Maanantain team-new´sit

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SPANISH ACE JOINS REDS INJURED LIST

Xabi Alonso has joined Liverpool's growing injury list and is set for two months out with a broken ankle.

He misses the trip to Norwich on Monday and it is increasingly unlikely that striker Milan Baros will be risked at Carrow Road as he battles to overcome his hamstring problems.

Manager Rafael Benitez is also without Chris Kirkland, Josemi, Vladimir Smicer, Djibril Cisse and Harry Kewell long term which leaves him with very few alternatives. Neil Mellor and Antonio Nunez could both come into the starting line-up.



Norwich manager Nigel Worthington will wait on a late fitness test on Thomas Helveg, who has been suffering from concussion, before naming his side.

Marc Edworthy, sent off after just four minutes in the Canaries' last outing at Portsmouth, is now suspended.

Damien Francis is expected to continue in the side after making a goalscoring return at Fratton Park after more than a month on the sidelines with a fractured cheekbone.


Norwich (from): Green, Drury, Helveg, Jonson, Fleming, Charlton, McVeigh, Francis, Doherty, Svensson, Mulryne, Huckerby, Bentley, McKenzie, Brennan, Jarvis, Crow, Gallacher.

Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Riise, Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Hamann, Nunez, Mellor, Sinama-Pongolle, Diao, Warnock, Biscan, Harrison, Whitbread, Welsh.
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EUELL PUSHING FOR RECALL

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley must decide whether to freshen up his side for Monday's trip to Blackburn following the New Year's Day defeat by Arsenal.

Curbishley had maintained an unchanged line-up for the fifth consecutive game within 21 days, but the likes of Jason Euell, Jonatan Johansson and Paul Konchesky will all be hoping for recalls.

Charlton are again expected to be without injured strikers Francis Jeffers and Kevin Lisbie, as well as defenders Mark Fish and Chris Perry.



Jonathan Stead is likely to get another chance to end his eight-month goal drought for Blackburn.

The England Under-21 striker has failed to find the net in 20 matches but will probably partner Paul Dickov as Jay Bothroyd is still sidelined with a thigh problem.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes will again be without Matt Jansen, Tugay and Craig Short through injury.

Charlton (from): Kiely, Young, Fortune, El Karkouri, Hreidarsson, Murphy, Holland, Kishishev, Thomas, Bartlett, Rommedahl, Hughes, Euell, Konchesky, Stuart, Hughes, Andersen.

Blackburn (from): Friedel, Neill, Todd, Johansson, Matteo, Reid, Flitcroft, Ferguson, Emerton, Stead, Dickov, Enckelman, Thompson, Gallagher, McEveley, Pedersen, Gray, Douglas, Johnson.
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SORONDO WAIT FOR PALACE

Crystal Palace are waiting to see whether defender Gonzalo Sorondo will be available for Monday's Barclays Premiership clash with Aston Villa at Selhurst Park.

Sorondo missed the New Year's Day defeat by Fulham after failing a late fitness test on a hamstring problem but the Uruguay international should be ready to face David O'Leary's side.

Finland midfielder Joonas Kolkka (ribs) is still in the treatment room while Nicola Ventola (fractured ankle) and Tommy Black (broken leg) remain long-term absentees.



Villa will be without suspended skipper and central defender Olof Mellberg.

The Sweden international, an ever-present this season, has to serve a one-match ban for incurring five bookings.

Mark Delaney is expected to return to partner Liam Ridgewell at the heart of the back-four after recovering from the groin injury sustained at Chelsea on Boxing Day. Striker Carlton Cole (hamstring) and midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh) are still ruled out.

Crystal Palace (from): Kiraly, Speroni, Boyce, Hall, Popovic, Granville, Leigertwood, Sorondo, Routledge, Powell, Torghelle, Riihilahti, Andrews, Watson, Hughes, Lakis, Johnson, Freedman, Kaviedes.


Aston Villa (from): Sorensen, De la Cruz, Delaney, Ridgewell, Samuel, Solano, McCann, Hendrie, Barry, Angel, L Moore, Berson, Davis, Postma, S Moore, Whittingham
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GAARDSOE GETS GO-AHEAD FOR BAGGIES

West Brom defender Thomas Gaardsoe returns to the squad after suspension for the home game against Newcastle on Monday.

