Liverpool vs Wolves Preview

Javier Mascherano is suspended for Liverpool, while Wolves have no new injury concerns ahead of this trip to Anfield.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is still missing Michael Kightly, Dave Edwards and Andy Keogh and is set to keep faith with the same eleven that beat Burnley 2-0 last time out.

This means the in-form Kevin Doyle keeps his place upfront, supported by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, although the fit again Chris Iwulemo is pressing for a start.

In the absence of the suspended Mascherano, summer signing Alberto Aquilani could start his first Premiership match of the season in midfield.

Definitely out for Rafa Benitez' side are Albert Riera, Martin Kelly and Nabil El Zhar.

The fit again Fernando Torres will start in attack, with French youngster David Ngog having to be content with a place on the bench.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 26th 17:30 GMT

LIVERPOOL vs WOLVES ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Liverpool vs Wolves Preview

Everton vs Birmingham City Preview

Everton will be without midfielder Jack Rodwell, while Birmingham City are set to name an unchanged line-up.

Rodwell is the latest in a long line of injuries for Everton boss David Moyes and will be out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury.

Also doubtful is Brazilian forward Jo, who has an ankle knock and flu. He could be replaced in the starting line-up by Yakubu.

Returning from suspension, however, is midfielder Tim Cahill, who is set to captain Everton against the in-form Birmingham City. Also in line for a start is midfielder Leon Osman, who is back from injury.

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish will keep faith with the players that have brought him four successive victories. Cameron Jerome and Christian Benitez will once again start in attack, with veteran Kevin Phillips on the bench.

KICK-OFF: SUNDAY DECEMBER 20th 15:00 GMT

EVERTON vs BIRMINGHAM ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Everton vs Birmingham City Preview

Burnley vs Bolton Match Preview

Defensive duo Clarke Carlisle and Steven Caldwell will be missing for Burnley, while Bolton could name a little changed starting XI.

Gary Megson's Bolton Wanderers Monday meeting with Wigan was called off for safety reasons and the squad have no new injury concerns.

Suspended is Fabrice Muamba, who has picked up five bookings this season. With Gavin McCann still out, Mark Davies could start in central midfield.

Kevin Davies will once again be partnered by Croatian Ivan Klasnic, with Johan Elmander once again relegated to the bench.

Burnley boss Owen Coyle will replace his missing defenders with Michael Duff and Joey Gudjonsson.

Carlisle and Caldwell aside, Coyle is likely to keep faith with the players that have been in impressive home form this season.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 26th 14:00 GMT

BURNLEY vs BOLTON ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Burnley vs Bolton Match Preview

West Ham vs Portsmouth Preview

Goalkeeper David James could return for Avram Grant's Portsmouth, while Danny Gabbidon is missing for West Ham United.

Gabbidon suffered a hamstring injury against Chelsea and will be replaced by James Tomkins as Matthew Upson's central defensive partner.

With Zavon Hines and Kieron Dyer still out, West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola will keep faith with Alessandro Diamanti in support of striker Guillermo Franco. Mark Noble, Scott Parker and Jack Collison are also all set to start.

Portsmouth could recall David James to goalkeeping duties in place of Asmir Begovic as the England international recovers from a calf problem.

Pompey boss Avram Grant has no new injury worries and is expected to start with a 4-5-1 formation with Frederic Piquionne as the lone striker.

Left back Nadir Belhadj will keep his place after an impressive performance against Liverpool last time out.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 26th 13:00 GMT

WEST HAM vs PORTSMOUTH ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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West Ham vs Portsmouth Preview

Fulham vs Spurs Team Preview

With Andrew Johnson and Diomansy Kamara still sidelined, Bobby Zamora will once again lead the line for Fulham against a Spurs line up who are still without a number of key players.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is likely to partner Zamora with USA international Clint Dempsey, meaning that forward Erik Nevland will have to be content with a place on the bench.

Elsewhere, Hodgson is set to keep faith with the starting XI that beat Manchester United 3-0 last time out.

Spurs central defender Ledley King has been back in training, but it is not known whether manager Harry Redknapp will risk starting him in this match.

More likely is that Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong will start in central defence.

Luka Modric and David Bentley are still struggling with knocks, but Redknapp is hopeful that both will be able to play some part over the Christmas period. However, neither are likely to start this match.

Peter Crouch will keep his place upfront alongside the in-form Jermain Defoe. Robbie Keane will once again be on the bench.

