Weekend Premier League team news
All the team news and statistics ahead of the weekend Premier League fixtures
Saturday
Arsenal (8) v Tottenham (7)
Arsenal will assess the fitness of striker Olivier Giroud (hamstring/calf) and winger Theo Walcott (buttock muscle). Midfielder Mikel Arteta (hip) is also causing concern, along with fullback Bacary Sagna (leg), but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is close to a comeback from his ankle problem and could be included in the team for the first time since September. Midfielder Jack Wilshere returns from suspension, with Gervinho (ankle), Kieran Gibbs (thigh), Abou Diaby (thigh) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) all ruled out.
Tottenham playmaker Mousa Dembele misses out due to a hip injury. Winger Aaron Lennon has recovered from a hamstring injury, and Jermain Defoe and Kyle Walker, who also had hamstring complaints, should be fit. Long-term absentees Scott Parker (Achilles), Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Younes Kaboul (both knee) remain sidelined.
Last season:Arsenal 5 Tottenham 2, Tottenham 2 Arsenal 1
Last five league matches:Arsenal W L W L D; Tottenham W L W L L
Top scorers:Theo Walcott (Arsenal) 8; Jermain Defoe (Tottenham) 8
Match odds:H 19-20 A 5-2 D 12-5
Referee:Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
Liverpool (13) v Wigan (14)
Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina is set to return in place of Brad Jones after five weeks out with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is fit after a thigh problem while centre backs Daniel Agger (groin) and Martin Skrtel (illness) are expected to be included.
Wigan have winger Ryo Miyaichi back after five games out due to a groin injury. James McArthur, who has been sidelined recently by a dead leg, is a doubt, while fellow midfielder Albert Crusat (knee) and defender Antolin Alcaraz (groin) are not yet ready to return.
Last season:Liverpool 1 Wigan 2, Wigan 0 Liverpool 0
Last five league matches:Liverpool D W D D D; Wigan D L W W L
Top scorers:Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 11; Arouna Kone (Wigan) 4
Match odds:H 2-5 A 13-2 D 3-1
Referee:Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
Manchester City (2) v Aston Villa (17)
Manchester City midfielder James Milner (hamstring) and defender Joleon Lescott (back) are back in contention, while Gael Clichy (back) could also be fit and Samir Nasri has recovered from illness. Striker Mario Balotelli will hope to play after being dropped last week but midfielder Jack Rodwell (hamstring) and right back Micah Richards (knee) are not ready to return.
Aston Villa will be boosted by the return of full backs Eric Lichaj, from suspension, and Nathan Baker, from an ankle injury. However Darren Bent, Chris Herd, Richard Dunne, Charles N’Zogbia and Joe Bennett are still unavailable.
Last season:Aston Villa 0 Manchester City 1, Manchester City 4 Aston Villa 1
Last five league matches:Manchester City W W W D W; Aston Villa L L D W L
Top scorers:Edin Dzeko (Manchester City) 7; Christian Benteke (Aston Villa) 7
Match odds:H 1-5 A 9-1 D 5-1
Referee:Jon Moss (W Yorkshire).
Newcastle (10) v Swansea (11)
Newcastle hope to include striker Papiss Cisse, who missed Senegal’s midweek friendly against Niger due to a back injury. Manager Alan Pardew is without midfielders Yohan Cabaye (groin) and Jonas Gutierrez (knee), utility man James Perch (thigh) and suspended defender Fabricio Coloccini, but full back Danny Simpson (shoulder) and frontman Demba Ba (shin) are available, as is midfielder Cheick Tiote after completing his three-match ban.
