West Ham V Man City Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013

West Ham V Man City Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013. West Ham defender James Collins will miss out after suffering a hamstring injury playing for Wales in midweek.
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Striker Carlton Cole, who rejoined on a short-term deal last week, is not yet match fit.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is still out with a thigh injury but could return next week.

This game also comes too soon for summer signing Martin Demichelis, who continues to build up his fitness after a knee injury.
MATCH PREVIEW

While Tottenham fans will rightly be talking of the impact Andros Townsend has made for England over the past week or so, those of a claret-and-blue persuasion in the East End have a young talent of their own who's had quite a fortnight.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football analyst

"West Ham's win over Tottenham last time out was a superb result. But what Hammers boss Sam Allardyce tends to do after a win like that is to try to not lose for the next few games. And it might sound daft for a team that won 3-0 at White Hart Lane, but West Ham are short of firepower."

Read Lawro's full prediction and score

Ravel Morrison grabbed everyone's attention with a wonderful individual goal in West Ham's surprise 3-0 win over Spurs at White Hart Lane, and has followed it up with two eye-catching performances for Gareth Southgate's England Under-21 side

The 20-year-old made his debut in the game with San Marino, and scored twice on Tuesday against Lithuania. Despite an on-pitch altercation with team-mate Wilfried Zaha, he does seem to have turned the corner in terms of tapping into the talent and potential we've all heard about since his time with Manchester United.

I'm intrigued to see what the rest of the season brings for him after making such a strong and promising start.

This game's an interesting one, with West Ham off-colour at home recently and Manchester City less than impressive on the road up to this point.

The Hammers have lost their last two league games at the Boleyn Ground while City have taken just one point from a possible nine on their travels.

Nonetheless, the bottom line is that West Ham have struggled to score consistently, while City are the highest scorers in the Premier League going into the weekend so they'll fancy extending their unbeaten run over West Ham to seven matches.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

West Ham haven't won any of their last six league meetings with Manchester City (D2, L4) and have won just one of the last 12 (W1, D3, L8).
City are unbeaten on their last three visits to Upton Park (W1, D2).

West Ham

West Ham are aiming to avoid a third consecutive home league defeat.
West Ham have kept four clean sheets in their seven league matches but have also failed to score in four of their seven matches.
Mark Noble has created more goal-scoring chances than any other Premier League player this season (17).

Man City

City have a 100% home record in this season's Premier League but have picked up just one point from a possible nine away.
They have scored 17 league goals this season, more than any other team in the top flight.
City have won 28 and drawn two of the 30 Premier League games in which Sergio Aguero has scored.

Swansea V Sunderland Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013

Swansea V Sunderland Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013,Swansea pair Pablo Hernandez and Jonathan de Guzman are available after injury, while goalkeeper Michel Vorm has overcome a hand problem.

Defender Ben Davies is a doubt because of a hamstring strain, while captain Ashley Williams is still sidelined.
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Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher will return from a shoulder injury for Gus Poyet's first game in charge.

Keiren Westwood, Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown could be fit, but Ki Sung-yueng is ineligible against his parent club.
MATCH PREVIEW

Gus Poyet could have been sat in the opposite dug-out this weekend. He very nearly succeeded Roberto Martinez in the summer of 2009 but lost out to Paulo Sousa. Four years on, the Liberty Stadium is the stage for his first taste of Premier League management. What a job he has on his hands.

After the flamboyant, some would say crazy, but certainly unorthodox style of Paolo Di Canio, Poyet inherits a Sunderland side rock bottom after their worst ever start to a season.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football analyst

"I think new Sunderland boss Poyet will be looking for a performance from his players more than anything else. He will be looking at their attitude, concentration and commitment.

"That sort of thing is the bottom line because, if he gets that, then he has something to build on. If he can get a point or three points on Saturday too, then fantastic."

Read Lawro's full prediction and score

Already six points adrift of safety having lost their last five games in a row, the road to recovery is a steep one.

