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Atalanta - Cagliari
Both these sides have to recover from the slender defeats they suffered last week and can welcome back crucial players.
Atalanta had taken the lead away to Bologna only to succumb 2-1, and it is becoming a regular occurrence with Andrea Mandorlini’s side. Their inability to hold on to a lead is the reason why they are still without a victory this season and that must be addressed. Under-21 international Riccardo Montolivo should be back in action this week, while Demetrio Albertini has also recovered from a thigh problem.
Cagliari were sorely missing the firepower of both David Suazo and the suspended Mauro Esposito when they lost 1-0 to Milan, but both their strikers will return to partner Gianfranco Zola in this game. There is instead a change in defence, as Francesco Pisano steps in for the suspended Francesco Bega. That result ended an unbeaten home record that stretched back 19 games and their away form has been somewhat indifferent.
Atalanta (probable): Taibi; Rivalta, Natali, Gonnella, Bellini; Zenoni, Albertini, Marcolini; Gautieri, Budan, Inacio Pia
Cagliari (probable): Katergiannakis; Lopez, Pisano, Maltagliati, Agostini; Abeijon, Brambilla, Gobbi; Zola, Suazo, Esposito
Chievo - Reggina
The Flying Donkeys could consolidate third place or aim even higher when they welcome struggling Reggina.
Only Juventus and Milan have accumulated more points than Chievo so far this season and even without Gigi Del Neri their style of play continues to be effective. Matteo Brighi’s goal handed them a shock 1-0 win away to Lazio last week despite them playing for an hour in ten men, for which striker Simone Tiribocchi is suspended. It will be a special occasion for Roberto Baronio, who has never quite recaptured the glory days of his Amaranto career.
It would be a real surprise if Reggina emerged from the Stadio Bentegodi with a result, as they have lost their last two games on the trot to Milan and Sampdoria, while their away record is a dismal two draws and a defeat. Veron and Gigi De Rosa are ruled out with injury, but Shunsuke Nakamura could be given a starting place alongside Emiliano Bonazzoli.
Chievo (probable): Marchegiani; Malagò, Mandelli, D’Anna, Lanna; Semioli, Brighi, Baronio, Franceschini; Cossato, Amauri
Reggina (probable): Pavarini; Franceschini, Cannarsa, Zamboni; Mesto, Tedesco, Mozart, Colucci, Balestri; Bonazzoli, Nakamura
Livorno - Bologna
Things are looking desperate for Coach Franco Colomba, who has already been warned he faces the sack if he doesn’t defeat Bologna.
The tactician took over from Walter Mazzarri in the summer and has been unable to recapture the form that took Livorno to a shock promotion. Veteran hitmen Igor Protti and Cristiano Lucarelli are finding it tough in the top flight, while the defence is leaking goals and the team props up the table with just two points from six games. There could well be changes, with Marc Pfertzel and Alessandro Lucarelli relegated to the bench in favour of Jorge Vargas and Andrea Giallombardo.
Bologna were also in dire straits a few weeks ago, but victories over Roma and Atalanta have put them in a more comfortable mid-table position. The side may be lacking some creativity with the injuries to Mourad Meghni and Tomas Locatelli, but Christian Amoroso has emerged as a key figure and scored a fine goal last week. Youngster Giacomo Cipriani seems to have definitely pushed Ighli Tare on to the bench for that lone centre-forward role.
Livorno (probable): Amelia; Grandoni, Vargas, Melara, Giallombardo; Balleri, Ruotolo, Passoni, Vigiani; C Lucarelli, Protti
Bologna (probable): Pagliuca; Daino, Petruzzi, Torrisi, Capuano; Nervo, Zagorakis, Giunti, Amoroso, Bellucci; Cipriani
Messina - Lecce
This is sure to be a passionate affair, as the two most exciting Southern clubs in Serie A face off in the heated Sicilian atmosphere.
Newly promoted Messina have already made their mark on the top flight, beating Roma and Milan before finally losing their unbeaten record – and second place – in Turin. Riccardo Zampagna nonetheless became only the second player to put a goal past Juventus this season and will be fired up for more. Alessandro Parisi also has a point to prove after his disappointing performance against the Bianconeri.
Lecce are one of five teams to have scored in every game so far and hope to continue that record at the Stadio San Filippo. Alex Pinardi limped off with an injury during the 2-0 victory over Palermo, so brace hero Mirko Vucinic gets a starting spot alongside Valeri Bojinov and Sasa Bjelanovic.
Messina (probable): Storari; Zoro, Conte, Rezaei, Parisi; Giampà, Coppola, Donati, Sullo; Zampagna, Di Napoli
Lecce (probable): Sicignano; Cassetti, Diamoutene, Stovini, Rullo; Giacomazzi, Ledesma, Dalla Bona; Bojinov, Bjelanovic, Vucinic
Milan - Inter
The Derby della Madonnina is always a must-see match, but when both teams are firing on all cylinders it becomes a highlight of the campaign.
If Inter are to truly challenge for the title, then they must make their mark on this first head to head clash with another Scudetto contender. They have scored in every game so far this season and can count on the incredible form of Adriano, whose goals against Udinese will live long in the memory.
Christian Vieri’s confidence has also been boosted by ending his goal drought after six months and it’s likely he’ll be face to face with another striker looking for his first Serie A strike – best friend Pippo Inzaghi. Some doubts remain, as Francesco Toldo could again be dropped after he was benched for the Udinese match.
Former Inter star Hernan Crespo is also fit again, but is expected to start from the bench, while Jaap Stam is fighting to be ready after a long-term lay-off for a sprained ankle. Milan will be confident going into this tie, as they have won the last four derbies on the trot and are in a more comfortable second place in the table.
Their victory away to Cagliari was an important one, but both these sides have only won once at the San Siro this season. Carlo Ancelotti’s men tend to suffer against smaller clubs that try to pack the midfield, so they should in theory enjoy the relative freedom of Roberto Mancini’s all-attack tactics. With that in mind, the fans will also relish the opportunity to witness two such ambitious teams facing off for points and glory.
Milan (probable): Dida; Pancaro, Nesta, Maldini, Kaladze; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kaka; Inzaghi, Shevchenko
Inter (probable): Fontana; Ze Maria, Burdisso, Materazzi, Favalli; Veron, C Zanetti, Stankovic; Emre; Vieri, Adriano
Parma - Lazio
It’s crisis time at Parma with boss Silvio Baldini under severe pressure to deliver after a disastrous start to the season. The tactician has been backed by the outfit despite picking up just three draws in their six League games so far this season. Another loss against Lazio on Sunday could see Baldini’s future placed under review.
Parma were surprisingly beaten by Brescia in Week 6 despite the return to form of Alberto Gilardino. The striker seems to have found his goal touch again after netting for his club and country in his last two games. Gilardino opened the scoring at the Rigamonti but the Lombard outfit hit back with three goals of their own.
Baldini has no suspensions to deal with but Cardone, Maccarone and Ferronetti are all unavailable due to fitness issues. The tactician will be hoping that the likes of Bonera, Frey and Morfeo can find some much needed form.