KICK-OFF : SATURDAY DECEMBER 26th 13:00 GMT

FULHAM vs SPURS ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Fulham vs Spurs Team Preview

Birmingham City vs Chelsea Preview

Birmingham City are set to name an unchanged side for the visit of Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea side.

While defensive duo Liam Ridgewell and Roger Johnson picked up knocks during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Everton, City boss Alex McLeish is hopeful that the pair will be fit enough to face Chelsea on Boxing Day.

If Ridgewell doesn't make it, he could be replaced by former Middlesbrough man Franck Queudrue.

Elsewhere, McLeish is unlikely to make any further changes to a line-up that has overperformed so far this season.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has a few injury concerns.

Most critically, Nicolas Anelka has a muscle injury and the striker is set to be replaced by Salomon Kalou, although youngster Daniel Sturridge is also pushing for a start upfront.

Also out is midfielder Michael Essien - Jon Obi Mikel will deputise - and Jose Bosingwa, who will be replaced by Branislav Ivanovic.

Fit again winger Yuri Zhirkov could start for Chelsea, with Joe Cole dropping to the bench.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 26th 12:45 GMT

BIRMINGHAM v CHELSEA ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Birmingham City vs Chelsea Preview

Sunderland vs Everton Preview

Sunderland will be missing suspended defender Michael Turner, while Everton still have a number of key players out with injury.

Definitely missing for David Moyes' Everton side are Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville, Sylvain Distin, Jack Rodwell and Joseph Yobo.

Lack of playing resources means that Moyes is likely to name an unchanged side, with Louis Saha upfront on his own supported by a five man midfield consisting of Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini, Tim Cahill, Leon Osman and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will replace the suspended Michael Turner with Phil Bardsley.

Coming back into central midfield will be Lorik Cana, who returns from suspension to captain the side. Steed Malbranque, who has a dead leg, is the player likely to miss out.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender Anton Ferdinand are still sidelined, so Marton Fulop and Nyron Nosworthy keep their places in the Sunderland starting eleven.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 26th 15:00 GMT

SUNDERLAND vs WIGAN ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Sunderland vs Everton Preview

Aston Villa vs Stoke City Team Preview

Robert Huth is suspended for Tony Pulis' Stoke City side, while Aston Villa have no new injury concerns.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has selection problems with defender James Collins coming back into contention after a groin injury. However, with Carlos Cueller in good form, Collins is likely to take his place on the bench.

Villa favourite Wilfred Bouma could also be on the bench as the left back continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg.

Emile Heskey is set to keep his place in attack and will partner Gabriel Agbonlahor upfront.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis will move Andy Wilkinson over to right back with Danny Collins coming in at left back to cover the absence of Rober Huth.

After scoring his first goal for the club, Turkish international Tuncay Sanli looks set to keep his starting place with the out of favour James Beattie relegated to the bench.

There are unlikely to be any further changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Wigan Athletic last time out.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 19th 15:00 GMT

ASTON VILLA vs STOKE ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Aston Villa vs Stoke City Team Preview

Wigan Athletic v Blackburn Preview

Roberto Martinez' Wigan Athletic have no new injury worries ahead of the visit of a Blackburn Rovers side who are still missing David Dunn.

Also sidelined for Sam Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers is winger Vince Grella, but Brett Emerton and Chris Samba are both back and set to start.

Benni McCarthy may again start in tandem with Franco Di Santo, although boss Allardyce is keen for his players to start scoring.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has no new injury concerns, although midfielder Mohamed Diame will be missing for a further 4 weeks after sustaining a knee injury. Jason Koumas could be the man to replace him.

Martinez may revert back to a 4-4-2 formation with Jason Scotland recalled to partner Hugo Rodallega in attack.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 26th 15:00

WIGAN vs BLACKBURN ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Wigan Athletic v Blackburn Preview

West Ham vs Chelsea Match Preview

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is back in contention for Chelsea, while West Ham welcome Matthew Upson back from injury.

Upson has overcome a hamstring problem and is set to start for Gianfranco Zola's West Ham side.

Also back in contention is Luis Jimenez, but Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines, Kieron Dyer and Valon Behrami are all sidelined.

James Tomkins will drop to the bench to make way for Upson, with Junior Stanislas coming into the midfield in place of Dyer.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti will bring Didier Drogba back into the starting line-up after the Ivory Coast international overcame the back injury that kept him out of the midweek match against Portsmouth.