The Uruguayan's first task is to restore some harmony and confidence to a dressing room seemingly shell-shocked by the antics of the previous incumbent.

I'm told Poyet has been working hard on the training ground, particularly on Sunderland's defence which has been so porous and conceded 14 goals in the last five outings. His Brighton side boasted the best defensive record in the Championship last season, suggesting he knows how to shore things up.

And if Steven Fletcher returns ahead of schedule after a shoulder injury, attacking options would improve dramatically. Top scorer last season, two of the Scot's 11 league goals came in a 2-2 draw at the Liberty.

Surprisingly, only goal difference is keeping Swansea out of the relegation zone. In mitigation they have played four sides from the top six but they do need to sort out their home form if they're to avoid getting sucked in to a season of struggle. The Swans last home win in the Premier League was on 2 March. Eight games since have brought a measly three points.

Manager Michael Laudrup sees this match and next Sunday's clash with West Ham as the chance to address that problem and quickly soar up the table. Add another Europa League victory on Thursday against Russia's Kuban Krasnodar for a perfect week and the foundations would be laid for another exciting campaign.

Excitement has been in short supply for Sunderland supporters for quite a while now, but for those hardy souls facing the 700-mile round trip from the north-east to south Wales the dullest of goalless draws would be accepted and celebrated as an important first step in the right direction under their new guru Gus.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Three of the four Premier League games played between the sides have ended in draws, Sunderland's 2-0 home win in January 2012 being the exception.
Sunderland have only scored in two of eight top-flight meetings with Swansea.

Swansea

Swansea are without a win in their last eight home Premier League matches, the longest current run in the division.
Michael Laudrup's side have conceded at least two goals in each of their three home league games so far this season.
The Swans have averaged 493 completed passes per game in the league this campaign, more than any other side.
The next goal scored by Swansea will be their 100th in the Premier League.

Sunderland

Gus Poyet has taken over a Sunderland side that have gone 11 Premier League games without a win (D3, L8) and not kept a clean sheet during this period.
Poyet is the 11th man to take permanent charge of the Black Cats during the Premier League era. Only Steve Bruce was appointed during the close season.
No side has conceded more than Sunderland this season (16) and only Stoke (four) have scored fewer than the Wearsiders' five.
The Black Cats are only the sixth team in Premier League history to have recorded one point or fewer after seven games; three of the previous five were relegated.

Stoke V West Brom Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013

Stoke V West Brom Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013. Jonathan Walters is fit for Stoke after recovering from the groin injury that ruled him out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers.Watch Stoke V West Brom Live, Watch Stoke V West Brom Live Stream, Watch Stoke V West Brom Free Live Stream, Watch Stoke V West Brom Online, Watch Stoke V West Brom Online Free, Stoke V West Brom Live, Stoke V West Brom live stream Online.

Geoff Cameron picked up a calf injury on international duty with the USA and is a doubt.

West Brom's attacking options have been bolstered, with Victor Anichebe, Matej Vydra, Shane Long and Zoltan Gera all available after injury.

Goalkeeper Ben Foster (foot) and winger Scott Sinclair (hamstring) are out.
MATCH PREVIEW

As commentators, we're often asked which has been the best match we've ever described. Having been privileged to have seen so many it's an almost impossible question to answer.

However, if anyone ever asks me what's the worst Premier League game I've ever witnessed, then without hesitation I'll respond with the dour goalless draw between Stoke and West Brom earlier this year!

It was eminently forgettable with few incidents - even the typically magnificent atmosphere generated by the fervent supporters at the Britannia Stadium was unable to rouse it from its slumber.

Though sometimes managers bemoan their team's position in the Match of the Day running order, both bosses that day were happy to admit they expected to be the last game on - and they were right.

Seven months on though, there are many reasons to be a great deal more optimistic this time around.

