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FA CUP THIRD ROUND BRIEFING
Anelka - back from calf injury.
Saturday, January 2
Accrington Stanley v Gillingham
Accrington winger Chris Turner could return after missing the last 15 games with a torn ankle ligament but the form of Jimmy Ryan could keep him on the bench. Defender Leam Richardson (groin) is yet to feature this season. Youngster Sean McConville should retain his place while on-loan Billy Kee will be forced to settle for a place on the bench.
Gillingham manager Mark Stimson will have Josh Gowling and Curtis Weston back from suspension. Matt Fry, Febian Brandy and Andy Barcham all face late fitness tests. Long-term absentees Simon Royce (knee), Simon King (ankle ligaments) and Danny Jackman (shoulder) are out.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Michael Symes (Accrington Stanley) 13, Simeon Jackson (Gillingham) 13
Referee: Andy Penn
Aston Villa v Blackburn
Aston Villa winger Ashley Young will return after suspension and is likely to replace Nigel Reo-Coker, who made a rare start in the 1-0 defeat by Liverpool. Villa hope striker Emile Heskey will be fit after illness. It will be the first of two meetings in four days with Blackburn, whom they visit for the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is expected to make several changes to his starting line-up with the Carling Cup clash in mind. David Dunn (calf) is back in full training following a month out and Brett Emerton is set for a late fitness test after the groin injury which cut short his Christmas schedule. Vince Grella is still recuperating from a thigh problem, but Franco Di Santo is available after extending his loan deal from Chelsea.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) 9, David Dunn (Blackburn) 6
Referee: Howard Webb.
Blackpool v Ipswich
Blackpool striker Billy Clarke will miss out against his former club because of a knee injury. Boss Ian Holloway has midfielder David Vaughan available after serving a one-match suspension. Defender Alex Baptiste (hamstring) faces a fitness test. Midfielder Charlie Adam and striker Brett Ormerod (virus) should be fit but goalkeeper Matt Gilks has missed out because of the bug. Midfielder Hameur Bouazza has joined up with the Algeria squad ahead of the African Nations Cup.
Ipswich will be without suspended striker Jon Stead. Stern John's loan spell from Crystal Palace has come to an end but he may extend his deal in order to play at Bloomfield Road. Kevin Lisbie is due to return to Portman Road after half a season with Colchester but is cup-tied. Goalkeeper Brian Murphy is not eligible until next week so Arran Lee-Barrett will definitely remain in goal as Richard Wright is sidelined with a serious knee injury.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Charlie Adam (Blackpool) 8, Jonathan Stead & Jonathan Walters (Ipswich) 6
Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)
Bolton v Lincoln
Bolton midfielder Gavin McCann is pushing for a place in the starting line-up. McCann came on for the last 15 minutes of the draw with Hull in midweek after recovering from an ankle injury. That proved to be Gary Megson's last game as manager, leaving assistant boss Chris Evans and head coach Steve Wigley in temporary charge. They could be tempted to freshen things up with a trip to Arsenal looming on Wednesday.
Lincoln have new signings Joe Anderson, Adam Watts, Michael Uwezu and Matthew Saunders available after they were signed from Fulham. The postponement of Monday's clash with Darlington should have afforded sufficient time for Stefan Oakes (groin), Joe Heath and Nathan Baker (illness) and Eric Lichaj (virus) to recover.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Ivan Klasnic (Bolton) 10, Rene Howe (Lincoln City) 5
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)
Brentford v Doncaster
Brentford will have to do without defender Pim Balkestein after he was recalled by Ipswich. Top scorer Charlie MacDonald is expected to return from a ban but Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is unavailable due to the terms of his loan deal. Defenders James Wilson and Mark Phillips remain doubts although Ryan Dickson came through the clash against Charlton with no problems and will continue at full-back.
