What Is Happing To Arsenal

Arsenal fans tend to listen when Arsene Wenger speaks. Most recently, he said, "I feel the team fights, we came back again against ‘Boro and this team will fight until the end."

But for many, even the words of their esteemed manager will sound less than re-assuring when one analyses the fact that, barring Arsenal’s fantastic victory in the Champions League against AC Milan, there has been a real downturn in Arsenal’s results as of late.

Never mind that this run of games has seen the Gunners contrive to draw their last four Premiership games, in the process seeing a five point lead over Manchester United evaporate in to thin air. A more worrying prospect for the Arsenal fans will be the form their team is exhibiting as they enter the ‘business end’ of the season, with the team's next five fixtures undoubtedly determining whether the Gunners' three-season wait for a trophy is going to come to an end, or is to extend in agonising fashion.

The scale of the task facing the out-of-sorts Gunners over the next few weeks reads is massive. It starts next Sunday away to the team breathing down their necks in the table, Chelsea, followed by a long trip up North to face bogey team Bolton Wanderers, and then the first of three consecutive games against Liverpool, of which two Champions League Quarter Final games bookend Rafa Benitez’s side travelling to the Emirates for a vital league encounter.

Whilst this run of fixtures would unnerve even the most brazen of Arsenal supporters, the fact that there are worrying echoes of the Gunners' progress last season would seem to only exacerbate the anxiety of the Emirates faithful.

For it was at a similar stage last season when in the space of a few games Arsenal managed to crash out of the Champions League to PSV Eindhoven, a Benni McCarthy thunderbolt sent them out of the FA Cup, Chelsea beat them in the Carling Cup final, and consecutive away day defeats to Everton and Liverpool put the final nail in the coffin of their Premiership challenge for the season.

Whilst the stunning performance of Wenger’s men at the San Siro against AC Milan stands as an example of how Arsenal can equip themselves in a style befitting any title winning team, when one watches the type of displays put in by the Arsenal players in the league in recent weeks then the alarm bells should be ringing loud and clear.

Gone, it would seem, is the breathtaking fluidity that delighted all that had the pleasure to watch Arsenal play, with shining lights such as Cesc Fàbregas and Emmanuel Adebayor on league form alone looking like jaded imitations of the players that started the season in such exciting style.

Furthermore, the injuries to Eduardo da Silva and Tomáš Rosický have seemed to really set the Gunners back, with Arsenal’s trophy push being seriously derailed from the moment that the promising partnership that was developing between Emmanuel Adebayor and Eduardo Da Silva was broken up so horrifically against Birmingham City.

Uncharacteristic mistakes have also begun to creep in, with a case in point being left back Gael Clichy who by twice criminally dawdling in the penalty box against Manchester City and Birmingham City cost the team goals. There was also his last minute infraction against Birmingham City leading to yet another draw, and of course the embarrassing on-pitch implosion of captain William Gallas.

These types of displays would seem to point to the undeniable fact that this youthful Arsenal team are starting to tire at the most vital stage of the season. The cumulative fatigue exhibited by Arsenal contrasts vividly to that of their rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, who are able to boast squads of much more depth.

For example, players of the calibre of Michael Essien, Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba have found themselves on the bench in recent weeks for Chelsea, but the teams winning ways have prevailed.

With regards to Manchester United, the contrast between their squad strength and that of Arsenal’s was displayed in unequivocal fashion in the F.A Cup meeting between the two sides where both managers decided to rest key players. However, the Red Devils' second string simply annihilated their North London counterparts, knocking Arsenal out of the F.A. Cup, and in the process inflicting a 4-0 defeat that would have undoubtedly pleased Sir Alex Ferguson.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been able to win regularly when not playing anywhere near their maximum. This has not been the case as often for Arsenal, with a review of this weekend’s Premiership fixtures seeing Chelsea and Manchester United winning away to Sunderland and Derby County when playing nowhere near their best, whilst Arsenal dropped two potentially vital points at home to Middlesbrough.

This ability to claim all three points whilst performing well below your previous high standards is a key component of any title push. Arsenal must begin to exhibit this monotonous ability to win to significantly increase their chances of holding aloft the Premiership crown come May.

However , regardless of the poor Premiership form that Arsenal have exhibited in recent weeks, it would be incredibly churlish to write off any team that can boast players of the calibre of Kolo Touré, Cesc Fàbregas, Emmanuel Adebayor et al. when it comes to deciding who will be collecting the silverware on offer come seasons end.

