Saturday, January 5th Aldershot v Rotherham
Right-back Ben Herd returns to skipper Aldershot after being suspended for their last three games. Danny Hylton dropped to the bench with a groin strain for the New Year’s Day win at Barnet but should be fit to compete for a start. On-loan striker Dani Lopez is cup-tied but fellow loanees Danny Rose, Michael Hector and Sonny Bradley are all available. Michael Rankine has returned from his loan stint at Grimsby.
Rotherham could hand a debut to on-loan Liverpool striker Adam Morgan. He will battle for a place with Alex Revell, Daniel Nardiello and Kayode Odejayi in attack. Odejayi was given a lone role in the New Year’s Day win over Rochdale, with Revell rested and Nardiello suffering from a virus. Nardiello is now fit and Revell will be eyeing a recall, so boss Steve Evans may have to change the shape of his side to accommodate Morgan. Left-back Liam Ridehalgh is unavailable as part of his loan deal from Huddersfield, so Jack O’Connell could slot straight in or Mark Bradley could swap sides. Lionel Ainsworth, David Noble and Dale Tonge are all fit again but none of them have played since well before Christmas and are unlikely to be pushing for a start. Goalkeeper Scott Shearer (knee) is expected to return to the squad.
Top scorers (all competitions): Craig Reid (Aldershot) 10; Daniel Nardiello (Rotherham) 13
Match odds: H 11-5 A 5-4 D 23-10
Referee: Gavin Ward (Surrey)
Aston Villa v Ipswich
Darren Bent (hamstring), fellow striker Gabriel Agbonlahor (thigh) and winger Charles N’Zogbia (knee) are all poised to return to training and will then be assessed by Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert. Midfielder Ashley Westwood has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury during the 2-2 draw at Swansea. Defenders Ron Vlaar (calf), Nathan Baker (hamstring) and Richard Dunne (knee) remain sidelined.
Ipswich’s leading scorer DJ Campbell, who bagged 10 goals in 17 games on loan, has returned to QPR so Michael Chopra is set to come in. Goalkeeper Stephen Henderson and defender Bradley Orr have also been denied permission to feature by their parent clubs, so Scott Loach is likely to play in goal and Elliott Hewitt is set to feature at right-back. Midfielder Andy Drury (illness) remains out with defender Luke Chambers (broken nose) also a doubt. Patrick Kisnorbo, a new loan signing from Leeds, has been cleared to play.
Top scorers (all competitions): Christian Benteke (Aston Villa) 12; Daryl Murphy (Ipswich) 5
Match odds: H 1-1 A 11-4 D 12-5
Referee: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire)
Barnsley v Burnley
Teenage winger Reuben Noble-Lazarus and striker Marlon Harewood are both pushing for recalls to the Barnsley starting line-up after appearing as second-half substitutes on New Year’s Day. Midfielder Jonathan Greening has returned to parent club Nottingham Forest, as has striker Marcus Tudgay.
Midfielder Dean Marney and forward Martin Paterson came off during Burnley’s New Year’s Day win over Sheffield Wednesday with thigh injuries and will be assessed. Top scorer Charlie Austin is absent with a hamstring strain, while winger Junior Stanislas is pushing to return from a similar complaint. Dane Richards may be involved if Stanislas does not make it, providing international clearance comes through following his move from the Vancouver Whitecaps. Defender Ben Mee remains on the sidelines with strained medial knee ligaments.
Top scorers (all competitions): Craig Davies (Barnsley) 9; Charlie Austin (Burnley) 23
Match odds: H 17-10 A 13-8 D 11-5
Referee: Paul Tierney (Lancashire)
Blackburn v Bristol City
Young midfield duo Hugo Fernandez and Tim Payne have been allocated squad numbers for Blackburn, with caretaker manager Gary Bowyer still missing a host of senior players. David Dunn is suffering from a niggle having recently returned from a calf injury and is not expected to play until next week, along with fellow midfielder Mauro Formica (foot). Simon Vukcevic (leg) is set to feature having recovered from a heavy challenge during last week’s triumph at Barnsley. Winger Fabio Nunes (hamstring), goalkeeper Paul Robinson (back) and defender Gael Givet remain absent — with the latter reportedly seeking a move back to France.
