Viikonlopun team-new's

[tallipoika]

Bodø/Glimt - Tromsø
Aspmyra, søndag klokken 18.00
Vårt tips: 3-1

Stig Johansen fikk seg en smell mot Bryne, men var utestengt og fikk hvile i cupen mot Aalesund. Han er likevel tvilsom til "Slaget om Nord-Norge". Mye tyder derfor på at Glimt stiller med samme lag som mot Aalesund. - Det blir nok ingen store endringer nei, sier trener Øystein Gåre til TV 2 Nettavisen.

Ole Martin Årst fikk seg en kraftig trøkk mot Raufoss i cupen og er veldig usikker til denne kampen. Usikker er også Steinar Nilsen og Tromsø kan få trøbbel i midtforsvaret i og med Mika Koppinen er ute på grunn av karantene. -Vi har ikke gjort opp noen mening om hvem vi bruker da, sier Terje Skarsfjord. Svein Morten Johansen og Ole Andreas Nilsen er helt sikkert ute.

Vi tror Bodø/Glimt fortsetter å ri på medgangsbølgen sin og gir Terje Skarsfjord sitt første tap som Tromsø-trener denne sesongen.

Lyn - Stabæk
Ullevaal stadion, søndag klokken 18.00
Vårt tips: 2-0

Mye turbulens i Lyn denne uken, med Teitur Thordarsons avgang og Tommy Berntsens inntreden som spillende trener. Fikk en strålende debut med 6-0-seier over Runavik i UEFA-cupen. Vraket den islandske veteranen i den kampen og slapp unggutten Eldar Hadzimehmedovic til på topp. 18-åringen takket for tilliten med å score samtlige seks mål og får sikkert muligheten igjen mot Stabæk.

Stabæk har fortsatt Tryggvi Gudmundsson på skadelisten, ellers råder trener Gaute Larsen over et skadefritt mannskap. Bærumsklubben jobber med å hente inn forsterkninger offensivt frem mot søndag, men Larsen tviler på at det skjer noe. - Jeg forholder meg til dem jeg har og kommer det noen så får vi ta det som en bonus, sier han til TV 2 Nettavisen.

Etter mye bråk virker det som om roen har senket seg litt i Lyn. Et trenerskifte slår ofte positivt ut i begynnelsen og vi tror Lyn drar dette i land.

Molde - Bryne
Molde stadion, søndag klokken 18.00
Vårt tips: 4-0

Molde tok seg greit videre i UEFA-cupen mot færøyiske Klaksvik og trenger en seier for å få avstand til lagene under nedrykkstreken. Virker å ha en stigende formkurve. Har bare islandske Bjarni Thorsteinsson ute med skade.

Bryne har fortsatt til gode å ta poeng på fremmed gress denne sesongen og har en lang skadeliste. Kai Ove Stokkeland, Trond Bjørnsen, Roger Nilsen og Knut Sirevåg er alle uaktuelle mot Molde, resten er spilleklare. - Men det er jo ikke mange, sier trener Reine Almqvist til TV 2 Nettavisen.

Molde har en formkurve som peker oppover, mens Brynes peker motsatt vei. Vi tror Bryne nok engang må reise hjem til Jæren uten poeng.

Odd Grenland - Brann
Odd stadion, søndag klokken 18.00
Vårt tips: 1-3

Trener Arne Sandstø må gjøre tre endringer på laget. Alexander Aas og Morten Fevang er utestengt og midtstopper Ronny Deila sliter med en strekk i låret. Det betyr at to av den faste bakre fireren er ute for skienslaget og det til vanlig pottetette forsvaret kan få trøbbel.

Brann flyter på en enorm medgangsbølge for tiden og lite tyder på at trener Mons Ivar Mjelde gjør så veldig store endringer på laget som banket Sogndal 6-1. Martin Knudsen fikk seg noen smeller og er tvilsom, men håper å være klar til søndagens kamp.

Brann er i kalasform og strutter av selvtillit. Vi tror de legger et reservepreget Odd-forsvar under press og tar tre nye poeng.

Viking - Aalesund
Stavanger stadion, søndag klokken 18.00
Vårt tips: 3-0

Erik Fuglestad og Jørgen Tengesdal er fortsatt uaktuelle for Viking. I tillegg har Bjørn Berland problemer med akillesen og står over. Trener Kjell Inge Olsen tror det blir seier mot bunnlaget Aalesund. - Det regner vi med, sier han til TV 2 Nettavisen.

Aalesund mangler tre midtbanemenn i møtet med Viking. Joakim Austnes og Rune Johansen er skadet, mens Erlend Holm er utestengt. Sunnmøringene vil ikke hente inn noen nye spillere for å redde plassen i Tippeligaen. - Vi er lugn, sier Ivar Morten Normark.

Viking skal være et klart bedre lag enn Aalesund og vi regner med de sender gjestene hjem uten poeng.

Sogndal - Rosenborg
Fosshaugane, søndag klokken 20.15
Vårt tips: 1-3

Sogndal har fortsatt Tommy Øren, Christian Kalvenes, Rune Buer Johansen og Ousman Nyan ute med skader og trener Jan Halvor Halvorsen har få mann å velge mellom på midten. Vil reise seg etter 1-6 mot Brann og satser alt på å få heng på Bodø/Glimt i sølvkampen.

Rosenborg må klare seg uten Dagfinn Enerly og vil sjekke Espen Johnsen og Vidar Riseth før toppkampen i Sogndal. - Vi tror i hvert fall Riseth blir klar, sier Ola By Rise til TV 2 Nettavisen.

Sogndal møter et revansjesugent Rosenborg og vi tror trønderne lar Champions League-exiten gå utover Sogndal.