It is not like Arsenal have stopped creating chances over the last few weeks, and supporters will point to dubious refereeing decisions such as Emmanuel Adebayor’s disallowed goal against Middlesbrough and the highly debatable penalty given against Birmingham City as more pertinent reasons for the side’s downturn in results.

Indeed, this Sunday’s visit to Stamford Bridge could provide the team with the perfect opportunity to correct the team’s disappointing results, and get the club’s Premiership title challenge back on track in the most dramatic of fashions.

FA Cup Preview: Manchester United - Arsenal

Old Rivals In Match Of The Week

League leaders Arsenal travel to title rivals Manchester United for what is undoubtedly the tie of the Fifth Round. The two have become great rivals since Arsene Wenger's arrival in the country in 1996 and this clash has all the makings of a classic.

United and Arsenal are the two most successful club's in FA Cup history with a combined haul of 21 trophies from 35 finals. Ferguson has won five of them, Wenger four.

The winner of this tie will be among the favourites to add to those trophies because these are clearly the two best sides in the country this season.

Arsenal were tipped by many pundits to finish outside the top this term, but as Gunners fans say, 'Arsene knows'. Wenger has created a team on a shoestring budjet that have excelled beyond even his own great expectations for them.

Arsenal are playing with such energy and style that it is difficult to believe that the club actually made a net profit in the summer's transfer window. Goals are arriving from every part of the team with defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini and centre back William Gallas scoring vital goals already this campaign.

The main man at the moment is Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor who has stepped out of Robin Van Persie's shadow to produce a stunning run of form where it seems everything his hits turns to goals. With excellent service provided to him by the subtle midfield promptings of Hleb and Fabregas, Adebayor will look to add to his winner at Old Trafford last season, when the Gunners were in a preiod of transition. A huge boost for Arsenal is the return of Kolo Toure at centre-back.

The powerful Ivorian has returned from the African Cup of Nations just in time as Wenger may be without three defenders that started Monday's win over Blackburn at the Emirates.

Returning Rooney Bolsters United

United will be boosted by the return to the team of both Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra, and both players are key to the way United play. Without the energetic duo last week, United appeared flat as they fell to defeat at home to local rivals Manchester City which sees the champions trail Arsenal in the league by five points. Louis Saha is also back after six weeks to provide options up front, something they sorely missed against City.

United will be desperate to put a marker down in the title race by knocking the Gunners out of the cup this weekend. United just never really got going in last week's derby, and looked unusually sloppy at the back where the usually dependable duo of Ferdinand and Vidic each had their worst game of the season so far.

It could be argued that they missed having a shield infront of them, and either Michael Carrick or Owen Hargreaves should return to the starting line up in an attampt to quell Arsenal's quick passign attacking midfield.

Alex Ferguson has laughed off the distance between these sides at the top, arguing with some credibility that Arsenal have the more difficult run in and far less experience. The fiery Scot will hope that his side can back up his argument by beating his old enemy Arsene Wenger's side, and continue in the hunt for a second treble, which Ferguson has mentioned at various points this campaign.

It is hard to recall when United last lost consecutive home games, but that is a fait which awaits them unless they produce a much improved performance against a rampant Arsenal. The sides drew 2-2 at the Emirates earlier in the campaign, and another stalemate can be expected again at Old Trafford on Saturday.

FORM GUIDE

Manchester United

10 Feb v Manchester City (H) LOST 1-2 (Prem)
02 Feb v Tottenham (A) DREW 1-1 (Prem)
30 Jan v Portsmouth (H) WON 2-0 (Prem)
27 Jan v Tottenham (H) WON 3-1 (FA Cup)
19 Jan v Reading (A) WON 2-0 (Prem)
12 Jan v Newcastle (H) WON 6-0 (Prem)

Arsenal

11 Feb v Blackburn (H) WON 2-0 (Prem)
02 Feb v Manchester City (A) WON 3-1 (Prem)
29 Jan v Newcastle (H) WON 3-0 (Prem)
26 Jan v Newcastle (H) WON 3-0 (FA Cup)
22 Jan v Tottenham (A) LOST 5-1 (League Cup)
19 Jan v Fulham (A) WON 3-0 (Prem)

FA CUP THIS SEASON

Manchester United

Round 3 v Aston Villa (A) WON 2-0
Round 4 v Tottenham (H) WON 3-1

Arsenal

Round 3 v Burnley (A) WON 2-0
Round 4 v Newcastle (H) WON 3-0

FA CUP HONOURS (bold ones won under current managers)

Manchester United
11 times winners (1909, 1948, 1963, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004)

Arsenal
10 times winners (1930, 1936, 1950, 1971, 1979, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005)

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United Long term casualties Michael Silvestre (knee, Gary Neville (calf) and Ben Foster (knee) are all missing, but the short term problems have all been solved.