Doncaster skipper Brian Stock could return after three months out following ankle surgery. Sean McDaid is also in contention after 20 months out with a dislocated knee. But midfielder Martin Woods (groin) and striker Steve Brooker (ankle) are not ready to return. Dean Shiels could partner leading goalscorer Billy Sharp but James Hayter is also in contention.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Charlie MacDonald (Brentford) 7, Billy Sharp (Doncaster) 11
Referee: Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire)
Bristol City v Cardiff
Bristol City will be without defenders Lewin Nyatanga, who is suspended, and the injured Jamie McCombe and James Wilson. Christian Ribeiro has been recalled from Stockport to compensate but is likely to start on the bench. Evander Sno is still absent on compassionate grounds, while Lee Johnson is a doubt through illness.
Cardiff face a midfield reshuffle, with Gavin Rae ruled out for up to four weeks having broken two bones in his hand. Stephen McPhail is sidelined and Joe Ledley is playing through the pain barrier with a hip injury. Peter Whittingham, who has a slight thigh problem, is likely to move into the middle to partner Ledley, with Kelvin Etuhu starting on the wing. Striker Jay Bothroyd (knee) is doubtful while full-back Mark Kennedy (calf) is facing a battle to be involved. Kevin McNaughton should be fit despite a tight hamstring.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Nicky Maynard (Bristol City) 11, Peter Whittingham (Cardiff) 15
Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
Everton v Carlisle
Everton manager David Moyes will be short of strikers. Jo has been suspended by the club for returning to Brazil without permission, Ayegbeni Yakubu is away with Nigeria while Louis Saha has a hamstring injury. Defender Joseph Yobo has also linked up with Nigeria ahead of the African Nations Cup despite a hamstring injury ruling him out of recent matches.
Carlisle pair Adam Clayton and Tom Taiwo will play their last matches of their respective loan spells from Manchester City and Chelsea. Striker Joe Anyinsah (hip) and midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (knee) returned to the bench for Monday's goalless draw at Tranmere, so Abbott has several options available as his side look to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Louis Saha (Everton) 12, Ian Harte (Carlisle) 8
Referee: Jon Moss
Fulham v Swindon
Fulham defender Brede Hangeland will undergo a fitness test on a knee injury. Left-back Paul Konchesky should figure despite suffering a back spasm. John Pantsil could be missing for the rest of the season because of a knee injury but Andy Johnson is expected to make his first start since recovering from a groin problem.
Swindon's Charlie Austin is ineligible as he played for Poole Town earlier in the competition. Alex Revell is also unavailable due to the terms of his loan agreement from Southend but Celtic duo Simon Ferry and Ben Hutchinson, Leeds full-back Alan Sheehan and Bolton striker Danny Ward have all been cleared to play. Alan O'Brien (hamstring) is out but Craig Easton (calf) is back in training and fellow midfielder Michael Timlin will be keen to play some part against his former employers.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Bobby Zamora (Fulham) 10, Billy Paynter (Swindon) 12
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
Huddersfield v West Brom
Huddersfield manager Lee Clark has a fully-fit squad. Versatile midfielder Tom Clarke (knee), Danny Drinkwater and Robbie Simpson (both thigh) have all returned to the first-team squad. Midfielder Michael Collins has recovered from a hip injury.
West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans, centre-back Jonas Olsson and Slovakia international Marek Cech are all struggling with a bug. Robert Koren (knee) will not feature and goalkeeper Scott Carson is vying to replace Dean Kiely after completing his three-match ban. Abdoulaye Meite is away on African Nations Cup duty, leaving Gonzalo Jara and Shelton Martis as the club's recognised central defenders should Olsson not make it. New signing Gabriel Tamas is not yet eligible to feature. Left-back Joe Mattock returns from his one-game ban and will compete with Cech to start, should the latter overcome his illness.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield) 15, Simon Cox & Graham Dorrans (West Brom) 7
Referee: Kevin Wright (Cambridgeshire)
Leicester v Swansea
Full-back Bruno Berner is a serious doubt for Leicester because of a calf injury. Ryan McGivern could deputise in defence after Manchester City gave permission for him to play. Defenders Wayne Brown and Jack Hobbs are in contention for starting places following leg injuries. On-loan striker Martyn Waghorn is the only certain absentee as he serves the last of his three-game ban for being sent off against Bristol City.
