat suffered at the hand as Crewe in midweek, so they will return. Lee McCulloch (knee) however will definitely still be unavailable.

Clarke Carlisle (chest infection) and Chris Powell (calf) will miss out again, although several other first team players will return after being rested during midweek for the Carling Cup.

Sunday 24/09/06
Newcastle v Everton, 16:00
Having returned to training Titus Bramble and Steven Taylor could come into contention for Glen Roeder. Shola Ameobi (hip) needs a fitness test but should be fit.

David Moyes will be hoping Joseph Yobo and David Weir are fit to play as he is already without Alan Stubbs. Tony Hibbert and Victor Anichebe are minor doubts but should be fit to play.

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