As mentioned, Wayne Rooney, Loius Saha and Patrice Evra are all available again. Midfielders Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves as well as Evra and Rooney could return to the starting eleven after sitting out last weekends defeat to City.

Last Starting XI (v Manchester City): Van der Sar - Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea (Carrick 73) - Ronaldo, Scholes, Anderson (Hargreaves 73), Nani (Park 64) - Giggs - Tevez

Arsenal

Jens Lehmann should continue in goal as he has been chosen for all Arsenal's FA Cup ties this season even if first choice Manuel Almunia recovers from a virus in time. Lively midfielder Tomas Rosicky is expected to remain sidelined with a hamstring injury and Denilson (hamstring) and Abou Diaby join him in the stands.

Dutch forward Robin Van Persie (thigh) is still missing, although with Adebayor in such fine form Arsenal are not missing there star forward as much as they would have anticipated. Full-backs Gael Clichy (knee) and Bakary Sagna (personal reasons) could miss out and Johan Djourou (groin) and Philip Senderos (thigh) are also doubtful.

Last Starting XI (v Blackburn): Lehmann - Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy - Fabregas, Flamini, Gilberto, Hleb - Adebayor, Eduardo

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United - Wayne Rooney, although not the most technically gifted of United's attacking talent, has shown his importance to the team in his absences so far this season. His feisty presence was sorely missed in last weekend's derby defeat, and United never manage to play at as high tempo when Rooney is missing. His return will be a welcome boost and should allow a little more space for the skillfull Tevez and Ronaldo to exploit.

Arsenal - Emmanuel Adebayor is currently the hottest striker in the Premier League, and is enjoying a sensational run of goalscoring form that has seen the Togolese hitman find the net nine times in his last seven Premier League games, plus two in the last round against Newcastle. Adebayor on this form is unplayable and he will cause Ferdinand and Vidic all sorts of problems if they perform as sluggishly as they did last week.

PREDICTION

A game that could go either way between the two top sides in the country. Surely United will have to show an improvement on their lacklustre derdy day defeat last week, but in present form it is hard to back against Arsenal. A score draw and an unwanted replay may be the outcome of this mouthwatering cup tie for old enemies Ferguson and Wenger.

Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire)

Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

FA CUP UPDATE : Arsenal 3 Vs Newcastle 0

Normal service has been resumed.

While this straightforward victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup Fourth Round may not obliterate the memory of that 5-1 beating at Tottenham in midweek, it will at least help Arsène Wenger's side settle into their old and familiar winning groove.

Newcastle arrived at Emirates Stadium with ambition, determined to take advantage of any Carling Cup hangover. Their industrious game-plan worked to an extent and this lively tie was well-balanced until Emmanuel Adebayor rifled home the opening goal five minutes into the second period.

But after that Arsenal took over and the Togolese frontman secured a berth in the Fifth Round with a second seven minutes from time. Then, just before the end, Nicky Butt touched Cesc Fabregas' free-kick into his own net.

The scoreline was harsh on Newcastle who played a full part in proceedings.
But, at full time, the home side's now traditional huddle was back in evidence ­as was Arsenal's efficiency.

Wenger's men move onwards and upwards ­ not only in the FA Cup but from Tuesday night.

The manager retained four players from midweek ­ Abou Diaby, Justin Hoyte, Theo Walcott and Willaim Gallas. Philippe Senderos returned at centre back, Mathieu Flamini and Fabregas were restored to central midfield with Tomas Rosicky on the left while Emmanuel Adebayor was back up front. Jens Lehmann took over the No 1 spot at the expense of Lukasz Fabianski.

Well that is the way Arsenal started anyway. Within 10 minutes Rosicky was forced off with an injury and Eduardo came on. The Croatian joined Adebayor up front and Walcott dropped to the right flank.

It was a not massive change. The game had barely settled down. Newcastle had caused slight consternation from a corner and the stretching Fabregas had nearly touched Gael Clichy's chipped through-ball past Shay Given. But that was about it. Still, there was drive and ambition in abundance from both sides.