Swansea boss Paulo Sousa will have Albert Serran, Angel Rangel and Lee Trundle available. Serran was sent off in Monday's goalless draw with Crystal Palace but has since had his red card rescinded by the Football Association of Wales while fellow defender Rangel has recovered from illness. Bristol City striker Trundle is also eligible to feature after extending his loan spell. Captain Garry Monk (calf) should again be available.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Matt Fryatt (Leicester) 12, Lee Trundle, Craig Beattie & Darren Pratley (Swansea) 5
Referee: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire)
Middlesbrough v Man City
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan has on-loan striker Marcus Bent available but Dave Kitson has returned to Stoke and Leroy Lita is suspended. Jeremie Aliadiere is still struggling with an ankle problem. On-loan midfielder Isaiah Osbourne is ineligible, but is injured in any case, while David Wheater (ankle and knee) and Emanuel Pogatetz (hamstring) are doubts. Seb Hines (ankle and knee), Didier Digard (back) and Matthew Bates (cruciate ligament) remain on the sidelines.
Shaun Wright-Phillips is City's major injury concern after missing the last three games with an ankle injury. Stephen Ireland (hamstring) is out for a fortnight. Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are both missing on African Nations Cup duty and Roque Santa Cruz (calf) is doubtful.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough) 10, Carlos Tevez (Man City) 12
Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire)
Millwall v Derby
Millwall boss Kenny Jackett welcomes back midfielder Alan Dunne from suspension. Scott Barron (ankle) is pushing Jack Smith for a place in defence while striker Danny Schofield will be hoping for a return. Neil Harris (back) and Gary Alexander (heel) are out.
Defender Dean Moxey is set to return to Derby's starting line-up following suspension and should replace the banned Jay McEveley. Chris Porter could be set to start alongside Rob Hulse up front with DJ Campbell unavailable as part of the agreement with Leicester. Luke Varney, who has returned to Pride Park, is also unavailable after picking up five cautions while on loan with Sheffield Wednesday.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Neil Harris (Millwall) 11, Rob Hulse (Derby) 6
Referee: James Linnington (Isle of Wight)
MK Dons v Burnley
MK Dons will be without Nigel Quashie as he is not allowed to play in the cup under the terms of his loan from West Ham. Winger Jason Puncheon returns from suspension but Luke Chadwick is struggling with an arm injury. Top scorer Jermaine Easter is hoping for a recall to the starting line-up after being a substitute against Huddersfield. Centre-half David McCracken (calf) is doubtful but Jude Stirling will feature after making his first appearance of the season following a serious groin injury.
Burnley defenders Tyrone Mears and Stephen Jordan are both suspended and centre-back Steven Caldwell (groin) is out for a month. Burnley are still awaiting permission from Portsmouth to allow on-loan David Nugent, whose temporary deal is set to expire this month, to feature.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Jermaine Easter (Milton Keynes Dons) 15, Steven Fletcher (Burnley) 8
Referee: Tony Bates (Staffordshire)
Nottm Forest v Birmingham
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has no new injury concerns. Wes Morgan came through their 2-0 defeat of Coventry on Monday after a bout of tonsilitis. Forest's long-term absentees are Guy Moussi (ankle) and Julian Bennett (knee). Forest, who are unbeaten in 17 league games, will be full of confidence. Dexter Blackstock and Robert Earnshaw will be looking to retain their places up front after making goalscoring returns against Coventry.
