Another full programme of Barclays Premier League matches takes place this weekend kicking off at 12:45 Saturday and you can discover all the latest team news and match comments below.
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Saturday 2nd November 2013
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12:45 Newcastle (11) v Chelsea (2) ~ BTSport
Newcastle United suffered derby agony against Sunderland last time out, with Wearside prevailing over Tyneside. Alan Pardew's men also tumbled out of the Capital One Cup in midweek, so will have a few wrongs to right when they entertain Chelsea.
In contrast to the Magpies, Jose Mourinho's Blues could not be in more buoyant mood at present. Victories over Manchester City and Arsenal in the league and cup have them well-placed to challenge on multiple fronts - and they will move to the top of the table, for a few hours at least, if they can secure a seventh straight success in all competitions.
Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini is unlikely to play against Chelsea as he continues his recovery from a groin problem. Fellow central defender Steven Taylor, who suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury in training last week, is still some way from returning. Left-back Paul Dummett, who partnered Mike Williamson in the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland last weekend, is also out with a hamstring strain, meaning Williamson and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa are likely to pair up, as they did in midweek for the Capital One Cup tie against Manchester City.
Jose Mourinho is poised to recall a host of first-team players. The Blues boss made 10 changes for the midweek Capital One Cup win at Arsenal so the likes of Petr Cech, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard, Oscar and Fernando Torres are set to return. Mourinho reported no new injury concerns so Marco van Ginkel remains the only absentee as he continues to recover from knee surgery.
Last season: Newcastle 3 Chelsea 2, Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0
Last five league matches: Newcastle L L W D L; Chelsea W D W W W
Top scorers: Loic Remy (Newcastle) 5; Fernando Torres, Oscar & Eden Hazard (Chelsea) 5
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
S.L. Verdict Newcastle 0 Chelsea 2
15:00 Fulham (14) v Manchester United (8)
Manchester United's struggles this season have been well-documented, and they have given themselves an eight-point gap to bridge on the early front-runners. If history has taught us anything, though, it is that you write off the Red Devils at your peril - regardless of who is in charge. David Moyes saw his troops dig deep to edge out Stoke last weekend - after twice falling behind - and they are now unbeaten in their last six outings.
United also boast a formidable record against Fulham - the next side in their sights - with maximum points taken from their previous five meetings. London has also proved to be a happy hunting ground of late, with the Red Devils having made 11 visits to the capital since they last tasted defeat - at Arsenal in May 2011.
Brede Hangeland and Hugo Rodallega will miss out due to injury. Whites captain Hangeland is out with a nerve injury in his leg, while Rodallega will be out for at least a couple of weeks, and potentially more, after tearing an adductor. Aaron Hughes is pushing for a start after making his first appearance since August 31 against Southampton, but full-back Matthew Briggs (hernia) is still out.
Manchester United's experienced central defensive pair of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are in contention. Vidic and Ferdinand played together for the first time since United's derby thrashing by Manchester City in September in the midweek Capital One Cup tie against Norwich. There are no concerns over striker Robin van Persie after a number of niggling injuries in recent weeks but fellow forward Danny Welbeck (knee) again misses out.
Last season: Fulham 0 Man Utd 1, Man Utd 3 Fulham 2
Last five league matches: Fulham L L W W L; Man Utd L L W D W
Top scorers: Darren Bent & Hugo Rodallega (Fulham) 3; Robin van Persie (Man Utd) 8
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).
S.L. Verdict Fulham 1 Manchester United 2
15:00 Hull (10) v Sunderland (19)
Sunderland had propped up the division heading into the last round of Premier League fixtures, but have become upwardly mobile on the back of their Wear-Tyne derby success. Building on that result is now the challenge for Gus Poyet, with there still a lot of work to be done before the Black Cats can rest easy. They remain four points from safety and still have the worst defensive record in the division - having been breached on 21 occasions.
Hull City will be looking to pile the pressure back on Poyet's troops this weekend and cement a standing inside the top half. Two setbacks have been suffered against Tottenham Hotspur in the space of four days, with Spurs taking three points and a League Cup quarter-final berth off the Tigers. Steve Bruce's side more than held their own during those contests, though, and have plenty to be proud of since their return to the big time.