Although Lazio lost 1-0 to ten man Chievo at the Olimpico last weekend, the capital side are a different proposition on their travels. Mimmo Caso’s tactics, with a very workman like midfield, seem more suited to away games seeing their ability to hit sides on the counter attack.
Di Canio, Muzzi and Rocchi should all start the game but Emanuele Filippini is out with a thigh injury. Matteo Sereni should continue in goal while Angelo Peruzzi recovers on the sidelines, while Cesar could start on the bench as his recovery from a muscle strain is going well.
Parma (probable): Frey; Bonera, Bovo, Cannavaro, Contini; Simplicio, Grella; Marchionni, Morfeo, Bresciano; Gilardino
Lazio (probable): Sereni; Oddo, Siviglia, Couto, Zauri; Dabo, Giannichedda; A Filippini, Di Canio, Rocchi; Muzzi
Roma - Palermo
There is renewed optimism in the Italian capital following the arrival of Gigi Del Neri as Roma boss. Having picked up four points from his first two games in charge, the Giallorossi faithful are hopeful that the tactician will get the team rapidly rising up the table.
Roma won 2-0 at Livorno in Week 6 after the tactician again decided to field the attacking trio of Francesco Totti, Antonio Cassano and Vincenzo Montella. Although Del Neri was thought to be a strict 4-4-2 man, he can’t bring himself to drop any of the three Italian internationals.
Montella in particular is shining after his six goals in Serie A so far this term. He should again lead the line but there could be changes for the Giallorossi. Ivan Pelizzoli may return in goal after injury, if he doesn’t then Carlo Zotti will continue. Daniele De Rossi is available again after he missed the Livorno show.
Palermo won’t be an easy team to topple though, as they will be keen to hit back after their shock reverse at Lecce. The Sicilians had numerous chances to win at the Via Del Mare on Sunday but wasted all of them. The Rosaneri do have problems to contend with as the trio of Conteh, Santana and Zauli are all doubts too due to fitness issues.
Roma (probable): Zotti; Panucci, Mexes, Dellas, Cufre; Mancini, De Rossi, Perrotta; Totti; Cassano, Montella
Palermo (probable): Guardalben; Zaccardo, Biava, Barzagli, Grosso; Mutarelli, Corini, Barone, Raimondi; Brienza; Toni
Sampdoria - Brescia
In-form Sampdoria will be confident of picking up their fourth consecutive victory on Sunday against a Brescia who have struggled this term. Samp began the campaign with three straight losses but boss Walter Novellino kept his cool and got his boys picking up the results that their potential suggests they deserve.
The 1-0 win at Reggina last week brought with it three more valuable points but Doria’s victory came at a price. Zenoni was dismissed and is subsequently out of the Marassi tie. He should be replaced by Sacchetti in defence. Novellino has no more selection problems and is hoping that his key men – Diana, Doni, Flachi and Bazzani – can deliver.
Not too many people will fancy Brescia’s chances despite their comfortable 3-1 win over Parma last week. That victory may well have just kept boss Gianni De Biasi in a job after the side’s struggles this term. The tactician does have some problems to resolve though due to injury and suspension.
Star striker Andrea Caracciolo will serve a one-match ban, with Adani, Schopp and Bachini also out for one reason or another. Fortunately Matias Almeyda has returned to the midfield, while young Daniele Mannini is impressing.
Sampdoria (probable): Antonioli; Sacchetti, Falcone, Pavan, Tonetto; Diana, Volpi, Palombo, Doni; Flachi, Bazzani
Brescia (probable): Castellazzi; Martinez, Di Biagio, Mareco, Dallamano; Mannini, Guana, Almeyda, Domizzi; Sculli, Nygaard
Siena - Juventus
Italian giants Juventus will be confident of maintaining their lead at the top of the table as they travel to Siena in Week 7. Although the Tuscan side collected an impressive 0-0 draw at Fiorentina last week, Juventus have won all of their away games so far this season.
Boss Fabio Capello should make few changes to his starting XI with only a question mark remaining over who to field in attack. David Trezeguet is out until the New Year so Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alex Del Piero and the in-form Marcelo Zalayeta are in competition for just two places.
Del Piero should be available for selection after sitting out the last two weeks in an attempt to resolve a problematic Achilles’ tendon injury. Juve will need him to return to his highest levels if they plan to cope without Trezeguet’s goals for the next three months.
Siena boss Gigi Simoni has a number of issues to resolve before the Turin giants come to town. Star man Rodrigo Taddei has still not been reintegrated back into the squad after a contract dispute. Colonnese, Manninger, Mignani and Di Donato are all on the treatment table.
Siena (probable): Fortin; Cirillo, Portanova, Argilli, Falsini; Nicola, Pecchia, Ardito, Vergassola; Graffiedi, Flo
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Del Piero
Udinese - Fiorentina
Fiorentina travel to Udinese on Sunday in the knowledge that anything less than a win may result in the axe for boss Emiliano Mondonico. The Viola have been the most disappointing side of the season so far after picking up just six points from six games – not enough from a side with UEFA Cup ambitions.
The Tuscan club’s biggest problem to date is scoring goals as they have netted just two in Serie A so far this term. A surprising factor when you consider that they signed Fabrizio Miccoli and Javier Portillo in the summer. It seems that they are missing the power of Christian Rigano – who may be able to feature against the Bianconeri depending on his recovery from injury.
Udinese themselves have disappointed neutrals so far. They were expected to make more of an impact after they the likes of Pizarro and Jankulovski stayed at the club, adding the talented Di Michele, Di Natale and Mauri in the summer. But they have collected just one win and five points so far. They will also be keen to forget about the 3-1 loss at Inter when they were basically destroyed by Brazilian ace Adriano.
Udinese (probable): De Sanctis; Bertotto, Sensini, Kroldrup, Alberto; Pinzi, Muntari, Jankulovski, Mauri, Fava, Di Michele
Fiorentina (probable): Lupatelli; Dainelli, Ujfalusi, Viali, Chiellini; Obodo, Ariatti; Jorgensen, Nakata, Miccoli; Fantini
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Norwich City - Everton
A Saturday lunchtime start for Everton gives them a great chance to further cement their position among the elite before the rest of the top flight have even kicked a ball.
Away to struggling Norwich is the sort of match Everton need to win to disprove their own self-mocking as being a "flash in the pan side".
And if they need any further motivation to continue their best league start for 25 years, assistant manager Alan Irvine believes it will come from being constantly written off.
He said: "Even after last Saturday's win (1-0 over Southampton) we were still getting stick - but that just motivates us even more.
"Everyone wrote us off at the start of the season but I think everyone came back with a determination to put right what was wrong last season.
"The players and staff were ready to prove people wrong about the things said about us during the summer."
Norwich will almost certainly be unchanged for Saturday's visit of Everton.
Manager Nigel Worthington looks set to stick with the side which drew 0-0 at West Brom last weekend thanks to a largely clean bill of health in his squad.
Gary Doherty has recovered from the ankle knock which kept him out of that game but the best he can hope for is a place on the bench. Young striker Ryan Jarvis has shingles and will not be in contention.
Everton (from): Will appear here...
Norwich City (from): Green, Edworthy, Charlton, Fleming, Drury, Bentley, Holt, Francis, Jonson, Huckerby, McKenzie, Helveg, Safri, McVeigh, Svensson, Doherty, Ward.
