Premier league team news

A look ahead to the weekend's fixtures

Arsenal v Stoke

Arsenals Kieran Gibbs is out for up to six weeks with a thigh injury, but new signing Nacho Monreal is available to replace him at left back. Francis Coquelin is also ruled out, while Thomas Vermaelen is doubtful, but Mikel Arteta may return after a calf problem. Stoke have no new injury problems.

Odds: Arsenal 5-11 Stoke 7-1 Draw 3-1

West Ham v Swansea

With only two wins in their previous 10 Premier League games, this is a crucial fixture for West Ham, who are seven points above the bottom three. Andy Carroll could start after coming off the bench during Wednesdays defeat at Fulham. Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm is still sidelined by a knee injury and will again be replaced by Gerhard Tremmel.

Odds: West Ham 7-5 Swansea 2-1 Draw 5-4

Fulham v Man Utd

A hamstring injury has robbed Fulham fans of seeing new hero Dimitar Berbatov face his former employers. Rio Ferdinand is in line for a recall and Jonny Evans is fit again after his recent hamstring trouble. Home fans may see Dutch international Urby Emanuelson, who is set to make his debut on the left wing.

Odds: Fulham 9-2 Man Utd 4-7 Draw 3-1

Wigan v Southampton

Returning Wigan alumnus Paul Scharner is likely to go straight into the team as Roberto Martínez’s injury problems in defence show little sign of abating. With Arouna Koné at the Africa Cup of Nations and Mauro Boselli out on another loan spell, the home side look short of cover in attack as well. Southampton pair Jose Fonte and Guly Do Prado are out with knee injuries.

Odds: Wigan 5-4 Southampton 5-2 Draw 12-5

WBA v Tottenham

West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie has been told not to return to training until next week and will obviously miss tomorrow’s game. Steve Clarkes side have won two out of their past 13 fixtures in all competitions and picked up one point from 15. Tottenham, in contrast, are unbeaten in their last eight league matches.

Odds: West Brom 5-2 Tottenham 6-5 Draw 12-5

Everton v Aston Villa

Everton’s new signing John Stones is not expected to be involved despite injuries to fellow full backs Tony Hibbert and Séamus Coleman. Darron Gibson is pushing for a start after returning from a thigh injury. Aston Villas transfer deadline day signings Yacouba Sylla and Simon Dawkins are in the matchday squad.

Odds: Everton 2-5 Aston Villa 8-1 Draw 7-2

Manchester C v Liverpool

City have strung together four league wins on the trot, their best sequence of the campaign. Liverpool have not managed more than two consecutive wins this season yet they stand seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and still harbour hopes of Champions League qualification.

Odds: Man City 5-6 Liverpool 3-1 Draw 11-4

Newcastle v Chelsea

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is expected to give home debuts to Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran, while Sylvain Marveaux is fit after a foot problem. Petr Cech is available for Chelsea after a calf strain, and Juan Mata has overcome an ankle injury suffered at Reading in midweek. David Luiz is still out.

Odds: N’castle 10-3 Chelsea 10-11 Draw 13-5

Reading v Sunderland

Sunderland’s captain will miss the trip to Reading after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury in training. Martin O’Neill has put new striker Danny Graham straight into his squad, while counterpart Brian McDermott must decide whether to opt for Nick Blackman or give recent super-sub Adam Le Fondre a start.

Odds: Reading 7-5 Sunderland 7-4 Draw 12-5

QPR v Norwich

Selecting a team could vex even a man of Harry Redknapp’s nous. This week Ryan Nelsen and Alejandro Faurlín have moved on, four new players have arrived of which at least two – Chris Samba and Yun Suk-young – are lacking match fitness. Norwich could add new signing Luciano Becchio to their forward line.

Odds: QPR 10-11 Norwich 3-1 Draw 12-5