Birmingham full-back Stephen Carr is suspended and Stuart Parnaby is poised to come in. Keith Fahey, Gregory Vignal, Kevin Phillips, Lee Carsley, Gary McSheffrey and Franck Queudrue could also come in. But number two keeper Maik Taylor, who played instead of Joe Hart in this season's Carling Cup ties, is ruled out with a back problem which has required an injection.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Dexter Blackstock (Robert Earnshaw) & (Nottm Forest) 7, Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) 6
Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent)
Plymouth v Newcastle
Plymouth head coach Paul Mariner will be forced to change his winning line-up as central defender Reda Johnson, who has been paired with impressive Iceland international Kari Arnason, is on African Nations Cup duty with Benin. With Dutch defender Marcel Seip having joined Sheffield United on loan, Mariner can select from fit-again Chris Barker and Hungary international Krisztian Timar or switch left-back Gary Sawyer to centre-half.
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton plans to use the depth of his squad as the only major absentee is midfielder Joey Barton, who is nearing a comeback following a lengthy lay-off with a foot injury. Loan signings Zurab Khizanishvili and Marlon Harewood have returned to Blackburn and Aston Villa respectively. Goalkeeper Tim Krul, defender Tamas Kadar and striker Nile Ranger could come in. Nicky Butt could also be involved.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Alan Judge (Plymouth) 5, Kevin Nolan (Newcastle) 11
Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire)
Portsmouth v Coventry
Portsmouth will not be allowed to play on-loan Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara. Kanu, Hassan Yebda, Nadir Belhadj and Aruna Dindane are all away at the African Nations Cup. England international David James (calf) remains a doubt, so Asmir Begovic could continue in goal.
Coventry hope to have Chelsea loanee Jack Cork available but left-back Patrick van Aanholt has returned to Stamford Bridge. West Brom centre-back Leon Barnett and Carlisle striker Gary Madine have not been granted permission to play but AFC Wimbledon defender Chris Hussey is available. Long-term absentees such as Marcus Hall, Ben Turner and Jordan Clarke are unlikely to be risked. Striker Leon Best and goalkeeper Keiren Westwood could be making their final appearances for the club as speculation over their future in the January transfer window intensifies.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Frederic Piquionne (Portsmouth) 6, Leon Best (Coventry) 9
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)
Preston v Colchester
Preston caretaker boss Rob Kelly is boosted by the return of winger Ross Wallace following suspension but fellow wideman Paul Parry faces a fitness test. French centre-half Youl Mawene (knee ligaments) and midfielder Barry Nicholson (broken leg) remain sidelined.
Colchester's John-Joe O'Toole misses out due to suspension. The U's will also be without on-loan Ipswich striker Kevin Lisbie, who is cup-tied and is set to return to Portman Road. Steven Gillespie will continue up front and Kayode Odejayi will return to the line-up following his permanent switch on January 1. Scott Vernon (knee), Lee Beevers (shoulder) and Ashley Vincent (ankle) remain sidelined.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Chris Brown & Neil Mellor (Preston) 7, Kevin Lisbie (Colchester) 10
Referee: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear)
Reading v Liverpool
Reading have no fresh injury concerns and defender Matt Mills is expected to return. Midfielder Brian Howard has been an unused substitute for the last two games after a swift return from a broken jaw. Jay Tabb is still struggling with a calf strain while striker Noel Hunt is likely to be out until the end of the season as he recovers from a knee injury. New signing Gunnar Thorvaldsson is not available.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will resist the temptation to make wholesale changes to his side. Benitez is already without Glen Johnson because of a knee injury sustained in the win at Aston Villa on Tuesday, while midfielder Javier Mascherano is still serving a suspension. Winger Albert Riera, back in training after a calf injury, is unlikely to be involved.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Gylfi Sigurdsson (Reading) 7, Fernando Torres (Liverpool) 12
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Scunthorpe v Barnsley
Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper has recovered from an ankle injury but could be laid low by a virus. Midfielder Michael O'Connor has also been to the doctor and could miss the clash with diarrhoea-type symptoms. Goalkeeper Josh Lillis could again replace Joe Murphy (shoulder). Josh Wright is also a doubt heading into the tie, having picked up a calf injury in the 3-1 defeat to West Brom. Andrew Wright and Grant McCann are suspended but Cliff Byrne returns from a ban.