Midfielder Neil Danns has returned to parent club Leicester and defender Stephen McManus is not allowed to play for Bristol City under the terms of his loan from Middlesbrough. Albert Adomah is now on international duty with Ghana and regular right-back Richard Foster is unavailable through injury. That could open the door for Joe Edwards, who is back at City after a successful three-month loan spell at Yeovil. Midfielder Stephen Pearson is also missing through injury so Marvin Elliott, Neil Kilkenny and Bobby Reid are all pushing for starts. Jon Stead could get the chance to partner Sam Baldock in attack after the pair impressed together during a strong second half at Millwall.
Top scorers (all competitions): Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn) 15; Sam Baldock (Bristol City) 9
Match odds: H 7-10 A 4-1 D 13-5
Referee: Nigel Miller (Durham)
Bolton v Sunderland
Bolton manager Dougie Freedman has no fresh injury worries, but Jacob Butterfield is no longer among his midfield options after he returned to Norwich at the end of his loan spell. Josh Vela is back in training following a lengthy lay-off with a knee ligament injury and could feature, although defender David Wheater remains sidelined with a similar complaint. United States international Stuart Holden (knee) continues to step up his return to fitness while fellow midfielder Mark Davies (shoulder) and defender Matt Mills (thigh) are still out.
Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill felt Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was a “game too far” for his small squad and is looking to add players in the transfer window. The likes of David Vaughan, Fraizer Campbell, Connor Wickham and Titus Bramble are all in contention to face Bolton but John O’Shea (hamstring) skipper Lee Cattermole and central defender Wes Brown (both knee) remain sidelined and striker Ji Dong-won joined Augsburg on loan for the rest of the season this week.
Top scorers (all competitions): Chris Eagles (Bolton) 7; Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) 8
Match odds: H 17-10 A 13-8 D 11-5
Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)
Brighton v Newcastle
Brighton winger Will Buckley (hamstring) looks set to miss out on the chance to recreate his FA Cup heroics against Newcastle after his deflected strike eliminated them in the fourth round last season. Right-back Bruno (Achilles) is also likely to be unavailable while fellow Spaniard Vicente (thigh) is still not fit. Jake Forster-Caskey and Romain Vincelot are back with the Seagulls following loan spells and are available, although boss Gustavo Poyet is expected to field his strongest side.
Newcastle’s Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote left for the African Nations Cup after Wednesday’s 2-1 league defeat by Everton, and potential replacement Gael Bigirimana is struggling with a dead leg. Striker Demba Ba’s move to Chelsea has left a vacancy in attack, and while central defender Steven Taylor (hamstring) and midfielder Yohan Cabaye (groin) are back in training, they remain unavailable along with full-back Ryan Taylor (knee) and midfielders Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring), Jonas Gutierrez, Dan Gosling and Haris Vuckic (all knee).
Top scorers (all competitions): Craig Mackail-Smith (Brighton) 11; Demba Ba (Newcastle) 13
Match odds: H 19-10 A 7-5 D 23-10
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)
Charlton v Huddersfield
Centre-half Leon Cort (hamstring) and full-back Lawrie Wilson (broken nose) are the latest additions to Charlton’s casualty list. Striker Danny Haynes is out with a hamstring problem and defender Rhoys Wiggins (foot) is still sidelined along with midfielders Andy Hughes (Achilles) and Ade Azeez (hamstring). Loanees Dan Seabourne, Rob Hulse and Emmanuel Frimpong have now returned to their parent clubs but centre-back Michael Morrison returns after suspension.
Jermaine Beckford is expected to return for Huddersfield after being ineligible to face parent club Leicester on New Year’s Day. Fellow forward James Vaughan, on loan from Norwich, has also been cleared to feature. Winger Adam Hammill, due to return to parent club Wolves on January 13, cannot feature and goalkeeper Alex Smithies may be available again after suffering a dead leg against the Foxes. If not, Ian Bennett will continue to deputise. Defender Calum Woods (groin) and winger Danny Ward (knee) are both battling to be fit while midfielder Oscar Gobern continues his rehabilitation following ankle surgery.