The visitors, for example, will come into it buoyed by an excellent four-game unbeaten run which included an impressive win at Old Trafford and a fully-deserved draw against current league leaders Arsenal.

Encouragingly, new signings Morgan Amalfitano and Stephane Sessegnon have begun to display the qualities for which they had been recruited. In addition, youngster Saido Berahino can already boast five first-team goals, most notably the winner against Manchester United.

By contrast, Stoke's need for a good performance stems from their recent stuttering form. A healthy seven points accrued from the first four games of Mark Hughes' reign promised much, only to be followed by three straight defeats. Just one goal scored in their last four matches is of particular concern.

Historically, this is one of Stoke's favourite fixtures, having only suffered one defeat in the eight Premier League meetings.

From a neutral perspective though, I'm just keen for it not to end goalless!
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Stoke have lost only one of the eight Premier League meetings (W5, D2, L1), conceding just three goals in that run.
The Potters also dominate the all-time head-to-head record (W58, L42, D34) but they have only won once on home soil in the Premier League.
The Baggies won 2-0 at Stoke on the first weekend of Football League fixtures in September 1888.

Stoke

Stoke's total of four goals from their opening seven league games equals their worst-ever top-flight haul at this stage of the season.
Stoke and Sunderland have both lost 15 Premier League games in 2013, more than any other club.
The Potters have hit the woodwork as many times as they have scored (four) in the Premier League this season.
Mark Hughes has recorded 99 Premier League victories as a manager.

West Brom

Having failed to score in their opening three league games (L2, D1), West Brom have scored in each of their last four (W2, D2).
They have not gone five games unbeaten since a seven-match streak between February and April 2011.
West Brom have yet to lose an away league game this season (W1, D2).
Morgan Amalfitano has scored twice and registered two assists in four Premier League games for West Brom.

Man Utd V Southampton Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013

Man Utd V Southampton Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013. Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is a doubt with a calf injury sustained on international duty with the Netherlands.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley (calf) will be assessed, while defender Rio Ferdinand could return from a groin problem.Watch Man Utd V Southampton Live, Watch Man Utd V Southampton Live Stream, Watch Man Utd V Southampton Free Live Stream, Watch Man Utd V Southampton Online, Watch Man Utd V Southampton Online Free, Man Utd V Southampton Live, Man Utd V Southampton live stream Online.

Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc is available despite reports that he missed Poland's defeat by England because of a hamstring injury.

Luke Shaw withdrew from England Under-21 duty with illness but is now fit.
MATCH PREVIEW

It is back to the day jobs for Wayne Rooney and - calf injury permitting - Robin van Persie after some very successful international moonlighting. Rooney's goals were certainly important in guiding England to the World Cup, whilst a Van Persie hat-trick against Hungary made him the Netherlands' all-time top scorer, beating Patrick Kluivert's record.

For all this finery though, United go into the Southampton game four points adrift of their visitors, who are in their highest league position - fourth - since December 2003.

Two meetings between United and Southampton stick in my mind. One was a 3-3 draw I commentated on in 1999, still the only Premier League point the Saints have won at United.

This was Massimo Taibi's match, only not in a good way. Peter Schmeichel had left and with Mark Bosnich injured, the £4.5m Italian goalkeeper came into the team.

The home game with Southampton was his third appearance after uncertain displays against Liverpool and Wimbledon. Two of the Saints goals were not his fault - but, oh boy, what about the one that was?!

Matt Le Tissier struck probably the worst shot of his career, an effort that travelled about as achingly slow as Le Tissier himself might whilst back-tracking after a winger, only for Taibi's arms and legs to open wide and create a perfect tunnel through which the ball trundled into the net.

In his next, and last United game, Taibi let in five against Chelsea.

The other match which springs to mind was the 1976 FA Cup final. I was eight and had recently suffered heartbreak for the first time when Steve Coppell left Tranmere Rovers to play for United. I just couldn't understand why he would want to do such a thing.