Keegan's return had not been triumphant last weekend against Bolton. Gary Megson's underrated outfit had held them to drab goalless draw at St James' Park. Today they were much more vibrant.

In the 14th minute, Charles N'Zogbia's run won a corner. He took it himself and Alan Smith's first time shot was headed off the line by Gael Clichy. A couple of minutes later Stephen Carr and Smith combined on the right only for the resulting cross to flash across the area with Michael Owen in close attendance.

The game was starting to sparkle. Clichy's shot was batted away by Given and then Diaby cracked an effort well wide.

In the 23rd minute, Diaby's attempted pass was half-blocked. The bounce fooled Steven Taylor and Eduardo pounced to lash a shot goalwards. Given saved spectacularly. In the minutes that followed the Irishman made a more mundane save and an unmarked Eduardo miscued his header at the near post.

Arsenal's response had been heartening and it was shaping up to be a wonderful FA Cup tie. While Havant & Waterlooville were doing their best to play out the classic David and Goliath scenario this was more like Clash of the Titans.

On the half-hour, Fabregas cleverly sent Walcott through on the right of the area but the winger's teasing cross trickled unconverted across the face of goal.

Duff's tenacity won a corner at the other end as Newcastle threatened once more but Arsenal's response saw Adebayor nudge a header just wide. It was end-to-end stuff.

However as the game neared half time, the visitors' end came under more pressure. Fabregas fired an angled shot wide and, on the whistle, Given tipped over from Diaby's piledriver.

The interval had come at the wrong time for Arsenal. They were just building up a head of steam and, if anything, Newcastle had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges when the home side took the lead in the 51st minute.

Eduardo received the ball in space on the edge of the area and cleverly opened up his body to curl an effort against the base of the post. The ball rebounded to Adebayor who cut inside his marker and rifled a shot into the far corner of the net.

The Togolese striker has had a tough week, his sliding knee celebration had all the hallmarks of a relieved man.

It was also Arsenal's 100th goal at Emirates Stadium.

Adebayor nearly added another second soon afterwards but, after collecting Diaby's pass in the area, he was dispossessed at the vital second.

The goal had seemingly dented Newcastle's self-belief and they spent the next 10 minutes on the back foot. Once they had gathered themselves Damian Duff continued to menace the Arsenal defence. However there was now an ominous air about the home side.

In the 69th minute Fabregas touched on a Clichy cross and the swivelling Eduardo had a goalbound shot blocked. Newcastle were now spent force. They had played their part in a lively tie but the latter stages of the game were dictated by Arsenal's pursuit of a second goal.

It arrived six minutes from time when Adebayor skipped past a couple of Newcastle defenders and drilled a low shot past Given.

As full time approached, Nicky Butt nodded a Fabregas free-kick past his own keeper.
That was harsh on the Keegan's side.

But, as Tuesday night had proved, the scoreline does not always entirely reflect the nature of the game.

Gunners At War As Adebayor Headbutts Bendtner

As Arsenal capitulated against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Carling Cup semi-final, things went from bad to worse as strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner clashed heads on the field of play, an encounter that left the Danish youngster with blood on his shirt...

Tottenham tore apart city rivals Arsenal at White Hart Lane in front of a roaring crowd and eventually ran out 5-1 winners, and 6-2 on aggregate.

They had been the better side in the first leg, and in truth Arsenal were lucky to come away from that home tie with the draw, maintaining their unbeaten streak at their new home.

Spurs showed no mercy, which will delight their fans no end, as too often they float between blunders and brilliance.

Scoring in the second minute did their cause the world of good, and the own goal had a degree of fortune to it, but that should by no means take anything away from Spurs, who were by far the better side across the two legs.

Arsenal were all too aware of that fact, as frustrations boiled over on the pitch towards the end of the game, with team-mates Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Adebayor squaring up to each other and furious words were exchanged between the two.

Skipper William Gallas intervened, castigating Bendtner in full view of the capacity crowd and television cameras; referee Howard Webb also arrived on the scene to talk things over with the players concerned, but no cards were issued following the incident.

As the players headed down the tunnel at the end of the game Adebayor was restrained, and Bendtner had a visible gash on the bridge of his nose and blood on his shirt; it is thought that Adebayor headbutted Bendtner during their initial altercation.

Manager Arsene Wenger denied any knowledge of the incident, as is his trademark when questioned by the media regarding less complimentary issues involving his club.