Top scorers (all competitions): Danny Haynes, Johnnie Jackson & Yann Kermorgant (Charlton) 5; Chris Atkinson (Huddersfield) 6
Match odds: H 11-10 A 5-2 D 23-10
Referee: Darren Drysdale (Lincolnshire)
Crawley v Reading
New Crawley striker Lateef Elford-Alliyu could be involved following his move from Bury, while Richard Brodie is also back at the club after his loan spell at Morecambe ended. However, the forward is not due to train until next week. Claude Davis (knee) is set to miss out and fellow defender Kyle McFadzean (virus) remains absent although he should return to training next week.
Reading boss Brian McDermott has indicated that new signing Daniel Carrico is unlikely to make his debut. Striker Jason Roberts has returned to training after recovering from a hip problem while full-back Nicky Shorey has overcome a virus.
Top scorers (all competitions): Billy Clarke (Crawley) 10; Pavel Pogrebnyak (Reading) 7
Match odds: H 9-5 A 6-4 D 23-10
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
Crystal Palace v Stoke
Defender Damien Delaney returns for Crystal Palace following a three-match ban and he could come straight back in for Danny Gabbidon, who came off with a tight hamstring during Tuesday’s win over Wolves. Midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi this week linked up with South Africa for the African Nations Cup, while manager Ian Holloway is set to give in-form wingers Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie 45 minutes each. Jonathan Williams and Jermaine Easter are in the frame for rare starts.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis will make changes, which could include a first start in the club’s colours for Michael Owen. The former England striker has made four substitute appearances since joining the Potters in September, the last coming in October before he suffered a hamstring injury. Midfielder Steven Nzonzi is available after the red card he received in last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Southampton was rescinded while full-back Marc Wilson could return in a fortnight from a broken leg.
Top scorers (all competitions): Glenn Murray (Crystal Palace) 22; Jonathan Walters (Stoke) 6
Match odds: H 19-10 A 7-5 D 23-10
Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)
Derby v Tranmere
Derby will check on the fitness of midfielder Craig Bryson (knee), left-back Gareth Roberts (calf) and forward Jamie Ward (hamstring) after all three missed the npower Championship match against Middlesbrough. Forwards Nathan Tyson, Theo
Robinson and Conor Doyle and defender James O’Connor are options for Rams boss Nigel Clough should he wish to make changes to his starting line-up. Michael Hoganson and fellow teenage defender Valentin Gjokaj could be involved after they were on the substitutes’ bench against Boro, with the former coming on.
Tranmere captain James Wallace is still unable to return to action from a medial knee ligament injury while forward Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (broken metatarsal) and winger Abdulai Bell-Baggie (lateral knee ligament) remain sidelined.
Cole Stockton, Rovers’ matchwinner in the 1-0 triumph over Scunthorpe last weekend that sent them back to the npower League One summit, is pushing for a start after top scorer Jake Cassidy returned to Wolves at the end of his loan spell.
Top scorers (all competitions): Theo Robinson (Derby) 9; Jake Cassidy (Tranmere) 11
Match odds: H 3-4 A 19-5 D 13-5
Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)
Fulham v Blackpool
Mladen Petric, Damien Duff and Mahamadou Diarra are still injured so will be unable to feature for Fulham. Mark Schwarzer is also sidelined due to a neck problem, while Stephen Kelly (knee) and John Arne Riise (shin) are also missing.
All eyes will be on whether Blackpool’s England Under-21 winger Tom Ince and Seasiders captain Alex Baptiste feature. The pair are reportedly the subject of January transfer interest from Liverpool and Leicester respectively and would become cup-tied for any potential future employers if selected. Nouha Dicko and Wes Thomas returned to Wigan and Bournemouth from their respective loan spells while centre-back Ian Evatt (knee) and winger Matt Phillips (toe) remain on the sidelines. Tom Barkhuizen and Barry Ferguson have returned from loan spells at Fleetwood but are unlikely to feature.
Top scorers (all competitions): Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) 7; Tom Ince (Blackpool) 13
Match odds: H 7-10 A 4-1 D 13-5
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)
Hull v Leyton Orient
Hull right-back Ahmed Elmohamady (calf) is unlikely to return after also missing Tuesday’s goalless draw at Blackpool. Tigers manager Steve Bruce may be tempted to rest striker Sone Aluko and midfielder Robert Koren after the pair were withdrawn due to fatigue at Bloomfield Road. Strikers Jay Simpson and Nick Proschwitz are in contention to start following their second-half appearances and defender Alex Bruce is pushing for a recall. Defender Paul McShane, plus midfielders Tom Cairney and Seyi Olofinjana provide Bruce with plenty of options.