Spanish first division matches, Aug 30-31
Fri 29 August, 2003 12:28 BST

By Kevin Fylan

MADRID, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Real Madrid will look for more home heroics from new signing David Beckham when they begin the defence of their league title against Real Betis at the Bernabeu on Saturday (kickoff 1730 GMT).

Real have had an unsettling build-up to the new campaign, featuring an exhausting tour of the Far East, Claude Makelele's pay rebellion and an as-yet-unsuccessful search for a new centre-back.

New Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, brought in to replace Vicente del Bosque despite the latter's extraordinary run of success over the past four seasons, at least had the satisfaction of landing his first title in the Super Cup in midweek.

Beckham capped a much-improved performance in that 3-0 win over Real Mallorca with the team's third goal, and Queiroz will hope the England captain once again demonstrates his liking for the big occasion with an eye-catching display against Betis.

With Beckham's precise passing and dead-ball skills now added to the mix, Real should be even more of a danger in attack than last season, when they won 4-1 at home to Betis in the league.

Queiroz will have serious worries about the defence, though, unless the club manage to bring in a replacement for departed club captain Fernando Hierro before the transfer deadline.

The coach is also likely to be without Makelele, with the Frenchman expected to complete a move to Chelsea on Friday.

Real should still have enough quality to overcome Betis and launch their title defence with a solid start.

Betis have the talent to match any side on their day, but too often their form deserts them away from home.

They will hope the addition to their squad of former Real Madrid striker Tote will help them avoid a repeat of last season's heavy defeat.

Other matches being played in the Spanish first division this weekend (kickoff times GMT):

Saturday:

ATHLETIC BILBAO v BARCELONA (1930)

A trip to the Basque country represents a tricky start for new Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard and the club's 30 million euros ($32.76 million) signing Ronaldinho.

With Dutch centre-forward Patrick Kluivert carrying a two-match suspension into the new season, Ronaldinho will play alongside Javier Saviola up front. Mexican centre-half Rafael Marquez is likely to miss out with a knee injury.

Saturday's game will also be a first for Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde following his appointment to replace Jupp Heynckes. He has had no money to spend and it will be asking a lot of his squad to start the season with a victory. - - - -

ESPANYOL v REAL SOCIEDAD (1845)

Espanyol boss Javier Clemente should give debuts to new arrivals Tayfun Korkut, the Turkish midfielder signed from Real Sociedad, and Catalan playmaker Jordi Cruyff for this clash with last season's runners-up.

Sociedad have also strengthened their squad over the close-season and South Korea midfielder Lee Chun-soo should get his first league run-out, playing just behind the devastating forward partnership of Darko Kovacevic and Nihat Kahveci. - - - -

MALAGA v VILLARREAL (1900)

Malaga begin life without former coach Joaquin Peiro and prolific strikers Dario Silva and Dely Valdes against a Villarreal team with high hopes of a successful season.

While new Malaga coach Juande Ramos will be struggling to put together a forward line, his opposite number at Villarreal Benito Floro can call on the Brazilian Sonny Anderson, Spanish international Jose Mari and Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, signed this week on loan from Barcelona. - - - -

VALENCIA v VALLADOLID (1930)

Valencia coach Rafa Benitez will hope to see new Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira settle quickly to give his side's title challenge an early lift.

Valencia, league champions in 2002, slipped down to fifth last season as they paid the price for their lack of ambition in attack, but the arrival of Oliveira from Santos should correct that problem.

Valladolid had one of the best defences in the country last season, but centre-back Mario has gone to Barcelona and they will need former Real Madrid defender Julio Cesar to rediscover his form as quickly as possible. - - - -

Sunday:

ALBACETE v OSASUNA (1900)

Newly promoted Albacete will have high hopes of getting off to a positive start against Osasuna, who just managed to avoid relegation last season and are likely to struggle again this term. - - - -

CELTA VIGO v MURCIA (1800)

Celta scraped into the Champions League in midweek, a 2-0 defeat away to Slavia Prague taking them through the qualifying round 3-2 on aggregate.

The hard job of balancing European and domestic campaigns will now begin for coach Miguel Angel Lotina, but he will be reasonably confident of starting the season on a winning note against Murcia.

Last season's division two champions have hardly added to their squad over the close-season and have lost their coach David Vidal. This could be the start of a difficult campaign. - - - -

RACING SANTANDER v REAL MALLORCA (1800)

Mallorca suffered a 3-0 defeat at Real Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of the Super Cup, but coach Jaime Pacheco will focus on his side's 2-1 win in the first leg as a guide to what his side can achieve this season.

In that game, Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o and new Dutch signing Arnold Bruggink formed a destructive partnership in attack and the islanders should have too much firepower for Santander. - - - -

REAL ZARAGOZA v DEPORTIVO CORUNA (1930)

Zaragoza, runners-up in division two last season, look to have a decent chance of staying up and this will be a good chance for a confidence-boosting first win.

Deportivo had an extremely tough Champions League qualifier against Rosenborg Trondheim in midweek, only just managing to sneak through on a 1-0 aggregate.

The 2000 league champions have lost top scorer Roy Makaay to Bayern Munich and will need Albert Luque or Diego Tristan to take more responsibility this term. - - - -

SEVILLA v ATLETICO MADRID (1930)

Atletico Madrid will hope to complete the signing of Argentine midfielder Ariel Ibagaza from Real Mallorca in time to play against Sevilla.

Atletico have high hopes of challenging for a Champions League place this season under new coach Gregorio Manzano but Sevilla, bolstered by the signing of Uruguayan striker Dario Silva, will pose a tough challenge for the opening weekend.

Italian first division matches, Aug 30-Sept 1
Fri 29 August, 2003 12:04 BST

By James Eve

ROME, August 29 (Reuters) - Serie A champions Juventus launch their 2003-04 campaign with what promises to be an untroubled opener against Empoli in Turin on Sunday (1300 GMT).

