Yahoo Sport
Fri, 14 Jan 16:22:00 2011
Edin Dzeko may have to be content with a place on the bench as Manchester City look to secure top spot for 24 hours by beating Wolves.
The £27 million Bosnian has not played a competitive game since scoring a last-minute equaliser for Wolfsburg against Hoffenheim prior to the German winter break and boss Roberto Mancini is cautious about pitching him straight in against Mick McCarthy's men.
Mario Balotelli (knee) and Micah Richards (back) have been ruled out but David Silva is expected to be available after missing two games with a knee injury.
Wolves have a trio of players - including skipper Karl Henry – back. Manager Mick McCarthy confirmed midfielder Henry (knee) and defenders Jody Craddock (hip) and Steve Mouyokolo (back) will all travel to Eastlands after recovering from injury.
Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, Michael Essien and Ashley Cole could all return to the Chelsea side for the Premier League game against Blackburn. The quartet were all rested for Sunday's 7-0 FA Cup third-round thrashing of Ipswich
Blackburn hope to have Roque Santa Cruz available to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Paraguay striker has rejoined Rovers on loan from Manchester City and the club hope to have him registered in time to play at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham forward Victor Obinna is suspended for the home clash with Arsenal after being sent off against Birmingham in the Carling Cup in midweek. Lars Jacobsen returns after a lengthy lay-off and Danny Gabbidon is available after missing the cup tie. Carlton Cole is also fully fit and could start against Arsenal after scoring as a substitute against Birmingham
Arsenal will be without goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder) so Wojciech Szczesny will again deputise. Centre-back Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring) is also out and right-back Bacary Sagna serves the last of his three-match ban. Denilson has recovered from a thigh problem, while both Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri return to the squad having been rested for the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Ipswich. Midfielder Abou Diaby (calf), goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle) and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) remain out.
Stoke striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is doubtful for the Premier League home match against his former club Bolton because of a neck injury.
Bolton are again short on numbers for their trip to the Britannia Stadium. Striker Ivan Klasnic (groin) became the latest addition to their injury list when he was forced off at half-time during last week's FA Cup tie against York.
Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill will make his first Premier League start for West Brom when they take on Blackpool. Boss Robert Di Matteo has revealed Scott Carson will drop down to the bench to make way for Myhill,
Blackpool midfielder Elliot Grandin faces a late fitness test ahead. Grandin has suffered problems with his hamstring in recent weeks and was withdrawn in the second half against Liverpool.
Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia back for the Premier League clash with Fulham after the winger completed a three-match suspension.
Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury for the clash at the DW Stadium.
PA Sport