Manager Bryan Robson is still looking for his first win after nine games in charge but his team have shown slight improvement by drawing their last two away games against Bolton and Manchester City.

Midfielder Jason Koumas is pushing for a place in the starting line-up - as is striker Robert Earnshaw - after recovering from a virus.




Newcastle boss Graeme Souness will anxiously await news of striker Craig Bellamy's knee problem before naming his side.

The Welshman limped off towards the end of yesterday's 2-1 victory over Birmingham, leaving his manager with a major headache with skipper Alan Shearer having damaged a calf in training on Friday and Patrick Kluivert still sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Stephen Carr could return to the squad after a knee problem, but Nicky Butt (knee), Robbie Elliot (ankle) and Ronny Johnsen (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.


West Brom (from): Hoult, Scimeca, Robinson, Purse, Gaardsoe, Greening, Horsfield, Johnson, Gera, Clement, Wallwork, Kanu, Koumas, Albrechtsen, Hulse, Kuszczak, Earnshaw.


Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Carr, Taylor, Bernard, Bramble, O'Brien, Hughes, Ramage, Bowyer, Jenas, Dyer, Robert, Milner, N'Zogbia, Brittain, Bellamy, Ameobi, Guy
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Brighton v Watford
Adam Hinshelwood is a slight doubt for Brighton after picking up a knock in the 1-1 draw at QPR.
Leon Knight is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up after being on the bench for the last two games.

Watford midfielder Gavin Mahon serves a one-match ban while Sean Dyche is doubtful with a groin strain.

Danny Webber could return to the starting line-up after making his return from injury as a substitute in the win over Millwall.



Stoke v Burnley
Defenders Clint Hill and Clive Clarke are suspended for Stoke after being sent off against Nottingham Forest.
Striker Chris Greenacre is a doubt after picking up an injury in the 1-0 loss while Dave Brammer (thigh) and John Halls (hamstring) face tests.

Burnley boss Steve Cotterill is likely to start with the same side that began the game against Leicester on New Year's Day which was abandoned.

Frank Sinclair should continue in defence after returning from a ban.


Cardiff v Nottm Forest
Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence will name an unchanged line-up.
On-loan West Brom midfielder Junichi Inamoto will make his full home debut but Joe Ledley (back and groin) and Gary Croft (knee) are still missing.

Nottingham Forest will be without star defender Michael Dawson after his fifth caution of the season.

Defender Gregor Robertson returns after a one-match ban but midfielders Adam Nowland and Paul Evans (both hamstring) are still doubtful.


Coventry v Leeds
Coventry boss Peter Reid could have two more players ruled out with the flu virus sweeping through the club.
Louis Carey and Stephen Hughes were substituted at half-time at Rotherham after feeling unwell and are doubts.

Leeds will be without defensive duo Gary Kelly and Paul Butler who are both serving suspensions.

Veteran striker Brian Deane is ruled out with a shoulder problem while Seth Johnson and Eirik Bakke (both cruciate ligament) are not yet ready to return.


Crewe v Preston
Billy Jones is ruled out for Crewe with a thigh injury, while Anthony Tonkin (foot) is unlikely to feature.
Striker Steve Jones is competing with Mark Rivers for a starting berth alongside Dean Ashton.

Preston boss Billy Davies is likely to stick with the same team that beat high-flying Sunderland 3-2.

Youl Mawene will continue in a defence that will be missing Marlon Broomes and Callum Davidson (both hamstring) while Tyrone Mears is still out.


Reading v Derby
Reading boss Steve Coppell will keep faith with striker Nicky Forster who has not scored in eight games.
Captain Graeme Murty was impressive on his return at Gillingham and had no reaction to knee and ankle problems.

Canadian striker Paul Peschisolido misses out for Derby after pulling his hamstring in the 1-0 defeat to Cardiff.

Jeff Kenna (ankle) is struggling but Richard Jackson should be fit after receiving a whack to the face and Marco Reich is pushing for a starting place.