Last season, as Marcello's Lippi's side cruised to their second consecutive title, the Tuscan club scraped through to another year in the top flight because of their good record in direct matches against relegation rivals.

Few would bet against a third Juve triumph in a row, especially after a close-season spending spree that has strengthened the squad in every area.

Italian international Nicola Legrottaglie brings a welcome shot of young blood to Juve's ageing defence, while ex-Brescia midfielder Stephen Appiah has already proved to be a reliable alternative to Edgar Davids.

Up front, Fabrizio Miccoli, one of the shining lights of Serie A last season, has returned from a loan spell at Perugia to reinforce Juve's formidable attack trio of Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Marco Di Vaio.

Empoli coach Daniele Baldini, meanwhile, must make the most of more modest resources, although he will be relieved that Italian international striker Antonio Di Natale has recovered from a back injury that sidelined him for last season.

Baldini can also count on experience between the posts, where ex-Torino goalkeeper Luca Bucci will try to break his new team's league duck against Juventus at the Stadio delle Alpi.

"In Turin, we'll just have to play our own match and try not to give them anything," Bucci told Empoli's official website.

"There isn't a single name I'd pick out as being especially dangerous. All of them have the skills to give us problems," he said.

Other Italian first division match previews (last season's final Serie A position in parentheses, all kickoff times 1300 GMT unless stated).

ANCONA (-) v AC MILAN (3) Monday, Sept 1 (1830 GMT)

AC Milan's European Supercup clash with Portuguese side Porto has pushed back their first Serie A match to Monday. Last season's European champions have shown indifferent pre-season form, hampered by injuries to defenders Paolo Maldini and Kakhaber Kaladze.

Veteran striker Dario Hubner heads an Ancona side that bears little resemblance to the one that gained promotion last season.

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BOLOGNA (11) v PARMA (5) Sunday, Aug 31 (1830 GMT)

With Argentine striker Julio Cruz soon to depart to Inter Milan, new Bologna coach Carlo Mazzone may be forced to fall back on the reliable skills of veteran goalscorer Beppe Signori.

Following the transfer of Adrian Mutu to Chelsea, Parma face similar problems up front, although the team can rely on the creative midfield support of Domenico Morfeo and Hidetoshi Nakata behind lone striker Adriano.

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BRESCIA (9) v CHIEVO VERONA (7)

Key Brescia player Roberto Baggio will miss his side's Serie A opener against Chievo as he recovers from knee surgery.

Two years on from their first appearance in the top flight, tiny Chievo no longer seem like impostors. Their coach Luigi Del Neri begins the new season without suspended defender Lorenzo D'Anna, but ex-Modena striker Giuseppe Sculli should provide plenty of firepower up front.

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INTER MILAN (2) v MODENA (13)

After twice coming close to winning the scudetto, Inter coach Hector Cuper knows this is a crunch year. After impressive pre-season performances, 18-year-old Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins is likely to start in the position vacated by Hernan Crespo alongside Christian Vieri in attack.

Modena narrowly avoided the drop last season but will need all the inventiveness of French striker Diomansy Kamara to repeat the feat.

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LAZIO (4) v LECCE (-)

Champions League qualification against Benfica has given Lazio a pre-season fillip and ex-Milan playmaker Demetrio Albertini is likely to make his league debut for the club.

After a single season in Serie B, Lecce have made a speedy return to the top flight. Striker Ernesto Chevanton, 23, leads their challenge for Serie A survival.

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PERUGIA (10) v SIENA (-)

Ex-Coventry striker Jay Bothroyd's pre-season performances helped win Perugia a place in the Uefa Cup, suggesting the 21-year-old is ready to step into the breach left by Fabrizio Miccoli.

Newly-promoted Siena, meanwhile, have placed their trust in a number of better-known names, including a strike partnership of ex-Fiorentina player Enrico Chiesa and Norwegian international Tore Andre Flo.

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REGGINA (14) v SAMPDORIA (-) Saturday, Aug 30 (1600 GMT)

Last season, Reggina had to win a play-off against Atalanta to survive in the first division. For their opener, they will be without suspended striker Emiliano Bonazzoli, whose goals kept them afloat.

Sampdoria have invested heavily in new players for their return to Serie A. Striker Massimo Marazzina will try to rediscover the form he showed at Chievo, backed up by Italian international midfielder Cristiano Doni.

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UDINESE (6) v AS ROMA (

AS Roma count themselves among the contenders for this season's scudetto, but will have a tough job winning their opening match against solid Udinese, whose single defeat at home last season came at the hands of eventual champions Juventus.

Roma captain Francesco Totti's suspension clears the way for Vincenzo Montella to start alongside Antonio Cassano in attack.


Everton v Liverpool

Steve Simonsen is on stand-by to deputise in goal should Richard Wright's knee injury prevent him playing. Simonsen steps up the pecking order after Everton allowed goalkeeper Paul Gerrard to join First Division Sheffield United on a three-month loan. Wright picked up the injury in the midweek draw at Charlton. Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen has a chance of returning to the side following a knee injury which sidelined him for the past two games. Lee Carsley (knee), Scot Gemmill (thigh) and Kevin Campbell (hamstring) are all still out, although striker Duncan Ferguson is available after a three-match suspension.

Liverpool are battling to get key defender Stephane Henchoz and striker Emile Heskey fit. Henchoz (ankle) and Heskey (calf and shin) missed the draw with Tottenham. Gerard Houllier may also recall Danny Murphy and John Arne Riise after dropping them against Spurs.

Aston Villa v Leicester City

Aston Villa are set to recall striker Darius Vassell and midfielder Gavin McCann. The pair were missing from the Villa side that started Wednesday's 2-0 defeat against Arsenal. Vassell was dropped to the bench for tactical reasons while McCann missed the match with a stomach bug. Mark Kinsella and Ulises De La Cruz will stand down to make way for their returns.