Also expected to return are Ricardo Carvalho, who will replace Alex in central defence, and Joe Cole, who will replace Deco.

KICK-OFF: SUNDAY DECEMBER 20th 16:00 GMT

WEST HAM vs CHELSEA ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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West Ham vs Chelsea Match Preview

Hughes Set For The Sack?

Both the tabloids and the broadsheets are suggesting that Mark Hughes is on his way out of Manchester City after a miserable run of results, culminating in a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The papers suggest that Hughes will be out of a job by Monday regardless of the result against Sunderland, but what they can't agree on is who will replace him.

The Sun suggest that Jurgen Klinsmann or Guus Hiddink are in line for the post, The Telegraph think former Inter boss Roberto Mancini is waiting to take over, while, quite improbably, The Star are saying that it could be Arsene Wenger.

Who knows? Time will tell. Except: it won't be Arsene Wenger.

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Hughes Set For The Sack?

Donovan Interested in Everton Loan

LA Galaxy forward and USA international Landon Donovan has said that he would be “very comfortable” with a loan move to Everton.

Donovan is keen to join a major European side in January in order to maintain his fitness during the MLS close season.

The 27 year old has extended his deal at the Galaxy until 2013, but said:

“You want to go where you are wanted and Everton have been incredibly professional and expressed their interest and I feel that is a place where I would feel very comfortable.

“There's already a lot of Americans that play (in the Premier League) and it would be interesting. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Everton remain confident that a deal will be done, with chief executive Robert Elstone commenting:

“Positive discussions have been ongoing and we expect to have Landon join the club when the window opens on January 2.”

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Donovan Interested in Everton Loan

Man United vs Aston Villa Preview

Manchester United welcome Nemanja Vidic back into defence, while fellow central defender James Collins returns for Aston Villa.

Collins has missed a month with a combination of thigh and groin problems, but the recent form of Carlos Cueller may mean manager Martin O'Neill will only give him a place on the bench.

O'Neill could revert to a more familiar formation, with Stewart Downing being rested and Ashley Young returning to the left side of midfield. Stillyan Petrov and Steve Sidwell will provide the steel in central midfield.

John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor are the likely strike pairing, with Emile Heskey on the bench.

The return of Nemanja Vidic is a big boost to Sir Alex Ferguson's United side. Injuries have meant they have been forced to play midfielders as makeshift centre backs.

Indeed, it looks likely that Michael Carrick will continue in this new role in the absence of Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, John O'Shea, Jonny Evans and Rafael and Fabio Da Silva - all of whom are injured.

Dimitar Berbatov could be replaced in attack by Michael Owen after Owen scored a hat-trick in the Champions League in midweek while Tomasz Kuszczak continues in goal in place of the injured Edwin van Der Sar.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 12th 17:30 GMT

MAN UTD vs ASTON VILLA ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Man United vs Aston Villa Preview

Wolves vs Burnley Match Preview

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy will recall most of the players he rested for Wolves midweek match against Manchester United.

Richard Stearman, Jody Craddock, Christophe Berra, Stephen Ward, Karl Henry, Nenad Milijas, Matt Jarvis, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Kevin Doyle are all set to be recalled to the starting line up, with Marcus Hahnemann keeping his place in goal.

In the absence of midfielder Dave Edwards, who has ankle ligament damage, Kevin Foley will take his place among the starting XI for Wolves.

Burnley boss Owen Coyle is once again set to keep faith with the eleven that have served him well so far this season and is unlikely to make few changes to his starting line-up.

This means on-loan striker Dave Nugent will once again warm the bench, although Robbie Blake could be recalled in place of Kevin McDonald upfront.

KICK-OFF : SUNDAY DECEMBER 20th 13:30 GMT

WOLVES vs BURNLEY ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Wolves vs Burnley Match Preview

Arsenal vs Hull City Team Preview

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas is ruled out of the visit of Hull City with a hamstring injury.

Fabregas sustained the injury during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Burnley in midweek and could be replaced by the fit again Denilson.

With Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, Tomas Rosicky, Gael Clichy and Armand Traore all still out, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may opt for a 4-5-1 formation with Eduardo upfront on his own.

Andriy Arshavin would then drop back into midfield, despite scoring in successive matches as a makeshift striker.