Sunderland v Gillingham
Julio Arca suffered medial ligament damage in his knee during Sunderland's 3-2 defeat at Preston and is a doubt.
Midfielder Liam Lawrence missed the encounter at Deepdale with an Achilles injury and he is also struggling to be fit as is Carl Robinson (toe).

Gillingham boss Stan Ternent is hopeful Mamady Sidibe will be fit after the striker limped out of the 0-0 draw with Reading after suffering an ankle knock.

Darius Henderson is in line to start should Sidibe miss out.


Plymouth v Ipswich
Plymouth will be without Irish central defender Graham Coughlan, who sits out his last match through suspension.
New £100,000 signing striker Scott Taylor will hope to make his home debut, having come on as a second-half substitute against Wolves on Saturday.

Ipswich striker Shefki Kuqi picked up a knock during the 2-0 defeat to West Ham but should be fit to play.

Dean Bowditch could start after impressing when he came on while Kevin Horlock is pushing for a starting spot.


Leicester v QPR
Keith Gillespie is banned for Leicester after being sent-off against Sheffield United while Lee Morris continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.
Martin Keown should start after returning to City's line-up for Saturday's abandoned game at Burnley.

Jamie Cureton is available for QPR after a three-game ban but but fellow striker Paul Furlong is suspended after being sent-off against Brighton.

Tony Thorpe (knee) and Matthew Rose (hamstring) remain sidelined.


Millwall v Rotherham
Danny Dichio and Barry Hayles are suspended for Millwall, while an ankle injury has ruled out Paul Ifill.
Millwall player-boss Denis Wise is hoping Scott Dobie will pass a late fitness test.

Rotherham midfielder Shaun Barker is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Leicester.

Robbie Stockdale is again doubtful with a calf injury while Scott Minto is out with a virus, leaving boss Ronnie Moore with just 16 fit players to pick from.


West Ham v Sheff Utd
West Ham boss Alan Pardew could stick with the same XI that beat Ipswich.
Captain Steve Lomas (calf) and Teddy Sheringham (ankle) are still struggling to be fit while Luke Chadwick is recovering from flu.

Sheffield United's Leigh Bromby should be fit to start despite coming off against Wigan with a head injury.

Fit-again striker Luke Beckett is pushing for a Blades recall, as are defenders Rob Kozluk and Simon Francis and midfielder Nick Montgomery.


Blackpool v Port Vale
Blackpool will again be without Matt Blinkhorn (shoulder) and Paul Edwards (groin) for the visit of Port Vale.
Boss Colin Hendry is likely to keep faith with the same team which won against Wrexham on Saturday.

Levi Reid and Chris Birchall missed Port Vale's 1-0 defeat to Bradford through illness and may miss out again.

Lee Matthews, Robin Hulbert and Michael Walsh came through the match unscathed following recent injuries while Andy Porter is likely to be on the bench.


Doncaster v Bournemouth
Doncaster boss Dave Penney will be without goalkeeper Andy Warrington who suffered concussion against Walsall.
Michael McIndoe also went off with concussion but should be fit, while Simon Marples is still struggling with a groin injury and could miss out.

Bournemouth boss Sean O'Driscoll must decide whether to bring back top-scorer James Hayter after a long-term knee injury or reintroduce him slowly.

Warren Cummings should start in defence but Jason Tindall (knee) is still out.


Bradford v Swindon
Dean Windass is available for Bradford after serving a two-game ban for his red card in the 1-1 draw with Wrexham.
Danny Forrest may start after coming off the bench to score the winner at Port Vale, but new signing Andy Cooke was not registered in time to play.

Swindon boss Andy King may recall Sean O'Hanlon, Steve Jenkins and Chris Roberts if shake off various injuries.

But Stefani Miglioranzi is struggling for fitness following a stomach strain and is rated as doubtful.


Brentford v Walsall
Brentford boss Martin Allen is waiting on the fitness of Kevin O'Connor who has missed the last two games after bruising his foot on Boxing Day.
The Bees are looking to halt a run of three consecutive defeats.

Darren Wrack is back in contention for Walsall after missing the 1-1 draw with Doncaster with a slight injury.

Defenders Ian Roper (knee) and Ryan Willetts (ankle) are doubtful but Julian Bennett should be fit despite needing stitches in a head wound.