Les Ferdinand will undergo a late fitness test. Ferdinand is nursing a knee injury sustained in the 2-2 home draw with Southampton on the opening day of the season. Centre back Matt Elliott is still sidelined by a broken toe and Frank Sinclair by a hip injury.


Bolton Wanderers v Charlton Athletic

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has a defensive headache. Anthony Barness and Bruno N'Gotty are both ruled out after suffering hamstring injuries in the defeat by Portsmouth. Midfielder Gareth Farrelly is pushing for a place in the squad after scoring a hat-trick in a behind closed doors game in midweek.

Charlton striker Paolo di Canio is a doubt after bruising his knee during the 4-0 mauling of Wolves last Saturday. The fiery Italian has been running in training this week but might not be deemed ready for the Reebok Stadium clash, allowing Jason Euell and Shaun Bartlett to continue their profitable partnership up front. Defender Gary Rowett has also been sidelined by a knee injury while long-term absentee Richard Rufus has returned to training, although he is still a couple of weeks away from first-team action. Youngster Osei Sankofa will be drafted into the squad as cover.

Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea are in a race against time to win international clearance for £16.8million striker Hernan Crespo before Saturday's clash with Blackburn at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have until the 3pm kick-off to receive official papers from the Italian Football Federation concerning the former Inter Milan player.

If the documentation does not arrive in time, Claudio Ranieri's forward pairing is expected to be Adrian Mutu and either Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink or Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Centre-back William Gallas is a doubt with a neck strain, while Damien Duff will be recalled to face his former team after being rested for Chelsea's successful Champions League qualifier on Tuesday.

Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Ambrosio, Melchiot, Johnson, Bridge, Babayaro, Desailly, Terry, Gallas, Huth, Veron, Geremi, Lampard, Petit, Cole, Duff, Stanic, Gronkjaer, Mutu, Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen


Middlesbrough v Leeds United

England full-back Danny Mills is set to make his debut against Leeds after joining on a season-long loan from the Elland Road club. Spanish star Gaizka Mendieta will also make his first home appearance after an impressive debut in the midweek. Boss Steve McClaren has injury worries over defenders Chris Riggott (back) and Colin Cooper (groin). If Cooper is ruled out England Under-21 international Stuart Parnaby could be switched to left-back. Central defender Ugo Ehiogu and striker Massimo Maccarone are long-term injuries.

Lucas Radebe and Didier Domi are back in contention. Radebe missed the draw with Southampton due to an ongoing knee problem which precludes him from playing two matches in the space of a few days. Domi is struggling for match fitness and may be on the bench, however, Jody Morris, Ian Harte and Frazer Richardson, who all picked up knee knocks against the Saints, are fit and included in the squad.


Newcastle United v Birmingham City

Striker Mikael Forssell is unlikely to figure. Forssell joined Birmingham on a four-month loan deal from Chelsea and manager Steve Bruce will make a late decision on whether to include him on the bench. French striker Christophe Dugarry misses his second successive game as he continues his recovery from minor knee surgery. Former England under-21 international central defender Darren Purse is struggling to shake off a cold.


Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham

Frederic Kanoute could make his first start for Tottenham after missing the opening-day defeat at Birmingham with a groin injury. Wing back Mauricio Taricco survived a fitness test on a calf strain to play in the midweek draw at Liverpool and is expected to take his place in an otherwise unchanged side, but manager Glenn Hoddle must choose between Canadian Lars Hirschfeld and England Under-20 keeper Rob Burch for the bench instead of Chelsea-bound Neil Sullivan.

Fulham expect injured duo Sylvain Legwinski and Martin Djetou to have recovered in time. The French pair both sustained injuries in Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Everton but should be given the nod for the clash at White Hart Lane. Sean Davies is still sidelined by his knee injury while France international striker Steve Marlet has made a season-long loan move to Marseille.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Portsmouth

Wolves new boy Joey Gudjonsson is set to go straight into Dave Jones' squad. Henri Camara is expected to retain his starting place after an 'eye-catching' debut at Old Trafford, with fellow striker Dean Sturridge still ruled out with a thigh injury. Shaun Newton (hamstring) and Oleg Luzhny (toe) are doubts, while goalkeeper Matt Murray is still out with a back problem as Wolves seek to end their run of defeats. Mark Kennedy (ankle), Joleon Lescott (knee), Kenny Miller (hernia) and George Ndah (knee) remain on the long-term injury list.

Russian captain Alexei Smertin is expected to make an immediate debut. Australian defender Hayden Foxe is available again after missing the last two games with a thigh strain but expected to have to settle for a place on the substitutes bench. Midfielder Tim Sherwood is still ruled out by an ear infection while defender Matt Taylor and striker Svetoslav Todorov are sidelined by long-term heel and knee injuries.


Southampton v Manchester United

Goalkeeper Antti Niemi and midfielder Chris Marsden are in contention to make their first appearances this season. Niemi and Marsden both missed pre-season with knee injuries but made successful comebacks for the reserves against West Ham in midweek. Swedish international Anders Svensson is expected to be recalled in midfield with Rory Delap out for a fortnight with a damaged ankle. But Marian Pahars, Fitz Hall and Darren Kenton are not yet available for selection as they recover from injury while Ecuador striker Agustin Delgado is also out with long-term knee trouble.

Paul Scholes is set to be included in the United squad, even though he requires a hernia operation. Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the midfielder will need surgery and is likely to enter hospital next week in an attempt to ensure he is fit for the Champions League double-header with Rangers. Nicky Butt (ankle) and Quinton Fortune (thigh) are hoping to play after recovering sufficiently from injury to return to training today. Mikael Silvestre will be fit after overcoming a groin problem and Rio Ferdinand, despite being unable to train all week due to a virus, and Ryan Giggs (tight hamstring) also hope to return.