Leyton Orient will check on top scorer Kevin Lisbie (shoulder). Stoke loanee Ryan Brunt started in Lisbie’s absence in the defeat at Yeovil and is eligible to feature again. Jamie Jones is set to continue in goal with Ryan Allsop, who has been first choice all season, looking likely to leave the club this month.
Top scorers (all competitions): Sone Aluko (Hull) 8; Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient) 9
Match Odds: H 4-9 A 7-1 D 3-1
Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire)
Leeds v Birmingham
Aidy White is back from suspension for Leeds but they will be without winger Jerome Thomas, whose loan spell from West Brom has ended. Centre-back Alan Tate has extended his spell and Swansea have permitted him to play. Eighteen-goal striker Luciano Becchio has shown no adverse reaction after returning from a thigh strain, and Davide Somma — from a long-term knee injury — is available.
Robert Hall has been denied permission to feature for Birmingham by parent club West Ham, while an injury crisis has resulted in young strikers Eddy Gnahore, Reece Hales and Marcel Henry-Francis all being called up. Marlon King (knee), Peter Lovenkrands (calf) and Akwasi Asante (hamstring) are all missing along with Nikola Zigic (suspended). Midfielders Papa Bouba Diop (hamstring), Darren Ambrose (knee) and Hayden Mullins are also absent, with Jonathan Spector a doubt. Defenders Paul Caddis (hamstring), David Murphy and Stephen Carr (both knee) again miss out. Defender Will Packwood (illness) is fit and Blues are hopeful midfielder Callum Reilly may shrug off a foot problem in time.
Top scorers (all competitions): Luciano Becchio (Leeds) 17; Marlon King (Birmingham) 13
Match odds: H 11-10 A 5-2 D 23-10
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)
Leicester v Burton
Leicester winger Ben Marshall is nursing a knock following a strong tackle during the 6-1 league win over Huddersfield on New Year’s Day. Defender Zak Whitbread (calf) and striker Jamie Vardy (heel) have been sidelined in recent weeks and will continue to be monitored. On-loan forward Jesse Lingard has returned to Manchester United but fellow Old Trafford youngster Michael Keane could extend his stay.
Burton could be without defender Anthony O’Connor (hamstring). Nathan Stanton, who missed the trip to York through suspension, is likely to deputise at right-back if O’Connor misses out — assuming skipper Zander Diamond recovers from a sickness bug.
Top scorers (all competitions): Chris Wood (Leicester) 14; Calvin Zola (Burton) 11
Match odds: H 1-4 A 11-1 D 9-2
Referee: Andy D’Urso (Essex)
Luton v Wolves
Defender Simon Ainge and winger Scott Neilson, who both played in Luton’s 3-1 Blue Square Bet Premier defeat at Woking, are cup-tied. Jonathan Smith is likely to fill in for Neilson having scored the late consolation as a substitute in that game. JJ O’Donnell provides further options in the middle while Lathaniel Rowe-Turner is expected to deputise for Ainge.
Wolves winger Bakary Sako was forced off with a hamstring complaint after an hour of the 3-1 New Year’s Day defeat at Crystal Palace while fellow midfielders Tongo Doumbia (hamstring) and Bjorn Sigurdarson (thigh) missed the game altogether, with the latter in with a slight chance of being fit to face Luton. Winger Slawomir Peszko (knee) is close to making his return after three months out and may make his return to the matchday squad. Razak Boukari, Dave Edwards, Steven Mouyokolo, Wayne Hennessey, Stephen Hunt and George Elokobi remain absent.
Top scorers (all competitions): Scott Rendell (Luton) 11; Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves) 10
Match odds: H 13-5 A 11-10 D 9-4
Referee: Geoff Eltringham (Tyne & Wear)
Macclesfield v Cardiff
Ryan Jackson begins a three-match ban for Macclesfield following his straight red card in the New Year’s Day draw with Southport, with Pablo Mills most likely to replace him. Striker Matthew Barnes-Homer, who scored a late double on Tuesday, was withdrawn in the final minutes of the match and is a major doubt ahead of the trip to Wales. Fellow forwards Amari Morgan-Smith and Peter Winn will battle it out for a place alongside Chris Holroyd in attack.