Huddersfield v Bristol City
David Mirfin has recovered from a hamstring problem and should return at left-back for Huddersfield.
Junior Mendes is pushing teenager John McAliskey for a starting role up front alongside top-scorer Pawel Abbott.

City will be without centre-back Tony Butler following an alleged half-time brawl with Peterborough's Clive Platt.

Clayton Fortune is likely to replace Butler at the back, while Marc Goodfellow may also come in after impressing on loan at Swansea.


Colchester v Oldham
Aidan Davison (groin) is a doubt for Colchester so 19-year-old goalkeeper Dean Gerkin is ready to step in.
Keme Izzet (ankle) and Karl Duguid (knee) remain on the sidelines while Bobby Bowry (groin) may also miss out.

Oldham striker Chris Killen could return for the trip to Colchester after missing the last four games with a groin injury.

Mark Hughes and Alex Bruce are also available after they extended their loan deals at Boundary Park


Hartlepool v Milton K
Defender Ben Clark has shaken off an ankle injury and could return to the Hartlepool line-up.
John Brackstone missed the 0-0 draw at Barnsley with a sore throat but could return, while Darrell Clarke is a doubt as he is still not over a knee problem.

On-loan Crystal Palace defender Anthony Danze is out of Milton Keynes line-up for two weeks with a hamstring injury.

Winger Malvin Kamara is fit after missing five games with an ankle injury and Danny Williams is close to a start


Stockport v Hull
Chris Williams is still struggling with the virus that kept him out of Stockport's 2-1 win at Torquay.
Midfielder Lee Cartwright (hamstring) and defender Mark Robertson (thigh) are also both out.

Hull's top scorer Stuart Elliott will be out for at least six weeks after fracturing a cheekbone during the 2-1 win over Huddersfield.

City will also be without Nick Barmby (suspended) while Marc Joseph is struggling with a rib injury.


Peterborough v Luton
Curtis Woodhouse is doubtful for Peterborough with a hamstring problem.
Defender Chris Plummer (shin) is another doubt for Barry Fry's side, while Gareth Jelleyman (hamstring) is a definite non-starter.

Luton boss Mike Newell has no fresh injury worries following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

But Newell, whose team are joint top with Hull, has admitted he may rotate his squad as they prepare for a fourth game in eight days.


Sheff Wed v Wrexham
Sheffield Wednesday will give fitness tests to Kenwyne Jones, Graeme Lee, Glenn Whelan and Matt Hamshaw.
All four players picked up knocks in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Luton.

Wrexham will be without centre-back Brian Carey and wing-backs Carlos Edwards and Dean Bennett while Danny Williams is also sidelined.

Wrexham boss Denis Smith may also rest striker Chris Armstrong, with Hector Sam and Juan Ugarte queuing up to replace the former Spurs forward

Tranmere v Torquay
Mark Rankine limped out of the 2-2 draw at Oldham with a groin injury but may be fit for the visit of Torquay.
Striker Graeme Jones has returned to training and may force his way into contention but keeper John Achteburg is still out with a knee problem.

Kevin Hill is suspended and will miss Torquay's trip to Prenton Park.

Leon Constantine (hamstring) faces a late fitness test while playmaker Alex Russell (Achilles) and Jo Kuffour (sickness) are also rated as doubtful.
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Boston v Leyton Orient
Boss Martin Ling is set to keep faith with the same Leyton Orient side which beat Kidderminster 2-1 on Saturday.
Gary Alexander (ankle) is still out and fellow forward Jabo Ibehere faces three months on the sidelines with inflamed tendons in his knee.

Boston manager Steve Evans is expected to keep faith with the starting XI which won 1-0 at Cambridge.

David Noble looks like being the only player to be missing as he continues to recover from a bruised knee.


Bristol Rovers v Northampton
Bristol Rovers will be without John Anderson due to suspension after he was sent off for violent conduct during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Shrewsbury.
Craig Disley is also set to miss out again through illness.

Northampton could once again be without midfielder Fred Murray who is a doubt because of an ankle injury.

David Galbraith and striker Tom Youngs have both been struggling with illness and may also miss out as could Charley Hearn who has a knock.