Years later Coppell told me that he played at Wembley that Saturday before starting his economics final exams the following week.

Now why would you want to carry on at university if you're playing for Manchester United? Bit daft - you might as well send a monkey into space.

Anyway, Coppell was now on the wing for United, and with the bitter, green-eyed jealousy that only spurned love can engender, I was supporting Southampton. Remarkably, Division Two Saints won thanks to a goal from the late Bobby Stokes.

Having witnessed my longed for revenge materialise before my eyes on the TV screen, I felt terribly, crushingly guilty. Somewhere in there, is a lesson in life.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Manchester United have won eight successive matches against Southampton in all competitions since a 1-0 away defeat in August 2003 when James Beattie scored the only goal.
Saints have failed to win on their last 18 league trips to Old Trafford (D2, L16), with their most recent draw a 3-3 thriller in September 1999.
Their last league win away to United was by 2-0 in January 1988.
They also won an FA Cup fourth-round replay on United turf in 1992, courtesy of a penalty shootout.

Manchester United

The Red Devils have not lost back-to-back Premier League home games since defeats to Middlesbrough and Arsenal in 2002.
Since the start of last season, no defender has assisted more goals than Patrice Evra (six).
They have scored just three Premier League goals at home this term - only Stoke (two) have a lower tally.
United have used 24 different players in their starting line-ups for Premier League games - more than any other team this season.
Excluding penalties, Robin van Persie has failed to score in 14 of his last 18 Premier League games, including the last five.

Southampton

Saints have the best defensive record in the division, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just twice.
Six of their seven league goals this term have been scored in the second half.
They have lost only three of their last 19 games in league and cup.

Everton V Hull Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013

Everton V Hull Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013. Everton midfielder Darron Gibson has been ruled out for several months after rupturing a cruciate knee ligament n international duty.
Gareth Barry returns after being ineligible to face his parent club Manchester City, but Steven Pienaar and Antolin Alcaraz remain unavailable.Watch Everton V Hull Live, Watch Everton V Hull Live Stream, Watch Everton V Hull Free Live Stream, Watch Everton V Hull Online, Watch Everton V Hull Online Free, Everton V Hull Live, Everton V Hull live stream Online.
Hull top scorer Robbie Brady could feature after recovering quicker than expected from a hernia operation.
James Chester (hamstring) and Robert Koren (broken foot) are still not fit.
MATCH PREVIEW
Roberto Martinez will want an immediate return to winning ways after losing their unbeaten league record last time out at Manchester City.
Twelve points from 21 represents an encouraging start for the new Everton boss. He's added quality and freshness to a squad that already had so much top-flight experience.
The last two England matches have shown yet again that keeping hold of Leighton Baines was almost Martinez's best piece of business.
Add to that the consistency of Gareth Barry, the promise of James McCarthy and the emergence of Ross Barkley and there are plenty of reasons for Everton fans to be positive right now.
Then there's Romelu Lukaku. His impact could be huge over the season. He's the type of player the Toffees have been seeking for years. I watched him many times for West Brom last season and he always carried a big threat.

A match against Arsenal sticks in the memory, when he came off the bench after an hour. Although the Gunners went on to win, he immediately unsettled the Arsenal defence and helped Albion win a penalty as Per Mertesacker was sent off. With four goals in his first three Everton games and two more for Belgium over the international break, his confidence is there for all to see.

I'm sure he'll be a big part of Steve Bruce's pre-match preparations as Hull look to upset the odds again. They have only a point less than Everton and will be encouraged by their own start. They have already won at Newcastle and also asked Manchester City a few questions at the Etihad.

I watched their last victory over West Ham, where they stood firm defensively and that will be the key for them at Goodison if they are to get a result.