Cardiff boss Malky Mackay could rest his entire first-choice XI. Goalkeeper David Marshall, striker Craig Bellamy and captain Mark Hudson look certain to miss the game while the likes of Joe Lewis, Joe Ralls and Etien Velikonja are set to get some valuable game time. Former Leeds midfielder Stephen McPhail, who has not featured since the opening match of the season, could return having been a regular for the development side. Peter Whittingham (knee) will definitely not feature, while striker Nicky Maynard is out for the season.
Top scorers (all competitions): Matthew Barnes-Homer (Macclesfield) 18; Heidar Helguson (Cardiff) 8
Match odds: H 11-2 A 8-15 D 3-1
Referee: Andrew Madley (West Yorkshire)
Manchester City v Watford
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero (hamstring) will miss out but controversial forward Mario Balotelli is available after recovering from a virus. Manager Roberto Mancini, who has been pictured grappling with Balotelli in a training-ground bust-up, has said the 22-year-old could be on the bench but forward Samir Nasri is suspended and Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure and Abdul Razak are on international duty. Defenders Aleksandar Kolarov and Maicon (both knee) are
not yet ready to return while right-back Micah Richards (knee) and midfielder Jack Rodwell (hamstring) are longer-term casualties.
Fitz Hall (hamstring) will miss the trip to the Etihad Stadium while Manuel Almunia (also hamstring) and Almen Abdi (pelvis) are both doubts. Hall sat out the 4-3 defeat to Charlton on New Year’s Day, while Almunia and Abdi were injured during that match. Defender Lloyd Doyley is fit again after a calf injury.
Top scorers (all competitions): Sergio Aguero & Edin Dzeko (Man City) 10; Matej Vydra (Watford) 12
Match odds: H 1-7 A 14-1 D 7-1
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)
Middlesbrough v Hastings
Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray will be without no fewer than 13 senior players. Central defender Jonathan Woodgate (calf) and striker Scott McDonald (hamstring) joined the casualty list after the Championship defeat at Derby. They have joined full-back Justin Hoyte (hip) and fellow defenders Seb Hines, Andre Bikey and George Friend (all hamstring), as well as midfielders Josh McEachran (ankle) and Faris Haroun (also hamstring), on the sidelines. Mowbray has problems in attack too with Emmanuel Ledesma (knee) and Marvin Emnes (hamstring) also ruled out.
Hastings player-manager Sean Ray has a near fully-fit squad to choose from. His only concern is over goalkeeper Matt Armstrong-Ford (knee) and Ray has brought in Liam O’Brien on loan from Barnet as cover.
Top scorers (all competitions): Scott McDonald (Middlesbrough) 10; Zac Attwood & Bradley Goldburg (Hastings) 6
Match odds: H 1-8 A 16-1 D 8-1
Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire)
Millwall v Preston
Danny Shittu and Adam Smith are available for Millwall. The Nigerian federation has allowed Shittu to stay with the Lions this weekend ahead of the African Nations Cup, while fellow defender Smith has been permitted to play by parent club Tottenham. Winger Scott Malone (back) could also be in contention while midfielder Tamika Mkandawire has returned from his loan spell at Southend. Winger Chris Taylor (knee) and striker Andy Keogh (broken toe) look set to miss out again along with skipper Paul Robinson (pelvis).
Nicky Wroe returned to Preston’s starting line-up against Hartlepool on New Year’s Day despite a persistent knee complaint and Jack King climbed off his sickbed to help the victory effort, but Lee Holmes (groin) remains out. Bailey Wright sustained a head injury in that match and could join fellow defenders Paul Huntington, Scott Laird (broken leg) and Keith Keane (knee) on the sidelines. Chelsea youngster Todd Kane is available for the final time before his loan spell ends, while Anthony Elding has returned to Grimsby.