Aston Villa - Fulham
Thomas Hitzlsperger has revealed his determination to rediscover his best form for Aston Villa to help him realise his dream of playing in the 2006 World Cup finals with Germany.
Hitzlsperger won his first senior cap when he was called up by Jurgen Klinsmann for the recent friendly international with Iran.
He said: "The Iran game was a great experience for me. I'm really looking forward to the future because I can see now that I'm close to the first team.
"I've only played one game but I really want to go back and have some more and that means playing well for Villa, playing as many games as I can and playing good football."
Villa manager David O'Leary will be without midfielder Gareth Barry against Fulham although the midfielder is likely to be back from his knee injury in a fortnight.
Striker Andy Cole is available for Fulham's Barclays Premiership trip to Aston Villa after completing his four-match suspension.
Denmark midfielder Claus Jensen - who has not played for the Cottagers since August - will start after making a full recovery from his back problem.
Sylvain Legwinski (ankle), Lee Clark (calf), Alain Goma (calf) and Jerome Bonnissel (groin) are in the treatment room and unavailable for selection.
Aston Villa (from): Will appear here...
Fulham (from): Van der Sar, Crossley, Volz, Knight, Green, Pearce, Malbranque, Pembridge, Boa Morte, Diop, Radzinski, McBride, Cole, Jensen, John, Crossley, Rehman, Buari, McKinlay, Rosenior, Timlin.
Chelsea - Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has no fresh injury worries ahead of Saturday's clash with Blackburn at Stamford Bridge.
He will rely on the 19-man squad on duty against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.
Adrian Mutu is still unavailable due to his personal problems and fellow striker Didier Drogba misses out with a groin injury.
Defender Celestine Babayaro is close to full fitness again following his hamstring injury, but it is unlikely that he will be included in Mourinho's plans.
Arjen Robben remains out of action with an ankle problem.
Chelsea are unbeaten at home and have conceded just one goal at Stamford Bridge - bad news for misfiring Blackburn - and Rovers are desperately in need of a good result after a 4-0 thrashing by Middlesbrough at Ewood Park last week sent them into the bottom three.
Amoruso though will just focus on his own performance and that of his side.
He said: "I never worry about the other team unless the team is Arsenal, Barcelona or AC Milan. I respect all our opponents but I think in England the only team I fear is Arsenal.
"That is because they have a great squad, they play everybody in the same way all the time.
"I worry more about my own performance and how Blackburn Rovers play and I honestly think that we have the potential to beat any team in England."
With Tugay suspended, Rovers manager Mark Hughes will be crossing his fingers Garry Flitcroft recovers from a back problem to partner Barry Ferguson in central midfield, otherwise David Thompson could be a consideration.
Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Pigdeley, Bridge, Gallas, Carvalho, Ferreira, Huth, Terry, Cole, Duff, Geremi, Lampard, Makelele, Parker, Tiago, Smertin, Gudjohnsen, Kezman.
Blackburn (from): Will appear here...
Crystal Palace - West Brom
Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie is set to name an unchanged line-up for the Premiership clash with fellow strugglers West Brom.
Aki Riihilahti (bruised leg) and Fitz Hall (foot) have both recovered from injuries and will take their places in the starting XI.
Defender Danny Butterfield proved his fitness in the reserves after a hamstring injury, but he is unlikely to feature with Dowie set to stick with Emmerson Boyce instead.
Italian striker Nicola Ventola is still rated doubtful with a knee injury while Darren Powell remains sidelined with a fractured cheekbone.
Crystal Palace (from): Speroni, Kiraly, Boyce, Borrowdale, Popovic, Leigertwood, Hudson, Granville, Hall, Riihilahti, Kolkka, Hughes, Danze, Watson, Sorondo, Routledge, Soares, Johnson, Torghelle, Kaviedes, Ventola, Freedman, Lakis.
West Brom(from): Will appear here...
Liverpool - Charlton
Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia is planning to use last weekend's four-goal fightback against Fulham when the Anfield side host Charlton in the Barclays Premiership.
Whatever the end product of the Reds' current European campaign, manager Rafael Benitez knows he faces the same minimum task which dogged his predecessor Gerard Houllier through the turmoil of last season.
And Hyypia said: "That win could be a turning point for us for the rest of the season. We were all delighted at the end, as you could see on the pitch, but we still have to be patient.
"We are learning all the time about what the manager wants, but it will not happen overnight.
"If we can continue playing as we did in the second half we will win more than we lose."
Benitez knows - after a frustrating 0-0 home draw with Deportivo La Coruna on Tuesday damaged their current Champions League ambitions - there can be no more Premiership slip-ups, especially at home where Liverpool must strive to underline their new-found spirit.
"We saw a stronger mentality and spirit. In the first half at Fulham we were without confidence, but after the break we played much better and the spirit was there," said the manager.
"I was very happy the day I signed a contract with Liverpool, but to be losing 2-0 and then win 4-2 away, that was as good a day as I have had since I arrived. And we have taken one big step in our confidence now."
Charlton have no fresh injury concerns ahead Saturday's Barclays Premiership trip to Anfield, but Bulgarian international Radostin Kishishev remains doubtful.
The versatile Kishishev, who can play in either defence or midfield, picked up a groin problem on World Cup qualifying duty recently, which forced him out of the Addicks' last match against Newcastle and is rated only "50-50" by boss Alan Curbishley to feature at Liverpool.
Defender Mark Fish (knee) is another likely absentee, but striker Francis Jeffers is in contention for a return to the starting XI and captain Matt Holland looks set to start again in central midfield alongside Danny Murphy, who returns to Anfield for the first time since his summer switch to The Valley.
Liverpool (from): Will appear here...
Charlton (from): Kiely, Andersen, Young, Perry, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Murphy, El Karkouri, Rommedahl, Stuart, Holland, Euell, Johansson, Jeffers, Lisbie, Hughes, Bartlett, Kishishev, Fish.
Tottenham Hotspur- Bolton
Tottenham coach Jacques Santini has been left with a problem down the left flank as full-back Erik Edman and midfielder Timothee Atouba are both unavailable for Saturday's Barclays Premiership clash with Bolton.
Edman is still recovering from concussion while Atouba suffered lateral knee ligament damage during Tottenham's 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth on Monday.
With Mauricio Taricco suspended, Johnnie Jackson and Reto Ziegler will both come into contention for a start, while captain Jamie Redknapp will return to the centre of midfield after serving a one-match suspension.
Michael Carrick is likely to start from the bench again, while Santini also has Sean Davis available for selection as he works his way back from a knee injury.
Nigeria playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha is set to return to the Bolton squad against Tottenham following a groin injury.
Okocha was ruled out of the victory against Crystal Palace last weekend after suffering a recurrence of the problem.
Former Spain and Real Madrid star Fernando Hierro looks likely to be included with Ivan Campo sidelined because of a facial injury.
Veteran striker Les Ferdinand may have to settle for a place on the bench against his former club.
Tottenham (from): Robinson, Pamarot, Naybet, King, Carrick, Pedro Mendes, Mabizela, Davies, Davis, Redknapp, Jackson, Ziegler, Defoe, Keane, Kanoute, Gardner, Brown, Barnard, Sousa, Keller.