Everton are looking to continue a very proud recent home record; they are yet to lose in 2013 and have taken 25 points from the last 27 available. With that man Lukaku at the forefront, it all points to that run being extended.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Everton have won both previous Premier League home games against Hull.
Hull's only previous win in seven league and cup trips to Goodison Park was a 2-0 Division Two triumph in August 1952.
Everton have scored 14 goals in their five home league games against the Tigers, an average of almost three goals per game.

Everton

Everton are unbeaten in their last 12 league matches at Goodison Park, winning nine and keeping eight clean sheets.
The Toffees are two points worse off after seven games than at the same stage last season under David Moyes.
Only Manchester United (24) have been caught offside more times than the Toffees (23) this season.
Romelu Lukaku has scored four goals and made one assist in just 217 Premier League minutes for Everton.

Hull

Hull are on a four-match unbeaten run, two games shy of equalling their six-match Premier League record set between September and October 2008.
Steve Bruce's side have not conceded a Premier League goal for three hours and 46 minutes (226 minutes).
Hull have used just 17 players in their seven league games so far this season, fewer than any other side.
The Tigers are winless in three matches against sides currently in the top half of the league table. They are also yet to score a goal against top-half opposition.

Chelsea V Cardiff Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013

Chelsea V Cardiff Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013. Chelsea forward Fernando Torres has recovered from a knee injury but Ashley Cole and Andre Schurrle will miss the visit of Cardiff.

Cole is out with the rib injury that caused him to miss England's World Cup qualifiers, while Schurrle picked up a minor injury playing for Germany.Watch Chelsea V Cardiff Live, Watch Chelsea V Cardiff Live Stream, Watch Chelsea V Cardiff Free Live Stream, Watch Chelsea V Cardiff Online, Watch Chelsea V Cardiff Online Free, Chelsea V Cardiff Live, Chelsea V Cardiff live stream Online.

Peter Odemwingie is expected to keep his place in the Cardiff attack in preference to Craig Bellamy.

Danish striker Andreas Cornelius remains Cardiff's only injury absentee.
MATCH PREVIEW

It's been a week of turmoil in south Wales, and at one point I'm sure the Cardiff fans were concerned they might lose their manager.

Football never fails to surprise. But for a 23-year-old to go from doing the painting on work experience to being Cardiff's acting head of recruitment is undoubtedly one of the stranger stories.

Despite that, I don't think the manner in which their former head of recruitment Iain Moody has left the club will have a negative effect on the Bluebirds - quite the opposite in fact.

I think the goings-on will strengthen Malky Mackay's standing as manager with the team, and Chelsea will do well to be on their guard on Saturday. Cardiff, after all, emerged from their last trip to south-west London with all three points.

There is a wealth of dangerous attacking players on show at Stamford Bridge - and not all of them come from Chelsea. Jordon Mutch scored a fantastic late winner against Fulham, and was also impressive as a substitute in the defeat against Newcastle.
What will be equally interesting is how their midfield duo of Aron Gunnarsson and Gary Medel deal with Chelsea's attacking threat.
The Blues have seemingly settled down now under Jose Mourinho and, after four unbeaten games on their travels, they'll be looking to maintain their 100% league record at the Bridge.
Fernando Torres is fit again, while Willian got off the mark for Chelsea in their 3-1 against Norwich last time out and Juan Mata is seemingly back in favour.
Now that the second international break is out of the way, the Premier League will start to take shape - I still believe Manchester City and Chelsea have the best squads.

It'll be good to see Chelsea in action, and also Cardiff in a game I believe is a litmus test for their season.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

The last league meeting was a 3-3 draw at Cardiff in the old Division Two in March 1984.
The two sides did meet in an FA Cup game in February 2010, holders Chelsea winning 4-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Cardiff earned a 3-2 win at Chelsea in the last top-flight meeting in September 1961.