Barnsley's on-loan pair Ryan Shotton and Carl Dickinson will return to the squad after extending their deals from Stoke. Manager Mark Robins must decide who makes way for recalled skipper Stephen Foster and Rob Kozluk. Strikers Jon Macken and Iain Hume were unused substitutes last time out and will be keen to be involved while Jacob Butterfield, a half-time replacement against Middlesbrough, will be hoping to start.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Gary Hooper (Scunthorpe) 8, Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley) 7
Referee: David Foster (Tyne & Wear)
Sheff Wed v Crystal Palace
Sheffield Wednesday will be without defender Richard Hinds (heel) and several other players are struggling with illness. Midfielder Michael Gray, goalkeeper Lee Grant and Tommy Spurr have all been feeling unwell. Leon Clarke is expected to partner Marcus Tudgay up front following Luke Varney's return to parent club Derby while Frank Simek and Tom Soares, the latter on loan from Stoke, will be hoping to retain their places in the starting line-up.
Crystal Palace will call upon Claude Davis after the defender completed his one-match suspension. Right-back Danny Butterfield could be back in the side following a hamstring injury while Clint Hill is expected to return to left-back with Lee Mills missing out. The Eagles will be without striker Freddie Sears after he was recalled by West Ham. Goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan has returned from his loan spell with Oldham.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Marcus Tudgay (Sheff Wed) 6, Darren Ambrose (Crystal Palace) 13
Referee: Nigel Miller (Durham)
Southampton v Luton
Southampton boss Alan Pardew is set to make changes with David Connolly possibly set for a start after making a half-time substitute appearance in the defeat to Colchester, with Morgan Schneiderlin dropping to the bench. Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis (groin) faces a late fitness test and could replace Bartosz Bialkowski. Papa Waigo could be in line for a return to the starting XI with Michail Antonio likely to miss out. Full-back Graeme Murty is out until the end of January with an ankle injury.
Luton will be without cup-tied top scorer Matthew Barnes-Homer. Ryan Charles, who recently returned from his loan spell at Kidderminster, is unavailable after sustaining a knee injury in training. Lewis Emanuel will have a toe operation on Monday while first-choice goalkeeper Mark Tyler (back) and on-loan Peterborough striker Liam Hatch (ankle) remain sidelined. Defender George Bevan is back from his loan spell with Grays while winger Ashley Cain has returned to parent club Coventry.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Richard Lambert (Southampton) 20, Matthew Barnes-Homer (Luton) 10
Referee: Gavin Ward (Surrey)
Stoke v York
Stoke will be without Ryan Shawcross with the defender serving a suspension following five bookings. Full-back Andy Wilkinson is also a doubt with a muscle injury as boss Tony Pulis considers making changes. Michael Tonge and Dave Kitson are both back from loans at Preston and Middlesbrough, respectively, and could figure.
York boss Martin Foyle has a near full-strength squad at his disposal. Alan O'Hare is back in training and running after a long-standing ankle injury but, although the defender will travel with the squad, he will not be involved. Fellow defender Djoumin Sangare has missed the last 11 games with an abductor injury and is still not 100% fit but he is still set to be involved in the squad.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Dave Kitson (Stoke) 6, Richard Brodie (York) 22
Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)
Sunderland v Barrow
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is likely to stick with the 11 who claimed a Premier League point at Blackburn. Central defender Michael Turner is suspended. John Mensah, Lee Cattermole and midfielder Andy Reid (all hamstring), Kenwyne Jones and Kieran Richardson (both calf) and Anton Ferdinand (ankle) are all out, while Steed Malbranque remains a doubt with a thigh strain. Craig Gordon has been given the green light to step up his return from a broken arm.