Top scorers (all competitions): Darius Henderson (Millwall) 7; Nicky Wroe (Preston) 8
Match odds: H 7-10 A 4-1 D 13-5
Referee: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire)
Nottingham Forest v Oldham
Striker David McGoldrick and midfielder Jonathan Greening are back at Forest after loan spells at Coventry and Barnsley respectively but striker Matt Derbyshire, who recently returned to Forest following a loan spell at Oldham, is ineligible having played for the Latics in the previous two rounds. Marcus Tudgay, back from a loan spell at Barnsley, is expected to be unavailable for the next six weeks after suffering a broken collarbone and he joins on-loan Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson (knee) on the sidelines.
Oldham will be without James Wesolowski (suspended) and Cristian Montano (thigh), but Robbie Simpson returns from suspension and is expected to feature in midfield alongside Dean Furman, who will play his final game for the Latics before departing to represent South Africa in the African Nations Cup. Oldham manager Paul Dickov took the precaution of only allowing eight players to train on Thursday, including two goalkeepers.
Top scorers (all competitions): Billy Sharp (Nottm Forest) 10; Jose Baxter (Oldham) 10
Match odds: H 8-13 A 9-2 D 11-4
Referee: Roger East (Wiltshire)
Oxford v Sheffield United
Oxford’s midfield duo Jake Forster-Caskey and Lee Cox have returned to parent clubs Brighton and Swindon respectively, while Daniel Boateng is also returning to his parent club Arsenal having made just five appearances for the Us.
ichael Duberry was one of Oxford’s best performers in the win over Cheltenham having replaced the ill Michael Raynes to leave manager Chris Wilder with a defensive selection dilemma. Striker James Constable begins a three-game ban following his dismissal against AFC Wimbledon.
Forward Jamie Murphy could make his Sheffield United debut after he completed his move from Motherwell on Thursday. Defender Harry Maguire is available again after suspension. Goalkeeper Mark Howard (thigh) returned to training this week but is hoping to feature in a couple of development games before being considered for a first-team return.
Top scorers (all competitions): Tom Craddock (Oxford) 11; Nick Blackman (Sheff Utd) 13
Match odds: H 12-5 A 6-5 D 11-5
Referee: Carl Boyeson (E Yorkshire)
Peterborough v Norwich
In-form striker Dwight Gayle is cup-tied for Peterborough having played for Dagenham in the first round, and boss Darren Ferguson will be forced to make two further changes to the team that started the league win over Barnsley as forward Lee Tomlin begins a three-match suspension and defender Gaby Zakuani has joined up with the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the African Nations Cup.
Declan Rudd is set to get his chance in goal, while Norwich are without injured strikers Grant Holt (hamstring) and Steve Morison (thigh), plus defender Steven Whittaker (hip). Midfielder Andrew Surman (knee) is back training but unlikely to feature, while Jonny Howson has recovered from a knock suffered against West Ham. Elliott Ward, Simon Lappin and Jacob Butterfield have all returned from loan spells.
Top scorers (all competitions): Dwight Gayle (Peterborough) 14; Grant Holt, Anthony Pilkington & Robert Snodgrass (Norwich) 4
Match odds: H 5-2 A 11-10 D 23-10
Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire)
QPR v West Brom
QPR striker DJ Campbell has returned from his loan spell at Ipswich and will feature against the Baggies. Midfielder Samba Diakite has departed for African Nations Cup duty with Mali and forward Junior Hoilett is out with a hamstring problem. Strikers Andrew Johnson (knee) and Bobby Zamora (hip) are sidelined with long-term injuries.
West Brom boss Steve Clarke confirmed defenders Jonas Olsson (groin), Steven Reid (ankle) and Goran Popov (hamstring) plus midfielder Claudio Yacob (hamstring) are again ruled out. Five other unnamed players were rated doubtful, while midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu will play his final game before linking up with the Democratic Republic of Congo for the African Nations Cup.
Top scorers (all competitions): DJ Campbell (QPR) 10; Shane Long & Romelu Lukaku (West Brom) 7
Match odds: H 6-4 A 7-4 D 23-10
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)
Sheffield Wednesday v MK Dons
Sheffield Wednesday will be without suspended on-loan midfielder Jeremy Helan and manager Dave Jones could be tempted to rest David Prutton and Rhys McCabe and turn to a trio of midfielders with Jermaine Johnson, Paul Corry and Chris Lines all vying for recalls. Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater is also hoping to return in goal in place of Chris Kirkland and although striker Mamady Sidibe has been given permission to play by parent club Stoke, Chris Maguire is back in contention. Defender Reda Johnson, who missed the Championship defeat to Burnley, is doubtful due to a foot injury.