Chelsea

Chelsea have won all three of their Premier League home games this season, extending their unbeaten league run at Stamford Bridge to 11 matches - 10 victories and a draw.
The Blues have scored two goals in each of their last eight league games at Stamford Bridge.
Oscar has three goals in seven Premier League games this season. He is the only Chelsea player to score more than once this term.
Petr Cech will make his 300th Premier League appearance, joining Frank Lampard and John Terry in reaching the landmark.

Cardiff

Cardiff's only away win this season came a mile away from Stamford Bridge - a 2-1 win at Fulham on 28 September.
The Bluebirds have had the fewest shots on target in the Premier League this season (17).
Cardiff have only scored one first-half Premier League goal this season.
Only Aston Villa (six) have earned more points from losing positions than Cardiff this term (four).
Goalkeeper David Marshall has made a Premier League-high 31 saves this season.

Arsenal V Norwich Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013

Arsenal V Norwich Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013. Arsenal's record signing Mesut Ozil is fit despite being substituted with a knee injury while playing for Germany in midweek.

Bacary Sagna and Santi Cazorla have recovered from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.Watch Arsenal V Norwich Live, Watch Arsenal V Norwich Live Stream, Watch Arsenal V Norwich Free Live Stream, Watch Arsenal V Norwich Online, Watch Arsenal V Norwich Online Free, Arsenal V Norwich Live, Arsenal V Norwich live stream Online.

Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington has a hamstring problem but manager Chris Hughton is hoping he will be fit.

The injury forced Pilkington to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad earlier this week.
MATCH PREVIEW

Arsenal will be relieved that Mesut Ozil has shaken off the knee problem suffered playing for Germany in midweek as the Gunners enter a hectic season-shaping spell of seven games in 23 days.

It's a remarkable testament to their resilience that they've kept winning games without the injured Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott in recent weeks. But they couldn't have afforded another blow, especially as Ozil has been magnificent for them.

They deserve to top the table, with goals flowing and a much-improved defence in front of the rapidly maturing Wojciech Szczeny.
This match, though, is the sort of banana skin that sorts out genuine title contenders from mere pretenders.
After a World Cup qualification break, and with minds drifting ahead to Tuesday's Champions League crunch meeting with Borussia Dortmund, there's a danger that the leaders might slip up.
Exactly 12 months ago they went to Carrow Road after the October international break and lost 1-0.

Since then though they've picked up 77 points from 38 games and no-one has collected more points or league wins in 2013 than the Gunners.

They also didn't have Mathieu Flamini a year ago. His gritty winning mentality has been crucial this season. With him anchoring the midfield so effectively, the flair players can perform with greater freedom, in particular Aaron Ramsey, who's playing the best football of his career.

Ozil's guile and effortless ability to create chances can sway the day, and with him fit, Norwich's hopes of creating an upset will be diminished.

But the Canaries did run Chelsea close in their last game, and led 1-0 at the Emirates last season with just five minutes left until Arsenal blasted in a thrilling three-goal salvo.

Arsenal need the win with Dortmund (h), Palace (a), Chelsea (h) in the Capital One Cup, Liverpool (h), Dortmund (a) and Man Utd (a) coming up between now and mid-November. That run could make or break their season.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Norwich's last victory at Arsenal was on the opening day of the newly-formed Premier League in 1992. The Canaries fought back from 2-0 down with 21 minutes to go to win 4-2.
Norwich have since visited Arsenal five times in the league without a win (D2, L3).
Arsenal have scored 15 goals in the last four home league meetings with Norwich.

Arsenal

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six league matches and haven't lost in any competition since the opening day of the Premier League season, when Aston Villa beat them 3-1 at the Emirates.
The Gunners have scored in every league game in this campaign. Only Manchester City (17) have scored more goals than Arsenal (14) in this season's top flight.
Arsene Wenger's side have only managed three clean sheets in their last 14 league games at the Emirates.
Nine years ago this week, Arsenal racked up a 49th Premier League game without defeat. That run ended in their next match but remains a record.