Hull City boss Phil Brown has no new injury concerns, with striker Daniel Cousin coming back into contention after recovering from a shoulder problem.

Jozy Altidore is the most likely to start upfront for Hull, with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Daniel Cousin warming the bench.

Geovanni is set to keep his place in the starting XI despite some inconsistent recent performances, with Seyi Olofinjana also pushing for a start in place of the veteran George Boateng in midfield.

Hull boss Brown will keep faith with a back four consisting of McShane, Gardner, Zayatte, Dawson with Boaz Myhill in goal.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 19th 17:30 GMT

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Arsenal vs Hull City Team Preview

Blackburn vs Tottenham Preview

Brett Emerton is out for Blackburn Rovers with a groin injury, while Tottenham will be without midfielder David Bentley.

Bentley has a calf strain and will miss the opportunity to face his former side.

Also out for Harry Redknapp's Spurs side are centre backs Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate; the pair having been missing for several weeks.

Redknapp looks set to name an unchanged side from the one that beat Manchester City 3-0 on Wednesday, with Peter Crouch being preferred to Robbie Keane as Jermain Defoe's strike partner.

In the absence of Brett Emerton, the returns to fitness of fellow midfielders David Dunn and Vince Grella have proven timely for Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce.

Both are expected to start for Rovers.

Franco Di Santo could be recalled to the starting line-up alongside Jason Roberts, with Benni McCarthy on the bench.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 19th 15:00 GMT

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Blackburn vs Tottenham Preview

Portsmouth vs Liverpool Preview

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is set to start his first match in a number of weeks against Avram Grant's Portsmouth.

Torres appeared as a goalscoring substitute during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Wigan and is set to start ahead of fellow striker David Ngog.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is also hopeful that right back Glen Johnson has overcome a hamstring strain and will start. If fit, Johnson will start in place of Daniel Agger, who will drop to the bench.

Elsewhere, the Liverpool line-up is likely to have a familiar feel, with Gerrard and Kuyt supporting Torres upfront and Mascherano and Lucas also starting in midfield.

Portsmouth boss Avram Grant will be boosted by the return from suspension of centre back Younes Kaboul, who will partner Tal Ben-Haim in central defence.

Left back Steven Finnan is also set to keep his place and will play for the first time against his old club.

Arune Dindane could be recalled to the starting line-up alongside Frederic Piquionne, who scored against Chelsea in midweek.

David James is set to start in goal in place of Asmir Begovic. James has overcome the illness that sidelined him against Chelsea.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 19th 12: 45 GMT

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Portsmouth vs Liverpool Preview

Sunderland v Aston Villa Preview

Kieran Richardson returns for Sunderland, while Aston Villa left back Stephen Warnock is rated doubtful.

Warnock suffered a neck injury last time out and could be replaced by Luke Young, with Carlos Cueller moving to right back and James Collins coming in at centre half.

Elsewhere, Villa boss Martin O'Neill is set to keep faith with the starting XI that beat Manchester United 1-0 last time out, with Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew keeping their places in attack.

For Sunderland, Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley are back after suspension and both are expected to start for Steve Bruce's side.

Fellow defender John Mensah has been back in training this week and could be on the bench, but Bolo Zenden, Anton Ferdinand and goalkeeper Craig Gordon are all still sidelined with injury.

KICK-OFF : TUESDAY DECEMBER 15th 19:45 GMT

SUNDERLAND vs ASTON VILLA ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Sunderland v Aston Villa Preview

Sunderland vs Portsmouth Preview

David James returns from a calf injury for Portsmouth, while Sunderland have a number of defensive injuries to contend with.

Most serious for Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is that left back George McCartney is rated doubtful with a hamstring strain.

With fellow full backs Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley both suspended and injuries to Anton Ferdinand and John Mensah, Sunderland find themselves very short at the back for this match.

Nyron Nosworthy may be pressed into service as a makeshift fullback.

Also out are midfielders Bolo Zenden and Lee Cattermole.

Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent will again start upfront for Steve Bruce's side.

Portsmouth manager Avram Grant will bring goalkeeper David James back in to the starting line up in place of Asmir Begovic.

Also in line for a start is midfielder Papa Bouba Diop, who has overcome the hamstring strain that has troubled him since August. Michael Brown could be the man to make way.