Manchester City v Arsenal

Kevin Keegan hopes to have striker Robbie Fowler back. Fowler has missed the last two City games after picking up a rib injury against Portsmouth last weekend but has been doing light training and should partner Nicolas Anelka against the Gunners. Jon Macken (ankle) is definitely out, while Paulo Wanchope has returned to Costa Rica following a family bereavement, while of the side which started last night's 2-0 UEFA Cup win over Total Network Solutions, only Dutch midfielder Paul Bosvelt will keep his place. Claudio Reyna will not be considered even if he completes his move from Sunderland.
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Preview: Burnley v Crewe

Stan Ternent is sweating on the fitness of Lee Roche and Ian Moore ahead of Burnley's home game with Crewe.

Roche is a major doubt after missing the Clarets' last two games with a hamstring injury, but Moore should recover from a slight hip injury.

Ternent's forward options are limited after the midweek sale of striker Gareth Taylor to Nottingham Forest, as Mark McGregor is still out after a knee operation.

Crewe could see Richard Walker and Neil Sorvel could make their first appearances of the season.

Walker (knee) and Sorvel (ankle) both came through a midweek reserve game and will be in Dario Gradi's squad at Turf Moor.

Anthony Tonkin is likely to have to wait a little longer to make his Alex debut after joining from Stockport as he has been suffering with a dead leg and is short of match fitness.

David Wright faces a late fitness test on a calf injury and could replace Chris McCready at right-back.

Preview: Derby v West Brom

Derby defender Warren Barton is poised for a return as the Rams go in search of their first win of the season at home to West Brom.

Barton has failed to feature in the new campaign after being laid low by a sciatic nerve problem which has affected his back and hamstring.

But, after completing 90 minutes in the reserves' defeat to Charlton on Wednesday, the 34-year-old is on standby for a recall.

Otherwise, County boss George Burley is expected to keep faith with the squad which suffered a 4-1 defeat at Cardiff on Monday.

West Brom are expected to welcome Iceland international defender Larus Sigurdsson back to his squad after he recovered from the back injury sustained on the opening day of the season.

Also expected to make the journey is Joost Volmer, despite the Dutch centre-back sustaining a foot injury during Monday's win over Preston.

Defender Sekou Berthe is still ineligible to play, while Michael Appleton and Darren Moore are also ruled out as they continue comebacks from cruciate knee ligament damage.

Preview: Millwall v Crystal Palace

Mark McGhee will give late fitness tests to Paul Ifill and Abou Fofana ahead of Millwall's derby match with Crystal Palace.

Ifill is struggling with a knee problem while Fofana suffered a leg injury in training.

Paul Robinson is in contention to start following his return from shin splints, but David Livermore is unlikely to feature despite his return to training after a knee injury.

Mark McCammon remains sidelined by a knee problem.

Crystal Palace will be missing at least five players for the trip to the New Den.

Dougie Freedman is out with a hamstring injury, and joins Neil Shipperley and Kit Symons on the treatment table, while both Michael Hughes and Tony Popovic are also missing through suspension.

Shaun Derry is doubtful with a knee problem, so Aki Riihilahti should step in.

Preston North End v Stoke City

Claude Davis is the major injury doubt ahead of Preston's home match with Stoke.

The 24-year-old Jamaican international sustained a groin injury in Monday's defeat at West Brom, and Rob Edwards is on standby to come in at left-back if Davis fails to recover.

Meanwhile, Tyrone Mears is pressing for a spot at right-back after playing 90 minutes in a reserve match at Tranmere on Wednesday.

North End boss Craig Brown also has to decide whether to play Jonathan Gould in goal, or David Lucas, who came on and performed admirably after Gould was sent off in the 1-0 defeat at the Hawthorns.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has slight injury doubts over four key players.

Keith Andrews, John Eustace, Wayne Thomas and Carl Asaba suffered minor knocks in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Millwall, but the quartet are expected to be fit for the Deepdale clash.

Preview: Watford v Gillingham

Ray Lewington is desperately searching for the goalscoring touch ahead of Watford's clash with Gillingham.

The Hornets have yet to score a league goal, and Scott Fitzgerald could be drafted in up front after scoring for the reserves in midweek.

Heidar Helguson could also revert to a more attacking role after a spell on the wing, with Bruce Dyer moving out wide, but Neal Ardley faces a late fitness test on a calf muscle injury.

Gillingham could hand Marlon King could make his first start since January as Andy Hessenthaler looks to solve his own goalscoring problems.

The Gills have managed just one league goal this season and hope King, who has made two substitute appearances since returning from a long-term knee injury, is the man to kick-start their campaign.

Tommy Johnson starts a three-match ban, midfielder Mark Saunders misses out with a shin injury, and Rod Wallace is still a few weeks away from full fitness.

Preview: Wimbledon v Reading

Adam Nowland could be dropped for Wimbledon's clash with Reading at Selhurst Park following his bust-up with manager Stuart Murdoch.

Nowland had to be escorted away by stewards at Norwich on Monday after confronting Murdoch over his substitution during the 3-2 defeat and the Dons boss refused to confirm whether the forward would be included in his squad.

Lionel Morgan made his comeback from a knee operation in the reserves this week but will not be risked.

Goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann appears to be winning his fight to be fit for Reading after he jarred his knee in the closing stages of Monday's game against Rotherham. But Jamie Ashdown is standing by if fails to recover in time.

James Harper is still suffering from a bruised foot, but expects to take his place in what looks set to be an unchanged starting line-up.

Royals fans might see more of Jamaican international Omar Daley, who made a 16-minute debut appearance as a substitute against the Millers.

Walsall v Cardiff City

Walsall manager Colin Lee has an injury concern over midfielder Stefan Oakes ahead of his side's clash with Cardiff at Bescot Stadium.

