Matchday Open Thread

Today we get into the midweek portion of our program.  Unlike last week, there are no huge "Drogba, or not Drogba" issues hanging over our heads.  With Manchester United and West Ham United being two-gamers it's more a matter of how many of those players can you afford or stomach.

But there are still many interesting subplots... injuries, suspensions, new arrivals and returning heroes.  All of which we'll chronicle and comment after the jump.

And, as always, consider this your midweek matchday open thread.


Team news: Bellamy missing
Here's your summary round-up for today's matches.


Key men missing for Everton

Everton are without Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar for their home clash against Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Fellaini is out with an ankle injury sustained in a tackle with Sotirios Kyrgiakos in the Merseyside derby defeat at Liverpool on Saturday.
Pienaar is suspended following his sending off in the same match.

We'll be keeping a close barn-door eye on Arteta in this match.  I'm not sure I want to pick him up with a visit from Manchester United looming next week, but a good performance from the Spaniard may make that worry a moot point.


Guedioura in line for Wolves start


Brown hopes to name same team

Hull manager Phil Brown is hopeful Andy Dawson and George Boateng will be fit for the Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn at Ewood Park...
Geovanni is still out after travelling to Portugal for treatment on a minor medial ligament problem while Jimmy Bullard has returned to training and could make his comeback against West Ham next weekend.

 Jummy!  @8.34.  Give me some of that action!


 Terry passed fit for Blues

Captain John Terry has recovered from the minor dead leg he collected in the victory over Arsenal and will play against Everton at Goodison Park.
But Chelsea have a slight doubt over midfielder Deco ahead of their trip to Merseyside.  Deco is struggling with a knee injury and may miss out.

Not that Deco is relevant with Mikel back to take his place at the base of Chelsea's midfield.


United turn to experienced pair

Veteran duo Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are set for recalls as Manchester United look to maintain their Barclays Premier League title push by winning at Aston Villa.
The pair did not even make the bench for Saturday's 5-0 demolition of Portsmouth, which suggests they will face Martin O'Neill's men.
Rio Ferdinand is suspended, while Nemanja Vidic has an outside chance of being involved for the first time this year after suffering a nerve problem in his leg last month.

 Scholes @4.54 as an enabler for Manchester United's upcoming two-match week?


Cahill suffers blood clot

Bolton defender Gary Cahill could miss the rest of the season after suffering a blood clot in his arm.
It is a devastating blow for Cahill, who was hoping to claim a place in England's World Cup squad. The 24-year-old was taken ill on Friday and sat out the 0-0 draw against Fulham on Saturday.
Manager Owen Coyle said: "Gary suffered a pain in his arm and it became severely swollen on the day of the game. There was no way he could play so we took him straight off to hospital. It turns out he had a blood clot in his arm, so he is going to be out for a number of months."

Eduardo missing for Gunners

Arsenal will again be without Croatia striker Eduardo (hamstring) for the visit of Liverpool.
Fit-again Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner is pressing for a start after coming off the bench in the 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Baggies move for Nouble

West Brom have signed West Ham striker Frank Nouble on an initial month-long loan, with the deal set to be completed when the emergency window reopens on Tuesday.

West Ham restocked at forward in the transfer window, so this is probably the best option for Nouble. He needs experience, but is certainly one for the future.


Pompey duo doubtful for Black Cats clash

Portsmouth could be without Kevin-Prince Boateng and Anthony Vanden Borre for their Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland at Fratton Park.
Vanden Borre limped off during the second half of Pompey's 5-0 defeat against Manchester United on Saturday and his replacement, Boateng, was also unable to complete the match after suffering an ankle injury.
Steve Finnan could replace Vanden Borre at right-back if he is ruled out. John Utaka (hamstring) may return but Papa Bouba Diop is still sidelined.

Bellamy poised to miss out

Craig Bellamy is set to miss Manchester City's clash with Bolton as a result of his long-standing knee injury...
Joleon Lescott has returned to training and is likely to be on the bench after completing 45 minutes of a training match, but Dedryk Boyata could continue in defence as Vincent Kompany is still struggling with a groin problem and Micah Richards doubtful because of a calf injury.
Patrick Vieira and Adam Johnson are expected to be involved again after impressing in their debuts as substitutes in the defeat at Hull on Saturday, while Roque Santa Cruz has recovered from a calf strain.

Here's hoping we see more than a cameo from Martin Petrov. Though all the noise around Adam Johnson - a player I really like - makes me nervous.


Skipper Faye poised to return

Stoke captain Abdoulaye Faye could make his return to first-team action in Wednesday night's Barclays Premier League clash with Wigan.
Faye, who has been suffering with a back problem, failed a late fitness test before the 3-0 victory over Blackburn on Saturday but could recover in time to play at the DW Stadium.
Andy Wilkinson received stitches to a head injury in the Blackburn game but is available for selection.

Will Wilkinson - a popular fantasy choice this week - lose his place to Huth as a result of Faye's return? Pulis does seem to like his flat back four with center backs all across the pitch.