Younes Kaboul will start at centre half after missing the victory over Burnley through suspension.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 12th 15:00 GMT

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Sunderland vs Portsmouth Preview

Manchester United vs Wolves Preview

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs may miss the visit of Mick McCarthy's Wolves with a hamstring injury.

It is unlikely that Sir Alex Ferguson will risk him in this match, but fellow veteran Paul Scholes has returned from suspension and could start for United.

Rafael da Silva is also back in contention and may start, allowing Darren Fletcher to move back to central midfield.

With Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Jonny Evans, Gary Neville and Fabio da Silva all still out, Wes Brown will partner Nemanja Vidic at centre back.

Tomasz Kuszczak will keep his place in goal as Edwin van Der Sar nears a return from injury.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy will be without David Edwards for around two months after the player sustained an ankle injury in the victory over Spurs at the weekend.

Striker Chris Iwelumo comes back into contention for a starting berth after appearing as a substitute last time time out. The Scotland international could partner Kevin Doyle in attack for Wolves.

KICK-OFF: TUESDAY DECEMBER 15th 20:00 GMT

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Manchester United vs Wolves Preview

Birmingham vs Blackburn Rovers Preview

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish is unlikely to make any changes to a side that has been in impressive form recently.

With veteran Lee Carsley out with a back problem, McLeish is set to name the same eleven that beat West Ham 1-0 last time out.

Still sidelined for Birmingham are long term abstentees David Murphy, Garry O'Connor, Martin Taylor and Teemu Tainio.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce will not risk midfielder David Dunn as the player recovers from a calf problem. Also sidelined is Vince Grella, who has a thigh injury.

Keith Andrews is set to start in place of Grella for Allardyce's Rovers side with Brett Emerton also featuring in midfield.

Striker Benni McCarthy is likely to drop to the bench after starting Blackburn's match against Hull City, with Franco Di Santo and Jason Roberts starting in attack.

KICK-OFF: TUESDAY DECEMBER 15th 20:00 GMT

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Birmingham vs Blackburn Rovers Preview

Bolton vs West Ham Utd Match Preview

Croatia striker Ivan Klasnic could start for Gary Megson's Bolton Wanderers in tandem with captain Kevin Davies.

Klasnic impressed last time out, scoring in Bolton's 3-3 draw with Manchester City and will keep Sweden international Johan Elmander on the bench.

Definitely out for the home side is Gavin McCann, who has a serious ankle injury. Fabrice Muamba will start in his place. Chung-Yong Lee and Tamir Cohen are also expected to start in midfield.

Bad news for West Ham Utd manager Gianfranco Zola is that their injury crisis shows no sign of easing.

Carlton Cole and Valon Behrami are both still absent as is Matthew Upson and Luis Jimenez, while midfielder Mark Noble is suspended after being sent off at the weekend.

Fit again and pushing for a start, however, is Kieron Dyer, who could support Guillermo Franco in attack for West Ham.

KICK-OFF: TUESDAY DECEMBER 15th 20:00 GMT

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Bolton vs West Ham Utd Match Preview

Spurs vs Wolves Match Preview

Tottenham are still missing first choice defenders Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate ahead of this visit by Mick McCarthy's Wolves side.

King suffered a knock in a reserve match in midweek, while Woodgate has yet to fully overcome a groin injury. Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong will continue in their place.

Midfielder Wilson Palacios suffered from bruised ribs in Spurs' 2-2 draw with Everton, but is expected to be fit enough to start for Harry Redknapp's side.

There are unlikely to be any changes to Spurs starting line-up, which means Robbie Keane will once again have to be content with a place on the bench.

It is possible that playmaker Luka Modric will be named among the substitutes as he continues his comeback from a broken leg.

For Mick McCarthy's Wolves, the injury to striker Andy Keogh, who has an ankle problem, is mitigated by the return to fitness of fellow forward Chris Iwelumo.

Iwelumo is likely to be a substitute, with Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake preferred in attack.

With Ronald Zubar still injured and Nenad Milijas keeping his place, McCarthy looks set to name an unchanged side for the match at White Hart Lane.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 12th 15:00 GMT

SPURS vs WOLVES ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Spurs vs Wolves Match Preview

Arsenal vs Stoke Match Preview

Ryan Shawcross remains doubtful for Tony Pulis' Stoke City as they travel to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

Defender Shawcross has a groin strain and is rated 50/50 by manager Tony Pulis. If the highly rated 22 year old doesn't make it, Danny Collins will partner Abdouleye Faye at centre back.