"I don't know anything about it. Really I don't know," he insisted.

This incident will no doubt make a mockery of Arsenal's team spirit, which has been the source of high praise this season, many saying that since Thierry Henry's departure to Barcelona that the dressing room was much more unified and that there was less pressure.

It will take a lot to shake off such a humiliation, and it will truly be a test of the Gunners' character whether they can come out of this the same force they were in the first half of the season.

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE BRIEFING

Current league positions in brackets)


Saturday, January 19

Birmingham (16) v Chelsea (3)

Alex McLeish must decide whether to give a debut to full-back David Murphy after his £1.5million move from Hibernian. Skipper Damien Johnson missed a training session with a stiff back but is expected to be fit to play.

Chelsea are waiting on the fitness of midfielder Frank Lampard (thigh). John Terry is still out with a fractured foot along with Andriy Shevchenko (ankle) while Mikel John Obi, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba are away on international duty in the African Nations Cup. New signings Branislav Ivanovic and Nicolas Anelka could make their first starts.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Birmingham L W D L D; Chelsea W D W W W

Top scorers: Cameron Jerome & Olivier Kapo (Birmingham) 5; Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) 11

Referee: Rob Styles (Hampshire).

Blackburn (8) v Middlesbrough (14)

Brett Emerton (hamstring) and Tugay (groin) are set to come back into contention for Blackburn. Unsettled striker Jason Roberts is pushing for a starting berth after coming off the bench to score a last-minute winner at Bolton. South African midfielder Aaron Mokoena remains unavailable as he is on African Nations Cup duty.

Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca returns from suspension and could replace skipper George Boateng. Fellow midfielder Lee Cattermole was also due to return from suspension but is ill and is likely to miss the trip. Defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Emanuel Pogatetz return from a shin injury and illness respectively but strikers Mido and Ben Hutchinson are out.

Last season: Blackburn 2 Middlesbrough 1, Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn 1

Last five league matches: Blackburn L D W W W; Middlesbrough L L W L D

Top scorers: Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn) 14; Adam Johnson & Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough) 5

Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

Fulham (19) v Arsenal (2)

Brede Hangeland was not signed in time to feature for Fulham. Full-back Paul Konchesky is suspended. Jimmy Bullard is fit following his long spell out with a serious knee injury. Ian Pearce, Brian McBride and Philippe Christanval have been back in training following injuries. Striker Diomansy Kamara is on African Nations Cup duty for Senegal.

Arsenal will have winger Tomas Rosicky back after suffering from a virus, but striker Robin van Persie will be sidelined for another couple of weeks by a niggling thigh problem.Theo Walcott is set to be rested ahead of the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final with Tottenham. Johan Djourou (groin) is also out, while Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song are away at the African Nations Cup.

Last season: Arsenal 3 Fulham 1, Fulham 2 Arsenal 1

Last five league matches: Fulham D L D L L; Arsenal W D W W D

Top scorers: Clint Dempsey (Fulham) 6; Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal) 13

Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Newcastle (11) v Bolton (15)

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan will have few selection decisions to make. Emre's dismissal against Stoke in midweek means he, along with Alan Smith and Nicky Butt, is suspended, while Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye, Geremi and Obafemi Martins are away on African Nations Cup duty. Joey Barton is still unavailable and Peter Ramage (knee) remains on the sidelines.

Gretar Steinsson and Matt Taylor could play for Bolton after signing for the Trotters. Steinsson, a right-sided defender, arrived in a £3.5million deal from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar and Taylor finally completed his protracted move from Portsmouth. Gavin McCann is doubtful after sustaining a minor injury in last week's 2-1 home defeat by Blackburn. El-Hadji Diouf and Abdoulaye Meite are away on African Nations Cup duty.

Last season: Bolton 2 Newcastle 1, Newcastle 1 Bolton 2

Last five league matches: Newcastle D L L L L; Bolton W L L W L

Top scorers: Obafemi Martins (Newcastle) 7; Kevin Nolan & El-Hadji Diouf (Bolton) 4

Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

Portsmouth (9) v Derby (20)

Portsmouth are set to give new signing Lassana Diarra his debut in midfield and he could replace fellow Frenchman Arnold Mvuemba. Glen Johnson could replace Noe Pamarot after recovering from a hamstring strain. Sean Davis could also return in midfield from a foot injury.