Forward Dean Bowditch (groin) looks set to join MK Dons’ long list of absentees after he was forced off at half-time with a groin injury in the league win at Notts County. Izale McLeod, who re-signed for the club on Thursday, will be cup-tied while Angelo Balanta (QPR), Ibra Sekajja (Crystal Palace) and Zeli Ismail (Wolves) have all completed their loan spells and returned to their parent clubs. George Baldock (hamstring), Tom Flanagan (broken foot) and Jabo Ibehre (abdomen) have returned from loan spells but are all injured. Right-back Jon Otsemobor is still nursing a groin injury, but on-loan Brighton midfielder Ryan Harley has been cleared to play.
Top scorers (all competitions): Chris O’Grady (Sheff Wed) 6; Luke Chadwick (MK Dons) 8
Match odds: H 11-10 A 5-2 D 23-10
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)
Southampton v Chelsea
Southampton captain Adam Lallana is unavailable with a knee injury although right-back Nathaniel Clyne could feature at St Mary’s after a knee complaint of his own. Gaston Ramirez is available to feature despite sustaining a dead leg against Arsenal on New Year’s Day, and Zambia international Emmanuel Mayuka leaves for the African Nations Cup after the game.
Demba Ba is poised to make his Chelsea debut after completing his move from Newcastle. Ba could replace Fernando Torres up front, with interim manager Rafael Benitez keen to rest his fellow Spaniard at times during the second half of the season. Nigeria stars John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses will be available before jetting off to Portugal for a pre-African Nations Cup training camp, but John Terry (knee) and Petr Cech (groin) remain out.
Top scorers (all competitions): Rickie Lambert (Southampton) 8; Fernando Torres (Chelsea) 14
Match odds: H 4-1 A 4-6 D 11-4
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)
Southend v Brentford
Southend will be without midfielder Tamika Mkandawire, who has returned to parent club Millwall following the end of his loan deal but the club remain hopeful of a new loan deal for Leyton Orient’s Marc Laird. Mark Phillips could earn a start after coming off the bench last weekend following a knee problem. Striker Neil Harris (knee) is back in full training but is not expected to return until next week.
Watford loanee Lee Hodson is ineligible to play for Brentford and fellow defender Rob Kiernan has gone back to Wigan, but the Bees’ other loanees Marcello Trotta, Jake Bidwell and Tom Adeyemi are all available to play. Richard Lee could start in goal while Sam Saunders, Jake Reeves and Paul Hayes are also in contention for a run-out. Midfielder Kevin O’Connor (ankle) and striker Farid El Alagui (knee) remain on the sidelines.
Top scorers (all competitions): Gavin Tomlin (Southend) 14; Clayton Donaldson (Brentford) 15
Match odds: H 2-1 A 11-8 D 11-5
Referee: Dean Whitestone (Northamptonshire)
Tottenham v Coventry
Left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto has overcome his knee injury and looks set to make his first Tottenham appearance in four months. Midfielder Scott Parker is likely to make his first start of the season and goalkeeper Brad Friedel could play as manager Andre Villas-Boas looks to rotate his squad following a tiring festive period. Winger Gareth Bale is available following his one-match suspension but defender William Gallas (calf) is unlikely to feature and Younes Kaboul is out until mid-to-late February with his knee problem.
Coventry will be without leading scorer David McGoldrick. He returned to parent club Nottingham Forest this week after his loan spell ended, having scored 17 goals in 25 appearances for the Sky Blues. Loanees James Bailey and Blair Adams have both been cleared to play, while manager Mark Robins is not expected to have any new injury or suspension concerns for the encounter.
Top scorers (all competitions): Jermain Defoe (Tottenham) 14; David McGoldrick (Coventry) 18
Match odds: H 1-5 A 14-1 D 5-1
Referee: Michael Naylor (Sheffield)
West Ham v Manchester United
West Ham expect to have new signing Joe Cole available after his free transfer from Liverpool was confirmed on Friday. Captain Kevin Nolan and defender James Collins are back from one-match bans but defender Joey O’Brien is a doubt with
hamstring problem. Striker Andy Carroll (knee) and midfielder Mohamed Diame (hamstring) continue their rehabilitation.