Grimsby v Cambridge
Defender Justin Whittle is likely to miss out for Grimsby with an ankle injury but Terrell Forbes is hopeful of recovering from a virus.
Michael Reddy, Andy Parkinson and Ashley Sestanovich are expected to continue in a five-man midfield.

Cambridge manager Steve Thompson has a couple of injury worries before the visit to Blundell Park.

Midfielder Luke Guttridge (back) and defender Warren Goodhind (hip) missed the defeat by Boston on Saturday.


Bury v Oxford
Bury idfielder David Flitcroft serves the final game of his two-match ban following his red card at Northampton.
The Shakers were defeated 1-0 at Lincoln last time out and are now without a win in five league games.

Oxford manager Ramon Diaz will be without midfielder Chris Hackett for the trip to Gigg Lane.

The 21-year-old was shown a red card for kicking out at Wycombe's Tony Craig during a 2-1 victory on Saturday and is suspended for three games.


Wycombe v Cheltenham
Wycombe boss John Gorman looks set to keep faith with out-of-form striker Nathan Tyson as the Chairboys look to end a run of three consecutive defeats.
Clint Easton and Russell Martin are available if Gorman does decide to shake things up.

Damian Spencer is out for Cheltenham after suffering a knee injury against Notts County on Saturday.

Captain John Finnigan is doubtful with a groin strain, but JJ Melligan should shake off a knee injury.



Chester v Lincoln City
Lincoln manager Keith Alexander will be hoping two of his injured players are fit to return at the Deva Stadium.
Midfielder Peter Gain (knee) and defender Gareth McAuley (Calf) have both missed the last two games.

Fit-again Chester goalkeeper Wayne Brown is putting pressure on current No.1 Chris MacKenzie for a starting place against the Imps.

But Chester are still without Richard Hope (groin), Darren Edmondson (leg) and Darryn Stamp (thigh).


Darlington v Macclesfield
Steve Payne (knee), Mark Bailey (ankle), Tony Barras (Achilles) and midfielder Neil MacKenzie (cartilage) are all out injured for Macclesfield.
But defender Andrew Teague has recovered from an ankle problem and is in contention for a place in the squad.

Darlington will be without midfielder Brain Close (suspended).

Quakers boss Dave Hodgson also has fitness doubts over Curtis Fleming and Alun Armstrong after both went off injured in the win over Scunthorpe.


Mansfield v Scunthorpe
Mansfield will be without striker Derek Asamoah, who is suspended after being sent off against Northampton.
Wayne Corden and Paul Warne should have recovered from the flu virus that has plagued the club over recent weeks.

Scunthorpe striker Steve Torpey serves the second game of a three-match ban and defender Tony Butler is suspended after his red card against Darlington.

Iron full-back Nathan Stanton is a doubt after suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat at home to the Quakers


Notts County v Rochdale
Notts County are likely to be unchanged for the visit of Rochdale.
Caretaker player-boss Ian Richardson is sidelined after knee surgery and striker Steve Scoffham is continuing to recover from a broken leg.

Rochdale manager Steve Parkin should name the same side that started the abandoned match against Grimsby for their away game with Notts County.

That means Taiwo Atieno is set to keep his place up front ahead of Paul Tait, who has recovered from a knee injury


Rushden v Swansea
Rushden will be without captain Stuart Gray for the visit of Swansea after he hobbled off during his side's 3-0 defeat by Southend on Saturday.
But Diamonds can call upon the services of Gary Mulligan and Sean Connelly who are fit after injury.

Swansea defender Andy Gurney remains suspended following his sending-off against Kidderminster on Boxing Day.

Leon Britton has recovered from a knee injury and is pushing for a starting role, as is Bradley Maylett (hernia


Yeovil v Shrewsbury
Yeovil manager Gary Johnson is set to name the same side that claimed a 2-0 victory against promotion-chasing Swansea on New Year's Day.
Lee Johnson has passed a fitness test and should continue in midfield.

Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters will again be without defender Darren Moss for the trip to Huish Park.

The full-back completes a four-match suspension, but Luke Rodgers and Ryan Lowe are pushing for a recall to the Shrews' starting line-up.
(BBC, Sporting Life)