FOOTBALL BETTING: Keep up to date with all the latest team news on every Premier League match in England this weekend.
Birmingham v Chelsea
The BLUES hope defenders Roger Johnson (knee) and Liam Ridgewell (ankle) will be fit for the Boxing Day clash despite both missing training this week. David Murphy, Teemu Tainio, Martin Taylor and Garry O’Connor are long-term injury absentees.
CHELSEA’s Daniel Sturridge could start up front, as Nicolas Anelka (back) is struggling. Jose Bosingwa (knee) and Michael Essien (hamstring) are injured.
Burnley v Bolton
BURNLEY boss Owen Coyle has concerns over defenders Clarke Carlisle and Steven Caldwell, both injured in the defeat at Wolves. Long-term absentees Martin Paterson, Chris McCann and Jay Rodriguez are still not ready to return.
The postponement of BOLTON’s game with Wigan means Fabrice Muamba is still suspended, although midfielder Gavin McCann’s (ankle) should be fit.
Fulham v Tottenham
FULHAM are unlikely to make changes from the side which beat Man Utd. Andy Johnson (groin) is still struggling along with Simon Davies (ankle), Seol Ki-Hyeon (leg) and Diomansy Kamara (knee).
SPURS still have concerns over Luka Modric (ankle) and David Bentley (calf), while Ledley King may be pushing for inclusion in the squad.
Liverpool v Wolves
LIVERPOOL’s Javier Mascherano is suspended for four games, but strained his knee ligaments anyway so would have been out. Lucas is set to start. Albert Riera is struggling with a hamstring problem.
WOLVES could keep a very similar XI to the team which beat Burnley. Dave Edwards, who injured his ankle at Tottenham, is out for two months.
Man City v Stoke
CITY boss Roberto Mancini is without defender Nedum Onuoha (calf) for his first match. Joleon Lescott is still out after surgery on his knee. Kolo Toure could be partnered by Vincent Kompany or Micah Richards. Shaun Wright-Phillips (ankle) is a major injury concern.
STOKE defender Robert Huth returns from suspension, while James beattie could start up front.
Sunderland v Everton
SUNDERLAND’s Michael Turner is suspended, after losing his appeal, but skipper Lorik Cana returns after a ban. Bolo Zenden (hamstring), Anton Ferdinand (ankle) and Craig Gordon (broken arm) remain on the sidelines.
Injury-hit EVERTON have Jack Rodwell out for a month, Jo (ankle) is a concern, but Phil Neville is close to a return.
West Ham v Portsmouth
WEST HAM are without Danny Gabbidon (hamstring) after he limped off against Chelsea. Luis Jimenez is pushing for a place, but Carlton Cole (knee ligaments), Valon Behrami, Zavon Hines (both knee) and Kieron Dyer (hamstring) are struggling with injury.
POMPEY are unlikley to make changes after the win over Liverpool, although David James (calf) is close to a return.
Wigan v Blackburn
WIGAN, whose last match was postponed, have few injury worries, although midfielder Mohamed Diame is out after suffering a knee ligament injury at Liverpool. Jason Scotland is set to start up front.
ROVERS’ main concern is still midfielder David Dunn (calf), who has already missed five games. Otherwise they have no fresh worries.
Arsenal v Aston Villa
ARSENAL’s Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) is a concern, while Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Robin van Persie (ankle) are injured. Armand Traore could be fit.
In-form VILLA should start with John Carew up front, as Emile Heskey’s groin injury keeps him out. James Collins looks like he’ll again have to wait his turn on the bench.
Hull v Man Utd
The TIGERS have concerns over Nick Barmby (calf), while Jimmy Bullard and Ian Ashbee (both knee) are definitely out. Seyi Olofinjana and Daniel Cousin are pushing for places.
UNITED will be desperate to get Nemanja Vidic (calf) fit, with Jonny Evans, John O’Shea, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown all in the treatment room. Tomasz Kuszczak continues in goal.
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