Oakes took a kick in the ribs during Wednesday's reserve-team win at Burnley and was eventually substituted after his breathing became affected.

Fellow midfielder Jamie Lawrence is also likely to miss out against the Bluebirds, with the Jamaican international's foot injury keeping him on the sidelines for another two weeks.

Cardiff's Danny Gabbidon is also set to miss out with a foot injury, a problem that forced him out of Monday's 4-1 home win over Derby County.

However, Bluebirds manager Lennie Lawrence will have no worries in again asking rookie central defender James Collins to step in for the Wales star.

First-team squad members Martyn Margetson, Spencer Prior, Gareth Whalley, Mark Bonner, Leyton Maxwell, Peter Thorne, Jason Bowen and Gavin Gordon all played in Wednesday's 3-0 home reserve defeat by Bristol City, but none are expected to start against Walsall.

Preview: Nottingham Forest v Norwich City

Nottingham Forest manager Paul Hart is expected to welcome midfielder Michael Stewart back into the first-team squad ahead of Saturday's City Ground clash with Norwich.

A one-game suspension meant Stewart, on a season's loan from Manchester United, was ruled out of the midweek 3-1 win at Coventry.

Otherwise, Hart is expected to keep faith with the squad which triumphed at Highfield Road, with a lack of match sharpness meaning new Australian defender David Tarka will be forced to wait for his debut, despite Forest's eventual receipt of his international clearance.

Welsh international striker Gareth Taylor will also miss the Canaries clash following his transfer from Burley as he continues his recovery from an eye socket injury sustained during pre-season preparations with the Clarets.

Norwich boss Nigel Worthington could welcome back defensive duo Keith Briggs and Jim Brennan after both come into contention after recovering well from foot and thigh injuries respectively.

But Worthington is still reeling from news of striker Zema Abbey's cruciate knee ligament injury, which will keep him out of action for the rest of the season, meaning Iwan Roberts is likely to continue alongside Paul McVeigh in attack after the pair linked well in the 3-2 win over Wimbledon. However, on-loan Elvis Hammond is also pushing for a place.

Preview: Bradford v Sunderland

Bradford could still be without three players ahead of Sunderland's visit to Valley Parade.

Danny Forrest (stomach), Mark Bower (ankle) and Paul Reid (foot) are all likely to miss out.

Sunderland have Jason McAteer and Joachim Bjorklund available for the trip after hamstring injuries.

Ben Clark continues to nurse his broken nose, although Colin Healy is pushing for a start after impressing for the reserves in midweek.

Preview: Sheffield United v Coventry

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock will hand loan signing Paul Gerrard his debut for the visit of Coventry after he arrived on a three-month loan deal from Everton.

Current number one goalkeeper Paddy Kenny was stretchered off with a knee injury during the midweek win at Crystal Palace and is ruled out for at least a fortnight.

Striker Ashley Ward will miss his third match due to a groin injury, but Jack Lester returns after being rested in midweek and he will partner Wayne Allison up front. Steve Kabba is still out with a knee injury.

Midfielder Keith O'Neill has been ruled out for the visitors after being sent for scans on his back and hamstring after breaking down just 10 minutes into his comeback game - the 3-1 Highfield Road loss to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Coventry will also be without the services of Youssef Safri, who must serve a one-game suspension following his sending off during the 0-0 draw with Walsall, but defender Steve Staunton is back in the reckoning after recovering from an ankle knock and player-manager Gary McAllister is also set to return after bouncing back from a knee injury.

Defender Richard Shaw's foot problem has also cleared meaning he could play some part at Bramall Lane but Dean Gordon's own foot injury continues to rule him out of contention.

Preview: Ipswich v West Ham

Ipswich goalkeeper Kelvin Davis is doubtful for the clash with West Ham after dislocating a finger in the defeat at Wigan.

If the former Wimbledon stopper fails to make it, 19-year-old Lewis Price will come in for his debut.

Transfer-listed Alun Armstrong is back in the squad and may possibly start the game as Ipswich look for their first win of the campaign. He has impressed in training and reserve-team games.

Martijn Reuser is still missing with a groin injury.

West Ham will be without Rob Lee for the trip to Ipswich - but his injury is not as serious as first feared after he underwent a scan on a knee injury which showed no ligament damage.

Steve Lomas goes for an operation on his ankle injury this weekend, while Rufus Brevett is still out on a long-term basis with a foot injury.

Preview: Rotherham v Wigan

Rotherham will be without suspended captain Martin McIntosh for the visit of Wigan

Shaun Barker (calf) and Darren Garner (groin) are both doubtful.

Martin Butler has been signed from Reading but he is not available as the deal was not completed in time.

Wigan's record signing Nathan Ellington will be looking to stay on the goal trail at Millmoor after he scored in each of his two comeback matches.

Steve McMillan (thigh) joins skipper Jason De Vos (broken foot) on the sidelines.

Lee McCulloch is expected to be named in the squad after a hamstring injury, as is loanee Mark Burchill.
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Bristol City v Grimsby Town

Bristol City welcome midfielder Aaron Brown back into their squad after a seven-match suspension for the visit of Grimsby.

Brown was forced to serve a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being sent-off three times last season. He may be too short of match practice to start, despite playing 45 minutes for the reserves in midweek.

The Robins have no new injuries to contend with.

Grimsby manager Paul Groves will be without Darren Mansaram for the trip.

The 19-year-old striker suffered a groin injury playing for the reserves and will have a scan to discover the extent of the injury.

Alan Pouton (knee) and Stacy Coldicott (leg) are not yet ready for first-team action.

Barnsley v Notts County

Neil Austin will return to the squad ahead of Barnsley's home clash with Notts County.

The 20-year-old Barnsley-born defender missed Monday's win at Blackpool with a calf injury.