Shawcross aside, Stoke have a virtually fully fit squad to call upon, although Dean Whitehead is suspended.

Manager Pulis is unlikely to make many other changes, preferring to keep faith with a settled side that features James Beattie and Ricardo Fuller in attack.

Arsenal, however, continued to be plagued by injuries with Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs, Nicklas Bendtner, Johan Djourou and Gael Clichy joined on the sidelines by Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby.

With midfielder Alex Song suspended, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be forced to make a number of changes to his starting eleven, with Armand Traore, Denilson and Tomas Rosicky all likely to start.

KICK-OFF : SATURDAY DECEMBER 5th 15:00 GMT

ARSENAL v STOKE CITY ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

Arsenal to win: 3/10 at Boylesports - Click to bet or open account
Stoke City to win: 12/1 at Bet365 - Click to bet or open account
Draw: 9/2 at Paddy Power - Click to bet or open account

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Arsenal vs Stoke Match Preview

Birmingham City v West Ham Utd Preview

Birmingham City have no new injury concerns ahead of a visit by a West Ham United side who may be without defender Matthew Upson.

Upson has yet to fully recover from the hamstring injury that kept him out of West Ham's last two matches and youngster James Tomkins is once again set to deputise for the England international.

Definitely sidelined are forwards Zavon Hines and Carlton Cole, but Mark Noble is back after a virus and Kieron Dyer could start in support of lone striker Guillermo Franco.

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish welcomes veteran Kevin Phillips back into the squad after a foot problem, although Phillips is set for a place on the bench.

McLeish is unlikely to make any changes to his starting eleven after an impressive recent run of form, so midfielder Lee Bowyer is in line to start against his old club, West Ham, for the first team since joining Birmingham City.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 12th 15:00 GMT

BIRMINGHAM vs WEST HAM ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

Birmingham City to win: 23/20 at William Hill - Free ?25 Bet For New Customers
West Ham Utd to win: 12/5 at Ladbrokes - Free ?10 Bet For New Customers
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Birmingham City v West Ham Utd Preview

Everton vs Tottenham Preview

Everton boss David Moyes has a growing injury crisis ahead of this visit by Harry Redknapp's Tottenham Hotspur side.

Centre-back Sylvain Distin and midfielder Dan Gosling both picked up hamstring injuries in midweek and both are rated very doubtful for this match.

Also unlikely to feature is fellow centre half Joseph Yobo, who also has a hamstring problem while Johnny Heitinga is suspended.

Everton may be forced to field a makeshift defence, with Tony Hibbert potentially being partnered by Jack Rodwell in the centre of defence.

Tottenham too have defensive injuries, with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate both remaining on the sidelines.

Michael Dawson will partner Sebastien Bassong in the Spurs defence.

Niko Kranjcar will return after being cup tied for the midweek Carling Cup match against Manchester United, while Robbie Keane could make way for Peter Crouch to partner Jermain Defoe upfront.

KICK-OFF: SUNDAY DECEMBER 6th 16:00 GMT

EVERTON v TOTTENHAM ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Draw: 12/5 at Stan James - Free ?25 Bet For New Customers

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Everton vs Tottenham Preview

Burnley vs Fulham Preview

Fulham will be missing winger Simon Davies after the player suffered an injury setback, while Burnley have captain Steven Caldwell in contention again after suspension.

Caldwell is set to be recalled to the Burnley starting line up by boss Owen Coyle, with Kevin McDonald being the man most likely to drop to the bench.

Caldwell aside, Coyle is unlikely to shake up his preferred starting line-up, despite a 2-0 defeat last time out at the hands of Portsmouth.

In the continuing absence of Diomansy Kamara and Andy Johnson, Erik Nevland will continue upfront for Fulham in tandem with Bobby Zamora.

Dickson Etuhu is back in contention for Roy Hodgson's side after a knee injury, but Jonathan Greening is the more likely to start in midfield.

KICK-OFF : SATURDAY DECEMBER 12th 15:00 GMT

BURNLEY vs FULHAM ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

Burnley to win: 13/8 at Bet365 - Up to ?200 in Free Bets
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Burnley vs Fulham Preview

YaYa Toure And Other Rumours

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Yaya Toure is angling for a move away from Barcelona after being left out of the match against Real Madrid. His agent is quoted as saying that Toure would be interested in talking to Chelsea or Manchester United and won't “stay on the bench”.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has dismissed the talk, saying ” I am not preoccupied by the quotes of the agent. He has also issued warnings at other times, but the footballer is still here.”

