All Football

Saturday 1st November 2008

Bristol City - Reading

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson is set to hand a debut to striker Stern John, on-loan from Southampton. However, the Robins will be without defensive duo Jamie McAllister and Louis Carey who are both suffering from toe injuries. Reading manager Steve Coppell is unlikely to give Michael Duberry a run-out who is still recovering from a calf injury. Midfielder Marek Matejovsky could be handed a place on the bench despite not yet fully overcoming an ankle problem.

Burnley - Norwich

Burnley’s defensive duo Clarke Carlisle and Christian Kalvenes could be unavailable as both have been struggling with hamstring injuries. The Clarets could also be without thier captain Steven Caldwell due to a minor knock he picked up. Norwich manager could welcome back Jon Otsemobor and Mark Fotheringham into the matchday squad as both have fully recovered from injury. Howevr, the Canaries could be without Antoine Sibierski who picked up a knock against Derby.

Cardiff - Wolves

Cardiff are without the trio of Mark Kennedy, Riccardo Scimeca and Tony Capaldi for the top of the table clash with Wolves. Manager Dave Jones is boosted by the news that centre-back and captain Darren Purse, midfielders Stephen McPhail and Joe Ledley, and striker Jay Bothroyd are all unavailable after overcoming knocks, while Peter Whittingham is hoping for a recall. Wolves are without defensive duo Jody Craddock and George Elokobi as well as winger Matt Jarvis. Carl Ikeme should be fine to continue in goal for Mick McCarthy’s side following a back injury, while Richard Stearman could return to the defence.

Charlton - Barnsley

Charlton could be without defender Linvoy Primus so Martin Crainie, who is also on-loan from Portsmouth, could start in his place. The Addicks will also be without fellow defender Jonathan Fortune, who has a knee problem, and midfield pairing Zheng Zhi and Therry Racon, who both have foot injuries. Barnsley manager Simon Davey could name an unchanged side following the 1-0 win over Doncaster on Tuesday. Winger Martin Devaney looks likely to recover from an ankle injury in time to make the starting line-up.

Crystal Palace - Sheffield Wednesday

On-loan striker Craig Beattie is a doubt for Crystal Palace, but hopes to overcome an ankle injury in time for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday. Manager Neil Warnock will be hoping that Beattie is fit enough to feature too, as Alan Lee, James Scowcroft anf Calvin Andrew all remain sidelined leaving Shefki Kuqi as the only other fit senior forward. Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws will hand late fitness tests to Mark Beevers, who has a hip problem, James O’Connor, who is struggling with hamstring trouble, and Marcus Tudgay, who has a groin injury. Centre back and captain Richard Wood should provide the Owls a boost by declaring himself fit following illness.

Doncaster - Swansea

Doncaster manager Sean O’Driscoll could hand new loan signing Shelton Martis, who joins on loan from West Brom, a start in defence. However, Rovers will be without the trio of Jos Van Nieuwstadt, who has a hamstring injury, Richie Wellens, who has groin trouble, and Adam Lockwood who has a back problem. Tom Butler joins fellow Swansea midfielder Andrea Orlandi on the treatment table after picking up a hamstring injury. Manager Roberto Martinez is still without goalkeeper Dorus De Vrie and defender Marcos Painter as both players have long-term injuries.

Ipswich - QPR

Ipswich could hand midfielder David Norris a place in the starting eleven after he completed his suspension, while Dutch defender Pim Balkestein could also be included after recovering from a recent knock. QPR are without Mikele Leigertwood who will serve a four match ban following his dismissal against Birmingham City. Damien Delaney could return to the left-back role after completing a suspension, while Matt Connolly could fill in at right-back for Leigertwood.

Preston - Southampton
Wayne Brown is set to make his second start for Preston since joining on loan from Hull City. Lilywhites boss Alan Irvine is therefore likely to stick with the same side that played on Tuesday evening. Southampton have been struck by a sickness bug, which has affected the likes of Chris Perry, Joseph Mills and Thomas Pekhart. Manager Jan Poortvliet is likely to name new loan signing Alex Pearce amongst the substitutes, while in midfield Adam Lallana is unavailable due to an ankle problem and Andrew Surman will have to undergo a late fitness test.

Sheffield United - Plymouth

Sheffield United are without midfielder Brian Howard due to suspension, but defender Matthew Kilgallon is available after serving a three-match ban. Manager Kevin Blackwell could still be without Gary Speed and Gary Naysmith who are both rated as doubtful. Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock could recall Jamie Mackie and Yoann Folly to midfield after they recovered from flu. Mat Doumbe and Emile Mpenza are also hoping for recalls after returning from injury, but Graham Stack and Lloyd Saxton are both unavailable.

Watford - Blackpool

Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd has plenty of players missing for Saturday’s game with Blackpool. Striker Tamas Priskin is suspended while Lee Williamson could miss out because of a back problem. In goal, first choice ‘keeper Mart Poom remains sidelined with a shoulder problem while Scott Loach is out with an abdominal injury, so Richard Lee should play. Blackpool will be without Steve Kabba in attack as he is on-loan from Watford, so Ben Burgess and Alan Gow should start up-front for the Tangerines.

Injury Troubles For Arsene Ahead Of Stoke Clash
Good News For Reading On Injury Front
Mixed Messages On Sevilla Injury Front
Marchena Set For First Start Of The Season

Double injury blow for Dortmund
Double blow for VfB
Boulahrouz Hurt