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, N'Gotty, Jaidi, Gardner, Hierro, Giannakopoulos, Speed, Okocha, Nolan, Davies, Diouf, Oakes, Barness, Pedersen, Ferdinand, Fadiga, Cesar
Manchester United - Arsenal
Fredrik Ljungberg demonstrated Arsenal's relaxed approach ahead of Sunday's clash at Manchester United as he relished the prospect of what is set to be a full-blooded encounter as "great fun".
Arsenal can not only reach a half-century in unbeaten league games if they avoid defeat but can also prove they have matured as a team since last season's ill-disciplined melee.
United, meanwhile, cannot afford to lose as that would extend their deficit to 14 points and, even with just 10 games played, it would give Arsenal a significant title advantage.
Ljungberg is nevertheless keen to play down the impact of the fixture, even though a war of words has again started between the two managers during the build-up.
"There is always the rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United and all the talk about the game," he said.
"Of course, it would be very nice to win it, but I don't like to talk about it. I will just go out to do my best and hopefully we are good enough to win the game.
"Manchester United away is one of the games you look forward to for the whole season. It's going to be great fun, that's the way I see it."
Earlier this week, Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira was initially given only a 20% chance of regaining fitness for Sunday's game after a twisted ankle sustained against Aston Villa, but he has since responded well to treatment.
Arsenal's medical staff currently rate his chances of playing at about 50-50 and the Frenchman will continue his intensive treatment over the next 48 hours before a final decision is taken.
Wenger has further injury concerns to address, with Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Edu all having sustained knocks in Athens, while Jose Reyes also required treatment.
Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard insists he has retained his self-belief despite losing his place between the posts to Roy Carroll.
The American, such an outstanding performer in his debut season, has not figured in the last six games following blunders against Bolton and then Lyon.
But Howard is determined to move back up the pecking order sooner rather than later.
"Being out of the side has not knocked my confidence, " he said. "I have self-belief.
"I just get on with things, there is no use in complaining. No-one listens anyway."
Central defender Rio Ferdinand is expected to return to the side against Arsenal after missing the draw against Sparta Prague in the Champions League because of his grandmother's funeral.
Captain Roy Keane could also come into contention. He was ruled out of the trip to the Czech Republic due to a virus.
Newcastle United - Manchester City
Nicky Butt returns to the Newcastle squad for Sunday's Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester City after missing last night's victory over Panionios through suspension.
Striker Patrick Kluivert could also be back in contention following his recovery from a hamstring problem and surgery to remove a wisdom tooth.
Keeper Steve Harper remains on stand-by with Shay Given's wife Jane due to give birth any day - the Irishman has made 139 consecutive league appearances for the club.
The Magpies picked up no new injuries in Greece and only Kieron Dyer is still on the casualty list with a hamstring problem.
Manchester City coach Derek Fazackerley believes the team's performances have merited more points than they have picked up so far this season.
"At the moment, certainly over the last five or six games the effort and enthusiasm put in by all the players from the goalkeeper through the substitutes' bench has been terrific," said the first team coach.
"They have got some rewards from that but undoubtedly they should have got more, particularly away at Southampton and Birmingham."
Newcastle United (from): Given, Harper, Caig, Carr, Bernard, Hughes, Elliott, O'Brien, Bramble, Taylor, Butt, Bowyer, Jenas, Robert, Ambrose, Milner, Brittain, Shearer, Bellamy, Ameobi, Kluivert.
Manchester City (from): Will appear here...
Middlesbrough- Portsmouth
Portsmouth forward Lomana LuaLua will bite Harry Redknapp's hand off to accept a wide role again at Middlesbrough, despite his dislike for the role.
When he was switched there by manager Redknapp after 56 minutes of Monday's clash with Tottenham at Fratton Park it was only seven minutes before he produced the run and cross for Aiyegbeni Yakubu's winning header.
"In the end I was just happy to be playing," said LuaLua who was voted man-of-the-match but just a few weeks ago feared he needed surgery to repair a groin injury.
"I didn't expect to start but when the manager tells you to play out wide then that is where you play."
Southampton and Birmingham City
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has tipped Julian Gray as a future England international ahead of the Blues' game against Southampton.
Given the dearth of left-sided talent available to Sven-Goran Eriksson, Bruce has no doubt that Gray has the potential to eventually step up into the England squad.
Bruce said: "I'm not surprised with the way Julian has started for us because that's why I brought him here. Of the summer signings, he is the one who has slipped quietly into here.
"But I did say at the time that he could be the surprise package and the supporters have quickly taken to him. It's hard to believe he has only played six or seven Premiership games."
Southampton defender Mikael Nilsson has blamed the Saints' injury troubles for their poor start to the season.
The Swede said: "We need to win a game soon because we are playing well and working hard.
"But the injury situation is not helping at all. It is an incredible list."
Loukkaantumistilanne joukkueittain linkistä (ei voinut kopioida) http://www.physioroom.com/news/table_current.shtml
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PREVIEW-Monaco hope to avoid late lapses against Auxerre
Fri 22 October, 2004 09:19
By Francois Thomazeau
PARIS, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Monaco meet AJ Auxerre in the highlight game of the Ligue 1 weekend on Sunday, hoping to stay focused for the full 90 minutes against the ever dangerous Burgundy side.
Auxerre are third in the standings, three points behind champions and leaders Olympique Lyon. Monaco lie fourth, one point adrift.
In their last three games, the principality team have had an embarrassing tendency to tire after taking an early lead and it is an option they cannot afford against gifted Auxerre.
Monaco's most spectacular collapse took place two weeks ago at home to Nice, when they lost 4-3 after leading 3-0 at half-time.
Last week against Metz, they also led for most of the game before finally settling for a 1-1 draw.
Didier Deschamps's team managed to hang on to a 2-1 victory in the Champions League against Olympiakos after leading 2-0 on Tuesday but also showed worrying signs of exhaustion towards the end.
"Victory is the most important thing but we still have to work hard to find our balance and keep it until the last minute," said Deschamps.
Greek defender Andreas Zikos agreed: "You cannot be satisfied when you see the way we finish our games. We're always in danger and we must find a solution quickly."
AJ Auxerre, unbeaten in their last five games, are especially dangerous upfront thanks to the swift counter-attacking game of Zimbabwe's Benjani Mwaruwari and Ivory Coast's Bonaventure Kalou.
INFLUENTIAL MODFIELDER
They also welcome back influential midfielder Yann Lachuer, who missed previous games with flu.
Monaco will be without defender and captain Julien Rodriguez and Uruguay's Diego Perez, who are both suspended.
The best news for coach Deschamps is the return of striker Shabani Nonda, who has resumed training after being sidelined by a thigh injury since July.
Lyon travel to lowly Istres, who are still seeking their first victory of the season and whose home record is even worse than their away one.
The three times champions have not been beaten since last May and look like facing a reasonably easy task.
Paris St Germain, their morale boosted by a 2-0 victory over Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday, need to confirm their return to form against struggling AC Ajaccio.
"I hope our victory against Porto will help us react in Ligue 1," said Portugal's Pauleta.
PSG are a disappointing 16th in the table.