Another purported Chelsea target, Sergio Aguero, has said he could leave Atletico Madrid, but won't go until the summer.

More likely to be on the move, however, is Tottenham's Roman Pavlyuchenko. The striker is apparently in talks with Roma ahead of a January move away from White Hart Lane.

In return, Spurs are - if the Daily Mirror is to be believed - after Ivory Coast youngster Seydou Doumbia, who apparently is a very handy striker playing in Switzerland.

Elsewhere, Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has Serbian striking duo? Nikola Zigic and? Milan Jovanovic in his sights as his January transfer targets.

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YaYa Toure And Other Rumours

Manchester City vs Chelsea Preview

Robinho could return to the starting line up for Mark Hughes' Man City side, while Chelsea welcome back a number of players who were rested for the Carling Cup Quarter Finals.

With Manchester CIty striker Craig Bellamy suffering from a knee problem, Robinho could start on the left side of midfield.

Also rated doubtful is midfielder Stephen Ireland, who also has a knee injury. Nigel De Jong is the player most likely to replace? Ireland although winger Martin Petrov is back from his own knee problem.

Chelsea will be missing striker Salomon Kalou, who has a thigh injury and will be out for 2-3 weeks. However, left back Ashley Cole is fit again after? a hamstring problem and will start for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Players rested for Chelsea's Carling Cup defeat to Blackburn, including Petr Cech, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Didier Drogba will all start against Manchester City.

KICK-OFF : SATURDAY DECEMBER 5th 17:30 GMT

MAN CITY v CHELSEA ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Manchester City vs Chelsea Preview

Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool Preview

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce returns to oversee this match against Rafa Benitez' Liverpool side.

Allardyce has missed Rovers last three matches while recuperating from heart surgery.

WIth only David Dunn and Keith Andrews rated doubtful - both have calf injuries - Allardyce has a virtually full squad to call upon.

He is likely to keep faith with Franco Di Santo upfront, most likely partnered by Jason Roberts, with Benni McCarthy being left on the bench.

The veteran Michel Salgado will again start, with Morten Gamst Pedersen deputising for Keith Andrews if the Republic of Ireland man doesn't make it.

Bad news for Liverpool and manager Rafa Benitez. Striker Fernando Torres will not be risked after his recent groin injury.? David Ngog will again deputise for the Spanish international.

There are unlikely to be few changes to the side that beat Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside derby, with Fabio Aurelio once again starting in an unfamiliar left midfield role. New signing Alberto Aquilani will again be on the bench.

KICK-OFF : SATURDAY DECEMBER 5th 15:00 GMT

BLACKBURN v LIVERPOOL ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

Blackburn Rovers to win: 4/1 at Stan James - Click to bet or open account
Liverpool to win: 4/5 at BlueSQ? - Click to bet or open account
Draw: 13/5 at Bet365 - Click to bet or open account

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Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool Preview

James Could Make Quick Return

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James could make a quicker than expected return from a calf injury.

James sustained the injury in the warm up for Portsmouth's match against Stoke City and was expected to be out until after Christmas.

However, Pompey boss Avram Grant has revealed the player will return ahead of schedule. Grant commented:

“David James' recovery is much quicker than we thought because he's professional and working every hour of the day, doing his best to be fit, and his progress is much better than we thought.”

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James Could Make Quick Return

Cattermole Makes Injury Return

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has revealed that midfielder Lee Cattermole will return from injury this month.

The player had suffered ligament damage and was expected to miss three months of the season. However, Bruce has said that Cattermole is making a fast recovery and should be fit enough to play by Christmas.

Bruce is quoted as saying : “Christmas is a big time for us and Lee should be available”.

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Cattermole Makes Injury Return

Manchester United Transfer Rumours

With United underperforming this year, there are a lot of rumours surrounding who Manchester United might buy in the January transfer window.

One deal that looked to be done and dusted was the transfer of Serbian Adem Ljajic, who was part of the deal that brought Zoran Tosic to the club last summer.

However, United are now backing out of the deal, with a spokesman confirming that, “having closely monitored his development over the past 12 months, and taken into consideration the young players emerging through the ranks at the club, we have not chosen to pursue the transfer.”

