Leeds will seek their first win at Old Trafford in 20 years when they face Manchester United in the Premiership at Old Trafford at noon today. Elsewhere, Arsenal travel to Sunderland while Charlton host Liverpool.
Manchester United v Leeds
Roy Keane missed Manchester United's eagerly-awaited high-noon showdown against Leeds at Old Trafford with his knee injury. Andy Cole was also absent because of hamstring trouble, while Mikael Silvestre replaced Denis Irwin in the only change for the champions. League leaders Leeds were unchanged as they attempted to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and register their first win at Old Trafford since 1981.
Aston Villa v Bolton
Goalkeeper Steve Banks makes his Premiership debut for Bolton today as Jussi Jaaskelainen is suspended. Central defender Mike Whitlow is also banned and Colin Hendry could be drafted in to face Aston Villa. Villa central defender Olof Mellberg is set to miss out with an ankle injury but manager John Gregory has targeted next weekend's clash with Newcastle United for Mellberg to make his return. Striker Juan Pablo Angel hopes to return after Gregory opted to rest the Colombian international for the 1-0 win over Charlton on Wednesday.
Charlton v Liverpool
Liverpool caretaker boss Phil Thompson could rest Michael Owen for today's Premiership clash at Charlton with next week's Champions League decider against Borussia Dortmund and the weekend clash with Manchester Utd in mind. Steven Gerrard, who is having treatment on a slight back problem, comes into contention. Definitely out are the injured Sami Hyypia, Markus Babbel and Gregory Vignal. Transfer-listed Andy Todd will not be considered by Alan Curbishley after Tuesday's training ground fracas with Dean Kiely which left the Irish 'keeper nursing a black eye.
Everton v Newcastle
The loss to Everton of Mark Pembridge with a calf injury should be countered by the return of Scot Gemmill to midfield after five weeks out with a back injury. Manager Walter Smith will be boosted for the home game with Newcastle by the return of Paul Gascoigne, Joe-Max Moore, Dave Unsworth and Alan Stubbs. Newcastle midfielder Rob Lee is a major doubt due to an illness. He is included in the squad, but there is again no place for out-of-favour fullback Warren Barton. Boss Bobby Robson has added Olivier Bernard to the squad as cover for Lee.
Fulham v Southampton
Winger Stuart Ripley has been ruled out of Southampton's trip to Fulham today with a hamstring injury. Striker James Beattie is a major doubt after limping out of the same game with a leg injury while midfielder Chris Marsden is banned for one match.
Sunderland v Arsenal
Ashley Cole has failed to recover from a hamstring injury and will miss Arsenal's Premiership clash at Sunderland. Manager Arsene Wenger has also omitted Gilles Grimandi from the squad. Tony Adams, David Seaman, Lee Dixon and Francis Jeffers are all still out with long-term injuries. Sunderland striker Niall Quinn (back and ankle) will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness. Brazilian defender Emerson Thome is back in contention following knee surgery while midfielder Jason McAteer is likely to make his home debut.
Tottenham v Middlesbrough
Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle will wait until this morning for wingback Mauricio Taricco to prove his fitness for the home clash with Middlesbrough. Argentinean teenager Carlos Marinelli is 'Boro's only doubt as they hope to record their third successive clean sheet and prevent a hat-trick of wins by Tottenham over north-east teams.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
