Okay, it’s been a hectic week of injuries so let’s round-up the news on Terry, Bosingwa, Fabregas, Zaki and the rest after today’s pre-match press conferences…
Let’s start at the Bridge where Scolari revealed that John Terry is fit to lead the side at Boro tomorrow. Not such good news on Ballack though, who has undergone surgery on both his feet (ouch) and will be out for three weeks. Joe and Ashley Cole will sit the weekend out but Bosingwa and Deco are reportedly fit. Cech is out according to reports – Cudicini will step in. Belletti and Mancienne could well see action, Belletti a possible starter in midfield if Deco isn’t risked with the Champions League in mind.
At the Emirates Wenger was able to confirm the availability of Fabregas and Van Persie, while Diaby also returns to the squad. Gallas, Sagna, Djourou and Bendtner are all out however so Silvestre is set to start in the centre, with Eboue shifting to right back. Wenger hinted at a rest for Walcott, so Nasri is presumably set to start with Denilson on the opposite flank and Song alongside Fabregas in the middle.
Everton will be without Anichebe, Yobo and Castillo for this game. I’d expect a 4-5-1 from Moyes Saha dropped to the bench.
Benitez backed Keane to replace Torres up front, whilst revealing that the Spanish striker could make a return against Portsmouth at the end of the month. Babel meanwhile, should be fit for the Chelsea game next weekend. As for the Wigan clash, I’d expect Alonso to come back in with Kuyt pushed up with Keane.
As for Wigan, Zaki has declared himself fit and is set to start – that will reduce the chances of a home clean sheet then. Heskey is also a doubt, As I mentioned in the midweek meander, I really fancy Wigan to nick something here.
Over at Old Trafford, Carrick and Hargreaves have failed to make it and Anderson only arrived back in the UK on Friday. That could see O’Shea and Fletcher in the United midfield then. Giggs is apparently guaranteed a start after a two week break.
Elsewhere, King is a doubt for Hull, Grella and Robinson back for Rovers, Tuncay looks unlikely for Boro but Mido should be available, Hutton returns to training for Spurs, while Pavlyuchenko could make a surprise early return.
As usual, you’ll find all this information and any updates from now and until kick off in the team news section. Scout picks are on the way.
