Premier League Preview: Weekend Games

Arsenal v Reading

Arsene Wenger's team will be without Abou Diaby, who will this week complete a three-match ban for his sending off against Bolton last month. Mathieu Flamini, Bacary Sagna and Justin Hoyte remain on the Gunners' injury list, but Denilson could return after a hamstring injury.
Jens Lehmann will continue in goal if Manuel Almunia fails to recover from a wrist injury.
Reading captain Graeme Murty returns following a lengthy absence with a knee injury, and can expect a place on the substitutes' bench.

Fulham v Liverpool

Another week, another must-win game for Fulham. Roy Hodgson is unlikely to change the side that beat Reading 2-0. With a Champions League semi-final against Chelsea on the horizon, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is certain to rest a few of his big guns. Fernando Torres may make way for Peter Crouch, and Leiva Lucas could start in midfield.

Middlesbrough v Bolton Wanderers

Middlesbrough's Gary O'Neil has been ruled out for the rest of the season, and Gareth Southgate must decide between Tuncay, Fabio Rochemback and Adam Johnson to deputise in midfield.
Bolton striker Kevin Davies is both suspended and injured (broken hand). Heidar Helguson is set to start.

West Ham United v Derby County

Alan Curbishley's injured-ravaged squad finally have some good news. Skipper Lucas Neil, along with Freddie Ljungberg and Mark Noble are all set to return to action on Saturday. Marc Edworthy (cracked ribs) is out for Derby, and Mile Sterjovski is set to undergo a fitness test on his Achilles.

Wigan Athletic v Tottenham Hotspur

Defender Erik Edman remains the only injury absentee for Steve Bruce's Wigan, who will hope to build on Monday's impressive draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Radek Cern is set to continue in goal for Spurs, with Paul Robinson doubtful due to an ankle injury. Ledley King, Gareth Bale and Benoit Assou-Ekotto remain on the casualty list.

Aston Villa v Birmingham City

Villa won 6-0 last week, which suggests Martin O'Neill will go with exactly the same team for the midlands derby. Birmingham's Damien Johnson is suspended and Mauro Zarate may start in attack for Alex McLeish's side after his goal-scoring introduction from the bench last week.

Newcastle United v Sunderland

Steve Harper continues in goal for Newcastle, with Shay Given ruled out for the rest of the season. Sunderland manager Roy Keane is set to start Welshman Michael Chopra in attack against his former club.

Manchester City v Portsmouth

Neither side have fresh injury concerns ahead of Sunday's clash
Following his match-winning strike against Sunderland, Sven Goran-Eriksson may opt for Darius Vassell in place of Benjani to lead the line.