(Channel 4, Sportin Life, Reuters)
Atalanta - Cagliari
Both these sides have to recover from the slender defeats they suffered last week and can welcome back crucial players.
Atalanta had taken the lead away to Bologna only to succumb 2-1, and it is becoming a regular occurrence with Andrea Mandorlini’s side. Their inability to hold on to a lead is the reason why they are still without a victory this season and that must be addressed. Under-21 international Riccardo Montolivo should be back in action this week, while Demetrio Albertini has also recovered from a thigh problem.
Cagliari were sorely missing the firepower of both David Suazo and the suspended Mauro Esposito when they lost 1-0 to Milan, but both their strikers will return to partner Gianfranco Zola in this game. There is instead a change in defence, as Francesco Pisano steps in for the suspended Francesco Bega. That result ended an unbeaten home record that stretched back 19 games and their away form has been somewhat indifferent.
Atalanta (probable): Taibi; Rivalta, Natali, Gonnella, Bellini; Zenoni, Albertini, Marcolini; Gautieri, Budan, Inacio Pia
Cagliari (probable): Katergiannakis; Lopez, Pisano, Maltagliati, Agostini; Abeijon, Brambilla, Gobbi; Zola, Suazo, Esposito
Chievo - Reggina
The Flying Donkeys could consolidate third place or aim even higher when they welcome struggling Reggina.
Only Juventus and Milan have accumulated more points than Chievo so far this season and even without Gigi Del Neri their style of play continues to be effective. Matteo Brighi’s goal handed them a shock 1-0 win away to Lazio last week despite them playing for an hour in ten men, for which striker Simone Tiribocchi is suspended. It will be a special occasion for Roberto Baronio, who has never quite recaptured the glory days of his Amaranto career.
It would be a real surprise if Reggina emerged from the Stadio Bentegodi with a result, as they have lost their last two games on the trot to Milan and Sampdoria, while their away record is a dismal two draws and a defeat. Veron and Gigi De Rosa are ruled out with injury, but Shunsuke Nakamura could be given a starting place alongside Emiliano Bonazzoli.
Chievo (probable): Marchegiani; Malagò, Mandelli, D’Anna, Lanna; Semioli, Brighi, Baronio, Franceschini; Cossato, Amauri
Reggina (probable): Pavarini; Franceschini, Cannarsa, Zamboni; Mesto, Tedesco, Mozart, Colucci, Balestri; Bonazzoli, Nakamura
Livorno - Bologna
Things are looking desperate for Coach Franco Colomba, who has already been warned he faces the sack if he doesn’t defeat Bologna.
The tactician took over from Walter Mazzarri in the summer and has been unable to recapture the form that took Livorno to a shock promotion. Veteran hitmen Igor Protti and Cristiano Lucarelli are finding it tough in the top flight, while the defence is leaking goals and the team props up the table with just two points from six games. There could well be changes, with Marc Pfertzel and Alessandro Lucarelli relegated to the bench in favour of Jorge Vargas and Andrea Giallombardo.
Bologna were also in dire straits a few weeks ago, but victories over Roma and Atalanta have put them in a more comfortable mid-table position. The side may be lacking some creativity with the injuries to Mourad Meghni and Tomas Locatelli, but Christian Amoroso has emerged as a key figure and scored a fine goal last week. Youngster Giacomo Cipriani seems to have definitely pushed Ighli Tare on to the bench for that lone centre-forward role.
Livorno (probable): Amelia; Grandoni, Vargas, Melara, Giallombardo; Balleri, Ruotolo, Passoni, Vigiani; C Lucarelli, Protti
Bologna (probable): Pagliuca; Daino, Petruzzi, Torrisi, Capuano; Nervo, Zagorakis, Giunti, Amoroso, Bellucci; Cipriani
Messina - Lecce
This is sure to be a passionate affair, as the two most exciting Southern clubs in Serie A face off in the heated Sicilian atmosphere.
Newly promoted Messina have already made their mark on the top flight, beating Roma and Milan before finally losing their unbeaten record – and second place – in Turin. Riccardo Zampagna nonetheless became only the second player to put a goal past Juventus this season and will be fired up for more. Alessandro Parisi also has a point to prove after his disappointing performance against the Bianconeri.
Lecce are one of five teams to have scored in every game so far and hope to continue that record at the Stadio San Filippo. Alex Pinardi limped off with an injury during the 2-0 victory over Palermo, so brace hero Mirko Vucinic gets a starting spot alongside Valeri Bojinov and Sasa Bjelanovic.
Messina (probable): Storari; Zoro, Conte, Rezaei, Parisi; Giampà, Coppola, Donati, Sullo; Zampagna, Di Napoli
Lecce (probable): Sicignano; Cassetti, Diamoutene, Stovini, Rullo; Giacomazzi, Ledesma, Dalla Bona; Bojinov, Bjelanovic, Vucinic
Milan - Inter
The Derby della Madonnina is always a must-see match, but when both teams are firing on all cylinders it becomes a highlight of the campaign.
If Inter are to truly challenge for the title, then they must make their mark on this first head to head clash with another Scudetto contender. They have scored in every game so far this season and can count on the incredible form of Adriano, whose goals against Udinese will live long in the memory.
Christian Vieri’s confidence has also been boosted by ending his goal drought after six months and it’s likely he’ll be face to face with another striker looking for his first Serie A strike – best friend Pippo Inzaghi. Some doubts remain, as Francesco Toldo could again be dropped after he was benched for the Udinese match.
Former Inter star Hernan Crespo is also fit again, but is expected to start from the bench, while Jaap Stam is fighting to be ready after a long-term lay-off for a sprained ankle. Milan will be confident going into this tie, as they have won the last four derbies on the trot and are in a more comfortable second place in the table.
Their victory away to Cagliari was an important one, but both these sides have only won once at the San Siro this season. Carlo Ancelotti’s men tend to suffer against smaller clubs that try to pack the midfield, so they should in theory enjoy the relative freedom of Roberto Mancini’s all-attack tactics. With that in mind, the fans will also relish the opportunity to witness two such ambitious teams facing off for points and glory.
Milan (probable): Dida; Pancaro, Nesta, Maldini, Kaladze; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kaka; Inzaghi, Shevchenko
Inter (probable): Fontana; Ze Maria, Burdisso, Materazzi, Favalli; Veron, C Zanetti, Stankovic; Emre; Vieri, Adriano
Parma - Lazio
It’s crisis time at Parma with boss Silvio Baldini under severe pressure to deliver after a disastrous start to the season. The tactician has been backed by the outfit despite picking up just three draws in their six League games so far this season. Another loss against Lazio on Sunday could see Baldini’s future placed under review.
Parma were surprisingly beaten by Brescia in Week 6 despite the return to form of Alberto Gilardino. The striker seems to have found his goal touch again after netting for his club and country in his last two games. Gilardino opened the scoring at the Rigamonti but the Lombard outfit hit back with three goals of their own.
Baldini has no suspensions to deal with but Cardone, Maccarone and Ferronetti are all unavailable due to fitness issues. The tactician will be hoping that the likes of Bonera, Frey and Morfeo can find some much needed form.