Norwich

Norwich have lost three of their last four league matches.
The Canaries have scored just three goals in their last six Premier League games.
Norwich have kept more clean sheets than Arsenal in the league this season (two, compared to Arsenal's one).
This is Norwich's eighth league match of the season. Last season they had to wait until their eighth league match for a win - that was a 1-0 victory over Arsenal.

Newcastle V Liverpool Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013

Newcastle V Liverpool Barclays Premier League Match 19 -October 2013. Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini is sidelined by a muscle injury, while winger Jonas Gutierrez is ruled out because of personal reasons.
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Steven Taylor is unlikely to have recovered from a hamstring problem in time to play, so Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa may partner Mike Williamson at centre-back.

Liverpool trio Glen Johnson, Joe Allen and Aly Cissokho have returned to training after injuries and could play.

Lucas is back after a ban but Iago Aspas (thigh) is out until December.
MATCH PREVIEW

There's a smell of revenge in the air in the north east, and it's reeking from Newcastle's next two league games - Liverpool at home, then Sunderland away.

In April, the Magpies lost 3-0 to the latter then 6-0 to the former in back-to-back home games that left a stench around St. James' Park.

Whilst for most fans it's next weekend's derby that needs avenging most, the players will want to re-establish professional pride in this one - given the Reds inflicted Newcastle's worst home defeat since 1925.

Both clubs have started this season better than last, although in the Magpies' case by just one point more after seven games, and even manager Alan Pardew is questioning: "Are we really good or are we really bad? We're not sure!"

He's likely to need Loic Remy to continue being really good to have a chance of success. With five goals in the last three games he's more than taken the heat off goal-shy Papiss Cisse - although Cisse's confidence may be up after netting for Senegal last weekend.

Confidence isn't a problem for Liverpool amidst their best start since 1990, with only Arsenal's greater goals tally keeping them from the top of the table.

After captaining England to the World Cup, Steven Gerrard is on the brink of another significant career moment - his 100th Premier League goal.

Seven of the 99 he's got so far have come against Newcastle, meaning he's only scored more against Aston Villa.

There's also set to be a ton up for Luis Suarez. Assuming he's returned from Montevideo fighting fit, this will be his 100th Liverpool appearance. Like Gerrard, he scored for his country on Tuesday as Uruguay beat Argentina.

Oh yes, and he was accused of diving again. I'd like to think South America's equivalent of Marmite* is called 'Suarez'.

*I think other yeast-based spreads are available, but I'm not entirely sure.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Liverpool have won seven of the last 10 meetings (W7, D1, L2).
The Reds' 6-0 win at St James' Park in April was Newcastle's heaviest home defeat since 1925, when they lost 7-1 to Blackburn.
Alan Pardew's first match as Newcastle manager was a 3-1 home win against Liverpool in December 2010.

Newcastle United

The Magpies' last 12 league goals have been scored by French players.
The last non-Frenchman to net a top-flight goal for Newcastle was Papiss Cisse, who got the winner in a 1-0 victory against Fulham in April.
Cisse is goalless in his last 13 Premier League appearances, but Loic Remy has netted five times in his last three games for Newcastle.
The Magpies have scored eight goals in their last four league matches - as many as they managed in their previous 14 games.

Liverpool

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last seven away league matches (W5, D2), scoring 17 times and conceding just five times. Their last defeat on the road came at Southampton in March.
Ten of the Reds' 11 league goals this season have been scored in the first half. Their only second-half strike was in the 3-1 win at Sunderland last month, netted by Luis Suarez.
If only the second halves of Premier League games counted, the Reds would be second bottom (above Sunderland) with just four points).
Steven Gerrard is one shy of 100 Premier League goals. His previous four club goals have been penalties, with his last strike from open play coming against Manchester City in February.

