Injuries and Suspensions (sort of)

BBC Sport - Football - Man Utd v Hull

Hard to do justice to this column with FA Cup matches between now and most of the scheduled Premier League matches for the week but we do know that Rio Ferdinand is going to re-join the starting line-up at ManYoo meaning that either Johnny Evans or Wes Brown will be grabbing some pine (I guess that analogy doesn't really work in the Prem anymore with Audi providing individualized comfy seats to everyone on the bench - for those who are unaware "grabbing some pine" refers to sitting on the bench which traditionally has been made of pine wood here in the States).  My bet is that Brown will make way for Rio in an effort to ensure his workload isn't too heavy after his injury issues.  As for the right back situation, who knows...

Also worth noting that Berbs has recovered from his dead leg (no word on whether he has recovered from sucking all season but at least he'll be in the line-up if you care to have him in yours).

What a shock, Zaki is short of fitness and not ready to start for Hull...

Here is the list of Premier League clubs who have FA Cup matches this weekend (putting their players at risk of injury/suspension between now and mid-week)

Against "top competition" (most likely to field a full squad) - Birmingham, Everton, Sunderland, Pompey, and Stoke.

Against "less than top competition" (line-up probably sprinkled with reserves/kids) - Arsenal (because its what they do), Bolton, Fulham, Burnley, Chelsea, Wigan, Villa, Wolves, Spurs, Citeh

I guess the best advice I can give is not to worry too much about the things you can't control (injuries and suspensions that happen between the roster deadline and when your players play).  If you want to look at the FA Cup injury lists for the weekend, they might help a little bit too but hard to say how much.

Cheers - Neal

Update:  Some bits and bobs from the FA Cup team news.... FWIW.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is set to make wholesale changes for the home FA Cup fourth-round clash with Brighton on Saturday.

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is still nursing a groin injury and will miss the FA Cup clash against his former club Leeds (kick-off 5.15pm). Tom Huddlestone is also out of the tie at White Hart Lane as he has a knee injury but midfielder Jamie O'Hara is available, while Jermaine Jenas should continue in midfield.

Midfielder Leon Osman returns for Everton's fourth round FA Cup clash with fellow Premier League side Birmingham at Goodison Park on Saturday. The 28-year-old missed last week's victory over Manchester City with a hamstring problem.

Everton's long-standing injury list appears to be shortening with Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling (both hamstring) likely to return for next week's league visit of Sunderland.

The Black Cats, who have been plagued by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks, will welcome back defender Michael Turner from a four-match ban.

Bruce has confirmed that keeper Craig Gordon, who has been out with a broken arm since November, will start and Lee Cattermole and Andy Reid (both hamstring) and Kieran Richardson (calf) are fit, although Cattermole has complained of soreness following his exertions in training.

Roberto Mancini intends to use two-goal hero Carlos Tevez sparingly at Glanford Park if at all.[07:37]

Rio Ferdinand is expected to partner Jonny Evans in the centre of Manchester United's defence against Hull at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Dimitar Berbatov has shaken off a dead leg and should also return after missing Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat at Manchester City.

Cole is suffering from an ankle problem and will be replaced by Yury Zhirkov. Goalkeeper Hilario will replace the rested Petr Cech.

Michael Essien has been ruled out for up to six weeks following the knee injury he sustained on duty with Ghana

Birmingham newcomer Michel could finally make his debut in the FA Cup fourth-round clash with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday

Kevin Prince Boateng will miss out, though, as he is struggling with an ankle knock.