Although Lazio lost 1-0 to ten man Chievo at the Olimpico last weekend, the capital side are a different proposition on their travels. Mimmo Caso’s tactics, with a very workman like midfield, seem more suited to away games seeing their ability to hit sides on the counter attack.
Di Canio, Muzzi and Rocchi should all start the game but Emanuele Filippini is out with a thigh injury. Matteo Sereni should continue in goal while Angelo Peruzzi recovers on the sidelines, while Cesar could start on the bench as his recovery from a muscle strain is going well.
Parma (probable): Frey; Bonera, Bovo, Cannavaro, Contini; Simplicio, Grella; Marchionni, Morfeo, Bresciano; Gilardino
Lazio (probable): Sereni; Oddo, Siviglia, Couto, Zauri; Dabo, Giannichedda; A Filippini, Di Canio, Rocchi; Muzzi
Roma - Palermo
There is renewed optimism in the Italian capital following the arrival of Gigi Del Neri as Roma boss. Having picked up four points from his first two games in charge, the Giallorossi faithful are hopeful that the tactician will get the team rapidly rising up the table.
Roma won 2-0 at Livorno in Week 6 after the tactician again decided to field the attacking trio of Francesco Totti, Antonio Cassano and Vincenzo Montella. Although Del Neri was thought to be a strict 4-4-2 man, he can’t bring himself to drop any of the three Italian internationals.
Montella in particular is shining after his six goals in Serie A so far this term. He should again lead the line but there could be changes for the Giallorossi. Ivan Pelizzoli may return in goal after injury, if he doesn’t then Carlo Zotti will continue. Daniele De Rossi is available again after he missed the Livorno show.
Palermo won’t be an easy team to topple though, as they will be keen to hit back after their shock reverse at Lecce. The Sicilians had numerous chances to win at the Via Del Mare on Sunday but wasted all of them. The Rosaneri do have problems to contend with as the trio of Conteh, Santana and Zauli are all doubts too due to fitness issues.
Roma (probable): Zotti; Panucci, Mexes, Dellas, Cufre; Mancini, De Rossi, Perrotta; Totti; Cassano, Montella
Palermo (probable): Guardalben; Zaccardo, Biava, Barzagli, Grosso; Mutarelli, Corini, Barone, Raimondi; Brienza; Toni
Sampdoria - Brescia
In-form Sampdoria will be confident of picking up their fourth consecutive victory on Sunday against a Brescia who have struggled this term. Samp began the campaign with three straight losses but boss Walter Novellino kept his cool and got his boys picking up the results that their potential suggests they deserve.
The 1-0 win at Reggina last week brought with it three more valuable points but Doria’s victory came at a price. Zenoni was dismissed and is subsequently out of the Marassi tie. He should be replaced by Sacchetti in defence. Novellino has no more selection problems and is hoping that his key men – Diana, Doni, Flachi and Bazzani – can deliver.
Not too many people will fancy Brescia’s chances despite their comfortable 3-1 win over Parma last week. That victory may well have just kept boss Gianni De Biasi in a job after the side’s struggles this term. The tactician does have some problems to resolve though due to injury and suspension.
Star striker Andrea Caracciolo will serve a one-match ban, with Adani, Schopp and Bachini also out for one reason or another. Fortunately Matias Almeyda has returned to the midfield, while young Daniele Mannini is impressing.
Sampdoria (probable): Antonioli; Sacchetti, Falcone, Pavan, Tonetto; Diana, Volpi, Palombo, Doni; Flachi, Bazzani
Brescia (probable): Castellazzi; Martinez, Di Biagio, Mareco, Dallamano; Mannini, Guana, Almeyda, Domizzi; Sculli, Nygaard
Siena - Juventus
Italian giants Juventus will be confident of maintaining their lead at the top of the table as they travel to Siena in Week 7. Although the Tuscan side collected an impressive 0-0 draw at Fiorentina last week, Juventus have won all of their away games so far this season.
Boss Fabio Capello should make few changes to his starting XI with only a question mark remaining over who to field in attack. David Trezeguet is out until the New Year so Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alex Del Piero and the in-form Marcelo Zalayeta are in competition for just two places.
Del Piero should be available for selection after sitting out the last two weeks in an attempt to resolve a problematic Achilles’ tendon injury. Juve will need him to return to his highest levels if they plan to cope without Trezeguet’s goals for the next three months.
Siena boss Gigi Simoni has a number of issues to resolve before the Turin giants come to town. Star man Rodrigo Taddei has still not been reintegrated back into the squad after a contract dispute. Colonnese, Manninger, Mignani and Di Donato are all on the treatment table.
Siena (probable): Fortin; Cirillo, Portanova, Argilli, Falsini; Nicola, Pecchia, Ardito, Vergassola; Graffiedi, Flo
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Del Piero
Udinese - Fiorentina
Fiorentina travel to Udinese on Sunday in the knowledge that anything less than a win may result in the axe for boss Emiliano Mondonico. The Viola have been the most disappointing side of the season so far after picking up just six points from six games – not enough from a side with UEFA Cup ambitions.
The Tuscan club’s biggest problem to date is scoring goals as they have netted just two in Serie A so far this term. A surprising factor when you consider that they signed Fabrizio Miccoli and Javier Portillo in the summer. It seems that they are missing the power of Christian Rigano – who may be able to feature against the Bianconeri depending on his recovery from injury.
Udinese themselves have disappointed neutrals so far. They were expected to make more of an impact after they the likes of Pizarro and Jankulovski stayed at the club, adding the talented Di Michele, Di Natale and Mauri in the summer. But they have collected just one win and five points so far. They will also be keen to forget about the 3-1 loss at Inter when they were basically destroyed by Brazilian ace Adriano.
Udinese (probable): De Sanctis; Bertotto, Sensini, Kroldrup, Alberto; Pinzi, Muntari, Jankulovski, Mauri, Fava, Di Michele
Fiorentina (probable): Lupatelli; Dainelli, Ujfalusi, Viali, Chiellini; Obodo, Ariatti; Jorgensen, Nakata, Miccoli; Fantini
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Norwich City - Everton
A Saturday lunchtime start for Everton gives them a great chance to further cement their position among the elite before the rest of the top flight have even kicked a ball.
Away to struggling Norwich is the sort of match Everton need to win to disprove their own self-mocking as being a "flash in the pan side".
And if they need any further motivation to continue their best league start for 25 years, assistant manager Alan Irvine believes it will come from being constantly written off.
He said: "Even after last Saturday's win (1-0 over Southampton) we were still getting stick - but that just motivates us even more.
"Everyone wrote us off at the start of the season but I think everyone came back with a determination to put right what was wrong last season.
"The players and staff were ready to prove people wrong about the things said about us during the summer."
Norwich will almost certainly be unchanged for Saturday's visit of Everton.
Manager Nigel Worthington looks set to stick with the side which drew 0-0 at West Brom last weekend thanks to a largely clean bill of health in his squad.
Gary Doherty has recovered from the ankle knock which kept him out of that game but the best he can hope for is a place on the bench. Young striker Ryan Jarvis has shingles and will not be in contention.
Everton (from): Will appear here...
Norwich City (from): Green, Edworthy, Charlton, Fleming, Drury, Bentley, Holt, Francis, Jonson, Huckerby, McKenzie, Helveg, Safri, McVeigh, Svensson, Doherty, Ward.