Hibernian V Celtic Scottish Premiership Match 19 -October 2013

Hibernian V Celtic Scottish Premiership Match 19 -October 2013. Paul Cairney and Danny Handling could return for Hibernian as they host Celtic at lunchtime on Saturday.

But Alan Maybury, Tim Clancy, Alex Harris, Jordon Forster and Sam Stanton are still unavailable.Watch Hibernian V Celtic Live, Watch Hibernian V Celtic Live Stream, Watch Hibernian V Celtic Free Live Stream, Watch Hibernian V Celtic Online, Watch Hibernian V Celtic Online Free, Hibernian V Celtic Live, Hibernian V Celtic live stream Online.

Midfielders Joe Ledley and Tom Rogic are fit again for Celtic, but defender Mikael Lustig is a major injury doubt after an injury picked up with Sweden.

Winger Derek Boerrigter and defenders Adam Matthews and Steve Moyoukolo definitely miss out through injury.

However, James Forrest is expected to be fit again after a combination of sciatica and a virus kept the winger out of Scotland's final World Cup qualifier against Croatia on Tuesday.

Hibernian forward Danny Handling : "The first 20 minutes will be massive.

"If we can stay tight, don't lose a goal and play well, there is a great chance we could beat Celtic.

"I feel that on our day, with the fans behind us, we have a massive chance of beating them."

Celtic manager Neil Lennon : "The players have responded to everything that we've asked them to do domestically in the league.

"And if they want to play on Tuesday night [against Ajax in the Champions League] then they're going to have to play at their best on Saturday.

"It's there for them, it's another great week for us. We want to go into the Ajax game with a positive result, I think we're playing well.

"[Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon] has turned things around. I think [Paul] Heffernan's been a very good signing for them. I think he's a clever goalscorer.

"They've got real threat going forward with him and [James] Collins and [Rowan] Vine. Liam Craig's had an excellent start to the season as well. They've had some really decent results.

"We lost at Easter Road last year and Pat's teams can be dogged when they want to be and difficult to beat so we have to be very wary of that."

Blackpool V Wigan Sky Bet Championship Match 19 -October 2013

Blackpool V Wigan Sky Bet Championship Match 19 -October 2013.Blackpool manager Paul Ince begins a five-game stadium ban so Alex Rae and former manager Steve Thompson will take charge of the team.

Otherwise the Seasiders boss has no new injury or suspension worries.Watch Blackpool V Wigan Live, Watch Blackpool V Wigan Live Stream, Watch Blackpool V Wigan Free Live Stream, Watch Blackpool V Wigan Online, Watch Blackpool V Wigan Online Free, Blackpool V Wigan Live, Blackpool V Wigan live stream Online.

Marc-Antoine Fortune (hamstring) could return for Wigan alongside Grant Holt (knee) who has now fully recovered.

Callum McManaman (illness) and midfield pair Roger Espinoza and Jean Beausejour have returned from international duty but all three remain doubts.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• These clubs go head-to-head for the first time since they last engaged in the Premier League in 2010-11, when both matches were won by the club playing away from home.

• Wigan's 3-1 triumph in April 2011 was their 12th league victory over Blackpool; twice as many as they have lost to the Seasiders.

• Blackpool are one goal shy of 50 in league and cup outings against the Latics.

Blackpool

• The Seasiders have drawn their last four games - the joint longest sequence of stalemates this season in any of the four divisions.

• Manager Paul Ince begins a five-match stadium ban, two days before his 46th birthday.

• Blackpool remain the only club not to have conceded the opening goal in a Championship game this season, but the first goal they let in will also be the 1,000th they've shipped in second level league football on home soil.

• If on the field from the outset, experienced forward Ricardo Fuller will be making his 300th club career start.

Wigan Athletic

• The Latics are seeking a third straight win in all competitions, but only their first point and first goal in four away league matches.

• Owen Coyle's side have had to score at least two goals to gain any of their league points this season.

• Defender Leon Barnett is anticipating his 200th start in English senior club football.