Another piece of agent driven transfer talk surrounds the future of Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Schalke insist they won't sell, Neuer's agent insists that United are interested in his player and United themselves are saying nothing.

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Manchester United Transfer Rumours

Wigan Athletic v Birmingham Preview

Wigan are likely to name an unchanged squad against a Birmingham City side who may also remain unchanged.

Latics manager Roberto Martinez is set to stay with the same starting eleven that beat Sunderland 1-0 last time out.

This means the in-form Hugo Rodallega will again be partnered in attack by Jason Scotland, with both Emmerson Boyce and Titus Bramble retaining their places in the centre of defence.

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish will be without veteran striker Kevin Phillips who has a foot injury and fellow forward Garry O'Connor who is out long term with a hip injury.

This leaves McLeish with just two fit strikers - Cameron Jerome and Christian Benitez, who will both start for City.

McLeish is set to keep faith with the same starting eleven that beat Wolves 1-0 last time out, with Lee Bowyer once again pulling the strings in midfield.

KICK-OFF : SATURDAY DECEMBER 5th 15:00 GMT

WIGAN vs BIRMINGHAM ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

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Wigan Athletic v Birmingham Preview

Portsmouth v Burnley Preview

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James could be back in action to face Owen Coyle's Burnley side.

James has been back in training after a calf injury and Portsmouth manager Avram Grant will give him the maximum amount of time to prove his fitness.

Also back in full training this week have been left back Steve Finnan and midfielder Papa Bouba Diop. Both are in with a chance of being selected for the Portsmouth squad, though neither are likely to start.

Misfiring strikers Frederic Piquionne and Arune Dindane will be given another chance to impress, with Tommy Smith and Kanu staying on the bench.

Fellow striker David Nugent, who is on loan at Burnley, is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Burnley boss Owen Coyle will make changes in the absence of suspended skipper Steven Caldwell. Andrey Bikey looks set to drop back into the heart of the defence, with Kevin McDonald starting in midfield.

The in-form Steven Fletcher will start upfront, alongside veteran Robbie Blake.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DECEMBER 5th 12: 45 GMT

PORTSMOUTH vs BURNLEY ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

Portsmouth to win: 10/11 at Bet365 - Click to bet or open account
Burnley to win: 7/2 at Stan James - Click to bet or open account
Draw: 5/2 at Ladbrokes - Click to bet or open account

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Portsmouth v Burnley Preview

Over ?70 Million Paid To Agents

The Premier League has released figures showing that players agents took over ?70million out of the game in the period Oct 2008 to September 2009.

This is the first time that the Premier League have revealed amounts paid to agents and show that Manchester City were the club that paid out the most in agents fees in that time.

City shelled out over ?12million to agents in order to bring in players like Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Gareth Barry.

While Chelsea spent over ?9m on agents fees, with Liverpool and Tottenham both spending more than ?6m, reigning champions Manchester United only paid out ?1.5million.

The Football Association has welcomed the publication of the fees, saying:

“For the first time, there will be a game-wide picture of the level of spending on agents. The leagues and other key stakeholders have been fully supportive, following the example set by the Football League with its publication of Agents' Fees over the last few years.”

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Over ?70 Million Paid To Agents

Arsenal vs Chelsea Match Preview

Arsenal are missing a number of defenders ahead of the visit of league leaders Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium.

Kieran Gibbs, Gael Clichy and Johan Djourou are all out, while centre back William Gallas is rated doubtful after picking up a number of knocks in the midweek Champions League match with Standard Liege.

Silvestre and Traore are the most likely replacements for Arsene Wenger's side.

With Robin Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner both out, Eduardo will start upfront on his own, with support coming from Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has no new injury worries and is boosted by the news that midfielder Frank Lampard is fit again after a thigh problem.

Lampard is set to start, with fellow England international Joe Cole dropping to the bench.

At the back, John Terry will again be partnered by Ricardo Carvalho, with Alex being the player who misses out. Juliano Belletti may keep his place at right back in the absence of Jose Bosingwa.

KICK-OFF: SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29th 16:00 GMT

ARSENAL vs CHELSEA ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

Arsenal to win: 9/5 at Boylesports - Click to bet or open account
Chelsea to win: 17/10 at BlueSQ - Click to bet or open account
Draw: 23/10 at Ladbrokes - Click to bet or open account

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Arsenal vs Chelsea Match Preview