Weekend Premier League Team News

Arsenal (3) v Burnley (19): Arsenal expect to welcome back midfielders Andrey Arshavin (hamstring), Denilson (calf) and Abou…

Arsenal (3) v Burnley (19):Arsenal expect to welcome back midfielders Andrey Arshavin (hamstring), Denilson (calf) and Abou Diaby (knee), but centre-back Sol Campbell (groin) is out and midfielder Alex Song is suspended. William Gallas (calf) is sidelined, while Carlos Vela will be rested after international duty with Mexico. Aaron Ramsey (broken leg) has joined Robin van Persie (ankle) and Johan Djourou (knee) as a long-term absentee.

Midfielder Graham Alexander is expected to make his return from a calf injury. Scotland striker Steven Fletcher is expected to play with a light cast on his wrist having broken a hand in training on international duty earlier this week.

Last season:No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches
: Arsenal L L W W W; Burnley L W L L L
Top scorers
(all competitions): Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) 16; Steven Fletcher (Burnley) 11
Match odds:
H 1-8 A 20-1 D 7-1
Referee
: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire)

West Ham (13) v Bolton (15)

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Midfielder Mark Noble is ruled out with an arm injury. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has no other fresh problems but striker Benni McCarthy and centre-half Danny Gabbidon are still not match fit after recent injuries. Captain Scott Parker missed the 3-0 defeat at Manchester United but should return to central midfield.

Midfielder Stuart Holden is out for six weeks after fracturing his right fibula on international duty in the USA’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Holland on Wednesday. Manager Owen Coyle is also without Mark Davies, Gavin McCann, Chris Basham, Joey O’Brien, Sean Davis and Gary Cahill.

Last season:Bolton 2 West Ham 1, West Ham 1 Bolton 3
Last five league matches
: West Ham D L W W L; Bolton D L D L W
Top scorers
(all competitions): Carlton Cole (West Ham) 9; Ivan Klasnic (Bolton) 10
Match odds:
H 8-11 A 4-1 D 5-2
Referee
: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)

Wolverhampton (17) v Man Utd (2)

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is set to name an unchanged starting line-up. Striker Andy Keogh retains his place in the squad after suffering no reaction to his comeback from ankle surgery at Bolton last weekend. Winger Michael Kightly and midfielder Dave Edwards are still sidelined. Kightly, who had ankle surgery in November, now has knee problems while Edwards is continuing his rehabilitation following an ankle operation in December.

Rio Ferdinand returns after missing two club games and England’s midweek win over Egypt with a back injury. Nani is available after suspension but Ryan Giggs (broken arm) will not be available until next weekend. Michael Owen (hamstring) is out and Wayne Rooney (knee) is doubtful.

Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches
: Wolverhampton D L W L L; Man Utd W W D L W
Top scorers
(all competitions): Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton) 6; Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) 28
Match odds
: H 7-1 A 3-10 D 10-3
Referee
: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

Sunday, March 7th

Everton (10) v Hull (18)

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill could be back in contention after suffering a calf injury two weeks ago. Phil Jagielka is doubtful due to a slight thigh strain, as is Leon Osman (foot). Top scorer Louis Saha (hamstring) is again ruled out and James Vaughan will be assessed after suffering a knock playing for the reserves in midweek. Philippe Senderos (hip) is hoping to prove his fitness but Tony Hibbert (groin) is still out. Marouane Fellaini (ankle) will miss the rest of the season.

Midfielder Jimmy Bullard, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since December, could start after playing for the reserves and in a friendly behind closed doors against Doncaster this week. Geovanni (knee) is fit but Anthony Gardner is facing six weeks on the sidelines with an ankle problem while Stephen Hunt and Dean Marney are doubts. Craig Fagan is suspended following his red card against West Ham.

Last season: Everton 2 Hull 0, Hull 2 Everton 2
Last five league matches
: Everton W L W W L; Hull D D W L L
Top scorers
(all competitions): Louis Saha (Everton) 15; Stephen Hunt (Hull) 6
Match odds:
H 4-11 A 8-1 D 7-2
Referee
: Lee Mason (Lancashire)

Monday, March 8th

Wigan (16) v Liverpool (6)

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez expects to have an almost fully-fit squad to choose from. Charles N’Zogbia will undergo a late fitness test but should have overcome his knee injury in time. The same applies to Paul Scharner (groin), who came through an international with Austria this week. Steven Gohouri is the only major doubt as he continues his recovery from a back problem.

Defender Glen Johnson is set for a comeback for Liverpool. The England full-back has been sidelined with a knee problem since the end of December but is on the verge of a recall. Daniel Agger’s knee injury sustained against Blackburn last weekend is unlikely to keep him out, while fellow centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiakos returns after a three-match suspension.

Last season: Wigan 1 Liverpool 1, Liverpool 3 Wigan 2
Last five league matches:
Wigan D D D L L; Liverpool W W L D W
Top scorers
(all competitions): Hugo Rodallega (Wigan) 7; Fernando Torres (Liverpool) 13
Match odds:
H 5-1 A 8-13 D 13-5
Referee
: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)