Hammers manager Grant misses Stoke trip as he observes holy day

TodayAston Villa v Bolton Villa striker John Carew returns to the squad after shaking off a hamstring injury while Bolton could be without captain Kevin Davies, who has not trained all week after clashing heads with Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Sep 2010, 02:53 BST
Updated 18th Sep 2010, 02:53 BST

Blackburn v Fulham

Ryan Nelsen and Michel Salgado are doubts for Blackburn after both limped off against Manchester City. Fulham winger Damien Duff should be available against one of his former teams after calf trouble.

Everton v Newcastle

Everton make a late decision on the fitness of key midfielder Tim Cahill, who is battling a knee problem. Newcastle striker Andy Carroll continues to battle against his ankle injury, but is expected to be fit, while Sol Campbell is approaching full match fitness.

Stoke v West Ham

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Midfielder Marc Wilson had a promising debut in Monday's win against Aston Villa and is likely to keep fellow transfer deadline-day signing Jermaine Pennant out of the side. Avram Grant will not be in the dugout for the Hammers as he observes the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur and defender Tal Ben-Haim will also not be involved.

Sunderland v Arsenal

Sunderland are without captain Lee Cattermole, who starts a two-match ban. Arsenal are without midfielder Abou Diaby (ankle) and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles).

Tottenham v Wolves

Rafael van der Vaart is doubtful for Spurs as he continues to struggle with the sore calf picked up during Tuesday night's 2-2 Champions League draw at Werder Bremen. Wolves are without Christophe Berra who is suspended. He is likely to be replaced by Richard Stearman.

West Brom v Birmingham

Baggies chief Roberto Di Matteo will have Graham Dorrans back following a family bereavement. New Birmingham signings Alexander Hleb and Jean Beausejour are fit to play, although the latter will start on the bench.

Tomorrow

Chelsea v Blackpool

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Frank Lampard has not recovered from hernia surgery but Didier Drogba, who was suspended for the Champions League game against MSK Zilina in midweek, returns to the squad. Gary Taylor-Fletcher is set to return for Blackpool after missing last weekend's victory at Newcastle with a calf problem.

Man Utd v Liverpool

Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to recall all his big guns. Dimitar Berbatov has already been assured his place in the Red Devils starting line-up and will almost certainly be joined by Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Paul Scholes, who all missed Tuesday's drab draw with Rangers. Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard return to Liverpool's starting line-up. The pair were left out of the Europa League victory over Steaua Bucharest as Hodgson made eight changes and he likely to effect a similar number at Old Trafford.

Wigan v Man City

Victor Moses should be fit to return for Wigan after an ankle problem. City chief Roberto Mancini is sweating on the fitness of Emmanuel Adebayor who missed the Europa League win in Salzburg after picking up a dead leg. James Milner and Adam Johnson could earn recalls.

Related topics:Avram GrantAndy CarrollBolton