Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool

The chairman, Sir Jack Hayward, has handed control over to his son after no buyer could e found for the midlands club.

Wolves will be without the injured Nathan Blake, although Steffen Iversen is available. Liverpool coach, Gerard Houllier has come under increasing pressure to put the club’s European dreams back on track.

The Frenchman will struggle after the news that Michael Owen, Harry Kewell, Milan Baros, Steve Finnan and Jamie Carragher are all out injured.

Everton v Leicester City
Both clubs are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone going into this match.

Everton will look to build on last weekend’s away win at Portsmouth, with Wayne Rooney, who scored the winner at Fratton Park, starting the game in midfield.

Leicester are closer to the drop zone after losing 2-0 to Birmingham last weekend, where goalkeeper Ian Walker and defender Matt Elliott were sent off.

Leicester will have Ben Thatcher available, despite having a broken hand and Steve Howey has returned form injury.

Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa

Steven Reid has joined David Thompson, Lorenzo Amoruso and Alan Kelly on the injury list.

Villa will be upbeat after beating Chelsea in the Carling Cup and coach, David O’Leary will hope to have both Juan Pablo Angel and Dion Dublin available for selection.

Fulham v Chelsea

The Cottagers have been boosted by the news that they will be returning to their Craven Cottage home, and that Manchester United target, Louis Saha, is expected to open contract talks.

Left-back Jerome Bonnissel is fit again and could replace Jon Harley, while Mark Pembridge is ruled out.

Chelsea may start with Adrian Mutu and Wayne Bridge, who were rested in the week. Hernan Crespo and Frank Lampard could also start.

Charlton Athletic v Newcastle United

Meanwhile Newcastle have made up for their slow start to the season by climbing into fifth.

Charlton will have Mark Fish returning, but Gary Rowett, Richard Rufus, Kevin Lisbie and Shaun Bartlett are all out injured.

Newcastle are still without Craig Bellamy, Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer, while Titus Bramble will also miss the match owing to suspension.

Birmingham City v Middlesbrough

Morrison has failed to make an impact at St Andrews since he signed from Crystal Palace. Coach Steve Bruce is likely to opt for Morrison given that summer signing Luciano Figueroa is finding it hard to adapt to the English game.

Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal

After beating Chelsea away last weekend and Southampton in mid-week, the Carling Cup semi-finalists will be full of confidence.

Bolton will welcome back Jussi Jaaskelainen, Kevin Nolan, Youri Djorkaeff and Per Frandersen, who were all rested against the Saints.

Arsenal will expect three points to remain top of the league, although Ashley Cole is suspended with Gael Clichy expected to fill in.

Southampton v Portsmouth

Portsmouth will be keen however, to avange their 2-0 Carling Cup and halt their slide down the league.

The Saints will have Kevin Phillips available for selection, while James Beattie could be sidelined with an ankle injury.

Portsmouth will be without suspended trio, Arjan De Zeeuw, Steve Stone and Patrik Berger.

Tottenham v Manchester United

Dean Richards is also expected to be unavailable through a knee injury.

Manchester United could hand Nicky Butt a start as they plan to rotate their squad over the busy festive period.