Derby full-back Tyrone Mears (shin) joins fellow defenders Jay McEveley (knee), Dean Leacock (groin) and Claude Davis (suspended) on the sidelines. Stephen Bywater (shoulder) and David Jones (hernia) also miss the game but there is better news on Kenny Miller and Stephen Pearson who have returned to training, with the former the more likely to feature.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Portsmouth L D L W L; Derby D L L L L

Top scorers: Benjani Mwaruwari (Portsmouth) 9; Kenny Miller (Derby) 7

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Reading (13) v Man Utd (1)

Reading will be without defender Michael Duberry (knee). Fellow defenders Ibrahima Sonko and Andre Bikey are both away on international duty, as is midfielder Emerse Fae, and wingers John Oster (ankle) and Glen Little (heel) remain sidelined.

England midfielder Owen Hargreaves is available again after being sidelined with a rib injury. Defender Wes Brown also comes into contention after suspension. Louis Saha is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a knee problem.

Last season: Man Utd 3 Reading 2, Reading 1 Man Utd 1

Last five league matches: Reading W D L L L; Man Utd W W L W W

Top scorers: Simon Cox (Reading) 9; Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd) 22

Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent).

Tottenham (12) v Sunderland (18)

Spurs' Tom Huddlestone has completed a three-match ban but Steed Malbranque is suspended. Goalkeeper Paul Robinson, defender Ledley King and striker Dimitar Berbatov could return. Didier Zokora is on international duty but Darren Bent (knee), Gareth Bale (foot), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) and Anthony Gardner (ankle) are out injured.

Sunderland winger Ross Wallace is out for the rest of the season after damaging knee ligaments. Defender Danny Higginbotham and midfielder Grant Leadbitter are out with toe fractures. Dickson Etuhu is on African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria, while Carlos Edwards continues his recovery from a broken leg.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Tottenham L W W L L; Sunderland L L W L W

Top scorers: Robbie Keane (Tottenham) 15; Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland) 6

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

Sunday, January 20

Man City (7) v West Ham (10)

Manchester City striker Nery Castillo has been ruled out for up to six weeks after fracturing a bone on his shoulder in the FA Cup victory against West Ham in midweek. City face the Hammers again on Sunday and apart from Castillo, Michael Johnson (abdominal strain) and Emile Mpenza (hamstring) are again ruled out through injury.

Danny Gabbidon is available for West Ham after recovering from a groin injury. Fellow centre-back James Collins is also pushing for a place. French midfielder Julien Faubert is edging closer to a first-team start. Hayden Mullins and Carlton Cole are in contention but Craig Bellamy is not expected to be ready.

Last season: West Ham 0 Man City 1, Man City 2 West Ham 0

Last five league matches: Man City D D D W L; West Ham W D W L W

Top scorers: Elano (Man City) 7; Dean Ashton (West Ham) 6

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

Wigan (17) v Everton (5)

Erik Edman could go straight into the Wigan side after his £500,000 move from French club Rennes. With Ryan Taylor (knee) and Carlo Nash (broken leg) the only absentees, manager Steve Bruce has virtually a full squad to choose from.

Striker Andrew Johnson is set to return to Everton's squad having recovered from a training knock. Leon Osman, out since mid-December with a broken toe, could also feature in the squad, while fellow midfielder Manuel Fernandes is available after completing a six-month loan deal at the weekend.

Last season: Wigan 0 Everton 2, Everton 2 Wigan 2

Last five league matches: Wigan D W L D W; Everton L W L W W

Top scorers: Marcus Bent (Wigan) 8; Ayegbeni Yakubu (Everton) 12

Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).

Monday, January 21

Liverpool (4) v Aston Villa (6)

Danish defender Daniel Agger is the only certain absentee facing Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez after he suffered a recurrence of his metatarsal injury last weekend, sidelining him for a month. Fabio Aurelio has recovered from a hamstring problem and Steve Finnan and Javier Mascherano could return. Slovakian new boy Martin Skrtel could also get his first call-up to the squad.

Stuart Taylor is set to start as goalkeeper Scott Carson cannot play due to his loan from Liverpool. Skipper Gareth Barry is an injury doubt after suffering a bruised pelvis in training but defender Olof Mellberg is fit to return after missing the 3-1 home win over Reading through sickness.

Last season: Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 0, Liverpool 3 Aston Villa 1

Last five league matches: Liverpool W W D D D; Aston Villa D D W W W

Top scorers: Fernando Torres (Liverpool) 17; Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) 7

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).