Midfielder Chris Lumsdon will play his last match before sitting out a one-match ban following his dismissal for two yellow cards in Saturday's victory over Brighton.

Notts County striker Mark Stallard has suffered severe bruising to his foot rather than the fracture which had at first been feared, but he is still expected to miss out against the Reds.

The Magpies forward sustained the knock during Monday's 1-0 defeat to Peterborough and has been ruled out of action for at least a fortnight.

Manager Billy Dearden is otherwise free to select from a settled squad as County go in search of their first Division Two victory of the season.

Preview: Luton v Hartlepool

Luton boss Mike Newell has played down the significance of meeting his former club Hartlepool at Kenilworth Road.

Newell's contract at Victoria Park was not renewed in May after he had won promotion to the Second Division for the club, but he does not regard the clash as a grudge match.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it because I had a good relationship with the players there but it's no more important than any other game."

Lee Mansell is out with an ankle injury and Russell Perrett has a groin problem, but Emmerson Boyce should be back after a minor knock.

Hartlepool have fitness doubts over strike-duo Eifion Williams and Kevin Henderson ahead of the trip.

Williams has missed the last two games with a knee ligament injury and is struggling to recover in time, but Henderson has an outside chance after making good progress in his recovery from a nasty thigh infection

Oldham Athletic v Rushden & Diamonds

Oldham boss Iain Dowie will be without suspended trio Darren Sheridan, Danny Boshell and Danny Hall for the visit of Rushden.

Midfielder Sheridan sits out the first of a three-match ban for his straight red card in the Carling Cup defeat at Scunthorpe. Boshell is banned for one match following two yellow cards in the same game and Hall is also banned for one game for his dismissal at Sheffield Wednesday.

New loan signing Mark Hudson is doubtful after sustaining an ankle injury in his first match for the Latics at Brentford on Monday, while long-term absentees David Beharall and Chris Killen are still unavailable.

Rushden boss Brian Talbot has no fresh injury worries to contend with ahead of the trip.

The Diamonds came through the Bank Holiday programme unscathed, with Gary Mills recovering from a slight knock and available to start.

Onandi Lowe made his comeback in the 3-3 draw with QPR on Monday and has suffered no reaction to a stomach injury.

Peterborough United v Stockport County

Peterborough were rocked this week by news that defender Sagi Burton requires a knee operation and faces up to six weeks on the sidelines.

He is obviously ruled out against Stockport, while fellow defender Christopher Kanu will have a late fitness test after twisting his knee.

Midfielder Tony Shields is doubtful with a thigh injury, while Dennis Pearce is out for three weeks after pulling his hamstring. New signing Tony Scully is expected to go straight into the squad.

Stockport striker Aaron Wilbraham is set to be sidelined for the trip.

The 23-year-old striker suffered a recurrence of a neck injury during a training session, and is almost certain to miss out at London Road.

Wayne Collins is also a major doubt with an ankle injury, while Martin Pemberton (knee) is also sidelined.

Plymouth Argyle v Brighton & Hove Albion

Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock will give late fitness tests to strike-duo Nathan Lowndes and Marino Keith before the home game against Brighton.

Lowndes sustained an ankle injury after coming on as a substitute in last Saturday's home win over Stockport, while Keith suffered a similar problem during Monday's 1-1 draw at Chesterfield.

Lowndes was left out of the reserve-team squad that travelled to Oxford in midweek as a precaution.

Brighton boss Steve Coppell may be without a trio of key players for the trip.

Danny Cullip (hamstring) and Paul Watson (foot) could be absent from the Seagulls' defence, while Simon Rodger's groin injury could rule him out of midfield action.

Nathan Jones starts the three-match suspension he earned after receiving a red card in the Carling Cup win at Bristol Rovers.

Preview: Wrexham v Bournemouth

Wrexham will be without Brian Carey for the home clash with Bournemouth.

The veteran defender is suspended after he was sent off in the closing stages of the Dragons' Carling Cup defeat at Crewe.

Boss Denis Smith is still without injured quartet Chris Armstrong (Achilles), Jim Whitley (hamstring), Stephen Roberts (heel) and Lee Jones (ankle).

Bournemouth go in search of their first win of the season at the Racecourse Ground.

They will be without midfielder Jason Tindall for the match as he is struggling with a knee problem, but he hopes to return to training next week.

Defender Neil Young (ankle) could make the squad, though, along with Warren Cummings

Preview: Tranmere v Colchester

Tranmere manager Ray Mathias is unlikely to risk midfielder Tyrone Loran in the home game against Colchester.

Loran is back in training following a knee ligament injury but Mathias would like to test the 22-year-old in a reserve game before throwing him into a Second Division clash.

The Rovers boss is also sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper John Achterberg, who sustained a knock to his ankle during the 1-1 draw at Stockport on Monday. However, back-up stopper Russell Howarth should be available after recovering from a cut to his knee.

Colchester boss Phil Parkinson is set to name an unchanged line-up for the visit to Prenton Park.

The U's are still without Alan White, who faces around two weeks on the sidelines after suffering a groin strain, but Parkinson has cover in White's position.

Liam Chilvers, who was snapped up on loan from Arsenal earlier this week, could go straight into the starting XI, although Pat Baldwin is also in contention.

Preview: Swindon v Blackpool

Swindon boss Andy King is unlikely to tinker with his starting XI for the County Ground clash with Blackpool.

The Robins chief has no new injuries to contend with following his side's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Monday.

Sammy Igoe will be available, despite his sending-off against Notts County last weekend, while striker Jon Stevenson is expected to be on the bench once again after scoring for the reserves in midweek.

Midfielder Martin Bullock will return to Blackpool's line-up for the trip.

Bullock missed Monday's home defeat to Barnsley with a foot injury, but is expected to come in for loanee Neil Danns.