Barrow, who have a full squad available, are unbeaten since late November and are set to take more than 8,000 fans to the third-round tie at the Stadium of Light. However, the Blue Square Premier outfit have only played twice since beating Oxford 3-1 in the previous round on December 8. The side had a two-week break before the 3-3 draw with Gateshead on Boxing Day.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Darren Bent (Sunderland) 13, Jason Walker (Barrow) 11
Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)
Torquay v Brighton
Torquay will be without in-form Chris Zebroski as the on-loan Wycombe forward is cup-tied and his place is set to go to Elliot Benyon or Tim Sills. Scott Rendell is set to continue. Central defender Chris Robertson and midfielder Nicky Wroe are suspended. Defender Mark Ellis is set to replace Robertson while skipper Chris Hargreaves should come in for Wroe.
Brighton defender Adam El-Abd is set to miss out because of a foot injury. Adam Virgo is pushing for a start after making an impressive late cameo role in the victory over Wycombe. Skipper Andrew Crofts and striker Liam Dickinson are available after serving suspensions. Defender Colin Hawkins remains sidelined with an ongoing heel problem while manager Gus Poyet is hoping to extend the loan of Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Nicky Wroe & Elliot Benyon (Torquay) 9, Nicky Forster (Brighton) 13
Referee: Mick Russell (Hertfordshire)
Tottenham v Peterborough
Tottenham pair Aaron Lennon and Benoit Assou-Ekotto have groin problems and are ruled out. Ledley King played on Monday and may be rested, with Sebastien Bassong fit to deputise. Jermain Defoe has a slight foot complaint but should be fit.
Peterborough will be without midfielder Josh Simpson, who scored twice in the 4-4 draw with Cardiff after the Posh came back from 4-0 down. The on-loan Histon man will miss out as he is cup-tied along with Kettering centre-half Exodus Geohaghon. Goalkeeper Joe Lewis is expected to be fit despite limping out of the second half against Cardiff with a side strain and defender Ryan Bennett should also be available after concussion. Defender Gabriel Zakuani remains sidelined with a groin strain but left-back Tom Williams is available.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Jermain Defoe (Tottenham) 15, George Boyd (Peterborough) 12
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)
Wigan v Hull
Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt is on stand-by to replace Chris Kirkland after the latter complained of being unwell during the 5-0 thrashing by Manchester United on Wednesday. Although manager Roberto Martinez expects his first-choice keeper to have recovered, he may decide against risking him. The Spaniard has already hinted he will use all his squad players for the cup tie, which means the likes of Jason Koumas, James McCarthy, Cho Won-Hee and Antonio Amaya may start.
Hull are set to make wholesale changes with Kevin Kilbane, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Peter Halmosi, Steven Mouyokolo, Caleb Folan, Kamel Ghilas and Nathan Doyle in contention to play. Youngsters Liam Cooper and Tom Cairney could also be in the reckoning but defender Paul McShane (hamstring) is unlikely to be risked.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Hugo Rodallega (Wigan) 7, Stephen Hunt (Hull) 5
Referee: Andre Marriner
Sunday, January 3
Chelsea v Watford
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is back from a calf injury. Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel miss out as they are on African Nations Cup duty with their respective countries. Essien (hamstring) is injured anyway, while Jose Bosingwa (knee) is also on the sidelines but Florent Malouda returns from suspension.
Watford will be without striker Heidar Helguson as he has returned to QPR. Henri Lansbury is expected to extend his loan deal from Arsenal but is doubtful through injury. Defender Craig Cathcart has returned to Old Trafford for knee surgery. Midfielder Ross Jenkins is back in the squad following a back injury which has kept him out since October.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Didier Drogba (Chelsea) 19, Tom Cleverley (Watford) 8
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)
Man Utd v Leeds
Veteran duo Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are expected to return for Manchester United. Neville has now recovered from a groin injury and Scholes is also over a hip complaint. Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown should continue in central defence, while Wayne Rooney will be looking to add to his 15-goal tally for the season.
