Chelsea v Liverpool
Claudio Ranieri’s men are hoping for a eighth successive home win over Liverpool in the Premiership.
Following the stormy AGM at Anfield this week, manager Gerard Houllier will be hoping for victory of the back of a 2-0 success over 3rd Division Yeovil Town in the FA Cup.
Chelsea have only lost one home league game this season, against Bolton. The Blues will be without Damien Duff, Juan Sebastien Veron and Emmanuel Petit, but goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is likely to return following a groin injury.
Michael Owen is expected to return for Liverpool after six weeks out, but Steven Gerrard will be missing with a groin injury.
Everton v Arsenal
They go into tonight’s game following a 3-1 victory in the FA cup over 1st Division Norwich on Saturday.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 19 Premiership matches this season, and are in good form after beating Leeds 4-1 in the FA cup last weekend.
Everton welcome back David Weir and Tomasz Radzinski, but have doubts over the fitness of Alan Stubbs, Thomas Gravesen and Duncan Ferguson.
Gunners’ forwards Dennis Bergkamp and Sylvain Wiltord will both be absent through injury, but youngster Jeremie Aliadiere is back in the running for a starting place following a stomach upset.
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United
Striker Javi Moreno is likely to make his debut for Bolton tonight should he receive international clearance.
Both Mario Jardel and Florent Laville will miss the game due to injury.
United are expected to welcome back Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy after Sir Alex Ferguson left both on the bench for Sunday’s 2-1 FA cup success away to Aston Villa. The only doubt concerns Rio Ferdinand who has flu.
Newcastle United v Leeds United
The Magpies are chasing the fourth place in the table, so as to qualify for the Champions League. For Leeds, it’s a different matter, with the Elland Road Club in dire need for three points to drag themselves away from the relegation zone.
Newcastle have no new injury worries, but will still be without Craig Bellamy and Lee Bowyer.
Leeds will be without forward Alan Smith following the club’s decision not to appeal against the two match ban handed down yesterday for bottle-throwing. On-loan Jermaine Pennant is back in the squad, after missing out on the 4-1 Cup defeat to Arsenal at the weekend and Gary Kelly could return from injury.
Tottenham Hotspur v Birmingham City
Spurs are owners of the dubious record – along with Portsmouth – of having lost more Premiership games than any other club so far this season – 11. White Hart Lane is not a happy hunting round for Birmingham, with only one victory there in 19 attempts – back in 1984.
Argentine Mauricio Tarrico is suspended for Spurs, while Dean Richards is injured along with Jamie Redknapp and Christian Ziege.
Meanwhile, Birmingham City will be without Matthew Upson, Stan Lazaridis, Jamie Clapham, but David Dunn is expected to be fit.
Manchester City v Charlton Athletic
Charlton will want to bounce back after their 3-1 drubbing away to first division Gillingham the FA cup 3rd round at the weekend.
The Addicks currently hold that all-important 4th Champions league spot, and will want to continue their excellent mid-season position.
For City Steve McManaman is their major doubt, meaning a possible start for Joey Barton. Fellow midfielder Michael Tarnat has a back injury, which could rule him out.
Charlton will welcome back midfielder Scott Parker and defender Luke Young. They are still without Shaun Bartlett, Richard Rufus, Gary Rowett and Kevin Lisbie. Paul Konchesky is suspended
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers
Wolves could bring in new signing Vio Ganea for his home debut. Both sides go into tonight’s game following disappointing Cup results
. Blackburn were thrashed 4-0 at Birmingham, and Wolves could only manage a 1-1 draw away to third Division Kidderminster. Striker Henry Camara is likely to start after a foot injury, Paul Butler and Paul Ince are also back in contention.
Blackburn’s Brett Emerton should return after a foot injury, and defender Craig Short should play despite a chest infection.
Middlesbrough v Fulham
Fulham travel to the Riverside on the back of claiming only one point out of their last four away games.
Boro are without goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer due to a back injury, Jonathan Greening due to tonsilitis and Gaizka Mendieta who has a virus.
The Cottagers welcome back Luis Boa Morte who has served his suspension and Lee Clark who has recovered from a calf injury.
Southampton v Leicester City
The Saints have conceded only seven home goals in the league this season, a record bettered only by Newcastle and Arsenal.
The Foxes are in a perilous position in 17th, but could move up to 13th if they record a victory this evening and other results go their way.
The Saints are without Graham le Saux who has a foot complaint, and Matt Oakley is another doubt.
Following his move from Newcastle, Nikos Dabizas is in the squad for tonight. Defender Steve Howey is likely to return from his hamstring injury, but the Foxes still have doubts over Riccardo Scimeca, John Curtis, Ben Thatcher, Frank Sinclair.