Aston Villa - Fulham
Thomas Hitzlsperger has revealed his determination to rediscover his best form for Aston Villa to help him realise his dream of playing in the 2006 World Cup finals with Germany.
Hitzlsperger won his first senior cap when he was called up by Jurgen Klinsmann for the recent friendly international with Iran.
He said: "The Iran game was a great experience for me. I'm really looking forward to the future because I can see now that I'm close to the first team.
"I've only played one game but I really want to go back and have some more and that means playing well for Villa, playing as many games as I can and playing good football."
Villa manager David O'Leary will be without midfielder Gareth Barry against Fulham although the midfielder is likely to be back from his knee injury in a fortnight.
Striker Andy Cole is available for Fulham's Barclays Premiership trip to Aston Villa after completing his four-match suspension.
Denmark midfielder Claus Jensen - who has not played for the Cottagers since August - will start after making a full recovery from his back problem.
Sylvain Legwinski (ankle), Lee Clark (calf), Alain Goma (calf) and Jerome Bonnissel (groin) are in the treatment room and unavailable for selection.
Aston Villa (from): Will appear here...
Fulham (from): Van der Sar, Crossley, Volz, Knight, Green, Pearce, Malbranque, Pembridge, Boa Morte, Diop, Radzinski, McBride, Cole, Jensen, John, Crossley, Rehman, Buari, McKinlay, Rosenior, Timlin.
Chelsea - Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has no fresh injury worries ahead of Saturday's clash with Blackburn at Stamford Bridge.
He will rely on the 19-man squad on duty against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.
Adrian Mutu is still unavailable due to his personal problems and fellow striker Didier Drogba misses out with a groin injury.
Defender Celestine Babayaro is close to full fitness again following his hamstring injury, but it is unlikely that he will be included in Mourinho's plans.
Arjen Robben remains out of action with an ankle problem.
Chelsea are unbeaten at home and have conceded just one goal at Stamford Bridge - bad news for misfiring Blackburn - and Rovers are desperately in need of a good result after a 4-0 thrashing by Middlesbrough at Ewood Park last week sent them into the bottom three.
Amoruso though will just focus on his own performance and that of his side.
He said: "I never worry about the other team unless the team is Arsenal, Barcelona or AC Milan. I respect all our opponents but I think in England the only team I fear is Arsenal.
"That is because they have a great squad, they play everybody in the same way all the time.
"I worry more about my own performance and how Blackburn Rovers play and I honestly think that we have the potential to beat any team in England."
With Tugay suspended, Rovers manager Mark Hughes will be crossing his fingers Garry Flitcroft recovers from a back problem to partner Barry Ferguson in central midfield, otherwise David Thompson could be a consideration.
Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Pigdeley, Bridge, Gallas, Carvalho, Ferreira, Huth, Terry, Cole, Duff, Geremi, Lampard, Makelele, Parker, Tiago, Smertin, Gudjohnsen, Kezman.
Blackburn (from): Will appear here...
Crystal Palace - West Brom
Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie is set to name an unchanged line-up for the Premiership clash with fellow strugglers West Brom.
Aki Riihilahti (bruised leg) and Fitz Hall (foot) have both recovered from injuries and will take their places in the starting XI.
Defender Danny Butterfield proved his fitness in the reserves after a hamstring injury, but he is unlikely to feature with Dowie set to stick with Emmerson Boyce instead.
Italian striker Nicola Ventola is still rated doubtful with a knee injury while Darren Powell remains sidelined with a fractured cheekbone.
Crystal Palace (from): Speroni, Kiraly, Boyce, Borrowdale, Popovic, Leigertwood, Hudson, Granville, Hall, Riihilahti, Kolkka, Hughes, Danze, Watson, Sorondo, Routledge, Soares, Johnson, Torghelle, Kaviedes, Ventola, Freedman, Lakis.
West Brom(from): Will appear here...
Liverpool - Charlton
Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia is planning to use last weekend's four-goal fightback against Fulham when the Anfield side host Charlton in the Barclays Premiership.
Whatever the end product of the Reds' current European campaign, manager Rafael Benitez knows he faces the same minimum task which dogged his predecessor Gerard Houllier through the turmoil of last season.
And Hyypia said: "That win could be a turning point for us for the rest of the season. We were all delighted at the end, as you could see on the pitch, but we still have to be patient.
"We are learning all the time about what the manager wants, but it will not happen overnight.
"If we can continue playing as we did in the second half we will win more than we lose."
Benitez knows - after a frustrating 0-0 home draw with Deportivo La Coruna on Tuesday damaged their current Champions League ambitions - there can be no more Premiership slip-ups, especially at home where Liverpool must strive to underline their new-found spirit.
"We saw a stronger mentality and spirit. In the first half at Fulham we were without confidence, but after the break we played much better and the spirit was there," said the manager.
"I was very happy the day I signed a contract with Liverpool, but to be losing 2-0 and then win 4-2 away, that was as good a day as I have had since I arrived. And we have taken one big step in our confidence now."
Charlton have no fresh injury concerns ahead Saturday's Barclays Premiership trip to Anfield, but Bulgarian international Radostin Kishishev remains doubtful.
The versatile Kishishev, who can play in either defence or midfield, picked up a groin problem on World Cup qualifying duty recently, which forced him out of the Addicks' last match against Newcastle and is rated only "50-50" by boss Alan Curbishley to feature at Liverpool.
Defender Mark Fish (knee) is another likely absentee, but striker Francis Jeffers is in contention for a return to the starting XI and captain Matt Holland looks set to start again in central midfield alongside Danny Murphy, who returns to Anfield for the first time since his summer switch to The Valley.
Liverpool (from): Will appear here...
Charlton (from): Kiely, Andersen, Young, Perry, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Murphy, El Karkouri, Rommedahl, Stuart, Holland, Euell, Johansson, Jeffers, Lisbie, Hughes, Bartlett, Kishishev, Fish.
Tottenham Hotspur- Bolton
Tottenham coach Jacques Santini has been left with a problem down the left flank as full-back Erik Edman and midfielder Timothee Atouba are both unavailable for Saturday's Barclays Premiership clash with Bolton.
Edman is still recovering from concussion while Atouba suffered lateral knee ligament damage during Tottenham's 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth on Monday.
With Mauricio Taricco suspended, Johnnie Jackson and Reto Ziegler will both come into contention for a start, while captain Jamie Redknapp will return to the centre of midfield after serving a one-match suspension.
Michael Carrick is likely to start from the bench again, while Santini also has Sean Davis available for selection as he works his way back from a knee injury.
Nigeria playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha is set to return to the Bolton squad against Tottenham following a groin injury.
Okocha was ruled out of the victory against Crystal Palace last weekend after suffering a recurrence of the problem.
Former Spain and Real Madrid star Fernando Hierro looks likely to be included with Ivan Campo sidelined because of a facial injury.
Veteran striker Les Ferdinand may have to settle for a place on the bench against his former club.
Tottenham (from): Robinson, Pamarot, Naybet, King, Carrick, Pedro Mendes, Mabizela, Davies, Davis, Redknapp, Jackson, Ziegler, Defoe, Keane, Kanoute, Gardner, Brown, Barnard, Sousa, Keller.