Leeds will be without suspended defender Leigh Bromby and on-loan Max Gradel, who is cup-tied. Jason Crowe could fill in for Bromby or Bradley Johnson could move right-back, with Jonny Howson returning to the starting line-up. Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio should start up front.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) 15, Jermaine Beckford (Leeds) 19
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)
Notts County v Forest Green
Notts County could be without on-loan right-back Brendan Moloney as he is set to return to city rivals Forest on Saturday after the end of his loan deal. Captain John Thompson could take his place. Defender Jamie Clapham is still missing with a knee injury but Johnnie Jackson is set to retain his place in midfield.
Forest Green will be without key midfielder Jonathan Smith, who is suspended. Craig Rocastle and Oli Thorne are cup-tied while Mark Preece is awaiting the results of a scan on his knee. If passed fit, Preece could take Thorne's place in defence. Midfielder Curtis McDonald has a hip problem and is unlikely to be fit.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Lee Hughes (Notts County) 18, Jonathan Smith (Forest Green) 4
Referee: Fred Graham (Essex)
Sheff Utd v QPR
Sheffield United's new loan signing Marcel Seip will be included in the squad but striker Darius Henderson (gluteal muscle) and defender Kyle Walker (thigh) are expected to miss out, with Jordan Stewart and Derek Geary likely to continue as the two full-backs. Midfielder Lee Williamson (hamstring) is pushing for a place in the starting line-up.
QPR defender Matt Connolly is pushing for a place in the starting line-up following a hip injury, with Damion Stewart and Fitz Hall under pressure. Midfielder Ben Watson and full-back Tom Williams have returned to Wigan and Peterborough respectively. Angelo Balanta is set to play following four months out with a groin injury. Gareth Ainsworth (calf), Lee Cook, Martin Rowlands and Gavin Mahon (all knee) remain on the sidelines.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Darius Henderson (Sheff Utd) 10, Jay Simpson (QPR) 9
Referee: Andy Hall
Tranmere v Wolves
Tranmere boss Les Parry has no new injury concerns. Alan Mahon (ankle) and Bas Savage (Achilles) remain long-term absentees. Parry's men have lost only one of their last eight matches in all competitions. Defender Zoumana Bakayogo has extended his contract until the end of the season.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is to field his strongest available side. McCarthy came in for criticism after sending out a second-string side in last month's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. George Friend, David Jones and Sam Vokes, now available after a loan spell at Leeds, are included in the squad.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Ian Thomas-Moore (Tranmere) 6, Kevin Doyle (Wolves) 5
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)
West Ham v Arsenal
West Ham quartet Mark Noble, Scott Parker, Danny Gabbidon and Herita Ilunga are all struggling with hamstring injuries. Mexican striker Guillermo Franco is suspended while Carlton Cole (knee) and Kieron Dyer (hamstring) are both long-term absentees. Jonathan Spector is likely to deputise for Ilunga against the Gunners while Junior Stanislas and Luis Jimenez provide Gianfranco Zola with attacking midfield options.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger looks set to rotate his squad. Captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Denilson (back) and Theo Walcott (side strain) are all sidelined, but Czech winger Tomas Rosicky is in contention and veteran defender Mikael Silvestre and reserve goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski could both also feature. Midfielder Alex Song will play before jetting off to the African Nations Cup, but Emmanuel Eboue is already away with the Ivory Coast. Nicklas Bendtner (groin), Gael Clichy (back), Kieran Gibbs (foot), Robin van Persie (ankle) and Johan Djourou (knee) remain out.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers (all competitions): Carlton Cole (West Ham) 7, Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) 12
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)
