Four games kicking off. Three Derby’s taking place up and down the country. Two of them at the nice early hour of Noon GMT. While one so far invincible side finish the gameweek off with one of their new pretenders to the throne looking to make a statement of intent.
We’ve got it all today; and we’re starting with Birmingham vs. Aston Villa and Sunderland vs. Newcastle with the Dugout Discussion already opening its doors for one and all looking for their Sunday fix…
Sunderland XI: Gordon; Onuoha, Bramble, Ferdinand, Bardsley; Elmohamady, Henderson, Richardson, Malbranque; Gyan, Bent.
Newcastle XI: Harper; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique; Barton, Nolan, Smith, Gutierrez; Best, Ameobi.
Sunderland welcome Nedum Onuoha back into the fray but must still see captain Lee Cattermole and Danny Welbeck on the injury list and unable to make their appearances. Newcastle may have to make do without star striker Andy Carroll this weekend but Shola Ameobi is fit enough to return to the fore and pushing Peter Lovenkrands back to the bench, Jose Enrique also recovers from the flu which previously had him on the sidelines.
Birmingham XI: Foster; Carr, Johnson, Ridgewell, Murphy; Bentley, Ferguson, Gardner, Fahey; Hleb: Derbyshire.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Clark, Dunne, Collins, Walker, Albrighton, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Downing, Carew, Agbonlahor.
Birmingham make a handful of changes as Daryl Murphy comes in for the injured Scott Dann, David Bentley makes his Blues debut with Seb Larsson, rumoured to be joining Newcastle imminently, nowhere to be seen. Matt Derbyshire is rewarded with a role leading the line in place of Cameron Jerome following his FA Cup exploits. Aston Villa meanwhile give a league debut to [potential Fantasy Premier League £4.0m bargain] Kyle Walker as well as calling Marc Albrighton and John Carew into the side once more while Ashley Young sits out suspended.
Only thing left is to wipe the sleep away from our eyes and take in six straight hours of Premier League action.
