There was the usual explosion of team news today as Premiership bosses got chatting to the press prior to the weekend. You’ll find the team news section has been fully updated, but here’s some of the stuff you need to know..
Starting with United, and Ferguson announced today that both Evra and Ferdinand are fit to face Everton tomorrow. Neville is also available, although Carrick will have to wait for his comeback which could possibly come against West Ham on Wednesday.
Hibbert is a doubt for the clash with United after picking up an ankle injury. He’ll be assessed tomorrow but Neville seems likely to come back into the side at right back. That could see Rodwell retained. Moyes is also toying with the idea of starting with Saha and dropping Yakubu to the bench.
Rafa has confirmed that he won’t risk Torres against Chelsea, although the striker is still on track to be on contention for Wednesday’s clash with Portsmouth. Keane remains a major doubt having picked up a groin injury against Athletico. He’ll be given right up until the last moment to prove his fitness. If he fails to make it, then Kuyt will likely take a lone role up front. Gerrard and Alonso are both available, despite being subbed on Wednesday with a knock and fatigue respectively. They are both likely start, with Gerrard perhaps pushed up in a more advanced, central role.
Chelsea meanwhile, are likely to have Ashley Cole back in the side after he returned to training today. Scolari also revealed that Drogba would require “one week or 10 days more” before his return but Essien was on track to return a full month ahead of schedule. Scolari sees him back in action before the end of January.
As announced yesterday, Wenger is expecting to have both Gallas (minus the ciggie) and Toure back in his defence for the trip to West Ham; Sagna has an outside chance of joining them. West Ham meanwhile, have lost Mark Noble for around four weeks with a calf muscle tear, while Tristan will not figure as he is still not match fit.
Spurs have both Woodgate and Corluka available to them for the crucial home game with Bolton. King is reporetedly also available, although Ramos seems unlikely to start him after he completed the defeat to Udinese on Thursday.
Gabby Agbonlahor will miss training on Saturday but has a chance of making the trip to Wigan. He was stretchered off against Ajax on Thursday but apparently suffered no more than cuts and bruises. Carew is expected to return having missed the Ajax game through illness.
As I’ve said, you can pick up the rest of today’s team news updates here. Scout picks are on the way…