Phil Jones and Nemanja Vidic are set to bolster Manchester United’s defence. Jones has missed three games with a minor injury while Vidic was rested for the New Year’s Day trip to Wigan. Wayne Rooney (knee) has been ruled out for a further two weeks while Nani (hamstring) will not be considered despite returning to training on Friday.
Top scorers (all competitions): Kevin Nolan (West Ham) 5; Robin van Persie (Man Utd) 19
Match odds: H 4-1 A 4-6 D 11-4
Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)
Wigan v Bournemouth
Roger Espinoza and Angelo Henriquez are both expected to make their Wigan debuts. Espinoza completed his move from American Major League Soccer this lunchtime whilst Henriquez has joined on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the campaign. Manager Roberto Martinez is expected to make a number of changes, with Callum McManaman amongst those tipped for a rare start, while Arouna Kone is available before heading off on African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast.
Former Peterborough goalkeeper Shwan Jalal played in Bournemouth’s victories over Dagenham and Carlisle in the earlier rounds but has played second fiddle to the Cherries’ current number one David James in npower League One. If the 42-year-old is given the nod it will be his 59th appearance in the competition, three of which have come in FA Cup finals. Mark Molesley, Josh Wakefield and Wes Thomas have returned from loan spells while striker Lee Barnard has gone back to Southampton at the end of his loan stint. Brett Pitman made his loan move from Bristol City a permanent one on Thursday for an undisclosed fee.
Top scorers (all competitions): Arouna Kone (Wigan) 6; Lewis Grabban (Bournemouth) 10
Match odds: H 17-10 A 16-5 D 5-2
Referee: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire)
Sunday, January 6th
Mansfield v Liverpool
Ritchie Sutton is available for Mansfield following suspension but the Stags kept a clean sheet against Alfreton on New Year’s Day so the defender may struggle to get back into the team for the televised clash on Sunday. Jake Speight is expected to be restored to the starting XI, though, partnering Matt Green in attack.
Striker Luis Suarez looks like getting a rest, with Liverpool’s new signing Daniel Sturridge set to be included in the visitors’ squad. However, the England striker may not be match-fit enough to start. Defender Jose Enrique has been ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring problem so Glen Johnson may have to continue to fill in at left-back.
Top scorers (all competitions): Matt Green & Jake Speight (Mansfield) 8; Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 18
Match odds: H 11-1 A 1-4 D 9-2
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)
Swansea v Arsenal
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup has a fully-fit squad to select from. Top scorer Michu played 90 minutes as he returned from an ankle injury against Aston Villa, while Angel Rangel has also recently returned from a calf problem. But Laudrup may opt to make changes against the Gunners, with the Swans facing the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Arsenal reserve goalkeeper Vito Mannone has been struggling with a virus, as has midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong, back from his loan spell at Charlton. Midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) and defender Andre Santos (stomach muscle) are back in training, but not yet match-fit.
Top Scorers (all competitions): Michu (Swansea) 14: Theo Walcott (Arsenal) 14
Match odds: H 11-5 A 5-4 D 23-10
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
Monday, January 7th
Cheltenham v Everton
Cheltenham boss Mark Yates has a slight injury concern over Darren Carter. The former West Brom midfielder was substituted just after half-time in the 1-0 defeat at Oxford on Tuesday after suffering a facial injury. On-loan Reading winger Jake Taylor returned to his parent club after the Oxford defeat and he could be replaced by Marlon Pack in midfield as the npower League Two side look to cause a giant-killing.
Everton manager David Moyes will try to freshen up his side. Left-back Leighton Baines could be in line for a rest as Bryan Oviedo may be given a run-out, while midfielders Thomas Hitzlsperger and Ross Barkley may come into contention for a start. Forward Kevin Mirallas and defender Seamus Coleman (both hamstring) are still sidelined, as are Tony Hibbert (calf) and Darron Gibson (thigh).
Top scorers (all competitions): Shaun Harrad (Cheltenham) 7; Marouane Fellaini (Everton) 8
Match odds: H 8-1 A 4-11 D 7-2
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)