Blackburn midfielder Danns sits out a one-match ban following his sending off for two yellow cards in the win over Wycombe.

Queens Park Rangers v Chesterfield

QPR midfielder Marc Bircham is doubtful for the Loftus Road clash with Chesterfield after aggravating a hamstring injury.

But Kevin McLeod is expected to return after missing last weekend's draw with Rushden for personal reasons.

Terrell Forbes had stitches in a knee injury removed this week but he now starts a three-match suspension, Kevin Gallen is fit following a thigh injury but Richard Pacquette is still out with a hamstring problem. Matthew Rose (shin) remains a long-term casualty.

Chesterfield boss Roy McFarland has a clean bill of health for the tricky trip.

The Spireites have drawn all four of their league games so far and McFarland is anticipating a rough ride.

"It will be a tough game," he said. "They're everybody's favourites for promotion and they've had a good start. At home, they will be a very tough prospect."

Preview: Port Vale v Brentford

Port Vale have no new injuries to contend with ahead of the clash with Brentford.

Steve Brooker is back in contention after injury, but long-term absentee Mark Goodlad is still out with a finger injury.

Brentford are set to welcome back midfielder Jay Tabb for the trip.

Tabb has sat out the last two games after suffering a bout of food poisoning, but he will travel to Vale Park with the rest of the squad.

Manager Wally Downes may also hand a starting berth to Steve Hunt after the midfielder recovered from a dead leg to come off the bench for the last few minutes of Monday's win over Oldham.

Defender Andy Frampton is still out with concussion he suffered during the opening-day defeat by Tranmere, and with goalkeeper Paul Smith suspended, youngster Alan Julian is set to start between the sticks. Forward Peter Beadle serves the last of his three-match ban.
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3-div mm
Southend United v Bury

Southend boss Steve Wignall faces major selection problems ahead of the home game against Bury.

The Shrimpers currently have a lengthy injury list and Wignall is running out of options - Tes Bramble (ankle), Jamie Fullarton (thigh), Michael Husbands (knee), Che Wilson (knee) and Neil Jenkins (hamstring) are all definitely out, along with long-term absentee Jay Smith, who is working his way back after a pelvic injury.

Youngsters Michael Kightly and Stuart Williams will be on the bench again.

Terry Dunfield is the only definite absentee for Bury with a shoulder injury, but player-manager Andy Preece is also sweating on the fitness of Lee Connell and Chris Porter.

Connell is doubtful through illness, while Porter is also far from certain to start with an ankle problem.

George Clegg still faces at least three weeks out after sustaining a medial ligament injury, but Danny Swailes is fit again after a toe problem.

Preview: Northampton v Doncaster Rovers

Northampton have a few injuries to consider as they plan for the visit of Doncaster.

Chris Willmott (thigh) and Martin Reeves (back), who both missed out against Yeovil on Monday, could be absent again, while Paul Trollope is struggling with a knock he sustained against the Glovers.

Definitely out are knee injury victims Steve Morison and Ashley Westwood.

Doncaster boss Dave Penney has a fully-fit squad to choose from(BBC, Reuters,Ananova, Sky, Nettavisen jne)

[Neo]

Miltä saitilta noi on otettu?

[tallipoika]

BBC, Reuters,Ananova, Sky, Nettavisen

[rainman]

Ajax re-claims Cristian Chivu from AS Roma
29 August: Cristian Chivu is an Ajacied again, at least for the time being. Ajax has re-claimed its former captain from AS Roma this afternoon, after the Italian Serie A side's repeated failure to submit a bank guarantee for the remaining 15 million euros of the transfer fee. AS Roma's deadline was midnight last night. According to Ajax's official website, Ajax.nl, Chivu is expected to return to the ArenA training pitch next week, to go back in training with Ajax.

His official return to Amsterdam is a new chapter to the bizarre story of Chivu's transfer to AS Roma. Ajax's decision to re-claim the defender comes one week after the Amsterdammers called in the help of KNVB, UEFA and FIFA in order to force AS Roma to come up with the required bank guarantees. The club from Italy's capital was given another week to do so, but failed to meet this deadline. Aware of AS Roma's precarious financial situation Ajax and the KNVB were retaining Chivu's official papers for as long as Roma did not submit the bank guarantees. As a result of this the Romanian was not yet allowed to play any official games for AS Roma in Serie A, Italian cup or UEFA competition.

The future of the Romanian defender is now uncertain. In an interview with Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant Ajax's financial director, Jeroen Slop, stated earlier this week that Ajax has contacts with an unknown number of European clubs interested in Chivu and willing to pay the same transfer fee as Ajax and AS Roma agreed on (18 million euros). These clubs are said to be Real Madrid and Chelsea FC. If Ajax intends to sell Chivu to another club this deal will have to be worked out and finalized in the next 48 hours, as the European transfer window closes Sunday 31 August at midnight.

Following Chivu's transfer Ajax purchased two new defenders: Julien Escudé and Zdenek Grygera. However, if Chivu can not be sold by Sunday Ajax will not get into financial trouble. The UEFA paid Ajax an estimated 13 million euros for last season's Champions League campaign. Moreover, Ajax received 8.6 million euros from Internazionale for Andy van der Meyde and an estimated 4.5 million euros from Olympique Marseille for Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam. The total amount spent on Escudé, Grygera, Wesley Sonck and Tom Soetaers was considerably lower than this summer's profit.

According to the leading sports program on Dutch public television, Studio Sport, the deal with AS Roma is now definitely off. Moreover, Ajax reportedly has the right to keep AS Roma's down payment of 3 million euros. According to Studio Sport Ajax expects to sell Chivu to another club this weekend. However, the Amsterdammers submitted an official UEFA registration for Chivu today, so that the Romanian will be allowed to play for Ajax in the Champions League if a transfer can not be accomplished before Monday. (MP)

Source: Ajax.nl
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