Hull manager Steve Bruce will give late fitness tests to Sone Aluko and Robbie Brady. Aluko (calf) and Brady (hernia) are both struggling but Bruce will give them every chance of making the side as he is already without Allan McGregor (hip), James Chester (hamstring) and Alex Bruce (groin). Jake Livermore returns after missing the double header against parent club Tottenham, but Danny Graham is on loan from the Black Cats and will make way for Yannick Sagbo.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has no injury problems. Striker Steven Fletcher emerged unscathed despite appearing to land awkwardly during last Sunday's 2-1 derby victory over Newcastle and will be fit to retain his place. Midfielder David Vaughan will not be part of the squad after being allowed to join Sky Bet Championship Nottingham Forest on a three-month loan deal.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Hull W W D L L; Sunderland L L L L W
Top scorers: Robbie Brady (Hull) 4; Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) 3
Referee: Andre Marriner.
S.L. Verdict Hull 0 Sunderland 1
15:00 Manchester City (7) v Norwich (18)
Were Fulham to come unstuck at Craven Cottage, they would tumble back towards the drop zone and could be overtaken by Norwich City - among others. The Canaries would, however, have to claim a notable scalp at the Etihad Stadium if they are to climb the standings.
Manchester City will welcome the Canaries to the north west looking to get their title pursuit back on track - much like arch-rivals United. City sit seventh at present, six points adrift of the leaders. Inconsistency, particularly on their travels, continues to plague Manuel Pellegrini's side and Norwich will take heart from that fact that the Blues have looked far from convincing at times this term - and from the fact that they are the last side to take three points away from the Etihad, having prevailed 3-2 on the final day of the 2012/13 campaign.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini faces a choice between goalkeepers Joe Hart and Costel Pantilimon. Hart has made a series of high-profile blunders and for Wednesday's 2-0 extra-time Capital One Cup victory at Newcastle the England international was replaced by Pantilimon, the Blues' regular goalkeeper for domestic cup competitions who is yet to make a Premier League appearance. Vincent Kompany (thigh), Stevan Jovetic (calf) and Javi Garcia will not feature.
Norwich midfielder Alexander Tettey could be out of action for up to two months after needing ankle surgery. Striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel also misses Saturday's trip to Manchester City with a foot injury. Midfield duo Robert Snodgrass (concussion) and Nathan Redmond (hip) are also doubts after their second-half exits in the midweek Capital One Cup defeat at Manchester United.
Last season: Man City 2 Norwich 3, Norwich 3 Man City 4
Last five league matches: Man City W L W W L; Norwich L W L L D
Top scorers: Sergio Aguero (Man City) 10; Gary Hooper, Anthony Pilkington, Steven Whittaker, Johan Elmander & Jonathan Howson (Norwich) 2
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
S.L. Verdict Manchester City 3 Norwich 0
15:00 Stoke (17) v Southampton (5)
One of those currently perched above City is Southampton, with the Saints continuing to draw plenty of praise and many admirers for the manner in which they are going about their business. Those inside the St Mary's camp are unlikely to be drawn into a debate regarding possible top-four finishes just yet, but they remain very much a part of that chasing pack. Mauricio Pochettino's side have suffered just one defeat in the league so far, and have gone seven games unbeaten in all competitions since coming unstuck at Norwich.
Stoke City will not be relishing a visit from the in-form Saints, with their own form offering serious cause for concern. A run which has brought just two points from the last 18 available has the Potters languishing just above the drop zone, and with only three home wins to their name in 2013.
Full-back Andy Wilkinson is a definite absentee for Stoke. Wilkinson, who has played only two games for the Potters this season, is struggling with a knee problem. Key defender Robert Huth had been a doubt for Stoke's Capital One Cup tie against Birmingham in midweek but recovered from an ankle injury to play the full 120 minutes.
Dani Osvaldo and Steven Davis will be assessed because of injuries. Club record signing Osvaldo missed last weekend's 2-0 defeat of Fulham with a nerve issue down his side, while Davis was unavailable due to a knock. Guly do Prado is unlikely to make the trip to the Britannia Stadium due to a knee injury.