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, N'Gotty, Jaidi, Gardner, Hierro, Giannakopoulos, Speed, Okocha, Nolan, Davies, Diouf, Oakes, Barness, Pedersen, Ferdinand, Fadiga, Cesar
Manchester United - Arsenal
Fredrik Ljungberg demonstrated Arsenal's relaxed approach ahead of Sunday's clash at Manchester United as he relished the prospect of what is set to be a full-blooded encounter as "great fun".
Arsenal can not only reach a half-century in unbeaten league games if they avoid defeat but can also prove they have matured as a team since last season's ill-disciplined melee.
United, meanwhile, cannot afford to lose as that would extend their deficit to 14 points and, even with just 10 games played, it would give Arsenal a significant title advantage.
Ljungberg is nevertheless keen to play down the impact of the fixture, even though a war of words has again started between the two managers during the build-up.
"There is always the rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United and all the talk about the game," he said.
"Of course, it would be very nice to win it, but I don't like to talk about it. I will just go out to do my best and hopefully we are good enough to win the game.
"Manchester United away is one of the games you look forward to for the whole season. It's going to be great fun, that's the way I see it."
Earlier this week, Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira was initially given only a 20% chance of regaining fitness for Sunday's game after a twisted ankle sustained against Aston Villa, but he has since responded well to treatment.
Arsenal's medical staff currently rate his chances of playing at about 50-50 and the Frenchman will continue his intensive treatment over the next 48 hours before a final decision is taken.
Wenger has further injury concerns to address, with Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Edu all having sustained knocks in Athens, while Jose Reyes also required treatment.
Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard insists he has retained his self-belief despite losing his place between the posts to Roy Carroll.
The American, such an outstanding performer in his debut season, has not figured in the last six games following blunders against Bolton and then Lyon.
But Howard is determined to move back up the pecking order sooner rather than later.
"Being out of the side has not knocked my confidence, " he said. "I have self-belief.
"I just get on with things, there is no use in complaining. No-one listens anyway."
Central defender Rio Ferdinand is expected to return to the side against Arsenal after missing the draw against Sparta Prague in the Champions League because of his grandmother's funeral.
Captain Roy Keane could also come into contention. He was ruled out of the trip to the Czech Republic due to a virus.
Newcastle United - Manchester City
Nicky Butt returns to the Newcastle squad for Sunday's Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester City after missing last night's victory over Panionios through suspension.
Striker Patrick Kluivert could also be back in contention following his recovery from a hamstring problem and surgery to remove a wisdom tooth.
Keeper Steve Harper remains on stand-by with Shay Given's wife Jane due to give birth any day - the Irishman has made 139 consecutive league appearances for the club.
The Magpies picked up no new injuries in Greece and only Kieron Dyer is still on the casualty list with a hamstring problem.
Manchester City coach Derek Fazackerley believes the team's performances have merited more points than they have picked up so far this season.
"At the moment, certainly over the last five or six games the effort and enthusiasm put in by all the players from the goalkeeper through the substitutes' bench has been terrific," said the first team coach.
"They have got some rewards from that but undoubtedly they should have got more, particularly away at Southampton and Birmingham."
Newcastle United (from): Given, Harper, Caig, Carr, Bernard, Hughes, Elliott, O'Brien, Bramble, Taylor, Butt, Bowyer, Jenas, Robert, Ambrose, Milner, Brittain, Shearer, Bellamy, Ameobi, Kluivert.
Manchester City (from): Will appear here...
Middlesbrough- Portsmouth
Portsmouth forward Lomana LuaLua will bite Harry Redknapp's hand off to accept a wide role again at Middlesbrough, despite his dislike for the role.
When he was switched there by manager Redknapp after 56 minutes of Monday's clash with Tottenham at Fratton Park it was only seven minutes before he produced the run and cross for Aiyegbeni Yakubu's winning header.
"In the end I was just happy to be playing," said LuaLua who was voted man-of-the-match but just a few weeks ago feared he needed surgery to repair a groin injury.
"I didn't expect to start but when the manager tells you to play out wide then that is where you play."
Southampton and Birmingham City
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has tipped Julian Gray as a future England international ahead of the Blues' game against Southampton.
Given the dearth of left-sided talent available to Sven-Goran Eriksson, Bruce has no doubt that Gray has the potential to eventually step up into the England squad.
Bruce said: "I'm not surprised with the way Julian has started for us because that's why I brought him here. Of the summer signings, he is the one who has slipped quietly into here.
"But I did say at the time that he could be the surprise package and the supporters have quickly taken to him. It's hard to believe he has only played six or seven Premiership games."
Southampton defender Mikael Nilsson has blamed the Saints' injury troubles for their poor start to the season.
The Swede said: "We need to win a game soon because we are playing well and working hard.
"But the injury situation is not helping at all. It is an incredible list."
Loukkaantumistilanne joukkueittain linkistä (ei voinut kopioida) http://www.physioroom.com/news/table_current.shtml
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PREVIEW-Monaco hope to avoid late lapses against Auxerre
Fri 22 October, 2004 09:19
By Francois Thomazeau
PARIS, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Monaco meet AJ Auxerre in the highlight game of the Ligue 1 weekend on Sunday, hoping to stay focused for the full 90 minutes against the ever dangerous Burgundy side.
Auxerre are third in the standings, three points behind champions and leaders Olympique Lyon. Monaco lie fourth, one point adrift.
In their last three games, the principality team have had an embarrassing tendency to tire after taking an early lead and it is an option they cannot afford against gifted Auxerre.
Monaco's most spectacular collapse took place two weeks ago at home to Nice, when they lost 4-3 after leading 3-0 at half-time.
Last week against Metz, they also led for most of the game before finally settling for a 1-1 draw.
Didier Deschamps's team managed to hang on to a 2-1 victory in the Champions League against Olympiakos after leading 2-0 on Tuesday but also showed worrying signs of exhaustion towards the end.
"Victory is the most important thing but we still have to work hard to find our balance and keep it until the last minute," said Deschamps.
Greek defender Andreas Zikos agreed: "You cannot be satisfied when you see the way we finish our games. We're always in danger and we must find a solution quickly."
AJ Auxerre, unbeaten in their last five games, are especially dangerous upfront thanks to the swift counter-attacking game of Zimbabwe's Benjani Mwaruwari and Ivory Coast's Bonaventure Kalou.
INFLUENTIAL MODFIELDER
They also welcome back influential midfielder Yann Lachuer, who missed previous games with flu.
Monaco will be without defender and captain Julien Rodriguez and Uruguay's Diego Perez, who are both suspended.
The best news for coach Deschamps is the return of striker Shabani Nonda, who has resumed training after being sidelined by a thigh injury since July.
Lyon travel to lowly Istres, who are still seeking their first victory of the season and whose home record is even worse than their away one.
The three times champions have not been beaten since last May and look like facing a reasonably easy task.
Paris St Germain, their morale boosted by a 2-0 victory over Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday, need to confirm their return to form against struggling AC Ajaccio.
"I hope our victory against Porto will help us react in Ligue 1," said Portugal's Pauleta.
PSG are a disappointing 16th in the table.
(Channel 4, Sportin Life, Reuters)
