Week 23 - Update

There's already a truckload of team and injury news to get through and I'm sure they'll be more to add as the day goes on. I'm going to tackle things club by club and update each team as the news trickles through from the various press conferences.

Let's start with the club of the man in the above picture...

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has dropped a hint that new signing Edin Dzeko could begin tomorrow's game vs Wolves on the bench, having not played any competitive football since before the winter break in Germany. This news isn't putting me off picking him - everyone will have him and I don't want to be the odd man out if he gets a surprise start or comes off the bench to score, plus his value could randomly jump after deadline & I don't want to miss out on him for 6.23. Mario Balotelli & Micah Richards are missing through injury but David Silva returns to the City squad.

Wolves have captain Karl Henry, Jody Craddock & Steve Mouyokolo back from injury, but George Elokobi will start a three-game ban for his red card in the FA Cup.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti revealed very little on his starting XI, stating only that the players had trained well all week and that Alex, Zhirkov & Benayoun are the only absentees. This means no news on the possibility of Drogba or Malouda being dropped for Daniel Sturridge. It's not like the Italian to be so unhelpful!

Blackburn have signed Roque Santa Cruz on loan from Manchester City for the rest of the season, and he's likely to go straight into the side for tomorrow's game at Stamford Bridge. Paul Robinson is back after a calf strain forced him to miss the last three games, Martin Olsson has recovered from his calf problem, whilst Christopher Samba is back after illness. Kalinic is also back from suspension.

West Ham will have Wayne Bridge ready to make his debut after moving on loan for the season. He's decent value at 5.88 for an attacking full-back.

Arsenal's big news is that Fabianski has failed a fitness test, meaning Szczesny will start the game at Upton Park & he's a great value option in goal for 5. 84. Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie are both back in the squad after this Carling Cup rest and both should start.

Tottenham have almost a fully fit squad to choose from, with only Ledley King & Tom Huddlestone on the sidelines with long-term injuries.

Manchester United are expecting to welcome back Rooney, Vidic & Van Der Sar so it will be a full strength team travelling to White Hart Lane.

Liverpool go in the vital merseyside derby with only Jamie Carragher absent, but Dalglish was very reserved in his press conference so we have no news Aurelio, or anyone else for that matter, so I'm going to avoid him & look elsewhere.

Everton have accepted an offer for Stephen Pienaar but he's still expected to play in the derby. Phil Jageilka has been ruled out, meaning Distin & Heitinga will continue at the back. Heitinga is priced under £4m so could prove a useful filler if you're looking to save some money to spend elsewhere. Tim Cahill is still at the Asia Cup.

Sunderland have doubts over Danny Welbeck, Nedum Onuoha and captain Lee Cattermole although they 'll all be given until the last minute to prove their fitness. Bolo Zenden returns following a one-match suspension.

Newcastle striker Andy Carroll is out of Sunday's derby clash as he's yet to fully recover from his thigh injury. Cheik Tiote begins a three-match ban but Jose Enrique, Steven Taylor, Jonas Gutierrez & Shola Ameobi should all feature.

Stoke have no real injury worries to deal with, but Tuncay will be hoping to keep his place after impressing in the FA Cup.

Bolton have real problems with injuries, and it's no coincidence that the recent strain on their small squad has led to them 3 defeats in their last five games. Gretar Steinsson and Stuart Holden are hoping to return but are still rated doubtful by manager Owen Coyle, while Klasnic is completely ruled out & Lee is at the Asia Cup.

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed he has dropped club captain Scott Carson in favour of Boaz Myhill after a string of errors, so I'm now trying to decide whether I take the zero (which I'm usually against) or try and reshuffle to add a playing keeper. Peter Odemwingie has a decent chance of making this game & Tamas returns, but Jonas Olssen is suspended. Chris Brunt will take the captain's armband - could that inspire him to a big performance?

Blackpool midfielder Elliot Grandin faces a late fitness test ahead of the trip to The Hawthorn but other than that there are no injury worries for Ian Holloway.

Wigan have Tom Cleverley sidelined along with James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo and Victor Moses, but Charles N'Zogbia returns from suspension.

Fulham may give Steve Sidwell his debut (possibly from the bench) and are boosted by the return of as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson from injury for the clash at the DW Stadium.

Birmingham have included David Bentley in the squad and he's expected to start this game, but Scott Dann has a hamstring tear that could keep him out for a while so Murphy or Jiranek will come in as McLeish reshuffles his defence.

Aston Villa winger Ashley Young serves a one-match suspension following his sending off at Sheffield United, while Emile Heskey is still suspended. Loan signing Kyle Walker is likely to continue at right-back in the absence of the injured Luke Young.

Keep checking back!

UPDATED TEAM

Szczesny, Heitinga, Kolarov, Bale, Bentley, Adam, Lampard, Van Der Vaart, Dzeko, Van Persie, Tevez

Heitinga comes in as a filler and downgrading Brunt to Adam (who I still held @ 8.5) allows me to bring in the Arsenal keeper at West Ham. Is it worth the sacrifice? I may still revert back to Carson so I can keep Brunt and move back to a better defender than Heitinga. What do you think?

How's your team looking now?
 
Cheers,
AM