Last season: Southampton 1 Stoke 1, Stoke 3 Southampton 3
Last five league matches: Stoke L L L D L; Southampton W W W D W
Top scorers: Kenwyne Jones (Stoke) 4; Jay Rodriguez & Rickie Lambert (Southampton) 3
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside).
S.L. Verdict Stoke 0 Southampton 1
15:00 West Brom (12) v Crystal Palace (20)
West Bromwich Albion have suffered no such troubles, but did come unstuck last time out and will be determined to embark on another unbeaten stretch when they entertain rock-bottom Crystal Palace. The Eagles remain without a permanent manager, with a full-time successor yet to be found to the departed Ian Holloway.
That means Keith Millen will remain in caretaker charge at The Hawthorns, with no decision on the likes of Alex McLeish, Chris Coleman and Tony Pulis - who have all been linked with the post - set to be taken before Saturday. If this is to be Millen's last stand in the dugout, he will want to sign off on a high - with Palace having slumped to the foot of the table after suffering eight defeats in their nine fixtures so far, conceding 19 goals.
West Brom are assessing the condition of midfielders Morgan Amalfitano and Scott Sinclair. Amalfitano came off with a knee injury in the first half of last weekend's 4-1 league defeat at Liverpool, but could be fit. There is also a chance on-loan winger Sinclair, who has missed the Baggies' last three matches due to a hamstring complaint, will be ready to make his return.
Crystal Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen has no fresh injury concerns. The Eagles picked up a few knocks in last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal but they have now cleared up, while defender Damien Delaney is having to manage an ankle issue. Midfielder Jonny Williams (ankle) has returned to training and may be back before December, while defender Paddy McCarthy, who has returned to training after a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a groin injury, and striker Glenn Murray (knee) also remain sidelined.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: West Brom W W D D L; Crystal Palace L L L L L
S.L. Verdict West Brom 2 Crystal Palace 0
15:00 West Ham (15) v Aston Villa (13)
An all claret and blue clash at Upton Park will see West Ham United try to move ahead of Aston Villa and offer themselves a bit of breathing space towards the bottom. Just one point separates the Hammers from the trapdoor at present, while Villa are only another point better off. Neither side has offered much in recent weeks to suggest that they can be considered favourites on Saturday, with Sam Allardyce's side collecting one win in eight and Paul Lambert's one point from their last three games.
The Hammers' record on home soil against Villa during the Premier League era tips the balance slightly in their favour, as does the fact that they have not suffered four successive top-flight defeats in front of their own supporters since January 2006.
Winger Matthew Taylor misses out for West Ham after suffering a knock against Burnley in the midweek Capital One Cup victory. Mladen Petric is also out for a couple of weeks after aggravating an injury in an under-21 run-out and fellow striker Ricardo Vaz Te is absent after dislocating a shoulder against Swansea on Sunday. Carlton Cole is not yet ready for a Premier League start, according to Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, but the striker could feature from the bench.
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is set to miss his out as the forward has been struggling with an ankle problem for some time. Left-backs Antonio Luna (hamstring) and Joe Bennett (back) are also out, leaving Villa manager Paul Lambert with a hole to fill in the position. Jores Okore (knee), Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles) and Gary Gardner (back) are long-term casualties.
Last season: Aston Villa 2 West Ham 1, West Ham 1 Aston Villa 0
Last five league matches: West Ham L L W L D; Aston Villa W W D L L
Top scorers: Ravel Morrison & Ricardo Vaz Te (West Ham) 4; Christian Benteke (Aston Villa) 5
Referee: Howard Webb.
S.L. Verdict West Ham 0 Aston Villa 0
17:30 Arsenal (1) v Liverpool (3) Sky Sports 1
The final game on Saturday pitches two of this season's most entertaining outfits into direct combat, with Arsenal looking to put a dent in the title aspirations of rejuvenated Liverpool. The Gunners have avoided defeat in the league since the opening weekend, but have seen question marks raised as to their ability to produce the goods against the very best after coming unstuck in recent cup outings against Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.
Victory over Liverpool would help to silence those critics, but the Reds will head to Emirates Stadium having won three of their last four, plundering 12 goals in the process - with a fear-inducing SAS strike partnership having been formed between Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez.
Arsenal will have midfielder Mikel Arteta back from a one-match suspension. Mathieu Flamini remains sidelined with his groin problem, and an ankle injury rules out Serge Gnabry, while Theo Walcott is still recovering from minor abdominal surgery. Yaya Sanogo (back), Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby (both knee) all also continue their rehabilitation.
Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho returns from a shoulder injury after more than six weeks out. The Brazilian had an operation after sustaining the problem at Swansea on September 16 and is likely to start on the bench. Left-back Jose Enrique is still troubled by a knee injury and will not be included.
Last season: Arsenal 2 Liverpool 2, Liverpool 0 Arsenal 2
Last five league matches: Arsenal W W D W W; Liverpool L W W D W
Top scorers: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) 9; Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) 10
Referee: Martin Atkinson.
S.L. Verdict Arsenal 2 Liverpool 2
Sunday 3rd November 2013
13:30 Everton v Tottenham ~ SkySports 1
Everton will look to move into the UEFA Champions League places when presented with the opportunity to edge in front of Tottenham Hotspur. The Toffees are playing an exciting brand of football under Roberto Martinez and fancy their chances against anyone at Goodison Park - especially visitors who have found goals hard to come by.
Spurs have netted just nine times in as many fixtures this term, but have also been difficult to break down. Andre Villas-Boas' criticism of the White Hart Lane support last weekend produced the desired response in a League Cup tie with Hull City in midweek, but the capital outfit may feel that a trip out on the road has come at a good time and will help to lift some of the pressure off their shoulders.
Striker Arouna Kone is ruled out for Everton with a knee injury. Defender John Heitinga returns to the squad after sitting out the last two matches with a muscle problem. Fellow centre-back Antolin Alcaraz is recovering well from a hernia injury and is expected to make his debut later this month while midfielder Darron Gibson (knee) is the only other absentee.
Defender Danny Rose has still not recovered from a foot injury and will miss out for Tottenham. Full-back Kyle Naughton has a 50 per cent chance of playing after suffering a thigh injury against Hull on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup. Winger Nacer Chadli (hamstring), striker Emmanuel Adebayor (foot) and defender Zeki Fryers (groin) are out, but winger Andros Townsend is fit after recovering from his nasty fall in last weekend's victory over Hull.
Last season: Spurs 2 Everton 2, Everton 2 Spurs 1
Last five league matches: Everton W W L W W; Spurs W D L W W
Top scorers: Romelu Lukaku (Everton) 5; Jermain Defoe (Spurs) 8
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
S.L. Verdict Everton 1 Tottenham 1
16:00 Cardiff v Swansea ~ SkySports 1
There will be a lot more than three points riding on a duel between Cardiff City and Swansea City, with two fierce rivals having waited a long time to showcase a unique derby experience on the grandest of footballing stages.
The hosts are in greater need of the points at present, having gone three games without a win, but anything is possible on such occasions and Swansea, who have improved over recent weeks, would like nothing more than to poop Cardiff's party and head home with points and local bragging rights tucked securely under their arm.
Cardiff manager Malky Mackay has an almost fully fit squad. Craig Bellamy is set to return to the starting line-up and take the captaincy for the Bluebirds while Gary Medel will start his first south Wales derby in midfield. Andreas Cornelius is expected to remain out with an ankle injury but Craig Noone should be available after an ankle problem.
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has Ashley Williams fit to lead his side but will be without winger Pablo Hernandez. Williams returned from an ankle ligament problem in the draw with West Ham and suffered no reaction from his 90-minute outing but Hernandez has picked up another thigh problem after making his own comeback against the Hammers. Ben Davies will again miss out with his ankle injury, but Jonjo Shelvey has shaken off a hamstring problem.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Cardiff L W L L D; Swansea W L L W D
Top scorers: Peter Odemwingie, Jordon Mutch & Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff) 2; Wilfried Bony & Michu (Swansea) 6
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).
S.L. Verdict Cardiff 1 Swansea 2